VOLUME 14 ISSUE 01

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

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VOLUME 14 - NO. 01

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PNP & PDM CLASH OVER PRIVATE BEACH ISSUE

By Todeline Defralien

A

racist rant by a white expatriate protesting against locals using the beach in front of his beach-front property in Taylor Bay, Providenciales, has sparked national outrage and heated debate about private beaches, and ignited a verbal clash and blamegame between the two main political parties in the Turks and Caicos Islands on the subject.

The controversy stems from a cell-phone video captured by young, local designer and restaurant owner Wellington Williams with the barebacked home-owner claiming that locals were trespassing on his property, and Williams adamantly stating that they were not.

In the clip, which went viral on social media, the man says: “My name is Don Paradiso you see that gate? I own 40ft and 100 feet I will charge you for trespassing, you are on my property, this is my property.”

Williams said, “We are now at Taylor Bay and this guy along with the other security guard are telling us that we cannot be on the beach. If we don’t get our a** of this beach they will charge us for trespassing, this is not your property. That is your property (As he shows Mr. Paradiso house), I don’t care I’ll go crazy, I live here I am not on your property ok whatever you need to do you do it. We’re not bothering you.”

There are no private beaches in Turks and Caicos Islands, although some owners in the disputed area and other locations around the island of Providenciales have been advertising private beaches in their quest to attract high-end visitors in search of privacy.

The beach is question, Taylor Bay, is frequented by tourists and locals who must access it by way of a narrow road that is privately owned.

It is near a huge plot of land which was once owned by the late media celebrity, Dick Clarke, but has since been purchased by Lord Michael Ashcroft.

Hon. Doug Parnell, chairman of the ruling People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) said Opposition

THANK YOU

ENID CAPRON STUDENTS RECEIVE 50 COMPUTERS FROM HOTEL AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Photo By: Todeline Defralien

T

he Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) reaffirmed its commitment to making a positive difference in the community this week, through a major presentation to the Enid Capron Primary School (ECPS), thanks to its partnership with Island Destinations Travel Group Foundation.

The Foundation donated 50 computers to the lab at

Enid Capron Primary School, along with gifts for each of the school’s 641 students.

This auspicious occasion and presentation took place on Friday January 5th at the school’s compound in Five Cays. TCHTA Board Members also distributed breakfast to all students.

Pictured here from left to right are: Todd Foss VP of TCHTA,

Leader Hon. Doug Parnell and his head first into a revolution on the Progressive National Party (PNP) beach at Taylor Bay at the call of “cannot try to disguise their history in his younger brother (former Premier the affairs” of Silly Creek and Taylor Michael Misick). The sibling rivalry is Bay. well alive in the PNP.”

“ It is of their own Parnell added: “We take note manufacturing which when we fast too of the call by Mr. Michael Misick to forward the clock to 2018 from their take back the beach he choked off from 1991-1995 decision making we see a us poor Turks and Caicos Islanders and young Turks and Caicos Islander being ask him to tell the truth to the people. choked off from some of the remaining He should clear his name of the wrong beaches because of their decision 23 doing he has inflicted on the good years ago to sell off choice pieces of people of the TCI while sitting in office crown land. In fact, what is comical is from his many decisions which are not that Mr. Misick’s....press conference before the court.” was a political volley attempt at the The PDM chairman continued: young people who he fears will rush “The people want access to their

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

Nikheel Advani President of TCHTA, Trem Quinlen –Treasurer, Stacy Cox CEO of TCHTA, Laurie Palumbo CEO Island Destinations, Hon. Karen Malcolm Minister of Education, Youth Sports and Library Services, Padu Padmanaban CFO Island Destinations, Karen Whitt and Lorraine Kenlock Board Members TCHTA, Alex Sharpe President Signature Travel Network.

Beaches. In fact, the latest selling of beach access in this country took place not too long ago under a Rufus Ewing led PNP Government. Our Leader and Premier is correct when she says, “we are constantly bogged down by having to fix and clean up PNP mess”. In the end what is most noteworthy is that in the first week of 2018 we now see a desperate and power hungry group of individuals fielded from within the PNP making major accusations against Government Ministers and the Premier. It’s as if they smell blood, but they really should look down at their feet because that blood is from a shot in the foot.”

Continued on Page 2

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

PNP & PDM CLASH OVER PRIVATE BEACH ISSUE

Continued from Page 1

Meantime, in a press Bay Beach and the adjacent beach statement, the Opposition Leader said assess: he was taken to task by the Chairman •October 17, 1984 parcels of the PDM because he “had the 60400/9 & 10 are transferred from the audacity to demonstrate leadership Crown to Clearwater Holdings Ltd. where his party has failed to do so”. (a company owned jointly by foreign

Misick added: “ My and local developers in return for intervention focused on the history the construction of road works in the of the development of the entire Bight. area know as Chalk Sound including •September 5, 1989 the fact that it was under my Worldwide Hotel Holdings Ltd. has a administration that Belongers were caution registered as purchaser given the opportunity to take up •November 2, 1989 ownership of their own land hitherto Worldwide Hotel Holdings Ltd. seemingly reserved for others. My changes name to Paradise Cove Ltd. real intention though was to appeal •March 4, 1991 parcels for cool headedness at a time when 60400/9 & 10 are transferred from an property owner in Taylor Bay Clearwater Holdings Ltd. to Paradise was being wrong and strong in his Cove Ltd. (Dick Clark) understanding of the reality, and the •October 3, 2007 parcels vehemence with which he threatened 60400/9 & 10 are transferred from those who had every right to enjoy Paradise Cove Ltd. to MWE Holdings their heritage albeit no right to Ltd. (a member of the Ashcroft Group trespass over private property. At my of Companies). press meeting I indicated that I was •March 2, 2016 parcels undertaking research to better clarify 60400/9 & 10 are mutated into parcels the situation and would inform the 60400/394-398. Since then a number public once I had better information. of easements have been granted by I now have that information and MWE to homeowners in the area recount below the important events giving them access to the Beach. leading up to today.”

Misick said the Sapodilla Bay The following, Misick said, is and Taylor Bay Community came into the Chronology of beach access being through a Conditional Purchase parcel 60612/90 at the heart of the Lease between TCIG and Condor Real controversy Estate Limited in 1978 – a company • December 20, 1988 parcel 100% owned by Canadian Developers. 60612/90 is created from a mutation The condition being the pushing of of parcel 60612/52 then owned by a quarry graded roadway servicing Condor Real Estate Limited the property along with what would • March 21, 1989 parcel be an extremely low price by today’s 60612/90 is transferred from Condor standard. Subsequent to that the Real Estate Limited to Gibraltar narrow strip of land not in Condor Investments Ltd. Real Estate ownership was itself the • December 5, 2007 parcel subject of a Conditional Purchase 60612/90 is transferred from Gibraltar Lease.

Investments Ltd. to MWE Holdings

He gave the following Ltd.(a member of the Michael Ashcroft chronology of the various conveyances Group of Companies). of the land directly abutting Taylor

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The PNP leader said the intention all along seemed to have been the prevention of the public – and in particular the local population from accessing the beach – with the full knowledge that the common law position has been for time immemorial and remains that the beach belongs to the public.

“My research has uncovered that were private property abuts the edge of vegetation and there is accretion the accreted land becomes the property of the Crown. Also, where private land is loss because of erosion and this results in an encroachment of the beach on to the boundary of the private property the principle remain that it becomes public. In all and every case the beach belongs to the public. However, when challenged in some common law jurisdiction the plaintiffs were successful,” he added.

“So, despite what Don thinks the Taylor Bay Home owners do not own the beach. However, they do own the access and that is the mischief that has to be cured; that is where the focus of attention ought to be placed. The pressure must be applied to the Government to use existing legislation to compulsory acquire 60612/90 and any other property it deems necessary to secure access to the beach. Attacking the Leader of the Opposition is not the answer, neither is a party on the beach.

During a Press conference on Wednesday, January 3rd, Washington Misick Opposition Leader said that the Progressive National Party (PNP) and the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) are responsible for the issue surrounding Taylor Bay.

He said, “The issue as it related to the beach is not settled and I know there will be people within my own Party who will take me to task for trying to be the voice of

moderation, but I believe this is time for a authentic leadership and stirring a conflict at the time when we as a country, PNP and the PDM who are both responsible for the mess ought to be finding ways to solve it and solve it quickly and perhaps we should make it very clear in the first place that anyone with racist tendency should not consider living in these islands or even visiting them because that is not something that we will tolerate.”

Misick added: “I admire the courage of the young man on the beach who took the pictures/video. I admire him for standing up and confronting bigotry, there is no place for bigotry in this country, we should not tolerate it and on the other hand we have right as self respecting people to make sure that whatever we do we do it within the confines of the law. We also ought to petition the authorities to make sure that the effort that was made by the Progressive National Party to have the legislation changed to make it clear what should happen with places like Taylor Bay that is done quickly.”

Misick said it is within the perimeter of the Government to ensure that they have the right to compulsory acquire land to ensure that there is beach access and wherever that is needed anywhere in the Turks and Caicos Islands it ought to be done.

He added: “In short sightedness we have not left enough places. We have not as a country as we’ve developed left spaces, open spaces and park accesses for the public to be able to enjoy these islands we need to go back to the drawing board and make sure that we correct the situation and going forward that there’s space for the public to play.”

Misick explained.

Training Business Manager – Grand Turk (TCI) A vibrant, fast paced group of attraction companies is seeking a dynamic individual to join its Senior Management Team as Training Business Manager for its Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Island operation. The Training Manager’s job involves working to Train Managers, Supervisors and general staff on internal business processes, managing tour operations, best business practices and alignment with Corporate Offices.

The successful candidate is expected to: o Tertiary level qualification in Business/Tourism/Technical/Financial discipline . o Have minimum 5 years General Management experience. o Have a strong understanding of the internal business processes of Chukka Caribbean Adventures. o Have a strong understanding of how the Caribbean Tourism Sector operates. o Demonstrate strong business acumen with proven track record of successful team/company management. o Accomplishes objectives by establishing plans, budgets and results measurements; allocating resources; reviewing progress; making mid-course corrections. o Coordinates efforts associated with strategic goals in coordination with Corporate offices. o Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing ethical business practices. o Have excellent interpersonal skills at all levels, including people-management, leadership and both written and verbal communication skills. o Increase management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling and disciplining managers, communicating values, strategies and objectives; assigning accountabilities, planning, monitoring and appraising job results. o Demonstrate the ability to operate in culturally diverse environment (experience living abroad is desirable). o Have a full clean driving license.

Suitable candidates that do not meet the above requirements may, at the sole discretion of the Company management team, be eligible for consideration in circumstances where they demonstrate a clear willingness to embrace the Company’s in-house training initiatives and established standard operating policies and procedures. Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Applications should be sent via email no later than Jan 15th 2018 to gtadmin@chukka.com

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

PDM Government had a challenging first term in office, says Premier

By Todeline Defralien

Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robison recently revealed that her government’s first term in office was a challenging one.

Speaking during the Government’s one year anniversary press conference held at the Premier’s office on Wednesday December 20th, 2017, Robinson said, “One year ago today we were sworn in as the 11th Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and we’re excited about the overwhelming confidence that was placed in us and we’re equally humbled by the opportunity to serve. We are today even more excited about what has been a challenging but interesting year. We ran on a mandate of change and we are committed to delivering for our people. We recognize very early that our people do not want to hear of road blocks or challenges but expect that we will move any and all hurdles to obtain the achievement of our goals and this year we’ve grown wise on the challenges to governance, especially in the climate we are in.”

Robinson stated that politics and personal vendettas has permeate the country’s environment, critical partnerships in the public and private sectors are vital and must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“My Government has not and will not say our hands are tied as we recognize and know that our hands and feet are the public’s service and they are empowered on their role to deliver on directives given towards the fulfillment of our goals. As Premier I have overall responsibility for each and every Minister but as Premier and Minister of Finance, there are 77 promises contained in the change document that are directly under my remit. To date I have realized 16 of them and are actively advancing 11 in year one. I am grateful to those public service that have created their Ministry agenda and plans in line with the change document issued to them in our assuming in office.”

Robinson expressed her Government’s disappointment for an apology to the beneficiaries who had the right to look forward to the resolutions of the service charge issue.

She noted that critical works are ongoing and updates on the progress are on the way.

“The survey is now being done and by the department of statistics and following the survey there will be an analysis of the information and I have already begun to hold meetings on this issue and I’m hearing from all the stakeholders. I want to say to those that are looking forward to the resolution of this issue, the delay does not mean denied and we remain committed to this issue.”

She added: “In this past year we have seen some new things and un-presented challenges; our greatest challenge is to manage the expectation for those who have been suffering long and hard to manage the expectation of the Opposition who too are eager to see the change realized, not in a one year term but over a four year period. We are pressed to counter mis-information, ignore the hate a personal attacks and to work through

difficult and non existing relationships with critical stakeholders. These are the real storms and equal to the destructive impact of two storms, the harmful criminal activity earlier this year, the large scale poaching bust, the increased sloops and now the financial challenging position that we are in, we are poised yet for another exciting year.”

During the press conference the Premier reported on the realization of key goals under the Ministry of Finance and the Premier’s office and the policies passed.

“We committed to standardizing the consultation for policy consistency, we are pleased to report that the approval for a standardized consultation process as promised in the Change Document was agreed early in our administration and we intend to ensure true meaningful and accessible consultation as a hallmark feature of our governance. We committed to a policy registry, a pilot project for the possible establishment of a policy registry, policy template and policy development process to capture information on all existing national policies which will be publically available and which will help improve future policy development once approved. We committed to a climate change policy desk, a Climate Change Committee was appointed and the Director of the Premier’s Offices Chair, critical works continue to be advanced but the first ever climate change policy statement has already been completed and approved by Cabinet.

The Promised Concession Policy and Draft it is now ready for vetting and will go though the approval process.”

She continued: “The promised revenue strategy streams and review of the business license ordinance has already begun, we have welcomed a few weeks ago a new head for the Revenue Control Unit and he has already been given the directive to continue the work. The refurbishment policy that aids in assisting and maintaining TCI brand has been approved and we expect that this would bring much needed repairs and renovations to the critical tourism infrastructure. A Cabinet paper has already been approved for a waiver of stamp duty for first time home owners has already been prepared and at the right time it will be presented. We committed to improving the process for cleaning records or expunging records as in law and this was one of the first priority bills for us. It took about eleven (11) months to get it to the House of Assembly but we know that there are many happy for this and welcome this change. The Investment Policy Statement and Draft and advance for approval at the final stage will address four (4) of our campaign promises contained in the Change document and that is the introduction of service agreements, concession for investors, and work with large companies to assist smaller companies and the diversification of TCI’s economy.”

Robinson noted that her Government already appointed a financial serves team that will review the financial industry as well as approve a consultancy that has

already gone through the procurement process.

“We also promise the use of technology in serving the public, the supplementary now being considered and already passed in Cabinet approved additional funding online and immigration license services. We hope that once that supplementary is approved that we will realize this project very soon in the New Year. A directive to conduct a cost of living assessment has already been issued by me for the new financial year and I am informed that an element of this can be found in the labor survey soon to be completed and issued for the public.”

Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright According to the Premier, Robinson they’ve approved a transshipment rate for the islands outside of and real estate amendments. In Providenciales, this when translated March we intend to pass four (4) will see a reduction in shipping cost to bits of legislation all related to the islands outside of Providenciales. environment, endangered species

She said, “The cost of doing bill, environmental management business survey will be conducted bill, wild life bill and the very critical once a new CEO at Invest TC is in bit of legislation for us alternative place. As promised a review was sentencing bill. In April five (5) bits completed and amendments to the of legislations, quarantine ordinance, Ordinance are before Cabinet for vetinarian professional bill, consideration. Welders, manufactures pharmaceutical legislation, repeal of product cleaning supplies, entrance and replace medical ordinances. Five in the VRBO market, music recording (5) in the month of May, Family artists who dream of owning their Law, freedom of information, local own music studios, the provision government broadcasting bill and of a cultural entertainment area copy right legislation. In June we showcasing culture for our cruise intend to move forward with the tourists are among those who would equal pay legislation again contained have benefited from the approval in our agenda. Comprehensive border of this Government for the MSME protection as promised these works are program funding. We are pleased to ongoing and the joint law enforcement support them and as I shepherded team would assist in preparing the the proposed changes of the MSME national security strategy that we program, we intend to help others have promised in the change document move one step closer to their dreams,” and already approved in the National she explained during the press Security Council. National, regional conference.” and global partnerships, these talks The Government’s and initiatives are all ongoing. The commitment to a national symposium Ministry of Border Control already will be realized to the finalization of reported that it will continue to seek their vision document and medium and formalize its relationship with the term/development strategy, both to be police and then extend to others with finalized in January and February of the turn of a spike internationally. next year.

We have built a strong dialogue with

These initiatives both in the Caribbean Development Bank advance draft will show clearly on several upcoming initiatives. We the direction of the country with will also welcome early next year involvement of the people, it will discussions for access to capital for ensure that persons are aware of what small medium enterprises through the Government intends to do and a visit from a representative from financing will be air marked on an CDB also promised in the change annual basis. “Our people continue to document,” she explained to the long to be a part or directly involved in Media Houses. the direction of our country and this A report on the Cruise will soon be realized through these Sector and a review of the VRBO two critical initiatives,” Robinson sector has been received and will noted. address recommendations early

“We are pleased to have next year against the Government’s passed a supplementary appropriation commitment to ensuring that they budget early in the year which gave benefit more from these sectors as a critical staff support for the prison government and as a people. and benefits for social welfare “As promised regular recipients. In January we intend engagement with the UK was achieved to pass eight (8) bits of legislation, and I wish to state that the Minister the MSME proposal amendments, Lord Ahmad has been extremely the national park ordinance, road open in this new found engagement. safety propose amendments, college The UK sent a reconstruction team amendments update, TCI status bill to whom representations were made update, liquor license amendments, and we continue to engage the UK on water and sewage amendments to its our needs with a promise to complete ordinance, fire arm amendments and the full recovery plan for submission in February we intend to pass five (5) in order to access grant funding and bits of legislations, the employment loan guarantee approval. We have amendments, the reintroduction of remitted a supplementary request to the sports commission, interception of the UK now for approval and we await communications, gaming legislations their decisions,” Robinson ended.

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Radar station detection rate decreased

By Todeline Defralien

With the rapid increase of illegal vessels making landfall in Turks and Caicos Islands, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control and Employment Hon. Sean Astwood confirmed to the SUN that there has been a decrease in radar’s detection rate.

According to Hon. Astwood, thirteen (13) illegal vessels made landfall in the Turks and Caicos Islands and eight (8) were intercepted at sea in 2017.

In an exclusive interview with The SUN, Hon. Astwood said, “International and foreign affairs, including national security remain the constitutional remit of His Excellency the Governor. However, as an elected Government we have an obligation to our citizenry to ensure that our borders are secured. We will continue dialog with the Haitian Government with a view to ensure continued preventative measures on their end to reduce the number of sloops leaving Haiti.”

He added: “We are committed to increasing the allocation related to marine activities by the Police.

In addition, through the National Security Council we will review marine operations by the Police to maximize their response capability

Radar Station and increase interceptions. We will continue dialogue with neighbours, particularly the Bahamas with a view of increased cooperation to intercept approaching sloops.”

The Ministry of Border Control and the Immigration Department are reviewing a formal alert system apart from the radar system to detect approaching sloops.

In addition, the Ministry is increasing radar coverage of the Islands and other technology to better enforce landside operations and

MANAGER OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST Description  To ensure the FortisTCI consistently projects a favorable image to all stakeholders by coordinating and executing internal and external communications strategies and marketing campaigns that demonstrate and share the FortisTCI corporate values and vision.  To effectively manage the flow of information to FortisTCI employees, the general public, and other key stakeholders as a means of protecting the brand and reputation of the company.

Main Duties • Assist the Director of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs with the development and implementation of annual multi-stakeholder communications plan • Research, draft, and edit all internal and external communications, including but not limited to; press releases, brochures, web content, advertisements, speeches, feature articles and stories, fact sheets, newsletters, and corporate reports, independently and with a high level of creativity and attention to detail • Develop communication strategies and campaigns (with a focus on message, tone, and style) that are of high quality, effective and consistent for both internal and external stakeholders that increase engagement levels across various platforms; including the company’s website, employee intranet, and social media platforms • Offer informed recommendations on internal and external communication initiatives • Plan and execute major stakeholder events internally and externally across all FortisTCI service territories a member of the corporate communications team • Identify and promote the Company’s image through sponsorship of positive community events, cause-oriented initiatives, benefiting you sports and cultural programs.

• Manage content on the company’s website, intranet and social media outlets, and regularly review for accuracy • Create and promote programs and strategies that will improve internal communications among all employees and across FortisTCI services territories; • Introduce new communication tools currently not is use by the company that will help meet overall objectives. (LinkedIn, etc.)

• Assist with the compilation of communications analytics and insights for reporting purposes • Monitor all forms of media locally and regionally (TV, Radio, Print & the

The Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control and Employment Hon. Sean Astwood surveillance, he added. Discussions with agencies such as the International Organization on Migration to deter immigration and increase migration back to Haiti are taken place.

“We never provide specifics on our enforcement efforts/initiatives for obvious reasons. All the necessary laws are in place, as stated previously we intend to enforce the immigration and employment laws of the TCI without fear or favor. We have already begun this and 2018 will see an increase in our efforts. Enforcement

is the key,” Astwood explained .

The Minister of Border Control and Employment noted that one of the main reasons for the increase in sloops travelling to Turks has been a false narrative that as a result of the two major hurricanes that impacted these islands, there is a large demand for labourers and immigration has relaxed their policies on illegal immigration until the rebuilding is completed.

Astwood continued: “The economy of Turks and Caicos Islands is more attractive than Haiti’s.

The Turks and Caicos has a safer environment than Haiti and persons have family connections to assist with settling and assimilation and the distance is manageable even for antiquated sloop vessels. There have been only a few mishaps over recent year.”

The Minister of Immigration and Border Control in a press conference last year (2017) stated that the Radar station detected above 90% of illegal vessels coming into the Turks and Caicos Islands but recently noted that there has been a decrease in TCI’s detection rate however, immediate steps are being taken to rectify the process of repatriating, intercepting and detaining illegal persons coming to the TCI.

Internet) for relevant industry material; • Participate and assist with the crisis management communication planning, readiness and response activities • Conduct tours of the corporate headquarters and plant facilities when necessary • Oversee daily work duties of the Corporate Communications Officer and Junior Corporate Communications Officer • Support the Corporate Communications Department with any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

• Functions within this department may require working outside normal business hours or working off-site from time to time Academic/Technical/Management/Experience and Qualifications:  Bachelor Degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Advertising, or Marketing. Master’s degree is preferred  Minimum of 10 years of dedicated communications experience, including writing and editing in a corporate environment with increasing levels of responsibility required  Experienced in leading, managing, and motivating a team  Experienced with content management and marketing  Experienced with managing and publishing a newsletter or magazine  Experienced with media and relationship building  Website and newsletter design layout experience is a plus  Demonstrate an intermediate or advance computer graphic skill is a plus  Proficient in Microsoft Office programs  Must be fluent in the English language (Spoken and written). Creole and Spanish a plus Abilities & Skills:  Superb written and verbal skills  Excellent editing and proofreading skills  Exceptional organizational, leadership and planning skills  Active team player, confident, creative and resourceful  Matured individual who values honesty and integrity  Exceptional multitasking skills; able to meet all deadlines  Experienced liaison-builder with external and internal stakeholders and staff at all levels Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is January 8th 2017: Avi Adams Director Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc OR aadams@fortistci.com

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Man shot dead by police; officer wounded

It was a tragic start to 2018 in Turks and Caicos Islands when, on the first day of the year, a young man died after he was shot by police who said they were trying to arrest him.

A policeman from the Tactical Unit was also shot during the incident, but he was treated at the Cheshire Hall Hospital and discharged.

Lavern Smith, of The Bight, Providenciales, is the man who was shot around 5:45 a.m. on Monday, January 1st, 2018. Smith was released from prison in November 2017 after serving time for a gun-related offence.

According to a press statement from Sergeant Kevin Clarke, police officers became aware of two men who were suspected to be in possession of firearms at a night club on Aviation

Drive, in Downtown Providenciales.

Clarke said one of the men was shot while police were attempting an arrest. He said the other man involved was not detained at the scene and police officers are actively searching for him.

Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said this is a significant incident and his officers are actively seeking the other man involved in this shooting.

Botting asked anyone with any information, either about the incident itself or the whereabouts of the man involved, to contact police officers or Crime-stoppers at 1-800-8477.

In a press statement, Botting said an investigation is underway into the shooting of the male and the

shooting of the police officers.

He added that it is the usual practice following a police-related shooting, to request an independent investigation. This, he said, will be done by officers from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Force.

Given that the matter is now under investigation, the acting police commissioner said no further comment regarding the circumstances of the incident will be made at this stage.

“I would urge the local community not to speculate as to the circumstances of this incident and to allow the independent investigators undertake their work to establish the circumstances of the shooting,” Lavern “Lolo” Smith was shot dead by Botting said. police

No more scabies outbreak at Detention Centre

An all clear was issued by the Environmental Health Department on Friday December 15, 2017 for use of the Detention Centre, Providenciales.

On Thursday December 7, 2017, the Ministry of Border Control and Employment received reports from the management of the Detention Centre, Immigration Department, Providenciales that four (4) Dominican Republic

Nationals were diagnosed with Scabies.

Diagnosis was made at the Primary Health Care clinic in Providenciales by medical officials.

As previously done, all four (4) male detainees were separated and received medication. These persons have since left the Islands.

Scabies, a disease caused by the mite Sacoptes Scabiei, is highly contagious and immediate

Resumption of SIPT trial delayed The Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) corruption trial which was scheduled to resume on January 21st, 2018 after a month-long Christmas break, has now been pushed back until February 5th.

The delay is due to presiding judge Mr. Justice Paul Harrison, a native of Jamaica, having to undergo medical treatment for a foot injury he sustained some time last year.

Prior to the last break, lead prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, QC, had indicated that the Crown will close its case in early Mr. Justice Paul Harrison 2018.

Premier Contracting Services is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill the following positions:

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

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

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

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

There are no other benefits provided.

actions were taken by the Ministry to sanitize the area of the Detention Centre and to activate protocols for mitigation against spread of the infectious disease.

The Immigration Department activated its plan of changing of mattresses, bedding, linens and clothing, and due to exposure to the infected detainees, health officials visited the Detention Centre to assess the health of the

remaining detainees, attending security guards and the Immigration Officers assigned to the Detention Centre.

Visitation by the public and other officials was suspended until further notice as a measure for containment of the outbreak to the Detention Centre only. Officials from the Ministry of Health assisted in the coordination of sanitization, sterilization and treatment efforts.

Blee Halligan Architects TCI Ltd. Junior Architect/Draftsman – FULL TIME 1. Bachelors Degree In Architecture and Interior Design 2. Must have 5 years experience in practice.

3. Design qualification must cover: •

Structural Detailing

•

MEP Detailing

•

Landscape Detailing

•

Furniture Design & Detailing

Must have advanced expertise in the following design software: •

Auto-cad

•

Vector Works

•

Adobe Photoshop

•

Adobe Lightroom

•

Adobe Illustrator & Design

•

Adobe InDesign

•

Google Sketch-up

•

SU Podium

•

V-Ray

•

Competent in Microsoft and OS Software

All above-mentioned skills are relevant in the use of photo realistic visualization of Infrastructure design.

Must be able to work independently and in team environments under pressure of continuous deadlines.

Must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

Must have significant construction site experience with the ability to rapidly provide technical design solutions during the building process.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Resumes to be submitted to: Management, Blee Halligan Architects TCI, Unit A107, Graceway Plaza, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Contact Number: 241-3118

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 7

LOCAL NEWS

Five Cay police station permanently closed

By Todeline Defralien

The Five Cays police station in Providenciales was forced to permanently close down after receiving a major hit from hurricane Irma in September of last year.

Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said the Five Cays Police Station is now no longer in use and this is a permanent arrangement.

“The Five Cays Police Station was damaged during Hurricane Irma. This lead to a revision of our Police Accommodation and as result Five Cays Police Station is now no longer in use and this is a permanent arrangement. There is no change to the service provided to the people of Five Cays with all patrols now operating out of Chalk Sound Police

Station,” Botting told The SUN.

According to Mr. Botting, the reasons for this closure were broad: the low numbers of callers to Five Cays Police Station, the need to station an officer there and with the closure an additional patrol officer is now available and the cost of keeping the station open.

Also currently closed is the smallest Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force post which is located in the Blue Hills and Wheeland region.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police is divided into two regions: Division A covers the islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos and Division B covers Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos, which fall under the

The Five Cays Police Station command of a Superintendant and a Deputy.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) was established in 1799, making it one of the oldest police forces in the world.

The modern Metropolitan Police Service of London was established in 1829 (although its precursor, the Marine Police Force, was organized in 1798). New York’s NYPD was established in 1845.

Identities of persons killed in tragic plane crash still not released

By Todeline Defralien

Police have not yet released the identities of the two persons who died in the tragic plane crash, which occurred just after taking off from the Providenciales International Airport, around 5:30 p.m., on Saturday, December 23rd, 2017.

When the SUN contacted police to ascertain the identities of the individuals, Deputy Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said this investigation is being managed by the Air Accident

Investigation Branch in the UK and any enquiries should be directed to them.

The SUN also contacted the Air Accident Investigation Branch in the UK and James Hotson told the SUN, “The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) is not able to release the names or details of people involved in air accidents.

This information is usually communicated by the police, under the direction of the Coroner.”

Sergeant Kevin Clarke in a release issued to media houses

on Friday January 5th added: “The Air Crash that occurred on 23rd December 2017 is being investigated by the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) in the UK. There have been a number of requests for further information and the RT&CIPF are working with the AAIB and the families of those who lost their lives to allow for further information to be released. A further statement will follow as soon as possible with further information regarding those persons involved in this tragic incident.”

An aerial photo of the plane crash in Providenciales

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

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

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

•Ordering or replacing any parts necessary.

•An aptitude to work unsociable hours is required.

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

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

Closing date for application is January 5, 2018.

PROCUREMENT CLERK WANTED Facilitation of purchase of vehicles and parts overseas (namely Japan). Process of purchasing and export documentation in a foreign country. Ability to source Vendors, price negotiation. Maintain manual and electronic documentation. Maintain an open communication between field personnel and suppliers regarding backorders, delivery dates and/or substitute product. Coordinating delivery and expedition of goods, ensuring goods are ordered and delivered in a timely and cost effective manner. Extensive knowledge of various Japanese vehicles and parts. Minimum of five years’ experience within automotive procurement department. Exposure to the mechanical, industrial and automotive industry an asset. Ability to work under pressure in order to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks within a fastpaced work environment. Strong negotiation, mathematical and analytical skills.

Ability to communicate effectively, both written and oral. Solid research skills and commitment to continually learn about new products. Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel & PowerPoint). Must read, write and speak Japanese, possess valid passport with necessary travel visas (travelling to Japan). Part-time employment with Commission based salary.

Qualified applicants should forward cover letter and resume to: Paradise Auto Sales & Rentals, P.O. Box 908, 82 Cherokee Road, Providenciales. Resumes will be reviewed in the order they are received.

BAC Job Advertisement BAC is looking for a matured, experienced and trained individual to provide support to the Company and the Accounting Dept.

Duties and Responsibilities •Assist the Company with the day to day accounting and book keeping requirements; •Assist with the preparation of budget performance, cash flow forecasts and various financial reports as requested by stakeholders; •Manage the processing of receipts, recording of all financial transactions including revenue and receivables; •Reconcile all clients` accounts on a monthly or periodic basis and ensure all accounts are accurate; •Deal with all banking matters including monthly reconciliation of banking and ensure proper manage of liquidity; •Apply proper record keeping of journal entries including assets, liabilities and all transactions on a daily basis; •Prepare staff salaries, statutory payments and other mandatory expenses on time.

•Supervise the Accounting department and work along professionally with all employees and customers.

Skills and Experience •At least five years working experience in the field of accounting, finance or business; •At least a degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration; •Strong knowledge and experience in Quikbooks and other accounting systems; •Excellent communication skills and ability to interact and perform to the highest quality in a diverse environment.

•Compensation is negotiable.

Please forward application with resume to bryant.air@tciway.tc to reach no later than 29th December, 2017. This position is not held by a work permit holder.

Page 8

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Report from December 21st Cabinet meeting His Excellency the Governor, Dr John Freeman, chaired the meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday, 21 December 2017, at the Hon. Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales.

All Ministers were present except the Hon. Deputy Premier.

At this meeting Cabinet:

•Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the Companies Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules) (No.2) Order 2017, the Companies Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules) (No.3) Order 2017 and the Beneficial Ownership Regulations 2017 and authorised the Attorney General’s Chambers to draft an appropriate Order to be enacted before the end of 2017;

• Approved a MSME concession order to the company Golden Pelican Villa for the establishment of a vacation rental on North Caicos;

• Approved a MSME concession

order to the company Nett’s Travelers Rest for the establishment of a shortterm rental property on Grand Turk;

• Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve amendments to the National Parks Regulations in relation to the establishment of commercial zones in the Princess Alexandra and Columbus Landfall Marine National Parks in order to improve the regulation of beach vending and related activities in those areas; •Endorsed, subject to amendments being made, a strategy paper prepared by the Commissioner of Lands on measures to monitor and contain the proliferation of illegal occupation of Crown Land in TCI as well as proposals to regularise ownership of land which has been illegally occupied;

• Approved the revised Education Sector Plan for the period 2018-2022;

•Endorsed a recommendation to make legislative changes to the

commencement notice of the Electricity Ordinance for the whole of TCI and requested the Attorney General to draft a Bill to make legislative provision for the validation of all charges made to customers of the electricity company not currently covered by the commencement provisions of the Ordinance;

•Received an up-date from the Hon. Premier on TCIG’s supplementary budget proposals;

•Received an up-date from the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Culture and Gaming on the issue of the disposal of the illegal catch of fish still in storage;

•Received an up-date by the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Culture and Gaming on his recent meeting with the German Minister of Tourism;

•Noted a proposal by the Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning relating to work on the National Library on Grand Turk.

䘀伀刀 䄀䰀䰀 夀伀唀刀 䄀䐀嘀䔀刀吀䤀匀䤀一䜀 一䔀䔀䐀匀 䌀伀一吀䄀䌀吀 ⠀㘀㐀㤀⤀ⴀ㌀㌀㤀ⴀ㔀㠀㜀㤀 漀爀 䔀䴀䄀䤀䰀㨀 猀甀渀䀀猀甀渀琀挀椀⸀挀漀洀

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 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.

䄀昀昀漀爀搀愀戀氀攀 刀愀琀攀猀 簀 䠀椀最栀 瘀漀氀甀洀攀 琀爀愀昀昀椀挀 簀 刀攀氀椀愀戀氀攀

SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & UTILITY ANALYTICS Description  Drive business innovation.  Support leadership team in delivering quantifiable and transformative business and operational strategic solutions.  Direct and responsible for business developments, resource planning and utility analytics program.  Lead enterprise-wide implementation and optimization of utility analytics.

MAIN DUTIES Key Responsibilities:  Drive enterprise-wide projects that incorporate a proactive and innovative solution to addressing business challenges and achieving organizational goals and objectives.  Monitor business trends, opportunities, threats and industry disruptive challenges.  Evaluates operational issues to determine how competitive and current it is with the latest trends in the industry.  Monitors external and internal environment for development of new market segments, new services, or programs.  Assists in or produces feasibility studies/business plans required for new programs and integrated resource planning requirements.  Assists Corporate Communications in developing marketing strategy and campaigns for new programs and services.  Assist the Executive Office in performing ad hoc research projects or feasibility studies that do not clearly fall within an existing business unit.  Establish strong, effective, and collaborative partnerships with key business unit leaders, subject matter experts, and project leaders to build and deliver on effective solutions and strategies.  Lead implementation of utility analytics and ensure enterprise-wide coordination.  Lead promotion of business process management best practices.  Direct development of integrated resource planning program.  Manage resources and activities relating to utility analytics, renewable energy programs, and new business developments.  Meet with various businesses.

Minimum Requirements

 Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Economics or field relating to Alternative Energy, Business Developments, and Data Analytics  MBA or Professional certification is an advantage i.e. PMP, CIA, CPA, CISA, Six Sigma  At least five years of leadership responsibility managing a team and cross functional teams  Highly analytical and strong problem solving skills  Familiarity with utility regulatory rules, energy resource planning and various rate structures  Experience in business developments, financial and business modeling  Experience in managing projects or enterprise-wide initiatives  Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint Abilities, Skills, Experience, Aptitude & Judgement • Knowledge in electric utility business / industry • Strong business analysis, problem solving, and strategy development skills • Leadership qualities including the ability to motivate, inspire, counsel and facilitate individuals and teams to take responsibility and accountability for the goals.

• Ability to drive collaboration with executives, business and technical teams to achieve effective solutions.

• Ability to work with cross-functional teams to help build effective processes • Effective communication skills with all levels in the organizations and ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical audience.

• Flexible and resilient, comfortable with ambiguity, adaptable to a high-change environment and open to new concepts and/or processes.

• Comprehensive understanding of business processes and practices.

• Conflict resolution and negotiations skills to resolve disagreements quickly and effectively, bringing a problem-solving attitude to conflicting approaches and priorities involving others.

• Demonstrated experience in driving business transformation (including mastery of a broad range of service model / strategy / transformational / process improvement tools and approaches).

Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is Monday January 8th, 2018 to: Avi Adams Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or aadams@fortistci.com

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 9

alexandra resort | beach house | blue haven resort

alexandra resort | beach house | blue haven resort

happy new year may your 2018 shine with unlimited fun and joy! from our team at the turks and caicos collection

Alexandra Resort alexandraresort.com +1.800.284.0699 +1.649.946.5807

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

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

Page 10

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Club Med Turks and Caicos to reopen January 31st, 2018

By Todeline Defralien

Club Med Turkoise in Providenciales which sustained numerous damages during the passage of Hurricanes Irma in September will re-open its doors on January 31st, 2018.

In an exclusive interview, Officials from Club Med said the initial estimated reopening date was delayed after the team completed a full assessment of the impact of the hurricanes Irma and Maria on the resort and the island, as well as the decision to renovate the resort.

“This is all the information we can share with you at this time.

Please stay tuned as we continue to announce the exciting, upcoming renovations to the resort and all the new developments for Club Med worldwide,” the statement added.

The SUN understands that Club Med Turkoise in the Turks and Caicos Islands will be Expanding its

A new design of Club Med Turkoise pool area Ski Product.

Over the course of Club Med’s history, the company has shifted from an approximately even split between family travelers, couples and singles, to doing two-thirds of its business with family travelers and one third with couples and singles, d’Estaing said. That shift has made

the convenience factor an important part of Club Med’s product, which is why ski travel is becoming so important.

Currently, one-third of Club Med’s resorts are devoted to ski travel and the company is looking to add more and one area on the list is North America.

The company is also reaching out to Millennial ski travelers, which is having an impact on the experience available at the company’s ski resorts.

Millennials who are now 30 – 35 years old are also increasingly traveling with families in tow, making the convenience factor increasingly important.

All-purpose university campus to be built in Providenciales

By Todeline Defralien

A brand new all-purpose university campus will be established in Providenciales.

This was revealed by Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm at the 22nd Turks and Caicos Community College annual graduation celebration on Tuesday December 19th.

Malcolm said it is her Government’s commitment to move forward with the all-purpose campus and

begin the development in Providenciales before 2019.

“It is my Governments commitment to ensure that an all-purpose campus is built here in Provo before the 25th Anniversary which is in 2019,” she said. “We commit to that today and even if we don’t complete all phases of it, we will get it going.”

The vision of the Turks & Caicos Community College is to provide quality education for all sectors of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community by equipping

individuals with the knowledge, skills and dispositions that would enable them to access emerging and existing opportunities, exercise their civic responsibilities prudently, enhance their social and culture lives and become productive citizens.

The College mission is to provide post-secondary and continuing education for school leavers and adults, in order to promote their personal and professional development, and the economic development of the Turks and Caicos Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm Islands.

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 11

LOCAL NEWS

B

eaches Turks and Caicos hosted its fourth annual media appreciation Christmas dinner over the holidays for members of the media to show appreciation for another successful year.

Media officials from radio, print, and television enjoyed dinner and a show at the resort’s Kimonos Teppanyaki, a Japanese restaurant in the French Village. Elanor Krzanowski, PR manager resort, and her team surprised each media house with either a gift certificate to purchase items from the resort’s boutique; a gift certificate to enjoy a spa treatment at the resort or passes to enjoy the resort’s amenities which gives them an opportunity to experience our resort as a guest.

In an interview with Krzanowski, she said that she looked forward to this event, just as much as media personnel. “We look forward to hosting the press dinner every year Christmas because it is our way of saying thank you to the wonderful men and women that have supported us throughout the year.

For us, the press dinner is about building relationships and bridging the gap with the media and letting them know that we are here to support them- with their stories.”

The annual dinner is the resort’s way of showing gratitude to reporters and staff members from the various media houses, for their hard work and commitment to the resort during the year.

Beaches Honor Media Personnel at Annual Christmas Dinner

Page 12

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Christmas Charity event hosted by Texasbased Ministry, Won Without Borders

By Allie Capron

A Christmas-themed charity event was held at the Cultural Craft Market in Providenciales on December 23rd, 2017 to help spread joy in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The event was organised by Candice and Darrell Powell, a newlywed couple from Texas, USA and the founders of the non-profit outreach ministry, Won Without Borders.

Mr. Powell said two years ago, he and his wife came to the Turks and Caicos for their honeymoon and fell in love with the country.

“When we saw hurricanes Irma and Maria pass over the islands, we knew we had to respond,” he told The SUN. “With the help of a few Christian ministries in the United States, we were able to assemble donations that we are now able to bring to citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands that may have had a hard time getting back on their feet after the hurricanes. We really just want to do something good for them and help as much as we can.”

The event’s offerings included free cooked meals and drinks. Additionally, team members distributed dry goods like beans and

rice, toiletry items, toothbrushes, shampoo, children’s shoes, men’s shoes, women’s shoes and socks to those in need. Santa Claus handed out free toys and gifts to small children.

Mr. Powell said the event was organised to service not just one community of the Turks and Caicos but rather, all of the citizens. Five pastors came out in support of the event, each representing their respective TCI, Haitian and Dominican communities.

“This is our first year doing this event and we intend to make in an annual thing,” Mrs. Powell explained.

“We are working on finding an official location as well as garnering the support and funding that we need to take it even further. Once that’s in place, we absolutely want to do this every year, not necessarily during the week of Christmas but every year.”

She added: “We had our own natural disasters in Texas so we saw the damage of hurricanes firsthand.

But we realized that people here don’t have the help that we do in States so that’s part of the reason we felt compelled to help. Two years ago, when we were here on our honeymoon, my husband and I began helping the Creole side of Church of God Abundant Life Ministries through our

Candice and Darrell Powell ministry, Won Without Borders. For about a year and a half, we’ve been sending dried beans and rice to them so they can cook for their congregation on Sundays and Wednesdays. So we already had relationships with people here and with their help, we were able to organise this event to help out after the hurricanes.”

In tandem with the event in Providenciales, the ministry sponsored a similar event in Grand Turk where children’s gifts and vital items were given out to those in need.

Additionally, with the assistance of Ms. Dulcine Hall, Won Without Borders was able to send three containers

worth of donations to North Caicos, South Caicos and Middle Caicos, bringing even more aid to those in need around the country.

“Our motto is pay blessings forward,” Mr. Powell said. “My hope is that through this event, someone has been blessed and they will pass the blessing forward to someone else and that person will pass the blessing forward to someone else and so on.

That’s my hope.”

Candice and Darrell Powell would like to thank the shop owners, the shop workers, the security officers and police officers for hosting and helping make this event possible.

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency visits TCI for monitoring visit

The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Culture, Heritage and Gaming via the Department of Maritime and Shipping, hosted a team from the Maritime and Coastguard Agencies, London, United Kingdom from 4th-8th December 2017.

Among the team were Mr. Richard Pellew, External improvement and Assurance, Programme Manager; Graeme Carnegie, External Improvement and Assurance, Programme Manager and Mr. Simon

Whitbourn, Solicitor for the MCA United Kingdom.

Mr. Whitbourn’s main objective was to meet with representatives from the Attorney General’s Office to gain an understanding of the current state of TCI’s Maritime Laws and also the process for making new legislation.

It is the hope that TCIG will benefit from CSSF Maritime Obligation and Contingent Liability Project so that we can draft the necessary legislation

that will enable TCI’s maritime laws to be brought up to date and meet our obligations as far as Category 2 Shipping Registry are concerned.

The Other team members met with the Department Maritime and Shipping where matters relating to the British Shipping Registry and the enhancement of the department were discussed and reviewed. Further meetings with the Minister and Permanent Secretary responsible for Maritime Affairs

It’s a Girl! - The Christmas Day Baby

Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital wishes to congratulate a couple on receiving the best present they could have possibly imagined on Christmas Day - a bouncing baby girl weighing 7 pounds, 9 ounces.

Destin Naye Gaia Buckingham was born at 4:48pm on December 25th, 2017 at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Providenciales to parents Yariceincy De La Cruz and David Buckingham.

The jovial parents were presented with a gift bath tub stuffed with infant-care items such as diapers, clothes, bibs, baby wipes, and more, courtesy of TCI Hospital.

Congratulations to the Buckingham family! We wish to express a huge thank you to all the staff in the delivery suite and maternity unit.

L-R: Midwife Basilla Otuonye, Yariceincy De La Cruz - Mother of Newborn, Doctor Natalie Medley, David Buckingham - Father of Newborn and Baby Destin

L-R: Yariceincy De La Cruz - Mother of Newborn, David Buckingham - Father of Newborn and Baby Destin

COLOMBIAN EMERALDS INTENATIONAL Colombian Emeralds International “the worlds foremost Emerald dealer” with over 50 stores worldwide has exciting career opportunity as a RETAIL ATTENDANT in fine art of Jewelry selling.

JOB DISCRIPTION: .Responsible for sales, cashiering (including making correct change, perform accurate conversion of foreign exchange) .Conduct credit card transactions .Input of customer information in point of sale terminals .Reconciling cash at the end of the day .Participating in the setting up of store each morning and securing all merchandise in store safe at close of day .Cleanliness of showcases ,daily displays along with general care of merchandise and store .Participate in daily marketing activities to drive sales across hotel property QUALIFICATIONS: . Minimum 1 year customer service experience .Possess a clean police record .Basic computer knowledge .Must be able to work on own initiative .Works well in a team setting in order to meet company objectives .Likes to interact with people, strong verbal command .Must be trustworthy, polite, punctual with a jovial personality .Able to work weekends/public holidays and at a moments notice FORWARD ALL CV AND COVER LETTERS BY EMAIL : ATTN: NORDICA DELL Nordica.dell@dfch.com/ 44302@dfch.com

were also held. These meetings were fruitful in helping to plot a way forward that would strengthen this sector.

On Thursday 7th December and Friday 8th December the team visited the Ministry Office on the island of Grand Turk, the Maritime Grand Turk Division, Parliament members, the Governor’s Office and the Director of Ports Authority to establish agreements with Maritime regulations.

Illegal Sloop Landing

The Ministry of Border Control and Employment and the Immigration Department confirm that an illegal vessel landed on Providenciales on the morning of Monday, January 1, 2018.

Eighteen (18) persons including seventeen (17) males and one (1) female were apprehended in the North West Point and Silly Creek areas of Providenciales by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the Immigration Task Force.

These persons have been processed and remain detained at the Detention Center awaiting repatriation.

The Enforcement agencies of the Turks and Caicos Islands are asking that anyone with information concerning planned arrival of other sloops to contact the Police anonymously on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www. crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.

Chukka Caribbean Adventures (TCI) Ltd is about playtime! It’s about fun, laughter and a passion for life. Every single member of the CHUKKA team in Jamaica, Belize and Turks & Caicos contributes to helping their guests play; they get to wow them at every turn with all that the Caribbean has to offer.

Chukka is always looking for new talent to add to our dynamic team.

INVENTORY PARTS & COST CONTROLLER – Grand Turk Operations All successful applicants should satisfy the following criteria: o Minimum Diploma / Certificate in Supervisory Management. o Minimum of 2 years in Supervisory Position working in a Tourism environment o Minimum 5 years experience working with Parts & Inventory distribution & controls associated with for Trucks, recreational vehicles and or Marine Vessels. o Must demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism. o Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. o Trustworthy &Reliable disposition with a Clean Criminal record. o Positive & disciplined work attitude in a customer service oriented business. o Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends, public holidays as necessary to meet the challenging needs of cruise ship schedules and/ or reasonable needs of the business.

Job Specifics: o Coordinate the planning of Company Stores and Inventory department. o Develop Inventory trackers and stores record keeping systems. o Produce weekly and monthly reports associated with inventory and storeroom operations. o Working with Operations team to determine needs of specific Motorized units to include Truck, ATVs, Dune Buggys, Boats and Large Catamarans. o Research and locate Suppliers associated with specific Parts needs. o Coordinate and work with purchasing team to get approvals for purchasing of Parts and supplies. o Coordination of shipment to include transportation and customs. o Stock control management to include, reorder levels and quantities. o Constantly be looking at different suppliers and parts to determine the best suited for the environment. o Assist the Operations Manager to do inspections to determine quality of parts and products being purchased. o Provide suppliers/vendors reports on Parts quality, accuracy with the aim of improving partnerships and getting better service. o Develop and implement all SOPS associated with Inventory and storerooms. o Work with the Administration and Accounting team to ensure all invoices are properly documented and processed for payments. o Work closely with the General or Country Manager to find ways to contain operational costs and expenditures.

Salary of approximately US$30,000 annually based on experience.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

$1.5million Danny Buoys Restaurant to be built in Downtown Providenciales

By Allie Capron

The Elite Gaming Building in Downtown, Providenciales, which was badly damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, will be converted into a $1.5 million Danny Buoys Bar and Restaurant.

A representative of Elite Gaming told The SUN that the objective is to rebuild to the same capacity that was there before. In addition to a Danny Buoys Bar and Restaurant, the new facility will

feature a slot parlor. The restored building will also provide space for Carib Beer & Spirits.

The official said the project is still in the planning process and Elite Gaming hopes to have permission to build by March 2018, with a completion date set for November 2018.

Elite Gaming is owned by American multi-millionaire Craig Potts, who owns the Danny Buoys building in Grace Bay and who recently bought the Hallmark credit card company.

The demolished Elite Gaming building

PNP will welcome Hon. Josephine Connolly ‘back home’

By Todeline Defralien

Opposition Leader Hon. Washington Misick said the Progressive National Party (PNP) has not had any conversations with Hon. Josephine Connolly, the former Minister of Education for the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) joining the PNP.

During a Press conference on Wednesday, January 3rd, Misick said they welcome Mrs. Connolly if she

“wants to come back home”.

He added: “I believe Hon. Connolly has a contribution to make and the PNP doors are open. She came from a PNP family, so the question is, yes, if she wants to come back home, the door is open and we will welcome her.”

When asked by Media if the rumors are true, Misick said, “We haven’t had that conversation, the Progressive National Party (PNP) is a big tent and anybody is welcome.

If you look at the difference between the PNP and the PDM, how many former PDM’s are not members of the PNP? You don’t see it the other way. The former Premier also came from a PDM family if you want to put it that way.”

Hon. Josephine Connolly was fired from her Cabinet post as Minister of Education, Sports and Culture last year by the Premier Hon. Sharlene Opposition Leader Hon. Washington Misick Cartwright-Robinson.

Director of the Women’s FootballProgram Job Description and Responsibilities Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) is seeking one experienced individual to be the Director of theWomen’s Football Program to oversee and be responsible for the development of Women’s Football in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the objective of increasing the number of female participants as well as raising the quality, technical and tactical ability of the female players at all levels ranging from grass roots to the Youth and Senior National Teams .

Responsibilities: •To devise, develop and implement a TCIFA Development Plan in relation to the development and growth of Women’s Football •Produce annually key objectives and performance indicators in relation to Women’s Football development and submit quarterly reports •Responsible for and overseeing the coaching of all age groups within the Women’s Football Program including but not limited to the Senior and Youth National Teams •Provide the players within the Women’s Football Program with structured appropriate coaching by imparting knowledge of the game and strategies for success •Design and implement technical and tactical training sessions for individual and team practices •Identify and recruit in line with the TCIFA’s policy, Volunteer Coaches to assist with the Coaching of female players within the Women’s Football Program •Coordinate, supervise and assist the Volunteer Coaches working with the female players within the Women’s Football Program •Assist in identifying player pathways for players within the various TCIFA programs •To create opportunities for football scholarships for the elite female players within the Women’s Football Program •To forge and establish links with overseas colleges and clubs so as to create football opportunities that would be beneficial to the TCIFA and its players •Identifying players for the Women’s Senior and Youth National Teams •Responsible to continually and consistently develop your own coaching skills and acumen by attending all coaching education courses organized by the TCIFA and participating in continuing coaching educational programs •Be aware of and promote the TCIFA Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Players and Parents •Assist the General Secretary with administrative matters when required and requested •Assist the General Secretary and Technical Director with the organization of courses, seminars and events •To undertake any other duties that might reasonably be deemed within the status of the job and appropriate to the post •To carry out all duties with regard to relevant legislation and the TCIFA’s policies and procedures Applicants should have at least a US Soccer “B” License or a UEFA “B” license or its equivalent and have experience in coaching female football players of different age level and abilities.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Belongers only need apply.

Hon. Josephine Connolly

ROCK OF JESUS MINISTRY Is seeking employment for: (1) Video Technician Key Duties and Responsibilities Responsible for setting up, installing, operating, testing, and troubleshooting audio and video equipment.

Relevant Qualifications and Experience Required •A minimum of 7 years’ experience.

•Must be able to use graphics design programs •Must be able to work flexible hours •Must have a valid driver’s license (1) Graphic Designer Prepares visual presentations by designing art and copy layouts.

Key Duties and Responsibilities •Prepares finished copy and art by operating typesetting, printing, and similar equipment; purchasing from vendors.

Relevant Qualification and Experience Required •A minimum of 7 years’ experience.

•Must be able to use graphics design programs •Must be able to work flexible hours SALARY- Negotiable between $.14,000.00 to 16,000.00 per annum based on education, qualification and experience Deadline date 27, January 2018 Must be a Christian Please fax or email resume to Fax: 946-4283 Email: info@roj.tc

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Soroptimist International Club of Providenciales spreads good cheer to students in Government schools

By Todeline Defralien

Soroptimist International Club of Providenciales recently spread good cheer to students of the Oseta Jolly Primary, Long Bay High, Enid Capron and Clement Howell High School when they distributed care packs to girls in those schools.

In keeping with their mandate and providing ‘hygienic’

items for the young girls in their various communities, The Soroptimist International Club of Providenciales visited schools on the island of Providenciales and brought smiles to the less fortunate.

The girls at Clement Howell were privileged to have a little ‘girl talk’ by Ms. Blythe Clare and Neffa Malcolm of Soroptimist International Club of Providenciales

who encouraged them to stay positive, be proud of who they are and most of all respect themselves, their parents, guardians and teachers.

A Soroptimist Sister told The SUN, “This was important for us to do because we saw the need in the primary schools and we decided that we needed to help. Our mandate as a Soroptimist Club is to help women and the girl child, so we

have an obligation to assist these young ladies. We also help pregnant women and young girls who are unable to purchase supplies for their babies. We step in and give them clothing and supplies. So as an NGO we are helping our women and girl children.”

All students were very appreciative of the care packs. These are photos from the event.

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JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Resolutions worth keeping

By Dr. Marsha Barnett

It’s the beginning of a new year. A time when we reflect on the year that has passed and assess our lives looking at what we need to work harder at the upcoming year. As we make our plans and resolutions, there are a few that are definitely worth making for our health.

RESOLVE TO WEAR SUNSCREEN

It’s a fact that the sun is the greatest factor when it pertains to ageing of the skin. This is particularly true in climates as ours where we have sun exposure on a daily basis.

Ultraviolet rays affect the collagen fibers in the skin, causing it to lose elasticity.

Not only does it affect the texture and laxity of the skin but it also the skin tone, leading to dark and light spots. Repeated, prolonged sun exposure also increases the appearance of both fine lines and wrinkles.

Hence, perhaps the greatest armamentarium when fight against ageing skin is daily use of a sunscreen with sun protection factor, SPF 30 and above. This is especially important when running errands or playing sports in the middle of the day, or when having a day at the beach.

Outside of aesthetics, sun exposure is the main risk factor for skin cancers, and as such wearing protective clothing in the midday sun and reapplying sunscreen every 2

hours when out at the beach is also a great idea.

RESOLVE TO GET EXERCISE

Our bodies were made to move. Exercise frees the body of excess weight and the mind of excess worry.

This upcoming year, resolve to get exercise in most days of the year.

Whether it be walking on the beach, running on a treadmill, joining a football team or doing aerobics in your living room, get moving. Consistent exercise is linked to lower rates of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression and insomnia.

And if you already have a chronic condition, exercise will help to manage it, perhaps even allowing you to wean off of some of your medications as your lifestyle improves!

RESOLVE TO GET YOUR ANNUAL CHECKS

It is very easy to go years without seeing your doctor if you are generally well. But a wellness check is essential especially as we age.

It is important to know your numbers - your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index and so on. It is also advisable to do certain screens such as a mammogram in women over 40 years, a pap smear in women who have been sexually active and are over 21 years and prostate exams in men over 40. Annual skin surveillance and mole mapping is also important especially in fairer skin individuals.

Knowing about any medical conditions that may be brewing at an early stage almost always ensures a better outcome than finding out later in the process when signs and symptoms are rampant.

RESOLVE TO ADD COLOR TO YOUR PLATE

We all know that fruits and vegetables are important.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of us do not get the 5-7 servings advocated by the World Health Organization.

Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for the proper functioning of the cells in our bodies.

They are low in calories but high in fiber which is good for the cholesterol as well as colon health and great if you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy number on the scale.

Different fruits have different benefits so it is important to have a wide range of produce. Luckily for us, the color of the veg or fruit gives a hint as to what vitamins are present. So, you don’t need to be a nutritionist to get the range of benefits, just choose produce with varied colors – red, purple, green, orange and so on and you will be getting all that nature has to offer.

RESOLVE TO RELAX

It’s difficult to think that relaxation should be of paramount importance in a world where we have numerous demands on our time,

Dr. Marsha barnett energy and money. But this is precisely why time away from the stresses of life is important.

Stress is related to a myriad of illnesses and as such stress busting activities such as mediation, yoga, a walk on the beach, or just time in a quiet space is important. Endeavor to make time for yourself on a daily basis and never underestimate the effect of a good night’s rest. Sleep is this is the time the body gets to repair and the mind refreshes itself for another day.

As we wish for health, wealth, love and prosperity in the upcoming year, let us resolve to take better care of ourselves. *Dr. Marsha Barnett is a general practitioner who also specializes in dermatology. For questions or comments, please contact at drmarshabarnett@gmail.com or at Associated Medical Practices - 9464242.

PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE COMPANY SEEKING THE FOLLOWING SKILLED TECHNICIAN

PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE COMPANY SEEKING THE FOLLOWING SKILLED TECHNICIAN

REFRIGERATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Maintain the day-to-day operations and to assume responsibility for maintaining the physical assets of the properties under the direction of Premier Contracting Services Ltd. Duties and Skill set required

•Inspect, repair, modify and install HVAC equipment including refrigeration, A/C, compressors, receivers, expansion valves, condensers and evaporators •Conduct preventative maintenance and inspection of refrigeration units and Air-conditioning systems, make necessary adjustments or repairs •Repair or replace defective electrical or mechanical controls •Operate a variety of tools including welding torches, pressure gauges, electrical testing equipment, and vacuum pumps.

•Repair and rebuild semi hermetic reciprocating compressors.

•Perform skilled electrical or maintenance work, installation and alteration of HVAC equipment, components, timers, wiring systems, diagnostic and troubleshooting •Maintain records concerning time, labor and materials, maintain log of tasks performed •Lift heavy objects •Communicate in English effectively both orally and writing Education and Experience •Certificate and 5 years documentable HVAC journeyman level operation, maintenance and repair experience in the HVAC refrigeration trade •Valid driver’s license Please submit applications via email at maintenance@khcapital.com

Maintain the day-to-day operations and to assume responsibility for maintaining the physical assets of the properties under the direction of Premier Contracting Services Ltd.

Duties, Experience and Skill set required •Five (5) years experience in industrial refrigeration for commercial cold storage as well as commercial air conditioning systems. Must hold technical certificates for both.

•Ability to supervise and coordinate several maintenance technicians while completing numerous simultaneous jobs •Fluent in Microsoft excel, word and office •Technical knowledge in plumbing, electrical and mechanical works, certificates required.

•Installation of new equipment including refrigeration compressors, evaporators and condensers, ability to repair all large commercial cold storage •Supervision and development of daily routines of refrigeration maintenance staff.

•Development and production of maintenance budgets, including parts and equipment orders.

•Development and implementation of preventative maintenance schedules •Ability to complete tasks swiftly, good problem solving skills is a must.

•Experience in the commercial cold storage / maintenance industry preferred.

•Installing and repairing components such as Copeland discuss compressors, motors, condenser units, evaporators, switches and copper lines for 404A gas, refrigerant oil •Daily monitoring, checking and overhauling commercial cold storage refrigeration systems, diagnosing faults and repairing/replacing defective components •Experience with Danfoss refrigeration computerized controls •Required to be on call 24 hours, must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays.

Please submit applications via email at maintenance@khcapital.com

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

FSC reports on Financial Services Industry In furtherance of its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Financial Services Commission held its 4th Annual Meeting with the Financial Services Industry on Friday, 8 December 2017, under the theme “Leveraging Change”.

The Annual Meeting which brought together over 70 people from the financial services sector, government, regulators, law enforcement, and the legal fraternity - is the Commission’s main outreach platform to update the financial services industry on its activities and plans for the upcoming year.

The guest speaker for this year’s event was Ms. Karen Richardson, Chief Operating Officer of Asterix Global Services, Inc., an expert in the area of reinsurance. Ms Richardson’s remarks focused on the challenges facing the international reinsurance business and how financial service centres like the TCI can position themselves to respond to unfolding changes, including in US tax law, which may ultimately affect that sector. At present, there are over 7,000 producer owned reinsurance companies (PORCs) domiciled in the TCI.

In his remarks, the Commission’s Chairman, Sir Errol Allen, pointed to opportunities for small jurisdictions like the TCI to utilise technology to better compete

with larger, more established financial and bring TCI company law in line service centres. Managing Director, with international standards and Niguel Streete who also spoke on the ultimately increase the attractiveness theme, outlined his vision for how the of the jurisdiction as a business centre, Commission would incorporate change will operate concurrently with the within its strategic and operation plan current Companies Ordinance Cap over the next three years.

16.08 for nine months, before the latter

The meeting also featured is revoked on 1 November 2018. presentations from the Commission’s A major feature of the new staff and industry practitioners on Ordinance is the establishment of the impact of changing international requirements for identification and requirements pertaining to anti- registration of beneficial owners money laundering and combating (subject to specific exemptions and terrorist financing, tax transparency, exclusions) for greater transparency exchange of information and new and to achieve greater conformity with accounting rules to be introduced international anti-money laundering for the measurement of financial standards. Under the new Ordinance, instruments. companies will no longer be permitted

The Commission again wishes to self-register and as such, every to extend appreciation to all who company will be required to appoint attended the event and helped to make a licensed company manager as it it a success. registered agent. Companies are encouraged to take advantage of the

1.Meeting with the industry fee-neutral voluntary registration on the Companies Ordinance and period from 1 February 2018 to 31 Beneficial Owners Register July 2018, to begin taking advantage of the new benefits provided for under

The Commission hosted the new law. Companies which do not a meeting with licensed company voluntarily register before 1November managers and other relevant 2018 will be automatically registered. stakeholders on Wednesday, 13 Additional information on December 2017, to outline imminent the registration of companies under changes to the company registration the Companies Ordinance 2017 process due to come into force with and a list of contact details for all the passage of the new Companies licensed Company Managers/Agents Ordinance 2017. The new Ordinance, may be found on the Registry page of which is intended to modernise the Financial Services Commission

Website on www.tcifsc.tc.

2. Publications The Commission wishes to also make the public aware of the following information published on its website, www.tcifsc.tc: (i)Summary of Domestic Banks’ Rates and Charges Effective 31 October 2017, the Commission began compiling and publishing a schedule of rates and charges commonly applied by domestic banks. This information will be updated on the website at half-yearly intervals, for the general information and benefit of the public. (ii)Financial Stability Report The Commission also publishes an annual Financial Stability Report, outlining the outlook of the financial stability of the TCI based on developments in, and projections for local and international markets.

The report is structured to review the main risks to financial stability in the Islands, and present an overview of financial system performance during the reporting period, the trajectory of which is also used to determine the Commission’s view of the stability outlook.

COX MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED SEEKS TO RECRUIT FOR THE FOLLOWING POSTS:

2 HVAC TECHNICIAN/FOREMAN KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Manage and support personnel in the day to day operation.

• Plan, implement and control a production schedule for HVAC projects.

RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: • A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a similar role is essential.

• HVAC Technician Certification, Mitsubishi City Multi & Lennox VRF and Daikin VRV Certified. Project Management Skills.

SALARY-Negotiable between $ 44,000 to $ 68,000 per annum based on education, qualifications and experience.

4 HVAC TECHNICIAN KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • install, Troubleshoot and repair HVAC units including electronic and mechanical components Certification, Mitsubishi City Multi & Lennox VRF and Daikin VRV RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: • A minimum of 7 years’ experience SALARY-Negotiable between $ 22, 000 to $ 40, 000 per annum based on education, qualifications and experience.

3 HVAC DUCT FABRICATOR/INSTALLER JOB SUMMARY -Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair duct work products and equipment, such as ducts, Includes sheet metal and fiber glass duct installers who install prefabricated ducts used for HVAC.

RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: • A minimum of 5 years’ • HVAC Duct Fabricator Certification.

SALARY-Negotiable between $ 21,000 to $ 28,000 per annum based on education, qualifications and experience.

2 LABOURER JOB SUMMARY -Performs a variety of basic technical tasks related to assisting in the service and repair of all heating and air conditioning systems.

SALARY-Wages range between $6.50 to $ 8.50 per hour based on qualifications and experience.

1 DOMESTIC WORKER JOB SUMMARY- Perform any combination of light cleaning duties to maintain the residence in a clean and orderly manner.

RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED • A minimum of 5 years’ experience • Must be able to understand, speak & write English.

SALARY- $13,000 per annum Interested Turks & Caicos Islanders apply All positions currently held by work permit holders.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15th, 2018 APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15th, 2018

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

TCI suffers over half billion in damages, says Premier

By Todeline Defralien

The Turks and Caicos Islands sustained over half a billion in damages from hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, said Premier Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson.

Speaking at her Government’s one year anniversary press conference held at the Premier’s office on Wednesday December 20th, 2017, she said, “We are so grateful for all those that continue to play in the role of early recovery efforts of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are now in receipt of all critical reports and will finalize our detailed recovery plan.

Over the past few days we received UNDP’s report on the social and economic impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria on the TCI and the United Nation ECLAC’s report, both replete with sound recommendations. The UN ECLAC report has estimated our country’s damages at $289,625,726 and losses at $230,439,488 with additional losses at approximately $38 million, this puts our damage and losses at over half a billion dollars.”

She added that over the next two weeks her government will review the full content and determine the way forward and will present the findings to the people of this country in early January, together with a statement

on the financial position, the balances premier said that every effort is being on the contingency fund and a full made to repair all schools throughout concessions report. the Islands.

“We continue to see and feel “Our position remains firm the difficulties of those who have that our children must be a priority experienced or suffered personal loss, and as such, the reprioritized capital the islands that have seen less than programme already approved quick movement, our civil servants through Cabinet and the monies from who are faced with challenging work the insurance policy will be directed environments, businessmen not yet largely at school repairs,” she stated. paid and school children displaced “We remain grateful for the many and under difficult circumstances,” organizations and governments that she added assisted us. We are pleased that

The Premier stressed that we were able to provide relief by her Government will keep under means of food items, exemptions of review their fragile financial position duty and CPF on fuel, furniture and and will continue to do what they materials for our people and it is my must to avoid self-inflicted harm Governments intention to seek an while balancing the needs identified. intention for directly affected persons Additionally Cartwright of the storms for a further period. We Robinson also spoke about the are aware of the backup orders, the recovery efforts for Grand Turk, delayed shipments and the challenges stating that a major clean-up is with the insurance companies. We underway for the capital. still urge urgency in your efforts as “After over five week of seeking final we seek to rebuild while planning for approval, monies will be spent from another projected active hurricane the Carnival Infrastructure Fund season in six months.” to assist in the continued clean-up She asked residents of Grand Turk. The Premier’s Office to appreciate the “delicate through the Director will address the circumstances that we are balancing”, outstanding task on South Caicos, noting that Government is running Salt Cay, North and Middle Caicos an operational deficit, hence the through existing funded lines for reason they must seek the approvals clean-ups,” she said. for the supplementaries from the UK.

Since the passing of both “Despite mischief makers, hurricanes, many students across the two storms did impact our revenues.

Islands are still largely displaced. The Hotels closing down and planes not

PO Box 329, Graceway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies, Tel 649 431 6327/333 6327Website: www.provoprimary.com MARINE BIOLOGIST/SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES TEACHER for KEY STAGES 2-4 Provo Primary is looking for a Marine Biologist to join our teaching staff in January 2017. Applicant must have a degree in Science and Marine Biology, and have experience working with children and young adults.

The successful applicant will be responsible for designing and delivering a Science/ Marine Biology curriculum to Provo Primary School Key stage 2 and 3 students. He/she will also be responsible for leading research studies and developing after school/evening/ camp programmes, while considering the learning objectives for The UK National Science Curriculum. Applicant must be Padi certified, hold a current CPR certification and have knowledge and experience working in an ocean/island environment.

Please send full CV, letter of application and certificates to Alison Williams, director@provoprimary.com

OKEANOS JUICE AND SMOOTHIE BAR We are looking for an experiencedmixologist/cashier with a backgroundin nutrition andfitness. Applicant must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with other team members and the store’s customers. Main duties include: •Preparation of nutritious smoothies, juices, breakfast and lunch items based on Okeanos’sstandard blends, quantity and quality and inventory stocking.

•Ensuring that the overall store complies with the company’s standards for cleanliness.

•Computing and recording transactions at the POS terminal.

•Answering customers’ queries and providing information with regards to the health benefits of the various itemssold at the store.

•Design and development of menu/advertising.

We are also looking for a dishwasher/cleaner who will keep the store clean and open coconuts!

Please send full CV to Joshua Williamsokeanosfitness@gmail.com J102 Adventura Ave. Regent Village, Providenciales(649)-333-6328

Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson. flying had certainly impacted our revenue. We are still blessed and we continue to give God thanks on all of our behalves,” the Premier explained.

Cartwright -Robinson asked the Opposition to pull themselves together, do some research, divorce their temptation to be so emotional and give the people what they deserve, which is better representation.

The Premier said her Government is honored and humbled after one year to report on their accomplishments under the change document and next year they will continue to report to the people of these islands in releases, radio and TV appearances, town hall meetings, press conferences and briefings and in two new exciting ways to be introduced and announced next month.

WATERLOO HOTEL MANAGEMENT LTD Alexandra Resort, Blue Haven Resort & Marina and the Beach House

We are seeking to employ, a suitably qualified and experienced hospitality professional in the position listed below. Our ideal candidate should have an outstanding command of the English language, written and oral, strong communication and excellent customer service skills.

Waterloo Hotel Management is inviting applications for the following position: CHIEF ENGINEER Applicant should meet the following requirements: •Have a first degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from a recognized University/College or equivalent.

•At least 5 years’ experience in maintenance management at a four-star resort •Knowledge of PMS IS A MUST •Must be computer literate •Clear communications skills (written and oral) •Must be fluent in the English language •A proven track record in managing an efficient diversified work force, Position summary: The successful applicant will be responsible for theManagement of all technical operations of the department including but not limited to the; •Department’s budget and stock controls management •Management, development, coachingand motivating staff •Maintenance of all water treatment systems •Maintenance of all generators and kitchen equipment •Maintenance of Pool and laundry equipment •Maintenance of Air conditioning and electrical systems •Preventive maintenance programs and systems for the resort’s engineering, grounds, pools, public areas and guestrooms •The ability to maintain as well as offer new avenues on all electrical and mechanical systems At least 4 or 5 years’ experience with at least 3 or more those years in a four star resort property.

Salary commensurate of experience and qualifications.

Interested persons may contact our HR department Mon. – Fri. from 9am-3pm via telephone number 946-8054 or you may submit your resume with qualifications and experience to: hr@wihl.com Please also submit a copy of your completed application to our local labor department.

Closing date ---- January 6th, 2017

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Milano Diamond Gallery is interested in hiring persons to fill the position of Sales Person.

Candidates for Sales Person requirements: •Good Communication Skills •Friendly and able to work with a team •sales experience would be an asset •All candidates must be willing to work with an irregular cruise ship schedule.

Based on experience Salary starts at $6.25 an hour Applications can be submitted to Milano Diamond Gallery, Grand Turk Cruise Center 946-2276.

GOVERNMENT VACANCIES – (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 19th JANUARY 2018) Job Title: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: Salary: annum

Superintendent of Prisons - CFB6-05 Her Majesty’s Prison Grand Turk Grade 10 - $73185.00 per annum and Allowances - 24,560.00 per

JOB SUMMARY The Superintendent of Prisons has national responsibility for the effective management of Her Majesty’s Prison Service in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Job holder will ensure compliance with Prison Ordinance and regulations, protection of the public and the welfare of Prisoners, international standards on the detention of persons and will be an effective partner within the wider criminal justice network. The Job holder will oversee and direct Prison policy and reform to ensure compliance with the Government’s Mission and Vision Statements as it relates to the Prison Service and the wider requirements of international law.

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.

TURKS AND CAICOS NATIONAL INSURANCE BOARD Vacancy:

DIRECTOR (CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER)

Reporting:

Directly to the Board of Directors and, as required, to the responsible Minister

Reporting

Deputy Director Corporate Services, Financial Controller, Investment Manager,

Positions:

Corporate Secretarial Assistant

Indirect Branch Managers – Grand Turk & Providenciales,

Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Legal Counsel, Reporting: Human Resource Manager, Information Systems Manager.

Liaising The Minister and Ministry of Finance, Actuaries, External, Auditors, Brokers, Relationships: The National Health Insurance Board, Banks,

Investment Companies, Insurance Companies,

Government Agencies, other National Insurance

Organizations, Employers and Scheme participants,

the public media Objective: The achievement of overall objectives of the National

Insurance Board within the guidelines of the National

Insurance Ordinance and Regulations and in keeping with

its Mission: to achieve social protection for the aged, working

population and their dependents by being financially viable

and providing social security in a reliable caring and

effective manner through competent motivated staff and informed leadership Key Responsibility Areas: •Provision of strong leadership and management of the NIB’s staff in pursuit of its objectives and the fulfillment of the NIB’s responsibilities.

•Achievement of strategic, financial and actuarial targets, and meeting obligations to subscribers.

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THE REGENT GRAND PERSONAL BUTLER OPPORTUNITY This employer seeks a dynamic and creative individual to bring new experience to a luxury beachfront boutique property. The individual must have the following attributes: •Customer focused, patient and able to build the relationship with the guest and enhance the guest experience.

•Must have experience of international cuisine and table service.

•Take care of all VIP suite room guests and coordinate with all concerned departments to fulfill guest needs and requests.

•Must be fully aware of the Room Service and other outlets menu, answers questions on menu selections, and availability.

•Keeps concerned departments informed about the guest allergies and food preferences.

•Update the hotel software with guest preference, likes and dislikes on to the guest profile section.

•Able to service condo owners, villa owners and in house guests on demand.

•Able to cater for multiple functions such as special events, weddings, conferences and meetings if required.

•Coordinate with housekeeping staff and other key departmental managers •Must be able to work within a strict budget and experience within luxury properties internationally is an asset.

•Must be able to work weekends and public holidays •This position reports to the General Manager.

Applications will be accepted up to January 15th, 2018 Please forward resumes to: Email: rosemary@rwimgt.com Regent Grand Management Ltd. c/o The Regent Grand Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 941-7770

•Proper fiscal management and safeguarding the financial viability of the National Insurance Fund.

•Development of strategies, policies and procedures for sound governance and ensuring adherence.

•Coordination of the development and implementation of effective human resource and performance management systems throughout the NIB. •Development and execution of internal and external communications strategies, including marketing and public relations, to engage stakeholders for effective policy formulation and operations.

•Provision of sound advice, recommendations and reports to the Board of Directors and the responsible Minister.

Required Qualifications: •A minimum of ten (10) years experience in a senior executive capacity in a similar or related industry, preferably including some experience working with a multi-disciplined Board of Directors •Masters Degree in Business Administration or related discipline from a recognised institution •Proficiency in strategic planning, financial analysis and portfolio management •Training in contemporary management practices and human resource development •Training in marketing and public relations, presentations development and execution, and report writing •Information technology knowledge and its application in monitoring performance standards •Strong communication and interpersonal skills •Proven track record of sound decision making and managerial performance Compensation will be within the range of US$95,550 to US$110,000.

The position is based at the Head office in Grand Turk.

Please respond by mail to: The Secretary Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board Hon. Headley Durham Building, Grand Turk Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI or Email: nib@tcinib.tc Please send your application and résumé by January 31, 2018.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

within various sectors.

9. Communicates with the business owners in a professional, patient, ethical and sincere way.

10. Stays aware of global and national market trends and the changing needs of MSME sector.

11. Encourages businesses to utilize the various programs offered by the CED. 12. Assist in the continued development of CED’s strategic plan.

13. Refers clients to other resources and professionals when necessary.

14. Travels throughout the islands to deliver services to MSMEs, as well as occasionally work evenings.

15. Performs other job related duties as assigned.

BUSINESS ADVISOR REQUIRED ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION The CED is a non-profit organization which supports potential and existing entrepreneurs with business consulting in a variety of business start-up and management topics, as well as the provision of targeted training programs.

BUSINESS ADVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION Reports directly to the CED Director, the Business Advisor works directly with start-up and existing entrepreneurs to diagnose business health, provide guidance on business operations, provides confidential, one-on-one counselling and coaching in all areas of business, including market feasibility, business planning, financing, marketing, peer to peer mentoring and human resource development. The Business Advisor will also assist clients under the TCI Government’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Program regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1. Provides business counselling at the CEDoffice or at the site of the MSME business.

2. Provides technical assistance to MSME clients in research and development of business plans, marketing plans, loan proposals and related business development requirements.

3. Provides advice and assistance in the establishment and maintenance of business and financial records, in compliance with relevant regulations, guidelines and standards.

4. Liaise with Invest TCI staff and other relevant partnerson matters to meet the objectives of the TCI Government MSME Program.

5. Utilizes Neoserra Data Base to document client activity in an accurate, timely and comprehensive manner, and utilizes the data base software to manage business caseload and produce reports.

6. Develops, promotes, coordinates and delivers business managementtraining programs in a variety of topics.

7. Collaborates with public and private sector stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the CED. 8. Participates, as assigned to promote local business and economic development

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 1. Highly customer service oriented.

2. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with small business owners in a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

3. Ability to develop business plans, marketing plans, financial strategies and business loan proposals.

4. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

5. Knowledge of the 2015Micro, Small and Medium EnterpriseOrdinance and related Regulations.

6. Knowledge of sound, practical business practices of MSME operations.

7. Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports.

8. Knowledge of banker expectations of the small business owner.

9. Knowledge of basic business accounting and software such as QuickBooks.

10. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and related applications.

11. Skill in dealing with business owners and their staff.

12. Skills in assessing business training needs, whether the assessment methods are formal or informal.

13. Ability to develop and deliver educational programs and/or workshops.

14. Skills in relating to the business owner and adult learner.

15. Ability to analyse situations or market needs, and communicate these effectively.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS 1. Completed Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Entrepreneurship from an accredited institution.

2. Minimum of one year’s experience related to the essential functions specified.

3. Past or current business ownership/management experience .

4. Experience in counselling and/or advising small businesses .

5. Small business finance/banking experience is preferred.

6. Holder of a valid driver’s license and passport.

Salary:$45,600 to $48,000 per annum based on qualifications and experience, TO APPLY: Submit applications before January 19, 2018 to: Chairman, CED Board of Directors, Unit 205, Sam Harvey’s Building,Downtown, Providenciales, Email: info@cedtci. tc Phone: 941-7233

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS AIRPORTS AUTHORITY PRE-QUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS FOR THE JAGS McCARTNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REMEDIAL WORKS GRAND TURK, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

The Turks & Caicos Airports Authority invites the submission of Pre-Qualification data from interested Contractors interested in carrying out the remedial works in connection with repairing/ restoring the JAGS McCartney International Airport back to its original state.

The new works will comprise of but not limited to, completing the works needed to allow the airport facility to be restored and function as per the airport authority’s codes and international standards. These works will include carrying out works needed respectively to the Terminal building, Control tower and the Fire Hall building. It is the intention that these works will run concurrent of the other. It is estimated that the cost of the works may be in excess of US$500,000.

Tender documents will be available during early January 2018 with construction anticipated to commence January 2018 with a completion as soon as possible thereafter.

Interested Contractors should deliver or e-mail written submissions to Mr. John Smith of TCIAA at Johntsmith@ tciairports.com, Providenciales, no later than 8th of January 2018 providing the following pre-qualification data: •Copy of Major Contracting business licence.

•List of projects completed over the past 3 years with value and contract period.

•Current and future likely workload with anticipated commencement dates.

•Show that the contractor, whilst acting as a general contractor, has previously successfully completed projects.

- in excess of US$500,000 - of similar size and construction complexity - within a similar time frame as required for the project.

Written evidence from a bank or Financing Institution registered in the Turks & Caicos Islands that the Contractor will be able to obtain a surety bond in the amount of 10% of the Contract Sum, prior to being given possession of the site.

After evaluation of the data submitted, a short list will be prepared and these firms will be invited to submit tenders.

The Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority shall not be bound to assign any reason for not pre-qualifying any applicant and will not defray any cost incurred by applicants.

Must demonstrate capacity to operate in an operational environment.

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 21

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

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Page 23

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

‘Operation feed the People’ programme serves over hundreds in the Nation’s Capital T

he Good Neighbours Purse - GNP Network TCI Inc in collaboration with Tropical Vibes 105.5/103.5 FM, presented Operation Feed The People in the Nation’s Capital, Grand Turk on December 23rd at the H.J. Robinson High School.

The purpose of this initiative was to give back to those persons/families that were affected by the very dangerous category 5 hurricane Irma that hit the Turks and Caicos Islands in September.

During this program over hundreds of persons in Grand Turk received food, clothes, drinks, snacks, Lots of give aways and take aways and the kids also received toys for the Christmas season.

Apostle Kenneth Chukwu who is President and Chairman of The Good Neighbours Purse - GNP Network told the SUN, “My island visits and feeding programs starting with Providenciales, Grand Turk

and North Caicos has exposed to me the great need and hunger among the people especially after the hurricanes. I need more help, assistance and support as I prepare for South Caicos in the New Year. We also need a van or truck for our operations, pickup and delivery. We are appealing for someone to donate a van or truck. I have been using my car since my bus packed up since 2015.”

Chukwu stated that he is only carrying out God’s proposal because God put a love of this island into his heart and to help the people of this country and he was more than happy to help to people of Grand Turk who very well needed it.

Chukwu thanked everyone that came on board with this initiative to make a difference in the lives of people that were affected by the passage of hurricane Irma.

P a r t i c i p a t i n g Organizations were: Won Without

Borders, Airport Hotel and Inn, Grace Bay Club, HLB Ltd, Caicos Express Airways, InterCaribbean Airlines, Kia Motors, Do It Center, Lew 1 Shipping, Coca Cola, TC Crystal Water, TC Gas, Griffiths and Partners, Mango Reef, West Bay Resort, Gansevoort Hotel, Salt Raker Hotel - Grand Turk, Osprey Beach Hotel - Grand Turk, Margaretville - Grand Turk, GQ Car Rental - Grand Turk and Mrs. Rosemary Simons Taxi - Grand Turk. We also appreciate and acknowledge the following for their support: DDME, TCI Red Cross, H. J. Robinson High School, Faith Tabernacle Church Of God, Pastor Frederick Braithwaite, Apostle Oscar Talbot, the Senior Citizens, Apostle Ruth Ariza, Bishop Austraham Hamilton, The Sun Newspaper, Royal Jewels, Radio Turks and Caicos, Crust Bakery, EDS, Robert D’Arceu – Legal Adviser and All our friends that supported.

Photo Credit: Earlson Robinson.

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

T

he Turks and Caicos Islands Community College hosted its 22nd annual graduation celebration on Tuesday December 19th, 2017, at Paradise Baptist Church, Five Cays, Providenciales under the theme “Soaring Above Our Challenges: Achieving Excellence”.

This year, 103 students graduated from the Providenciales and Grand Turk campuses.

Students were awarded certificates in Computer Applications, UWI/TCICC Advance Certificates in Human Resource Management, Associate of Arts Degrees in: Automotive Engineering Technology, Building& Design Technology, Business Studies, Computer Studies, Culinary Arts, Electrical Engineering Technology, Environmental Science, General Studies, Hospitality & Tourism Management and Primary Education and Bachelors Degree in: Business Administration, Education (Primary) and Hospitality & Tourism Management.

Keynote speaker for the night was Mrs. Shernelle Capron, Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors.

Kayanna Gibson and Rebecca Archibold did a beautiful selection of the national anthem and national song, call of order was done by Vice President (TCICC) Mr. Samuel Forbes, Protocol, welcome remarks by Dr. Hubert Fulford, remarks by Mrs. Bianca HarveyGarland (Chairman, board of Governors) and Mr. Orville Beckford (Chairman CCCJ) and greetings by Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education.

Also present were Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, MP for The Bight Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith and other Government officials.

Presentation of candidates was done by Dr. John Mubenwafor (Dean of Academic and student affairs).

Valedictorians for the class of 2017 were Gemely Lubin (Bachelors) and Ivana Spencer (Associates).

The following are photographs from the graduation ceremony.

Photo Credits: Todeline Defralien and Romain Maignan.

TCICC 22nd Annual Graduation Celebration

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Beaches Fetes Local Senior Citizens for Christmas

Beaches Turks and Caicos hosted its fourth annual media appreciation Christmas dinner over the holidays for members of the media to show appreciation for another successful year.

Media officials from radio, print, and television enjoyed dinner and a show at the resort’s Kimonos Teppanyaki, a Japanese restaurant

in the French Village.

Elanor Krzanowski, PR manager resort, and her team surprised each media house with either a gift certificate to purchase items from the resort’s boutique; a gift certificate to enjoy a spa treatment at the resort or passes to enjoy the resort’s amenities which gives them an opportunity to experience our resort as a guest.

In an interview with Krzanowski, she said that she looked forward to this event, just as much as media personnel. “We look forward to hosting the press dinner every year Christmas because it is our way of saying thank you to the wonderful men and women that have supported us throughout the year. For us, the press dinner is about building

relationships and bridging the gap with the media and letting them know that we are here to support them- with their stories.”

The annual dinner is the resort’s way of showing gratitude to reporters and staff members from the various media houses, for their hard work and commitment to the resort during the year.

Edna Cunningham, Santa Clause & Vernice Stubbs

Edna Cunningham, Santa Clause & Mrs. Clause

Errimilda Simons & Daughter Mrs. Stubbs with Santa & Mrs. Clause

Errimilda Simons (Celebrated her 100th Birthday) with Managing Director Don Dagenais

Manuela Pratt & Friend

Pastor Violette Thompson & Friend

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

For All you advertising needs contact TCISUN at 339-5879 Or email – sun@suntci.com TROPICAL WAVES WATER SPORTS Is seeking 1 Marine Mechanic 2 Divers Salary: Negotiable per hour Contact: (649) 332-5707 Please Email: wavestropical@gmail.com

SUNSHINE RESTAURANT On Old Airport Road in Grand Turk Seeks to employ an Assistant Cook At a salary of $2,400.00 Per Month To work 5 days per week Please contact Joydie Rankin at telephone no. 2412402 KITCHEN HELPER WANTED General kitchen duties including food prep Pay $7 per hour Must be willing to work 6 days per week including nights, holidays and weekends Send applications to: magnoliaprovo@live.com BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY

RIGBY BUILDERS Is seeking employment for 2 Mason With the highest knowledge in masonry Must be able to work weekends Starting salary is $9.00 per hour Interested candidate may drop off resumes to the Labour Department or call 341-0221 BELONGERS NEED APPLY ONLY

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

ELITE EDUCATION SYS HIGH SCHOOL IS SEEKING 3 TEACHERS SALARY $1,500 PER MONTH 2 CLEANERS SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR 2 TUCK-SHOP CLERKS SALARY $1,200 PER MONTH CONTACT # 245-8334

MIS AMIGOS

UNDER THE TREE

IS SEEKING A PASTRY CHEF WILLING TO WORK WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS AND NIGHTS AS NEEDED. PLEASE CONTACT: 331-7314 #304177

PREMIER SOLUTION LTD

UNIQUE GRACE MAINTENANCE SERVICES

IS SEEKING A DOMESTIC WORKER PAY RATE $6.25 - $7.00 CONTACT 649-231-3617

Is seeking a Mason To work 6 days per week Salary $7.00 per hour Please Contact: 347-6382

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

SEEKS 1 LABOURER TO WORK 5 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR CONTACT 341-5121

#304180

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OFFICE ESSENTIALS PLUS, GRAND TURK

IS SEEKING A CHEF TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $8:00 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT # 345-9876

SHERWIN PENN

NEEDS A DOMESTIC WORKER PROVIDENCIALES SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK PLEASE CONTACT: 332-6694

NERISSA FORTUNE

Is seeking a Store Clerk for the daily operations of a Retail Store The person filling this position must be honest, hard working, computer literate and speaks the English Language Our working hours are 8:30am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00an to 1pm Saturday.

Basic pay is $6.25 per hour.

DEOMARDO CLARE Is seeking a Labourer To work 5 days per week Salary: $ 6.50 per hour Please Contact: 348-1197

“Diamonds International Grand Turk is looking for: SALES ASSOCIATE Qualifications necessary are as follows: Minimum 1 year in Sales experience Please send resumes to dhershkovich@shopdi.com Belongers preferably

MBA CONSTRUCTION SEEKS 2 GARDINERS - $7.00 PER HOUR 1 TILE LAYER - $8.00 PER HOUR 3 CARPENTER - $10.00 PER HOUR TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK CONTACT 242-3450

W&J FASHION STORE

IS SEEKING A DOMESTIC WORKER TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT: 344-5969 #304167

M.A.F SECURITY SERVICES

IS SEEKING A DOMESTIC WORKER TO WORK 5 DAYS A WEEK SALARY $6.50 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT: 332-2700

IS LOOKING FOR TWO (2) SECURITY TO WORK 6 DAYS A WEEK SALARY $6.75 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT M.A.F. SECURITY SERVICES @ 232-6538 OR EMAIL ANDYFORBES57@YAHOO.COM

#304155

#304166

BLUE DIAMOND LOUNGE

Seeks to employ 1 Bartender To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please contact: 247-3257

TCI TENNIS ACADEMY Is seeking a Tennis Pro Must have a Level A Tennis Knowledge To work 6 days a week and flexible hours Starting Salary $11.00 an hour Must be great in working with children All interested persons may call 441-7527 BELONGERS NEED APPLY ONLY

VIP BARBERSHOP

COURTELLA FORBES

Is seeking one Barber To work 6 days per week Salary: $7.00 per hour Please contact: 347-1323

Is seeking a Labourer To work 6 days per week Salary is paid weekly Please Contact: 345-7277

Page 30

FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE

Heart benefit of moderate drinking greater in wealthy people

People who enjoy a few disease. But among the poorest cocktails each week may be less likely participants in the study, the odds of to die from heart disease than people death for moderate drinkers were just who rarely or never drink, especially 21 percent lower than for nondrinkers.

“We knew that the risk of if they’re rich, a Norwegian study alcohol-related hospitalizations and suggests.

For the study, researchers deaths was higher among less affluent examined survey data on individuals on average, despite that drinking habits and demographic they in general drink less frequently,” characteristics for 207,394 adults in said lead author Eirik Degerud of the Norway. During an average follow-up Norwegian Institute of Public Health of 17 years, 8,435 participants died of in Oslo.

“We now see that that the cardiovascular disease.

Compared to the participants proposed benefit of alcohol on the who drank less than once a month, risk of cardiovascular disease is moderate drinkers who enjoyed more pronounced among those more alcoholic beverages two to three times affluent,” Degerud said by email. a week were 22 percent less likely to “But as there is no good reason why, die of heart disease during the study, mechanistically, alcohol should be researchers report in PLoS Medicine. more `protective’ among those with an affluent background, we suspect that But money also mattered.

Among the most affluent it is their affluent background that is people, moderate drinkers were 34 the real reason behind the difference.”

Being poor also appeared to percent less likely to die from heart

Obesity, poverty help explain higher diabetes risk for U.S. blacks

Even though black adults are more likely to develop diabetes than white adults, the increased risk is largely due to obesity and other risk factors that may be possible to change, a U.S. study suggests.

Researchers followed 4,251 black and white men and women starting when they were 18 to 30 years old; none of them had diabetes to start with. After an average followup of more than 24 years, 504 of the participants developed diabetes.

Compared to white women, black women were almost three times more likely to develop diabetes, researchers report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Black men, meanwhile, had 67 percent higher odds of becoming diabetic than white men.

However, there was no longer a meaningful difference in diabetes risk between black and white people once researchers accounted for a variety of factors that can contribute to this disease including obesity, neighborhood segregation and poverty levels, depression, education and employment.

“Our work suggests that if we can eliminate these differences in traditional risk factors between blacks and whites then we can reduce the race disparities in the development of diabetes,” said lead study author Michael Bancks, a researcher at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

This isn’t an easy fix, Bancks acknowledged.

“To eliminate the higher rate of diabetes, everybody needs to have access to healthy foods, safe spaces for physical activity and equal economic opportunity to have enough money to afford these things and live in communities that offer this,”

Bancks said by email.

“Prior research by our team has shown that black adults live in neighborhoods that have higher rates of poverty, fewer grocery stores and (fewer) safe places for physical activity,” Bancks added. “These neighborhood factors contribute directly to the health behaviors such as physical activity and diet that can lead to obesity and diabetes.”

At the start of the study, participants were about 25 years old on average, and white people were more likely to be married, employed full-time and have at least some college education.

During the study, 189 white people and 315 black people developed diabetes.

This translates into 86 cases of diabetes for every 1,000 white people, compared with 152 cases for every 1,000 black people.

Among all of the risk factors that helped explain this difference, biological factors such as obesity and fasting blood sugar levels played the biggest role, the study found.

The study wasn’t a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how various risk factors might influence the odds of developing diabetes or explain racial disparities.

Another limitation is that researchers relied on data from blood sugar tests or diabetes medication prescriptions to determine whether people had been diagnosed with the disease, the authors note. Current definitions of the blood sugar levels that indicate diabetes are different than they were during much of the study, and prescription records don’t always offer a complete picture of who has been diagnosed with this disease, the researchers point out.

worsen the risks of heavy drinking.

Among the least affluent participants, individuals who had four to seven cocktails a week were 42 percent more likely to die from heart disease than infrequent imbibers.

Heavy drinkers were also 70 percent more likely to die of a stroke and 49 percent more likely to die from any cause.

Frequent binge drinking was also associated with a higher risk of death from heart disease, but it wasn’t clear whether social class influenced these odds.

Researchers used just one measurement to reflect lifetime drinking habits, even though alcohol consumption might change over time.

Even so, the results add to evidence that the risk of premature death associated with poverty can be impacted by people’s drinking habits, said Juergen Rehm, author

of an accompanying editorial and a researcher at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto.

“The findings indicate that the effects of alcohol differ depending on the socioeconomic position of the drinker,” Rehm said by email.

Affluent people shouldn’t think they can drink as much they like, however.

“One key message is that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption but that the risk differs based on other vulnerability factors often linked to socioeconomic status,” Rehm added.

Beyond just cardiovascular health, there are other reasons to cut back on alcohol, including an increased risk of certain cancers.

Based on this study and others, Rehm advised, “Less drinking is better for health.”

Pot-smoking on the rise among U.S. pregnant women

A growing number of pregnant Kaiser Permanente facilities that did women are using marijuana, and the universal screening for marijuana use habit is expanding fastest among as part of standard prenatal care. teens and young adults, a U.S. study Women typically completed suggests. questionnaires asking about drug use

Among teen mothers under when they were around eight weeks age 18, marijuana use during pregnant and then got lab tests during pregnancy surged from about 13 the same checkup or within the next percent in 2009 to almost 22 percent two to four weeks. in 2016, researchers found. Over Drug tests sometimes that same period, the proportion of revealed marijuana use that patients pregnant women aged 18 to 24 using didn’t disclose on the questionnaires, marijuana rose from 10 percent to 19 and some women who reported drug percent. use passed the screening tests, the

Across all age groups, study found. marijuana use during pregnancy Among women who screened increased from 4 percent at the start positive for marijuana use, 55 percent of the study to 7 percent by the end. failed the lab tests but denied drug “Prior nationally use on the questionnaires. Another representative studies have found 16 percent of women passed the drug that the prevalence of marijuana use tests but disclosed marijuana use on among U.S. adult pregnant women the questionnaires. has increased over time; however, It’s possible, but unlikely, these studies have not included that some lab tests revealed drug use objective measures of biochemically before pregnancy because marijuana verified marijuana use and likely can be detected up to about 30 days underestimate the prevalence,” said after the last use, researchers note. lead study author Kelly Young-Wolff The results of drug screening early and senior author Dr. Nancy Goler, in pregnancy also might not reflect both of Kaiser Permanente Northern what happens for the remainder of California in Oakland. pregnancy.

“Our study is important “We are just scratching the because it addressed key limitations of surface in terms of understanding prior studies by investigating trends cannabis use in pregnancy,” said Dr. in prenatal marijuana use using data Marcel Bonn-Miller, a researcher from a large California healthcare at the University of Pennsylvania system with ‘gold standard’ universal Perelman School of Medicine in screening for prenatal marijuana use,” Philadelphia who wasn’t involved in the authors said in an email. the study.

Marijuana is the most Although results from commonly used illegal drug during screening in Northern California pregnancy, researchers note in might not reflect rates of drug use in JAMA. Some previous research other parts of the study, the trend is suggests that prenatal marijuana still alarming, Bonn-Miller said by exposure may impair fetal growth and email. neurodevelopment.

“The more we study cannabis

For the study, researchers use during pregnancy, the more we examined data on more than 279,000 are realizing how harmful it can be,” pregnant women who were treated at Bonn-Miller added.

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Madame Justice Sandra Mason appointed Barbados’ second female Governor General

Sandra Prunella Mason, who rose from humble beginning and earned an illustrious legal career in Barbados and the Caribbean, will be sworn in as that country’s second female Governor General on January 8th, 2018.

Madame Justice Mason, 68, he first woman to be admitted to the Barbados Bar and the country’s first female Appeal Court Judge, will be Barbados’ 8th Governor General.

The announcement of her elevation to the office of Governor General came in a statement from Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart, who indicated that Her Majesty The Queen, on the recommendation of Her Majesty’s Ministers in Barbados, has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment.

Her appointment comes a little over six months since the seventh holder of that office, Sir Elliott Belgrave, retired on July 1, 2017 after five years of service.

“The selection of a Governor General is never an easy task. The selection process must be guided by

Sandra Mason will be Barbados’ 8th Governor General a range of factors, among them being personal and professional attributes, record of service, commitment to country, integrity and dignity. There are many Barbadians at home and in the Diaspora who could qualify,” the Prime Minister stated.

He added that in keeping with tradition, Her Majesty The Queen has

agreed to confer on Mason, the honour and dignity of Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (GCMG).

Moreover, he indicated that on assumption of the office of Governor General, the distinguished jurist will, under the Order of the Dame of Saint Andrew, become the Chancellor and Principal Dame of Saint Andrew.

Leader of the Opposition, Mia Mottley offered congratulations to the new Governor General on behalf of the Barbados Labour Party, describing it as a “crowning achievement” in a long and varied career in public service here, within the region and further afield.

“We are confident that she will bring to her office of Governor General the impartiality which is the hallmark of the other office which she held as a Judicial Officer in this country. Indeed, Ms Mason has had many firsts, being the first female Judge to be appointed to the Barbados Court of Appeal. We look forward to her installation ceremony and to her tenure as Governor General of this great country of ours. The people of

St Philip and her family should be justifiably proud of her achievements as a daughter of the soil, as she is now the first person ever from that corridor of the island ever to be appointed to the highest office in the land,” Mottley stated.

The mother of one son, has had a long and successful legal career, which spans more than three decades. Her accomplishments, apart from the 2008 appointment to the Barbados Court of Appeal, include her appointment as Chief Magistrate in 1994 and Registrar of the Supreme Court in 1997.

She has also served as a High Court Judge in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and as chairperson of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.

On January 1, 2014, Justice Mason started a four-year term as a member of the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT), based in London, England. She became the first Barbadian to be appointed as a member of the CSAT. She also previously held the position of Barbados’ Ambassador to Venezuela.

Bahamian Prime Minister underwent eye operation

Prime Minister of The Bahamas Dr Hubert Minnis praised the staff at Princess Margaret Hospital who he said gave excellent service while he underwent a minor surgery to remove a cataract from one of his eyes.

Dr Minnis left the hospital shortly after the surgery on Wednesday and said he is recovering well at home. He said his first order of business when he gets back to work is focusing on improving the quality of life for all Bahamians.

Speaking to The Tribune shortly after being discharged from PMH, Dr Minnis said he had great

confidence in the doctors there.

“I have the great confidence in the health care system, (the general public) should also. After all, my entire career was with PMH and the healthcare system and PMH has contributed to where I am today.”

Dr Minnis also thanked members of the public for their well-wishes and concern about his health.

“Those who had prayed for me, I thank them all and be assured that when I return to work we will be concerned on improving the quality of life for all Bahamians, the economy and getting Bahamians back to work.

“I want them to remember my heart still remains with the poor, the inner city, the Family Islands and especially Junkanoo.”

Dr Minnis extended thanks to his surgeon Dr Jeffrey Sweeting, Dr Mark Weech, an anaesthetist, the theatre staff and other workers who gave “outstanding” service at PMH.

He also gave special thanks to porter Maycock, “one of the porters who insisted he was my driver for the day and move (me) in and out of the hospital safely.”

Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest is serving as acting prime minister while Dr Minnis is recovering.

Prime Minister of The Bahamas Dr. Hubert Minnis

Cayman’s banking sector continue to slide

The territory’s banking “This contraction resulted in the 2015 to 148 in 2016. The decline in the Investments in non-resident related industry continued to contract in 2016 decline in ranking of the Cayman number of banks has been attributed companies and losses in trading in terms of the number of banks and Islands international banking position to “de-risking,” a trend where Cayman- income from bouts of market volatility the amount of assets and liabilities to 8th and 7th in terms of cross-border registered banks have had increasing in Europe and South America,” CIMA held by those institutions, according assets and liabilities,” CIMA stated in difficulty in finding correspondent stated in its report. domestic banking services in other jurisdictions. Cayman’s to the Cayman Islands Monetary its report.

The banking industry also banking sector fared better than its Authority’s 2016 Banking Digest.

Of the total assets and

However, the domestic liabilities held by Cayman-registered saw its profitability fall in 2016 with international counterpart, seeing its retail banking sector grew in 2016, banks in 2016, US$529 billion were return on equity decreasing from 8.3 return on equity increase from 11.2 increasing its assets and liabilities, held by European banks, US$370 percent in 2015 to 4.9 percent a year percent in 2015 to 13.3 percent in 2016, and expanding credit.

CIMA billion by banks from developed non- later, and return on assets falling and its return on assets increase from attributed the expansion to a healthy European countries (primarily the from 1.4 percent in 2015 to 0.9 percent. 1.3 percent to 1.5 percent. Income U.S., Canada, Japan, and Australia), Banks reported negative net income before taxes and dividends increased local economy.

According to CIMA, banks’ and US$113 billion by banks from before taxes and dividends of roughly from US$175 million to US$216 assets and liabilities both contracted Latin America and the Caribbean US$1.7 billion, and negative net million, and net income retained to about US$1.04 trillion from (primarily Brazil and Mexico). income retained of nearly US$2 billion increased from US$125 million to US$1.17 trillion and US$1.22 trillion, CIMA attributed some of the – marking the first year of negative net US$171 million, according to CIMA.

“The increase in earnings respectively, in 2015. Cross-border decrease in total assets and liabilities income in more than six years.

“The reduction in net income reflects the increase in earnings assets and liabilities declined to about to the exit of a “Class A” bank from US$1.02 trillion and US$985 billion, Cayman. The number of “Class retained was due to the increase in from the interest rates increases and respectively, which CIMA attributed B” banks – which are restricted to provisions for credit losses by South spreads in 2016,” states the CIMA to a stagnation in international conducting business offshore with American banks, losses incurred in report. lending during the second half of 2016. non-residents – also fell from 172 in other income by European banks from

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

CARIBBEAN NEWS

CIBC FirstCaribbean appoints new chief operating officer

CIBC FirstCaribbean has announced the appointment of Colette Delaney to the role of Chief Operating Officer.

As COO, Ms. Delaney assumes responsibility for the performance of the bank’s functional regional business lines – Retail & Business Banking, Cards & Customer Relationship Management, Corporate & Investment Banking, and Wealth Management.

She continues to be responsible for the bank’s Regional Country Management including local regulatory and client relationships.

Additionally, Ms. Delaney leads the Marketing & Communications and Strategy functions, for which she assumed responsibility in May of 2017.

Concurrent with these expanded responsibilities, Ms. Delaney has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of FirstCaribbean International Bank, Limited.

Colette Delaney joined CIBC FirstCaribbean in 2013, and served as the bank’s Chief Risk and Administrative Officer.

She is a banking professional of over thirty years’ experience, having begun her career with CIBC in 1987,

and previously with National Westminster Bank plc.

She holds a Master of Arts degree from St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, an MBA from Cass Business School in London, and received the designation of Associate of the Chartered Colette Delaney Institute of Bankers in the United Kingdom in 1989.

Prior to joining CIBC FirstCaribbean, Ms. Delaney held the position of an Executive Vice President within Retail Banking at CIBC. She is a former Director of the Canadian Payments Association and Acxsys Corporation. She was also a Director of Skills for Change, a non-profit

organization h e l p i n g newcomers to Canada.

In announcing the appointment, Chief Executive Officer, Gary Brown noted: “Colette brings a wealth of experience and strong leadership to the COO role.

She has been developing a deeper understanding of our country management and client relationships since embracing her responsibilities as Head of Regional Country Management earlier this year.

Given our strategic focus on client service excellence and growing our business, this change provides us an opportunity to align our leadership in a cohesive and holistic manner. It also allows for better collaboration on client

service matters across our business lines and with a country management perspective.”

The appointment became effective on 8th December, 2017.

CIBC FirstCaribbean is the largest, regionally-listed bank in the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean serving over 17 markets, through 3,000 staff, across 68 branches and offices.

The bank offers a full range of market-leading financial services in: Corporate and Investment Banking, Retail & Business Banking and Wealth Management.

CIBC FirstCaribbean is a member of the CIBC Group. CIBC (TSX, NYSE: CM) is a leading North American financial institution serving clients in Canada and around the world.

Through its distinct business lines, CIBC Retail Markets and Wholesale Banking, CIBC provides a full range of products and services to almost 11 million individual, small business and commercial banking clients and meets the financial needs of corporate and institutional clients.

CIBC is rated A+/Stable/A-1 by Standard & Poor’s.

Salvation Army Christmas Luncheon Enjoyed by Hundreds

A festive occasion Christmas season because we with hearty food, good friends understand people are in need,” and warm, welcoming smiles said Melanese Coakley, Salvation from Salvation Army staff and Army Public Relations Manager.

During the event CIBC volunteers greeted 600-plus Managing elderly and physically challenged FirstCaribbean at this year’s Salvation Army Director Marie Rodland-Allen Annual Christmas Luncheon. presented a cheque.

“The reward of serving

As the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band entertained with a community hands-on, strikes a familiar pop and seasonal tunes, chord in all our hearts, and I’m everyone tucked in to Christmas so thankful that our employees fare served by Salvation Army share in the spirit of giving of their staff and volunteers and much- time and goodwill, particularly needed extra hands from CIBC at this time of year. To fulfil our Christmas food parcels lined up and ready to be distributed at the Salvation Army Annual Christmas FirstCaribbean team members. role as an ongoing responsible Luncheon Food parcels were also prepared corporate citizen we try to be fully committed to giving back and distributed.

The lunch was part of in every way possible. Not just the Salvation Army’s ‘Christmas monetarily, but also with our feet Cheer Programme’ – an extension on the ground like we are today,” of the organisation’s year-round said the managing director.

246-367-2248, or debra.

‘Feeding Programme.’ “We try to go the extra mile during the king@cibcfcib.com.

The comfort of a warm bountiful meal brought joy to hundreds of community members as they gathered at the Up on their feet and ready to groove, these attendees showed the crowd they’re still young at heart Salvation Army Christmas Luncheon with their dance moves at the Salvation Army Christmas Luncheon

A special holiday cheer radiates from this party-goer’s face as she awaits her lunch at the Salvation Army Christmas Headquarters

CIBC FirstCaribbean team members were proud to present a cheque to Major Clarence Ingram in support of the Salvation Army and their ongoing humanitarian efforts

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Luncheon brought young and old(er) alike together in the spirit of volunteerism.

Even little helping hands got involved in meal preparation

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Cable & Wireless Announces Appointment of New CEO, Inge Smiddts Cable & Wireless Communications (C&W) announced the appointment of Inge Smidts as Chief Executive Officer. She is replacing John Reid who announced earlier this month that he will step down from the position of CEO in early 2018. Smidts joins C&W from Liberty Global where she most recently held the position of Chief Marketing Officer.

Prior to her role at Liberty Global, Smidts was Senior Vice President - Residential Marketing and a member of the Executive Team at Telenet Group. While there, she was responsible for Go-toMarket reporting and overseeing the commercial strategy for Telenet’s business.

Smidts has significant brand and marketing experience having spent over ten years earlier in her career at Procter & Gamble, where she started as Assistant Brand Manager and was regularly promoted, ultimately to Business Leader for the Benelux Paper business. Smidts holds a Master of Economics degree from UFSIA in Antwerp and an MBA in Marketing from the IAE in Aix-enProvence.

Balan Nair, incoming President & CEO of Liberty Latin America said, “Inge is a proven executive that has delivered strong results throughout her career. We are excited that she has agreed to lead C&W and join the Liberty Latin America team next year once the split from Liberty Global is complete. I also

excited to take on the role of CEO the Caribbean. We invest in the at C&W and work with the new infrastructure that empowers our management team that will lead customers to make the most of the Liberty Latin America into the future. digital revolution. Our scale and The prospects for C&W are bright commitment to innovation enable us and I look forward to leveraging to develop market-leading products my experiences at Liberty Global delivered through next-generation and Telenet to bring a commercial, networks that connect our over 24 marketing and customer-focus that million customers who subscribe to will help deliver results.” over 50 million television, broadband

John Reid, C&W’s current internet and telephony services. We CEO, will help ensure a seamless also serve over 10 million mobile leadership transition until Smidts’ subscribers and offer WiFi service tenure begins in February 2018. across 10 million access points.

Under the new Liberty Latin America Liberty Global’s businesses management structure effective upon are comprised of two stocks: the completion of the split-off from Liberty Liberty Global Group (NASDAQ: Global, Smidts will report to Betzalel LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK) for our Kenigsztein, Liberty Latin America’s European operations, and the LiLAC COO. Group (NASDAQ: LILA and LILAK,

C&W is a full-service OTC Link: LILAB), which consists of communications and entertainment our operations in Latin America and provider that delivers market- the Caribbean. leading video, broadband, telephony The Liberty Global Group Inge Smidts and mobile services to consumers in operates in 12 European countries want to thank John Reid for his many 18 countries. Through its business under the consumer brands Virgin contributions to the company and division, C&W provides data center Media, Unitymedia, Telenet and facilitating a smooth transition.” hosting, domestic and international UPC. The Liberty Global Group

“Inge is a dynamic leader managed network services, and also owns 50% of VodafoneZiggo, a who has successfully driven financial customized IT service solutions, Dutch joint venture, which has 4 performance and built capable teams,” utilizing cloud technology to serve million customers, 10 million fixedsaid Betzalel Kenigsztein, Liberty business and government customers. line subscribers and 5 million mobile Latin America’s Chief Operating C&W also operates a state-of- subscribers. The LiLAC Group Officer. “As we look to the future for the-art submarine fiber network – the operates in over 20 countries in Latin C&W, we are confident that Inge most extensive in the region.

America and the Caribbean under the is the right leader to help rebuild Liberty Global is the consumer brands VTR, Flow, Liberty, operations that were damaged by this world’s largest international TV Más Móvil and BTC. In addition, the year’s hurricanes and deliver growth and broadband company, with LiLAC Group operates a sub-sea fiber for all our stakeholders.” operations in more than 30 countries network throughout the region in over

Smidts commented, “I am across Europe, Latin America and 40 markets.

Liberia’s new First Lady is Jamaican

MONROVIA, Liberia — A Jamaican has become the First Lady of Liberia following the election of her husband as the new president of this West African nation.

Clar Weah’s husband, George Weah, a former FIFA World Player of the Year, won the presidency in the Liberian electoral run-off on December 26.

Clar Weah, who was born in Jamaica to Jamaican parents, migrated to Fort Lauderdale in the United States where she runs a thriving Caribbean restaurant and grocery store.

According to reports, the Former international football star Georges Weah sits next to his wife Clar at couple met in a bank in the US his party’s headquarters in the Liberian capital Monrovia on December 29, where Clar worked as a customer 2017 following a tally of results in the national elections service officer.

“Clar, who unlike most fully recover from many years City and AC Milan, where he women of Caribbean descent, of civil war and senseless blood- won the coveted FIFA World dresses simply, is regarded not letting, might not be popular Player of the Year and Ballon only as a brilliant strategist with many around the world but d’Or in 1995 — the first and only but great canvasser as well, that has not stopped the name African to achieve such feat to whose bright smile even in — George Weah— from being date, according to the Punch. difficult moments is able to prominent on the lips of millions “That achievement not break barriers,” said the Punch across continents, the Punch only engraved Weah’s name newspaper in a recent article. said. in the sports hall of fame but “Close allies describe her as One of the tiny West made him more prominent intelligent and possessing a African country’s most illustrious across the world. Joining politics special type of aura. sons, Weah shot to global in his home country shortly

“The Jamaican wields a prominence plying his trade with after retiring from professional lot of power around her husband some of Europe’s biggest football football in 2003, the Punch said and could further expand her clubs.

Weah has occupied various top power base once he assumes An energetic and skilful positions, winning the keenlyoffice as the President of Liberia striker during his playing days, contested presidential run-off in January 2018,” the Punch the 51-year-old featured for the election in December after the continued. likes of Paris Saint Germain, main ballot earlier in October.

Liberia, a country yet to Monaco, Chelsea, Manchester

Bermuda Tourism Minister condemns violence at top hotel where man was beaten unconscious

HAMILTON, Bermuda — Police have made three arrests after a night of holiday violence at the Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda’s largest hotel, which included a man being beaten unconscious by a group of men.

Tourism Minister Jamahl Simmons in a statement said “violence and criminal activity of any sort have no place in our society.

“We condemn the incident in the early hours of New Year’s Day and encourage members of the public to assist in the investigation. I have reached out to the general manager at resort and have offered our support and encouragement.

“As we seek to grow our economy and attract more visitors to our shores, each of us have a responsibility and a role to play in preserving the peaceful and tranquil reputation for which we are globally renowned; not just for our visitors but for each of us who call Bermuda home,” Simmons said.

Police said the attack, which took place during the early hours on New Year’s Day, followed a melee in the lobby, in which objects where thrown and broken glass scattered on the floor.

Police said three people had been arrested and the hotel said it was co-operating with the authorities in their investigation.

“The safety and security of our guests and colleagues is always our number one priority at Fairmont Southampton,” said Shelley Meszoly, the regional director of sales and marketing.

“As always on New Year’s Eve, additional security measures were in place and local police authorities were on site throughout the evening to support the efforts of the hotel’s security team.

In response to the isolated incidences at the resort last evening, additional police were called in to secure the situation and ensure the safety of everyone on site.

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WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

NEWS

Trump book author Michael Wolff contradicts president, says he interviewed him

WASHINGTON - The who spoke to Trump on a daily, author of a deeply critical book about “sometimes minute by minute” basis.

Donald Trump’s first year in office Asked to clarify what he said on Friday he had spoken with meant when he wrote that Trump’s the president while working on it, entire circle questioned his fitness contradicting Trump’s assertion that for office, Wolff said, “Let me put a he had never talked to the writer for marker in the sand here: 100 percent the book and had authorized “Zero of the people around him ... They all access” to the White House. say he is like a child. And what they

Michael Wolff’s book “Fire mean by that is he has a need for and Fury: Inside the Trump White immediate gratification. It’s all about House” went on sale on Friday, its him.” release pulled forward after published On Thursday evening, Trump excerpts this week set off a political tweeted that, “I authorized Zero access firestorm, threats by Trump lawyers to White House (actually turned him of legal action and an effort to halt down many times) for author of phony publication. book! I never spoke to him for book.”

The book, dismissed by “Full of lies, Trump as full of lies, depicts a chaotic misrepresentations and sources that White House, a president who was ill- don’t exist. Look at this guy’s past prepared to win the office in 2016, and and watch what happens to him and Trump aides who scorned his abilities. Sloppy Steve!” Trump added.

Wolff told NBC on Friday The early excerpts have that he stood by his reporting and had also caused a deep public rift with talked to the president for the book.

Trump’s former chief strategist and

“I absolutely spoke to the top campaign aide, Steve Bannon, president. Whether he realized it was over his comments in the book about an interview or not, I don’t know, but Trump and his family, shaking the it was certainly not off the record,” president’s populist movement. he said on NBC’s “Today” program, Lawyers for Trump had called adding that he had spoken to people on the book’s publisher, Henry Holt &

Iran stages pro-government rallies, cleric urges firm punishment for protest leaders

ANKARA - Tens of thousands Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov of government supporters rallied said Iran’s statements that external across Iran on Friday, swearing influences fomented the unrest were allegiance to the clerical establishment not groundless and Washington used and accusing arch enemy the United any possible method to destabilize States of instigating the largest anti- governments it disliked. government protests in nearly a He added that U.S. calls for decade, state TV reported. an extraordinary meeting of the U.N.

Tehran’s Friday prayer leader Security Council to discuss the turmoil called on authorities to deal “firmly” in Iran interfered with the country’s with those responsible for igniting sovereignty, news agency Interfax over a week of illegal rallies, in which said. The Council will meet on Friday 22 people were killed and more than at 3 p.m. (2000 GMT) to discuss Iran, 1,000 people were arrested, according Council president Kazakhstan has to Iranian officials. said.

“But those ordinary Iranians Residents contacted by who were deceived by these American- Reuters in various cities said backed rioters should be dealt with the protests had shown sign of based on Islamic clemency,” cleric abating since Thursday, after the Ahmad Khatami told worshippers at establishment intensified a crackdown Tehran university, TV reported. on the protesters by dispatching

Khatami also called on the Revolutionary Guards forces to government to “pay more attention to several provinces. people’s economic problems.”

Iran’s elite Guards and its

The anti-government rallies affiliated Basij militia suppressed the erupted on December 28 in Iran’s country’s 2009 unrest over alleged holy Shi‘ite city of Mashhad after election fraud, in which dozens of prothe government announced plans to reform Iranians were killed. increase fuel prices and dismantle Iranian officials said the monthly cash handout to lower- protests were the result of foreign income Iranians. instigation and mocked U.S. President

The protests spread to more Donald Trump’s support of protesters than 80 cities and rural towns, staged against what he called a “brutal and by thousands of young and working corrupt” establishment. class Iranians angry about official On Friday rallies, protesters corruption, unemployment and a chanted “Death to America” and deepening gap between rich and poor. “Death to Israel”, carrying pictures of The authorities have produced no Iran’s top authority Supreme Leader evidence of U.S. involvement in the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and waved protests, which lacked a unifying Iranian flags. leader.

Television footage of rallies in several cities showed people chanting GUARDS QUELLED UNREST “We support Imam Khamenei ... We will not leave him alone in his fight But in Moscow, Russian Deputy against enemies”.

Copies of “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House” by author Michael Wolff at a book store in Washington, DC Co, to halt the book’s release, originally scheduled for Tuesday. Instead, it began sales early. As of Friday, “Fire and Fury” was the top-selling book on Amazon.com.

Customers in Washington queued up in sub-freezing temperatures to purchase a copy at KramerBooks, which began selling copies at midnight. The bookstore had sold out of copies as of Friday morning

at 9 am (1400 GMT).

The White House has said the book is riddled with errors.

Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, who has called the book trash, said again on Friday that Wolff had talked only briefly to the president and did not have wide access.

“This is a guy who made up a lot of stories to try to sell books,” she said in an interview on Fox News.

Charles Harder, Trump’s personal lawyer, in a legal notice provided to Reuters, warned on Thursday of possible claims including libel against Wolff and Henry Holt & Co and threatened to try to block publication of the book. Harder also told Reuters that “legal action is imminent” against Bannon.

Henry Holt said it had received a cease-and-desist letter from Trump’s attorney but would go ahead with publishing the book.

Bannon’s reaction to the controversy has been muted. In interviews after the news broke with the conservative Breitbart News website, he called Trump a “great man” and pledged continued support for the president’s agenda.

North Korea agrees to talks after U.S., South Korea postpone military drills

SEOUL - North Korea counterpart Moon Jae-in announced agreed on Friday to hold official talks on Thursday that annual large-scale with the South next week, the first military drills would now take place in more than two years, hours after after the Olympics. the United States and South Korea The North sees these drills delayed a military exercise amid a as preparations for invasion and just standoff over the North’s nuclear and cause for its weapons programs that it missile programs. conducts in defiance of U.N. Security

South Korea said the North Council resolutions. South Korea and had sent its consent for the talks to the United States are technically still be held on Tuesday. The last time the at war with North Korea after the two Koreas engaged in official talks 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a was in December 2015. truce, not a peace treaty.

The meeting will take Trump had earlier called place at the border truce village of the proposed inter-Korean talks a Panmunjom where officials from “good thing” and that he would send both sides are expected to discuss the a high-level delegation, including Winter Olympics, to be held in the members of his family, to the South next month, and other inter- Olympics, according to South Korea’s Korean relations, South Korean presidential office.

Unification Ministry spokesman In a tweet, Trump, who Baik Tae-hyun told reporters. hurled fresh insults at the North

North Korea asked for Korean leader this week, took credit further negotiations about the for any dialogue that takes place. meeting to be carried out via “Does anybody really believe documented exchanges, Baik said. that talks and dialogue would be

North Korean leader Kim going on between North and South Jong Un opened the way for talks Korea right now if I wasn’t firm, with South Korea in a New Year’s strong and willing to commit our Day speech in which he called for total ‘might’ against the North,” reduced tensions and flagged the Trump tweeted.

North’s possible participation in the North Korea regularly threatens to Winter Olympics. destroy the United States and its

But Kim remained steadfast two key Asia allies, Japan and South on the issue of nuclear weapons, Korea. saying the North would mass produce Chinese Foreign Ministry nuclear missiles for operational spokesman Geng Shuang welcomed deployment and again warned he North and South Korea “taking would launch a nuclear strike if his positive steps to improve ties”, and country was threatened. said the postponement of the military

U.S. President Donald exercises was “without doubt a good Trump and his South Korean thing”.

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WORLD NEWS

Thieves steal sheikh’s Indian jewels from display in Venice

VENICE, Italy - Thieves on Wednesday made off with jewelry worth millions of euros which was on display in Venice’s Doge’s Palace, police said.

At least two thieves are thought to have entered the exhibition of Indian and Indianinspired gems and artifacts owned by Qatari Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al-Thani, mixing with other visitors.

Then, while one kept watch, the other opened the display case and grabbed a jeweled golden brooch and a pair of earrings.

The thieves, who police said appeared to have been part of a larger gang, seemed to have been able to delay the museum’s alarm system which only sounded when they were already escaping.

“We are certainly dealing with very skilled professionals, who got away with it even though the building and the rooms were kitted out with very advanced technological systems,” the canal city’s police commissioner Vito Gagliardi said.

The jewelry, which included diamonds, gold and platinum, had been assigned a customs value of just 30,000 euros ($36,084), but they were really worth “a few million euros”, Gagliardi said.

Wednesday was the last opening day for the show, entitled “Treasures of the Mughals and the Maharajahs”.

Man charged with threatening to kill Trump during visit to Utah

A Utah man was charged on Wednesday with using a police tip line to threaten to kill President Donald Trump last month when Trump was visiting the western state.

A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City indicted Travis Luke Dominguez, 33, on two counts of threatening the president and other charges, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a written statement.

Dominguez, a resident of the Salt Lake City suburb of Midvale who was arrested on Sunday in nearby South Jordan, made his threats by posting to an online tip line for local police, Melodie Rydalch, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney’s office, said in an email.

On Dec. 4, Dominguez wrote, “I woke up and decided going to kill the president,” adding that he expected to die at the hands of police, according to court papers.

Dominguez also was charged with making a separate threat the same day against Trump, who was visiting Utah at the time and spoke at the state capitol. In that threat, Dominguez is accused of calling Trump sexist, racist and homophobic.

Rydalch said local and federal law enforcement treat all threats seriously, but there was no evidence Dominguez traveled anywhere to carry out his threats.

Dominguez, who was in custody ahead of a scheduled court appearance on Thursday afternoon, could not be reached for comment.

The federal indictment also charged him with using the police tip line in November and December to repeatedly threaten to injure people at a movie theater, conveying false information and threatening to harm police officers.

In all, Dominguez faces 11 criminal counts, each carrying a potential sentence of 10 years in prison, the Department of Justice said.

In 2003, Dominguez pleaded guilty to charges of abusing an emergency telephone line and vehicle burglary, Utah television station KSL-TV reported, citing court records.

Blizzard wallops U.S. Northeast, knocks out power, snarls travel

BOSTON/NEW YORK according to tracking service A powerful blizzard battered the FlightAware.com.

Northeast on Thursday, knocking

Passenger train operator out power for tens of thousands of Amtrak ran reduced service in people and snarling travel amid the Northeast. Sporadic delays a long cold snap that has gripped were reported on transit systems, much of the United States for including New York state’s Long more than a week and killed more Island Rail Road and Metro-North than a dozen people. commuter lines, as well as the

Thousands of flights were Boston area’s Massachusetts Bay canceled, firefighters scrambled Transportation Authority system. to rescue motorists from flooded

“Years of Band-Aid streets in Boston, snow plows and solutions create nightmare salt trucks rumbled along roads situations when storm damage and highways, and New York occurs,” said Joseph Schwieterman, City’s two main airports halted a professor of public policy and flights due to whiteout conditions. specialist in transportation

Commuters who braved systems at DePaul University in the storm worried that they could A pedestrian walks through blinding Chicago. “Replacement parts are snow across the Brooklyn Bridge tough to find and maintenance be stranded later in the day. during Storm Grayson in New York process turns into major headache.”

“I don’t know where I’ll stay tonight if I get stuck, City, U.S., January 4, 2018

In New York’s Fort Greene probably with my boss,” said ice. neighborhood, Mohammed Farid Ran Richardson, 55, of Malden, The storm was powered Khan, said his morning commute Massachusetts, as he waited for by a rapid plunge in barometric took three times as long as usual a Boston subway to take him to pressure that some weather due to train woes. training for his job as a Chinese- forecasters were referring to as “There were only local English translator. bombogenesis or a “bomb cyclone” trains, no express,” Khan, 30, said

Schools were closed and which brought high winds and as he hunched with an electric drill through much of the region, and swift, heavy snowfall. trying to fix the handle of his snow Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said The wintry weather has shovel inside the convenience schools in his city would remain been blamed for at least 14 deaths store where he works. There were closed on Friday. in the past few days, including four few customers to disturb with the

Blizzard warnings were in fatalities in North Carolina traffic noise, Khan added, saying, “It’s effect along the East Coast from accidents and three in Texas due very slow.”

North Carolina to Maine. The to cold.

National Weather Service forecast ICY RESCUES winds up to 70 miles per hour TRAVEL WOES

(113 km per hour), which downed

A 3-foot (0.9-meter) tidal power lines.

Nearly 5,000 U.S. airline surge flooded the area around

Almost 80,000 homes and flights were canceled. New York’s Boston’s historic Long Wharf with businesses in the Northeast and John F. Kennedy International icy seawater, prompting a massive Southeast, where the storm struck Airport and LaGuardia Airport response by emergency vehicles. on Wednesday, were without temporarily halted all flights due Firefighters used an inflatable power. to whiteout conditions, the Federal raft to rescue one motorist from

Up to 18 inches (46 cm) Aviation Administration said. a car surrounded by water up of snow was forecast for Boston At those airports, the to its door handles, Boston Fire and coastal areas of northern metropolitan area’s third major Commissioner Joseph Finn told New England. Officials feared airport in Newark, New Jersey, reporters. fast-dropping temperatures after and Boston’s Logan International The flooding tied a 40the storm passed would turn Airport, as many as three out year record, the National Weather remaining snow on roadways to of four flights were called off, Service said.

Zimbabwe court dismisses case of U.S. woman charged with insulting Mugabe

HARARE - A U.S. citizen charged with attempting to overthrow the Zimbabwean government after police accused her of insulting then-president Robert Mugabe had her case dismissed by a Harare court on Thursday.

Martha O‘Donovan works for Magamba TV, which describes itself as Zimbabwe’s leading producer of political satire.

She was arrested in November in a dawn raid on her home in the capital after allegedly U.S. citizen Martha O’Donovan (L) calling Mugabe, who was ousted accused of attempting to subvert in a bloodless coup a few weeks former President Robert Mugabe’s later, a “selfish and sick man” on government leaves the courts in Harare, Zimbabwe, December 8, Twitter.

O‘Donovan was first 2017. charged with insulting and accusations and had been granted undermining the president, and bail in November by Zimbabwe’s subsequently with subversion, a High Court, which said there was charge that carries a maximum “patent absence of facts” in the case and that the state could only sentence of life imprisonment.

O‘Donovan denied the bring her back to court when it

had new evidence.

On Thursday, magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa dismissed prosecutors’ application to keep O‘Donovan on bail.

“Further remand is denied. The State can proceed by way of summons,” she said.

O‘Donovan’s lawyers said they were happy the court had honored its promise to judge the case on its merits.

Lawyer Obey Shava told journalists the court had returned computers, cellphones and other electronic devices that had been seized from O‘Donovan’s home.

Mugabe had been particularly uneasy about social media after activists such as pastor Evan Mawararire and his #ThisFlag movement in 2016 used social media to organize a stay-at-home demonstration, the biggest anti-government protest in a decade.

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WORLD NEWS

NBC says Hoda Kotb to replace Mongolia delays launch of $500-million Lauer as ‘Today’ co-anchor

NEW YORK - Television host Hoda Kotb was named the new co-anchor of the NBC News “Today” show on Tuesday, replacing former co-host Matt Lauer several weeks after the longtime anchor was fired for inappropriate sexual behavior, according to a network statement.

Kotb will join Savannah Guthrie during the first two hours of the popular program, starting at 7 a.m. EST (noon GMT), and become the first pair of women to host the show along with weatherman Al Roker and Orange Room host Carson Daly.

Kotb will continue co-hosting the 10 a.m. hour of “Today” with Kathie Lee Gifford.

“It’s 2018 and we are Hoda Kotb, 53, quickly filled in as co-host when Lauer was fired on Nov. 28 kicking off the year right because similar complaints against Lauer She also hosts a program on Hoda is officially the co-anchor following the first allegation. Sirius XM satellite radio. of Today,” said Guthrie, 46, who None of the women has been “Over the past several announced the news during the publicly identified. weeks, Hoda has seamlessly program’s opening moments.

“Repairing the damage stepped into the co-anchor role

Kotb, 53, quickly filled in will take a lot of time and soul alongside Savannah, and the as co-host when Lauer was fired searching and I‘m committed to two have quickly hit the ground on Nov. 28 after a female colleague beginning that effort,” Lauer said running,” NBC News Chairman complained to NBC officials about after he was fired.

Andrew Lack said in an email to a pattern of inappropriate sexual Reuters has not staff, according to Today.com. behavior that began while they independently verified the #SavannahHodaTODAY were on assignment at the 2014 accusations. was a top-trending topic Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia, Kotb joined NBC News on Twitter following the according to the network. in 1998 as a correspondent and announcement as fans and NBC

At least two other women has co-hosted the fourth hour of News colleagues congratulated went to NBC with “Today” with Gifford since 2008. the host on her new position.

Washington state sues Motel 6 for sharing guest data with immigration agents

Motel 6 was sued on Wednesday by Washington state’s attorney general, who accused the discount hotel chain of illegally providing guest lists to U.S. immigration authorities, knowing of their interest in people with “Latino-sounding” names.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson said six Motel 6 locations in Washington provided names, birth dates, license plates and other personal information belonging to at least 9,151 guests to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from June 2015 to May 2017.

Sponsored

Ferguson said Motel 6 knew ICE used guest lists to target people based on their national origin, and that the

disclosures led to detentions of at Times that ICE had arrested 20 people at Motel 6s there from least six people.

Motel 6 is controlled by February to August after getting private equity firm Blackstone similar tips.

He also said Motel Group LP, which bought the brand in 2012.

6 trained new employees to

The chain’s management cooperate with ICE agents, company, G6 Hospitality, said despite a company policy of it ordered its more than 1,400 “safeguarding the privacy of the U.S. and Canadian locations in personal information that we September to stop voluntarily gather.”

The lawsuit filed with giving guest lists to ICE agents.

“Motel 6 takes this the King County Superior Court matter very seriously, and we in Seattle seeks an injunction have and will continue to fully against similar conduct, and civil cooperate with the Office of the fines of up to $2,000 per violation State Attorney General,” G6 said of state consumer protection and in a statement on Wednesday. anti-discrimination laws.

“Motel 6 implied this

Ferguson said Motel 6’s practices in Washington mirrored was a local problem,” Ferguson, those in Arizona, citing a Sept. 13, a Democrat, said in a statement.

2017 report in the Phoenix New “We have found that is not true.”

Trump to North Korean leader - my nuclear button ‘is bigger & more powerful’

WASHINGTON U.S. President Donald Trump, responding to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un saying he had a nuclear button on his desk, said in a tweet on Tuesday that his nuclear button “is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!”

In a televised speech on Monday, Kim said “the entire United States is within range of our nuclear weapons, and a nuclear button is always on my desk. This US President Donald Trump is reality, not a threat.”

airport until 2019

ULAANBAATAR - Mongolia has delayed until 2019 the completion of a long-awaited $500-million airport project, originally expected this year, the transport minister said, a setback in efforts to diversify a mining-dependent economy.

To reduce its dependence on commodities such as coal and copper, Mongolia has ambitions to become an air freight hub for northern Asia and wants to develop tourism.

But the new airport is unlikely to open this year as originally scheduled, Roads and Transportation Minister Jadamba Bat-Erdene said, as Mongolia negotiates a management contract with Japanese investors.

“The airport was expected to be operational this year, but plans are for it to be operational within the next year, due to management issues,” he said on the ministry’s official website.

“It is planned to set up a joint management team headed by Japan,” he said in the statement, without elaborating.

The new airport is intended to replace the Chinggis Khan (Genghis Khan) International Airport, and take the name of the country’s 13thcentury ruler, regarded as a national symbol.

Mongolia will be able to receive 3 million passengers a year by 2024 at the new airport, about 50 km (31 miles) from Ulaanbaatar, the capital. Its predecessor, a one-way runway built near a mountain range, is prone to disruptions and flight cancellations.

Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. and Chiyoda are leading construction, with Samsung C&T acting as a subcontractor.

The Chinese Export-Import Bank is providing $140 million to finance a 32.2-km (20mile) road to the airport. Now under construction, the road is set to be completed by October.

The International Monetary Fund encouraged Mongolia to diversify away from mining as part of a $5.5-billion bailout agreed last year to stabilize its crisis-hit economy.

Coal was the biggest driver of growth in 2017, but exports were hit by transport bottlenecks at the border with China, Mongolia’s biggest customer.

Although the airport could generate non-mining growth, its success could depend on Mongolia allowing more airlines into the market and ending favorable treatment for the state carrier, analysts have said.

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WORLD NEWS

‘Star Wars - The Last Jedi’ Holds Off ‘Jumanji’ on New Year’s Weekend

LOS ANGELES - In a battle of box office heavyweights, Luke Skywalker just managed to hold off Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the world rang in another year.

Disney and LucasFilm’s ”“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” retained first place for the four-day New Year’s holiday weekend despite steep competition from Sony’s “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.” “Last Jedi” picked up an estimated $68.4 million, bringing its domestic haul to $533.1 million.

Don’t weep for “Jumanji,” however. The fantasy reboot, which finds Johnson, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart transported into a video game world, has outperformed expectations, picking up a lordly $66.5 million over the holiday weekend. It now has a hefty $185.7 million domestic gross and should continue to draw crowds in 2018. The “Jumanji” sequel has also done well internationally, racking up $350 million worldwide, and has provided a much-needed hit for a studio that has struggled to keep pace with the Disney’s and Warner Bros.’s of the world. Sony claims the film has a $90 million budget. Those alleged production costs have raised eyebrows around town as to their veracity given the film’s Hawaii location and starry cast, but regardless of creative accounting and aggressive spinning, the result is impressive. A sequel seems preordained.

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” closed 2017 as the year’s highestgrossing release and the seventh highest-grossing domestic movie of all time with $517.1 million. It will

FILE PHOTO: Producer Ram Bergman, director Rian Johnson and actors Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill pose for pictures as they arrive for the China premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ at the Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, China, December 20, 2017. bypass its fellow franchisee “Rogue “Transformer: The Last Knight,” the One” at some point on New Year’s gap did narrow. Fall and winter hits Day to take the seventh spot on the such as “It,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” “Coco,” stateside charts and has already blown and “Murder on the Orient Express,” past the $1 billion mark globally. The helped make up the difference. The film carries a $200 million price tag, industry was also aided by record and has generated controversy for a ticket prices. Empirically, fewer people series of creative decisions by director made it to the multiplexes. Attendance and writer Rian Johnson that have, is expected to hit a 27-year low when depending on your perspective, either official numbers are tallied. infused new energy into decades-old Universal’s “Pitch Perfect 3” series or deviated dangerously from took third place on the stateside charts, the Jedi canon. grossing $22.7 million for the four It’s been a dismal year for the day period and pushing its domestic domestic box office, which ends 2017 total to just under $70 million. The a with $11.12 billion in sales, down 2.3% Cappella comedy carries a $45 million from last year’s $11.38 billion and off production budget and has been billed slightly from 2015’s $11.14 billion, as the final installment in the franchise. according to comScore. After a bruising Hugh Jackman’s musical summer, when revenues plummeted drama “The Greatest Showman” more than 6% in the wake of costly is finishing a close fourth with flops such as “The Mummy” and $20.7 million. The Fox-Chernin

Jay-Z ‘confesses’ to Beyonce in ‘Family Feud’ music video

LOS ANGELES - Jay-Z released a music video on Friday that features the rapper addressing the pain of infidelity as he appears in a confessional booth opposite his wife Beyonce.

Set partly in a church and also featuring the couple’s 5-year-old daughter Blue Ivy, the “Family Feud” video pays tribute to family ties and female empowerment.

“We all lose when the family FILE PHOTO: Beyonce arrives with feuds,” Jay-Z sings. “A man that don’t husband Jay-Z at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala take care of his family can’t be rich.”

The video is the latest from 2015 celebrating the opening of “China: Jay-Z’s hit album “4:44,” in which he Through the Looking Glass,” in Manhattan, responds to allegations of cheating New York May 4, 2015 revealed by Beyonce in her 2016 shows the musician walking into a Grammy-winning album “Lemonade.” church holding the hand of a whiteIt briefly shows an unidentified couple clad Blue Ivy and taking a seat in the having sex, until the woman stabs the confessional booth. man in the back.

Beyonce, dressed in a black,

Within an hour of its release, priestess-like robe, watches silently the video was the top trending item on from a pulpit and later sits listening Twitter. on the other side of the confessional

Jay-Z, 48, confirmed in a New screen.

York Times interview in November Directed by filmmaker Ava that he had been unfaithful to Beyonce DuVernay, the video also envisions a earlier in their nine-year marriage. future in which a grown-up Blue Ivy

The rapper’s soul-baring and other women of color, portrayed “4:44” album on love, life and social by actresses Mindy Kaling, Rosario issues was widely seen as an apology Dawson, America Ferrera, Thandie to his wife.

Newton and Niecy Nash, appear to

The couple, one of the richest rule the world. and most influential in the music Jay-Z has a leading eight industry, have reconciled and Beyonce nominations for the Grammy Awards gave birth to their twins in June. in January, including the top prizes Heavy on symbolism, the eight- of best album, song and record of the minute-long “Family Feud” video year.

Entertainment production chronicles the rise of circus impresario P.T. Barnum. It got a boost from the holidays, and showed the biggest gain in the top 10 movies from the Christmas Eve weekend with an impressive 73% surge. The domestic total should hit $54.3 million through Monday. It’s a pricey movie, though. All that singing and dancing didn’t come cheap and “The Greatest Showman” cost $84 million to make.

Fox’s second weekend of “Ferdinand” rounded out the top five with $14.6 million, giving the animated comedy $56.8 million domestically.

Not every film was feeling the holiday spirit. Paramount’s “Downsizing” is a costly bomb. The comedy about a man (Matt Damon) who shrinks to the size of thimble in order to live in a materialistic utopia collapsed at the box office, eking out $6.1 million over the long weekend. Its total stands at $18.5 million -- a paltry result given its $65 million budget. It also prolongs a box office losing streak for Damon. The actor also struck out with “Suburbicon” and “The Great Wall,” both of which opened during and flopped in 2017.

Warner Bros. and Alcon’s comedy “Father Figures” was another casualty of the Christmas crunch. The story of two twin brothers (Ed Helms and Owen Wilson) on a quest to find their biological father netted $5.1 million over the four-day weekend. Its total tops out at $14.1 million, making it unlikely that it will recoup its $25 million production budget as well its marketing costs.

Arise Sir Ringo - Beatles drummer knighted in UK honors list

LONDON - Ex-Beatles drummer Ringo Starr has been knighted in Queen Elizabeth’s New Year’s honors list, along with Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb and author Michael Morpurgo, while ballet dancer Darcey Bussell becomes a dame.

Ringo, 77, real name Richard Starkey, joined the Beatles as a replacement drummer for Pete Best in 1962 and occasionally sang lead vocals, notably in “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from my Friends.”

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a Beatle in 1988 and again in 2015 for his solo career after the group split Ex-Beatles drummer Ringo Starr up. but those who have contributed to

Gibb, 71, is the British national life through often selfless musician who co-founded the Bee Gees and unsung contributions over many with his brothers Robin and Maurice years. and went on to record a string of pop In that category, Margaret classics including “Stayin’ Alive” and Jamieson, of the Blue Door charity “Night Fever” from the film “Saturday shop on the Scottish island of Orkney Night Fever.” is recognized, along with Geoffrey English author Morpurgo, 74, is best Evans, a local councillor in Falmouth, known for children’s novels like “War Cornwall for over 40 years.

Horse” and was Children’s Laureate Actor Hugh Laurie receives from 2003 to 2005. the CBE medal, as does author Jilly

Bussell, 48, is a former Cooper and the former editor of principal dancer with the Royal Ballet British Vogue magazine Alexandra and currently one of the four judges Shulman. in the long-running BBC TV ballroom England women’s cricket contest “Strictly Come Dancing.” captain Heather Knight is made an

The New Year’s honors have OBE while hip hop artist Richard been awarded since Queen Victoria’s Cowie, aka Wiley, is made an MBE, reign in the 19th century and aim to along with Paralympian athlete recognize not just well-known figures Stefanie Reid.

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JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

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BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY

Factbox - What you need to do about newly discovered computer chip flaws

Researchers from Google, academia and cybersecurity firms discovered two flaws in computer chips that affect nearly all modern computers.

* “Meltdown” is a flaw that affects laptops, desktop computers and internet servers with Intel chips and could let hackers steal data, such as passwords saved in Web browsers.

Microsoft Corp, Apple Inc and Linux, the three major operating systems, are all issuing updates, though the Apple and Microsoft have not said precisely when.

* “Spectre” affects chips in smartphones and tablets, as well as computer chips from Intel and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Hackers can trick apps into leaking sensitive information.

* Spectre is less dangerous than Meltdown, but will be more difficult to patch.

* Consumers should check with their device maker and operating system provider for security updates and install them as soon as possible.

* Alphabet Inc’s Google said Android phones with the most recent security updates are protected, and users of popular web services like Gmail are also safe. Chromebook users on older versions will need to install an update whose release date has not been set. Chrome web browser users are expected to receive a patch Jan. 23.

* Researchers say an update is in the work for Apple laptops and desktops, but it is not yet clear whether the company’s iPhones and iPads are at risk.

* Major cloud services aimed at business customers - including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure - say they have already patched most of their services and will fix the rest soon.

Security flaws put virtually all phones, computers at risk

F R A N K F U R T / short term but could be decisively update. The company said it SAN FRANCISCO - Security stopped with software patches. believes there “is near zero risk to researchers on Wednesday Spectre, the broader bug that AMD products at this time.” disclosed a set of security flaws applies to nearly all computing Google said in a blog post that they said could let hackers devices, is harder for hackers to that Android phones running steal sensitive information from take advantage of but less easily the latest security updates are nearly every modern computing patched and will be a bigger protected, as are its own Nexus device containing chips from Intel problem in the long term, he said. and Pixel phones with the latest Corp, Advanced Micro Devices Speaking on CNBC, security updates. Gmail users do Inc and ARM Holdings.

Intel’s Krzanich said Google not need to take any additional

One of the bugs is specific researchers told Intel of the flaws action to protect themselves, to Intel but another affects laptops, “a while ago” and that Intel had but users of its Chromebooks, desktop computers, smartphones, been testing fixes that device Chrome web browser and many tablets and internet servers alike. makers who use its chips will of its Google Cloud services will Intel and ARM insisted that the push out next week. Before the need to install updates. issue was not a design flaw, but it problems became public, Google Amazon Web Services, will require users to download a on its blog said Intel and others a cloud computing service used patch and update their operating planned to disclose the issues on by businesses, said that most of system to fix.

Jan. 9. Google said it informed its internet servers were already

“Phones, PCs, everything the affected companies about the patched and the rest were in the are going to have some impact, but “Spectre” flaw on June 1, 2017 process of being patched. it’ll vary from product to product,” and reported the “Meltdown” flaw The defect affects the soIntel CEO Brian Krzanich said after the first flaw but before July called kernel memory on Intel x86 in an interview with CNBC 28, 2017. processor chips manufactured Wednesday afternoon.

The flaws were first over the past decade, The Researchers with reported by tech publication The Register reported citing unnamed Alphabet Inc’s Google Project Zero, Register. It also reported that the programmers, allowing users of in conjunction with academic and updates to fix the problems could normal applications to discern industry researchers from several causes Intel chips to operate 5 the layout or content of protected countries, discovered two flaws. percent to 30 percent more slowly. areas on the chips.

The first, called Intel denied that That could make it Meltdown, affects Intel chips the patches would bog down possible for hackers to exploit and lets hackers bypass the computers based on Intel chips. other security bugs or, worse, hardware barrier between “Intel has begun providing expose secure information such applications run by users and the software and firmware updates as passwords, thus compromising computer’s memory, potentially to mitigate these exploits,” Intel individual computers or even letting hackers read a computer’s said in a statement. “Contrary to entire server networks. memory and steal passwords. The some reports, any performance Dan Guido, chief second, called Spectre, affects impacts are workload-dependent, executive of cyber security chips from Intel, AMD and ARM and, for the average computer consulting firm Trail of Bits, said and lets hackers potentially trick user, should not be significant that businesses should quickly otherwise error-free applications and will be mitigated over time.” move to update vulnerable into giving up secret information.

ARM spokesman Phil systems, saying he expects

The researchers said Hughes said that patches had hackers to quickly develop code Apple Inc and Microsoft Corp already been shared with the they can use to launch attacks had patches ready for users for companies’ partners, which that exploit the vulnerabilities. desktop computers affected by include many smartphone “Exploits for these bugs will Meltdown. Microsoft declined manufacturers. be added to hacker’s standard to comment and Apple did not “This method only works toolkits,” said Guido. immediately return requests for if a certain type of malicious code Shares in Intel were comment. is already running on a device down by 3.4 percent following

Daniel Gruss, one of the and could at worst result in small the report but nudged back up researchers at Graz University pieces of data being accessed from 1.2 percent to $44.70 in afterof Technology who discovered privileged memory,” Hughes said hours trading while shares in Meltdown, called it “probably one in an email.

AMD were up 1 percent to $11.77, of the worst CPU bugs ever found” AMD chips are also shedding many of the gains they in an interview with Reuters. affected by at least one variant had made earlier in the day when

Gruss said Meltdown was of a set of security flaws but that reports suggested its chips were the more serious problem in the it can be patched with a software not affected.

Amazon, Google cut speaker prices in market share contest

SAN FRANCISCO - Amazon. com Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google both discounted their virtual assistant speakers so deeply over the holiday shopping season that they likely lost a few dollars per unit, highlighting a sharply different strategy from Apple Inc as it prepares its HomePod speaker, analysts said.

Both companies cut prices for the smallest version of their speakers, the Amazon Echo Dot and Google Home Mini, to as little as $29 from $50 for the U.S. holidays. Midlevel versions cost a bit more than twice as much.

Apple failed to ship its $349 HomePod speaker in 2017, as it initially planned, and said the device would go on sale in

early 2018.

Apple aims to make a profit on the device itself and bolster sales of its $9.99 per month Apple Music subscription, analysts said. Apple’s voice assistant Siri likely will focus on recommending new songs.

Amazon and Google, meanwhile, are eager to give consumers a taste of their respective digital assistants, Alexa and Google Assistant, at impulse-buy prices, hoping to lock in customers and profit from later sales of goods and data about buying habits.

The Home Mini and Echo Dot do not match the sound quality of the HomePod, but consumers may see less need for a superior, pricier speaker

from Apple once they have a rival set up. Even the midlevel Amazon and Google devices were discounted to $79 over the holidays.

“That kind of pricing is great for consumers and bad for Apple,” said Paul Erickson, a senior analyst with IHS Markit.

Some consumers might consider a $30 speaker to be cheap enough to throw away and not a barrier to buying the Apple device when it arrives.

Amazon declined to comment on Echo devices but said in a press release it sold millions of its Echo Dot speakers during the holiday season, making it the best-selling product over the period on its online store.

Google did not disclose sales numbers for the Home Mini, but Google Home spokeswoman Nicol Addison said the company was very happy with holiday performance. Google gave away the devices to buyers of its new Pixel 2 smartphones and offered them for $29 at Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy.

Amazon dominates the emerging market for smart speakers outside of China, with Google closest behind. Sales of the devices are not yet substantial enough to affect the financial results of either company.

Both companies took small losses or broke even on sales of the hockey puck-shaped devices, analysts estimated.

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WORLD NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

CEO Zuckerberg sets 2018 goal to ‘fix’ Facebook

SAN FRANCISCO Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Thursday his goal for 2018 was to put the business he co-founded on a more solid footing, a break with his longstanding practice of setting a purely personal annual goal.

“The world feels anxious and divided, and Facebook has a lot of work to do,” Zuckerberg, at 33 one of the world’s wealthiest people, wrote in a post on the No. Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg 1 social media network. In past as Facebook and Twitter Inc to challenge on its face,” but that he years, his New Year’s resolutions remove online hate speech or would learn a lot. He did not say have included learning Mandarin, face fines. In the United States, what he would do. reading two books a month and lawmakers have criticized “We won’t prevent all traveling to U.S. states he had not Facebook for failing to prevent mistakes or abuse,” he wrote, yet visited.

Russian operatives from using its “but we currently make too many

This year, his post platform to meddle in the 2016 errors enforcing our policies and described Facebook as standing U.S. elections. preventing misuse of our tools.” at a crossroads that required his In addition, ex-Facebook The issues Zuckerberg attention. He cited the spread executives have publicly mentioned have created public of hate speech on social media, questioned whether using the relations and regulatory use of Facebook by Russia and network leads to unhealthy challenges, but have not made other countries to disseminate behaviors. much of a dent on Facebook’s propaganda and criticism that Zuckerberg said his bottom line. The social network the platform can be an addictive “personal challenge for 2018 is to reported $16 billion in net income waste of time. focus on fixing these important on $36 billion in sales during the

A new law in Germany issues.” He added that the pledge 12 months that ended on Sept. 30. requires social networks such “may not seem like a personal

Spotify hit with $1.6 billion copyright lawsuit Music streaming company Spotify was sued by Wixen Music Publishing Inc last week for allegedly using thousands of songs, including those of Tom Petty, Neil Young and the Doors, without a license and compensation to the music publisher.

Wixen, an exclusive licensee of songs such as “Free Fallin” by Tom Petty, “Light My Fire” by the Doors, “(Girl We Got a) Good Thing” by Weezer and works of singers such as Stevie

Nicks, is seeking damages “ill-equipped to obtain all the worth at least $1.6 billion along necessary mechanical licenses”. with injunctive relief.

Spotify declined to comment.

Spotify failed to get a In May, the Stockholm, direct or a compulsory license Sweden-based company agreed from Wixen that would allow to pay more than $43 million it to reproduce and distribute to settle a proposed class action the songs, Wixen said in the alleging it failed to pay royalties lawsuit, filed in a California for some of the songs it makes available to users. federal court.

Wixen also alleged that Spotify, which is Spotify outsourced its work to planning a stock market listing a third party, licensing and this year, has grown around 20 royalty services provider the percent in value to at least $19 Harry Fox Agency, which was billion in the past few months.

Amazon says over 5 billion items shipped in 2017 via Prime

Online retailer Amazon. smart device Echo Dot were the com Inc said it shipped over 5 best-selling products among billion items worldwide via its U.S. Prime members from any subscription based Prime service manufacturer in any category in 2017 while adding more new across all of its product offerings. members than ever before.

Amazon Prime, which offers its

The e-commerce giant, users services like free two-day which revealed its Prime shipping for certain purchases, shipment numbers for the first unlimited streaming of movies time, did not give comparable full- and TV shows with Prime year shipment number for 2016.

Video, has been attracting more

Amazon claimed that its subscribers every year.

Fire TV Stick and voice controlled The company said it

shipped over 1 billion items worldwide via Prime during holiday season in 2016.

Amazon Prime, which entered countries including Mexico, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Singapore last year, now is present in 16 countries around the world.

Shares of the Seattle, Washington based company were up 1.5 percent at $1,187 in afternoon trading.

As drone demand soars, New Jersey poised to bar drunken droning

FILE PHOTO: An airplane flies over a drone during the Polar Bear Plunge on Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York, U.S., January 1, 2015

NEW YORK - U.S. drone sales in 2017 topped $1 billion for the first time ever, but don’t raise a glass too quickly if you are in New Jersey, where lawmakers are poised to outlaw drunken droning next week.

It is one of a wave of U.S. states moving to bring the unmanned aircrafts’ high-flying fun back to earth.

New Jersey’s Assembly is slated to vote on a bill approved by the state Senate to ban inebriated or drugged droning, as well as to outlaw flying unmanned aircraft systems over prisons and in pursuit of wildlife. The vote was set for Thursday but postponed until Monday because of a severe snowstorm that triggered a state of emergency in New Jersey.

“It’s basically like flying a blender,” said John Sullivan, 41, of New York, a drone buff and aerial cinematographer. He said he opposed drunk droning but also fretted about regulatory overreach.

“If I had like one drink, I’d be hesitant to even fly it.”

A 2015 drone crash on the White House lawn fueled debate in the U.S. Congress over the need for drone regulations.

It was a drunken, off-duty employee of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency who flew the 2-foot-by-2-foot (60 cm by 60 cm) “quadcopter” from a friend’s apartment balcony and lost control of it over the grounds surrounding the White House, the New York Times reported.

New statistics set for release next week show 3.1 million drones were sold in the United States last year, up 28 percent from 2016, said Richard Kowalski, manager for the Consumer Technology Association.

“This was the first year that drone revenues reached $1 billion,” Kowalksi said in an email.

At least 38 states are considering restrictions on the devices this legislative year, including Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, said Amanda Essex, senior policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures.

“Like any technology, drones have the ability to be used for good, but they also provide new opportunities for bad actors,” said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano of Elizabeth, New Jersey. She backed the bill, which would impose a punishment of up to six months prison and a $1,000 fine for drunk droning.

If the Assembly passes the bill, Governor Chris Christie must sign it into law before he leaves office in less than two weeks or the legislation is dead, said Quijano’s Chief of Staff Shane Derris.

Already, nine states prohibit drones from operating near or over prisons, including Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin, Essex said.

A drone carrying wire cutters and a cell phone likely aided a prisoner’s escape in July from a maximum security prison in South Carolina, officials said.

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

British Caribbean Bank Limited Credit Manager The Credit Manager is a quantitative expert who can extract meaningful business insights from multiple data sources, analyse key credit metrics, and leverage predictive models to create decision strategies that will optimise business performance. The successful candidate will also identify credit risk and recommend possible processes, improvements and opportunities for automation and support their implementation. In addition, the individual will oversee the day-to-day credit underwriting function and partner with other departments to design tactical strategic tools. Finally, we are seeking results driven and proactive individual with experience gained in a commercial environment, who will be working with corporate head office as well as the multiple global sectors to provide commercial support and reporting.

Duties •To liaise with internal and external customers in collection efforts to ensure timely payments, address queries as required with appropriate departments and personnel •To process letters of credit and bank collections for assigned customers and cover for rest of Emerging Markets.

•To take ownership of projects/key risk decision areas, utilising your expert command of statistical analysis •To be responsible for obtaining, analyzing and providing relevant information, advice and opinion to Credit Manager on new Emerging Markets.

•To complete all necessary manual credit analyses of customers’ financial accounts and oversee the credit underwriting function.

•To provide mentoring support to other members of the team in credit analysis and other areas of expertise and experience.

•To pro-actively review and improve processes to increase the level of service provided to customers •To identify risks associated with potential business transactions and where appropriate give recommendations on risk mitigation in different business areas •To investigate and analyse information from a variety of data source Requirements •A university degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field •Minimum 5 years of credit analysis experience and credit risk underwriting •Minimum 5 years in a banking or financial services environment •Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Access, Excel, Word and PowerPoint are essential •Strong communication skills and ability to defend decisions made.

Salary range for this position is based on experience.Belongers only need apply.

Senior Finance Executive/ Project Manager We are looking for an objective Senior Finance Executive to add value and improve our operations by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. The successful candidate will possess a thorough knowledge of accounting procedures and a sound judgement.

LOCATION: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS Bachelors degree in business or other relevant subject UK Chartered Accountant qualified (or equivalent with a minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in auditing.)

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT Applicants should have a minimum of 7 years in a broad range of financial management roles at a senior level.

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

The salary for this position is based on experience. Belongers only need apply.

Closing date for all applications to be submitted is January 6th, 2017 Interested persons may contact our Corporate HR department Mon. – Fri. from 9am-3pm via telephone number 946-8054 or you may submit your resume with qualifications and experience to: hr@wihl.com Please also submit a copy to the TCI Labor Department

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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AMBERGRIS CAY FACILITIES LTD POSITIONS AVAILABLE Ambergris Cay Facilities Ltd is seeking a suitable applicant to fill an available post on Ambergris Cay ON A MONTH TO MONTH BASIS. ELECTRICIAN Job Summary: •Responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of machinery, lodging, phone lines system, in accordance with international standards; •Checking all installation for fire Alarm system and Detection •High voltage maintenance and inspection •Power plant switchgear maintenance •Electrical maintenance of all kitchen and laundry equipment •Electrical maintenance of all pumps and motors •Report all security problems to the Facilities Manager; •Ensuring spare parts for equipment are on hand for consistent functioning without discontinuity.

•Requirements - Applicants must be and or have: •at least three (8) years of experience in electrical maintenance •a high school diploma or equivalent •attentive to details and self-motivated •able to understand and speak English fluently •willing to reside on Ambergris Cay •able to work with little or no supervision •physically fit, dependable and hard working •in possession of clean police record and valid TCI Driver’s License •Able to understand and follow policies and procedures of the department Salary Scale: $45, 000 to $48,000 per annum HOUSEKEEPER Job Summary: •Assisting the Housekeeping Team with daily housekeeping duties.

•Cleaning of guest’s homes, staff dormitories, offices.

•Ensuring that the housekeeping area is kept in a tidy manner at all times.

•Clean and maintain all housekeeping equipment as required.

•The Employee will operate in the safest possible manner at all times.

Requirements - Applicants must be and or have: •At least ten (10) years of experience in Housekeeping •A high school diploma or equivalent •Attentive to details and self-motivated •Able to understand and speak English fluently •Able to work with little or no supervision •Physically fit, dependable and hard working •In possession of clean police record and valid TCI Driver’s License •Able to understand and follow policies and procedures of the department Required to work and live on Ambergris Cay with rotated weekends off.

Salary Scale: $8.00 per hour paid fortnightly.

CARPENTER ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: •Apply preventive maintenance to all buildings on Ambergris Cay •Ensure all work sites are left in a usable and safe condition •Keep work shop clean and in order •Maintain inventory of spare and repair parts and tools Applications must be addressed to: •Keep a daily log of tasks Ambergris Cay Services Ltd. •Prepare a preventative maintenance schedule Unit 51, Salt Mills Plaza, Grace Bay •Perform other related duties as required Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Closing Date for Applications is January 6th, 2017

E-mail: burkley.malcolm@ambergristci.com Tel: (649)-941-3777 Fax: (649)-941-3778

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 12, 2018.

Faculty of Computer Engineering and Mathematics (CEM): 1 position: Mathematics/Computer Sciences Faculty of Humanities & Fine Arts/Education & Training (EDT): 1 position: Communication Studies/Primary Education 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) 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.

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 10th January, 2018. 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

Page 44

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL SPORTS

Jeff Beljour Invited to MLS Caribbean Combine

Jeff Beljour stands amongst 22 players participating in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Caribbean Combine, which is set to take place at the Sawgrass Hotel and Suites Sports Complex near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA on January 9-11.

Theinvitation-only event organized jointly by Major League Soccer, the top professional men’s soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer, and Caribbean Football Union (CFU), annually showcases Caribbean talent between the ages of 18-21 years. All 31 CFU member associations are encouraged to nominate representatives who fit the criteria. Selected players are given an opportunity to compete in front of league scouts prior to the MLS Super Draft, where MLS Clubs sign players during the transfer window. Those players will then advance to the MLS Combine, which usually runs from March to October, witheach team playing 34 games.

Beljour, not long ago chosen to participate in TCIFA’s Fall ID Showcase and Camp in an effort Jeff Beljour to explore college opportunities, of further developing our players, is the Captain of the TCI U20 which in turn will improve the Men’s National Team, the TCIFA quality of our Senior National Team.

Boys Academy team, as well as a This is a massive opportunity for representative of the TCI Men’s Jeff to be exposed to an intense and National Beach Soccer Team. higher level of football with the hope

“One of the primary that his quality will be recognized.” objectives of the TCIFA is to create We wish him all the best player pathways for the talented and and we are comforted that he will elite players within our programs,” represent us well and fly the Turks said TCIFA General Secretary, and Caicos Islands flag in a very high Oliver Smith. “We see this as a way fashion.

Professional Maintenance Company seeking the following skilled technician

Refrigeration

Maintenance technician Maintain the day-to-day operations and to assume responsibility for maintaining the physical assets of the properties under the direction of Premier Contracting Services Ltd. Duties and Skill set required •Inspect, repair, modify and install HVAC equipment including refrigeration, A/C, compressors, receivers, expansion valves, condensers and evaporators •Conduct preventative maintenance and inspection of refrigeration units and Air-conditioning systems, make necessary adjustments or repairs •Repair or replace defective electrical or mechanical controls •Operate a variety of tools including welding torches, pressure gauges, electrical testing equipment, and vacuum pumps.

•Repair and rebuild semi hermetic reciprocating compressors.

•Perform skilled electrical or maintenance work, installation and alteration of HVAC equipment, components, timers, wiring systems, diagnostic and troubleshooting •Maintain records concerning time, labor and materials, maintain log of tasks performed •Lift heavy objects •Communicate in English effectively both orally and writing Education and Experience •Certificate and 5 years documentable HVAC journeyman level operation, maintenance and repair experience in the HVAC refrigeration trade •Valid driver’s license Please submit applications via email at maintenance@khcapital.com

BUGALOO CONCH CRAWL Is seeking an Administrative Assistant: •Must be able to work with an accounting back ground •Must be able to assist the Owner in all aspects including running earrings.

•Willing to work six (6) days per week from 7:00am -6:00pm •Must be familiarized with QuickBooks and Microsoft word and excel.

•Must have at least five (5) years experience.

•Must be able to work with multiple software’s and assist in all aspects of the business.

Salary $15.00 an hour All interested persons may drop off resume to the Labour Department, or email E&A@gmail.com or call 331-0221or 332-5646.

BELONGERS NEED APPLY ONLY

Savor Holdings Ltd Currently looking for: Head Chef •Maintain the highest standards of Food Hygiene •Prepare and cook meals for small and large groups •International especially Caribbean experience a must •Develop Menus and in-charge of creating new dishes •Responsible for overall operations of catering facility •Time Management and Business Acumen is needed.

•5 star culinary experience a must •Maintain impeccable relations with Vendors.

Is seeking a Kitchen Helper Must be able to work flexible Hours Work 6 days per week Salary: $7.50 an hour All applicants that meet these requirements please submit resumes to savoursaveur@gmail.com Qualified Belongers need only apply

OYSTER HOUSE/ PAVILION Is seeking a Bookkeeper: •Must have knowledge in QuickBooks, Microsoft Word and Excel.

•Must be able to work 6 days per week and be flexible.

•Must have five (5) years experience in bookkeeping.

Salary is $14.00 an hour.

Please Email resume to oyserterhousetciway.com/331-0221 Is seeking a Chef •Must have a creative imagination.

•Must be able to design menus, review food and beverage purchases.

•Must be on call •Must have over five (5) years experience in the Kitchen.

Salary is $12.50 per hour Please Email resume to oyserterhousetciway.com/331-0221 ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

LOCAL SPORTS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 45

National Stadium in worse state of disrepair

By Allie Capron

With the athletic season about to commence, the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium in Providenciales is in a troubling state of disrepair.

Before hurricanes Irma and Maria made landfall on the islands, the stadium was unkempt and in serious need of fine-tuning. Now, in the aftermath of the hurricanes,

conditions are worse than ever before and the stadium is dilapidated and regarded by many as an eyesore.

The grass is overgrown and unmanicured and the track is cracked and patchy. Most of its fences are torn down and its gates blown open. Piles of debris are scattered across the area. The metal roof of both bathroom facilities has peeled back due to strong winds, leaving their linings exposed and vulnerable to the elements. Litter

is dispersed throughout the vicinity, weeds grow rampantly in the field and old cars rest abandoned in nearby bushes.

When The SUN visited the site this week, there was no visible evidence of work being carried out to facilitate the process of repairing the national stadium. The only action that has been carried out since the passage of the hurricanes seems to be the gathering of debris into disheveled

piles in the stadium parking lot. Yet, there seems to have been no attempt to properly dispose of this debris.

The hazardous piles remain on site, cluttering the area.

These unkempt conditions become especially troubling when the hurricanes passed in September 2017.

Up to the time of this report, the SUN was unable to receive an official response from government representatives regarding this matter.

Page 46

WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

SPORTS

Australia edges England 6-0 in brutal Rugby World Cup final

BRISBANE, Australia — Mal half.

Meninga became the first Australian

England prop James Graham to win the Rugby League World Cup said the one-try scoreline didn’t reflect as a player and a coach, guiding the the nature of the game.

Kangaroos to a 6-0 win over England

“Tough one to take ... but what in a brutal, defense-oriented final. a spectacle,” he said. “There were a

For skipper Cameron Smith, couple of times where the half-break the win meant back-to-back World Cup was on, but fair play to them for their titles but, more importantly, a first on scramble.” home soil and redemption for a shock

Meninga, who was captain and loss to New Zealand in the decider here kicked three goals in Australia’s 10-6 nine years ago. win over Britain in the 1992 World

Smith played a role in the Cup final, said his squad imposed itself only try of the final, working left from on England defensively in the second dummy half and linking with Cooper half.

Cronk and Michael Morgan, who

“Without a really good attitude popped a short-ball for a straight- Australia’s players celebrate with the trophy after defeating England in their Rugby and understanding of what the occasion running Boyd Cordner to crash over League World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, Dec. 2, is, we wouldn’t have delivered that 2017. Australia beat England 6-0 the line in the 15th minute. result,” Meninga said. “When you look

Smith converted the try and, that dates back to 1972. to-back World Cup victories now, and at the nil scoreline, I’m really proud despite a string of opportunities for “It’s amazing, mate,” said very glad to have the Kangaroos as the of the way they defended again to both teams, it was the only score in 80 Smith, who this year has won the No. 1 team in the world.” keep on coming up with special efforts, minutes on Saturday night in humid NRL premiership with the Melbourne Australian five-eighth Morgan particularly in that second half.” sub-tropical conditions in Brisbane.

Storm, the State Of Origin series with crossed in the 46th minute after a Wayne Bennett, who took on

The English squad went into Queensland and the World Cup with strong run by backrower Matt Gillett, the England job after coaching the the final as underdogs after skipper Australia. “To finally get a World Cup but the TV official ruled no try and Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Sean O’Loughlin and hooker Josh victory on home soil. It’s been quite a penalized the hosts for obstruction.

Australia, said his squad played with Hodgson were ruled out by injuries, but long time.”

England had two strong an intensity usually reserved for the performed well beyond expectations Australia only conceded 16 chances to equalize, with winger Ryan Origin series. against a team that had beaten them points in six games in the tournament, Hall going close in the first half before “I’m really proud of them. Just 18-4 in the tournament opener. and extended their winning streak to he was bundled into touch in a covering the intensity of it,” he said. “Lots of

It was the Kangaroos’ 11th 13 games under Meninga. tackle. times they were exhausted and still World Cup title and first on home “It was one of the toughest Josh Dugan’s ankle tap on found something, another effort on soil since 1977. Australia’s victory football games I’ve played in my entire England center Kallum Watkins saved effort. It was good stuff.” extended a drought for British teams career,” Smith said. “We’ve gone backan almost certain try late in the second

One LeBron James moment to remember in Cavs forgettable loss to Celtics

CLEVELAND, Ohio - No regular season game is bigger than a playoff game. But Wednesday’s Cleveland Cavaliers’ contest at the Boston Celtics “is not one of 82 because there’s a history between us,” LeBron James said.

A day later, after the Cavaliers were routed, 102-88, James had to feel that some locked chamber of his past had been opened, and only the names of those who charged out had been changed to protect the inaccurate.

A night out of the bad old days

The supporting cast that had seemed so deep and resourceful might as well have been named Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, Larry Hughes or Flip Murray.

Isaiah Thomas was sidelined as a precaution in the second game in two nights. Among those James was left with were a hobbled Kevin Love, who shot 1-for-11; Dwyane Wade, 2-for-10; Jae Crowder 2-for 12; and Jeff Green, 3-for-11.

You are not going to win on the road against a good team that way.

Lessons in a lopsided loss

The mid-season showdown was said to be forgettable on television.

In the regular season, however, sometimes it is not the one showdown that is important, but the long slog of the 82-game schedule. That is what can most sharply reveal the persistence of

pride.

All season long, James has been extending the borders of possibility for a 33-year-old player.

This was his chance to make a Most Valuable Player statement.

Instead, on a dystopian night when fatigue, travel, and an inspired, rested opponent playing at home reduced most of his teammates to ineffectiveness (not you, Kyle Korver or you, J.R. Smith), James soared while they sagged. Even when gravity claimed him too, James played on in dogged defiance of what was happening.

A block that should have been

James made seven of his first nine shots, carrying the Cavs in the first half. But he missed six of his last seven attempts.

Midway through the third quarter, with the Celtics leading by 17 points, Boston’s Kyrie Irving, getting his revenge on his old teammates despite less than dynamic numbers (11 points), beat Jose Calderon to the basket on his way to an and-one.

From somewhere out of his own past and that of the Boston player who was the NBA’s greatest champion, James roared into the play from behind and with one hand flicked the ball away at the peak of its ascent, a fingertip from the backboard.

It was ruled, mistakenly

replays showed, to be goaltending.

Irving completed the 3-point play for a 75-55 Boston lead.

“MVP!” chants rose for Irving.

The chant was for the wrong team and player although the bad call kept the block out of the box score.

It won’t be remembered by many. It was James chase-down block of Andre Iguodala in the last minutes of the seventh game of the 2016 NBA Finals that will live on.

But in a listless game by James’ teammates, his intransigence in the face of insuperable odds was a remembrance of the way it used to be.

Decades ago, Billy Cunningham, an aging legend in his last, injuryshortened season, spoke of the night

he and his Philadelphia 76ers’ teammates took down the Boston Celtics in five games in 1967, ending their string of eight straight NBA championships, by unleashing a bomb cyclone of 140 points in a rout.

The game ended with Bill Russell racing downcourt to swat away a breakaway layup that was meaningless to everyone but Russell.

“It was like he just wouldn’t accept defeat,” Cunningham said.

Time ran out on Russell’s season, just as it ran out on James in the midseason showdown that wasn’t.

Rather than being pointless, James’ block showed that, like Russell, defeat did not diminish him in the slightest.

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 47

WORLD SPORTS

NFL television ratings down 9.7 percent during 2017 regular season

NFL television ratings fell 9.7 percent during the 2017 regular season, according to numbers registered by Nielsen.

A typical game was watched by 1.6 million fewer people this season as compared to last season (14.9 million versus 16.5 million).

The drop comes after the NFL had hoped to stem an 8 percent ratings slide from last season by experimenting with the format for television commercials and trying to speed up the game.

Last year’s slide was partly attributed to a lost audience due to the presidential election. This year, the NFL was challenged with fans upset at players protesting during the national anthem, an action that led to a league faceoff with President Donald Trump.

Other factors cited include the dilution of the product through Thursday Night Football,

which was broadcast on the NFL ratings, Nielsen data shows that Network, CBS, NBC and Amazon the 20 of the 30 highest-rated Prime in 2017. This season, both shows on television in 2017 were Fox CEO James Murdoch and football games. Both NBC and CBS Sports Chairman Sean ESPN had the most-watched McManus blamed the ratings shows every single week, in slide on the proliferation of games. terms of audience and in all key

The NFL RedZone also male demographics, for Sunday might be a factor in taking fans Night Football and Monday Night away from watching the daytime Football games this season.

NBC’s Sunday Night games on CBS and FOX. The NFL Network and DirecTV, Football finished first in prime which air separate versions of the time this fall for the seventh show that broadcast live look-ins, consecutive year, besting have never shared viewership “American Idol” (2005-06 through 2010-11) for the longest hold on numbers.

The NFL isn’t in a the top prime-time spot since vacuum, as the viewership 1950. Its 18.2 million viewers beat drop is indicative of the general the second-best prime-time show, environment as less television Thursday Night Football on CBS, is being watched and cable by 29 percent -- its largest margin subscriptions have declined. The ever.

ESPN officials reported NBA, however, has seen a 20 percent increase in viewership earlier in the week that the this season as compared to 2016- network grew its total day 17. viewership in 2017 by 1 percent,

Despite the drop in NFL while prime time was up 7 percent.

Top-scorer Harden out for at least two weeks

The NBA’s leading scorer James Harden will miss at least two weeks with a left hamstring strain, the Houston Rockets said.

Harden suffered the injury while driving for a layup in the fourth quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

The Rockets said he will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Harden is averaging 32.3 points per game along with 9.1 assists and is a leading candidate for the league’s MVP Award.

Houston (26-9) have Dec 31, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) lost five of their last six games drives to the basket while Los Angeles Lakers guard Tyler Ennis (10) defends to fall to second in the Western during the second quarter at Toyota Center Conference.

Cardinals QB Palmer announces retirement Arizona Cardinals Cardinals. ”The answer was almost quarterback Carson Palmer announced his retirement from always the same ‘you just know’. the NFL after 15 seasons, leaving “For me, that time is now. Why? the team with two big voids after Quite simply, I just know.” their head coach made the same Palmer enjoyed early success with Cincinnati as he led decision this week.

The 38-year-old Palmer them to a division title in 2005 was drafted first overall in 2003 but on the first snap of his first by the Cincinnati Bengals, where playoff game he suffered a torn he played eight seasons, and then ACL after taking a low hit. after a forgettable two-year stint After a lackluster stint with the Oakland Raiders joined in Oakland where he won eight games over two seasons, Palmer the Cardinals in 2013.

“Over the years, I’ve had rejuvenated his career in Arizona teammates who decided to hang under head coach Bruce Arians’ it up and I would ask them how vertical-passing scheme and they knew when it was time alongside future Hall of Fame to walk away,” Palmer wrote receiver Larry Fitzgerald. in a statement released by the But Palmer’s career was

Tiger to start 2018 campaign at Farmers Insurance Open

Tiger Woods watches his shot after teeing off

Former world number one Tiger Woods will make his much-anticipated 2018 debut at this month’s Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego, his first official PGA Tour event since missing the cut at the same tournament last year.

Woods, who returned to competition last month in an 18-man exhibition after a near 10-month layoff during which he had spinal fusion surgery, will also play the Feb. 15-18 Genesis Open at Riviera, which is run by the Tiger Woods Foundation.

“I‘m very excited to be back at Riviera,” Woods, 42, said in a statement on his website on Thursday.

”I haven’t played at Riviera in a tournament in a very long time. To be able to play in an event that I used to come to as an amateur, as a junior and now as the tournament host, that is on one of the most historic sites in all of golf, it’s a dream come true.”

The American 14-times major champion swung freely and with no sign of back pain at last month’s Hero World Challenge, where he began his latest comeback and finished tied for ninth in a field including eight of the world’s top 10 golfers.

After that event Woods was vague when asked about his plans for 2018, saying only that he would set his playing schedule around building up toward the golf’s four major tournaments.

He will no doubt feel very comfortable when he tees it up at Torrey Pines, having won the event seven times. It is also the venue where he won the 2008 U.S. Open for the most recent of his 14 major titles.

Woods fell flat in his PGA Tour return at the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open where he missed the cut by four shots. He then played the European Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic and withdrew with back spasms after an openinground 77.

The Farmers Insurance Open begins on Jan. 25 at Torrey Pines.

hampered by injuries, including in the 2014 season when he missed Arizona’s playoff run with a torn ACL.

Palmer, who missed the final nine games of Arizona’s season with a broken arm, ends his NFL career 12th on the all-time rankings with 294 touchdown passes.

He also hold the Cardinals franchise records for passing yards and passing touchdowns in a season, both marks set in 2015.

Arians announced his retirement on Monday and Fitzgerald, 34, has said he does not know if he will return for the NFL’s 2018 season.

Carson Palmer

Page 48

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 6TH, 2018 – JANUARY 13TH, 2018

PRIVATE VILLAS FROM $745,000

SAILROCKLIVING.COM | 1-649-941-2121 @SAILROCKLIVING | #DISCOVERSAILROCK Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 339 5879 | Fax: 649 941 3281