DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
VOLUME 13 - NO. 46
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Website: www.suntci.com
Email: sun@suntci.com
Tel: (649) 348-6838
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PREMIER HACKED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson
by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
T
urks and Caicos Islands Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson has been the victim of a major hack attack on social media. In an invited comment, Premier Robinson spoke of her recent and ongoing challenges with her accounts on various social media platforms. “Over the years I have had occasions where my email accounts were hacked and where fake social media accounts have been created,” she told The SUN. Over the past months, and more so in the last weeks post the storms, a number of fake Facebook accounts and Instagram accounts have been created. I am grateful for those who post on social media their suspicions or who contacted me directly to say my accounts were possibly hacked noting that conversations being had were not sounding like me or that the grammar/spelling certainly was out of character.” She added: “This recent post on Facebook that seemed to have caused a stir while I was away in the UK representing TCI, is an unusual one where aside of the use of a non-existing word, it was meant to convey distress and despair on my actual account. I am happy that many knew and recognised it to be out of character and contacted me directly. I am equally grateful for those who prayed for the leaders on that day.” The Premier said that despite the challenges, and contrary to multiple advisers, she will not close her social media accounts, as she considers them to a useful forum to be engaged and to hear from the people. “I ask only that you check the number of friends and do not share intimate information in these forums,” she added. “Social media is a powerful tool, though many use it daily to spread messages of hopelessness and despair and to launch personal vendettas. I continue,
THANK YOU
Grace Bay Club hosted Employee and Leader of the Year Awards T
he Grace Bay Club Resort hosted their annual Employee and Leader of the Year Awards Ceremony to recognise those who have performed exceptionally well for the year. The event was held at the Grace Bay Club Resort at the Infiniti Restaurant on Monday, December
4th, where five staff members were recognised for standing out during the whole year. Employee and Leader of the Year Winners were: Back of House Winner: Jacquecina Luma-Hindon, Front of House Winner: Ralph Pierre, Leader of the Year: Lindy Rigby, Trip Advisors Joint Winners:
as I began several years ago, to ask The Premier said she is persons to use social media responsibly convinced that these experiences are as we are indeed in a global village “all to distract us from governance. when we share on the many platforms. She said they we are advised by law I continue to welcome scrutiny and enforcement that the physical threats constructive criticism which can only via social media cannot be addressed. sharpen a government, but action will “We continue to ask for be taken in matters where personal prayerful support as we lead. I thank characters are defamed. I will always the many well wishers for their words be a believer in freedom of speech and of encouragement and prayers. We will defend everyone’s right to but with are standing in an abundance of that right comes responsibilities.” possibilities and much of where we
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
Godfrey Williams and Berguomy Zirin. Pictured here are the overall winners, nominees, Managers and General Manager of the Grace Bay Club. Photo By: Todeline Defralien
stand is temporal. I encourage my people to not be discouraged by those who seek to spread distress, despair and hopelessness. We are working hard for you and have been updating you along the way and equally gave you opportunities especially during Town Halls to engage us. We understand the anxieties in many respects but we assure you that the new Turks and Caicos will bring an even greater source of pride.”
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Beaches to reopen on December 14th with new features By Todeline Defralien Following its closure due to Hurricane Irma, Sandals Resort International is thrilled to announce that Beaches Turks & Caicos, the Caribbean’s Luxury-Included vacation for everyone and family-focused brand, will be reopening its doors on December 14th, 2017, offering guests new and exciting features and Dining Options. Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Founder and Chairman of Sandals Resorts International said, “We know how important vacation time is and so we’re just delighted that Beaches Turks & Caicos is not only reopening its doors ahead of pace, but we’ve introduced some amazing new features making this award-winning resort better than ever. The entire resort has been refreshed and our staff is eagerly awaiting the arrival of our guests.” Beaches Turks & Caicos has expanded its 5-Star Global Gourmet offerings to include Beaches’ first Indian restaurant, Bombay Club, bringing the total number of restaurants to 21. Guests will also be able to indulge in two brand new food trucks at the waterpark from Mr. Mac, serving mac & cheese and Curls ‘n Swirls for a taste of the island’s most delicious ice cream. Families will also have the opportunity
to take part in new culinary adventures happening every night, such as a fish fry on Wednesdays and weekly beach parties featuring live entertainment and cuisines from around the world. Additionally, accommodations across all five of the resort’s villages have been improved and the lobbies and public areas have new finishing touches. Accommodations start at $333 per adult/per night. “The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Beaches Resorts’ parent company, Sandals Resorts International, was deeply involved in the recovery effort following Hurricane Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, the Hon. Gordon “Butch” Stewart Irma. The Sandals Foundation and team members from Beaches Turks & Caicos partnered with the Salvation Army and the Red Cross to deliver desperately needed food items to victims of one of the most powerful hurricanes in history. The Sandals Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the communities where SRI operates throughout the Caribbean. One hundred percent of the monies contributed to The Sandals Foundation goes directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean. To learn more or see how you can help, please visit www.sandalsfoundation.org.,” the statement to The SUN added.
SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED The successful applicant should possess a sound knowledge of the Insurance Core Principles and requirements of international standard setters such as the IAIS, CAIR, GIICS. Sound understanding of insurance business and practices. Sound knowledge of international financial reporting standards, such as IFRS or USGAAP.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION
A good knowledge of auditing, financial management, corporate governance and risk management principles. Good knowledge of statistics and economic principles. Good knowledge relevant reporting formats.
The Financial Services Commission, the regulator of financial services business in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is seeking suitably qualified applicants.
A good knowledge of relevant computer packages and the use of such technologies in the financial services industry.
Job Title: Director of Insurance. Location: Providenciales Salary: Grade 3 The holder of this office has operational responsibility for the management of the Insurance Department, which is responsible for the licensing and regulation of insurance companies and intermediaries in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Department has as its primary focus the stability, safety, integrity and efficiency of the insurance sector. The successful applicant will be required to lead a rigorous onsite and offsite supervision regime and to advise on an appropriate legislative and regulatory framework for insurance supervision in the islands. The office holder will also be expected to travel internationally to represent the Commission and the jurisdiction, and to speak on financial services regulation in The Islands.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE The successful applicant should possess a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Regulation or related discipline, or equivalent professional qualification in insurance or accounting. Regulatory experience should include at least eight years in a supervisory position in the field of insurance, of which at least four must be in a managerial position. OTHER APPLICABLE INFORMATION The primary location of the office is in Providenciales but the holder of the office may be required to visit the Grand Turk office from time to time. THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER. Applications should be emailed to Administration@tcifsc. tc no later than January 3, 2018. The response must state clearly “Application for Director of Insurance” A copy can be sent to the Employment Services Department.
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 5
LOCAL NEWS
Residents concerned about speeding taxi drivers
By Todeline Defralien There are increasing complaints of taxi drivers speeding on the roads of Providenciales, especially on Airport Road, causing members of the community to fear for their lives. Reports reaching The SUN and first-hand accounts revealed that taxi drivers are driving dangerously, speeding and cutting lanes while driving to and from the Providenciales International Airport. President of the Taxi Association, Romeo Rondell Higgs is aware of the situation and said they need all hands on deck from individuals in authority to clamp down on speeding taxi drivers. In an interview with The SUN, Higgs said, “There is a totality of problems /issues and it requires an all hands on deck approach from persons in authority including the police. In my view, most persons have been falling asleep at the wheel. Should a taxi driver be speeding up and down the road? The answer is no; but...taxi driving, the prestigious industry, has been reduced to that of just hustling.” He added: “I have complaints. They come to me and I also talk to them because I see it. I don’t want anyone to get the impression that I am trying to cover up for taxi drivers or I don’t see what’s going on. That’s not the truth. I see what’s going on, but even as the president, there’s only so much that I can do. The power is in Road Traffic’s hands. I don’t have the power to suspend anybody, (or) take anybody license. Road Traffic alone has that. As far as the airport is concerned, the Airports Authority has a certain amount of power as it pertains to the airport.” To date there are 250 taxi drivers that operate per day on the roads in Providenciales and there are over 500 public service licence holders. Higgs stressed that he is not condoning taxi drivers speeding, but he is simply asking persons in authority and people of this country to help solve
the problem. “I think the market is oversaturated and I also think the way people come into the industry needs to be looked at. Persons in authority, from the Tourist Board, the Police department, Road Traffic department and including the Minister, all of these persons and the departments I’ve spoken with them, but unless people in positions of authority grab the bull by the horns, then nothing will be done.” As the President of the Taxi Union Higgs noted that he campaigned on the idea of bringing respectability and back to the industry. “In my short term as president, along with my executive, we’ve gone to great lengths to report the road Romeo Rondell Higgs taxi drivers as far as to the Deputy level the playing field.” Commissioner of Police, to Road Higgs noted he refuses to sit Traffic, to the Minister himself and silent as a Turks and Caicos Islander also to police officers on the road. We and as a decent human being while must be a law abiding country. If the those taxi drivers are being labeled taxi drivers are not abiding by the in that way and it had to start with law in your presence and can continue accountability. doing it, then maybe they need to take The SUN also contacted the their uniform off. They have help from Road Traffic Department to get a citizens and they have help from the comment on the taxi situation. Sergeant Taxi Association. I just think that in Damien Mitchell of the Royal Turks and most cases they lack the courage to get Caicos Police Force who was recently it done,” he said. appointed Head of Traffic told the SUN, Higgs said his biggest fear “We’ve had numerous complaints from is that something serious is going to members of the public of the reckless/ happen if no one summons the courage dangerous way in which taxi drivers to fix the issues. operate. From traffic standpoint we’ve “In the next coming days we’re had conversations with them from going to be making a lot of rounds time to time. Speeding is the number trying to get this message out to the one issue with them; we’re conducting public and to persons in authority. If speed checks throughout the islands, persons in authority don’t heed the Leeward Highway in particular. call there will be events that will take We’ve also seen on their way back to place throughout the Turks and Caicos the Town that prior to the hurricane Islands but in particular on this island they were operating from the wrong of Provo. This is where everything lane sometimes at the roundabout happens and when Provo stops, the by Walter Cox drive or Millennium Turks and Caicos stops, and when Highway, instead of coming down the tourism stops the Turks and Caicos outside they were taking inside lanes stops. We want persons in authority to and shooting across the traffic.” understand that we know that despite According to Mitchell they’ve the fact that they might call us stupid, had conversations with them, persons we want them to know that we know. have been warned, lots of tickets have We’re simply saying treat us how they been issued and they are using other want to be treated, treat us fairly and mediums for awareness and education
Sergeant Damien Mitchell to get the message across for speeding and the taxi drivers behaviour is not acceptable. “We are in collaboration with Road Safety and workshops are on the way to deal with the licensing of operators of taxis. Secondly, the Ministry of Tourism on a yearly basis hosts these workshops and they have to attend these courses in order to get their licence renewed. We do as much as we can in terms of education so we can alleviate the amount of complaints that we have. It’s going to be a situation that has to best be dealt with from oneon-one or maybe more so with what’s going to happen with rigorousness in which the test is being done for persons operating taxis and so on,” he said. When asked what advice he has for those speeding taxi drivers Sgt. Mitchell added: “They already know that they are the ambassadors. There is a speed limit in Turks and Caicos and to exceed that speed limit is an offence. Dangerous driving is a very serious offence and all of the rules ought to be adhered to. They should keep in the speed limits and remember to keep those taxis clean and remember that Turks and Caicos is the paramount importance in all of this, so let us as a nation and as taxi drivers to this great county do what you can to keep it that way and stay safe,”
Premier Robinson delivers keynote address at first ever Outsourcing Caribbean Conference Ministers of Finance, Representatives from 26 countries and over 200 Participants attended the first ever Outsourcing Caribbean Conference (OCC) held in Jamaica December 6 -7, 2017. Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson, as Minister of Finance, also had the privilege of being the Patron for the Event and of having Welcome Remarks contained in the Delegates’ Brochure. The OCC is a Regional Investment Promotion Conference of Caribbean Export Development Agency and the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) of which Invest TCI is an active member. In her Welcome Remarks, Premier Robinson stated, “Globally, the outsourcing industry is growing exponentially and the Caribbean is
well positioned to take advantage of this growth. Already, several territories in the region are making it one of the mainstays of their economies. The industry can have a significant economic and social impact on the region helping us to achieve our developmental goals”. She continued, “This first ever Outsource to the Caribbean Conference is the Caribbean’s indication to the world that we are serious about improving the conditions in our region to attract, retain and grow outsourcing businesses…The Turks and Caicos Islands is proud to support this ground-breaking initiative.” Premier Robinson’s Keynote Address provided insight into the Caribbean foray into the outsourcing sector and more specifically on developments in the Turks and
Caicos Islands to attract investments. During her Keynote, Premier Robinson highlighted 7 reasons in support of the Caribbean region as prime for developing the Outsourcing Industry: Location, skilled labour, comparatively priced labour, labour retention, friendly business environment, high quality of life and modern infrastructure. Her call came for “One Caribbean” and for more collaboration amongst Caribbean countries. She used the opportunity to thank and commend the organizers Ms. Diane Edwards, President of CAIPA and President of JAMPRO and Ms. Pamela Coke Hamilton, Executive Director of Caribbean Export Development Agency. In promoting TCI as a place for investors, Premier Robinson highlighted TCI’s political stability,
close proximity to the USA, easy access with flights from the UK, USA and Canadian markets, no direct taxation, well - regulated financial services sector, prime undeveloped land, effective judicial system based on English Common Law and our commitment to diversify our economy. The Conference saw panelists from across the Caribbean and North America and included representatives from critical regional Institutions such as UWI, CSEC and CARICOM (CSME). Jamaica’s Minister of Finance, Hon Audley Shaw was on hand to deliver the Welcome Address. Premier Robinson also had the opportunity to be interviewed on Live Radio and for Business Access TV.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
$7 million villa development coming to Grace Bay By Allie Capron A villa resort including four luxury villas with a price tag of $7 million dollars each is being developed in Grace Bay. Rob Greenwood, an agent for the development, told The SUN the villas will be located between the Windsong and Beaches Resort on a four acre site. “We’re going to develop four $7,000,000 villas right there. The development will be totally selfcontained: 8-9 thousand sq. ft. luxury villas with four bedrooms each, a gym, a spa and all the other necessary services,” he said.
Greenwood said although Grace Bay beach is becoming more active, it is still quiet when compared to other locations in Providenciales. The desire for extra privacy and exclusivity is becoming apparent in the market, he added. “This development will be one of the few villas on Grace Bay beach, so it will be a very rare and unique offering. The way these villas are designed, they will be set back from the beach so there’s a pre-beach. Beyond the villa, there’s a pool and then there’s sand all the way up to the dune, so visitors will have that extra bit privacy while still having the option to enter Grace Bay beach
and meander either way. On Grace Bay beach, resorts are all the way up, so visitors will be able to see a little bit of activity if they so choose or remain within the privacy of their villa,” Greenwood added. The development will be managed by Freedom Management which also has the Regent Grand and the Royal West Indies in their luxury villa collection. It took two years to develop the current models for these villas. The layout is open and airy with Balinesian influences and Caribbean styling. Greenwood is confident that the development will be successful. “The way that villas have
been selling in the Turks and Caicos, we don’t have any worries at all as to how these will sell, especially in the location they’re at,” Greenwood assured. “It’s turn-key and hassle-free and it comes with management. The management entity allows owner to rent the space while not in residence so their property can create income. It’s an income-producing investment which is the key. Our clientele are high net worth individuals that really want to see their investments make money, not cost them money. So at minimum, they want their income while not in residence to cover their expenditure. And this development makes that possible.”
Temporary relocation of Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services programmes The general public is notified that the Primary Health Care Department, Dental Department and Mental Health and Substance Dependence Departments located within Cheshire Hall Medical Center will be temporarily relocated due to circumstances beyond the ministry’s control.
•The
Dental
Department
will
be
providing services in various communities in Providenciales where information will be provided on how to take care of your oral cavity. •The Primary Health Care Department will be operating from the Blue Hills Community Clinic as usual and additional community outreach services will commence. •The Mental Health and Substance Dependence Department will be providing
VACANCY- MANAGER OF CUSTOMER SERVICE PROVIDENCIALES Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Manager- Customer Service FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. DESCRIPTION An Innovative thinking individual with extreme analytical skills. The individual must be able to analyze data and formulate data projections and budgets for future periods. You must be a leader in spearheading projects, audits, monthly reporting, ensuring the growth of team members and overall meeting company objectives. The individual should also possess a high motor for Customer Services and must be forward thinking on how to better serve our customers. To lead and manage the daily operations of the Customer Service Department to ensure that customer service excellence is consistently achieved across all service territories. To support the Company’s strategic goal of becoming a “Partner in All Things Energy”. Main Duties and Responsibilities GENERAL: Assist in accomplishing customer service HR objectives by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, assigning, scheduling, coaching, counselling, and disciplining employees; communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing job contributions; planning and reviewing compensation actions; developing and enforcing policies and procedures. Achieve customer service objectives by contributing customer service information and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews; preparing and completing action plans; implementing productivity, quality, and customer-service standards; resolving problems; completing audits; identifying customer service trends; determining system improvements and implementing changes. Develop operations guidelines, performance metrics and reporting, scripts and standards as well as functional requirements of customer service staff. Meets customer service financial objectives by forecasting requirements; assist in preparing monthly/ periodic reports and an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances and initiating corrective actions. Assessing various technologies and innovative solutions to improve services for internal and external customers. Development of a Customer Analytics Framework for the Company. Promote a service culture of excellence throughout the Service Territories. Ensure customer service standards, policies and procedures are consistently adhered to throughout the Service Territories. Assist with leading the Company to obtain Certification in Customer Service Standards. Support the Customer Engagement Committee in the objectives outlined in the Charter. Work closely with the Revenue Protection Team to ensure that assets are secured and losses are minimized. Continuously review security measures to ensure the safety of staff and customers. Make presentations to Management Team, Board of Directors, Media and other stakeholders as necessary. Other Responsibilities which may be assigned.
services from the Departments office which is located as Sam Harvey’s building in Downtown, Providenciales A further update will be provided to advise the general public when normal Ministry of Health operations are restored at Cheshire Hall Medical Center. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
CUSTOMER CARE: Determine customer service requirements by maintaining contact with customers; conducting surveys; benchmarking best practices and analysing information from various sources. Improve customer service quality results by studying, evaluating, and re-designing processes that includes but limited to customer payments, service requests, credit control and billing. Establish and communicate service metrics; monitor and analyse results and implement changes. Investigate Customers’ issues and complaints and provide appropriate course of action. BILLING: Review and approve billings for all islands. Prepare various reports and analysis in regards to customer billing and consumption patterns. Assist in identifying meters for further investigation per policy. Review and approve customer adjustments prior to processing. CREDIT CONTROL: Review and approve all service disconnections in accordance with policy. Ensure that receivable metrics are in line with agreed upon targets. Ensure that the collections process is escalated up to and including court action if required. Ensure that receivables balances are accurately and realistically reflected. Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in any business related course is preferred. At least 5-years working experience related to utility customer service. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Excellent command of the English language (Spoken and written) ABILITIES AND SKILLS: Able to possess and demonstrate the following abilities and strengths: Customer Service, Process Improvement, Decision Making, Managing Processes, Staffing, Planning, Analyzing Information, Developing Standards, Call Center Experience, and Emphasizing Excellence. Exceptional organizational, coaching, mentoring, leadership and planning skills. Active team player, confident, and resourceful. Excellent communication, listening, and writing skills. Matured individual who values honesty and integrity. Exceptional multitasking skills; able to meet strict deadlines. Experienced liaison-builder with external and internal stakeholders and staff at all levels. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is Friday December 15, 2017 to: Mr. Avi Adams Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com and aadams@fortistci.com
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 7
LOCAL NEWS
DDME needs more staff and resources, says Director By Todeline Defralien The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) is understaffed and underresourced and is seeking more assistance in carry out better services to the community, director Dr. Virginia Clerveaux said. She told The SUN the department currently has nine staff members, noting that their strengths and weaknesses were tested after the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September. “Persons who have ideas about what the team could have done better during the hurricanes, come let’s work together and if you think we need help I definitely welcome more
persons to assists us,” said Clerveaux, who has been employed with the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), since 2011. She noted that the department’s aim is to make sure no lives are lost, to reduce suffering and reduce destruction. The Vision of DDME in the TCI is building a Disaster Resilient Nation in the Turks and Caicos Islands through Comprehensive Disaster Management, with a mission to develop and maintain a culture of Comprehensive Disaster Management among all sectors of the society within the Turks and Caicos Islands in order to save lives and protect property from natural and technological hazards. The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies
was created in 2001 with a budget dedicated to preparation for response to Hurricanes. Since then its mandate has been expanded to a more compressive approach to Disaster Management to include all hazards the islands are vulnerable too. It activities now cover all phases of Disaster Management including Disaster Risk Reduction, the preparation of Flood Hazard and Vulnerability Studies, Planning and Training and Exercising and providing technical assistance. During an actual emergency the department is responsible for providing warning and coordinating the response and support to government departments and private sector recovery efforts.
Dr. Virginia Clerveaux The headquarters are located at 1316 Customs Complex, Leeward Highway, Providenciales with a Sub Office in South Base, Grand Turk. The District Commissioners on the islands of Salt Cay, South Caicos, Middle and North Caicos coordinate Disaster Management activities.
TCI’s merchandise imports totaled $288 million for first nine months The Turks and Caicos Islands Merchandise imports totaled approximately $288 million for the first nine months of 2017, according to the Department of Statistics. This represents an increase of $0.5 million or 0.7 percent when compared to the same period in2016. The reported stated: “Exports from the Turks and Caicos Islands during this period were valued at $1.5 million when compared to $3.4 million during the same period of 2016. This resulted in an overall merchandise trade balance of approximately ($286.5) million during the period and the worsening of the overall trade balance by approximately 0.9 percent or $2.5
million.” The increase in the trade deficit is mainly as a result of the decline in the value of exports when compared to the $0.5 million increase in the value of imports. Given the current projected growth in the construction sector of the TCI economy, as a result of the rebuilding exercise currently taking place after the passage of two hurricanes and the attraction of new direct investment opportunities coupled with the lack of a more diversified group of exports, it is likely that the trade imbalance will continue to increase in the foreseeable future. Negative trade balances were recorded on all categories of goods.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SALES FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) Ltd as Chargee pursuant to the Registered Land Ordinance hereby gives Notice that it will cause to be sold by Public Auction the following scheduled properties outside the offices of Miller Simons O’Sullivan, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales at 10:00 a.m. on 18 December 2017. 1.Title No. 60715/210, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Lincoln Hudson Ferreira Comprising a 0.54 acre canal-front parcel of bare land containing dense indigenous bush and mature trees. Any and all potential bidders will be required to produce one (1) valid form of identification to Miller Simons O’Sullivan on the day of the Auction. Draft Terms and Conditions of Sale and the draft Agreements for Sale are available upon demand prior to the Auction. Any and all Successful bidders will be required to pay a ten (10%) per cent deposit upon a successful bid before close of business on the day of the Auction. Any and all successful bidders will also have to pay Auction legal fees in the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars (US$750.00).
CAICOS DREAM TOURS Is currently seeking:
A Trainee Operator Requirements: Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and /or Communications At least 5 years experience in business administration and tour operations Must be an effective communicator both written and oral Computer literate and knowledgeable of various communication systems Compensation: Based on qualifications and ability $1,500.00 – $1,800.00 Having worked in a boat tour operation or a similar business will be an asset Belongers only need to apply Contact: 649 321-7274
The food and live animals were the largest source of imports during the period under review, amounting to $64.2 million, or 22.2 percent of imports. The Turks and Caicos Islands Merchandise Trade Bulletin shows that Machinery and Transport equipment were the second largest expenditure, amounting to $60 million, or 20.7 percent of total imports. Motor vehicles imports increased by 0.6 percent during the first nine months of this year when compared to the same period last year. “This undoubtedly reflects the significant increase in used motor vehicles from Asia. Motor vehicles
imports at the Grand Turk Port increase by 10.6 percent whereas motor vehicles to the Providenciales South Dock Port decreased by 0.3 percent,” the report stated. This is also reflected in motor vehicle license fees which increased by 22 percent during the period under review. However, duties from overall imports decreased by a 5.5 percent. Given the performance of Merchandise trade during the first nine months of this year, and the increase in merchandise imports as a result of the two recent hurricanes, it is forecasted that imports will increase by more than 10 percent for the 2017 calendar year.
SCOTIABANK CUSTOMER NOTICE OPERATING HOURS
Please be informed that our branches will be closed at 1:00pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Thank you for choosing Scotiabank. It Starts With You. WANTED: PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Applicants Must Possess: •PADI OWSI(or higher) Certification •Mechanical skills/background •Small boat handling and STCW/or boat captain’s licence •5 or more years experience in diving industry •Fluent English Starting Pay $1200/month Three month probationary period applies All interested applicants possessing these skills are encouraged to apply. Please send resume via email to info@grandturkscuba.com
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Controversial High Court judge retiring by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Mr. Justice Robert Shuster is retiring from the Turks and Caicos Islands Supreme Court, so the Judicial Services Commission is advertising to fill his post The job carries a salary of $120,000 per year, a professional allowance of $6,000 per year, a telephone allowance of $720 per annum, transportation allowance of $ 2,760 annually and a housing allowance of $24,000 each year. For persons recruited outside of the Turks and Caicos Islands, there is a three year contract extendable on mutual agreement. Other benefits in addition to the above allowances include an end-of-contract gratuity of 15% of salary; return passage for family of up to two children under the age of sixteen (16) years as well as duty free concession on the shipment of personal effects imported within first six (6) months of appointment. According to a vacancy notice on the Turks and Caicos Islands Government website, Candidates for this position must be: •A barrister or solicitor of the United Kingdom, of any other part of the Commonwealth, or of Ireland; •A member of the Faculty of Advocates or a Writer to the Signet of Scotland; or •An attorney of the Supreme Court admitted under the TCI Legal
Profession Ordinance or under any law for the time being in force in the Islands making like provision and have at least ten (10) years’ standing as such. “It is desirable that applicants have some knowledge and experience at the Commercial Bar. The successful candidate will, however, be expected to hear any case that comes before the Supreme Court in its original or appellate jurisdiction including criminal trials and family proceedings. It is unlikely that candidates with no previous judicial experience will be considered,” the advertisement stated. Shuster, who was appointed in 2015, is best known for ordering two teenage boys in the South Pacific island of Tonga to be whipped on the buttocks with a cat-o-nine tails whip in 2010. Four Tongan appeal court justices ruled that Justice Shuster’s sentence on two 17-year-olds should not be carried out, saying: “This is the first time in almost 30 years that a judge in the former British protectorate has ordered prisoners to be whipped.” The boys, who were found guilty of burglary and escaping prison, were also sentenced to 13 years in jail – a sentence they will still have to serve. Punishment by flogging on Tonga is a legacy of British colonial rule. Defending the sentence he handed down in February, Mr Shuster, whose judgments have often aroused controversy on the island, said: “I
Turks and Caicos Sun Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 339-5879 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Graphic designer Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell
Mr. Justice Robert Shuster have no doubt that whipping them is barbaric, but when I was at school in Wales I got the stick just for talking in class. “A lot of people would think that the sentence I imposed was a fair punishment. Before I came here I was in West Africa, and they often whipped people for crimes like burglary.” The case has sent shockwaves through Tongan society. Politicians on the island said the case was a symptom of a deeper malaise in Tonga’s judicial system. Critics of Mr Shuster said appointing the British judge to the Supreme Court was a mistake.
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.
graduate semester hours in the area being applied for, from an accredited and recognized institution plus a Teaching Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma and no less than three years post qualification teaching experience. A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of a second class honors or other postgraduate qualifications, teaching certificate/Diploma and experience in teaching at Tertiary level may be considered.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following full-time lecturing positions at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College for the semester commencing February 19, 2018:. Faculty of Business Administration (BSA): 1 position: Management/Human Resource Management Faculty of Education and Training (EDT): 1 position: Early Childhood Education Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (TVE): 1 position: Architectural/Building Design Technology/Civil Engineering/Automotive Engineering Tech Lecturers are required to teach across different academic levels from the G.C.E. Advanced level, Caribbean Advanced Proficiency and up to the Associate and Bachelor Degree levels. Multi-disciplinary candidates are particularly encouraged to apply for these positions. The ideal candidate must have knowledge and skills obtained through collegiate preparation resulting in a Master’s degree (Doctorate preferred) which must include eighteen (18)
Salary is in the scale: Level I: US$27,399.90 – $39,102.30 per annum. Level II: US$40,210 – $43,488.40 per annum. Entry point will depend on qualifications and experience. In the case of staff recruited from overseas, appointment is on contractual terms for an initial period of two years. A gratuity is payable at the end of satisfactory contractual service at the rate of 10% of salary drawn during the period of service. A housing allowance is payable at existing rates. Applications with copies of qualifications (including official transcripts), two character references, a police record and a recent testimonial from current place of employment should be sent to the: PRESIDENT, TCI COMMUNITY COLLEGE, P.O. BOX 236, LIGHTHOUSE ROAD, GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS to reach not later than 23rd December, 2017. Where possible, applicants should e-mail their applications. EMAIL tcicomc@tciway.tc president@tcicc.edu.tc dean@tcicc.edu.tc We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons selected for interview will be contacted.
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 9
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WORLD AIDS DAY THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV
The Turks & Caicos Collection and WIHL joined in with the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Rights in painting TCI Red on December 1st. This was in aid of spreading awareness and supporting the fight to end the negative impact of HIV. Everyone wore their red with dignity showing solidarity and support for the millions of people living with HIV Worldwide. “My Health, My Right”
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Premier Robinson meets with UK Prime Minister Theresa May The United Kingdom has pledged a further £70million in grant funding and up to £300million in loan guarantee for countries affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria This was revealed during this year’s Joint Minister Council, when Leaders of the Overseas Territories had an opportunity to meet with UK’s Prime Minister Theresa May. Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. Sharlene Robinson had the opportunity to provide the Prime Minister with a post-hurricane update on the Turks and Caicos: impact of the storm; efforts in recovery and clear requests.
In an intimate setting, Premier Robinson set out an overview of the damages sustained to housing and other critical infrastructure and stated that the TCI’s priority is to rebuild better and prioritise climate change efforts. More specifically, she noted the need to rebuild schools, government buildings including the Prison which was high on the agenda, assist in housing needs, invest in critical infrastructure with the private sector, debris management funding and strategy, early warning systems and Budget support were her Government’s clear priorities. Prime Minister May during this Meeting advised of a further £70m
and loan guarantee of up to £300 for UK OTs affected by the Hurricanes Irma and Maria (TCI, Anguilla and BVI). Premier Robinson said, “I welcome the support offered and will finalise our clear requests in a letter to Lord Ahmad in light of this development. We are closer to being able to advise our people on a full Recovery Plan and what we as a Government will be doing in our rebuilding. On another note, we have received a draft Socio - Economic Report and are awaiting the soon to be furnished UN ECLAC Damage and Economic Loss Report that will also provide guidance in our Recovery Plan.”
Premier Sharlene Robinson and other British Overseas Territories Leaders in London
Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Delroy Williams attends 10th CDM Conference Honourable Vaden Williams, Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communications with responsibility for Disaster Management recently attended the 10th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM), in Nassau, The Bahamas The CDM Conference is the Caribbean region’s premier event on Disaster Risk Management and, over the last decade, has showcased best practices emerging from Regional and International Partners and CDEMA’s 18 participating States and beyond. Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) is the region’s brand of Disaster Risk Management and contributes to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), a blue print for global actions in DRR. In that regard, the Conference is an endorsed regional event of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) and
is structured to strategically influence niche audiences, promote good practice, share ongoing research and chart the way forward for the advancement of CDM in the Caribbean. This year’s theme is “CDM: The Road to Resilience Check Point 2017 – Building Resilience through Partnerships”. One of the key sessions at this year’s conference is titled “Teachable Moments: Lessons emerging from the Rapid Review of the Hurricanes Irma and Maria Response”. This session will provide the opportunity for countries such as the TCI which were recently Minister for Home Affairs, Transportation impacted by storms, to share their and Communication attends 10th CDM damage assessment strategies, as well Conference as lessons learnt, as they charter a new repairing of Government Schools course towards building resilience. that sustained damage following At the CDM Conference on the passage of Hurricane Irma and December 5th 2017,The Honourable Maria in September 2017. Mr. Ronald Vaden Williams was presented with Jackson, Executive Director of CDEMA a cheque on behalf of the Turks and who presented the cheque stated that Caicos Islands Government for USD “it was important to acknowledge the support of the Caribbean Citizens’ $70,000, towards the rebuilding and
effort, in supporting affected CDEMA States, and that we were happy to provide the resources on their behalf to the TCI in support of their school restoration efforts.” Honourable Williams in receiving the cheque commented, “I welcome this donation on behalf of my Government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This will greatly assist with the rebuilding and repairing of schools that were damaged by the storms and expedite a sense of normalcy to our students, by returning them as soon as possible to their traditional school facilities. I wish to thank CDEMA and the citizens of the Caribbean who have made it possible for this offer, and support to our People. ” Also in attendance from the TCI are Mr. Mike Clerveaux-DDME, Ms. Charlene Higgs and Mr. D’Angelo Francis -Ministry of Health and Human Services and Mr. Leonard Glasgow-Department of Planning.
Joint Ministerial Conference November 29, 2017 - Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson along with the other political Leaders of the United Kingdom (UK) Overseas Territories met with Lord Ahmad, Minister for the Overseas Territories in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) under the auspices of the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) at Lancaster House in London on 28th and 29th November 2017. The Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) is the highest political forum under the 2012 White Paper, bringing together UK Ministers, elected Leaders and Representatives of the Overseas Territories for the purpose of providing leadership and a shared vision for the Territories. The mandate is to monitor and drive forward collective priorities for action in the spirit of partnership. The areas of priorities discussed during the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) plenary sessions by United Kingdom (UK) and Overseas Territories (OT) Governments included:
•Hurricane Relief and Recovery with Lord Bates, Minister of State of the Department for International Development (DFID). •Climate Change with Theresa Coffey, Lord Gardiner of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. •Health with Steve Brine, MP Department of Health and The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (PUSS) at the Department for International Development. •International Trade Relationships and Economic Development •Child Safeguarding and the development of national response plans •Good Governance (including child safeguarding and Human Rights)
Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson also attended the Joint Ministerial Council Overseas Territories European Negotiations (JMC OTEN) on November 29, 2017. The JMC OT-EN was established following the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union as a forum for the implications of Brexit on the OT’s to be discussed and the priorities of the OT’s in the negotiations to be considered. The Premier engaged in discussions in the UK led by Parliamentary Undersecretary of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union, Robin Walker MP. Premier Cartwright-Robinson also held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Minister for the Overseas Territories, Lord Ahmad, to discuss Constitutional matters, Land reform, Illegal migration, Child Safeguarding and the United Kingdom response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 11
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Roche Pharmaceuticals donate $16,000 worth of Mircera drug to TCI Hospital Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is expected to receive a pharmaceutical shipment of Mircera valued at nearly US$16,000 from Roche Pharmaceuticals to help treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Mircera is one of two drugs used by the health care provider in the treatment of anemia for dialysis patients. Comparatively, the drug is the most recent molecule, which is equally efficient in both performance and safety profile, more cost effective and requires a single injection per month as opposed to 12 injections per month or 3 times per week after every dialysis treatment based on the patient’s medical need as determined by a qualified medical Tony Wilton - IHC Pharmacy Manager; Chanta Williams-Gray - Roche Country Coordinator for Bahamas, Bermuda and Turks professional. and Caicos Islands; Doctor Vancelee Forbes - IHC Nephrologist Mircera is injected under the skin, or into a vein through an Dagni Prosa, Medical Representative years from 23 in 2010 to 41 patients patients. It combines cutting-edge IV. Mircera injection contains a man- for Roche Pharmaceuticals visited in 2016 and now 45 thus far in research at Roche, Genentech in the made form of a protein normally TCI Hospital on December 05, 2017 2017. Patients who are determined US, Chugai in Japan and over 150 produced by the kidneys that helps to deliver a presentation to clinical to be in need of dialysis services partners worldwide with global scale the body produce red blood cells. staff ahead of the incoming shipment. utilize the country’s sole in-centre and reach in clinical development, Patients can develop a condition The presentation led Hemodialysis unit at TCI Hospital manufacturing and commercial called anemia (lack of red blood cells) by Dr Esteban Coto was titled for essential treatment. operations. if the body does not produce enough “Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease Roche Pharmaceuticals is a InterHealth Canada of this protein due to kidney failure. Management with long-acting ESAS trusted manufacturer and along with Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Representatives of Roche (Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents). Lowes Wholesale Drug Agency, both expressed gratitude for the generous Pharmaceuticals, Chanta Williams- The CME provided a refresher companies have forged a valuable donation, which bolsters the Gray, Country Coordinator for course on the treatment of anemia in partnership with TCI Hospital over pharmacy drug supplies and helps Bahamas, Bermuda and Turks dialysis to improve clinical outcomes. several years. to reduce some of the operational and Caicos Islands, Dr Esteban The number of dialysis Roche Pharmaceuticals is cost of dialysis services for a period. Coto, Medical Manager for Roche patients in Turks and Caicos Islands focused on translating excellence in Pharmaceuticals in Costa Rica and has nearly doubled over the past six science into effective medicines for
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Premier Robinson receives Global Leadership Award in politics
Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson was the recipient of a Global 1. Stay Humble; Leadership Award in Politics under the Celebrating 2. Help Another Sister Along; Women International Women of Distinction Award 3. Use Your Platform For Good; 4. Mother Every Child You Meet: It is your God given Program on Saturday, December 2nd, 2017. role no matter where you find yourself; and The Organisation whose Mission is “to mobilize and inspire women across the globe to 5. Put God First In Everything You Do honor, recognize and celebrate the contributions of Premier Robinson was supported by her women…” saw its 4th year of honoring women from across the globe. Premier Robinson was honored husband, Mr Lorne Robinson, Deputy Premier Hon for becoming the first female Premier of the Turks Sean Astwood, Minister of Education, Hon Karen and Caicos Islands and she was among fifteen (15) Malcolm and their support staff. “I consider it an honor for Turks and Caicos women from Scotland, Malta, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, USA, Hungary, the UK and the Republic Islands to be named among several outstanding of Zambia who received the Global Leadership Award women from around the globe. I am grateful for the in various fields. Also receiving this year’s honor was positive exposure being given our country. When former and first female elected Prime Minister of I look at the women who have been honored before Trinidad and Tobago, HE Kamla Persad – Bissessar. under the Program, I am further humbled. With An additional sixteen (16) women received the the likes of the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Hon Cynthia National Award in many different fields. Premier Robinson was among the few selected to “Mother” Pratt, Former Deputy Prime Minister of the respond on behalf of the honorees and she used the Bahamas, American actresses Lynn Whitfield and opportunity to encourage the women present and Sheryl Lee Ralph, Musical Legend Cissy Houston around the world with five points that brought loud and 4 Time Grammy Award Winner Regina Bell, this is a big deal for us. Women are making their marks cheers:
in many male dominated fields and it is truly a good thing to celebrate each other.” During the two day visit, Premier Robinson along with the other honorees paid a courtesy call on the Governor General of the Bahamas, Dame Marguerite Pindling.
TCHTA to honour those who went above and beyond after hurricanes
By Todeline Defralien
The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) will be hosting an “Above & Beyond Award” to honour and say thank you to individuals who went above and beyond to be of service to others after both hurricanes Irma and Maria. The Turks and Caicos Islands have rebounded due to the hard work and selflessness of so many members of the community, and TCHTA felt that these individuals should be honoured. This December, although the date is not specified, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) will salute those individuals and is seeking the communities help to submit the name of an individual that they feel is deserving of this recognition, along with a brief statement telling them why. CEO of TCHTA Stacy Cox, told The SUN, “We found that after the hurricanes there were so many people that went above and beyond the call of
duty in order to make Turks and Caicos back where it is today. We’ve had our unprecedented rebound after such a disastrous storm to the destination and there were people who steps out of their comfort zone, stepped out of their regular working hours that just went above and beyond, so we thought we would put it out there for the general public to weigh in on who they think is their hero or shero during that time.” This is open to anyone residing in Turks and Caicos, who has contributed to the rebuilding after the storms. There will be 15 recipients/ nominees who will be selected for the “Above & Beyond Award”. Submission can go in to info@ turksandcaicoshta.com and deadline for submissions is December 22nd, 2017. Cox added: “We would like to recognize them in a big way at the end of December and then also honour them at our annual Star Awards that is taken place in February of 2018. We’re looking forward to just celebrating those individuals, we know that it’s only limited to fifteen (15) of the top, so once all the
submissions are in we would invite an independent panel to go through all of the submissions and select those individuals.” “It’s based on submissions and it’s up to you to tell the story of how those individuals went above and beyond. We know that there are individuals out there who are doing their job and there were individuals who were going above and beyond in order to insure that there was some level of normalcy for the destination. I find that many people when they do things like this, it comes from their heart and many would shy away from recognition but for us I think it’s just an opportunity to honour and say thank you,” she explained. Cox noted that they did not want to put restrictions on the submissions because they believe there are so many great stories that are out there and when you start to do some type of restriction and guidelines for heartfelt stories that people are really pouring their heart into, it diminish what they’re trying to accomplish.
Stacy cox -CEO of TCHTA
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Over 13,000 vehicles to be licensed in TCI for 2017 By Allie Capron Turks and Caicos Islands has experienced a notable increase in the number of vehicles on its roads over the years. The steady influx of vehicles has led to a spike in traffic congestion and reckless driving, both of which are now regular aspects of everyday experiences on the road. According to Wilbur Caley, Deputy Director of Road Traffic, over 10,000 vehicles have been licensed countrywide so far this year. That number is expected to climb to 13,000 by the end of 2017, he said. “We are very aware of the increase in the number of vehicles throughout the Turks and Caicos,” said Caley. “I can’t give you exact figures for how many vehicles are driving on the roads, but what I can tell you is that our projections show that we will be licensing around 13,000 vehicles by the end of this year. That’s what we’re planning for. It’s a massive difference when you compare it to last year where only around 9,000 vehicles were licensed. For 2017, we’re hitting 13,000 plus, so it’s a huge increase.” Most of the vehicle licensing increase is on Providenciales, followed by Grand Turk. Caley highlighted jitneys as a significant cause for the rise in traffic on the island. “It may be somewhat of an open secret, but the illegal jitney situation is one of the principal reasons for the vehicle increase,” Caley added. “We might as well admit that upfront. It’s a huge problem. We don’t have a category
Wilbur Caley, Deputy Director of Road Traffic of licences for jitney services, but the police continue to find persons on our streets whose are driving vehicles and doing what they suspect to be illegal jitney operations. These operations are without a doubt contributing to the vehicle spike.” It has been documented that the affordability of Japanese cars has placed vehicle ownership within reach for a larger number of people than in previous years. Caley made note of the increase in vehicle ownership among groups of people who previously would have been priced out. “There are many more young drivers on our roads now. High school
GOVERNMENT VACANCIES – (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 22nd DECEMBER 2017) Job Title: Director of Maritime - CFB6-01 DEPARTMENT: Maritime Department LOCATION: Providenciales Salary: Grade 9 - $59,552.50 per annum JOB SUMMARY The post is a senior management position mandated to oversee the efficient enforcement of applicable maritime laws and proper implementation of the duties and responsibilities of the Department; to conduct policy review and analyses, and to propose appropriate legislative action; to perform SWOT analyses and strategic planning to address both short and long-term issues and challenges of the Department. Job Title: Junior Conservation Officer - CFB602 DEPARTMENT: Maritime Department LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 4 - $21,935.00 JOB SUMMARY This post supports the Conservation Officers who are responsible for the enforcement of pertinent environmental laws and maritime laws in TCI; involve in all conservation activities; maintain parks infrastructures; and keep all dive equipment and field tools in proper conditions. JOB TITLE: 03
Senior Administrative Officer - KHB6-
graduates are able to purchase their own cars and they are doing so in large numbers. Also university graduates returning from studies abroad are getting their own cars. We can also look at the large number of persons who are coming in legally to work and persons who are here on work permit. Many of them are getting their own vehicles. All of this is contributing to the build-up in traffic,” Caley stated. Caley said the vehicle influx shows not immediate signs of slowing down and he believes the traffic situation will continue to increase as developments continue throughout the country.
“What we do believe is going to happen as time goes on, is that when developments take place, it’s going to cause a serious increase in the flow of traffic. For instance, we’ve heard that Ritz Carlton will take off soon. If and when that happens, it will cause a serious increase in traffic on the island simply because there will be more people on the island and also as a result of the importation of construction materials and vehicles. That will add to our traffic problems. So we believe in the future there is going to be a serious increase in the traffic situation in Providenciales in particular,” he added.
DEPARTMENT: Health Regulatory Authority LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 6 -$33,415.00 per annum plus allowances JOB SUMMARY: This is a senior administrative position, which has responsibility for the smooth operation of administrative functions in the office and provides support in resource management of finances, human resources, facilities and purchasing. JOB TITLE: JCB6-04 DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:
Assistant Revenue Commissioner – Legal – Revenue Control Unit Grand Turk Grade 8 - $51,147.50 per annum
JOB SUMMARY The incumbent will work in collaboration with the Commissioner of Revenue to implement revenue control policies, Ensure that the Various Revenue Ordinances and Regulations are strictly adhered to and undertake the day to day interpretation of the Revenue Ordinance and Regulations that falls under the remit of the Revenue Unit. For more details regarding this position, kindly refer to the attached documents or visit www.gov.tc.
Please ensure that all applications submitted by email clearly states the Job Title in the subject line of the email and all applications received via hard copy is clearly marked with the Job Title.
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 15
LOCAL NEWS
14th annual Conch Festival a success
A section of the crowd at this year’s Conch Festival By Todeline Defralien Blue Hills was the place to be on November 24-25th for the 14th Annual Turks and Caicos Conch Festival which every year features popular restaurant competitions and other activities. No hurricane could have stopped the event this year as it was a huge success even though the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria delayed planning by two months. The popular beachside event, took place on Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25th and attracted tourists and locals alike to celebrate the Islands’ most famous delicacy, historical icon and number one export conch. Committee member Joy
MacKenzie told the SUN, “The hotly-contested tasting competition committee felt that this year’s festival judged by a panel of experts as well as turned out very well despite the threat the Festival attendees. The categories of rain and the 2 month interruption included Best Conch Salad, Best in planning. We will be working on Conch Chowder, Best Specialty Conch making it bigger and better next year.” and Best in Show and restaurants On Friday, November 24th competed for cash prizes, trophies and Inaugural Traditional Island Dishes bragging rights for this year. The winners were Amanyaraevent, the weekend kicked off with a day of traditional island dishes and best in show chosen by popular vote. dominoes tournament opening rounds, A panel of judges picked the winners at Three Queens in Blue Hills. The in the following categories: specialty traditional island dishes were prepared conch - 1st Amanyara, 2nd Parallel by Nikki Harvey, the very first winner 23, 3rd Meridian Club on Pine Cay; of the “Conch-e-tition” in 2004. The conch salad-1st Amanyara, 2nd dominoes tournament featured teams Hemingways, 3rd Seven Stars; conch from all over Providenciales who chowder-1st Parallel 23, 2nd TCI Community College, 3rd Mr. Grouper. competed for cash prizes and trophy. The Marquee event is the Clement Vigneault from Montreal “Conch-e-tition” which pits the island’s won the adult conch blowing and local best chefs against each other in a resident Liam Thompson won in the
GENERAL MANAGER POSITION Applications are invited for the General Manager position at a Turks & Caicos Islands FBO. An individual with leadership, customer relations, and results focused abilities is required to oversee all aspects of the FBO operations. Responsibilities will include: •Providing a safe and secure working environment for both customers and employees •Selling services and fuel to general aviation and commercial aviation customers •Procuring and managing fuel and other inventory •Overseeing operation and maintenance of equipment •Developing and executing on annual and long-term business plans, including responsibility for sales, expenses and capital expenditures •Ensuring that National & International regulations and safety procedures are maintained Essential criteria for this position: •Superior industry knowledge of general aviation and commercial aviation •Proven experience in managing an FBO •Minimum of 10 years’ experience as a General Manager selling services and fuel to both general aviation and commercial aviation customers •Proven track record in controlling all aspects of the business including line operations and facility management •Track record in preparing and managing operating budgets for an FBO •An excellent track record in aviation safety monitoring and training •Verifiable track record of excellent customer service skills •Proven experience in managing fuel inventory •Strong experience in dealing with Regulatory Authorities •Be willing to work extended and anti-social hours •Experienced in reporting to shareholders and Board of Directors Remuneration for this position is commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should send a detailed CV to hr@ blueheronfbo.com. All enquiries must also be sent to the Labour Board, Turks and Caicos Islands Government.
kids category. Sean Craig won the Rotary Lucky 50/50 raffle. The Conch Festival is a familyfriendly event with plenty of games and activities for the kids, including games on the beach and a showcase of local culture. In 2008 the Conch Festival donated part of its proceeds to help the fisherman of South Caicos recover from Hurricane Ike, in 2011 over $4,300 was donated to Clement Howell High School for much needed equipment and supplies, in 2015 a check was presented to the Blue Hills Clinic to help with their day to day operations. This year proceeds will be donated to the Oseta Jolly Primary school to help replace classroom equipment lost in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Forging friendships with schools on South Caicos Recently, the Provo Primary School School Council had a super smashing time in South Caicos. The main purpose of our trip was to visit two schools that had been hit quite hard by Hurricanes Irma and Maria – The Calvary Christian School and The Iris Stubbs Primary School. At school, we had been shown photos of the devastation that had occurred to the classrooms and school buildings. Having seen the damage, we wanted to help in some way. We wanted to connect with the children and offer a hand of friendship from one school to another. So, it was decided that we would start a penpal
outreach programme with the two schools. We decided to ‘create’ gifts for each of the classes in the schools for the School Councillors to take with them. Much thought went into making these gifts and we ended up having a super selection of messages and information books to share, art activities for the children to complete and toy planes and Maths games for them to play with. The responses from the pupils and teachers from both Calvery Christian School and Iris Stubbs Primary was wonderful. They were delighted to receive these thoughtful and creative gifts and enjoyed talking,
ACCOUNTANT
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Applications are invited from suited qualified and experienced persons for the Post of Accountant at the TCI Community College in Grand Turk. The Accountant has overall responsibility for astute financial management of the accounting, finance, budgeting, forecasting, cost recovery and scenario planning of the College and performing the necessary functions as are related to these areas. The Accountant supervises the Bursar and is directly responsible to the President. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: a) Developing and implementing proper procedures to properly record and maintain accurate records of the financial transactions of the College. b) Accurate maintenance of the accounting records of the College with full utilization of appropriate computer software. c) Preparing and submitting to the President and the Board of Governors, monthly quarterly and annually, reports on the financial statements and analyses of all aspects of the financial activities of the College including fully reconciled financial statement and variance reports for use by the College. d) Ensuring proper maintenance of procedures for student billing and fee income, to ensure that income is properly controlled and students charged the appropriate fees. e) Supervision of the Bursar are: •Data entry •Fee collection and deposit •Receipt and sale of books •Monthly bank account reconciliation •Preparation of Purchase Orders and payment vouchers f) Responsible for payroll g) Ensuring that Inventory and fixed assets are properly
working and playing together with the children from Provo Primary. There was much laughter and many smiling faces experienced throughout the whole day. It was also really good to see and hear how well the schools are now doing. A lot of work has gone into making the schools functionable. There is still a lot of work to do, however the determination of the staff and the kindness of many others has allowed the schools to be open and running – it is truly amazing! We thank the two schools for their hospitality and smiles shown to us throughout the day. We hope that
we can keep this line of communication open and possibly forge future friendships and new connections. Thank you to Mrs Laranda for making all the connections. Introducing us to her home town, her favourite place to fish and sharing some of her childhood stories and places. And also to Matt Bywater from the Sailrock Resort, for organising the transport to and from the island. Well done to the School Councillors for representing Provo Primary with pride, sensitivity and kindness. You made me feel proud to be part of Provo Primary.
recorded. h) Interaction with the Registrar and other Department of the College to ensure appropriate recording of student financial information. i) Ensuring that effective use is made of the available computerized technology to facilitate appropriate report for effective management decision. j) Other reasonably related duties, which may be assigned from time to time by the President for the efficient functioning of the College. EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS: 1. Must possess at least a first degree or professional qualification from an internationally recognized and accredited institution. 2. A minimum of two (2) years working experience as an Accountant or in a related field. 3. Must be computer literate and have a sound, working knowledge of computerized accounting software including QuickBooks Pro. 4. Must be confidential, competent, tactful, honest, and vigilant at all times. 5. Must demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of the job. Salary is in the scale: US$38,875.20 – 46,029.00 per annum. Application giving full details of qualifications and experience, recommendation from current place of employment, character reference, as well as a current police record should reach The President, TCI Community College, PO Box 236, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands, on or before the 23rd December, 2017. Applications may be hand delivered or emailed to tcicomc@tciway.tc OR president@tcicc.edu.tc
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Keeping the weight off during the Christmas season By Dr. Marsha Barnett We are quickly going through the month of December and right into the swing of the Christmas season. This means staff parties, work functions, outings with friends and family and of course large dinner parties with a plethora of goodies and alcohol for our indulgence. It seems as if overeating and gaining weight is an imperative during this season. And in fact, a study by a nutritional supplement company found that only 3% of people don’t overdo it at all between Christmas and New Year, while 18% let themselves indulge only on the big days like Christmas day and New Year’s Day. That means that over 75% of us go mad for the whole festive season, gaining weight we desperately try to lose to in the New Year. Although weight gain may seem inevitable during the season, there are a few things you can adopt to balance the tilting scale. KEEP UP THE EXERCISE Exercise is many times neglected during the season as we have events to attend in the evenings, or need to meet friends and family visiting for the Christmas for drinks or a quick bite. But this is the time that sticking to some kind of exercise plan is
necessary. Even if you can’t maintain your regular schedule, find ways to get in your training. Make the date for drinks an hour later so that you can go for a run or hit the gym right after work and then head home to prepare for a night on the town. If you work out in the morning, don’t stay out late every night. Get in early sometimes so that you will be rested for your morning workout. Not only will exercise help you burn those extra calories you have been consuming, but it will also help you stay focused on your health and your healthy lifestyle, making you less likely to binge on that mac and cheese or pastry you love so much. MAKE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES AT ROUTINE MEALS Because we know that you will face unhealthy food options at social events, when eating regularly, it is important to make the right food choices. Feed on low fat, high protein options like baked chicken breast, turkey and grilled fish. Limit your sugary treats and pastries and stock up on vegetables especially the green, leafy ones which will help you feel full. Try to avoid alcohol throughout the day and have water when possible with your meals instead of sodas, fruit juices or alcohol.
MAITRE D’ POSITION AVAILABLE Fine dining restaurant in Providenciales requires a qualified experienced Maitre D’. •Minimum 15 years restaurant floor experience with a minimum of 8 years in a Supervisory position. •Classic silver service training and experience a must with exemplary knowledge of world wines. •Must be familiar with RPE software. •Minimum 3 professional and personal references required. Pay $10.00 per hour plus gratuities. Must be willing to work 50+ hours per week including holiday’s and weekends, six days per week. Email resume’s to: magnoliaprovo@live.com POSITION OPEN TO BELONGER APPLICANTS ONLY
CONDO FOR RENT One-bedroom, fully-furnished apartment for rent in Turtle Cove condominium. Security, swimming pool and gym facilities. $2,750 per month. Rent does not include utilities. Email enquiries: rocommunications@gmail.com
TACKLE DINNER PARTIES LIKE A PRO The aim of these events is to have fun with colleagues, friends and family. It is not to eat or drink yourself into a state where you need to attempt to undo the effects of the event the morning after or lose additional pounds in 2018. If you are going to a dinner, have your breakfast and lunch that day as you usually would. There is a Dr. Marsha barnett tendency to starve oneself on the day You can even ask for it to be served in a of a big party because we want to “save liquor glass if that will make you more our calories” so that we can eat all we comfortable. want at the event thinking it will all Remember too, that alcohol is balance out and we won’t gain weight. packed with calories and when mixed However, when you go to an with sugary drinks, the calorie count event ravishingly hungry, you are can rival your meal. So, keep it simple much more likely to overeat and make when ordering. Stick with wines, wine unhealthy food choices. This is partly spritzers, vodka tonic and so on and because your blood sugar, and even only order your sweet mixed drinks if hormones that affect your mood will fall you must. when you have been starving yourself Remember if you slip up on and you will opt for fatty, and sugary occasion, all is not lost, get back on treats to quickly get your sugars back track. Balance is the name of the game. into equilibrium. Remember, all things Enjoy the friends, family, fun and in moderation when you hit that buffet frolicking that comes with the season. or dinner table. Have the treats you like but have small servings of the less *Dr. Marsha Barnett is a general the healthy options. practitioner who also specializes Of course, parties are also in dermatology. For questions about the booze. Starting off with water or comments, please contact at or club soda is a good way of hydrating drmarshabarnett@gmail.com or at first. Another thing to do is to alternate Associated Medical Practices - 946between alcoholic beverages and water. 4242.
A Grand Turk property owner is looking for a highly skilled building mechanic with supervisor skills in all building trades. Applicant: •Must provide proof of journeyman level experience in masonry, plaster and drywall, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, carpentry, exterior coatings and applications, glazing and ceramics. •Must have well-maintained tools in all categories mentioned, including electrical test equipment. •Must have excellent English spoken and written skills This short term opportunity entails hard work and long hours including weekends and nights. Position offered is for hurricane recovery and will last from January 1st to June 1st, 2018. Salary is negotiable based on skills and experience. Applicants are to submit a paragraph in their own handwriting listing their skills and forward to info@ospreybeachhotel.com Expanding Dive Operation on Grand Turk is looking for a Sales Clerk/Office Administrator. The applicant must have/be; •Minimum 5 years cruise industry/tourism experience •Certified Scuba Diver, minimum level of Rescue Diver •First aid trained in CPR •Able to develop and promote tours to cruise ship and land based guests •Excellent written and verbal skills •Self motivation and be able to work unsupervised and think outside the box •Detail orientated •A strong team player •Energetic •A flexible work schedule •STCW/95 Boat Captains licence preferred but not essential The applicant will also be required to assist and participate in swim, rescue and safety diving and training activities as part of the company expansion. Please contact; info@gtdiving.com Tel; 946-1559
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Popular ‘Chinson’s Grill Shack’ restaurant will reopen next year By Todeline Defralien Popular ‘Chinson’s Grill Shack’ Restaurant which was looking to unofficially open by December 15th will be extending the date to officially reopen next year January 3rd, 2018 and is encouraging all their customers to be patient as they are doing all that they can to reopen very soon. With the passage of Hurricane Irma the popular authentic Jamaican cuisine restaurant sustained major damages to their location which is forcing them to reopen later than they anticipated. Managing Director, Michael Hutchinson told The SUN that the process of repairing and rebuilding requires waiting on an estimate from a contractor, then having an adjuster come out and then waiting for the insurance company to issue a check all which has taken much longer than they anticipated. “To all our customers and patrons we apologize for the delay in the re-opening of our restaurant. Due to Irma we have sustained major damages to our roof, and subsequently the interior. There was also loss of some other key pieces of equipment for production. The rainy weather and other factors beyond our control have heavily impacted our reopening time line,” he said.
Managing Director Michael Hutchinson Hutchinson added: “We anticipate that by no later than December 15th God’s willing our doors will be open and our staff of 12 will be ready and rested to serve you but officially we will reopen next year January 3rd, 2018. Thanks for your patience and understanding in this matter and for all the love from
ASSET MANAGER
Applications are invited forthe position of Asset Manager for a luxury resort development on Providenciales. Specific functions for this role: •improving financial performance of the operations, revenue management, staffing strategy and cost controls •running feasibility for capital expenditure projects, recommend priorities and develop project timelines and budgets •working closely with the brand management; liaising with key stakeholders on owner’s behalf •developing investment strategy recommendations •performing extensive financial review and analysis, operations strategy, and coordination Requirements for the position: Educational: •a 4 year Bachelor’sdegree at an accredited university •an Masters of Business Administration degree focused on hotel real estate or a related field as part of a 2 year full time graduate program with an accredited university Professional: •8+ years working in both hotel real estate and operations globally •proven experience working on behalf of both owners and operators with a variety of ultra-luxury brands and independent properties •must have overseen assets in multiple continents but also with an emphasis on multiple luxury assets in the Caribbean region Specific Skills: •must be well versed in financial statements and analysis •comfortable running projections, feasibility studies and ROI calculations •can buildand manage operational and capital budgets and hotel revenue management tools •oversee revenue management and sales and marketing strategy, and cost management •have a global perspective but a solid understanding of the Caribbean ultraluxury market Remuneration commensurate with experience and qualifications. Please respond with a full resume by 15 December 2017 to: info@misickstanbrook.tc and a copy to the Labour Board
everyone, this is what keeps us going.” Hutchinson stated that in rebuilding they are looking to build stronger to withstand future hurricane damages if ever another category 5 comes their way. Chinson’s Grill Shack location was originally a house 20+ years old converted to a restaurant and has been
open to the public for just shy of 15 years. Chinson’s Grill Shack serves authentic Jamaican cuisine and Chinese food, Breakfast, Lunch all day with a fantastic view on the Leeward Highway across from Do-It Center.
MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR
interCaribbean Airways seeks a talented Marketing Coordinator to join our commercial team at a fast-growing Caribbean Airline. You will lead the Marketing of interCaribbean Airways and directly contribute to the delivery of the revenue targets by developing, planning and implementing marketing communications strategies in current and new markets. JOB DESCRIPTION Role accountabilities include: Create and develop a comprehensive Marketing plan to actively promote brand awareness in line with overall commercial business objectives. The management of all aspects of the commercial marketing in off-line and online mediums. Be a brand ambassador in ensuring that all communications channels such a print, radio, tv continue a brand standard as set forth by the company. Define and execute multi-channel marketing and strategies to deliver growth and meet revenue targets by identifying marketing opportunities to meet customer requirements, and targeting new customers and maximizing existing customer relationships. Establish, maintain and optimize the marketing budget spend to ensure objectives are met. Plan, budget and execute all branding activities, both ATL & BTL including social media, events and digital marketing, as well as tactical campaigns both online and offline. Observe and comply with all procurement, finance and contractual policies and procedures and ensure the marketing team is compliant with company requirements. Work with Finance to ensure marketing expenditure is in line with marketing plan and company approval, ensure new vendor setup, purchase order or media buys are approved and work with accounting for ensuring vendors are paid on time and marketing expenses are accrued. Experience Required: To be succeed in this role, you will need a degree in Marketing or Communications and or a minimum of five years of experience in a similar role. Ideally you will have airline experience. You will need strong above and below the line Marketing skills and a good working knowledge of e-Commerce, PR and social media. You will need proven experience in managing successful relationships with stakeholders and business partners. Key to your success is knowledge and experience in development and implementing strategic marketing plans. Be able to efficiently communicate in a second language (Spanish or French) to meet the territorial coverage of the airline operating area. Send Resume to HR@intercaribbean.com.
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 19
LOCAL NEWS
The Pine Yard, a critical habitat
December 2017 marks the second annual Caicos Pine Awareness week, where we celebrate the National Tree of the Turks & Caicos Islands, the Caicos pine Pinuscaribaeavar. bahamensis. The Caicos pine is the foundation species of a globally endangered habitat called pine rockland – locally called pine yard. Pine rockland is a fire-dependent habitat that is found on low-lying limestone bedrock in the Caicos Islands, northern Bahamas, Cuba, and Florida and the Florida Keys. Due to intensive development on the Miami Rock Ridge, less than 2% of this rare ecosystem remains intact on the North American continent, making the pine rocklands of the Bahamas and Caicos Islands even more globally important. Being fire-dependent means that periodical natural fires, which are ignited by hurricane-season thunderstorm lighting and fueled by resinous fallen needles, weed out grasses and girdle broadleaf trees and shrubs – limiting their ability to grow into broadleaf forest.
The pine manages its own ecosystem in a way that makes an open, sunny woodland, favourable for the growth of young pines. The pine itself is very resistant to the impact of fire, having thick, layered bark that can curl and flake off when fire reaches the trunk, and lower branches that fall off by themselves to reduce the risk of fire climbing into the vulnerable canopy. If fires do scar the trunk, the outer living rings grow over the dead wood and repair the damage. The pine is the foundation species of the habitat, but other species depend on it too. Several plant species that are not common elsewhere thrive in the pine yard. Wild lice-root, a miniature allamanda vine with sunny yellow flowers, and Rudolph’s milk-pea with its magenta blossoms are two of these special plants. Buffalo-top and white top palm are especially common there, as is West Indian mahogany. Several insects possibly unique to TCI’s pine yard have been collected for further study, and the habitat is important for migrating birds, especially birds
“REGENT GRAND MANAGEMENT LTD” Seeks motivated proactive individuals to join its REGENT GRAND ‘resort team’ and contribute to this growing beachfront boutique luxury property. Candidates MUST want to actively participate in creating an excellent and professional guest experience. HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER •Assigns workers their duties and inspects work for conformance to prescribed standard of cleanliness. • Investigates complaints regarding housekeeping service and equipment, and takes corrective action •Obtains list of rooms to be cleaned immediately and list of prospective check-outs or discharges to prepare work assignments. •Coordinates work activities among departments. Advises manager, desk clerk, or other personnel of rooms’ readiness for occupancy. •Makes recommendations to improve service and ensure more efficient operation. Attends all scheduled meetings as required with HOD’s or Sales team. •Performs cleaning duties in cases of emergency or staff shortage. •Inspect rooms to determine need for repairs or replacement of furniture or equipment. Wages: $8.10/HR Requirements: Should have at least four years or more experience in the Reservations and Housekeeping Department of a resort. Should be able to work cohesively with coworkers as part of a team. Must possess good verbal and written communications skills; a good command of English is necessary.
of prey like peregrine falcons, merlins, rocklands. Pine Cay’s remnant Turks and harrier hawks. and Caicos rock iguana population The TCI endemic subspecies feed on these dune species, making of the Greater Antillean bullfinch this population of rock iguanas the especially favours the transition only that lives in pine rockland. With recent pine recovery habitat between broadleaf forest and pine rockland. While the pine rockland efforts by the Caicos Pine Recovery is extremely hot (due to lack of shade Project and iguana recovery efforts and intense sunlight reflected up from by Turks and Caicos National Trust bare limestone bedrock), periodically and Royal Society for the Protection flooded, and often plagued by of Birds on Pine Cay, the numbers of mosquitoes, this suits the rockland’s both special species should increase, underscoring the importance of this denizens just fine. Unique from all pine unique habitat. Visiting the pine rockland rocklands is the rockland that is not, the pine yard of Pine Cay. This is the is not always easy, but you can take only population where pine grows on an easy, well-marked, and fully sand and lithified dune rather than -interpreted half mile hike through limestone. With unrestricted access the Middle Caicos pine rockland on to the freshwater table in the spongy the Caicos Pine Yard Trail, about a sand, the Pine Cay trees have resisted mile east of the entrance to Conch Bar the pine tortoise scale better than the Caves National Park on the Old King North and Middle Caicos populations. Road. Trail is free and self-guiding; Because the substrate is be sure to bring drinking water and sand, the majority of plant species insect repellant. Take an adventurous growing under pines on Pine Cay are hike through the Caicos Pine Yard in dune species – sandfly bush, mosquito recognition of Caicos Pine Awareness bush, Joe-wood, and dune myrtle are Month! common there, while rare in other pine
A property developer on Providenciales has an immediate vacancy for a Senior Architect / Project Manger Senior Architect has a high level of responsibility as he/she oversees a project from inception to completion. Candidates need to have demonstrated a capacity for creativity, excellent technical ability/knowledge, and strong communication & management skills. Candidate must: •Be a Registered (RIBA, AIA, ARB) and have at least 15 years of professional experience in designing & project management. •Have excellent communication and presentation skills. •Have proven experience in AutoCAD 2012,- Adobe Photoshop - Sketchup - Adobe and Microsoft Office Suites •Have experience in master planning, detailed design, design management and construction of major multi used complex projects; includes extensive experience in the construction of High-end residential properties, Hotel, and Commercia mixed used buildings. •Have knowledge of design and construction management principles; cost control, change order pricing/negotiation and construction techniques, standards and practices. •Have Knowledge of architectural design principles such as building materials, construction methods, and design standards and codes. •Have the Ability to independently prepare 3D architectural sketches, schematic designs and detailed contract drawings. •Demonstrate ability to present complex information to diverse audiences, both verbally and graphically. •be able to coordinate architectural design efforts with Civil, Structural and MEP design and systems. •prepare tender analysis report and negotiate with contractors. •have the Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. •have demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate and record projects. •be willing to work weekends and holidays when required. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience.
Please forward resumes to: Email: aleisa@theregentgrand.com Regent Grand Management Ltd. c/o Regent Street TKCA 1ZZ Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 941-7770
Applications must be sent no later than Thursday, November 20th, 2015 to: Misick & Stanbrook Email: info@misickstanbrook.tc Tel: (649) 946-4732 Fax: (649) 946-4734
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
WATERLOO HOTEL MANAGEMENT LTD
Alexandra Resort, Blue Haven Resort & Marina and the Beach House We are seeking to employ, suitably qualified and experienced hospitality professionals in the positions listed below. Our ideal candidate should have an outstanding command of the English language, written and oral, strong communication and excellent customer service skills. Salary for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience. EXECUTIVE CHEF Job Summary: Candidate must demonstrate a proven track record of successfully leading/ managing in an upscale Food & Beverage environment; with strong culinary experience and training. •Responsible for the execution of all company policies and procedures, ensuring that all services provided achieve the established standards within the agreed budgetary controls. •Advise the General Manager on all matters relating to the kitchen area and ensure a high standard of cleanliness and hygienic practice throughout the kitchen. •To assist the General Manager in budgeting i.e food cost/payroll/etc. •Ensure guest satisfaction with the smooth and effective running of the day-to-day operation. •Assist in training and development of Culinary staff members. •To maintain control of the standards for purchasing and receiving items. •To test and evaluate products for quality, paying particular attention to yield/holding qualities/market price/wastage usage of leftovers. •Constantly inspect all food service sections during service time to ensure that the correct standards are maintained. •Responsible for control of equipment and scheduling maintenance.
able to perform multiple functions and troubleshoot when need. •Highly responsible & reliable with the ability to work well under pressure in fast paced environment. •Ability to work cohesively as part of a team •Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times •Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays. Salary range for this position will commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. COMMIS CHEF Reporting to the Executive Sous Chef, responsible for food preparation, cooking, daily monitoring of kitchen inventory. Should exhibit strong communication, writing, reading, listening and computation skills. Requirements •Must possess a 3-4-star background •Minimum of 5 years’ experience in same or similar position •Diploma from a formal culinary institution is required •Knowledgeable in health and sanitation standards •Valid Food Handler Certificate required •Constant standing and walking throughout shift •Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. •Pushing and pulling Salary range for this position will commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER
Requirements: •Minimum of 5 years of previous Food and Beverage international experience in a senior leadership role. •University/College degree •Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required •Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities •Developed proficiency with forecasting, cost controls and scheduling through related experience. •Dynamic, enthusiastic, creative leader who thrives under pressure and is able to perform multiple functions and troubleshoot when need. •Highly responsible & reliable with the ability to work well under pressure in fast paced environment. •Ability to work cohesively as part of a team •Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times •The ability to stand and/or walk for a long periods of time, lift up to 40lbs and push/pull up to 50 lbs. Salary for this position commensurate with qualifications and experience. EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF Reporting to the Executive Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Responsibilities: •Candidate must demonstrate a proven track record of successfully leading/ managing in an upscale Food & Beverage environment; with strong culinary experience and training. •Responsible for the execution of all company policies and procedures, ensuring that all services provided achieve the established standards within the agreed budgetary controls. •Advise the Executive Chef on all matters relating to the kitchen area and ensure a high standard of cleanliness and hygienic practice throughout the kitchen. •To assist the Executive Chef in budgeting i.e food cost/payroll/etc. •Ensure guest satisfaction with the smooth and effective running of the dayto-day operation. •To test and evaluate products for quality, paying particular attention to yield/holding qualities/market price and wastage •Constantly inspect all food service sections during service time to ensure that the correct standards are maintained. •Responsible for control of equipment and scheduling maintenance. Requirements: •Minimum of 5 years of previous Food and Beverage international experience in a senior leadership role. •University/College degree •Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required •Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities •Developed proficiency with forecasting, cost controls and scheduling through related experience. •Dynamic, enthusiastic, creative leader who thrives under pressure and is
Reporting to the General Manager of the property. Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Responsibilities:•Lead and manage the day to day operations of the Food & Beverage Division ensuring all service standards are followed. •Drive innovative promotions, menus and concepts; creating a destination of choice for both Hotel and external guests. •Lead and support all Food & Beverage departments in the achievement of their financial and operational targets. •Prepare annual budgets and administer in a fiscally responsible manner. •Implement effective control of food, beverage, labour and operating expenses throughout the F&B division. •Assist in the preparation of the annual strategic plan and achieve the goals and targets therein. •Ensure the implementation of standards in guest service and constantly seek out ways to improve product and service as well as increase volumes and profits. Requirements: •Minimum of 5 years of previous Food and Beverage international experience in a senior leadership role •University/College degree •Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required •Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities •Highly responsible & reliable with the ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment Salary will commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. GARDINER To assist in, maintaining the grounds of the resort. Duties to include: removal of trash, weeding, mowing, planting, pruning, watering and application of chemicals. Must be of good character. Be able to lift 50lbs., bend and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to speak English and understand instructions. PAINTER To assist in maintaining the buildings of the resort. Must be able to lift 50lbs, bend, stand for long periods of time and must be able to push and pull carts weighing up to 250lbs. Be able to lift 50lbs. Must be able to speak English and understand instructions. Must be in excellent health. ROOM ATTENDANTS To ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the assigned guestroom, work areas and equipment. Must be able to push and pull carts weighing up to 150lbs and be able to climb flights of stairs several times daily. LABOURERS To assist in maintaining the buildings of the resort. Must be able to lift 50lbs, bend, stand for long periods of time and must be able to push and pull carts weighing up to 250lbs. Be able to lift 50lbs. Must be able to speak English and understand instructions. Must be in excellent health.
Interested persons may contact our HR department you may submit your resume with qualifications and experience via email to: hr@wihl.com Please also submit a copy of your completed application to our local labor department. Closing date ---- December 15th, 2017`
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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Holiday office hours
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! The management and staff at Colonial extend sincere season’s best wishes to you, your family and your friends.
HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS
Early closing: 22nd December - noon 29th December - noon
Call 232-3195 or visit www.cgigroup.com
COLONIAL INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED
Suite 3D-A, Courtyard Plaza, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel. (649) 232 3195 www.cgigroup.com A member of Colonial Group International Ltd. insurance, health, pensions, life
cgigrp
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos Islands center stage at ‘Sandals Unveilings’ sales tour The Turks and Caicos it opens its doors to all their valuable Islands was one of several Caribbean guests.” destinations put on display at the The tour ran from September 2017 ‘Sandals Overdrive Unveilings’ 25th until December 6th across 21 across the United States and Canada cities and featured trade shows, gala which featured over 6,000 travel dinners, and networking events with agents engaging with company valuable travel partners to promote executives on the latest company and the splendor of the Caribbean, the brand news. Sandals and Beaches brands and to Turks and Caicos Islands emphasize the much anticipated renative and Sales Manager at opening of Beaches Turks and Caicos Beaches TCI Tanya Swann proudly on December 14th. represented the resort as one of The unveilings also several company representatives highlighted new features including and executives at the sales glitz. the much-anticipated opening of “As the Sales Manager for its latest resort, Sandals Royal Beaches Turks and Caicos and a Barbados. The unveilings provide a daughter of the soil I took pride in sneak peak of Sandals’ new wedding representing the Turks and Caicos inspirations scheduled for roll-out as well as Beaches Turks who gave later this year. Exciting upgrades me this opportunity and this has to its flagship Sandals Montego Bay been by far one of many highlights in and the jewel of Jamaica’s southern my career,” Swann said. coast, Sandals South Coast, as well Swann said her message as plans for Saint Lucia were also on to travel agents was that; “Turks & display. Caicos Islands is still beautiful with The Sandals Chairman said the Award Winning Best Beach in the “One of the main reasons for Sandals’ World with it’s beautiful Turquoise success these past 36 years, and Waters and that the last of the True why we continue to be named the Exotics, “Beaches Turks & Caicos Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand Resort”, Caribbean‘s Leading Family year after year, is our commitment All-Inclusive will be Better and to our travel partners. We have Brighter come 14th December when the biggest sales team globally
and we are constantly on the road, engaging the trade. We take the time to actively educate them on our Caribbean destinations, our resorts and our products, thus providing them with the necessary tools to effectively sell to our mutual clients.” Gary Sadler, senior vice president of global sales states ‘We recognize that our clients are not sitting and waiting for us, nor are they under our desks. It is therefore necessary for us to go where they are and the best way for us to get them to help the Caribbean particularly at this time, is for us to promote the Caribbean. We are aggressive about marketing the Caribbean and our Unveilings are doing just that.” The tours were especially important this year following the destructive Hurricanes of the 2017 Hurricane Season which affected two properties in the resort chain. The tour reminded agents that recovery efforts were well underway and the Caribbean and Beaches and Sandals Resorts are open for business. Swann said many travel agents expressed their ‘overwhelming love and concern’ for the region, the TCI and the team members at Beaches Resort Sales Manager, Tanya Swann at Beaches Turks and Caicos. the At ‘Sandals Unveilings’ Sales Tour
R.A. Shaw Designs Ltd wins big at Americas Property Awards 2017 By Todeline Defralien Local Architectural Company R.A. Shaw Designs Ltd achieved great accomplishments on the International arena as they recently named Best International Architecture Single Residence for their luxurious Caribbean project Mandalay Villa. The International Property Awards was open to residential and commercial property professionals from around the globe. They celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. An International Property Award is a world-renowned mark of excellence. In addition, R.A. Shaw Designs Ltd who has been operating in the TCI for 20 years had also won a national Award in the Architecture Single Residence category with Mandalay Villa for Turks & Caicos. (Best Architecture Single Residence Caribbean, Mandalay Villa, R.A. Shaw Designs Ltd). A coveted 5-star rating was awarded to architect and owner Ronald Shaw and his firm at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel on Monday November 13, 2017. The team at RA Shaw Designs was excited to be recognized by the largest and most prestigious property competition in the world. In an interview with the SUN, Shaw, Owner of R.A. Shaw Designs Ltd said, “We were indicted by the International Property awards, they had seen the project in several publications and it’s been published by a number of periodicals. They invited us to compete in an international competition, the competition had multiple divisions but we applied the Mandalay project in Long Bay into the Single Residence category and won the five star best in architecture for the Turks and Caicos.”
From left to right, Rochelle Misener-Williams, Ricardo James, Ronald A. Shaw. He added: “We take great pride; we like to think that we think outside of the box and we have quite a reputation here in the Turks and Caicos. It’s nice to be mentioned in the international level of recognitions and we’re very proud of it. I like to think that our success is that we focus. We don’t try to be like everybody else, so if there was a bit of advice that I would like to give is to find your specialty, find your niche and your passion and stick to it. ” Shaw noted that this recognition gives the whole staff a boost, the whole moral and the pride in what they do, how they do it and that they’re doing it right is rewarding. “After years of hardwork, it is nice to be recognised. I was pretty confident that this house would have ranked high in the winnings because it’s unusual and a very different approach to residential living,” he stated. The awards are split into regions covering Africa, Asia Pacific, Arabia, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, UK and USA. Participants enter at their relevant national level and are judged by a highly experienced team of professionals who cover the whole range of property disciplines.
Shaw designed the Mandalay Villa
Companies selected as winners are selected as a fan favourite in HGTV’s then invited to attend a glittering 2017 Ultimate House Hunt and awards dinner for each region and featured in the Toronto Star. The have the right to use the prestigious immaculate Turks & Caicos estate on logo in their marketing. the island of Providenciales features a Full-service Caribbean master bedroom with 4 guest bedrooms, architecture firm RA Shaw Designs a whirlpool spa that cascades into a provides superior lifestyles to home- lower pool, a gymnasium, caretaker’s owners though the ideal blend of apartments, and a 3 car garage at indoor-outdoor living space, one that the Coach house. Guest bedrooms embraces elegant water features, enjoy private outdoor showers, while stunning pools, open-air interiors, the master courtyard boasts a second state-of-the-art-technology, and the custom built spa. Mandalay villa is essence of living in paradise. just one of a number of custom homes Achieving the ideal balance designed and built by RA Shaw, each between luxury and uniqueness, RA encompassing their own unique Shaw Designs work speaks for itself. characteristics and features, and all With just a glimpse, the connection providing the luxurious lifestyle and point where form meets functionality standard of excellence that founder and style meets substance becomes Ron Shaw is known for. transparently clear. As each Voted Best Caribbean property reveals itself to the naked Architecture & Design firm for two eye, spectators become captivated consecutive years by Caribbean instantly and immersed with an World Magazine, as well as being overwhelming sense of joy. Simply ranked in Ocean Home Magazine’s being in proximity of an RA Shaw Top 50 Coastal Architects, the team designed home, it’s easy to see how at RA Shaw Designs understands and why architecture enthusiasts and that Caribbean architecture and luxury home owners have a formed a design is the unique environment that powerful and emotional connection surrounds it, such as panoramic views, with the masterpieces envisioned and beautiful beaches, and an abundance built by this award-winning team. of organic elements such as water, Ultra-luxurious Mandalay nature and the warm tropical climate. villa by RA Shaw Designs was recently
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DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Bi-Annual ‘LEGAL’ adult party was a sell off! T
he most popular event in the TCI which targets a more mature crowd has outdone itself again with a very successful event last weekend. Legal Naughty or Nice TOGA Edition event was held last week Saturday December 2nd at the Distillery House, in the Regent Village which attracted a huge adult crowd, both locals and tourists alike. Couples and individuals came out in huge numbers to the 25-and-over event to unwind and have a good time with their peers at the bi-annual grown people party. Host of the event Malaika Danielle Wint-Williams told The SUN, “I am sincerely grateful for the support that we’ve received from the community last week. We continue to receive a
good response from the business and professional community that wants to party responsibly and we’re going to continue targeting that marker and delivering to that market. I honestly think that people just welcome not having a lot of young kids and just having a more mature party that everyone can get home safely and have a great time.” She added: “LEGAL first started three years ago, it has progress both in our delivery and our response from the community and I think that it will continue to grow. We always ask our patrons for feedbacks so that we can continue to improve and deliver a product that people appreciate. I find that this event really shows a good mix between the local and expat community and it’s just a matter of partying responsibly and
partying hard. A huge thank you to our sponsors, Appleton Estate, The Wine Cellar, Bianca Sands, and Faces and fingers.” LEGAL takes place every June and December in Providenciales and after every LEGAL party, profit from the event goes towards a charity of choice in order to give back to the community to make a difference. The next LEGAL event is scheduled for June 30th, 2018 and the community can look forward to more of a classy event. The following are photographs from the Naughty or Night Toga Edition event last weekend. Photo Credit: Arya Visual Imaging.
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
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LOCAL NEWS Grace Bay Club celebrates Employee and Leader of the Year for 2017 By Todeline Defralien The Grace Bay Club Resort hosted their annual Employee and Leader of the Year Awards Ceremony to recognise those who have performed exceptionally well for the year. The event was held at the Grace Bay Club Resort at the Infiniti Restaurant on Monday, December 4th, where five staff members were recognised for standing out during the whole year. Employee and Leader of the Year Winners were: Back of House Winner: Jacquecina Luma-Hindon, Front of House Winner: Ralph Pierre, Leader of the Year: Lindy Rigby, Trip Advisors Joint Winners: Godfrey Williams and Berguomy Zirin. Sheba Wilson Director of Human Resource for the Grace Bay Club Resort said it was a very difficult decision for the senior leadership team because all of the staff worked really hard during the course of the year and they were all winners for each of the four quarters. “It was a task to decide who should be chosen as the employee and leader of the year but at the end of the day we had to consider all of the factors, the constancy throughout the year, Tripadvisor reviews and seeing them in action was part of making the final decision,” she said. Wilson said that rewards and recognition is very important for the Grace Bay Club because it is their opportunity to say to their staff members how much they are valued. “It is not enough for us to just say good job but we have to have a program that just singles out persons who consistently performs well and that is a source of encouragement for them to continue to perform well, so we have to have ways of recognizing excellence and persons who may work behind the scenes but do a stellar job every day to ensure that operations
work smoothly and our guests receive the best in service,” she added.” Leader of the Year and the newly appointed Director of Guest Services, Lindy Rigby told The SUN, “When I was nominated for this award I was the Executive Housekeeper, so I was just promoted December 1st. It is humbling to be Leader of the Year. Honestly this is a great company to work for. I had a great team at the Housekeeping Department which I am very passionate about and my team is the reason why I won this award. If it wasn’t for the Housekeeping Department allowing me to lead them, I wouldn’t be able to win this award and I would really like to share this award with my team they’ve worked extremely hard and they’re the true champions for this award.” Managing Director for Grace Bay Club, Thierry Grandsire, said: “This has been an amazing year, extraordinary year that no one could have anticipated after hurricane Irma and Maria and it shows strength of the country, strength of its people and the strength of all the entities, residents and Government. Today we celebrate the best of the best and, the people who shine the most. All of the winners could not have done it without their teams. I am more so proud to be working side by side with all of our team members every single day.” Prizes given to the winners included the option of $1,500 cash or a weekend trip to New York that includes the airfare, three nights’ accommodation and $500 spending cash, a local stay for the Leader of the year which is Parrot Cay and the employees of the year was given a gift certificate for a stay at Amanyara and the others at West Bay Club. The following are photo highlights from the award ceremony.
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DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
Desmond Brooks In Grand Turk Is seeking a Labourer To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 242-8600
JOHNNY PIERRE Is seeking a FISHERMAN Must be on call Salary $300.00 per week Please Contact: 344-3288
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Akeem Construction, Squeaky Clean, Jam City
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Looking for Labourers, Cleaners, Domestic Workers, Carpenters, Electricians, Handymen Location – Provo Salary $6.50 an hour Please Contact: 247-1985
Sky Farm, SDMGC Looking for Labourers, Cleaner, Farmers, Domestic Workers, Carpenters, Electricians, Handymen Location – Provo Salary $6.50 an hour Please Contact: 247-1985
NEW STYLE CONSTRUCTION
VICIOUS CUTS BARBER SHOP
JOANEL CHARLES
KIMBERLEY HARVEY
TROPICAL BLUE LINE
IS SEEKING A CLEANER TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT: 342-5316
NEEDS A DOMESTIC WORKER GRAND TURK SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK PLEASE CONTACT: 431-7116
IS SEEKING A LABOURER TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $6.50 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT: 347-3638
I SEEKING A HOUSEMAID TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT: 342-5316
IS SEEKING 6 PAINTERS TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY: $8.00 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT: 247-1000
#304138
#304140
#304140
For All you advertising needs contact TCISUN at 339-5879 Or email – sun@suntci.com ALICE MUSGROVE Is seeking 1 Domestic Worker and One Labourer To work 6 days per week Pay is minimum wage Please contact 245-1794
“Laugh Land Farmer”
Is looking for a Labourer To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 242-0425
Selma Storm Is seeking to employ 1 Domestic Worker Salary $6.50 per hour Must have a car and valid driver’s license Please contact: 344-2622
CLYDE GLINTON
W&J Fashion Store
Is seeking 1 Labourer To work 6 days a week Salary $6.50 an hour Please Contact: 341-4186
Is seeking a Retail Personnel To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 344-5969
#304132
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.
CLUB 2005 Is seeking vibrant persons with good customer service skills to fill the positions of BARMAIDS BARTENTERS WAITRESS NANNY Salary $6.50 per hour Hours 5 1/2 days per week Location Five Cays Road Serious person only apply to Mr. Willard Williams 649-2415635
#304136
TRULY NOLEN
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
Alvin James Garland
Dream Construction Services
Mildred Welcome
Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 341-0884
Is seeking a Labourer To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 332-3866
Is seeking a Babysitter To work 5 days per week Salary: $100.00 per week Contact: 346-0857
Paula Butterfield
WANTED
Dream Maid Services
#304125
Is seeking a Maid To work 5 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 243-3597 #304135
One Labourer To work in North Caicos 6 days per week Duties includes, mowing the lawn, assisting with maintenance of building, and other unskilled task Salary: $6.50 per hour Contact: 231-0005
#304128
Seeks to employ a Line Cook in Providenciales Salary is $1,100.00 per month To work 6 days per week Please contact telephone no. 649432-2750
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
IMMEDIATE OPENING EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT MANAGER* Job Summary: Functions as the Strategic Business Leader of the resorts’ Front Office, Spa, Youth Program and Retail operations and serves as General Manager as needed. Position oversees the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensures implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives throughout the operation. The position operation meet the brand’s target customer needs, ensures employee satisfaction, focuses on growing revenues and maximizes the financial performance of each department. Requirements: •8-10 years of management experience in internationally branded luxury hotels/resort including at least 2 years at Executive Committee Level •In depth knowledge of front office, spa, youth program, and retail •Knowledge of all hotel operations to act as leader of any department when necessary •Knowledge of governmental regulations and safety standards (OSHA, EPA, ADA, CFC, NFPA) •Strong organization skills •Ability to effectively manage labor productivity •Financial management skills e.g., ability to analyze P&L statements, develop operating budgets, forecasting and capital expenditure planning •Ability to use standard software applications and hotel systems – Opera (Fidelio), Micros. •Strategic planning skills •Ability to evaluate business trends, determine applicability to customer profile and modify business strategies accordingly •Ability to take constructive action without relying on directions from others •Ability to network and build relationships to grow the business •Strong problem-solving skills; encourages new innovative solutions when appropriate •Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, writing) •Must be willing and available to work all shifts and days Salary $60,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience International Procurement Manager* Requirements: •5+ years experience in international purchasing in a luxury hospitality environment; while negotiating domestic and international contracts, increasing total quality of the goods, and fully organizing proper container shipments. •Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience. •Must be Computer literate, Microsoft Office, MXP, etc. •Must have advanced knowledge of Food & Beverage quality standards, health compliances and specifications. •Must have product knowledge of food, beverage and hotel consumable/ durable items. •Knowledge of Marine Exchange Procurement is an advantage. •Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English, with additional other language is an advantage. •Flexible, ability to work independently and under pressure. •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts. Duties include: •Forecast procurement needs based on historical data and analysis. •Maintain procurement management database. •Upgrade regularly Marine Exchange Procurement software. •Liaise with brokers and support customs clearances. •Liaise with Accounts Payable Department to ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices •Monitor inventory control and spending in order to make recommendations and identify areas for possible savings. •Conduct physical inventories of the storerooms and prepare requisitions for all departments to bring items up to par stock levels. •Supervising and training of Purchasing and Warehouse employees. Starting salary $40,000 not including service charge. BUTLER The butler will provide the highest of penthouse service to our guests. The Butler’s primary goal is to create an ambiance of superior luxury by anticipating each individual guest’s needs.. This is accomplished through moments of surprise and delight that our guest would never have experienced before. Also ensure guest familiarities to frequent guests visiting the hotel. Requirements: •Minimum of 3 years experience in food and beverage fine dining as a personal Butler •Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written •Strong knowledge of a variety of cuisines and wines/beverages •Must possess local knowledge in order to respond to all inquires from guest, such as restaurants information •Must posses basic computational ability •Must posses basic computer skills
•Must be able to follow through all the guest requests and communicate them to the appropriate departments and management in an efficient manner •Must be have attention to details second to none ability, superior interpersonal skills and desire to provide exceptional service to our guest •Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours in length •Must be able to exert well-paced, ability to reach other departments and locations in a timely manner •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 be able to bend and squat and lift up to 25 lbs •Must be able to push and pull equipment weighing up to 75 lbs •Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions. Bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity. •Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $6.25 per hour SERVER* Purpose: Responsible for creating memorable, luxury dining experiences for guests, ensuring all guests are promptly, courteously and knowledgeably attended in accordance with all food & beverage department and resort standards. Areas of Responsibility: •Complete opening and/or closing duties as required by shift, in accordance with established procedures and standards; ensure adequate supplies of all beverage, food and service items for shift. •Maintain positive personal presence with body language and demeanor, complying with all hotel and department grooming and dress code standards. •Greet all guests in a timely and courteous manner, offering a warm welcome, offering service and establishing correct ambiance and tone for the dining experience. •Take and serve food and beverage orders knowledgeably and accurately. •Up sell food and beverage items to maximize revenue. •Serve all food and beverage in accordance with all standards of service; provide continuous, attentive service maintaining positive guest interactions and experiences. •Use knowledge of guest and name to ensure a high level of guest recognition and personalized service. •Maintain cleanliness and ambiance of guest areas throughout shift. •Ensure guest checks are accurate and all revenue is collected and properly recorded. •Attend all daily briefings, meetings and training as required. •In addition, other duties as may be requested or required by department or other manager. Requirements: •Minimum 1 year experience in a hotel restaurant preferably in a luxury hotel •Accuracy and attention to detail •Able to stand for long periods •Able to lift 50 pounds •Good written and spoken communication skills •Able to use computer systems accurately and efficiently •Must be organized be organized and detail oriented •Able to handle a fast paced environment and be able to work under pressure •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $6.25 per hour not including service charge and tips. SPA THERAPIST/TECHNICIAN * Requirements: •Diploma in massage therapy or equivalent. •Prior experience in a 5-star luxury environment. •Extensive knowledge of Eastern style massage, wraps, facials and other treatments. •Proficiency in English. •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties Include: •Providing spa treatments to resort guests and day spa guests. •Maximize the revenue of the department through massage and retail product sales. •In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be “required to perform a combination of support functions •Starting salary $6.25 per hour not including service charge, commission POOL AND BEACH ATTENDANT* Requirements: •Must be able to work in all outdoor element, rain, sun, etc. as required •Must be able to work long hours on feet •Must be able to lift 30lbs or more •Must be trained and certified in CPR, First Aid. •Life guard experience is a plus
*POSITIONS MARKED WITH (*) ARE POSITIONS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER. Interested applicants should apply to The Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to shaquarse.been@thepalmstc.com, no later than end of day Saturday, December 23rd, 2017.
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IMMEDIATE OPENING •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties Include: •Creating a luxury guest experience through delivery of high level service for all pool and beach services Starting salary $6.25 per hour not including service charge. ROOM ATTENDANT * Requirements: •Ability to work with heavy cleaning machinery. •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties include: •Ensuring that standards of cleanliness and organization are met at all times in assigned areas. • Responsibility for care and maintenance of all equipment and machinery •Restock linens and amenities on carts •Run needed items to guest floors •Assist housekeepers as required Starting salary $6.25 not including service charge GARDENER Duties Include: •Take on special landscaping or planting projects as deemed necessary by the Landscaping manager. •Mow the lawns, prune the bushes and trees , edges the walkways and give the grounds a manicured look •Operate equipment to keep all of the walkways and buildings entrances cleared and safe •Collaborate with maintenance team to make sure the grounds and the building are always properly cared for •Perform regular maintenance and minor repairs on the lawn care equipment and tools •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts including Saturdays and Sundays Salary $6.25 an hour not including service charge. LABOURER* Duties Include: •General laborer duties as assigned by the supervisor or manager. •Willingness to work varying schedules, split shifts, nights, weekends and holidays. Salary $6.25 an hour not including service charge. HVAC TECHNICIAN* The chosen candidate must be a licensed/certified refrigeration technician with knowledge of different types of refrigerant including R22, 134A and 404A. Must have experience maintaining and repairing low temperature refrigeration, walk-in freezers and coolers, ice machines and direct expansion air conditioning systems. Duties Include: •Perform scheduled preventative maintenance and corrective repair on all refrigeration equipment. •Upgrading equipment as required. •Maintaining inventory of parts needed for designated equipment to avoid down time. Starting salary $7.00- $9.00 per hour plus service charge. UPHOLSTERER/PAINTER* The Upholsterer is responsible for repairing wood and rebuilding upholstered furniture, using hand tools with a wide knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods. The key responsibilities are: •Operate sewing machine to seam cushions and join various sections of covering materials •Repair seats, sofas, curtains, carpet and mattresses •Gather and assemble specified upholstery materials and accessories for upholstered furniture •Ensure that the upholstery workshop is tidy and clean •Keep inventory record of the stored upholstery items •Maintain machines and equipments in good condition at all times •Maintain upholstery in all outlets, lobby, corridor and guestrooms •Organize and take inventory of all fabric materials and sewing accessories •Ensure that the fabric materials that used in making the upholstery is correct •Assume duties and task assigned by Superiors •Also, responsible for resorting and painting furniture pieces; and •Must have knowledge of paint products and blending techniques. Education, Qualifications & Experiences The Candidate should ideally have a technical education in upholstery with at least 5 years previous experiences in a similar upholstering role. Experience as an upholsterer in housekeeping or in a hotel and a good command of English
is considered an advantage. Knowledge & Competencies The ideal candidate will be a friendly, caring, dedicated individual with good cross cultural sensitivity and the capability to identify priorities with a willingness to put in an extra effort and time when required. You will work well under pressure in a fast paced environment and enjoy working with a multi-cultural team and guests alike, while possessing following additional competencies: Understanding the Job Taking Responsibility Recognizing Differences Customer Focus Adaptability Teamwork Starting salary $9.00 per hour EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER* Requirements: • Must have minimum 10-12 years experience asan executive housekeeper in branded luxury hotel/resort • Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • Must have knowledge of Opera (Fidelio) hotel operating system • Must have knowledge of laundry operations • Must have experience managing large Department (50 or more employees) • Ability to train coach and counsel staff • Ability to determine appropriate staffing levels based on anticipated business, and create staffing schedules which optimize the balance between desired profitability, and guest demands • Thorough understanding of the elements and components of luxury services, set-ups and supplies • Must have financial knowledge and ability to Analyze P & L statements, develop operating budgets, forecasting and capital expenditure planning • Must have advanced knowledge of standard software applications • Good communication and relationship building skills to interact effectively with managers and unit owners. • Must be able and willing to work all shifts and days Duties Include: • Develops and implements business strategies for the housekeeping department •Develops annual operating and capital expenditures budget for department •Directing the operation of the housekeeping department including guest rooms and public space areas and overseeing management staff •Inspecting back-of-the house areas continually and adjusts operations accordingly •Oversees inventory, purchasing, disbursement, cost control for all linens, cleaning supplies and guest room supplies • Adheres to brand marketing, sales and quality standards • Coordinates room availability with the Front Office Manager and room maintenance with Director of Engineering Starting salary $40,000-$60,000 per annum not including service charge. HEAD CHEF* Requirements: •3 to 5 years culinary experience in a full service, fine dining establishment as Head Chef •Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience •Must have strong knowledge of kitchen inventory and ordering process, staffing, expediting and ability to supervise the staff and kitchen operations under the direction of the Executive Chef •Excellent culinary technique and ability to work the line during all meal periods •Exceptional customer service orientation, complying with company service culture Duties Include: • Recruit and select qualified candidates, provide training and communication performance expectations • Coordinate the inventory, purchasing and disbursement of all supplies with the purchasing manager • Inspect and ensures the proper set up and readiness of each item on menus • Supervise daily food preparation for assigned areas. • Ensure that the level of quality, portion control, and plate presentation is adhered to consistently • Work closely with staff to exceed guest expectations • Maintain product consistency by conducting inspecting or seasonings, portion and appearance of food. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
*POSITIONS MARKED WITH (*) ARE POSITIONS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER. Interested applicants should apply to The Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to shaquarse.been@thepalmstc.com, no later than end of day Saturday, December 23rd, 2017.
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DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
IMMEDIATE OPENING STEWARDING TRAINEE MANAGER Requirements: • Looking for a bright, ambitious and focused person who wants to grow in the field of stewarding. • Must have a passion or interest in working in the Kitchens, equipment, food productions, sanitation, hygiene and safety. • Must be willing to work late evenings beyond midnight as major banqueting events and functions require. Must be willing and able to assist in organizing and delegating large banquet functions. • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts including Saturdays and Sundays. Duties Include: • Ensures the maintenance of clean, sanitized Kitchen by supervising steward personnel • Issuing cleaning supplies to stewards, checking Usage and making adjustments • Ensuring that kitchen floors and Walk-ins are clean • Monitoring cafeteria and provide assistance to Kitchen personnel during set-up and clean-up Working with the Food & Beverage Director banquet orders • Conducting regular inventory of and ensuring Proper amounts china, dishes etc. are available • Assisting in ensuring the training of and proper use daily of all safety, hygiene and sanitation CHIEF ENGINEER* Requirements: •Minimum of 7 years previous experience as Chief Engineer/Director of Engineering with experience in luxury resort •Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience •Thorough understanding of plumbing, electrical, HVAC and deep refrigeration with ability to quickly evaluate problems and decide on a plan of action •Experienced with waste water treatment plant •Understanding of all concepts behind landscape and grounds maintenance •Experience developing and implementing effective preventive maintenance programs •Knowledge of Opera system is also a definite plus •Must be able to work all days and shifts Duties Include: •Supervising/managing/overseeing maintenance and engineering departments as well as landscaping •Maintaining and refining preventive maintenance program •Develop and monitor annual operating , Capex and project budgets •Serve as project manager for renovation/upgrade projects including sourcing, vendors and establishing schedules and budgets Starting salary $50,000.00 per annum. DEMI CHEF DE PARTIE* Requirements: •Minimum 3 years cooking experience in a luxury hotel environment. •Proven experience in various sections of the kitchen. •Accuracy and attention to detail. •Able to stand for long periods of time. •Able to carry up to 20kgs. •Able to handle a fast paced environment and be able to work under pressure. •Must be organized and detailed oriented. •Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken. •Tertiary culinary qualification preferred. •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties Include: •Assist with ensuring mis-en-place is set for all stations of outlet kitchen. •Ability to read recipes, check food presentations and displays with precision. •Assist with checking the quality of the product to ensure the standards for food service are maintained. •Show precision cuts and knife use. •Demonstrate ability to cook meat, fish and vegetables with the correct
method and temperature. •Ensure the correct rotation and storage of products for quality selection. •Assist with ensuring the Kitchen is kept clean and sanitary. •Follow directions from the Executive Sous Chef or other Kitchen management with accuracy. •Communicate any defects in kitchen equipment to the Executive Sous Chef. •In addition, other duties as may be required as directed by your Manager. Starting salary $7 per hour not including service charge PASTRY CHEF* Requirements: •Must have previously worked as a pastry chef for a minimum of 5 years in a luxury Resort. •Demonstrate understanding of the technical skills for assigned area (all kitchen work stations). •Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience. •Experience with, and are comfortable preparing a variety of different pastries in a fine dining environment. •Understand the importance of consistency. •Knowledge of food preparation techniques and health/safety requirements. •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts. Duties include: •Assists in creating and developing dishes for the pastry department •Ensures the highest quality of product within cost constraints by participating in the preparation of baked goods, pastries, desserts, ice carvings and show pieces •Assists in creating daily specials and signature desserts •Assist in producing the production of all pastry items, ensuring the right quantity and the highest standards of quality •Maintenance of pastry equipment •Requisition food with necessary approvals according to policy Starting salary $6.25 an hour not including service charge. COOK* Requirements: •Experience with, and comfortable preparing a variety of different cuisines in a fine dining environment •Understand the importance of consistency •Knowledge of food preparation techniques and health/safety Duties Include: •Prepare all food items according to recipe cards and correct handling procedures. •Maintain highest quality and appearance of all foods sent from the kitchen and make sure plates are clean and appetizing. •Maintain orderly and clean refrigerators and work areas. •Rotate all foods and correctly fill out production charts. •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $6.25 per hour not including service charge. KITCHEN STEWARD Duties Include: •Clean & sanitize all areas of the kitchen •Operate dishwashing machine in a safe, accident free manner •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $6.25 per hour not including service charge. •standards of cleanliness and organization are met at all times in assigned areas. • Responsibility for care and maintenance of all equipment and machinery •Restock linens and amenities on carts •Run needed items to guest floors •Assist housekeepers as required Starting salary $6.25 not including service charge.
*POSITIONS MARKED WITH (*) ARE POSITIONS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER. Interested applicants should apply to The Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to shaquarse.been@thepalmstc.com, no later than end of day Saturday, December 23rd, 2017.
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
CARIBBEAN WORLD
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
NEWS NEWS
Cayman Islands seeking new work permit regime
The Cayman Islands government is taking its first tangible step toward creating a new “human resources” agency that will take over some of the work permit services now provided by the Immigration Department and subsume the duties currently performed by the National Workforce Development Agency, according to the Cayman Compass. Last week, the government released advertisements for what is being referred to as a “temporary leadership post” to provide advice and direction for the new National Human Resources Department. This department has not been formed, but previous proposals for such an entity have been discussed by Premier Alden McLaughlin as a way to create a “one-stop shop” regulator for public and private sector employment in the islands. The temporary leader for the new department, who will earn between $109,000 and $130,000 per year, is expected to “interim manage” the development and growth of the human resources department, according to Ministry of Human
Resources and Immigration Chief Officer Wesley Howell. “The driving objectives are to ensure that Caymanians are given priority in the workforce, with the ultimate outcome of achieving full employment of Caymanians, while ensuring that businesses in the Cayman Islands have the workforce needed to meet their business goals,” Mr. Howell said. “An effective change leader is critical to lead the creation of the National Human Resources Department, to implement the vision by driving change in customer service, communications, systems, legislation, processes and technology.” The temporary position could be filled by a current civil service manager “on secondment” from their current government role. That person would not necessarily have to become the full time director, but would be eligible to apply for the full-time position at a later date, Mr. Howell said. What happens to the remainder of the Immigration Department if its administrative permit processing section is hived
off is unclear at this stage. Premier The processing of those permits McLaughlin has said that was only is lately taking between six to 12 weeks one option available for transferring on average, according to private sector the work permit function to another firms that assist businesses with work agency. permit applications. The Immigration At present, the Immigration Department’s stated goal is to have Department – in addition to its a permit “turned around” in 14 days border control and enforcement once an application is received. responsibilities – handles all According to figures given to applications that involve non- the Cayman Compass in the fall, a total Caymanian workers coming to the of 18,847 work permit applications jurisdiction including work permits, had been submitted to the department temporary work permits, visitors work between Jan. 1 and July 31. The visas, and applications for permanent Immigration Department reported residence, spouses of Caymanians that roughly the same number of and Caymanian status, among many permit applications were processed for other types of landing and working all of 2016. permissions in the Cayman Islands. Some opposition political According to records recently members have commented during the provided to the Cayman Compass, period that Caymanian unemployment fewer than one-quarter of the current has stayed the same or even increased Immigration Department’s staff works slightly during the same period in the permit processing area. of economic growth. Caymanian Over the past two years, unemployment stood at 6.2 percent as Cayman’s economy has grown, in the spring of 2017, compared to immigration officials have found 7 percent in the fall of 2016 and 6.2 themselves overwhelmed with a percent in the spring of 2016. much larger number of work permit Overall unemployment during applications, being handled by a the same period has hovered around reduced staff complement. 4.2 percent.
Sandals Chairman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart Receives Tourism Icon Award At UNWTO Conference Chairman and founder of Sandals Resorts International, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, was this week honoured at the UNWTO, Government of Jamaica, World Bank Group and InterAmerican Development Bank’s Global Conference on Jobs and Inclusive Growth: Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism. At the Conference’s Gala Dinner and Tourism Icon Awards, held on Wednesday, the UNWTO, in association with Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, presented Mr. Stewart with the Global Legend of the Caribbean Award in recognition of his long and outstanding contribution to sustainable global tourism growth and to job creation in the Caribbean. “Knowing the humble beginnings of this company and after 36 years in this industry, I can truly say it is an honour to receive this award. Sandals is a homegrown brand with proud roots in Jamaica and the Caribbean and I am happy we have been able to have such an impact on the region by bringing guests from across the world to our beautiful shores
Hon. Gordon Butch Stewart (centre) with Adam Stewart CEO of Sandals Resorts International (left) and Prime Minister of Jamaica Hon. Andrew Holness (second from left), Prime Minister of St. Lucia Hon. Allan Chastanet (second from right) and Jamaica Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right). and by creating jobs for Caribbean nationals ” said the Sandals Resorts founder. The night’s other awardees included David Scowsill, former president and chief executive officer of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Taleb D. Rifai, who is concluding his second four-year term as Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation, Micky Arison, chairman and chief executive officer of Carnival
Corporation and Frank Rainieri, president and chief executive officer of Puntacana Group, a recognised leader of the tourism industry in the Dominican Republic. The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony was attended by heads of state from Jamaica, St. Lucia and the Dominican Republic and by ministers of tourism and senior members of the tourism leadership from across the Caribbean.
Several murders rock Trinidad and Tobago PORT OF SPAIN –At least eight people were killed over a 72 hour period in Trinidad and Tobago as the country recorded at least 16 murders in the first four days of this month. Police said that the latest victims, Akiel Edwards aka “Ratty”, and a man identified only as “Shem”, were gunned down in Morvant along the east-west corridor on Monday morning. On Sunday, the authorities said that Johnathan Gobin, 25, Dwayne Callendar, 29, Mota Ali and Jamal Modeste as well as one unidentified man were killed in separate incidents across the country. The police said three people were shot and killed on Saturday, while on Friday, gunmen shot and killed five people including Doolalchan Lutchman, of Tobago. Police are also investing the attempted murder of 36-year-old Dillian Johnson, whom the Trinidad Express newspaper said is at the centre of allegations involving Chief Justice Ivor Archie. It said Johnson, who has described himself as a friend of the Chief Justice, is being treated at the San Fernando General Hospital, south of here after an armed man approached and shot him while he sat in the veranda of his home on Sunday night. The newspaper has claimed that its investigations have found that the Chief Justice tried to influence Supreme Court judges to change their State provided security in favour of private security where Johnson is employed as a consultant. So far this year 434 people have been murdered here. Last year, the figure stood at 463 and in 2015, the murder toll was 410.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
Government moving to prevent The Bahamas being blacklisted by European Union NASSAU, The Bahamas – The “some of our worse fears were realized Bahamas government Wednesday said when we found that this sector of the it will table several pieces of legislation economy was in deeper trouble than aimed at preventing the country from anticipated because of negligence by being placed on the European Union’s the previous administration”. He said despite the claims by list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. the then Perry Christie administration Prime Minister Dr. Hubert “of being for the people, its lackluster Minnis in a brief statement said that and late-again approach to dealing his administration will be tabling with this very important part of the for debate the Automatic Exchange economy was about to land us in the of Financial Account Information very same position that caused a (Amendment) Bill, the Automatic previous Free National Movement Exchange of Financial Account (FNM) administration to have to Information (Amendment) Regulations prevent the country from being and the International Tax Cooperation blacklisted”. Minnis said that since the (Amendment) Bill so as to ensure “we will not be blacklisted after enacting election, his government has been working to get the economy back on this suite of legislation”. Minnis said that the Bahamian track, adding “strengthening and financial services industry has been growing our economy will lead to better under threat for some time and that paying jobs and greater job security”. He said the new pieces of on coming to office in May this year
legislation “are extremely important Union named four Caribbean countries to our country and our image on the – Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia and international stage, adding “these bills Trinidad and Tobago – as tax havens. will enable the Bahamas to satisfy the The EU said that the new list was through a three-step requirements to ensure that we meet compiled process including the pre-selection various international standards. “These bills also place us in of 216 countries worldwide using a position to ratify the multinational more than 1600 indicators and that Convention on Mutual Administrative all jurisdictions chosen for screening Assistance Tax Matters, and the were formally contacted, to explain full implementation of the Common the process and invite them to engage Reporting Standard, while enhancing with the EU. St Vincent and the the framework to allow for the automatic exchange of financial Grenadines is listed as a jurisdiction with improved fair taxation while account information. “After years of our economy Bermuda and the Cayman Islands are being mismanaged, we are starting listed as jurisdiction which introduced to make headway in turning around substance requirement. The EU said that as a first step, the country’s economic prospects. The Bahamas cannot risk setbacks like a letter will be sent to all jurisdictions being blacklisted by other countries,” on the new list, explaining the decision Minnis said. and what they can do to be de-listed. On Tuesday, the European
New social media guidelines for Caribbean journalists BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – New social media guidelines for Caribbean journalists and media practitioners were launched on Tuesday with public the United Kingdom-based Public Media Alliance (PMA) warning that social media can no longer be ignored. The PMA, which is the largest global association of public service broadcasters, launched the “Social Media guidelines” in collaboration with the UNESCO Caribbean Cluster Office. “Social media can’t be ignored and it can no longer be an afterthought, it is now an integral part of the output for any 21st century media house. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, are all platforms where citizens seek information and news. “To survive and thrive, established media companies need to embrace social media platforms as an intrinsic part of their daily editorial, production & commissioning processes. Public broadcasters and established
media houses have a reputation for trust and credibility, these new guidelines ensure that journalists use the same principles when using social media platforms,” said the PMA, whose members are the organisations that communicate daily and free of charge through television, radio and online. The PMA, formerly the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association, has a long tradition of producing editorial guidelines for broadcast journalists. It said many of the basic rules
still apply to social media but new media technologies also require new rules and guidance. With funding from the UNESCO Caribbean Cluster Office and the Jamaica-based RJR Gleaner Communications Group and support from the Barbados-based Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), CBU, the PMA said it worked with media professionals in the Caribbean to develop the new guidelines for social media use by professional journalists. “These new Social Media
Guidelines were initially developed during a three-day workshop, supported by the UNESCO Caribbean Cluster Office, with inputs and feedback from media professionals and organisations in the Caribbean. “Adopting a clear set of agreed and published guidelines will aid in the protection of media professionals, media companies and social media users”. The PMA said that it has frequently been asked for guidance as new technologies are evolving the way public service broadcasters communicate with their audiences. “It is to meet this demand that these guidelines have been produced. The hope is that the guidelines will help new and existing broadcasters in the Caribbean to identify the essential ways in which public service broadcasting and its characteristics can be preserved and strengthened, within the context of emerging technologies and social platforms.”
interCaribbean launches new Tortola flights TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands -interCaribbean Airways celebrating 25 years of continuous service is pleased to announce new schedule services from Tortola to five new cities this winter season, making 22 cities served. New services will begin from February 1, 2018 with nonstop flights from Tortola’s Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) to: St Thomas (STT) (Cyril E. King Airport 2 flights daily St Croix, (Henry E Rholsen Airport) 1 flight daily Sint Maarten (SXM) (Princess Juliana International Airport) 2 flights daily Dominica (DOM) (Douglas-Charles Airport 3 flights weekly One stop to Castries, St Lucia (SLU) continuing from Dominica (DOM) 3 flights weekly Today interCaribbean provides competitively priced nonstop flights between Tortola and Antigua, San
Mr. Lyndon R. Gardiner Juan, and Santo Domingo, with same day connecting flights to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas. “We believe interCaribbean is the first schedule airline to offer 7 nonstop destinations from the British Virgin Islands,” said Mr. Trevor Sadler, CEO for interCaribbean. “Our planned connections current and new are designed to minimize layover times.”
Founded as Inter Island Airways in 1991 by Turks Islander, Mr. Lyndon R. Gardiner, Chairman of interCaribbean, the airline started as a charter service, and embarked on a program of adding scheduled international destinations, gradually adding larger and faster aircraft. “The plan to connect the Caribbean and the wider international market continues to grow and is coming along nicely,” said Mr. Gardiner. “There are now a lot of connections between residents of the destinations we serve, and, by offering new connective options we hope to stimulate an increase in tourist and business travel in the region.” interCaribbean entered the BVI market in 2016 with direct flights between the BVI and Antigua, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. By July 2017, the airline introduced three, weekly scheduled direct flights between the BVI and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. interCaribbean operates EMB 120, Twin Otter and BE99 aircrafts connecting Turks & Caicos, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Dominica and St. Maarten/St. Martin. Domestic flights are provided in Jamaica between Kingston and Montego Bay, as well as flights within the Turks & Caicos Islands.
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CDB’s urban sector policy to assist with coordinated approach to pltanning In the Caribbean, approximately 66 percent of the population reside in urban areas, ranging from 30 percent in Antigua and Barbuda to 84 percent in the Bahamas. The urban sector is a key contributor to economic growth, as cities and towns are hubs for jobs, educational and health facilities and transportation. Recognising the need for a coordinated approach to urban planning, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is developing an Urban Sector Strategy Policy and Operational Guidelines to guide future investment Daniel Best, Director of Projects, CDB, speaks at the opening of the Regional Urban Sector Policy Stakeholders Workshop, on December 5, 2017. Looking on is Sharon in this sector. Griffith, Operations Officer, CDB As part of the policy development process, CDB hosted a “All of the world’s countries, in this new approach.” Best noted however, that this workshop for representatives from including all of our Borrowing Member Regional government departments Countries, have formally committed to will require a coordinated approach and agencies with a stake in urban achieve the SDGs by 2030. For urban from all government agencies. development. Speaking at the opening areas, this goal is expressed by SDG “Experience has shown that of the workshop, Director of Projects at 11 and its components, which aim to the complex challenges facing cities CDB, Daniel Best, noted that the new “make cities inclusive, safe, resilient today can no longer be solved by Urban Sector Policy is geared towards and sustainable”. The urban policies applying sectoral policies that do not helping Caribbean countries achieve elaborated in our Urban Sector Policy take the broader spatial and economic Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Strategy and Operational Guidelines impacts of their application into account. Urban policy has evolved are geared to achieving the objectives 11.
from focusing on sectoral programs, special initiatives and individual time-limited projects to a more collaborative, integrative and forward looking approach that treats urban development in a more holistic manner. Under this new policy approach, the coordination of sectoral projects and their impacts on urban development must be considered,” said Mr. Best. The workshop, which took place from December 5 to 7 in Barbados, was the second consultative seminar held for CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries this year. The previous meeting took place in March. At that event, stakeholders identified five key considerations for the development of the Region’s urban sector, namely: strategic vision; access to data; increased urban-planning capacity; improved climate resilience; and social and cultural inclusion. These considerations will be taken into account in the development of the final Policy, which is expected to be completed by mid-2018.
Jamaica welcomes multi-million dollar energy project KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica has described as a ‘winwin” partnership the billion dollar investment in the energy sector by the US-based New Fortress Energy and Jamalco, a joint venture between Noble Group and Clarendon Alumina Production (CAP) with a focus on bauxite mining and alumina production. Prime Minister Andrew Holness speaking at the ground breaking ceremony on Friday said that the major components of the project would include a floating storage and regasification terminal in the Portland Bight Protected Area, the installation of a pipeline from the Rocky Point port to the Jamalco refinery, as well as the construction of the natural gas-fired power station at the Jamalco location and construction of an electricity
distribution network to deliver power to the national grid. Chairman of New Fortress Energy, Wesley Edens (left) and Prime Minister Andrew Holness “This development signifies the power of win-win partnerships with the benefits for Jamalco, including reduced cost, as well as increased reliability and efficiency,” Holness said. At least 400 people are expected to be employed during the construction phase of the US$265 million project that is expected to be completed during the first quarter of next year. Holness said that the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is also expected to benefit through the power-purchase agreement, yet to be negotiated. Founder and chairman of New Fortress Energy, Wesley Edens,
said approximately two-thirds of the electricity created would be sold to the grid, with the remaining third being sold in steam at a very low cost, which translates to the plant being “very, very competitive. “The more competitive it is, the bigger it can get, the more people it can hire. This will move this plant into the top 25 percentile in the world in terms of its dispatch order,” Eden said, praising Jamaica for the advancements made so far in the diversification of its energy sector. “Two years ago virtually a hundred (per cent) of the energy in Jamaica was generated by oil, and two years from now virtually a hundred per cent of it will be natural gas or renewables… “The country has been upgraded [in] its credit rating by
Moody’s, citing specifically the energy footprint. Energy costs [are] 30 per cent lower and the environment is much cleaner, so with this I think Jamaica is a model not only for the Caribbean but throughout the world. It’s remarkable what has been accomplished here,” he said. Prime Minister Holness said numerous investment projects are slated to begin while others are under way, such as highway and hotel projects, information technology projects, and business process outsourcing projects. But he expressed concern that the island’s culture of bureaucracy remains an issue. “What we lack is a sense of urgency to get things done. It is almost a cultural thing. We have to get more business-oriented, we stand too much on ceremony,” Holness said.
Look out for counterfeit notes, warns Barbados Central Bank The Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) is warning citizens to be on the look out for counterfeit money this Christmas Season. “Whether it is someone asking you to breakdown money for them or it is the change you receive after completing a transaction, take a moment to check your money before you put it in your purse or pocket,” said
Octavia Gibson, the deputy director of the Bank’s currency division. She also advised tellers and cashiers that they should not feel pressured into not checking the money they receive “because the line is long or because a customer is trying to rush you”, since “checking the notes you receive takes less time than running a credit or debit card
transaction. “The key is to be familiar with the security features of Barbadian banknotes. The better you know them, the faster you can authenticate any note you receive.” Gibson said, listing some of the resources the Central Bank has to help the public get to know their notes. “We have detailed information
on the Central Bank’s website and we also have booklets, flyers, and posters that we make available free of charge. We also conduct training sessions upon request for companies and other groups. We encourage everyone to learn the security features of our notes, and most critically, to use what you have learnt to protect yourself from counterfeiters,” she added.
Man jailed for 10 years for possessing loaded gun HAMILTON, Bermuda — A High Court judge has sentenced a 33-year-old man to 10 years in jail after he was found with a loaded gun on his hip in August last year. The court heard that Dion Cholmondeley had been out drinking with friends when he was stopped by officers as he drove along a road in Warwick parish. After he was detained he told police he was in possession of a firearm. Prosecutor Nicole Smith
said when he was asked why he had maintained that the gun was in a a loaded gun on him, Cholmondeley “dirty, rusting condition” and must replied “I need it for protection, guys have been “lying around for a while. are trying to kill me.” “Only one of the four rounds But his attorney, Charles in the gun actually fired. The gun Richardson said his client had no was sent away for forensic testing memory of making the comment. He to see if it matched firearms used in told the court that Cholmondeley other shootings, which it did not. He had found the nine-millimetre just found it and was not sure what handgun in his vehicle earlier in the he would have done with it.” evening and had tucked it into his Cholmondeley, who trousers. admitted possessing a firearm and The defence lawyer ammunition at a prior hearing in
October, had no previous convictions. “I want to apologise to the court and to my family. Life is about choices and that night I made a bad choice.” Justice Charles-Etta Simmons jailed him for 10 years for possessing the firearm and nine years for possessing the ammunition. She accepted that any statement Cholmondeley made to police at the time of his arrest had been “drunken” comments.
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NEWS
Time magazine names #MeToo ‘silence breakers’ as person of the year
WASHINGTON Time magazine has named the social movement aimed at raising awareness about sexual harassment and assault, epitomized by the #MeToo social media hashtag, as the most influential “person” in 2017, the publication announced on Wednesday. “This is the fastest moving social change we’ve seen in decades and it began with individual acts of courage by hundreds of women - and some men, too - who came forward to tell their own stories,” Time Editorin-Chief Edward Felsenthal told NBC News, referring to them as “the silence breakers.” The recognition comes amid a wave of public allegations of sexual misconduct that have targeted some of the most prominent men in U.S. politics, media and entertainment, leading to multiple firings and investigations. As more people made their accusations public, other individuals also shared their own stories of assault and harassment, often with posts on social media platforms using the hashtag #MeToo. “I could never had envisioned something that would change the world. I was trying to change my community,” Tarana
Ashley Judd, Susan Fowler, Adama Iwu, Taylor Swift, and Isabel Pascual (a pseudonym) on the Time magazine Person of the Year cover. Time Inc Burke, the hashtag’s creator, told NBC. “This is just the start. It’s not just a moment, it’s a movement. Now the work really begins.” U.S. President Donald
Trump, who was Time’s person of the year in 2016, was the first runner-up this year, followed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Felsenthal said.
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
Rebels kill 15 peacekeepers in Congo in worst attack on U.N. in recent history GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo - Suspected Ugandan rebels killed at least 15 Tanzanian U.N. peacekeepers and wounded 53 others in a raid on a base in Congo that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called the worst attack on the organization in recent history. Tanzania’s President John Magufuli said he was “shocked and saddened” by the deaths, which come amid rising violence against civilians, the army and U.N. troops in Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern borderlands. The U.N. chief said the attack constituted a war crime and called on Congolese authorities to investigate and “swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice”. “I want to express my outrage and utter heartbreak at last night’s attack,” Guterres told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York. “There must be no impunity for such assaults, here or anywhere else.” The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack on Friday and held a moment of silence for the victims. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert wrote on Twitter that the United States was “appalled by the horrific attack”. U.N. troops were still searching for three peacekeepers who went missing during the more than three-hour firefight that broke out at dusk on Thursday evening, Ian Sinclair, the director of the U.N. Operations and Crisis Centre, said. U.N. officials said they suspected militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) staged the assault on the base in the town of Semuliki in North Kivu’s Beni territory. The ADF is an Islamist rebel group that has been active in the area. Congo’s U.N. mission, MONUSCO, said it was coordinating a joint response with the Congolese army and evacuating wounded from the base.
Two dead in ‘Day of Rage’ over Jerusalem, Palestinian president defiant JERUSALEM/GAZA - At least two people were killed in clashes with Israeli troops on Friday when thousands of Palestinians demonstrated against U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the Palestinian president said Washington could no longer be a peace broker. Across the Arab and Muslim worlds, thousands more protesters took to the streets on the Muslim holy day to express solidarity with the Palestinians and outrage at Trump’s reversal of decades of U.S. policy. Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian man near the Gaza Protesters chant slogans during a protest against President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, in Amman, border, the first confirmed death in Jordan, December 8, 2017 two days of unrest. Scores of people Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance back with tear gas. were wounded on the “Day of Rage”. service. Dozens more suffered from In Gaza, controlled by the “We declare an intifada until A second person later died of their tear gas inhalation. Thirty-one were Islamist group Hamas, calls for the liberation of Jerusalem and all of wounds, a Gaza hospital official said. wounded on Thursday. worshippers to protest sounded over Palestine.” The Israeli army said As Friday prayers ended at mosque loudspeakers. Hamas has Protests largely died down hundreds of Palestinians were rolling the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, called for a new Palestinian uprising as night fell. Rocket sirens sounded burning tyres and throwing rocks at worshippers made their way toward like the “intifadas” of 1987-1993 in southern Israeli towns near the soldiers across the border. the walled Old City gates, chanting and 2000-2005, which together saw Gaza border, and the Israeli military “During the riots IDF soldiers “Jerusalem is ours, Jerusalem is thousands of Palestinians and more said it had intercepted one of at least fired selectively towards two main our capital” and “We don’t need than 1,000 Israelis killed. two projectiles fired from Gaza. No instigators and hits were confirmed,” empty words, we need stones and “Whoever moves his embassy casualties were reported. it said. Kalashnikovs”. Scuffles broke out to occupied Jerusalem will become an Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, a More than 80 Palestinians between protesters and police. enemy of the Palestinians and a target militant group linked to Abbas’s Fatah were wounded in the occupied West In Hebron, Bethlehem and of Palestinian factions,” said Hamas party, claimed responsibility for firing Bank and Gaza by Israeli live fire and Nablus, dozens of Palestinians threw leader Fathy Hammad as protesters one of the rockets, and said it was in rubber bullets, according to the stones at Israeli soldiers who fired in Gaza burned posters of Trump. protest against Trump’s decision.
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Japan to acquire air-launched missiles able to strike North Korea
TOKYO - Japan is to acquire medium-range, air-launched cruise missiles, capable of striking North Korea, a controversial purchase of what will become the longest-range munitions of a country that has renounced the right to wage war. Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera did not refer to North Korea when announcing the planned acquisition and said the new missiles would be for defence, with Japan still relying on the United States to strike any enemy bases. “We are planning to introduce the JSM (Joint Strike Missile) that will be mounted on the F-35A (stealth fighter) as ‘stand-off’ missiles that can be fired beyond the range of enemy threats,” Onodera told a news conference. Japan is also looking to mount Lockheed Martin Corp’s extended-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM-ER) on its F-15 fighters, he said. The JSM, designed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace , has a range of 500 km (310 miles). The JASSM-ER can hit targets 1,000 km away. The purchase plan is likely to face criticism from opposition parties in parliament, especially from politicians wary of the watering down of Japan’s renunciation of the right to wage war enshrined in its post-World War Two constitution. But the growing threat posed by North Korean ballistic missiles has spurred calls from politicians, including Onodera, for a more robust military that could deter North Korea from launching an attack. Japan’s missile force has been limited to anti-aircraft and anti-ship munitions with ranges of less than 300 km (186 miles). The change suggests the growing threat posed by North Korea has given proponents of a strike capability the upper hand in military planning. North Korea has recently test-fired ballistic missiles over Japan and last week tested a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile that climbed to an altitude of more than 4,000 km before splashing into the sea within Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
BAGHDAD – Hundreds of ISIS fighters had just been chased out of a northern Syrian city and were fleeing through the desert in long convoys, presenting an easy target to U.S. A-10 “warthogs.” But the orders to bomb the black-clad jihadists never came, and the terrorists melted into their caliphate -- living to fight another day. The events came in August 2016, even as then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump was vowing on the campaign trail to let generals in his administration crush the organization that, under President Obama, had grown from the “jayvee team” to the world’s most feared terrorist organization. “I will…quickly and decisively bomb the hell out of ISIS,” Trump, who would name legendary Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis as secretary of defense, promised. “We will not have to listen to the politicians who are losing the war on terrorism.” Just over a year later, ISIS has been routed from Iraq and Syria with an ease and speed that’s surprised even the men and women who carried out the mission. Experts say it’s a prime example of a campaign promise kept. President Trump scrapped his predecessor’s rules of engagement, which critics say hamstrung the military, and let battlefield decisions be made by the generals in the theater, and not bureaucrats in Washington. At its peak, ISIS held land in
UK’s Corbyn wants much more information on EU divorce deal GENEVA British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Friday he wanted to see much more information about the Brexit divorce deal struck between Prime Minister Theresa May’s government and the European Commission. May sealed the deal after a pre-dawn dash to Brussels, thereby clearing the way for the start of arduous talks on future trade ties between Britain and the EU after Brexit. Asked if he thought the deal with the EU was a breakthrough, Corbyn told reporters: “Until I see more of it, no.” Speaking in Geneva after a visit to the United Nations, Corbyn said his party stood ready for another parliamentary election in Britain at any time, noting May’s reliance for her majority on Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). “They (the DUP) seem to be calling the shots all the time. They scuppered a deal she was trying to make a few days ago and they clearly put conditions on this, which is why I want to see a much fuller statement than we’ve had thus far,” he said. The next election in Britain is not due until 2022,
British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn listens during a United Nations panel on human rights and international cooperation in Geneva, Switzerland, December 8, 2017 but there has been much media speculation that it could come much earlier due to May’s lack of a parliamentary majority and deep divisions within her governing Conservative Party over Brexit. Corbyn said Labour had consistently called for maintaining the benefits of belonging to the EU’s customs union and single market during a transitional period as Britain leaves the bloc.
“The transitional period is unspecific and I think she needs to bring some clarity to that,” he said. The transition should be long enough to guarantee UK and EU jobs and to deal with common problems, such as regulating airspace, he said. It should also ensure that consumers’, workers’ and environmental rights were put into British law. “The statements that have been made this morning do not specify what regulatory framework there will be in the future and that remains to be seen, because there are still many people in the Conservative Party who want to live in a deregulated environment, where Britain basically lowers wages and conditions and the tax take on large corporations.” Corbyn said he hoped Friday’s deal included sections on the rights of family reunion for EU and British citizens, adding they should be granted unilaterally and not negotiated. A reference in the deal to involving the European Court of Justice on citizenship issues for up to eight years was a sign that the government accepted the need for judicial oversight of citizens’ rights, he said.
Trump, Mattis turn military loose on ISIS, leaving terror caliphate in tatters
The U.S. military estimates the terror group now controls just 3 percent of Iraq and only 5 percent of Syria after the fall of Raqqa. Iraq and Syria that equaled the size in the region, in Europe and possibly of West Virginia, ruled over as many in the U.S. These cells will likely as 8 million people, controlled oilfields present a terrorist threat for years. In and refineries, agriculture, smuggling addition, the terrorist organization is routes and vast arsenals. It ran a attempting to regroup in places such brutal, oppressive government, even as the Philippines, Libya and the Sinai printing its own currency. Peninsula. The terror organization now But the military’s job -- to controls just 3 percent of Iraq and take back the land ISIS claimed as its less than 5 percent of Syria. Its self- caliphate and liberate cities like Mosul, styled “caliph,” Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in Iraq, and Raqqa, in Syria, as well as is believed to be injured and holed up countless smaller cities and villages, somewhere along the lawless border of is largely done. And it has taken less Syria and Iraq. than a year. ISIS remains a danger, as “The leadership team that is in place members who once ruled cities and right now has certainly enabled us to villages like a quasi-government now succeed,” Brig. Gen. Andrew Croft, the live secretly among civilian populations ranking U.S. Air Force officer in Iraq,
told Fox News. “I couldn’t ask for a better leadership team to work for, to enable the military to do what it does best.” President Trump gave a free hand to Mattis, who in May stressed military commanders were no longer being slowed by Washington “decision cycles,” or by the White House micromanaging that existed President Obama. As a result of the new approach, the fall of ISIS in Iraq came even more swiftly than hardened U.S. military leaders expected. “It moved more quickly than at least I had anticipated,” Croft said. “We and the Iraqi Security Forces were able to hunt down and target ISIS leadership, target their command and control.”
Mattis, a US Marine Corps general, said there would be no White House micromanaging on his watch
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WORLD NEWS
Pope singles out Rome’s decay, corruption on traditional feast day ROME Pope Francis lamented the decay and degradation of Rome on Friday, using a traditional prayer on a national feast day to highlight problems such as environmental blight and corruption in the Italian capital. Francis made his comments at the base of Rome’s famed Spanish Steps, where each year popes pay homage to a statue of the Madonna on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Rome has fallen into disrepair and degradation in recent years, with streets full of pot holes, piles of garbage and neglected public gardens where weeds grow as tall as a person. Francis, who is also bishop of Pope Francis leads the Immaculate Conception celebration prayer in Piazza di Spagna Rome, prayed that the residents of the (Spain’s Square) in downtown Rome, Italy, December 8, 2017 city develop “antibodies against some ethical degradation,” “civic incivility,” ring that plundered Rome city coffers viruses of our times”. “contempt for the common good,” and were convicted along with some 40 politicians, officials and businessmen, Those he listed included fear of immigrants. In July, two leaders of a crime at the end of one of the biggest “resignation to environmental and
corruption trials in the Italian capital. Gang members were accused of infiltrating Rome city hall and using bribery and intimidation to get their hands on lucrative public contracts, including those for the running of centers housing immigrants who have flooded into Italy from Africa. On Friday, the pope spoke of the need to help “so many people who have emigrated here from places of war and hunger”. The investigation of the crime ring laid bare systemic corruption in the city as politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen hooked up with lowlife criminals to rig public tenders. The corruption was seen as the one of the causes of the recent disrepair and degradation, which has received widespread cover in the foreign media, blemishing the city’s appeal as a tourist destination.
After mistakenly declaring newborn dead, New Delhi hospital loses license NEW DELHI - The Delhi the capital, we have to be exemplary. they said in a statement. “This will government has canceled the license What happened in this case is compound the shortage of hospital of a private hospital where a newborn unacceptable,” said Delhi health facilities in the National Capital.” minister Satyendar Jain at a press The company added that they will baby was mistakenly declared dead. explore all options available to them. The baby boy was born at conference on Friday. The cancellation applies to An unacceptable case the Max Super Specialty Hospital The baby’s mother had given in Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi, on the Max Hospital in Delhi’s Shalimar November 30 and mistakenly Bagh, which is just one branch of the birth to twins on November 30, but the pronounced dead two hours after birth, private healthcare chain known as girl was declared stillborn. On the way to the cremation the boy’s grandfather, Praveen Malik, Max Healthcare. Current patients will be ground, the family found the boy told CNN. The newborn was then offered the opportunity to move still breathing after noticing “some moved to the Delhi New Born Center, facilities and are allowed to continue movements” inside one of the but unfortunately passed away on their treatment, but the hospital polythene bags containing the babies’ cannot accept new patients, added bodies. Wednesday morning. “When we opened the bag, we Speaking with CNN after the Jain. In response, Max Healthcare found the boy breathing. I was shocked. baby’s death on Wednesday, Malik said the family was devastated. “Our said the ruling was harsh and that I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Malik said final demand with the government, they have not been given adequate in a previous CNN report. The newborn did eventually with the world, is that we need justice,” opportunity to be heard. he said. “We believe that even if there pass away days later at the Delhi New The hospital’s license was is an individual error of judgment, Born Center. Dr. Sandeep Gupta, who was canceled by the Delhi government holding the hospital responsible is unfair and will severely limit the treating the baby at the new facility, Friday. “Delhi is India’s capital and as ability for patients to access treatment,” told CNN the baby was 22-weeks
premature, which meant the risk he may not survive was always there. “We knew from the beginning that he may not survive, but we were trying our best. Had the baby not been exposed for so many hours after his birth, maybe we could have probably prolonged his life longer,” he said. Gupta said the baby died due to multiple organ dysfunction. “He was unable to keep his vitals up.” Max Healthcare fired the two doctors considered responsible earlier this week, but emphasized that the decision to let the doctors go should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt. “We wish to clarify that this action should not presuppose finding of any lapse by the expert group and should not be construed in any way to be anything other than an expression of our continued commitment to providing quality healthcare,” Max Healthcare said Sunday.
NYC mother seeks millions from city after child’s lead poisoning A Brooklyn mother is seeking her two infant sons, Rollins contends. millions from the city after her toddler A city program covered much of the was poisoned while living in a lead- $1,515 monthly rent. infested apartment, the latest charge Rollins complained about the that New York has failed to protect apartment’s conditions, she said – but children from the toxin. the full scope of lead hazards, including Natalia Rollins, a 25-year-old toxic peeling paint around Noah’s mother of two, informed the city this crib, wasn’t detected until after his week of her intent to sue and filed a September lead poisoning diagnosis, separate lawsuit in Brooklyn’s Kings when city health officials swooped in County Supreme Court against her to document the unsafe conditions. Rollins’ claims, filed by her landlord and property managers, filings show. The claims say her son attorney, Reuven Frankel, come as Noah, 2, was exposed to lead paint in a the New York City Housing Authority, NYCHA, is under fire for failing hazardous Coney Island apartment. In 2015, city agencies helped to conduct required annual lead place the formerly homeless family paint inspections in public housing into the privately owned apartment, complexes. The New York Post telling her the dwelling was safe for reported last month that lawsuits
stemming from NYCHA’s inspection code violations. failures could cost the city up to $100 City officials told Reuters they are trying to contact Rollins to help million. Though Rollins doesn’t live in NYCHA her find a new apartment. Meanwhile, housing, her suit alleges official the city’s housing department, HPD, neglect and improper enforcement has fined the Brooklyn landlord nearly of city lead inspection standards in a $15,000 and has stepped in to perform repairs and bill the landlord. private apartment. The 116-year-old building has The report showed that New York hasn’t been policing provisions been on the citywide list of the 200 from a 2004 city code that requires “most distressed” multi-unit dwellings landlords to annually inspect for and for years. Its landlord, Ervin Johnson, abate lead paint hazards in housing is currently ranked number 14 on a built before 1960. city list of the “100 Worst Landlords.” Johnson didn’t respond to a When Reuters visited Rollins’ rental unit last month, the place had request for comment, but the building’s peeling paint, cockroaches, buckling property manager said he recently floors, a broken window and no heat. offered to move Rollins’ family to City records showed 163 open housing another apartment and they declined.
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WORLD NEWS
Strong U.S. job growth in November bolsters economy’s outlook WASHINGTON - U.S. job growth increased at a strong clip in November, painting a portrait of a healthy economy that analysts say does not require the kind of fiscal stimulus that President Donald Trump is proposing, even though wage gains remain moderate. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 228,000 jobs last month amid broad gains in hiring as the distortions from the recent hurricanes faded, Labor Department data showed on Friday. The government revised data for October to show the economy adding 244,000 jobs instead of the previously reported 261,000 positions. November’s report was the first clean reading since the storms, which also impacted September’s employment data. Average hourly earnings rose
five cents or 0.2 percent in November after dipping 0.1 percent the prior month. That lifted the annual increase in wages to 2.5 percent from 2.3 percent in October. Workers also put in more hours last month. The unemployment rate was unchanged at a 17-year low of 4.1 percent amid a rise in the labor force. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls rising by 200,000 jobs last month. The fairly upbeat report underscored the economy’s strength and could fuel criticism of efforts by Trump and his fellow Republicans in the U.S. Congress to slash the corporate income tax rate to 20 percent from 35 percent. “The labor market is in great shape. Tax cuts should be used when the economy needs tax cuts and it
doesn’t need tax cuts right now,” a “bad deal.” said Joel Naroff, chief economist at The economy grew at a 3.3 Naroff Economic Advisors in Holland, percent annualized rate in the third Pennsylvania. “When politics and quarter, the fastest in three years, economics are mixed in the stew, the and appears to have maintained the policies that are created often have a momentum early in the OctoberDecember quarter. very awful smell.” Republicans argue that the The average workweek proposed tax cut package will boost rose to 34.5 hours in November, the the economy and allow companies longest in five months, from 34.4 to hire more workers. But with the hours in October. Aggregate weekly labor market near full employment hours worked surged 0.5 percent last and companies reporting difficulties month after October’s 0.3 percent finding qualified workers, most gain. “A six-minute increase in the economists disagree. Job openings are near a record high. work week does not sound like much, The White House said but given the size of the labor market, the strong jobs report was a sign it turns out to be significant in terms that “Trump’s bold economic vision of output,” said Marc Chandler, continues to pay off.” The Democratic global head of currency strategy at Party, however, said Republicans are Brown Brothers Harriman in New handing working American families York.
Conyers will leave Congress in wake of harassment claims WASHINGTON — Representative John Conyers Jr., who faces allegations that he sexually harassed former employees, announced Tuesday that he will leave Congress immediately, and he endorsed his son, John Conyers III, to replace him. Mr. Conyers, the longestserving current member of the House and the longest-serving African-American in history, called into a local radio show on Tuesday to break the news. “I am retiring today,” Mr. Conyers said from a hospital in Michigan. “I am in the process of putting together my retirement plans. I will have more on that soon.” He continued to deny Representative John Conyers Jr., that he has harassed any of his the Democratic leader, have each former employees and said he did said Mr. Conyers should resign not know where the allegations after a woman who settled a came from. sexual harassment claim against “My legacy can’t be him said on television that the compromised or diminished in congressman had “violated” her any way by what we are going body, repeatedly propositioned through now,” Mr. Conyers her for sex and asked her to said. “This too shall pass. My touch his genitals. Other former legacy will continue through my staff members have since come children.” forward to say he harassed them The decision sets up a or behaved inappropriately. battle within the Conyers family The younger Mr. Conyers for his Detroit-area House seat. said that despite the accusations, Ian Conyers, a Michigan state he believes Michigan voters senator and the grandson of Mr. will reward his family’s work in Conyers’s brother, said he also politics by electing him. plans to run for the seat held by The congressman “still his 88-year-old great-uncle. enjoys healthy support in our “His doctor advised district,” Mr. Conyers said. him that the rigor of another He added, “People are campaign would be too much for ready to support our dean and him just in terms of his health,” to support our family as we Ian Conyers said. continue to fight, as we have The congressman, who for leading up to a century, for took his Michigan seat in the people from Southeast Michigan.” House in 1965, has already He said he believed his greatstepped aside as the top Democrat uncle should have due process on the Judiciary Committee but stopped short of defending amid swirling allegations of him. sexual improprieties. He has “I stand with my uncle in been facing intense pressure to terms of his belief of no specific resign. wrongdoing,” Mr. Conyers said. Speaker Paul D. Ryan “However, those things need to and Representative Nancy Pelosi, have their day in court.”
The state senator, who has been in office for about a year, said he had planned to run for reelection next year for his current statehouse seat but would give up that race to run for his greatuncle’s seat in Washington. “I’m absolutely going to file for his seat. The work of our congressional district, where I come out of, has to continue,” he said. “We have got to have someone who has depth and experience but also historical understanding of what it takes to fight this type of evil in Washington.” The elder Mr. Conyers plans to call into “The Mildred Gaddis Show,” a local radio program, to make the announcement, the younger Mr. Conyers said. His decision comes as several other lawmakers face allegations of inappropriate behavior. Representative Joe Barton, a Republican and the Texas delegation’s most senior House member, announced this week in an interview with The Dallas Morning News that he would not seek re-election after sexually suggestive online messages that he sent to a constituent came to light. Representative Blake Farenthold, Republican of Texas, is also facing pressure after it was revealed last week that he used $84,000 in taxpayer funds to settle a sexual harassment claim with his former communications director, Lauren Greene. She accused him of regularly making comments to gauge her interest in a sexual relationship, including saying he was having “sexual fantasies” about her. And last week, an Ohio Army veteran became the fifth woman to accuse Senator Al Franken, Democrat of Minnesota, of inappropriate touching. Senior House Democrats have also begun calling for Mr. Franken to resign.
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Castile’s girlfriend reaches settlement over police shooting
Diamond Reynolds, the girlfriend of Philando Castile of St. Paul, cries outside the governor’s residence in St. Paul, Minn., on Thursday, July 7, 2016. Castile was shot and killed after a traffic stop by police ST. ANTHONY, Minn. — The Minnesota city that employed a police officer who fatally shot black motorist Philando Castile during a traffic stop last year has reached a settlement with Castile’s girlfriend and her daughter, who were in the car with him when he was killed. The St. Anthony City Council voted Tuesday night to pay $675,000 to Diamond Reynolds and her daughter, who was 4 years old when her father was killed. Reynolds also will receive $125,000 from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust and the city of Roseville, where Reynolds was detained by police and questioned by the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension after the shooting. St. Anthony Mayor Jerry Faust said the settlement resolves any civil litigation against the city and current and former employees and “opens the door to healing.” A statement on the city’s website says the settlement resolves Reynolds’ claims of “emotional distress and false arrest.” Castile was driving in Falcon Heights when Officer Jeronimo Yanez pulled him over and shot him after he said he was armed. Reynolds streamed the shooting’s aftermath live on Facebook. Yanez was acquitted of manslaughter and other charges and left the police department. Reynolds released a statement Tuesday night, saying, “The settlement symbolizes that what happened to my daughter and I on July 6, 2016 was wrong. While no amount of money can change what happened, bring Philando back, or erase the pain that my daughter and I continue to suffer, I do hope that closing this chapter will allow us to get our lives back and move forward.” Castile’s death and the officer’s acquittal sparked weeks of protests. His mother, Valerie Castile, received a $3 million settlement from the city of St. Anthony in June.
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VACANCY- MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR- GRAND TURK Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor FortisTCI, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. Responsible for detailed supervision of subordinate employees, who perform mechanical maintenance work activities at FortisTCI generating facilities. Under the direction of the Director of GDT Operations and/or his designate, the Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor will assist in the installation and maintenance of diesel engines and mechanical auxiliary equipment in a manner that will ensure reliable operation of these assets, as per design specifications. Assign and supervise the day to day activities of assigned staff, enforce safety, discipline, environmental responsibility and ensure that staff utilizes proper techniques in the execution of assigned duties. The Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor must understand and commit to the corporate vision, and successfully gain the support of subordinate employees and implement of that vision. MAIN DUTIES Key Responsibilities: Supervise and mentor a knowledgeable and motivated plant work force. This includes the use of progressive discipline methods when required. Plan weekly maintenance schedules, assign work activity and provide work instructions for Mechanical Technicians based on monthly and annual work plans as directed by Director of GDT Operations and/or his designate. Ensure a high degree of familiarity and profound knowledge of specifications, fundamental operating concepts and operating, required tooling and maintenance manuals and procedures for all plant production assets and equipment. Effectively supervise day to day work of Mechanical Technicians with particular regard to safety, efficiency and functionality of the plant. Evaluate Mechanical Technicians’ performance to ensure quality operations. Efficiently and effectively evaluate all subordinate staff during the performance appraisal processes and mid-year reviews. Conduct on the job training in day to day work with subordinate staff as and when required in carrying out effective preventative and corrective repairs to plant mechanical equipment and other company assets in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specification. Prepare failures analysis report for generation plant equipment and advice Director of GDT Operations and/or his designate in a timely manner when spare parts, tools or other maintenance equipment need to be ordered. Conduct proper job planning for mechanical maintenance work to ensure all spares parts, tools and adequate manpower is available well in advance of works being carried out; ensure adherence to maintenance procedures and submit relevant maintenance reports to Director of GDT Operations. Assist in the preparation of annual work plans and capital maintenance budgets for the mechanical section as assigned and directed. Conduct testing and troubleshooting of plant equipment in mechanical aspects of the plant and train subordinate mechanical personnel to competently perform these functions. As and when required perform the duties of senior mechanical technician in carrying out effective preventative and corrective repairs to plant mechanical equipment and other company assets in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specification. Be familiar with and adhere to all Company policies and procedures (including those established by past practice) relating to the position and to observe and enforce compliance of subordinate employees to these policies and procedures.
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
Plan and conduct work in a manner consistent with the company’s commitment to the environment and ensure that subordinate employees are likewise in compliance. Be familiar with and adhere to the safety and operating procedures of the company and ensure that all personnel in the department follow these procedures. Maintain and ensure the accuracy of statistical records of plant operations and maintenance activities as required by the company. Provide calm and competent leadership in response to plant emergencies in a manner that inspires others to do likewise. Be professional in dress and demeanor as befits the position of management personnel and ensure that a good public image of FortisTCI is maintained at all times. Perform other duties as may be assigned and/or required by Plant Operations contingencies from time to time. DUTIES Prepare weekly, monthly and annual maintenance schedules and provide work instructions. Prepare job plans for maintenance work, submit maintenance reports and detailed failure analysis reports. Execute preventative and corrective maintenance to ensure high equipment availability. Any other related duty as assigned from time to time by Plant Production Manager. ACADEMIC/TECHNICAL/MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATIONS Diploma in Mechanical Technology-Power option (3 year programs) or Technical certification in the trades equivalent to the City and Guilds of London Institute Extensive experience trouble shooting Caterpillar Generator sets 15 to 20 years’ experience in operations, installation and maintenance of rotating machinery in a power plant operations setting. A minimum of 5 years’ experience at a supervisory level in a power plant setting. A high degree of familiarity and competence in diesel engine theory and operations, extensive experience trouble shooting Caterpillar generator sets and rotary equipment; mechanical repair tooling and the ability to train others. Familiarity with and competency in the use of computers and standard computing software programs. Abilities/Skills/Experience Above average analytical skills in math and electrical theories Excellence in interpretation of engineering drawings and manuals Professional competency in written and oral communication skills in English Good man management and communication skills. Experience in working under utility emergency response condition Experience in installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of large generation units. Ability to function effectively under emergency situations and thinks clearly and effective and deliver within deadlines and to work under pressure Self-motivated, solution oriented and positive in outlook Team player Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is Tuesday December 19, 2017 to: Mr. Avi Adams Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com and aadams@fortistci.com
DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
VACANCY- SUBSTATION TECHNICIAN I Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Substation Techncian I FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Description The Substation Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient maintenance and operation of substations. Accountable to a Supervisory level technician for all substation maintenance, training and operation functions. The Substation Technician III will perform maintenance and install medium voltage equipment and electrical controls substation at the Power Plant and at Substations in a sound technical manner to ensure the reliable operation and functionality of equipment, as per design specifications. Main Duties Performs power quality measurements and analysis on the transmission and Distribution Network. Installation and maintenance of transmission and distribution devices and equipment. Maintains and repairs substation equipment including power transformers, load tap changers, potential transformers, current transformers, high voltage circuit breakers and switchgear, battery and charger systems, and all control equipment used 0 in substations. Installs, maintains and, electromechanical and microprocessor based fiber optic cable and network equipment and capacitor control equipment. Utilizes computers extensively in the testing of relays, recording of records and information, processor controlled relays. Changes and updates drawings to reflect as-built changes to schematics and wiring diagrams. Pulls cables and terminates wiring following wiring diagrams. Tests, repairs and calibrates protective relays. Takes readings on substation equipment and checks to ensure proper operation and calibration; Performs preventive maintenance. Maintains and repairs high voltage regulators, capacitor controls, emergency generators and street lighting controls. Installs and tests primary and secondary metering installations. Solves technical problems relating to voltage and distribution transformer installation. Assists the operations and maintenance staff at the power plant, with technical problems. Maintains telemetering equipment at power plant and substations. Works on energized secondary voltage lines up to 600 volts and repairs and operates manual disconnect switches on all voltages of transmission lines and busses up to 35,000 volts. Meets with customers and resolves any problems relating to voltage, radio interference and billing concerns. Takes oil samples of substation equipment and runs tests for contaminates and filters oil if necessary. Tests all new distribution transformers for loss evaluation. Maintains records on all maintenance and technical services provided. Sandblasts and spray paints substation equipment including power transformers, high voltage circuit breakers and switchgear. Utilizes aerial equipment when necessary to perform the above tasks; Climbs ladders and works on top and inside of power transformers in confined spaces; Utilizes electronic test equipment to resolve power quality problems. Performs related duties as needed or assigned. Drives company vehicles when required, take charge of any tools, materials and safety equipment, or vehicle assigned to the crew and report all vehicular and other accidents,
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incidents and damages or injuries. Carries out work on live apparatus, conductors or equipment up to 600V as required in accordance with appropriate safety rules. Performs other job-related duties assigned by the Supervisor or his designate from time to time. ACADEMIC/TECHNICAL/MANAGEMENT: EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of 2 year in a post-secondary education program, preferably in engineering trades with an emphasis on electrical technology. Have completed the EDA Metering Technicians course and a minimum of 2 years field experience Six (6) years of combined education and experience in the electrical and electronic field. This would consist of: o (b) Four (4) years of practical experience and/or be able to demonstrate knowledge in maintenance of industrial electrical- electromechanical -electronic control equipment which must include: o (c) One (1) year and/or the equivalent knowledge of electric power substation apparatus maintenance experience involving testing of power transformers, testing and repairing of power circuit breakers and electrical insulation system testing and repair. o (d) Three (3) years and/or the equivalent knowledge of practical experience in testing, calibrating and repairing protective relay devices and revenue meters; DAILY DUTIES As indicated in weekly plan developed by Supervisor As may arise due to equipment operating abnormalities As assigned by Supervisor from time to time. ABILITIES; SKILLS; EXPERIENCE; APTITUDE AND JUDGMENT: Must be capable of satisfactorily interpreting electrical schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams and control logic. Possess a considerable degree of skill to perform work by following standard method of procedure. Be able to exercise judgment in frequently making decisions. Have good health and physical ability adequate for strenuous work. Have thorough knowledge of the practices used in the electric power industry. Be capable of applying artificial respiration and be able to render practical first aid. Be willing and able to work extra and irregular hours as the utility needs may require, and willing to work under unusual or special working conditions; storms, extreme temperatures, winds, darkness, etc. Certified to perform work according to FortisTCI Energy Control Procedures Familiarity with and competency in the use of computers and standard computing software programs. Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is Friday December `5th 2017. Avi Adams Manager Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com and aadams@fortistci.com
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DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 16TH, 2017
BUSINESS &
TECHNOLOGY
Instagram testing standalone Direct messaging app Facebook Inc’s Instagram said it was testing a standalone messaging app called Direct, making it the company’s third chat tool alongside its hugely popular WhatsApp and Messenger. The move is similar to what Facebook did with its private messaging feature in
2014. “With hundreds of millions of people using Instagram Direct, today we’re announcing a test of a standalone Direct app. It’s fast, visual and super fun. Only in six countries to start but can’t wait for you all to try it.” Instagram’s vice president
of product, Kevin Weil, said in a tweet. The Instagram Direct app will be available starting Thursday on Android and iOS in Chile, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, and Uruguay, according to technology news website the Verge.
Uber paid Florida man to keep data breach secret SAN FRANCISCO/ WASHINGTON - A 20-year-old Florida man was responsible for the large data breach at Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] last year and was paid by Uber to destroy the data through a so-called “bug bounty” program normally used to identify small code vulnerabilities, three people familiar with the events have told Reuters. Uber announced on Nov. 21 that the personal data of 57 million users, including 600,000 drivers in the United States, were stolen in a breach that occurred in October 2016, and that it paid the hacker $100,000 to destroy the information. But the company did not reveal any information about the hacker or how it paid him the money. Uber made the payment last year through a program designed to reward security researchers who report flaws in a company’s software, these people said. Uber’s bug bounty service as such a program is known in the industry - is hosted by a company called HackerOne, which offers its platform to a number of tech companies. Reuters was unable to establish the identity of the hacker or another person who sources said helped him. Uber spokesman Matt Kallman declined to comment on the matter. Newly appointed Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi fired two of Uber’s top security officials when he announced the breach last month, saying the incident should have been disclosed to regulators at the time it was discovered, about a year before. It remains unclear who made the final decision to authorize the payment to the hacker and to keep the breach secret, though the sources said
then-CEO Travis Kalanick was aware of the breach and bug bounty payment in November of last year. Kalanick, who stepped down as Uber CEO in June, declined to comment on the matter, according to his spokesman. A payment of $100,000 through a bug bounty program would be extremely unusual, with one former HackerOne executive saying it would represent an “all-time record.” Security professionals said rewarding a hacker who had stolen data also would be well outside the normal rules of a bounty program, where payments are typically in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. HackerOne hosts Uber’s bug bounty program but does not manage it, and plays no role in deciding whether payouts are appropriate or how large they should be. HackerOne CEO Marten Mickos said he could not discuss an individual customer’s programs. “In all cases when a bug bounty award is processed through HackerOne, we receive identifying information of the recipient in the form of an IRS W-9 or W-8BEN form before payment of the award can be made,” he said, referring to U.S. Internal Revenue Service forms. According to two of the sources, Uber made the payment to confirm the hacker’s identity and have him sign a nondisclosure agreement to deter further wrongdoing. Uber also conducted a forensic analysis of the hacker’s machine to make sure the data had been purged, the sources said. One source described the hacker as “living with his mom in a small home trying to help pay the bills,” adding that members of Uber’s security team did not want to pursue prosecution of an
individual who did not appear to pose a further threat. The Florida hacker paid a second person for services that involved accessing GitHub, a site widely used by programmers to store their code, to obtain credentials for access to Uber data stored elsewhere, one of the sources said. GitHub said the attack did not involve a failure of its security systems. “Our recommendation is to never store access tokens, passwords, or other authentication or encryption keys in the code,” that company said in a statement. ‘SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS’
Uber received an email last year from an anonymous person demanding money in exchange for user data, and the message was forwarded to the company’s bug bounty team in what was described as Uber’s routine practice for such solicitations, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Bug bounty programs are designed mainly to give security researchers an incentive to report weaknesses they uncover in a company’s software. But complicated scenarios can emerge when dealing with hackers who obtain information illegally or seek a ransom. Some companies choose not to report more aggressive intrusions to authorities on the grounds that it can be easier and more effective to negotiate directly with hackers in order to limit any harm to customers. Uber’s $100,000 payout and silence on the matter at the time was extraordinary under such a program, according to Luta Security founder Katie Moussouris, a former HackerOne executive.
Ford to test new self-driving vehicle technology in 2018 DETROIT - Ford Motor Co will begin testing its latest self-driving vehicle technology next year in at least one city but has not changed its plan to begin commercial production until 2021, the company said. GM unveiled plans last week to introduce its own on-demand ride-sharing service in several U.S. cities in 2019, using self-driving versions of the battery-powered Chevrolet Bolt. Ford is shifting production of a future battery electric vehicle to Mexico to free up capacity at its Flat Rock, Michigan, plant to build the self-driving vehicles in 2021, according to spokesman Alan Hall. The electric vehicle, whose moreadvanced battery system will enable a driving range of more than 300 miles, will go into production in 2020 at Ford’s Cuatitlan plant, which suppliers say will also build a new hybrid crossover vehicle around the same time. At the Flat Rock plant, Ford is boosting investment to $900 million from $700 million and adding 850 jobs. Both the 2020 electric and the 2021 selfdriving vehicles will draw on the next-generation Ford Focus for some of their underbody structure and components while using different propulsion systems. Unlike the full electric vehicle from Cuatitlan, the self-driving vehicle from Flat Rock will use a hybrid system with a gasoline engine and an electric motor, Hall said.
Amazon Echo expands to 28 more countries
The Amazon Echo is coming to 28 more countries and so is Amazon’s music streaming service. The service is called Amazon Music Unlimited, and it offers a little over 40 million songs and thousands of playlists and stations. The countries that the service and Amazon Echo are now coming to include Belgium, Bulgaria, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, and more. Commands like “Alexa, play music” work on voice assistant-enabled devices, and Alexa can generate personalized stations built with data from machine learning. The service plays on the Amazon Music app on iOS, Android, desktop, and Fire TV. Amazon Music Unlimited has three plan options: the Echo plan, which lets you listen on a single device; the Individual plan, which lets you add up to 10 devices; and the Family plan, where six people can stream in the same household. Amazon Echo has been expanding to a number of countries this year, including Canada and India.
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New design will reportedly give next year’s iPhone X successors even better battery life Battery life has long been a point of contention amongst iPhone owners. Whereas Apple designers have seemingly been obsessed with making successive iPhone models as thin as possible, countless surveys have revealed that the vast majority of iPhone owners would be more than happy to sacrifice a bit of thinness for an improvement in battery life. And though battery life has certainly improved steadily over time for basic use-case scenarios, the harsh reality is that battery technology simply hasn’t been able to keep up with the myriad of ways in which users today put their devices through the ringer. Not to fear, Apple’s 2018 iPhone lineup may offer us the best iPhoneX of both worlds — impressively thin Specifically, Kuo relays that devices with equally impressive battery the battery on Apple’s next-gen 5.-8life. According to a new research report inch iPhone X will sport a 2-cell battery from reputed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo design with a capacity in the range of (and obtained by Mac Rumors), rumor 2,900 mAh and 3,000 mAH. By way of has it that all of Apple’s upcoming contrast, the battery on the current iPhone models will feature more iPhone X has a capacity of 2,716 mAh. powerful batteries, with Apple’s OLED- As for other iPhones in Apple’s 2018 based models said to take advantage of lineup, you might recall that Apple will an L-shaped battery design. reportedly introduce a 6.5-inch version
of the iPhone X alongside a 6.1-inch iPhone with an edgeless LCD display. These models, Kuo notes, may feature battery capacities as high as 3,400 mAh and 2,950 mAh, respectively. Notably, Kuo adds that the decision to boost battery capacity across the board stems from the TrueDepth camera system that Apple debuted on this year’s iPhone X. The TrueDepth
camera system, which powers features like Face ID, will reportedly be used on all new iPhone models next year. Of course, more powerful batteries represent only one part of the battery life equation. Just a few weeks ago, for example, a report surfaced indicating that Apple has been busy working on a new power management chip to be used in future iPhone models, perhaps as early as 2018. “Apple’s new in-house power management chip would be the most advanced in the industry and could have processing capabilities that allow it to better monitor and control power consumption among various components,” Nikkei reported late last month. “That means iPhone users could expect devices capable of delivering better performance on lower power consumption.” For as much as tech pundits like to proclaim that we’ve reached peak iPhone, the reality is that Apple is continuously working on ways to improve the user experience across the board.
Delta is jacking up its baggage fee price to $60 for basic economy passengers on certain flights Delta Air Lines updated its basic economy travel policy with the addition of a new checked baggage fee. If you are flying Delta basic economy between the US and Europe or North Africa, it will cost $60 to check your first bag and $100 for the second bag. The new fee applies only to tickets purchased after December 6 for flights on or after April 10, 2018. Before the change, basic economy passengers were afforded one free checked bag on these flights, the same as Delta’s main cabin passengers. Basic economy passengers traveling before April 10 will still get the free checked bag. “Delta will introduce a basic economy checked bag fee for trans-Atlantic routes
only to align with similar basic fare products in the market. Domestic basic economy bag policy is not changing,” a Delta representative told Business Insider. Basic economy is a new phenomenon that has only recently become pervasive in the airline industry. The fare class is targeted at a specific band of customers for whom price is the top priority and would normally turn to low-cost carriers for air travel. In the US, ultralow-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier have grown considerably in recent years while international LCCs like Norwegian Air and WOW Air have also made their presence felt.
By unbundling its traditional main cabin, legacy airlines like Delta are in a more competitive position to take on the growing threat of low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers in the US and abroad. Delta’s basic economy passengers do not get seat assignments in advance, are not eligible for upgrades, and cannot receive refunds. In fact, Delta’s new fees are similar to the checked bag charges customary on international low-cost carriers like Norwegian and WOW. However, it should be noted that basic economy passengers receive the same service and amenities as all main cabin passengers once on board the flight.
Delta Airlines economy cabin
Seattle crook behind $120M Ponzi scheme missing from prison Frederick Darren Berg, the $120 million during the decade- crime in 1987, when he launched – biggest fraud in Washington state long fraud. In practice, it meant and was caught in – a check-kiting history, is once again a wanted man. retirements delayed, homes lost and scheme. Berg was also alleged to have embezzled thousands of dollars from a Berg, 55, disappeared faith shaken. Wednesday from a California federal “Many of Mr. Berg’s victims University of Oregon fraternity. He dropped out of college prison, where he was serving an 18- will be forced to make significant year prison term imposed in 2012. changes to their lifestyle … such around the same time. Berg, despite Berg stole about $120 million from as foregoing retirement, taking his criminal history and educational investors through a Ponzi scheme that additional jobs to support their failure, was able to cobble together a enabled him to live a life of luxury. children’s education and selling their career in business that ultimately saw Prior to his disappearance, homes,” Assistant U.S. Attorney him launch a legitimate mortgage Berg was incarcerated at U.S. Norman Barbosa said in 2012. “Others investment firm. Trading on that Penitentiary Atwater’s Satellite are likely to be forced into bankruptcy reputation, Berg started swindling Prison Camp. Located outside and may also lose their homes because investors in 2001. of Merced, Atwater houses 1,265 of the financial devastation Mr. Berg’s Berg launched the investment firm – later known as Meridian Group inmates sits in California’s central fraud has caused.” valley. Schemes like Berg’s have – with three friends after moving Bureau of Prisons and U.S. been snaring American investors to Seattle in 1987. Berg’s looting of Marshals Service investigators for at least a century. Berg’s victims the investment fund forced it into were searching for him Thursday, joined the thousands of others caught bankruptcy in June 2010. Ostensibly, Berg’s business the Merced Sun-Star reported. up in similar schemes operated by Authorities are asking anyone with Bernie Madoff, Charles Ponzi – the dealt in was seller-financed real estate information on his whereabouts to 1920s crook for whom the scam is mortgages – home or commercial contact the Marshals Service at 559- named – and the countless confidence property loans made by the owner to a buyer, who would otherwise 487-5600. men in between. Though not violent, Berg’s Keep reading for more on Berg. have to secure a mortgage through an outside lender. Berg’s investment history shows him to be a predator. A life of crime On paper, Berg’s victims lost at least Berg started in white collar funds would buy the seller’s stake in
a property – paying a lump sum less than what the buyer would pay over time – and begin receiving mortgage payments from the property’s buyer. Meridian Group continued to operate in the seller-financed real estate market through the 1990s. The firm itself bounced between lenders while making its money brokering loans until 2001, when Berg came up with a plan to raise capital through a series of investment funds. In January 2001, Berg began soliciting investments, telling wouldbe investors their money would be used to buy seller-financed real estate contracts and fund short-term loans backed by money or property. Borrower payments were to form the return to investors. The loosening of lending rules that led to the 2008 mortgage crisis – and the Great Recession – dried up the sell-financed real estate market Berg intended to dive into. Home builders and buyers who would have had to turn to firms like his found willing lenders in the banks.
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Drew Brees against Thursday night games
ATLANTA -- Quarterback Drew Brees joined the loud chorus of NFL players railing against playing Thursday night games after his New Orleans Saints lost six players to injuries during a 20-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. “It’s 100 percent a product of playing on Thursday night,” Brees said. “Do you understand what guys’ bodies go through in a game? And then to have to turn around four days later and to play? Look at the injury studies: They’re off the charts. They’re off the charts. So is this smart as it pertains to guys’ health and safety? No, absolutely not.” For years, players around the league have been critical about playing with just three days of rest between games. Last month, Seattle Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin said Thursday night football should be “illegal” after his team suffered a barrage of injuries, including cornerback Richard Sherman’s torn Achilles. In this latest Thursday game, Saints running back Alvin Kamara and guard Senio Kelemete left the game with concussions; linebacker A.J. Klein and safety Kenny Vaccaro left early with groin injuries; defensive end Trey Hendricksonleft with an ankle injury and receiver Ted Ginn Jr. left with an unspecified injury late in the game.
Four other Saints players left briefly with injuries but returned to the game. “I can sit here and tell you that no player likes putting himself at risk on four days’ rest, to come and put their bodies through what they put them through in a game,” Brees said. “So you hope that it’s addressed [this offseason], you hope that it’s talked about and you hope that something is done about it. “When you see guys go down, when you lose guys for what you think is unnecessary just because you put ‘em at a much higher risk in such a quick turnaround, that gets you upset.” Brees, who was a longtime players’ union leader, was asked if he plans to use his standing to speak up Drew Brees on the issue. “Anyway, credit Atlanta. They “Yeah, absolutely,” Brees said. came back, showed some heart, got a “And it’ll be addressed.” big win and it was disappointing for Brees wasn’t the only Thursday us,” said Payton, who credited his team critic. Coach Sean Payton hinted at -- especially the defense -- for fighting his frustration by throwing an injury so hard despite all the obstacles on and question back at the room of reporters. off the field. Other players chimed in, “What do you guys think? Seriously, too, including Vaccaro, who said his speak up,” Payton said. “What do body didn’t have time to recover from you guys think? Why do you think the scar tissue being broken up from there were so many injuries tonight? the pre-existing adductor injury this Anyone?” past Sunday. Payton just sighed when “Your body’s just not back,” someone suggested the short week as Vaccaro said. “Muscle injuries, the reason. especially soft-tissue injuries, come
from fatigue, and when you’re playing that close after a game on Thursday, chances are higher.” Payton’s frustration spilled over onto the field Thursday from both the injuries and penalties that mounted against his team throughout the night. The Saints were flagged 11 times for 87 yards, including the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that Payton himself drew for yelling at officials on the field in the final minutes while Atlanta was running out the clock. “I called a timeout, and then he asked me again, and I said, ‘I’ve already called the timeout.’ I probably said it with a little more oomph or vigor than I was supposed to, but I had enough. I gotta be smarter than that,” Payton said. Payton was also particularly upset about an alignment penalty that wiped out a Saints field goal before halftime -- when he said it’s normal protocol to give a player a warning in that situation, especially since it was a backup who had just recently entered the game (because of injury). “It was just one of those games. Listen, I’ve never seen anything like it. I’ve never been a part of a game like that,” Payton said, specifically referencing the flags thrown. “And it was frustrating. But our guys, we’ll bounce back.”
Derrick Rose says he might need surgery for bone spur in left ankle INDIANAPOLIS -- Derrick Rose says he has a bone spur in his left ankle and acknowledged that he might need to undergo a procedure to correct it should his rehabilitation program not take, the Cleveland Cavaliers guard revealed at shootaround Friday. Speaking to the media for the first time since rejoining the Cavs earlier this week, Rose appeared in good spirits as the Cavs took the court to prepare for Friday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers. “I would like to say thanks to the whole franchise -- [GM] Koby [Altman], the front office, the players, the coaches, the coaching staff -- I’d like to say thank you for allowing me my privacy to keep my right state of mind and to keep my happiness,” Rose said. Rose said his top priority is to attack his rehab now that he’s back in the fold. “I got to go through rehab with trying to get my ankle right,” Rose said. “I got a bone spur that I didn’t tell anybody, but I was just trying to process all that myself.”
AbdulJabbar urges athletes to continue political protests
$80 million remaining on his Adidas contract, which he was in jeopardy of losing should he have decided to walk away from the NBA for good, was not his motivating factor in his return. “Man, I don’t care about -- not to be rude -- I don’t care about no f--ing money,” Rose said. “It’s not about that. I’ve saved up enough money. It’s not about that. If I wanted to leave, I would have left. Like I said, coming back here, starting with rehab, that’s my first step. Keeping it simple and just giving my team support and then I’ll see what I see off the court.” He also refuted a reporter who Derrick Rose asked whether he requested a trade “It’s all about first getting during his absence. “No, no, no, no, no, the area to calm down and then no. Trade? No,” Rose said. “Come on, strengthening your leg back up again,” man. I’m on one of the best teams in the Rose said. “So, afterwards, we may league? Why would I ask to get traded? have to have a procedure but who They gave me every opportunity and still are going to give me every knows.” Rose declined to answer how opportunity that I would want from close he was to retirement during any other team, too, and that’s just to his nearly two-week absence from hoop. I just want to hoop.” Rose confirmed an ESPN report the Cavs, nor would he disclose his whereabouts during that time. He was that he apologized to his teammates on adamant, however, that the reported Wednesday before shootaround and
LOS ANGELES - NBA Hall of a political activist since his college days and Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says is currently raising awareness about the NFL players and other professional athletes fight against cancer. should continue their protests against ”They should continue to speak police brutality in the United States and about the issues that are of concern to has rejected the notion that speaking out is them and use their power peacefully and in any way unpatriotic. effectively to change this situation. The six-time NBA champion said “This is a real issue for black protests in the NFL, where players have Americans. The protests against it have a sat, knelt or locked arms during the pre- legitimate place in what the traditions of game playing of the national anthem, were our country are all about.” creating a useful dialogue around long- Abdul-Jabbar is as well known for neglected issue of race. his political activism as for the unstoppable “I think it’s going in a good ‘skyhook’ which led him to become the direction,” said Abdul-Jabbar, who has been NBA’s all-time leading scorer in a career
pledged to support the Cavs during his rehabilitation process. “I was just figuring things out,” Rose said. “Thinking about this and that. But I’m here for my team. I’m here to win. And that’s one of the reasons why I came back.” Rose has missed 18 of the Cavs’ 25 games this season -- including the past 14 straight -- because of a sprained ankle that he suffered on Oct. 20. The 2011 NBA MVP said he kept track of the Cavs’ franchise record-tying 13-game win streak from afar. “It was good,” Rose said. “It was good. That was the only thing that was keeping my mind clear, you know, that we were winning, playing good basketball and we got back on track.” Whenever Rose does return, he will likely no longer have his spot as the Cavs’ starting point guard available to him. Injured guard Isaiah Thomas, who’s yet to play this season because of a right hip injury, is expected to be back on the court by the end of December. Rose says a potential role change does not concern him.
spent mostly with the Los Angeles Lakers. He boycotted the Olympics to protest against racial inequality as a student athlete in 1968, the same year he changed his name from Lew Alcindor after converting to Islam. Now 70, he rejected the notion that today’s protests were in any way disrespectful to the flag or the military, as U.S. President Donald Trump has said. “These are peaceful protests that are raising awareness of something that is of grave concern,” he said. “People like the president of the United States don’t want to admit there is an issue.”
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Bolt overwhelmed by unveiling of statue where it all began KINGSTON - Multiple Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt has described the unveiling of his statue in front of Kingston’s National Stadium as one of the greatest moments of his career. The statue, commissioned by the Jamaican government and revealed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, stands in front of the place where 15 years ago Bolt won the junior championships to announce himself to the world. “For me this is up there, it can’t be doubted that this is one of the greatest moments in my career,” Bolt told Reuters after the unveiling on Sunday. “Having a statue in the National Stadium where it all began; there are no words, I am just happy and really excited about this.” The statue was sculpted by Jamaican artist Basil Watson and features the 31-year-old in his trademark ‘lightning bolt’ pose, seen many times over the years as he set world records in the 100 and 200 meters, winning 11 world and eight Olympic golds. “It was all worth it: the losses, the injuries, everything I’ve been through, it’s all worth it,” said Bolt, who signed off his stellar career with bronze in the
Olympic champion Usain Bolt (C) and his girlfriend Kasi Bennett (2nd R) attend a ceremony for the unveiling of Bolt’s statue at the Statue Park at the National Stadium, in Kingston, Jamaica December 3, 2017 100m at the world championships in London earlier this year. “It’s a wonderful thing to look back and see what your career has brought you. I‘m very happy and proud of myself for the work. It’s just a good time and I am in a good place.” Holness has previously said that Bolt’s performances over the years has elevated the status of Jamaican sport. “I have always aimed to make my country proud and to put my country in the best light possible so for the Prime Minster to say that it showed that my work paid off and it’s something that I am happy about,” Bolt added. “In any way that I can continue doing that, it would be great.” Bolt was stripped of one of his nine Olympic gold medals
when his former 4x100m relay team mate Nesta Carter retroactively tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexanamine at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Carter has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the decision resulting from the doping test. Bolt, the only sprinter to win the 100m, 200m and 4x100 relay titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, 2016) until Carter’s test result, was not losing any sleep over the medal missing from his glittering collection. “I haven’t really been following it (the appeal). I‘m just waiting on the time for them to say what is what. I‘m just focusing on Usain Bolt poses after the unveiling of his statue at which direction I want my career the Statue Park at the National Stadium, in Kingston, to go,” he said. Jamaica December 3, 2017
Tiger Woods still a major threat The show that Tiger Woods put on last week in his latest comeback from injury was enough to convince a pair of major winners that he may still be able to triumph in golf’s blue riband events. Woods swung freely and with no sign of back pain at the Hero World Challenge, finishing tied for ninth in the 18-man exhibition which featured eight of the world’s top 10 golfers. Mark Calcavecchia saw enough to know it would be foolish to write off the former world number one. “His name is Tiger Woods after all. You don’t just forget that he has won 14 majors and 79 (PGA Tour) tournaments,” the former British Open winner told a conference call to promote the Diamond Resorts Invitational. “I watched most of last week and I was very impressed with a lot of things. He’s going at it full speed, he’s certainly not holding back trying to protect what we all thought was still going to be a tender back.” Following spinal fusion surgery and a lengthy layoff, Woods arrived at the Bahamas event ranked 1,199th but after posting a 31 on his opening nine holes, his odds to win the U.S. Masters in April dropped to 151, according to one Las Vegas bookmaker. In August, he had opened
FILE PHOTO: December 3, 2017; New Providence, The Bahamas; Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the Hero World Challenge golf tournament at Albany. at 100-1 odds to win the year’s major.” first major. Woods will turn 42 on Dec. Calcavecchia said Woods, 30 and the competition he faces who remains four majors behind from the game’s younger players Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18, is deeper than in his prime. would be well served to play in But just as Nicklaus came more events than usual to get into out of nowhere to win the 1986 a groove. Masters at the age of 46, Janzen While Woods drove the felt the same could be in store for ball as well as he had in a decade, Woods. he was rusty when it came to “That is the biggest chipping, but that was no concern question, can he win a major now for twice U.S. Open winner Lee because he is playing against a Janzen. bunch of Tiger clones, basically,” “Tiger Woods has a he said. variable that is unmeasurable ”All these young guys are that you can never count him out,” playing like he used to play and it said Janzen. isn’t just one of them. ”He always has in his ”So he has to beat the pocket somewhere the ability to do younger version of himself now something dramatic and to pull off and there’s a handful of them, at the right shot at the right time. least. “His putting looked really “But just like Jack good. But if he regains that touch Nicklaus, when they tried to write with chipping I would be surprised him off he showed everybody that if he wasn’t in contention in a he wasn’t done yet.”
U.S. gymnastics team doctor sentenced to 60 years for child pornography A federal judge on Thursday sentenced Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor accused of sexually assaulting gymnasts, to 60 years in prison on federal child pornography charges that grew out of a sex abuse investigation. U.S. District Judge Janet Neff in Grand Rapids, Michigan handed down the sentence sought by prosecutors, who said there was a link between Nassar’s child pornography and his “prolific molestation of children,” according to court documents. “He has demonstrated that he should never again have access to children,” Neff said according to the Lansing State Journal. Nassar’s attorney, Matt Newburg, said he was “devastated” and remorseful, according to a State Journal video. Nassar, 54, pleaded guilty in July to possessing thousands of images and videos of child pornography depicting children as young as infants between 2003 and 2016. Nassar is also set to be sentenced in January in two Michigan courts after pleading guilty to additional counts of criminal sexual conduct related to allegations he assaulted girls under the guise of medical treatment. At that hearing, all of the more than 120 victims or their parents will be allowed to give impact statements. Nassar is likely to spend the remainder of his life in prison. 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. “He abused my trust, he abused my body and he left scars on my psyche that may never go away,” Olympic gold medalist McKayla Maroney said in a victim statement submitted to Neff. Nassar’s attorneys had asked the federal judge for leniency, arguing Nassar had helped fellow inmates and taken Bible classes since his arrest nearly a year ago, the State Journal said.
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