VOLUME 15 ISSUE 10

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 15 - NO. 10

Email: sun@suntci.com

Tel: (649) 348-6838

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2,000 STATELESS CHILDREN IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

T

here are about 2,000 stateless or undocumented children in the Turks and Caicos Islands, many of whom are “vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation as a result of human trafficking”, according to two international reports.

Investigations by The SUN revealed that a report from the United States of America’s Department of Labor (Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor), and a study (Situation analysis of children in the Turks and Caicos Islands) done by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), have expressed serious concern about the conditions of these children and the implications for their human rights.

The US Labour Department report which was done in 2013, said the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) had, at that time, made no advancement in efforts to prevent the worst forms of child labor.

“Limited evidence suggests that the Islands’ 2,000 undocumented children are vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation as a result of human trafficking. The Government lacks a complete legal framework to prevent child labor, including its worst forms,” said the report.

Clement Howell High 2019 FortisTCI national Science Fair winners

Clement Howell High School emerged winner of the FortisTCI National Science & Technology Fair on Thursday, March 7 at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex.

The school’s project, ‘Glasstastic Building Solutions’, earned

the $1,000 prize ahead of Holy Family High School’s two projects ‘Helio Tropic Solar Plane’ and Photo Resistor Controlled Smart Bulbs’, which tied for second placed and earned the $500 prize.

Pictured is His Excellency the Governor, Dr John Freeman, Ruth

Forbes, Senior VP of finance at FortisTCI, students of the Clement Howell High School, Chairman and Member of Parliament Hon. Doug Parnell, Minister of Education, Karen Malcolm and Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson.

Beaches had ‘no alternative’ TCI mourns death of popular police officer Mauquency Carter but to sue TCIG B T eaches Resort and Spa said it is “most unfortunate” that we had to sue the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, adding that because of “injustice” over taxes it “had no alternative”.

The Gordon “Butch” Stewartowned hotel is suing government for $13.8million, claiming that because government breached a March 2014 Development Agreement, the hotel is seeking “a refund of monies paid in error” to the Crown.

Beaches is asking the court to issue an order for “immediate payment” of “not less than” US $13,861,568 currently owed to it by government,

together with orders for “any further payments of sum found subsequently to be due” to the hotel.

In a March 14th, 2019 press release, Beaches said it exercised its constitutional right to challenge certain claims by TCIG setting out taxes and penalties said to be owing by various establishments under the Hotel, Restaurants and Tourism (Taxation) Ordinance, including Beaches.

“In January 2019 we filed suit against the Government in relation to these matters and also claiming certain tax refunds,” the press release said. continued on page 2

urks and Caicos Islands has been thrown into a state of shock and mourning following the death of popular police officer Mauquency “Quency” Carter in a motor vehicle accident around 2 a.m. on Monday, March 11th, 2019, on the Leeward Highway in the vicinity of Provo Plaza.

Carter, the driver of a grey Jeep Wrangler that was involved in a two-car collision, was transported

to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he was pronounced dead at 2:47 a.m.

The female driver of a Grey Honda car that was involved in the two-car collision was also taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for her injuries.

Her name has not been released by police, but it is understood that she works closely with the force. continued on page 2

Macquency Carter

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS 2,000 STATELESS CHILDREN IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS continued from page 1 That report said the TCI was a destination country for children trafficked for forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation.

“Limited evidence suggests that girls from the Dominican Republic are trafficked to TCI for commercial sexual exploitation. Anecdotal information suggests that migrants from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica are trafficked to the Islands for commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor.

However, it is unclear how many victims are children. Limited evidence suggests that commercial sexual exploitation occurs in bars and brothels in TCI,” the report added.

The UNICEF report which was done in 2016, also made reference to the US Labour Department report and concern about the high number of stateless and undocumented children, noting that a group of vulnerable children (and families) is made up of “those who reside in the territory but are not TCI citizens, especially those

for whom English is not their mother tongue”.

The UNICEF study, which was compiled with input from line ministries, teachers and school supervisors, health care personnel, social workers, police officers, magistrates, faith-based organizations, and non-governmental organizations, noted that “the difference between Belongers and non-Belongers is at the root of some disparities seen in TCI and is fuelling some implicit tensions”. It was noted that the 2014 Poverty Assessment identified some negative perceptions that Belongers have about non-Belongers: (i) they are ready to work for less and therefore prevent Belongers from getting employment; (ii) they make it hard for Belongers to get their children into schools; (iii) they are engaged in criminal activity; (iv) they are often illegal; and (v) they are damaging the environment through illegal house construction and the overcrowding of already sub-standard housing.

The UNICEF document also

mentioned reports of babies being delivered in the bushes without medical assistance.

“Within this group are undocumented children; i.e., girls and boys who came to TCI illegally or were born in the territory to parents whose migration status is not in order.

These children – some considered to be stateless – are particularly vulnerable to abuses and deep deprivations. They have no legal basis and are hidden away,” the report added.

The report said it is the Government’s responsibility, as the main duty bearer, to address their problems and to guarantee the realization of the rights for all children, including creating policies that can equalize access to health, education and child protection for all children, without any type of differentiation among them.

“The division between Belongers and non-Belongers has an impact on the realization of children’s rights in the territory. Despite having access to public

education, children from immigrant families sometimes have to pay more for health and do not qualify for some government grants that are designed to alleviate vulnerabilities. In addition, they frequently report being subject to bullying and other harassments at school and in their communities.”

It was also stated that TCI does not have a social policy that encompasses a holistic strategy to alleviate vulnerabilities, fight poverty and protect children.

“Instead, social welfare is the government response to some of the situations described and analysed in this (analysis). The Department of Social Development and Gender Affairs (DSDGA) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication is responsible for the provision of social services, but its reach is limited due to lack of proper resources (small staff, not enough budget and legal constrains).”

Beaches had ‘no alternative’ but to sue TCIG continued from page 1

“We wish to make it very “Rather it is the Government of the TCI clear that the alleged unpaid tax of that is indebted to Beaches in respect US$26,708,618 plus interest at 213% of genuine over-paid taxes and refunds. per annum, arose because the TCI Two of the largest items are (i) refund Government, having entered into for taxes on children under 12 and (ii) binding host country agreement(s) with custom processing fees.”

Beaches to encourage our expansion of The press release noted that the hotel, undertook a tax audit and there are “other areas of over-payment although finding no violation of our and positive tax adjustments which agreement, unilaterally and without the Government is required to make in warning imposed back taxes in breach favour of Beaches, and these and other of the host country agreement and other related matters are the subject of law written assurances given by the TCI suits which regrettably, we have been compelled to file”.

Governments.”

The statement said that Beaches, “It is indeed most unfortunate for the past 23 years in which it has that we had to litigate against our operated in the Turks and Caicos Islands, hostcountry, but given the injustice we has punctually and accurately paid taxes had no alternative. Based on the numberof communications that our organization according to law.

“As a matter of fact we are has been receiving, it is clear thatthe always first in line when it comes to investment and banking community paying our taxes,” the statement added. together with the travel trade, including

the airlines are all paying close attention to see whether the Government will honor its commitments,” the statement added.

In the law suit against TCIG, Beaches, which is the country’s largest private sector employer , is also asking for interest on the $!3.8million, from payment until repayment at a rate of 12 per cent compounded annually (without prejudice to interest on earlier such sums which are herein claimed and will b identified by way of amendment) or at such other rate(s) compounded annually as are just reasonable.

In addition, Beaches is also asking for a declaration that it “owes no unpaid liability of any kind” under the Hotel and Tourism (Taxation) Ordinance) and/or has been “entitled at all material times between the making of the payments and their repayment

to have the said sum set off against any such liability (of any kind) thereunder (whether past, present or future)”.

According to the document, Beaches is also seeking “damages for breach of contract” against the government, along with damages for breach of duty (including both statutory and tortious duties) and damages for interference with contractual relations and/or inducement of breach of contract.

The writ of summons stated that Beaches paid to Government “by reason of a mistake or mistakes”, substantial sums between 1995 and 2018, when in truth the hotel was under no legal liability to make such payments. The mistaken payments having been in excess of US $13,861,568 (being only the quantum of sums mistakenly paid in the period commencing about 2012 until early 2018), the document added.

TCI mourns death of popular police officer Mauquency Carter continued from page 1 Following the death announcement, social media was flooded with tributes to Carter, who was extremely popular country-wide.

On the evening of his death, scores of friends and family members gathered at the scene of the accident to pay their respects at a sunset vigil.

Carter who was enlisted in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police in September of 2007 after graduating from the Royal Bahamas Police Training School, was assigned to the Tactical Unit.

In recent weeks he was assigned as the driver and close protection officer to Governor Dr. John Freeman.

Commissioner of Police James Smith said he was very distressed to

learn that Carter died as a result of the incident.

“I know that his passing will be felt by all of us, his family and friends and the community in TCI where he was much loved. We have lost a very special individual who will be sorely missed.

This is going to be a very difficult time for Carter’s family and for each of us,” Commissioner Smith added.

In her tribute, Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, noted that Carter’s death “sent the entire Turks and Caicos Islands into a state of shock and grief”.

She described Carter as a “wellmannered, devoted and respected”

police officer who loved his job as a police officer as much as he loved his family and his zeal for life”.

“He was a highly skilled officer who dedicated over a decade of service to the RTCIPF and served across various islands and in various capacities, but was most proud of his service to the Tactical Unit where his level of skill and precision was greatly admired. He was a member of the RTCIPF Police Band and also spent a significant amount of time mentoring troubled young men throughout the islands and the various high schools,” the Deputy Governor stated.

She said that in recent weeks, Carter worked from the Office of the Governor/Deputy Governor

in Providenciales where his level of professionalism and attention to detail continued to be placed on display.

“Quincy’s personality was bigger than life and he was loved and well respected across the entire Turks and Caicos Islands where he will be a great miss. Our hearts grieve for this great loss and we extend our deepest sympathies to his entire family most especially his children A’Zhi and Adonai Carter, his grandmother Mrs. Valeria Houseman, his siblings Aretha, Moses and Mauqueita, aunts, uncles and the rest of the family circle. You have served your country well and we are forever grateful for your service Macquency,” Williams added.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Police introducing fingerprinting for police records despite objections

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is going ahead with its new policy of mandatory finger print for police records, despite concerns from the public and objections from some local lawyers.

Under the new fingerprinting policy, effective immediately, persons applying for clearance certificates are now required to have their fingerprints taken for only identification purposes.

Superintendent of Police Mr. Kendal Grant of the National Crime Intelligence Unit said, “This new policy will not be used to assist in crime detection and only used to properly identify applicants. This could also shorten the processing time allowing people to begin new jobs or assume other responsibilities sooner”.

The documents required for a police record will remain. These includes: a $10 TCI stamp, $10 application fee/receipt (paid into the treasury), completed application form, one colored copy of legal status and one colored copy of passport (BIO PAGE)

Attorney Mark Fulford issued a press statement advising residents to “refuse to give your fingerprints to the police for police record as the request is unconstitutional and in direct contravention” of the Police Force Ordinance.

“If the Police are requesting a fingerprint when you apply for a Police Certificate it is in breach of the Police Force Ordinance Cap 18.01 and your constitutional rights,” Fulford said. “When you provide a finger print it can leave a sweat deposit and therefore it is possible to obtain a person’s DNA

from that sweat deposit. If the sweat was classed as fluid from a tissue then it should be classed as an intimate sample and therefore a Court order and written consent would be required but then it can only be taken from a person in police detention. People come to our shores and automatically assume that we all have no sense and they can do as they like to us without any fear of us defending ourselves. That’s because we have always been an accommodating and welcoming set of people, but don’t take our kindness for weakness and this is exactly what Commissioner James Smith is doing to us by asking ALL of us to give him our fingerprints.”

Fulford added: “Our biometric rights are protected in the constitution of the TCI, and if the Police think that we will just give up our constitutional rights without it being lawful, they are wrong and all general applicants for Police Records who has NEVER been convicted of an offence should refuse to give their fingerprints unless and until Commissioner James Smith can show you the law which overrides your constitutional rights. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Amendment” Ordinance 2017 does not give the Police the powers to request fingerprints for general applicants for Police Records. This law ONLY give the Police the powers to request fingerprints FROM applicants who are rehabilitated (convicted) offenders who have not been reconvicted.”

His statement continued: “The storing of fingerprints in a database violates the right to privacy enshrined in s9 of our constitution and Article 8

of the European Convention on Human Rights. I call on the Commissioner for Human Rights to advise the Police to cease the implementation of the taking of fingerprints from general applicants as to do so would be a violation of our Human Rights.”

Meanwhile, the public is advised that effective April 1st, 2019 the processing fee for Clearance Certificates will increase to US$40, inclusive of the US$10 TCI Stamp.

Below are the answers from the Police Force to some Frequently Asked Questions: 1.If I was previously fingerprinted, do I need to be fingerprinted again if applying for another Police Record?

No, applicants will not be required to give fingerprints for future applications.

2.Where can I have my fingerprints taken? Fingerprinting of persons will be done at on the islands of South Caicos, Grand Turk, Providenciales and North Caicos at the respective Police Records Office or Police Station in which application is made.

3.Why do I have to give fingerprints in order to obtain a Police Record?

The law (Rehabilitation of Offenders “Amendment” Ordinance) requires that applicants for Police Records be fingerprinted as deemed by the Commissioner of Police.

4.Are there any additional charges for fingerprints? Not at this time.

However effective April 1st2019 applicants will be required to pay a $30 processing fee and a $10 postage stamp.

5.Will my fingerprints be used against me for any crimes? Fingerprints will be used for the purpose of identification.

6.Are children required to give prints? No, persons under the age of 16yrs will not be required to give

Attorney Mark Fulford fingerprints.

7.Are elderly persons required to give fingerprints? Elderly persons that are able to apply for a Police Record in person will be required to submit fingerprints.

8.Are handicapped or disabled persons required to give fingerprints? No, unless they are able to apply in person.

9.If I currently reside in another country, am I still required to give my fingerprints? Yes, persons applying for a Police Record who have previously resided in the Turks and Caicos Islands must provide a certified Police Record and fingerprints from current country of residence.

10.Why are the taking of fingerprints necessary? There have been numerous cases of mistaken identity and individuals with several identities.

Fingerprinting of person allows for unequivocal identification of an individual.

Risk assessment of the TCI petroleum fuels sector As part of the consultation process, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning invites feedback and comments from all stakeholders and the general public on the Risk Assessment being undertaken on the Turks and Caicos Islands Petroleum Fuels Sector.

The objectives of the Risk Assessment are to: Review existing management systems and internal compliance programs within the Petroleum sector and assess whether the sector stakeholders are adequately managing their obligations to safeguard the environment, health and promote safety; Assess and evaluate the adequacy of the legislative and administrative framework put in place by the TCI Government to oversee industrial activities that manage the environment, safety and health; Draft and or amend legislation, rules and regulations to improve regulatory oversight and compliance.

Two Draft Petroleum Fuels Sector Risk Assessment Reports are available for review: The Government Review & Assessment Report, and, 1.The Industry Review and Assessment Report Written representations can be submitted by email to MLCummings@gov.tc. on or before March 31, 2019.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

TCI avoids EU Blacklisting

After much effort and work, the Turks and Caicos Islands has been removed from the grey list and due to quick action including legislative amendments, TCI has avoided being placed on the EU’s Blacklist.

Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson said this is an important achievement although she maintains that this remains an unfortunate process for countries listed as 2.2 jurisdictions or deemed “tax havens”.

Premier Robinson said: “This accomplishment is due to the strong partnership between government agencies and the private sector who not only carried out quick reviews and quick consultations between us, but saw both sectors represented at a bi lateral meeting in Brussels last year.”

She added: “TCI continues to face new and continuing challenges to our financial services sector and we continue to comply with all global standards. We remain committed in our stance to operate clean jurisdictions and though heavily challenged, we believe that there remains a path for growth in this sector and that with new policy and legislative support, it has a bright future. My Government has recently concluded a full review of the

financial services sector and a strategic plan for its growth is imminent.”

The European Union announced on March 12th that the Turks and Caicos Islands have been formally removed from the EU black list of unacceptable so-called tax havens.

The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territory of Bermuda, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu and Dominica join Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago, and three U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, who were already on the blacklist. Blacklisted states will likely face reputational damage and stricter controls on transactions with the EU, although no specific sanctions have yet been agreed by EU states. BVI and Cayman remain ‘grey’ listed by the EU, and were given time to improve their legislation so as to be removed from the list.

ttorney David Stewart, president of the Turks and Caicos Finance Industry Association and a partner with Griffiths and Partners, said: “At long last, some good news for the Turks and Caicos Islands. This welcome news from the EU is a fitting

David Stewart, president of the Turks and Caicos Finance Industry Association reward for the significant amount of time and effort the country has invested in new legislation, and generally being compliant with all international treaties and regulations. A resurgent financial services sector is good news for the TCI economy, and this announcement from the EU is an important step on the road to growing the sector”.

The Turks and Caicos Finance Industry Association (‘FIA’) is a not for

Premier Sharlene Robinson profit that acts as a representative body for the interests of the Banking, Legal, Insurance, Investor / Dealer, Trustee and Company Management industries which together represent around 10% or US$100M of the nation’s GDP. The current President of the FIA is David Stewart, Partner at Griffiths and Partners and MD of Coriats Trust, TCI’s oldest Trust company.

Cardiology Services with innovative technology now available at TCI Hospital

InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital officially announced the commencement of Cardiology services under the Visiting Consultant Program during a press conference on Friday 8th March 2019.

The new development will provide incountry access to Cardiology medical care that was previously only available under the Treatment Abroad Program (TAP).

Under the Visiting Consultant Program, medical expertise from allover the world in various specialties visit the island on a periodic basis to deliver services in outpatient clinics and operative procedures, which are not permanently available in-country.

Visiting Consultant Cardiologist, Himanshu Shukla, M.D. will deliver adult cardiology non-invasive programs, specifically, echocardiography rhythm monitoring and consultations at a tertiary care level. Based on statistics, Cardiology and Ophthalmology are the two most frequently required medical services under the Treatment Abroad Program (TAP). Hence, the introduction of onshore Cardiology services will provide high quality and comprehensive care to patients, which reduces government expenditure and the need for patients to travel abroad.

Patients who require Cardiology services will be identified by TCI Hospital’s Internal Medicine Physician to ensure the referral is clinically necessary and to promote best use of resources. The service will be delivered on a quarterly basis with clinics ranging from 7-10 days based on patient volumes.

An innovative technology has been introduced under the program as an alternative to the a traditional Holter monitor that measures and records a patient’s heart activity (ECG). The stickon Zio patch empowers patients to maintain a clean, uninterrupted signal with minimal effort or disruption to their lifestyle. The miniature device also gives the assurance of reliable data with a clear and comprehensive look into a patient’s heart rhythm over longer periods for more appropriate diagnosis. There are

also no wires to manage, batteries to and continue to improve services for our charge or leads to reconnect. Cindy patients is something we are interested Durham, a cardiology patient and nurse in doing.” at the hospital was used to demonstrate Chief of Medical Services of the technology.

InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital, Dr.

The inaugural visiting Denise Braithwaite-Tennant stated: consultant cardiology clinic was held “Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in last week with overwhelming positive the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is very feedback from patients. Dr. Shukla important for us to support primary stressed that the technology is also more health care in preventive measures to customized to the patient population, reduce the impact on secondary and suitable for local climatic conditions, tertiary care interventions. The Zio more cost- effective and has minimal technology is new to the country, and hardware. A portal ultrasound has also Dr. Shukla has also graciously funded been used during the consultant visits, 10 Zio patches for local patients at the which is another innovative expansion onset. We are very appreciative of health to the hospital’s current capacity. care providers who view their expertise

During the press conference, as a means of delivering a philanthropic Dr Shukla also stated that building a service, as opposed to strictly focusing cardiology program is advantageous on the bottom line. The introduction to the country. Based on population of pediatric patients to the cardiology demographics and steady growth, program requires the creation of a persons may experience a cardiology business case, which is currently under issue at some point. It is an unfortunate, creation. Our next iteration is to include but a realistic statistic. An increase pediatric patients. Dr. Shukla’s first clinic in diabetes and renal health-related visit was held on Providenciales due conditions across the community to patient numbers, but this does not can precipitate heart related issues eliminate the prospects for future visits for persons. Therefore, appropriate to Grand Turk.” screening, management and counselling Minister of Health, Agriculture, for patients early in the process is Sports and Human Services, Honorable invaluable. Dr Shukla also believes the Edwin Astwood stated: “The launch of transition and growth of the program the program is very pleasing to all of us. will be successful in the long-term since We have heard that Cardiac and Heart the infrastructure and platform has Disease are the number one complaint already been provided. in the Turks and Caicos Islands. To be

Chief Executive Officer of able to better monitor and control these InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital, diseases can go a far way in dealing with Daniel Carriere stated: “It is great that the local population… It was also fitting we can bring this type of talent to the to see the process that is taking place, Turks and Caicos Islands. Dr. Shukla’s whereby we are moving one step closer credentials, experience and qualifications to the ideal situation that we envisioned are impeccable and we are very fortunate this facility to be. The introduction of to have a person of this caliber providing the program is very commendable as we services. This is another example of are moving in the right direction. We are bringing services close to home, which extremely happy to see this state-of-theis always great for the patient and their art technology being introduced in the families. We are always open and willing Turks and Caicos Islands...” to work with Ministry of Health - TCI Interim Chief Executive Officer Government in exploring avenues that of the National Health Insurance Board, will ease the burden on government Dr Terese Maitland stated:” To date budgets. We recognize that health care is the majority of patients who require expensive by nature, and anything that cardiology tests and procedures, ranging the organization can do to lessen the cost from non-urgent to life-threatening

Cardiologist emergencies, are treated outside of the TCI under the auspices of the Treatment Abroad Program, which is managed by the National Health Insurance Plan.

Indeed, cardiology-related referrals, rank second in the total number and accounts for approximately 12% of treatment abroad referrals and a substantially larger percentage in terms of cost. Today officially marks the on-boarding of some of these services. This is expected to provide TCI residents with in country access to a broader range of cardiology related medical procedures…NHIP is excited about this endeavor, which is anticipated to be more accessible to a broader cross-section of our valuable clients and beneficiaries, facilitate prevention and early detection whilst simultaneously being cost effective and allowing us to stretch our health care dollars...”

TCI Government (TCIG) Acting Contract Performance Manager, Florinda Talbot delivered remarks on behalf of the Government’s Contract Management Unit, which oversees the partnership agreement between TCIG and InterHealth Canada. Talbot stated that the introduction of cardiology services supports both standards and service development of the hospital.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

TCI bans Boeing 737 Max from air space

The Turks and Caicos Islands has joined a growing list of countries world-wide in banning the Boeing 737 Max 8 and 9 from its airspace, although those aircraft are not used by any of the airlines flying here.

Following the recent plane crash of an Ethiopian Airline, several European Union countries immediately began a grounding of the Boeing 737 Max 8 and 9 Series in respect of their individual countries. Canada and the US has now also followed suit.

In a press release, Tom A. Swann, Managing Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority, stated: “Following the second catastrophic accident of a Boeing 737 Max aircraft, the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority (TCICAA) is issuing a safety directive to all air transport operators restricting

operation of any Boeing 737 Max 8 or Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft in the airspace of the Turks and Caicos Islands, effective 12 March 2019 at 24:00 hrs local. This safety directive will remain in place until further notice.”

Premier Sharlene Robinson stated, “As Premier I am informed by the TCI Airports Authority, that no Airline currently offering services to our country, use these crafts. This therefore means that there will be no flight interruptions.”

Swann explained that the TCICAA has full designation for safety oversight as a UK Overseas Territories, and is one of only three OTs to enjoy such delegation.

The TCICAA is responsible for both financial and economic regulation of the Turks and Caicos Islands aviation industry.

In addition, he said, the

Turks and Caicos Islands is classified as Category 1 by the USA Federal Aviation Administration under their “International Aviation Safety Assessments” programme that evaluates a country’s civil aviation authority’s ability to effectively regulate its aviation industry.

This rating enables commercial air transport operators registered in the Turks and Caicos Islands to conduct international air transport operations into the USA, i.e., InterCaribbean Airways and Caicos Express Airways.

The requirement for such rating lies with the TCICAA being assessed as having technically qualified and highly experienced staff to effectively oversee the aviation industry in accordance with established standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Tom A. Swann, Managing Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority

Police investigate recent robberies and increase patrols and policing activity

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating four robberies on Providenciales reported between Saturday 9th March 2019 and Sunday 10th March 2019. These robberies occurred in Turtle Cove, Princess Drive, Donkey Lane and on the road near to the Palms resort. As a result of these robberies, the RT&CIPF are stepping up patrols and activity to identify and arrest those responsible.

Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Trevor Botting is appealing to both

residents and visitors to remain vigilant when you are out about at night, “Today there was a meeting with Director of Tourism, TCHTA and myself to ensure that as partners we are doing all we can to keep visitors and residents safe on the Turks and Caicos. We want to remind members of the public and visitors to pay close attention to their surroundings.

The Turks and Caicos Islands still remains one of the safest places for our visitors and tourists. We will be enacting a strategy as part of proactive enforcement,

part increased resource allocation with beefing up patrols in hot spots and part crime prevention education on our social media platforms”.

Acting Commissioner Botting added, “We want the criminals to know, we will arrest you – you can be sure of that. My officers are working tirelessly to find you and bring you to justice. I want to also appeal to anyone who knows these criminals friends and family of these criminals to please, for the benefit of this country, report them- you can

do so anonymously. Any tip, no matter how small could assist in putting these criminals behind bars”.

As the Police continues their investigation into these matters they are appealing to members of the public who may have been in the vicinity of the robberies and who may have witnessed them or if they have any information to contact the Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901 or 941-8082 or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.

Caicos Express is Puerto Plata bound

Caicos Express is now expanding its reach further into the Caribbean with direct flights to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

The inaugural flight was scheduled to depart Providenciales International Airport (PLS) on Friday, March 15th, 2019.

The TCI-based airline has in recent years grown into the Caribbean market and has no plans of slowing down. The flight to Puerto Plata will be available on Fridays only, taking off on their Beech 1900 aircraft, 19-seater.

The flight will be approximately 45 minutes to reach its final destination from PLS. With its close proximity, passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy two great cities (Santiago and Puerto Plata)

at one great price with the Caicos Express fare flexibility.

Operations Manager, Stephane Menelas commented, “I am delighted to tell you that our team has been working hard to service you and it is our desire to keep you satisfied with our flight offerings. We would just like to say thank you for being a part of our family. We are very grateful for your continued patronage because we would not be here without loyal customers like you. You could have chosen any other business, but we appreciate that you have stuck with us. Thank you again and remember; we value you!”

At Caicos Express Airways, reliability, comfort and convenience are the pillars of business. We offer

personalized service aimed at helping passengers enjoy their private charter and/or tour experience. We pride ourselves with taking care of customers, ensuring a seamless process and comfort.

Caicos Express currently offers flights to Haiti, Santiago and Santo Domingo. Each new flight addition offers more connectivity and competition to the route for the benefit of passengers.

Growing steadily upwards is one of the goals of Caicos Express as we offer reliable and flexible carriage.

Flights are currently available for sale as persons can book online at www.caicosexpress.com or call their reservations desk at 649-941-5730.

5th Avenue Holdings Is seeking to employ one person as a

NOTICE

Labourer $6.25 per hour

Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 2014

Duties include but are not limited to daily cleaning of raw sewage treatment, screens of debris, filters, pipes, valves, submersible pumps, etc., under supervision of Plant Manager using OSHAapproved PPD (personal protection devices).

Must be available for emergencies that require additional hours during evenings and weekends, and must be able to communicate in English.

Contact Human Resources at (813) 855-8636 for questions regarding the opening. Submit resumes to jobs@7seaswater.com or in person at the Providenciales Seven Seas Water office, Turtle Cove Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands BWI. Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board.

This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

An Application, REGISTERED PR 13997 by The Yard Ltd, for the development of a Full Service Six Story Hotel has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on 60801/76, Lower Bight Road on Providenciales.

The application as submitted seeks planning consideration for Change of Use from Medium Density Residential to Tourism Related Development for a Full Service Hotel with Eighty – Seven (87) Bedrooms, Six (6) stories plus Basement including Swimming Pools, Reception, Restaurant, Bar, Gym and Kids Center, Spa and Villas.

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

Dated Posted:

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Turks and Caicos hosts UWI Open Campus Council Meeting

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) hosted the 2019 Council Meeting of The UWI Open Campus. The meeting was held on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Shore Club Resort on the island of Providenciales. This is the first time the Turks and Caicos Islands is hosting the Open Campus Council Meeting.

Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, and Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Open Campus, Dr Luz Longsworth addressed the public session of the meeting, which starts at 9:30 am TCI time.

During the Council meeting, a number of issues will occupy the attention of delegates. These include the Principal’s Report to Council (Open Campus 2017/2018 Annual Report), the Audited Financial Statements, Audit Committee Report, The UWI Open Campus Alumni Report, and the Annual Report of the Global Affairs Canada/ Strengthening Distance Education in the Caribbean (GAC/SDEC) Project.

The major discussion point will be the Principal’s Report, which will describe the Open Campus’ contribution to the achievement of The UWI Triple A Strategy. In the Report, Dr Longsworth will outline accomplishments by the Open Campus under the three pillars of the Triple A Strategy: Access, Alignment and Agility.

The Council Meeting will be held under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Dr

June Soomer.

This year’s Open Campus Council meeting takes on special significance as the Open Campus Country Site will reopen in the Turks and Caicos Islands on the same day of the Council meeting. The new Open Campus Country Site in Turks and Caicos is located at Town Centre Mall on the island of Providenciales.

The site will be officially opened

by Honourable Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Open Campus, Dr Luz Longsworth, during an official ceremony on Friday March 15 starting at 6:00 pm. ` Following the opening of the Open Campus Country Site, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies will deliver a distinguished lecture on the topic of Reparations. The lecture will take place in the foyer of the Town Centre Mall and starts at 7:30 pm.

“The UWI Open Campus is delighted to re-establish our physical presence in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Dr Luz Longsworth, Pro ViceChancellor and Principal of the Open Campus. “This places the Open Campus in a better position to work strategically with the Government of the TCI and the TCI Community College in building the territory’s human resource capacity and meeting its training needs.”

Turks and Caicos Sun

Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 348-6838 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Graphic designer Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell Todeline Defralien Reporter

The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd. We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Prof. Sir Hilary Beckles

our customers and stakeholders to succeed in this connected world.

WHO YOU ARE

CAREER OPPORTUNITY COUNTRY MANAGER, TURKS & CAICOS AT CABLE & WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, PART OF THE LIBERTY LATIN AMERICA GROUP WHO WE ARE At Liberty Latin America, we have a shared vision. To bring innovation that will create moments that matter to our customers, delivering growth in our markets with one vision, one culture, one team.

We’re one of the leading telecommunications and entertainment providers in the Caribbean and Latin America. Technology excites us, enables us, and drives us.

As Cable & Wireless – part of the Liberty Latin America group of companies - we’ve operated in the region since the 1870s, always at the forefront of innovating infrastructure and services.

Today, our modern fiber fast broadband, mobile, landline and TV services are underpinned by over 50,000 kilometers of the most modern subsea and terrestrial fiber networks in this part of the world. This enables us to offer unparalleled connectivity - the fastest broadband with the latest video content, secure IT solutions, plus mobile services packed with data options – all under a blend of iconic consumer, business and wholesale brands. Like Flow and C&W Business in Turks and Caicos, +Movil in Panama and BTC in the Bahamas. Together, our commitment is to invest and innovate so that we empower

You’re apassionate and dynamic leader who candeliver our commercial strategy inTurks and Caicos. You’ll lead the entire Turks and Caicos team and our in-country business plan, driving sales and inspiring the team here to deliver an excellent customer experience, becoming the local customer champion on all matters.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS Ideally, you’ve got the following qualifications and experience: • A bachelor’s degree in a discipline that means you can meet the intellectual demands of the job; and/or equivalent experience.

• A postgraduate degree • A minimum of five years’ experience in a senior commercial role in a competitive sales environment • Execution of marketing programs, covering advertising, promotions, pricing and product development • Knowledge of trends in the telecommunications industry with experience of working in a competitive environment.

If you’re looking for work with purpose– where you’ll use our innovative products and services tocreate moments that matter for our customers right across the Turks and Caicos Islands – we want to hear from you.

Apply now to join our growing company.

Please apply by sending your resume to email address below deadline for all submissions will be the 25th of March 2019. anissa.bootle@cwc.com

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

I-Soon-Reach light lager beer a hit in TCI

By Todeline Defralien

Turk’s Head Brewery’s ‘I-Soon-Reach’ light local Beer is creating a buzz throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands since its launch recently.

Dr. David Ryder, Brew Master extraordinaire and developer of the all new I-Soon-Reach Light Beer said this version of lager beer is popular, refreshing and delicious.

Ryder said, “I-Soon-Reach beer is an Island first, it’s a unique beer and it is unlike Miller Light, Coors Light and Presidente Light.

It is about 100 calories and 4.2 percent alcohol by volume. It is relatively low in alcohol, but it is a beautiful balanced beer and the brewers here at Turk’s Head Brewery do a wonderful job in making it consistently. We are very pleased with the way this beer turned out and we believe that it is great for the body, mind and for the beach.”

He added: “We are not suggesting that people get drunk.

That’s not what Turk’s Head Brewery is about, but you do want to have a beer that you can drink more than one of and enjoy it. So far we have not received one bad comment about the beer. The comments that we’ve been getting have been very complimentary and we can only hope that they will keep enjoying it.”

The famous name for the beer originated from the popular Turks and Caicos Islands saying, “I Soon Reach”. While the rest of the world rushes from one thing to another, TCI have learned the value of taking the scenic route. So next time someone tells you they “Soon Reach”, they could be right around the corner or just setting sail from salt cay en route to Grand Turk.

The Brew Master extraordinaire stressed that he is very confident that if this beer is

properly advertised, it can be very successful.

A native of England, Ryder obtained his undergraduate degree in biological sciences from the University of London and subsequently received his doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa, and the University of Brussels, in Belgium.

Ryder, who holds 23 patents related to brewing and hops, formerly was the international technical consultant – global operations manager for Stella Artois, based in Leuven, Belgium. He subsequently moved to Chicago and was vice president of technical services for J.E. Siebel Sons Inc., including the Siebel Institute.

After a 23-year career, Ryder recently retired as a vice president from MillerCoors where he was responsible for its brewing, research, innovation and quality operations. Dr. David Ryder pictured with the all new I-Soon-Reach light lager beer

Clement Howell High school re-launches Boys Day Celebrations

It was a proud occasion highlighting their errors, we wanted to Hamilton-Bishop further on Wednesday, February 20th as highlight and promote their abilities stated that the boys have been coming the Clement Howell High school and display them in a more positive by the droves to state their appreciation re-launched their annual Boys Day light. Our desire was to leave a message and how special they felt throughout recognition exercise under the theme that would resonate with our boys; the course of the day. The girls who “Living My Best Life”. hence I was inspired to use the theme attended only to support the boys

The day was not only a huge “Living My Best Life”. We wanted to during their performances, stated that success but superseded expectations, clarify what that truly meant, using the their looking forward to Girls Day and it was informative, fun, but most presentation on drugs as an example of “it had better top Boys Day”. importantly left a huge impact on the a wrong way to pursue a good life and Meantime, there was a full young boys. using the presentation on the theme, day of competitions, giveaways and Guest Speakers for the event were, Dr. and a role model that can serve as a surprises for the boys. The competitions Patrick Prince, Clinical Psychologist reflection of the theme, to demonstrate included singing, dance, rap, art and for Mental Health and motivational the right way to achieve living a good culinary. speaker, Mr. Jajuan Harvey of Carpe’ life.”

The winners were; Art Dream.

She added: “We are loaded Competition: Marcus Andros, Dance

In addition, there also live with many brilliant and talented boys, Competition: Jubari Deveaux, Rap performances by “Tess the Performer”, but there is seldom public recognition Competition: Woodjy Timeny, Ms. Crystal Charles and local female for these qualities at Clement Howell. Song Competition: Hofny St.Fleur rapper “Lady Liv”, Ms. Olivia Gravely.

Now, we are putting them on display and Culinary Competion: Dequan

Guest judges included Ms. to demonstrate that our boys are Lightbourne. Raffle winners were: Nda Crystal Charles, Ms. Olivia Gravely more than capable of being successful, Clare winner of the PS4, Watson Telfort and Mr. Joseph Higgs of Nathan’s productive and beneficial contributors winner of the G-Shock Watch and loads Cheesecake. In addition, there was a to the nation of the Turks and Caicos of winners for the giveaways. spontaneous and most appreciated visit Islands. I was completely overwhelmed

Hamilton-Bishop said the from Charlie’s Photography, Andy “DJ by the tremendous turn out and school hopes to spark an inspiration; Shakes” Williams and Renau Destine of support for the event. I reached out to inspire their boys to believe in Spot light communications. to men of various ages and influential themselves, to dream big and attempt

Guidance Counsellor, Levenia females in the community to help me to do and be the best in life.

Hamilton-Bishop, told The SUN, “Our on an initiative that was long overdue, “We hope to persuade them young men are often left behind, and and without hesitation they all jumped to turn away from things that will instead of continuing the trend of on board.” negatively affect that chance. We

hope to encourage them to shine, in academics, talents and in life in general.

Lastly, we hope to change the image that has been painted of our boys, highlighting them for their positive attributes and to motivate others in the community to support and help us to continue to groom successful young men. These are not just the boys of Clement Howell High School, they are the young men and future of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” she explained to The SUN.

She continued: “The Clement Howell Team and the Guidance Department are up to loads of great things. We have started and will continue our Exit Readiness Programme which includes preparing our 5th formers for the world of work and tertiary studies. Also, we are excited for our upcoming Girls Day. It promises to be a grand occasion filled with talent, inspiration and loads of excitement.”

The Guidance Counsellor thanked all participants, contributors, teachers, staff, parents, PTA executive board, and students for their efforts and support and Charlie’s Photography and Spotlight Communication for capturing the day’s event.

DJ Shakes with rap competition winner, Woodjy Timeny.

Nda Clare winner of the PS4 and Guidance Counsellor, Levenia Hamilton-Bishop.

Motivational speaker, Mr. Jajuan Harvey speaking to the boys

Guest Speaker, Dr. Patrick Prince, Clinical Psychologist for Mental Health speaking to the young men

Guidance Counsellor awards Art winner Marcus Andros.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Sandals Foundation celebrates 10 year anniversary with strengthened commitment to environmental sustainability

On Monday March 18th, the Sandals Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International – will be celebrating its 10th anniversary offulfilling its promise to the Caribbean community and impacting over 850,000 people.

Investing in projects directly related to improving communities, fostering growth through education and protecting the environment, the Sandals Foundation has committed to doubling down on protecting the Caribbean natural ecosystem and bringing its over 14,000 employees and its customers together to support environmentally sustainable projects over the next decade. The Sandals Foundation currently operates in Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Turks &Caicos.

“Our goal has always been simple – to unite the Caribbean region, elevate its people, and protect its delicate ecosystem and I am so proud of how far we’ve come in our first decade,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International and President of the Sandals Foundation.

“To build on our momentum and bring even more awareness to the importance of supporting the Caribbean, we are tapping into the power of social media, our local and international partnerships and the strong support that we have within Sandals Resorts International to galvanize the world to join in our efforts.”

Since its inception in 2009, the Sandals Foundation has worked with its extensive network of donors, volunteers, partners and team members to implement projects and programmes valued at over US$58 million. The Foundation has worked with 578 schools across the region, impacted over 348,000community members and reached over 43,000 people through environmental programmes.

“We have been very fortunate in the support we have received over the past 10 years that has allowed us to impact so many people across the region,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation.

“It has been especially gratifying to know that we have uplifted the spirits and improved the quality of life for thousands of children and adults alike and this has fueled us to make this significant commitment for the way forward.”

The Sandals Foundation has constructed three early childhood institutions, awarded 180 five

Sandals Foundation representatives with faculty and students of the Clement Howell High School year scholarships to deserving students,implemented programmes to promote literacy and technological advancementsand completed major infrastructural developments to schools. The Foundation has also taken significant strides to protect the environment, managing two marine protected areas and supporting another four in Jamaica. The Foundation has also taken steps to reduce plastic pollution in the region and educate adults and children on the dangers of irresponsible waste disposal,distributing 5,000 reusable water bottles to students and 10,000 reusable shopping bags in an effort to promote environmental protection. The Sandals Foundation has also supported programmes aimed at protecting endangered species including turtles, conch, forestry and coral reefs.

The Foundation’s work in communities have seen the donation of critical medical equipment to hospitals, support for women farmers, pregnant teens, artisans and the provision of critical dental and eye care services to over 240,000 people.

Over the past decade, the Foundation has also extended support to neighbouring islands on the ground in times of crisis, including natural disasters in Haiti, Dominica,Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, and some of the out islands of the Bahamas.

Face It… The Caribbean Marine Ecosystem Needs Your Help Today While the Sandals Foundation will continue to support projects across each of its core pillars, the organisation is placing a special emphasis on the environmental component in the years to come.

Clarke said the Sandals Group of Companies and the Sandals Foundation have already started to intensify their efforts by reducing plastic pollution through their operations which is indicative of the pledge they have made to protecting the Caribbean’s natural resources.

“The Caribbean Sea connects more than 700 islands and coastlines which is a source of livelihood for thousands of people. The role we all play in supporting protected areas andteaching the next generation the importance of caring for their precious environment is crucial now more than ever.”Clarke continued.

Last year, in partnership with Oceanic Global, a non-profit focused on providing solutions to issues impacting our oceans, all 19 Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts eliminated the 21,490,800 single-use plastic straws and stirrers used across the resorts each year, along with plastic laundry bags and plastic bags throughout gift shops.

As of February 1, 2019, all resorts have eliminated Styrofoam.The company is currently exploring opportunities to eliminate other plastic across its resorts

by September 2019.

Face the Future!

Over the next year, the non-profit commits to putting a special emphasis on expanding awareness and funding to support the beautiful, yet vulnerable, Caribbean ecosystem.With the help of partners, key stakeholders and volunteer team members, the Foundation is committed to engaging 100,000 people in environmental protection and conservation over the next 10 years.

This commitment includes working with schools and educators to integrate

marine education in their lesson plans, spearheading hands-on field trips to protected areas and engaging residents in coastal communities on proper solid waste management programmes. In line with its mission to reduce waste, the Foundation will also provide school children in the region with reusable lunch kits to reduce their dependence on Styrofoam.

Funds raised through donations and partnerships will help to expand on training workshops aimed at building the capacity of educators and club leaders on environmental conservation, as well as engage wardens and provide enforcement equipment to ensure proper management and protection of marine areas.

With even greater focus on turtle conservation, the Foundation will work to certify Sandals and Beaches Resorts in turtle protection, continuing support of the highly successful turtle tour and help to rehabilitate beaches to provide safer nesting grounds.

The Foundation pledges to strengthen the resilience of coral reefs in the region, with a commitment to plant 30,000 coral fragments onto reef systems over the next 10 years. As part of this, community members will receive training in coral restoration, and guests at Sandals and Beaches Resorts will be able to participate in coral planting dives.

With the devastating effects of climate change on the environment more evident than ever, Clarke urges residents and organisations across the region to join the pledge to make sustainable environmental practices a part of their everyday lives and operations.

Princess cruise ship rescues two after private plane crash in Grand Turk

A Princess cruise ship rescued two people on Tuesday March 5th, after their private aircraft went down in Grand Turk.

“Princess Cruises can confirm that upon request from the U.S. Coast Guard Regal Princess assisted in the rescue of two U.S. citizens whose private aircraft went down southeast of Grand Turk in the Caribbean Sea,” Princess Cruises spokesperson Negin Kamali said in a statement sent to USA TODAY.

“Both people rescued sailed onboard Regal Princess as the ship sailed to the next port of call St. Thomas. Regal Princess arrived in St. Thomas yesterday. Regal Princess is on day four of a seven-day Caribbean cruise.”

The ship originally departed from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Cruise-ship rescues aren’t necessarily uncommon. A Royal Caribbean cruise ship rescued two sailors who were stranded at sea for several weeks in December. Earlier last year, a Carnival cruise ship rescued a Norwegian crew member after he plunged off the ship.

Rescuers and the two man on the boat

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Provo Gymnastics Academy opens

By Todeline Defralien

Provo Gymnastics Academy, first of its kind in Turks & Caicos Islands hosted an open house on Saturday March 2nd, inviting the local community to visit their new location, Downtown Providenciales in LaPorte’s Plaza.

The Academy offers a fun and positive environment for children to develop basic motor and gymnastic skills safely.

The academy which caters to boys and girls offers classes from levels 1 to 5 following the USAG standards including ground exercises, beam and uneven bars, as well as toddler programs.

The open day was a great success as young girls and boys were flexing and testing their abilities on the various apparatus.

Karin Hess, who hails from Peru and Patrick Vanhamme are the owners of Provo Gymnastics Academy in Providenciales.

In an interview with The SUN, Hess said, “What are new here are our equipment and our qualified teachers who are coming in to develop this sport in Turks and Caicos. We are very ambitious and we want to also have competitions between us locally because it’s a new thing and then we can make nice teams and go and compete off the islands in international competitions.”

Hess stated that all equipment are United States certified and purchased directly from Tumbl Trak, one of the

Owners Karin Hess and Patrick Vanhamme during the opening day last week

Inside of the Gymnastic Academy biggest US manufacturers, in order to provide the highest standards and safety.

She added: “The open days was to let people come in and see the facility and for the kids to enjoy the equipment and learn a bit more about gymnastics.

To get more informed, it is better if persons come in. My daughter started practicing the sport about two years ago in Peru and she loves it, but when we

came back here we didn’t have a place with that sport and I begun to think about an academy.”

Gymnastic teachers will all be professionals with a history as gymnasts competing at high levels and prior international experience in teaching and coaching.

Hess encourages parents to visit their location and if persons have any

questions to visit their website at www. provogymnastics.com.

Provo Gymnastics Academy offers specific classes both for those who want to join on a recreational base as for those with more ambition to enter in our competitive courses all the way through level 10 following the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Compulsory Program.

All classes will be limited to a maximum of 6 students to optimize participation. All students will receive individual assessment and progress reports evaluation their performances.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

Walter Gardiner completes compliance and collections training seminar for Anguilla Social Security Inspectorate Department

From left to right rear: Paul Hughes/ Inspector, Jauivaghn Richardson / Senior Inspector, Hugh Providence / Inspector, Walter Gardiner/ Workshop Facilitator, Perry Hughes / Senior Inspector From Left to right front: Ivy Baptiste / Compliance Administrative Officer, Brenda Hughes / Senior Administrative Officer, Mavis Rogers/ Senior Inspector, Twana Duncan/ Compliance Officer, Liston Adams/ Compliance Manager

Mr. Walter Gardiner, former Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board, has returned from facilitating a two- week training seminar in Anguilla on compliance and collections for nine members of staff of the Compliance / Inspectorate Department of the Anguilla Social Security Board from February 18th – March 1st.

The training progamme was specifically tailored for the Anguilla

Social Security Board, covering all the critical areas necessary to promote full compliance in the collection of contributions due to social security / national insurance organizations, focusing mainly on techniques from the education and engagement of contributors, the prevention and detection of non-compliance to the enforcement / prosecution of defaulters.

Commenting on the workshop, Mr. Gardiner stated: “It was an

overwhelming success and the Anguilla Social Security Board inspectors were left invigorated and better equipped to protect their Social Security Fund, increase their organization’s contribution revenue, reduce levels of contributor delinquency and significantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their Compliance Department.”

Mr. Gardiner holds a Masters Degree in Business from Leicester University, United Kingdom, and served

HS LTD.

NOTICE Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 2014

An Application, PR 14027 by ROCK HOUSE LTD for A JETTY AND BEACH ENHANCEMENT WORKS ON PARCEL 60702/66 & 67 AND 60703/80 has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration and determination.

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

ROCK HOUSE LTD.

as the TCI’s first Commissioner of Labour 1985 – 1989; Deputy Director, TCINIB from inception 1991- 2015; and Director/ CEO, TCINIB 2015 – 2017.

He was the Senior Officer with direct responsibility for the Compliance Operations of the TCINIB’s 26 years of existence, and previously served as a compliance facilitator / trainer for similar regional social security seminars held in St. Kitts, St. Vincent and Dominica.

HS LTD is seeking suitable applicants for the following position: LABOURER Main Duties •Cleaning and washing up all sections of the kitchen •Removes all garbage from kitchen, food storage area and restaurant •Stocking and cleaning of food storage areas •Check all deliveries, ensuring all have arrived and storing away of items •Willing to work holidays and weekends when required Wages: $7.00 per hour 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 is currently available.Closing date for application is March 25, 2019.

NOTICE Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990 An Application, REGISTERED PR 13985, by OLGA KUDRYSKAWATTIEZ For the Rezoning of parcel 60810/50, which is currently zoned for (R4) Medium Density Residential - Three to Six (3-6) Units Per Acre to (R6) Apartments has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on The Bight & Thomas Stubbs on Providenciales. The application as submitted seeks planning consideration for an apartment building containing eight (8) units.

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

Dated Posted:

February 15th, 2019

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SAMUEL MEDAS

KEM GARDINER AND FEARLESS PRAISE

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

JARON NURSE

ANGEL COLEBY-TAYLOR

JAY MORLEY MINISTRIES

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

TAKE A WALK ON THE FUN SIDE

11th Annual Spring Fun Walk & Run Saturday, March 30 @ 5:30 a.m.

FortisTCI main office on Leeward HWY Come out and run, walk or cycle with us for our 11th Annual Spring Fun Walk & Run! Get some exercise, enjoy a hot breakfast, meet with local NGOs and spend time with family and friends at the largest FREE walk-a-thon in the TCI. Prizes for: 1st place male, female and child 13 or under in the 10K 1st place cyclist Grand raffle prize!

Register today by emailing dkrzanowski@fortistci.com or visit our office on Leeward Highway.

Free T-shirts for early registrants.

2017 Winner

Allied Member of the Year

BCMS 681102

www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 |

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

TCI Inspired Cultural Mascots

By Lavern S. Reynolds It is the mission of TCI DOLLS to provide quality handcrafted dolls to customers throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands. What is new for us at TCI Dolls, is that we now offer Mascots. Yes, Caya and Little Joe are human sized costume mascots that will bring our culture to life. This is being accomplished by offering a differentiated doll to the market that embodies the history and culture of these islands.

We believe in promoting culture and the beauty of our people with a product that actually was made with them in mind. The mascots offer wholesome family entertainment to any event to highlight the Turks and Caicos Islands. We will be promoting the culture and heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands like never before with our custom characters.

There are two Characters: • The female Caya that will be wearing the local national dress • The male counterpart Little Joe, that will be wearing the male national costume and straw hat.

Each Character has the ability to move, dance and greet everyone they meet.

Persons will have the ability to rent the full costume with or without an entertainer inside through local party planner, “Costume Box”.

The company’s mascots officially launch in March 1st 2019 at the local Tourism Board hosted, Youth Expo that took place at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex.

A-lot of thought and focus was put on creating and designing Mascots that embody the Turks and Caicos Islands especially because TCI Dolls does not carry a male doll.

Vacant Position:

These characters are so unique that there is no comparative items in many Caribbean islands, as we are leading in tourism and creative entrepreneurship.

“The National Dress of the Turks & Caicos Islands symbolizes the humble, hard-working life of our ancestors, who raked the salt ponds, toiled in the fields on the various plantations, fished the oceans and harvested conch and sponges on our many islands. Its rainbow of colors boldly highlights our natural beauty and symbolizes the unique characteristics of each of our many islands. It should be worn with pride and dignity, as a statement of our love and respect for this wonderful country, not only by Turks & Caicos Islands but by all who call the Turks & Caicos Islands home. “ About each ribbon color: Red

The Nation’s Capital, Grand Turk and the Turks Head Cactus.

Pink

Conch Shell and flamingoes

Turquoise

Providenciales, and the turquoise water of Grace Bay Beach

Green

North Caicos, and the lush green scenery

Tan

Middle Caicos and the thatch straw works

Orange

South Caicos, the spiny lobster and its rich fishing industry.

White

Salt Cay and its past salt industry

Yellow

The Sun and God’s Love

Courtesy of TCI Dolls “Representing the colors and sound of the TCI” & Costume Box “We make parties amazing”

Senior Radiographer

Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales TCI Job Summary: Post holder will be responsible for the provision of a comprehensive and effective radiology imaging service at TCI Hospitals. Performs general and specialist radiographic and sonographic examinations.

Responsibilities: •Practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice and within a client and family centered care model.

•Perform clinical examinations as required and per modality position description.

•Review and update consent and questionnaire documentation to be used within department.

•Perform quality audits to ensure documentation is being used accurately and effectively.

•Place requests in HIS system as per radiologists direction to facilitate patient diagnosis •Ensure sufficient clinical supplies are available and monitor stock use and re-ordering.

•Supervise staff education and ensure all mandatory training and inductions are attended.

•Prioritize and manage departmental workflow in order to provide a safe and effective service.

•Prioritize requests received to ensure all patients are seen in a time frame appropriate to their clinical urgency •Perform review of performed examinations in all modalities each day to ensure all documenting has been completed and images successfully received in PACS. •Perform monthly review of requests to ensure all examinations have been performed, documented, images received and reported.

•Assess department’s performance in relation to defined KPI figures.

•Monitor on-call service to ensure all modalities are covered and that the service is being used appropriately and responsibly •Rotate staff appropriately across both sites to ensure both sites have adequate services and all staff receive peer support and cross-training.

•Ensure prompt reporting of equipment faults to senior staff members.

Education - Required •Recognized degree/diploma in a radiography training programme •Holder of professional active practicing certificate of registration from country of training/origin •Current registration through TCI Health Practitioners Ordinance •Specialist training in Ct and/or MRI •Up to date BLS certification Desired •Preferred post-graduate study in specialist modality •Completion of an IV cannulation course Experience •Two years’ post-certification experience in both fields •Experience of ongoing professional development and self-directed learning •Previous experience working with a PACS/RIS environment Position currently by a work permit holder.

JOB DESCRIPTION PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. Submit resumes and references to: Recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc or Lorenzo Seymour, Human Resources Manager, InterHealthCanada, Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. Deadline for applications: Thursday 21st March 2019 Salary: $48,000 to $53,000 per annum.

Belongers need only apply.

PROVO GOLF CLUB Provo Golf Club is seeking a suitable applicant for the following position:

LABOURER Potential candidates must be physically capable of performing hard manual labour outside daily, carry out duties which involve removal of brushes and weeds, grass cutting, tree trimming, general cleanup of debris and garbage from the company’s property, assist with irrigation and small construction installation projects which includes manual trenching and digging. Candidates must be willing to work public holidays and weekends when required.

Previous experience is preferred.

Wages start at $6.50 per hour.

Please submit applications to: Veronica Rigby, Provo Golf Club, 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 work permit holder. Closing date for application is April 1st, 2019.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

Penalty rates should be consistent across all Government bodies

By Drexwell Seymour

While I appreciate the fact that the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) and National Insurance Board (NIB) are governed by separate boards, the penalty for late payment should be consistent between these boards.

The penalties for these boards should also be the same as the Ministry of Finance which oversees the business licence fees and accommodation taxes.

To be fair, I believe at one point, all bodies were charging the same 10% but somehow the rates change.

National penalty

Health

Insurance

The penalty for the late payment of National Health Insurance is now 3% per month. This was changed in 2014 after the amnesty period.

Therefore, the first month will be 3%, the second month will be 6% and the third month will be 9% etc.

National Insurance Board penalty

The penalty for the late payment of National Insurance change in 2011 after NIB offered the first and only amnesty. The penalty is now 10% for the first month and then an additional 3% for each month outstanding. Therefore the second month penalty will be 13%, the third month penalty will be 16% etc.

Business licence penalty

The penalty for the late payment of Business licence is 10% per month. Business licences are to be renewed by April 1st and if you renewed after April 30th, it will be 10% per month. If a business discontinues to operate, they must inform the Business Licence team otherwise, they will continue to charge the 10%. The first

month will be10%, the second month will be 20% and the third month 30%.

Accommodation tax penalty rate

The penalty rate under the previous Hotel and tourism taxation ordinance was 10% per month for every month you were outstanding. Therefore, if you were outstanding for a year, the penalty would have been 120% and if you were outstanding for two years, the penalty rate would have been 240%

Based on section 28 of the new Hotel, restaurant and tourism taxation 2019 that the penalty rate has been changed to 20% and then an additional 1.5% for each month the taxes are unpaid. I think this new proposed rates are much better than what we currently have so I want to thank the Government for reviewing and implementing this change.

For example, if a company has $20,000 in unpaid taxes for 24 months, the penalty under the previous law would have been $48,000 plus the $20,000 unpaid taxes resulting in a total outstanding amount to Government for $68,000. Under this proposed law, the company penalty would be $11,200 plus the unpaid taxes of $20,000 resulting in a total outstanding amount of $31,200. This company would save $36,800 Financial Services (FSC) penalty.

Commission

The FSC charges a penalty of a flat fee of $350 for every year a company does not pay their annual returns. If the company does not pay the annual return, the company is not consider to be in good standing.

Fortis

Fortis TCI is a private company and their penalty rate is 2% per month

Is seeking two SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS •Results driven and sales focused •Customer friendly and accommodating •Strong attention to detail •Acceptable level of financial skills and attributes •Microsoft skills and adaptability •Can develop sales strategies to drive new business •Articulate professionally with all caliber of clients •Can perform general office administration •Strong written skills •Must be willing to attend external client meetings •Candidate must possess a high school diploma and higher education certificate(s) •Probationary 3 months Remuneration $30,000 per annum. Turks and Caicos Islanders should submit their resumes to The Managing Director, Global Capital Ltd., 1E Courtyard Plaza, 88 Bay Road, Providenciales, along with a copy of the picture page of passport, another Government issued identification, certificates and a valid police record. Closing date for applications is March 22, 2019

Angela Brooks Location: Grand Turk Is seeking a Domestic Helper to start immediately Salary is $6.25 per hour Interested persons may contact: 232-2769 for further details This position is new Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales

is charged on all unpaid rates. Fortis also disconnects you if you do not pay by the required deadline. You have to pay the full amount to be reconnected.

Provo Water Company

Provo Water Company is also a private company and the penalty is 2% per month just like Fortis. PWC also disconnects you if you do not pay by the required deadline. You have to pay the full amount to be reconnected plus a flat reconnection.

Flow and Digicel

Flow and Digicel do not charge a penalty. However, you will be disconnected if you do not pay your bill by the required time.

Recommendations •A flat fee for late payment should be levy on business rather than the high% rate.

•At the end of each month, when payments are due, TCIG should run a report on who did not pay and let them desist from operating until they pay the taxes. If not, the taxes and penalties will continue to grow.

Both TCIG and the customer will benefit from this.

•The recent amnesty waiver will not resolve future issue if customers do not have the discipline to pay the taxes on time.

•Business Licence should not be renewed if taxes are outstanding.

•Perhaps the payment dates for all taxes should be the same.

Conclusion

In addition to the above, I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the laws in their industry especially the accommodation

Drexwell Seymour taxation laws. Basically all services that are provided to guests during their stay at any accommodation are taxable.

However, many of us do not know that and when the audit department inspects your books, you will be liable to pay the taxes and will incur not just the tax liability but also the penalties associated with it. It is interesting to note that the private sector penalties are lower than that of the Public sector. It appears that most people pay their taxes on time and so now is the time to have a flat rate across all the Public Sector Bodies.

ATECC Ltd. Is seeking a FTTH Customer Services Technician with the following: •Skilled Telecommunications Lineman •Ability to climb utility poles using spikes and climbing belt •Experience with E-Side and D-Side cabling •verifiable working experience with PON and GPON cabling systems and FTTX installations •Ability to work unsupervised •Clean Police record •Customer Service Focused •Salary range $2500 to $3500 per month (based on experience) •Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the reasonable needs of the business.

All applicants are invited to send their applications to the Commissioner and Labor Board. Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders.

This is a new position.

Written applications only and accompanying CVs/resumes must be addressed: Mr. Pedro Ariza, Owner. ATECC Ltd. Pond Breeze Plaza, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands, TKCA 1ZZ

Page 18

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Why go solar?

By Ed Forbes

By no means am I an expert on renewable energy, but the global strategy for mitigating climate change is no secret. Most developed countries have embarked on an initiative to make transition to clean energy sources.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, power plants are still relying on diesel fuel to generate electricity. Although Fortis is diversifying its energy mix and allowing customers to connect solar PV systems to the grid, it’s a pretty significant start-up cost for the average consumer.

Harvesting solar energy in the Caribbean region is advantageous, not only because of its abundant sunlight but also because, since its inception, solar has seen a significant drop in installation prices.

On a positive note, I must say, after the devastating hurricanes that severely impacted our tiny islands in 2017, I commend Fortis for the job that was done with coordinating their efforts in conjunction with our Caribbean and Canadian partners to restore electricity within a reasonable time frame.

Nevertheless, I think this was a missed opportunity for Fortis, one of the top 15 utilities companies in North America and the Caribbean, not to replace down power lines in select areas with underground cables.

While the cost per kilowatt varies by country, we in the TCI have a multi-layered electricity rate design.

Residential customers pay anywhere from 29 to 43 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Most developed countries are paying an average of 25 cents per kilowatt-hour while the average price people in the U.S. pay for electricity is about 12 cents per kilowatt-hour.

We need to take advantage of the proven cutting edge technology that’s out there, such as wind power, or solar energy which are alternatives to burning fossil fuels. Our country is in a good position to become trail blazers and not just followers of the free world.

An air conditioning unit uses lots of energy to remove heat from a room. To provide that energy, all you need is enough solar panels installed properly to capture the radiant energy of the sun which are country have been blessed with a lot of.

Why isn’t the country as a whole harnessing this clean energy like Fortis power plant is doing in Provo?

Not only will it be a cost savings

to consumers, but if we don’t act now, down the road, we could be faced with potentially devastating consequences like, changes in the rainy seasons, longer droughts and the increasing intensity of hurricanes as we have seen over the past 10 or so years.

This phenomenon has already begun to negatively impact global economies, particularly those of smaller countries which are vulnerable to the changes in weather. In some cases, the impact of climate change threatens these countries very existence.

Martin Vogt who is the Managing Director at MPC which is the exclusive Investment Advisor to MPC Caribbean Clean Energy Fund, explains it well in layman’s term below.

“A particularly suitable instrument to support small islands in adapting to the consequences of climate change consists in investing in the development and establishment of an efficient renewable energy infrastructure.

These kinds of investments can not only increase resilience, but also promote synergy and strengthen regional cooperation.

In the Caribbean region, solar power is advantageous, not only because of its abundant sunlight but also because solar has seen a tremendous drop in installation prices and ongoing maintenance costs.

The Caribbean Is Ideal For Renewable Energy Today, the Caribbean economy – except for Trinidad and Tobago – is almost entirely dependent on diesel fuel or natural gas. Renewable energy only plays a minor role, even though the region’s conditions are ideal for leveraging green energy. Sun and wind are abundant and geothermal energy and hydropower could free the islands almost entirely from fossil fuels.

Solar energy holds, perhaps, the most promise as a future power source.

With about 217 days of sunshine a year, the Caribbean has excellent solar resources enabling solar PV plants to generate electricity at similar or less expensive costs than conventional power plants do. In addition to that, solar PV technology is ideal for the smaller islands in the Caribbean.

The technology can be installed in small units like on roof-tops, be combined with conventional gensets to create a “hybrid” or be complemented with battery storage for a 24/7 power supply. This reduces power generation costs and dependency on fuel imports.

Solar power is, therefore, particularly

Penn Construction Penn Construction is now accepting applications/resume for the following position. Only highly selfdriven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve other, need only: SKILLED POSITION CARPENTER Responsibilities and Duties: •Follow blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients •Install structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding •Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic and other materials •Construct building frameworks, including walls, floors and doorframes •Help erect, level, and install building framework with the aid of rigging hardware and cranes •Inspect and replace damage framework or other structures and fixtures •Instruct and direct labourers and other construction helpers

efficient when it is deployed as part of an integrated energy solution.

Unique Needs And Challenges

Caribbean states up to ten percent of their GDPs. Energy imports are, therefore, a massive cost factor – not only for the governments, but, ultimately, also for citizens who suffer from some of the highest electricity prices in the world.

This is precisely why the Caribbean countries need investors.

With their own resources, renewables infrastructure could only be expanded very slowly in most cases, even if the investments would pay off after just a few years.

Each individual country faces distinctive challenges when it comes to establishing and implementing green energy projects. Hence, in many cases, developing an efficient renewables infrastructure – be it decentralized or centralized – is associated with the need to meet or rather adapt to specific requirements. The Caribbean is no exception in that regard. There The Time To Invest Is Now are a variety of factors that need to be Public-private partnerships considered before realizing alternative (PPPs), on the other hand, provide energy generation in that area.

The scattered islands’ sparse an opportunity to finance, build and electrical grid infrastructure, for operate clean energy projects that can example, has a major impact on power then be completed sooner or even made generation. Isolated regions often only possible in the first place.

The Caribbean is a prime have a weak grid infrastructure or no infrastructure at all, which makes example of how traditional public alternative power generation solutions procurement of infrastructure services even more relevant. In this respect, can fail to deliver value for money. The renewable energy installations, such as use of PPPs in the region offers the distributed solar PV systems, are crucial chance to build innovative and less for supplying affordable energy in expensive clean energy solutions like solar farms and wind parks. However, remote areas.

In addition to that, the a lack of government capabilities to Caribbean, as already mentioned above, prepare, procure, and manage such depends heavily on fossil fuels for projects has made it more difficult for the generation of electricity, making some Caribbean countries to enjoy the the region vulnerable to oil price benefits international investments can fluctuations. According to World Bank provide.

Jamaica, for instance, had to go data, oil still provides more than 90 percent of primary energy needs. Yet, the through an extensive review program majority of the Caribbean islands, with that resulted in a variety of structural the exception of Trinidad and Tobago reforms – which eventually led to a and Guyana, don’t have any petroleum remarkable progress. Thus, the country or natural gas reserves. However, even has completed five projects. Three of these countries seek a green future for them were in renewables, with a total investment value of approximately US$ their economies.

The government of Barbados, 1.3 billion since the implementation of for example, has provided millions to its PPP policy in 2012.

The future is certainly looking support the country’s transition towards renewable energy. Solar water heating is “green” for investments in alternative used by more than 30,000 homes on energy. The switch to renewables is the island. Minister of Energy, Wilfred inevitable if we want to tackle one of Abrahams, promised that by the end the most radical changes in the history of 2018, 2.6 MW of solar PV capacity of humankind – and the Caribbean would be installed across 16 public should be ready to make the switch”.

Fortis TCI announced in 2017 government buildings.

While Barbados is still in the that 1 MW of solar capacity is scheduled early stages, when it comes to green to be installed in the islands via the energy transition, Guyana has been utility company, which would include a promoting renewables on a more 700 kW array on North Caicos and 300 aggressive level. Thus, the government kW throughout the other islands.

If I’m not mistaken, no updated has developed a Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) that aims information has been released to the at replacing 100 percent of the country’s public on the progress of this initiative.

Where is the government oversight and power supply with renewables by 2025.

Oil imports, in general, cost accountability?

Penn Construction

Penn Construction is now accepting applications/resume for the following position. Only highly selfdriven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve other, need only: SKILLED POSITION LABOURER Responsibilities: •To perform and conduct physical inventory •To carry out all tasks in a timely manner •To keep warehouse and all work areas clean and neat •Off load containers and assist with deliveries

Qualifications and Skills: •Minimum age of 18 •High School education or equivalent •Physically able to do the work •Pass substance abuse screening

Requirements: •Must be able to work long hours •Must speak, read, write and understand the primary languages(s) (English) used in the workplace.

•Must work weekends and holidays as needed •Must be physically fit for heavy lifting •Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 3 hours in length •Must be able to lift up to 100lbs or more on a regular and continual basis •Must be able to push and/or pull carts and equipment weighing up to 200lbs. on a regular and continual basis.

Salary starts at $6.25 per hour

Salary starts at $6.25 per hour

Interested persons can contact Kitchener Penn at 946-4351 or Kitchandra_penn@hotmail.com for submission of resumes.

Interested persons can contact Kitchener Penn at 946-4351 or Kitchandra_penn@hotmail.com for submission of resumes.

This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder

This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 19

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CARLA PETA-GAY BLAKE

Weselande Raphaelle Bolivar Bertil

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

MARILYN’S COSMETICS

North Caicos Adventures

North Caicos Contracting

Location: North Caicos Is seeking a Domestic Worker Duties may include general cleaning, washing cooking and washing To work 6 days per week Salary: $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 946-7437 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales

Location: North Caicos Is seeking a Construction Supervisor Salary is $12.00 per hour To work 6 days a week Duties: Supervising construction, overseeing workers time sheet and quality control Please Contact: 946-7437 This position is new Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales

Claudina Malcolm

Location: Providenciales Is seeking (1) General Worker Duties include: Performing a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing. Ensuring all rooms are cared for and inspected according to standards. Protecting equipment and making sure there are no inadequacies Must be able to work 6 days per week Salary $7.50 per hour Please Contact: 231-4454 This position is a new position Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales # 814061

Location: Five Cays, Providenciales Is seeking a General worker Duties include: Performing a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing.

Ensuring all rooms are cared for and inspected according to standards. Protecting equipment and making sure there are no inadequacies Salary is $7.00 per hour To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 342-1515 This position is new Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales

In South Caicos Is seeking a Domestic Worker to assist in cleaning, washing linens, sterilizing equipment used on a daily basis. Must be able to work late hours Must work 6 days per week Salary: $ 6.25 per hour Please contact 343-5143 This is a new position Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Immigration Board

Claudette Gibson

EXECUTIVE TOURS LTD

Alexcia Lindsay

Caicos Seafood

Seeking to fill the position of General Maintenance For Apartment Complex Must have general construction knowledge of carpentry, electrical and plumbing Wages: $8.00 per hour Contact phone number 232-7950 please no calls after 5 pm or on Sundays Position currently filled

by Work Permit Holder

Is seeking the following position: Bus Drivers Required to drive buses in order to transport passengers from one place to another Needed to work six days a week Salary: $7.00 per hour Interested persons may contact Executive Tours Ltd. 941-7974 Belongers only need apply Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales

Is seeking a Domestic Worker In Grand Turk To do housekeeping work Must be able honest, trustworthy and speaks English To work Monday-Friday for $700 per month Please Contact: 247-3990 Please Email: alexciahaye4life@ gmail.com This is a First Time Work Permit Application Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales

In South Caicos Is seeking 1 Plant Worker To work 5 days per week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact #231-2025 Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board This position is temporarily held by a work permit holder

Location: Grand Turk Is seeking a Domestic Worker To do housekeeping work Must be able honest, trustworthy and speaks English To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 244-2520 This position is new Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales #814072

Kirk Forbes Snr

Leila Simms

Sharper Image

E & V Construction

Devon Seymour

Location: Grand Turk Is seeking a Mason and a Labourer Duties may include cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines Mason Duties: Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 431-2640 These positions are new Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales #814072

Location: Grand Turk Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work 6 days per week To do housekeeping work Must be able honest, trustworthy and speaks English Please Contact: 242-6478 This positions is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales

Location: Airport Hotel Plaza, Providenciales Is seeking one (1) Barber Utilize clippers, combs, rushes, scissors, and blow-out guns to style and cut hair To work 6 days per week Salary $7.00 per hour Please Contact: 232-6695 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales

Kevin Shalander

Ketly Store

Seeks to employ a Labourer in Grand Turk At a salary of $300.00 per 5 day week Successful applicant will be required to maintain the property by trimming the trees and cleaning the yard.

Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1 and to Miss Roberts at Tel no.441-4005’ This position is presently being held by a work permit holder

Simeon Hamilton Seeks to employ a Labourer in Grand Turk At a salary of $250.00 per 5 day week Successful applicants will be required to maintain the property by cleaning and trimming trees Note this position is new Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board 1 and to Simeon Hamilton at Tel no.

244-0440

Location: Leeward Palms, Providenciales Seeking a Nanny-Housekeeper Duties: Attend to kids basic needs; general daily tidying of the home; once per week thorough cleaning; washing and ironing.

Salary: $250/wk; 30 hrs/wk Closing date for applications is April 5, 2019 Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders can submit their applications at the Immigration Board or can be dropped off /or emailed to

R.C.N.M CONSTRUCTION

MBA Construction

Chalkies Sports Bar & Grill

IS Seeking a Labourer In Grand Turk Duties may include cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines To work 5 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 232-5540 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales #814071

Karmala Roberts

Location: Five Cays, Providenciales Is seeking (2) Mason Duties include: Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints Must be able to work 6 days per week Salary $10.00 per hour Please Contact: 342-1964 This position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders should send a copy of their application to the Immigration Board #814061

Location: #58 Tumpa Ave, Blue Hills, Providenciales Is seeking (1) Tile Worker Duties include: cutting tiles, using wet saws, tilescribes, or handheld tile cutters to create even edges Must be able to work 6 days per week Salary $10.00 per hour Please Contact: 242-3450 This position is held by a work permit holder Applicants who are Turks & Caicos islander should also copies of their application to the immigration board #814052

#814072

kevinshalander954@gmail.com

Location: 514 South Dock, Providenciales Is seeking Two (2) Dish Washers -$6.25 per hour Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand Is seeking (2) Chefs - $2,000.00 Monthly plus Service Charge Must be able to design the menu, prepare a variety of foods and have at least five (5) years experience Is seeking (2) Domestic Worker - $6.25 per hour To carry out cleaning chores, must be honest, trustworthy and speaks English All persons must be able to work 6 days per week Please Contact: 649-332-5707 These positions are new Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Immigration Board #814057

#814073

Location: Five Cays, Providenciales Is seeking (1) Labourer Duties may include cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines To work 6 days per week Salary is $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 346-3261 This position is new Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labour Board #814055

Kostco Super Savors

On Airport Road, Providenciales Is seeking (3) Labourers - $7.00 per hour Duties may include cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines (3) Domestic Workers – $6.50 per hour To do housekeeping work, must be able honest, trustworthy and speaks English (2) Sales Agents - $8.50 per hour Duties include: working with customers to find what they want, create solutions and ensure a smooth sales process To work 6 days per week All of these positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders except for one of the Sales Agents Please Contact: 232-1199 Applicants should also send copies of their application to the Work Permit Board and Kostco Super Savors office on Airport Road

#814063

Seeks to employ a Mason in Grand Turk At a salary of $300.00 per 5 day week Successful applicants will be required to lay cement blocks and plaster as per approved building plans Note this position is new Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1 and Jean Jerome at Tel no. 242-1358 End Time Deliverance International Inc. (Haitian Brach) Location: Kenneth Prosper Building, Unit #8 Airport Road Is seeking (1) Keyboard Player - $250.00 per week •Must be able to play keyboard and teach music Must be able to work 3 days per week Is seeking (1) Guitar Player - $250.00 per week •Must be able to play the Guitar and teach music Must be able to work 3 days per week Persons are required to work on special occasions for functions when called upon All these positions are new positions Please Contact: Jocelin Lucsama Telephone number 343-0923 or email jocelinlucsama231@gmail.com Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Immigration Board

#814060

Claykea’s On Call Location: Millennium Highway, Providenciales Is seeking 2 Plumbers Duties include: Installing pipes and fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, for water, gas, steam, air, or other liquids.

To work 6 days per week Salary $8.00 per hour This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Please Contact: 348-9712 Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labour Board #814064

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Thank You! For 10 years of support, impacting the lives of over 840,000 people across the Caribbean.

We remain committed to having tourism be a driving force for positive change.

STAY CONNECTED www.sandalsfoundation.org

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians luncheon and Fun Day Highlights T

he Local Branch of the Commonwealth Investment and Trade, Opening Remarks, Ms. Women Parliamentarians Association in Dannie Dennie, Junior Minister of Tourism, Hon. Cheryl Astwood Tull – Former Member conjunction with the Culture Department hosted a Luncheon and Fun Day in of the Legislative Council and Mrs. Levenia Hamilton – Bishop (Spoken Word). observance of International Women’s Day on

A special delivery of roses for Friday March 8th, under the theme “Strength all female was present by His Honour the in Unity” at the Shore Club, Providenciales.

Speaker – Hon. Dwayne S. Taylor,

The focus of this event was on former and present female Parliamentarians

Keynote speaker was Hon. Shirley Osborne, Speaker of Montserrat, Legislative but specially recognizing former female Assembly and CWP Regional President.

Members over 65years.

Former and Present Female

The day was marked with various activities promoting camaraderie, boost Parliamentarians was honored in recognition for their commitment and dedicated services morale, and unity among women. A Hat to the Parliament of the Turks and Caicos Show was put on by the Clerk to House of Islands.

Assembly, Mrs. Tracey I. Parker and Students of the various High Schools and a Culture

Awarded were; Hon. Helena J. Robinson –Appointed Member to Explosion by the TCI Dolls. the Legislative Council, Hon. Madlin

The event begun in true traditional style with the innovation by Apostle Dr. (Pat) Potter – Appointed Member of the Dezerene Robinson, Ms Johanna Messam – Legislative Council, Hon. Dimple Musgrove National Anthem and National Song, Hon. – Appointed Member to the Legislative Ruth Blackman with the Welcome, Mr. Council, Hon. Sarah Missick –Elected Member to the Legislative Council, Hon. Javon Laporte (Saxophonist) – serenaded the ladies, Hon. Sharlene L. Cartwright Emily Saunders – First Elected Female Robinson – Premier and Minister for Finance, Speaker of the Legislative Council, Hon. Dr.

Rosita B. Butterfield – First Female Elected Member of the Legislative Council, Hon. Arabella R. Smith – First Female Minister of the Legislative Council, Hon. Cynthia A. Astwood – First Local Chief Secretary, Hon. Mahala K. Wynns – First Deputy Governor, Hon. Rita Gardiner – Appointed Member of the Legislative Council, Hon. Cheryl Astwood-Tull– Elected Member of the Legislative Council, Hon. Lillian E. Boyce – Elected Member of the House of Assembly and Government Minister, Hon. Karen Delancy– Elected Member of the House of Assembly and Government Minister, Hon. Amanda E. Misick– Elected Member of the House of Assembly and Government Minister, Hon. Lillian E. Misick– Appointed Member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sharlene L. Cartwright Robinson –Premier and Minister for Finance, Investment and Trade, First Female Leader of the Opposition and First Female Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Karen E. Malcolm – Minister for Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services, Hon. Akierra M. Missick – Hon. Elected Member for Leeward and Long

Bay and Government Minister, Hon. Ruth D. Blackman – Elected Member for South Caicos, Hon. Porsha Stubbs – Smith – Hon. Elected Member for the Bight and Government Minister, Hon. Josephine O. Connolly – 2nd All Island Elected Member and Government Minister and Hon. Rhondalee M. Braithwaite Knowles, QC – First Local Attorney General and First Female QC, of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Highlight of the awards presentation was made to Hon. Ruth Blackman for 31 years of sterling service as Clerk to the Parliament of the Turks and Caicos Islands 1978 – 2009

Also present and received recognition for their commitment and dedicated services to the TCI was Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Anya Williams and the P/S of Finance, Investment and Trade Mrs. Athenee Basden.

The Members of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians of the Turks and Caicos Islands thanked Ms. Eunice B. Clare for piloting the event as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

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MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Sister Sister Mission is to promote sisterhood around the Turks and Caicos Islands S

ister Sister’s mission is to promote sisterhood around the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Caribbean with the knowledge that sisterhood support is a powerful force for empowerment, healing, and positive social change, says the organization’s founder Mrs. Lillian Boyce.

“We are thankful to God for our sisters of North Caicos especially our incoming Cynclair Musgrove, President for the North Caicos chapter. We are encouraging the sisters of North Caicos to continue to support because with your participation, we can be even stronger,” said Mrs. Boyce.

“Sisterhood is a bond between women

who are not only biological sisters but who share common goals and can come together to celebrating each other. Sister Sister is unique, accepting, supportive and empowering. Sisters are connecting in a meaningful way to provide mentoring and to move the women and girls agenda forward. Let us unite women of the Turks and Caicos Islands and become a true sister,” she added.

“Unity helps us work and live together peacefully. We feel connected with each other and appreciate diversity with friends and our families.

We value the specialness of each woman as a gift, not as a reason to fight or be competitive. With

unity we accomplish more together than any one of us could do alone. We promote Love, Worship, Spirituality, Friendship and Acceptance. When women gather there is a collective power to heal, find our voice, rise up and make a difference.”

The organisation recently held a successful prayer breakfast in North Caicos.

Sister Sister TCI say thanks to Bishop Washington Williams, founding member of The Cooling Waters gospel group and his family for their participation, along with Premier Sharlene Robinson and Minister of Education Karen Malcolm for gracing us with their presence.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

TCHTA launches Who’s Who in Business Magazine I

n celebration of International Women’s Day, on Friday March 8th, the Turk sand Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) celebrated some influential and career-driven women during the launch of its first Who’s Who in TCI Business Magazine.

The launch party was held at Kalooki’s in Grace Bay with welcome remarks from Governor, Dr. John Freeman.

The 48-page magazine features Turks and Caicos leading ladies, business information and advertisements and articles on topics such as: ‘Why you should Invest in the Turks and Caicos.

Commenting on the launch, Stacy Cox, CEO of TCHTA said, “The seven ladies that graced this cover are just a snapshot of the amazing women that we have here in Turks and Caicos. It was

so difficult to find the seven who would grace the first cover of our business magazine and being International Women’s Day, it was such a great opportunity to do it on a day as such to recognise all the individuals who have contributed to the building of Turks and Caicos Islands.”

On the cover are Her Excellency, Anya Williams, Deputy Governor; Stacy Cox, CEO of the TCHTA; Ruth Forbes, VP Finance at FortisTCI; Sonia Fulford, President of TCIFA and member of FIFA executive; Angela Musgrove Senior VP, Invest TCI; Abby Adams, CEO of Building Materials Ltd Do-itCenter, and Oreika Selver, In-house Counsel/Legal & Compliance Officer, Invest Turks & Caicos.

Photos By: Todeline Defralien

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

YOU ARE INVITED: PUBLIC MEETINGS

RESULTS OF THE RESILIENT NATIONAL ENERGY TRANSITION STRATEGY (R-NETS) PROCESS

In October 2018, the Turks and Caicos Government, in coordination with FortisTCI Limited and the independent energy expert, Rocky Mountain Institute, undertook a process to develop a Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (R-NETS) to enable a shift to a more sustainable energy future.

A report of the R-NETS process is now available and the Executive Summary can be accessed online at: https://rmi.org/ wp-content/uploads/2019/03/TCI_RNETS_ExecutiveSummary.pdf The report will be discussed at two public meetings on Providenciales and Grand Turk.

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, along with the Rocky Mountain Institute and FortisTCI Limited extends a special invitation for all to attend these public meetings:

Providenciales 19 March 2019, 6:00 p.m.

Airport Inn Hotel Conference Room Grand Turk 20 March 2019, 6:00 p.m.

Anglican Church Dillon Hall

Turks & Caicos Islands Government

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE Teen hookah users run risk of heart disease, poisoning

Teens smoking hookah

A growing number of American teens and young adults are using hookah, or water pipes, and many of them may be under the mistaken impression that it’s risk-free and non-addictive, U.S. heart doctors warn.

In a new policy statement, the American Heart Association warns that hookah use is gaining in popularity among young people, aided by the marketing of flavored tobacco as well as social media marketing targeted to teens and young adults. The trend is troubling because even though teens may perceive hookah as harmless, there’s mounting evidence that it affects heart rate, blood pressure, and blood vessel function even with short-term use, the AHA notes.

“There is clear evidence that hookah smoking has significant cardiovascular effects and that could result in exposure to toxic chemicals at concentrations even higher than those in cigarettes,” said lead

author of the AHA statement Aruni Bhatnagar, director of the American Heart Association Tobacco Regulation Center and a professor at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

“There is also evidence to suggest that even intermittent use of hookah can be addictive and hookah smoking could be a catalyst for the use of other nicotine product use, particularly cigarette smoking,” Bhatnagar said by email.

Based on this evidence, parents should make sure teens understand the risks of hookah use, Bhatnagar advised. And doctors who treat adolescents and young adults should ask about it at every checkup and make sure these patients understand hookah can be addictive and cause health problems down the line.

An estimated 4.3 percent of all U.S. adults have used hookah at least once, researchers report in the AHA statement in Circulation.

Hookah is far more

common among younger adults, however, with 13.6 percent of people ages 18 to 24 reporting at least occasional use.Young adults account for about 56 percent of hookah users nationwide, according to the AHA statement.

Most users believe hookah is less harmful than cigarettes, with a low probability of addiction, the AHA notes. While it may not have the same health effects of cigarettes, addiction is certainly possible with hookah after even short-term use.

A separate study in the Journal of Adolescent Health highlights one risk of hookah that may not be apparent to teens: the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.

In this study, researchers examined data on hookah incidents reported to poison control centers between 2001 and 2017. They found 276 poisonings involving hookah, most involving children, teens and young adults.

Genes may explain why some women on the Pill still get pregnant

It’s long been assumed need to believe the patient and to that women who get pregnant on understand that there are other birth control pills somehow erred, things outside of her control, like possibly by forgetting a dose. But genetics, that could cause birth a new study suggests some women control to fail.”

The new research ought may inherit genes that break down contraceptive hormones to start a trend, Lazorwitz said. more rapidly, leaving them with “Women’s health hasn’t had a lot hormone levels that are too low to of this kind of research done yet,” prevent pregnancy, according to a he added. “It’s time we catch up report published in Obstetrics & with research in other medications that have shown that genetics can Gynecology.

Researchers found that affect how the body breaks them women with a certain genetic down.” variant metabolized estrogen To take a closer look and progesterone so quickly at the issue, Lazorwitz and his that it could put them at risk for colleagues recruited 350 women pregnancy if they were taking low- with an etonogestrel implant in dose birth control pills. place for at least a year and no

“If a woman came in and more than 36 months. The longsaid she was taking birth control lasting contraceptive comes in the and got pregnant we assumed she form of a small plastic strip that is did something wrong, missed a injected into the skin of a woman’s pill or wasn’t using the method upper arm and slowly releases like she was supposed to,” said pregnancy-preventing hormones the study’s lead author, Dr. Aaron over the course of three years.

Lazorwitz of the University of The researchers chose to Colorado School of Medicine. “We study the impact of genetics on

hormone metabolism in women using the implant because “it was much easier to study and there was no concern about anyone missing a dose,” Lazorwitz said. “We eventually want to bring this kind of research to women who are using the pill to see if they have the same effects. We had to start somewhere and this was a really good population to start with.”

Lazorwitz and his colleagues focused on a gene, called CYP3A7*1C, that is turned on in all fetuses but switches off in most infants. In some women, the gene never switched off. Instead, it continues to make the CYP3A7 protein, which breaks down the hormones used in birth control, Lazorwitz said.

When the researchers tested volunteers’ hormone levels, they found that more than one in four women with the CYP3A7*1C genetic variant did not have high enough levels of etonogestrel to prevent ovulation.

Eye exam detects signs of Alzheimer’s disease

Using an ultrasensitive scanning technique, researchers can detect signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye, according to a new report.

Duke University researchers found that these small retinal blood vessels were altered in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, but in not in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or those with no signs of mental decline.

“Among the folks who had Alzheimer’s there was a significant reduction in the density of the blood vessels in the superficial layer of the retina compared to controls and those with mild cognitive impairment,” said Dr. Dilraj Grewal, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Duke Eye Center. “We also found a reduction in the thickness of (of a specific layer of the retina) in Alzheimer’s patients compared to controls and those with mild cognitive impairment.”

The findings were reported in Ophthalmology Retina, a publication of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

“The retina is an extension of the brain,” Grewal said. “And it’s thought that changes that occur in the brain are mirrored in the retina. With any neurodegenerative disease you lose nerve tissue. Along with a measurable loss of brain volume, there’s a loss of the vasculature that supplies the brain. And because the retina is part of the central nervous system, the same changes occur there.”

The new findings couldn’t have happened without a new scanning technology, called optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), that allows users to see in fine detail the structure of the back part of the eye. “With previous technology you were able to measure only the larger blood vessels in the back of the eye,” Grewal said. “Now we can look at blood vessels that are at the level of capillaries in the different layers of the retina.

Therefore we are able to detect much smaller levels of change.”

Grewal and his colleagues used OCTA to peer into the eyes of 39 Alzheimer’s patients, 37 people with MCI and 133 cognitively healthy people, the controls. Not only were the researchers able to detect differences between the Alzheimer’s patients and the other two groups, but they were also able to see differences among the Alzheimer’s patients that appeared to be linked with the severity of the disease.

“The differences were proportional to the severity of the cognitive impairment,” Grewal said. “So, the folks with more severe Alzheimer’s had more severe loss of retinal blood vessels.”

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

Vacant Position: Finance Assistant

Vacant Position: Senior Physiotherapist

Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales TCI

Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales TCI

Job Summary: Post holder will be responsible for assisting the Finance manager in the planning, development and direction of the financial activities for the Hospital across both locations in Providenciales and Grand Turk.

Job Summary: Post holder will be responsible to provide high quality clinical physiotherapy service to patients at TCI Hospitals. Provides specialist advice, teaching and instruction to patients, families and carers. Promotes a professional and consistent approach to care as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities: •Assist in the development of overall financial goals and policies of the Hospital, including operating and capital budget expenditures.

•Assist in preparation of cost reports, financial Prepare monthly and annual financial statements and reports for stakeholders.

•Assist in developing and implementing purchasing practices and monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of the purchasing system.

•Maintain cash controls.

•Monitor productivity benchmarks and progress toward financial goals.

Reconcile general ledger accounts.

•Assist in the payroll system ensuring all staff is paid on time and accurately.

•Liaise as a business partner with all key managers at the Hospital.

•Work in collaboration with other members of the team to establish the financial parameters of business recommendations.

•Assist in maintaining cordial and continuous relationships with the Bankers of the Company.

•Submission of periodic reports as per the requirements of banks.

Education Required •Bachelor’s degree in finance, business or a related field preferred.

•Post-graduate training or specialization certification preferred.

•Significant work experience in Accounting or Finance field required.

Experience •Three to four years demonstrated progressive hospital or similar accounting and or finance experience to include accounts payable, accounts receivable, revenue cycle knowledge, financial analysis, cost allocation, reiumbursement.

•Experience in finance provider-based revenue cycle operations and with knowledge of industry best practices in finance operations, fee scheduling, charge caputure.

Position currently by a work permit holder.

JOB DESCRIPTION PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. Submit resumes and references to: Recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc or Lorenzo Seymour, Human Resources Manager, InterHealthCanada, Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

Deadline for applications: Thursday 21st March 2019 Salary: $40,000 to $46,000 per annum.

We hire smiles!!!

The Resort holdsmonthly job fairs to find Team Members… we hire the personality and train the individual.

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa is inviting applications from Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions: Applicants must be able to obtain a favorable reference check, have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends (Saturday and Sunday). The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that applicants will be contacted for an interview via Email and/or Text Message.

Please forward your resumes to secure an interview date and time. Feel free to drop your resumes in our secureresume drop-box at the Service Gate, or email it to mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com, or fax to 649 946 4870.

The Administrative Department requires:  Guest Experience Manager (Night Duty)  Night Manager Reports to:Hotel Manager and/orSenior Executive Assistant Manager The Guest Experience (night duty) and Night Managers are required to supervise and resolve all guests concerns, while they are still at the resort, to a satisfactory conclusion. To ensure that no guest leaves the resort less than 100% satisfied.

Skills Level of Education Bachelor degree in a relevant field preferred Essential requirements The individual we are looking for should possess the following skills and qualities: Minimum of 2 years of customer service experience at a supervisory/ management level Ensure all guests concerns are dealt with immediately; Be present on the floor and establish yourself as a contact person; Walk the property and talk with guests; Personally meet all current and past Problem guests during their stay as you TLC them; Nourish and maintain cooperative relations with all department heads; Continuously look for ways to improve guest experiences; Must have knowledge of all resort areas/departments/facilities; Must have knowledge of all existing resort sales/marketing/promotions Log ALL issues to the relevant system within 24 hours of handling and submit a nightly report.

The salary for the positions indicated above ranges from $22,000.00 to $32,000.00 per annum

Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or placed in the secure drop box at the service gate or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

Education - Required •Recognized Bachelor Degree in Physiotherapy or Rehabilitation Medicine.

•Holder of professional active practicing certificate or registration from country of training/origin.

•Current registration through TCI Health Practitioners Ordinance.

Desired •Post-graduate training or specialization certification preferred.

Position currently by a work permit holder.

JOB DESCRIPTION PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. Submit resumes and references to: Recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc or Lorenzo Seymour, Human Resources Manager, InterHealthCanada, Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

Deadline for applications: Thursday 21st March 2019 Salary: $30,000 to $36,000 per annum.

Belongers need only apply.

Belongers need only apply.

• • • • • • • • • •

Responsibilities: •Supervises assigned staff by prioritizing requests, coordinating work assignments scheduling, and providing input into performance evaluations.

•Participates in 90 day probationary assessment and annual performance review.

•Ability to provide effective consultation.

•Ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others in complex healthcare environment.

•Ability to supervise and teach specialist techniques and therapeutic skills to others including patients, colleagues and community.

•Reliable with excellent work ethic.

•Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.

•Competent in using a computerized patient care information system.

•Awareness and understanding of quality assurance objectives.

and

The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186

and should reach not later than March 22nd 2019

HS LTD. HS LTD is seeking suitable applicants for the following position: BARTENDER Fairways Bar & Grill Restaurant at Provo Golf Club has an immediate opening for an experienced Bartender who has a positive, engaging personality and can provide exceptional service to guest.

Position Description Responsible for preparing drinks for guest and serving them in a professional manner. The successful candidate should be well versed in bar service and drink preparation.

Requirements Must have 3 years or more experience preferably in hotel food and beverage industry. Must have a strong working knowledge of the bar and EPOS system. Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Must be willing to work a variety of day/night, weekend shifts and public holidays. Excellent people skills in order to communicate well with guests and staff. Good presentation and a pleasant, friendly, bubbly personality are required. Wages for this position starts at $8.00 per hour 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 is currently available. Closing date for application is March 25, 2019.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES •Provides professional secretarial services for the Chief Executive Officer.

•Arranges the appointment diary of the Chief Executive Officer •Meets and greets CEO’s guests •Provides professional management of CEO’s telephone calls •Responds to routine office correspondence.

•Drafts response to correspondence for the Chief Executive Officer’s signature.

•Maintains proper database for data storage and retrieval of information. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.

•Opens, sorts and distributes incoming correspondence for CEO and the Board.

•Prepares and modifies internal/external documents including correspondence, reports, drafts, memos and emails.

•Takes minutes at CEO initiated meetings such as Heads of Department meetings.

•Plans, organizes and co-ordinates functions and special events for the Board and CEO. •Assists with the preparation of business presentations.

•Coordinates Board Appeals and other meetings.

•Assists with general office administration.

•Ensures that the NHIB buildings, generator, A/C units and grounds are properly maintained.

•Performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or any other person authorized to give instructions or assignments REQUIRED EDUCATION EXPERISE/SKILLS This position requires a High School Diploma and three (3) years on the job experience; an Associates Degree from an accredited College is preferred. Also: •Secretarial skills •Excellent time management skills •Telephone skills •Strong written, oral and computer literacy skills, including knowledge of data processing, spreadsheet preparation and presentation graphics programmes.

•Effective, interpersonal, communication and customer services skills Salary: Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

CASHIER/CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (Grand Turk) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES •Stamps all registration forms when received.

•Reviewsand scans all registration forms prior to processing to ensure all necessary documents are attached to the correct member’s record.

•Enters registration details for all registrants into electronic system in a timely manner.

•Updates all work permit renewals in the system..

•Processes change request forms for addition/termination of employees.

•Collects contributions from insured employers, employees, self-employed and voluntary contributors and issues receipts for monies collected •Informs contributors of over and under payments when issuing receipts.

•Ensure customer calculators are submitted prior to posting payment.

•Prepares and balances cash at the end of each work day.

•Ensures that payments records are current with additional information noted as necessary.

•Ensures all daily close out reports are signed and dated.

•Reports all compliance activities to the Supervisor.

•Records and forwardsall applications for Clearance Letters for processing.

•Take photographs for NHIB ID cards.

•Ensures that all Registration Forms and Daily Close Out Reports are filed in a timely manner.

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•Contacts employers in relation to the submission of registration form for verification.

•Assists with maintaining a positive image of the NHIB. •Provides administrative support in order to ensure effective and efficient office operations o Ensures that all supporting documents are accessible and filed appropriately o Ensures the confidentiality and security of all registration files.

•Ensures customers are served in a professional manner.

•Ensures that all Customer Service queries are answered or directed to the immediate supervisorwhen necessary.

REQUIRED EDUCATION EXPERTISE/SKILLS: This position requires a High school Diploma and two years on the job experience; An Associates Degree from an accredited college is preferred. Also: •Customer service experience.

•Able to perform each duty satisfactorily.

•Data is entered accurately.

•Excellent communication (written/verbal)skills.

•Able to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.)

•Reliable, able to perform under pressure, shows initiative and adept at multi-task.

•Must be a team player Salary: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. *OFFICE ATTENDANT (Providenciales) POSITION SUMMARY: To perform a variety of office support duties and to carry out the cleaning function of the National Health Insurance Board office.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Distribute correspondence as required, complete errands on behalf of the office, assist with the preparation of room for meetings, prepare and serve refreshments when required, perform daily cleaning duties to ensure the office is clean and safe for staff and perform any related duties assigned from time to time.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE JOB: •Requires walking and extensive use of hands, pushing, bending, lifting, twisting,standing, reaching, kneeling and carrying heavy items. o Physical Demands •Lifting: Under 20lbs 50% of work time •Carrying: Over 25lbs 10% of work time •Pulling: Over 20lbs 50% of work time •Work Environment: Exposure to chemicals

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED: •This position requires knowledge of health and hygiene requirements, ability to understand basic materials, must have an eye for details, maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment, ability to understand and follow simple written instructions and basic time management skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Primary level education, at least (2) yearsof experience in a similar position.

This position is currently held by an expatriate worker.

Qualified Belonger applicants should submitapplications the National Health Insurance Board Human Resource Department and a copy to the Commissioner of Labour & Immigration Board.

SALARY: $9.25 per hour All Applications should be addressed to: Sheena Smith-Yip National Health Insurance Board Salt Mills Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands British West Indies Email: recruitment@tcinhip.tc We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected foran interview will be contacted.

Deadline for Submission is March 29, 2019

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

C.B.M.S. Ltd. 131 South Dock Road Providenciales Is seeking to employ a Project Analyst Requirements and Responsibilities: • 10 years experience.

•Hourly rate $17.00 • Maintain communication with subcontractors and vendors.

• Prepare subcontractor pricing •Review bid requirements •Prepare construction budget • Maintain cost keys and price masters.

• Resolve cost discrepancies.

• Solve complex problems arising during ongoing projects.

•Developing technical specifications and diagrams.

Please Contact: 331-0221 or 941-3400 This position is currently not held by anyone ________________________________________ C.B.M.S. Ltd. 131 South Dock Road Providenciales Seeking to fill the position of Heavy Duty Mechanic •Hourly rate $15.00 •To work 6 days per week •10 years experience in this field •Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of heavy duty equipment.

Please Contact: 331-0221 or 941-3400 This position is currently not held by anyone _________________________________________ C.B.M.S. Ltd. 131 South Dock Road Providenciales Seeking to fill the position of Mechanic Assistant.

WORK PERMIT ADVERTISEMENT REQUIREMENT The Ministry of Border Control and Employment is reminding employers, as well as the general public, that the Immigration Ordinance 2015 which was brought into force on April 1, 2016 established new conditions for advertising jobs which must be met when recruiting new staff or seeking a work permit renewal.

For clarity, Section 28 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance states the following.

The advertisement condition is satisfied if the employer has advertised the position in at least two consecutive issues of a newspaper published in and sold or distributed on the Islands and the advertisement— (a) describes the nature of the position available in sufficient detail to enable persons reading the advertisement to have a reasonable indication of the nature of the work and conditions of employment; (b) contains the name of the employer and details of the whereabouts of the office or other place to which the application is to be submitted together with contact details, including telephone and fax numbers and an email address; (c) sets out clearly the salary package relating to the position; (d) invites prospective applicants who are Islanders to send copies of their applications to the Board; and (e ) state whether the position is currently held by a work permit holder.

For further information or questions, please refer to the following Website: http://www.gov.tc/work-permits infobordercontrol@gov.tc

or

email

address:

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

•Hourly rate $9.00 •To work 6 days per week •Assists in the repair and upkeep of Heaven Duty equipment.

Please Contact: 331-0221 or 941-3400 This position is currently not held by anyone __________________________________________ C.B.M.S. Ltd. 131 South Dock Road Providenciales Seeking to fill the position of a Mechanic.

•Hourly rate $12.00 •To work 6 days per week •10 years experience in this field.

Please Contact: 331-0221 or 941-3400 This position is currently not held by anyone ___________________________________________ C.B.M.S. Ltd. 131 South Dock Road Providenciales Seeking to fill the position of Heavy Equipment Operator.

•Hourly rate $15.00 •To work 6 days per week •10 years experience in this field.

•Certified in using construction Vehicles such as bulldozers, allterrain forklifts, Mobile cranes and backhoes.

Please Contact: 331-0221 or 941-3400 This position is currently not held by anyone ____________________________________________ C.B.M.S. Ltd. 131 South Dock Road Providenciales Seeking a Laborer • Hourly rate $8.00 •To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 331-0221 or 941-3400 This position is currently not held by anyone Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Air¬port Road in Providenciales

Job Vacancy

Turks & Caicos First Insurance Company (TCFIC), the only indigenous insurance company in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is seeking an experienced individual to fill the position of General Manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the continued growth and development of TCFIC as the leading general insurance company in the Turks and Caicos.

Skills Required: •Hands on working knowledge of The UnderWriter™ policy management system.

•Sound interpersonal, communication and motivational skills.

•Strong critical thinking, multi-tasking and analytical abilities •Strong capability in using Google G-suite of applications and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications & Experience Required: •Minimum 10 years in general insurance with at least 5 in a management position •Demonstrated ability to interact confidently and work with insurance intermediaries and other industry stakeholders.

•Ability to lead, motivate and delegate responsibilities to subordinates while ensuring goals and objectives are achieved.

•Proven ability to manage and grow a service-oriented organization operating in a competitive market driven environment.

•MBA or other equivalent management qualifications •Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII).

Remuneration: Salary is $85,000 per annum (circa) but negotiable depending on qualification and experience.

Interested individuals, who fulfill the above requirements, may apply in confidence, enclosing a detailed resume accompanied by a letter of application to: Mrs. Rosemarie Wilks at hrdept@icwi.com Subject: General Manager Vacancy – TCFIC This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Immigration Board The closing date for all applications is 29th March, 2019 Only short-listed candidates will be called for interview.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Cayman bans Boeing 737 Max aircraft

The Cayman Islands Aviation Authority has banned the Boeing 737 Max aircraft from operating in Cayman airspace amid growing safety concerns around the model.

Cayman Airways was among the first airlines in the world to ground its jets following an Ethiopian Airlines crash on Sunday morning which killed 157 people. It was the second fatal accident involving a 737 Max 8 aircraft in less than six months.

On Tuesday, U.K. regulators said they were temporarily banning the aircraft, which has only been in commercial use since 2017, from U.K. airspace. Cayman authorities, which are not directly impacted by the U.K. ruling, took the decision to follow suit later on Tuesday.

The Cayman Islands Aviation Authority issued a directive to pilots and operators of both the Boeing 737 Max 8 and the Boeing 737 Max 9 not to conduct any flights in Cayman Islands air space after 5 p.m. Tuesday.

It cited the incidents involving the model in Indonesia and Ethiopia and stated, “Given the similarity of the two accidents, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands has decided as a precautionary measure in the public interest that operations by Boeing 7378 MAX and Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft in the airspace of the Cayman Islands should not take place until appropriate safeguards are in place.”

Though Cayman Airways had

Cayman Airways’ first Boeing 737 Max 8 lands in Cayman in November last year. The airline took possession of a second Max 8 last week. Both jets are now grounded already taken the decision not to fly the planes until more information about Sunday’s incident becomes available, several U.S. carriers have continued to fly the Max aircraft.

American Airlines, SouthWest Airlines, United Airlines and JetBlue are among the carriers operating in Cayman that have Max 8 aircraft in their fleet and could potentially be impacted by the directive. SouthWest has previously used the Max 8 on its Cayman routes.

Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell said Tuesday, “We fully support the safety measures implemented by our national flag carrier Cayman Airways and now the CAACI.”

The decision by various countries and airlines to ground the aircraft comes amid a growing passenger backlash against the aircraft model, the latest off the Boeing production line.

Ethiopia, Singapore, China, France, Ireland, Germany, Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia were among the countries that had suspended the 737 Max as of press time Tuesday.

The U.K. Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement that it had taken the decision because there was not enough information about the cause of the crash. “As we do not currently have sufficient information from the flight data recorder we have, as a precautionary measure, issued instructions to stop any commercial passenger flights from any operator arriving, departing or overflying U.K. airspace,” the U.K. authority said.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration was still standing by the aircraft Tuesday.

Southwest Airlines, the largest operator of 737 Max 8s in America, is offering passengers scheduled to fly on one of

the planes the chance to change their bookings.

Senators Mitt Romney and Elizabeth Warren were among a handful of senior U.S. politicians to call on the FAA to ground the planes. President Donald Trump did not make any direct statement on the issue, but remarked on Twitter that “airplanes are becoming far too complex to fly.”

Boeing said in a statement that it had full confidence in the 737 Max: “We understand that regulatory agencies and customers have made decisions that they believe are most appropriate for their home markets. We’ll continue to engage with them to ensure they have the information needed to have confidence in operating their fleets. The United States Federal Aviation Administration is not mandating any further action at this time, and based on the information currently available, we do not have any basis to issue new guidance to operators.”

The Max 8 is Boeing’s fastest selling aircraft ever. The company’s share price dropped more than 5 percent Monday in the aftermath of the crash.

Cayman Islands residents and tourists applauded Cayman Airways’ quick decision to ground the Max 8 aircraft in the wake of the tragedy that claimed 157 lives in Ethiopia.

Commenting on the Cayman Compass Facebook page and in other web forums, travelers overwhelmingly endorsed the decision.

Biden in Caribbean with wife to discuss potential 2020 bid

Joe Biden was spotted traveling in the Caribbean this week as the former Democratic vice president weighs potentially launching a 2020 White House bid.

A former mayor from Michigan told Hometown Life that he ran into Biden on St. Croix and approached him to express his admiration.

“I can only surmise that he is going to sit back and think about it here,” Tedd Wallace, the former mayor of South Lyon, told the outlet. “It’s 83 and breezy every day.”

He noted that Biden was without an entourage when he ran into him at an island grocery store on Wednesday.

The Associated Press reported

Friday that Biden was on the island to work through remaining concerns with his wife, Jill, before he is expected to announce a bid.

The decision by Biden, who served eight years as former President Obama’s vice president, looms large over the current primary field, as Biden would almost certainly leap to the top tier of the already packed field should he decide to run for president.

Sources familiar with Biden’s plans told The Hill last month that he is almost certain to decide to run for the White House again in what would be his third presidential bid.

As Biden weighs his next move with his wife in the Caribbean, more than a dozen declared Democratic

candidates are crisscrossing the country, hitting crucial early primary states to gin up support to propel them to the party’s nomination.

Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and more have been traveling to early voting states after declaring their candidacies.

Still, several potential Democratic candidates have removed themselves from consideration: Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg declined this week make presidential bids of their own, further opening up Biden’s possible lane to run as a centrist in a field dominated by progressives.

Joe Biden

Unclear if $560M US Caribbean security plan has worked

A federal report released Wednesday said the U.S. government spent more than $560 million to boost security across the Caribbean during this decade but doesn’t know whether its efforts have worked.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office said that the collection and maintenance of data for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative varies by country and that there is no

centralized data storage system. It also said the U.S. State Department hasn’t created a plan to assess overall progress.

“They cannot attest to the initiative’s success or failure,” the report said.

The initiative began in 2010 and aims to reduce drug trafficking and improve public safety in 13 nations, most of them Caribbean islands, along with Guyana and Suriname in South

America. The report noted the nations have long coastlines that are difficult to patrol and have limited air and sea capabilities to fight drug trafficking.

The GAO said it conducted its audit from November 2017 to February 2019 and focused on Barbados, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, in part because they receive the highest amount of U.S. funding.

The initiative has provided boats,

aircraft and other equipment as well as trained prosecutors in places like the Dominican Republic.

The GAO said the State Department agrees with its recommendations to create a mechanism to monitor, evaluate and report all results and implement a data management system to centrally collect data, saying it is already working on those goals.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Mandarin Oriental’s first Caribbean resort debuts in Canouan, St. Vincent

Mandarin Oriental has for many decades been a smaller hotel group, especially compared to its biggest rival, Four Seasons.

They’ve always punched above their weight though when it comes to brand recognition and food and beverage. For example, they have more Michelin stars awarded to their restaurants than Four Seasons, despite having a portfolio just a third as large.

However, after James Riley took over as CEO in 2016, the group is getting ready for some major expansion, with 16 hotels and 12 residences at Mandarin Oriental expected to open in the next five years. In the past month they opened their first hotels in the Middle East, in both Dubai and Doha. Last July, they officially took the reins at Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, the group’s first Caribbean resort, breaking new ground both geographically and stylistically.

Since taking over in July, Mandarin Oriental has opened new restaurants, revamped spa offerings and adding privately owned villas. The resort was originally constructed in 2016 as Pinks Sands Club, with colonial architecture and brights pops of pink in all the suites, conceived as a newer, better version of Sandy Lane in nearby Barbados.

When a new Italian owner purchased the property in 2017, the resort came under Mandarin Oriental management as the hotel group’s first Caribbean property and one of just a few resorts in the portfolio. With 40 keys, this is the most intimate property that Mandarin Oriental operates.

Aside from Marrakech, Bodrum and Sanya, the Hong Kong-based luxury hotel group is better known for sleek city properties.

“Part of our development strategy is to develop a stronger presence in the luxury resort market,” says Jan Goessing, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s executive vice president of operations for the Americas.

“Currently our development portfolio includes resort projects in Bali, Phuket, Muscat, Boca

Mandarin Oriental Canouan Infinity Pool Raton, and Grand Cayman.” Their second Caribbean resort in Grand Cayman is scheduled to open in 2021.

At Canouan, eight new patio villas offer two- and threebedroom accommodations for families, while the six lagoon villas are even larger, with four bedrooms each. Patio villas have a more modern, understated design aesthetic with stone, wood and glass used throughout, while lagoon villas match the suites’ colonial-style architecture. All the villas come with private infinity pools, Jacuzzis, golf carts and fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. Next up will be a dozen more four-bedroom stone villas currently being sold for $10 million as freehold properties with the option of putting your villa into the Mandarin Oriental’s rental pool.

Even the standard onebedroom suites are incredibly grand, one of the best room products in the Caribbean, with a furnished patio, dedicated butler service and spacious walkin closets and marble bathrooms stocked with Acqua di Parma amenities. My favorite design element? The television is hidden within a mirrored sliding door that opens to reveal ocean views.

The entire resort faces east, so all suites and villas have magnificent sunrise views over Godhal beach.

Charter a catamaran to Tobago Cays to snorkel with sea turtles or book a romantic castaway dining

experience on your own private island.

The biggest changes from the Mandarin Oriental takeover can be seen in the revamped spa treatments and new restaurants.

While the hotel group’s signature Oriental Qi and digital wellness escape massages are welcome additions to the menu, several new treatments also utilize Caribbean ingredients, including homemade body scrubs with mango, ginger and brown rice. You’ll take a funicular from reception to one of eight treatment rooms, passing the yoga pavilion along the way, before being lulled to sleep by crashing waves and a gentle sea breeze.

Tiny Canouan is home to just 1,700 residents and the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan comprises 1,200 acres of the 1,700 acre island. The new owner plans to build a new school and recreational center for the community and brands like Aman and Soho House are betting on the island too, with new projects in the works.

Between the new resorts and superyacht marina, Canouan is poised to become the Caribbean’s next luxury hotspot. It seems like Mandarin Oriental has once more chosen a strategic location with long-term vision (just look at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami), but it remains to be seen if they can uphold their lofty brand standards over the next several years with the rapid expansion to come.

Bahamas Opposition Leader asks - Why Disney secrecy?

Official Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday criticised the closed-door signing between the government and Disney Island Development Ltd for a multi-million dollar project in Eleuthera, adding it appeared to be shrouded in secrecy.

The Heads of Agreement was signed in private on Thursday at the Cabinet office, but was not announced until days later. “Hard on the heels of the fake and phoney Oban deal, the prime minister sat in secret and signed the Disney deal,” Mr Davis said.

“No cameras or outsiders were allowed save for the government’s minders and mouthpieces. The public found out by a release from the Bahamas Information Services. The PLP would never have gotten away with this and never tried to.”

Mr Davis called for the HOA to be tabled in the House of Assembly to ensure full disclosure, telling media at a press conference the closed door signing demonstrated a failed test of openness and transparency by the government.

He said questions persisted over the deal, including: the environmental impact study; how Bahamians will benefit; and how the landmark will be protected from ruin by poor developmental practices.

Firing back at Mr Davis, the Free National Movement has insisted the government will table the agreement when the house resumes next week.

In a statement last night, the governing party accused the opposition of a “long history of secretdealing and non-transparency”.

The FNM further claimed there have been several instances when a Progressive Liberal Party-led administration failed to table HOAs, and allegedly engaged in “secretive negotiations”, namely some of the agreements with Baha Mar and the proposed sale of then-Batelco to the phantom Bluewater company.

“Instead of being pleased for the people of South Eleuthera,” the FNM statement read, “the PLP and its leader Philip Brave Davis are attacking a development that will improve the livelihoods of many in South Eleuthera, who will long remember that the PLP failed to help them in the past and are now criticizing a development that will boost their communities.”

The FNM statement continued: “This transparency and accountability by the FNM is in stark and direct contrast to the PLP, whose current leader served as Deputy Leader in a PLP government that was notorious for refusing to table certain heads of agreement.”

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced the signing at a Town Hall Meeting in Eleuthera on Saturday, and a statement followed from Bahamas Information Services.

The signing effectually gives the nod for the construction of a $250m to $400m cruise port and entertainment facility at Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera.

Calls placed to OPM Director of Communications Erica Wells-Cox went unanswered yesterday.

Bahamas Opposition Leader asks - Why Disney secrecy?

Official Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday criticised the closeddoor signing between the government and Disney Island Development Ltd for a multi-million dollar project in Eleuthera, adding it appeared to be shrouded in secrecy.

The Heads of Agreement was signed in private on Thursday at the Cabinet office, but was not announced until days later. “Hard on the heels of the fake and phoney Oban deal, the prime minister sat in secret and signed the Disney deal,” Mr Davis said.

“No cameras or outsiders were allowed save for the government’s minders and mouthpieces. The public found out by a release from the Bahamas Information Services. The PLP would never have gotten away with this and never tried to.”

Mr Davis called for the HOA to be tabled in the House of Assembly to ensure full disclosure, telling media at a press conference the closed door signing demonstrated a failed test of openness and transparency by the government.

He said questions persisted over the deal, including: the environmental impact study; how Bahamians will benefit; and

how the landmark will be protected The FNM statement continued: from ruin by poor developmental “This transparency and accountability by practices. the FNM is in stark and direct contrast

Firing back at Mr Davis, the Free to the PLP, whose current leader served National Movement has insisted the as Deputy Leader in a PLP government government will table the agreement that was notorious for refusing to table when the house resumes next week. certain heads of agreement.”

In a statement last night, the governing Prime Minister Dr Hubert party accused the opposition of a “long Minnis announced the signing at a history of secret-dealing and non- Town Hall Meeting in Eleuthera on transparency”.

Saturday, and a statement followed

The FNM further claimed from Bahamas Information Services. there have been several instances The signing effectually gives when a Progressive Liberal Party-led the nod for the construction of a $250m administration failed to table HOAs, to $400m cruise port and entertainment and allegedly engaged in “secretive facility at Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera. negotiations”, namely some of the Calls placed to OPM Director of agreements with Baha Mar and the Communications Erica Wells-Cox went proposed sale of then-Batelco to the unanswered yesterday. phantom Bluewater company.

Following Mr Davis’ rejection

“Instead of being pleased for of the government’s handling of the the people of South Eleuthera,” the deal, leading environmental groups also FNM statement read, “the PLP and its expressed disappointment the HOA was leader Philip Brave Davis are attacking signed “in the dead of night”. a development that will improve the Environmental groups BREEF, reEarth, livelihoods of many in South Eleuthera, Save the Bays and Waterkeepers who will long remember that the PLP Bahamas issued a joint statement failed to help them in the past and are yesterday renewing expectations for now criticizing a development that will public consultations. boost their communities.”

The statement read: “We are

Leader of the Opposition Philip ‘Brave’ Davis very disappointed that such a signing was made in the dead of night, but we are pleased that Disney and the Government have confirmed that no construction will take place at Lighthouse Point until the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is prepared, reviewed and approved.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Bookkeeper, Inventory and Purchasing Officer – Grand Turk (TCI) Our fast-paced operations require a high level of maturity and dedication.

We have very enjoyable working environments and amazing people from all walks of life. We require a Bookkeeper, Inventory and Purchasing Officer that is passionate, prepared to evolve with the times and become actively involved in all aspects of working in this tourism environment. The key part of this role is to be able to juggle the multiple interweaving functions whilst liaising and managing the relationships with key players internally and externally.

Communication with Head Office in POS system updates and finance recording are essential parts of each day.

Qualifications and Minimum Requirements • Preferred Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management field.

• At least Two (2) years’ experience in a Financial Planning and Management related environment • Excellent Computer skills and proficiency at Microsoft Office suite • Excellent oral and written communication • High Professional and ethical standards • Excels at operating in a fast pace and multi-tasking environment • Ability to work under pressure • Pays attention to details and ability to view situations from several points of view • Demonstrated management skills with dealing with staff groups • Delegate responsibilities effectively • Ability to effectively present information to all groups Duties and Responsibilities • Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission -- specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, business process and organizational planning.

• Assist Accountant in Jamaica with overall financial management, planning and implementation of systems and controls for assigned location.

• Accounts Payables are updated weekly and effectively managed • Manage Petty Cash assigned to location based on needs and in line with

Page 35

budget.

• Prepare and send to Country Manager’s desk all payment requests and reimbursement following all defined processes and procedures.

• Ensure that Accounting Department requests are resolved and communicated in a timely manner to internal and external parties.

• Co-ordinate all inventory controls for each department • Coordinate purchasing needs of each department through department heads.

• Prepare necessary purchase requisitions to acquire needed operational items • Liaise with Suppliers with timeliness of delivery of goods • Ensure purchased items are logged in Inventory system before being distributed to any department.

• Work closely with the Country Manager in effective cost and inventory and revenue management.

• Make recommendations for cost saving techniques and proposed implementation • Manage the work permit processing of new, renewal and temporary applications • Manage monthly Statutory deductions with the government bodies associated • Be open to constant change and improvement of processes and policies.

• Assist in cost effective plans ways and means to motivate staff and teams at the location.

• Trustworthy and honest Reports to: Country Manager Compensation Package: Between $2500-$3000 per month or according to experience and proven track record Turks and Caicos Islanders applications will be given preference Deadline for submissions is March 29, 2019 Applications along with CVs/ Resume’ may be submitted via Email to: gtadmin@chukka.com, please place the desired position in the subject line or deliver to the below address: CHUKKA HUMAN RESOURCES CHUKKA CARIBBEAN ADVENTURES (TCI) LTD South Base Lyndon Gardiner Boulevard Grand Turk, TCI

to repair dentures.

•Shape and solder wire and metal frames or bands for dental products, using soldering irons and hand tools.

•Train and supervise other dental laboratory bench workers.

Paradise Smiles Dental Office is looking to fill the following positions:

Dental Nurse/Therapist Job Duties: •Checking gums and fixing teeth with oral abnormalities •Taking and developing dental x-rays •Educating patients on oral hygiene •Developing care plans for maintaining good dental hygiene •Providing dental Treatment to kids.

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

Basic Pay will start at:$2,600 per/month.

The position is currently being held by a work permit holder, applicants who are Turks & Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their CV to the Immigration board.

Dental Technician Job Duties: •Read prescriptions or specifications, and examine models and impressions, in order to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.

•Fabricate, alter, and repair dental devices such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, and appliances for straightening teeth.

•Melt metals or mix plaster, porcelain, or acrylic pastes; and pour materials into molds or over frameworks in order to form dental prostheses or apparatus.

•Load newly constructed teeth into porcelain furnaces in order to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework.

•Prepare wax bite-blocks and impression trays for use.

•Mold wax over denture set-ups in order to form the full contours of artificial gums.

•Rebuild or replace linings, wire sections, and missing teeth in order

Basic Pay will start at $2,600 per month.

This is a new position, applicants who are Turks & Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their CV to the Immigration board.

General Dentist Job Duties: The jobholder must have a Degree in Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) as they will be responsible for diagnosing and treating patients at multiple locations. The responsibility of the Jobholder will be to: •Provide a full range of extensive treatments (preventative, restorative and surgical), examples include the giving of injections for infiltrations and nerve blocks, the extraction of teeth, the cutting of cavities with high speed rotary instruments.

•Plan the appropriate order of treatment, implement, and interpret / refine as treatment progresses to final stage.

•Discuss specific treatment plans, if appropriate, analyze patient information and adapt for individual needs.

•Analyze patient information and adapt treatment if appropriate.

•Treat patient groups including children and adults and those with multiple complex needs. Understand the needs of patients with anxiety and disabilities and carry out their treatment accordingly.

Basic Pay will start at $3,500 per month This is a new position; applicants who are Turks & Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their CV to the Immigration board.

Please submit all CV’s to the following email below.

23 Parade Avenue, Town Center Mall Downtown, Butterfield Square, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands (649) 946-5302/431-5302

Neptune Court, GraceBay Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands (649) 946-5316

Email: paradise.smiles12@gmail.com Website: www.paradisesmilesTCI.com

Page 36

WORLD

NEWS

Feds charge dozens in widespread US college admissions scam

William “Rick” Singer founder of the Edge College & Career Network, departs federal court in Boston on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, after he pleaded guilty to charges in a nationwide college admissions bribery scandal

A fast-moving college admissions scandal moved from bombshell indictments to guilty pleas in a matter of hours, yet the full fallout from the federal case against the rich and famous could take months or more to unfold.

Big names such as actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin headline the list of some 50 people charged in documents released Tuesday that describe a scheme to cheat the admissions process at eight sought-after schools. The parents bribed college coaches and other insiders to get their children into selective schools, authorities said.

At the center of the scheme was admissions consultant William “Rick” Singer, founder of the Edge College & Career Network of Newport Beach, California, authorities said. Singer pleaded guilty and his lawyer, Donald Heller, said his client intends to cooperate fully with prosecutors and is “remorseful and contrite and wants to move on with his life.”

Prosecutors said that parents paid Singer big money from 2011 up until just last month to bribe coaches and administrators to falsely make their children look like star athletes to boost their chances of getting accepted. The consultant also hired ringers to take college entrance exams for students, and paid off insiders at testing centers to correct students’ answers.

Some parents spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and some as much as $6.5 million to guarantee their children’s admission, officials said.

“These parents are a catalog of wealth and privilege,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said.

At least nine athletic coaches and 33 parents were charged. Dozens, including Huffman, the Emmy-winning star of ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” were arrested by midday Tuesday. Huffman posted a $250,000 bond after an appearance in federal court in Los Angeles. Her husband, actor William H. Macy, has not been charged, though an FBI agent stated in an affidavit that he was in the room when Huffman first heard the pitch from a scam insider.

It was unclear when the “Full House” star Loughlin would turn herself in. Loughlin’s husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, was released in Los Angeles after posting a $1 million bond.

The coaches worked at schools such as Yale, Stanford, Georgetown, Wake Forest, the University of Texas, the University of Southern California and the University of California at Los Angeles.

Stanford’s sailing coach John Vandemoer pleaded guilty Tuesday in Boston. A former Yale soccer coach pleaded guilty before the documents went public and helped build the case against others.

No students were charged, with authorities saying that in many cases the teenagers were unaware of what was going on. Several of the colleges involved made no mention of taking any action against the students.

Several defendants, including Huffman, were charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

“For every student admitted through fraud, an honest and genuinely talented student was rejected,” Lelling said.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

May Day: UK Parliament rejects prime minister’s Brexit deal

With just 17 days to go, Britain’s departure from the European Union was thrown into chaos and doubt Tuesday as Parliament delivered a crushing double blow to Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit divorce deal and to her authority as leader.

Lawmakers rejected the deal 391-242, ignoring May’s entreaties to back the agreement and end the political chaos and economic uncertainty that Brexit has unleashed. It was a narrower outcome than the historic 230-vote margin of defeat for the agreement in January, before May secured changes from the bloc — but not by much.

Top EU officials warned that the defeat had increased the chances of a chaotic “no-deal” British exit, which could mean major disruption for businesses and people in the U.K. and many of the 27 remaining EU countries.

The stinging 149-vote defeat stripped away May’s control over the course of Brexit and handed it to Parliament, which is divided about what to do next.

A drawn and hoarse May admitted defeat — again — and confirmed that Parliament will vote Wednesday on whether to leave the EU on March 29 without an agreement. If that is defeated — the likely outcome — lawmakers will vote Thursday on whether to delay Brexit, something that needs to be approved by the EU nations too.

May warned lawmakers that “voting against leaving without a deal and for an extension does not solve the problems we face.”

“The EU will want to know what use we mean to make of such an extension. This House will have to answer that question. Does it wish to revoke (Brexit-triggering) Article 50? Does it want to hold a second referendum? Or does it want to leave with a deal but not this deal?

“These are unenviable choices,” she said.

The EU, which had warned there would be no more changes or negotiations if Parliament threw out the deal, expressed exasperation at yet another Brexit crisis.

In a statement, the European Commission said the member states “have done all that is possible to reach an agreement.”

“If there is a solution to the current impasse, it can only be found in London,” it said, adding that “today’s vote has significantly increased the likelihood of a ‘nodeal’ Brexit.”

European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt tweeted: “Brexit was about taking back control. Instead the UK spiralled out of control.”

The defeat came after

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to lawmakers in parliament, London, Tuesday March 12, 2019 May and European Commission “do not deliver ‘legally binding President Jean-Claude Juncker changes’” to the withdrawal announced changes Monday agreement, as the government designed to overcome lawmakers’ promised. concerns about provisions Other EU nations had designed to ensure the border urged British politicians to seize between EU member Ireland and the chance to back the deal and Britain’s Northern Ireland remains ensure an orderly departure. open after Brexit.

Delaying Brexit, the path

The mechanism, known Britain looks set to take, would as the backstop, is a safeguard need the approval from all 27 that would keep the U.K. in remaining EU countries. The EU a customs union with the EU Commission said it would “expect until a permanent new trading a credible justification” for the relationship is in place. Brexit postponement. supporters in Britain fear the Some British lawmakers backstop could be used to bind had warned their Brexit-backing the country to EU regulations colleagues that rejecting the deal indefinitely. could lead to Britain’s departure

May said documents to being postponed indefinitely, be added to the deal provided because a delay would give “legally binding” assurances that momentum to opponents of the backstop would be temporary withdrawal. and that Britain would have a way “Today is our Hotel to get out of it if the EU failed to California moment. If we don’t negotiate in good faith. However, check out tonight, we may never the text of the 585-page withdrawal leave,” tweeted Conservative agreement remained unchanged. legislator Bob Seely.

May’s hopes the The government’s defeat concessions would be decisive were will embolden politicians calling dashed when Attorney General for a second referendum on Geoffrey Cox said the changes whether to leave the EU or remain, “reduce the risk” Britain could be though there is no clear majority trapped inside EU regulations — in Parliament for that course. but do not eliminate it.

It has also increased

In a written legal opinion the chances that May’s fragile , Cox said the U.K. could still not government could fall, sparking a extract itself from the terms of snap election. the divorce deal unilaterally, a “The prime minister has key demand of pro-Brexit British run down the clock and the clock politicians.

Afterward, hard- has been run out on her,” said core Brexit supporters in May’s Opposition Labour Party leader Conservative Party and the prime Jeremy Corbyn. “It’s time that minister’s allies in Northern we have a general election and Ireland’s Democratic Unionist the people can choose who their Party both said they could not government should be.” support the deal.

More than two and a

The DUP, which props up half years after the country voted May’s minority government, said to leave the EU — and with no “sufficient progress has not been certainty about when or how it will achieved” on the key issue of the — many Britons are simply fed up.

Irish border.

In the staunchly pro The European Research Brexit port of Dover in southern Group of pro-Brexit Conservatives, England, retiree Mary Simpson which has dozens of lawmakers as said she felt her voice as a “leave” members, said the amendments voter had not been heard.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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WORLD NEWS

Airlines ground Boeing jet after plane crashes in Ethiopia

Airlines in Ethiopia, China, Indonesia and elsewhere grounded the Boeing 737 Max 8 jetliner Monday after the second devastating crash of one of the planes in five months. But Boeing said it had no reason to pull the popular aircraft from the skies.

As the East African country mourned the 157 victims of the Ethiopian Airlines plane that went down in clear weather shortly after takeoff Sunday, investigators found the jetliner’s two flight recorders at the crash site outside the capital of Addis Ababa.

An airline official, however, said one of the recorders was partially damaged and “we will see what we can retrieve from it.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity for lack of authorization to speak to the media.

A witness to the crash told The Associated Press that smoke was coming from the back of the plane before it hit the ground.

“Before falling down, the plane rotated two times in the air, and it had some smoke coming from the back then, it hit the ground and exploded,” Tamrat Abera said. “When the villagers and I arrived at the site, there was nothing except some burning and flesh.”

Ethiopian authorities are leading the investigation into the crash, assisted by the U.S., Kenya and others.

The crash was similar to that of a Lion Air jet of the same model in Indonesian seas last year, killing 189 people. The crash was likely to renew questions about the 737 Max 8, the newest version of Boeing’s single-aisle airliner, which was first introduced in 1967 and has become the world’s most common passenger jet.

Safety experts cautioned against drawing too many comparisons between the two crashes until more is known.

Besides the groundings by airlines in Ethiopia, China and Indonesia, Aeromexico, Caribbean carrier Cayman Airways, Comair in South Africa and Royal Air Maroc in Morocco temporarily

Rescuers work at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight crash near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Monday, March 11, 2019 grounded their Max 8s.

Ethiopian Airlines decided to ground its remaining four 737 Max 8s until further notice as “an extra safety precaution,” spokesman Asrat Begashaw said. The carrier had been using five of the planes and awaiting delivery of 25 more.

But Chicago-based Boeing said it did not intend to issue any new recommendations about the aircraft to its customers. It plans to send a technical team to the crash site to help investigators and issued a statement saying it was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the passengers and crew” on the jetliner.

Among the airlines still using the plane are Southwest, American and Air Canada.

In Washington, Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said passenger safety was the first priority for the administration.

“I want travelers to be assured and that we are taking this seriously and monitoring latest developments,” she said.

It’s unusual for authorities to

take the step of grounding planes, and it’s up to each country to set standards on which planes can fly and how those planes are maintained, said Todd Curtis, an aviation safety analyst who directs the Airsafe.com Foundation.

“If there is a suspicion ... that there’s not only something inherently wrong with 737 Max 8 aircraft, but there are no procedures in place to cure the problem, then yes, they should either ground the plane, or there are several levels of things they could do,” Curtis said.

People from 35 countries died in the crash six minutes after takeoff from Ethiopia’s capital for Nairobi. Ethiopian Airlines said the senior pilot issued a distress call and was told to return but all contact was lost shortly afterward. The plane plowed into the ground at Hejere near Bishoftu, scattering debris.

“I heard this big noise,” resident Tsegaye Reta told the AP. “The villagers said that it was a plane crash, and we rushed to the site. There was a huge smoke that we couldn’t even see the plane. The parts of the plane were falling apart.”

Kenya lost 32 people, more than any country. Relatives of 25 of the victims had been contacted, Transport Minister James Macharia said, and taking care of their welfare was of utmost importance.

“Some of them, as you know, they are very distressed,” he said. “They are in shock like we are. They are grieving.”

Canada, Ethiopia, the U.S., China, Italy, France, Britain, Egypt, Germany, India and Slovakia all lost four or more citizens.

At least 21 staff members from the United Nations were killed in the crash, said U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who led a moment of silence at a meeting where he said “a global tragedy has hit close to home.”

The crash shattered more than two years of relative calm in Africa, where travel had long been chaotic. It also was a serious blow to Ethiopian Airlines, which has expanded to become the continent’s largest and best-managed carrier and turned Addis Ababa into the gateway to Africa.

The state-owned carrier has a good reputation and the company’s CEO told reporters no problems were seen before Sunday’s fight. But investigators also will look into the plane’s maintenance, which may have been an issue in the Lion Air crash.

The plane was delivered to Ethiopian Airlines in November. The jet’s last maintenance was on Feb. 4, and it had flown just 1,200 hours.

The 737 is the best-selling airliner in history, and the Max, the newest version of it with more fuelefficient engines, is a central part of Boeing’s strategy to compete with European rival Airbus.

“Safety is our No. 1 priority and we are taking every measure to fully understand all aspects of this accident, working closely with the investigating team and all regulatory authorities involved,” Boeing said in a statement.

Manafort: Charges have ‘taken everything from me already’

Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort asked a judge for mercy on Wednesday, saying the criminal charges against him have “taken everything from me already.” He pleaded with the judge not to impose any additional prison time beyond the roughly four-year sentence he received in a separate case last week.

“I am sorry for what I have done and all the activities that have gotten us here today,” Manafort said in a calm and steady voice as he read from a written statement. “While I cannot undo the past, I will ensure that the future will be very different.”

The 69-year-old, who arrived in court in a wheelchair, said he was the primary caregiver of his wife and wanted the chance for them to resume their life together.

“She needs me and I need her. I ask you to think of this and our need for each other as you deliberate,” Manafort said. “This case has taken everything from me already — my properties, my cash, my life insurance, my trust accounts for my children and my grandchildren, and more.”

His plea for leniency followed prosecutor Andrew Weissmann’s scathing assessment of crimes that the government said spanned more than a decade and continued even while Manafort was awaiting trial. He said Manafort took steps to conceal his foreign lobbying work, laundered millions of dollars to fund a lavish

lifestyle and then, while on house arrest, coached other witnesses to lie on his behalf.

“I believe that is not reflective of someone who has learned a harsh lesson. It is not a reflection of remorse,” Weissmann said. “It is evidence that something is wrong with sort of a moral compass, that someone in that position would choose to make that decision at that moment.”

Manafort was being sentenced for concealing from the government foreign lobbying work he did on behalf of a pro-Russia Ukrainian political party.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson was expected to tack on additional prison time beyond the 47-month punishment Manafort received last week in Virginia. He faces up to 10 additional years in prison when he is sentenced in special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into ties between the Trump election campaign and Russia.

As the judge in Washington decided whether the sentences should run consecutively or at the same time, she was likely to take into account allegations by prosecutors that Manafort tampered with witnesses after he was charged and that he lied to investigators even after he pleaded guilty and pledged to cooperate. On Wednesday, she indicated that she would give Manafort some credit for accepting responsibility for his crimes by virtue of having pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy last

Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman September.

Defense lawyer Kevin Downing suggested Manafort was being unduly punished because of the “media frenzy” generated by the appointment of a special counsel.

“That results in a very harsh process for the defendant,” Downing said.

The hearing may offer a window into tantalizing allegations that aren’t part of the criminal cases against him but have nonetheless surfaced in recent court filings — that Manafort shared Trump campaign polling data with Konstantin Kilimnik, a business associate the U.S. says has ties to Russian intelligence, and that the two men met secretly during the campaign in an

encounter that prosecutors say cuts “to the heart” of their investigation.

The sentencing hearings for Manafort mark a bookend of sorts for Mueller’s investigation as it inches toward a conclusion. Manafort and business associate Rick Gates were among the first of 34 people charged, and though the charges against Manafort weren’t tied to his work on the Trump campaign, his foreign entanglements have made him a subject of intrigue to prosecutors assessing whether the campaign colluded with Russia to sway the outcome of the election.

Manafort was convicted of bank and tax fraud in the Virginia case and pleaded guilty in Washington to two conspiracy counts, each punishable by up to five years in prison.

The decision by U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III to sentence Manafort to 47 months stunned many who’d been following the case given the guideline calculation of 19.5 to 24 years in prison and the fact the defendant was convicted of hiding millions of dollars from the IRS in undisclosed foreign bank accounts. But Ellis made clear during the sentencing hearing that he found the government’s sentencing guidelines unduly harsh and declared his own sentence “sufficiently punitive.”

“If anybody in this courtroom doesn’t think so, go and spend a day in the jail or penitentiary of the federal government,” Ellis said. “Spend a week there.”

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MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

WORLD NEWS

Cardinal Pell sent to prison for abusing 2 boys in Australia

The most senior Catholic convicted you in this trial, you are not convicted of child sex abuse was to be made a scapegoat for any failings sentenced Wednesday to six years in or perceived failings of the Catholic prison for molesting two choirboys in an Church,” Kidd said.

Australian cathedral in a crime the judge But the judge also said that Pell said showed “staggering arrogance.” had abused his position of power and

Cardinal George Pell must serve had shown no remorse for his crimes. a minimum of 3 years and 8 months Kidd described the assaults as egregious, before he is eligible for parole, according degrading and humiliating to the victims. to the judge’s order. The five convictions Pell showed no emotion during against Pell carried a maximum possible the hourlong hearing and barely moved sentence of 10 years each. throughout. He stood silently with his

“In my view, your conduct was hands behind his back as the judge read permeated by staggering arrogance,” his sentence. Pell signed documents that Victoria state County Court Chief Judge registered him for life as a serious sexual Peter Kidd said in handing down the offender before he was led from the dock sentence. by four prison officers.

Pope Francis’ former finance In a statement, one of Pell’s minister was convicted by a unanimous victims called the judge’s sentence jury verdict in December of orally raping “meticulous and considered.” a 13-year-old choirboy and indecently “It is hard for me to allow myself dealing with the boy and the boy’s to feel the gravity of this moment, the 13-year-old friend in the late 1990s, moment when the sentence is handed months after Pell became archbishop of down, the moment when justice is Melbourne. A court order had suppressed done,” the man said in a statement media reporting the news until last read outside court by one of his lawyers, month.

Vivian Waller. “It is hard for me, for

The 77-year-old denies the time being, to take comfort in this the allegations and will appeal his outcome. I appreciate that the court has convictions in the Victoria Court of acknowledged what was inflicted upon Appeal on June 5. It was not immediately me as a child. However, there is no rest clear if he will also appeal the sentence. for me. Everything is overshadowed by

For the first time in Pell’s many the forthcoming appeal.” court appearances since he returned to The father of one of Pell’s Australia from the Vatican to face abuse victims who died of a heroin overdose in charges, Pell wore an open-necked shirt 2014 at the age of 31 paid tribute to his without a cleric’s collar. He was also not son’s childhood friend for speaking out. wearing a cardinal’s gold ring, which “I commend the young fellow might reflect strict rules on jewelry in who has come forward,” the father said. the state penal system.

“He kept it in for a long time and that

In explaining his sentencing would’ve been hell for him. Absolute decision, the judge said Pell had led an hell.” “otherwise blameless life.” Kidd said he The father said he was “really believed given Pell’s age and lack of any appreciative and thankful that he did other criminal record, the cardinal posed come forward.” no risk of re-offending.

“I want to give him a hug. He

The judge also took pains to was a fabulous little kid. He’s a fabulous note that he was sentencing Pell for the man now,” the father said. offenses on which the cardinal had been convicted — and not for the sins of the The father also described the sentence as Catholic Church. “a disappointment.”

“As I directed the jury who

The father is considering suing Pell and the church over the abuse.

Australian law prohibits the publication of sex crime victims’ identities, so the father also cannot be identified.

Abuse victims’ groups also expressed disappointment that the punishment was not harsher.

The sentence “makes a mockery of the concept of true accountability and is not a sentence commensurate with the crimes committed and the harm reaped,” Blue Knot Foundation president Cathy Kezelman said in a statement.

SNAP, a U.S. support group for victim of clergy abuse, described the sentences as “comparatively light.”

“We hope that the sentence imposed on Cardinal George Pell will provide some measure of healing to the living survivor of his abuse and comfort and closure for the family of Pell’s non-surviving victim,” SNAP said in a statement.

The judge said Pell’s age was a significant factor in determining his sentence.

Pell suffers from hypertension that is exacerbated by stress and has a dual-chamber pacemaker, the judge said.

Pell used a cane to leave the court, after having both knees surgically replaced in December.

Pell’s sentencing comes on the sixth anniversary of Francis’ election as pope. Pell was in the conclave that elected him and remains eligible for any potential future conclave until age 80 or unless he is removed.

Asked by a reporter outside court after the sentencing whether the case against Pell amounted to a witch hunt, his lawyer Robert Richter gave a rueful smile.

“No comment — you be the judge,” Richter replied.

After centuries of impunity, cardinals from Australia to Chile and points in between are facing justice in both the Vatican and government courts for their own sexual misdeeds or

Cardinal George Pell, the most senior Catholic cleric to face sex charges, departs an Australian court for having shielded abusers under their watch.

Last week, France’s senior Catholic cleric, Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, was convicted of failing to report a known pedophile priest to police. Barbarin was given a six-month suspended sentence.

Pope Francis last month defrocked the onetime leader of the American church after an internal investigation determined Cardinal Theodore McCarrick sexually molested children and adult men. It was the first time a cardinal had been defrocked over the child abuse scandal.

The surviving victim made a statement against Pell in 2015 — a year after the other victim’s death — to a police task force set up to investigate allegations that arose from a state parliamentary inquiry into handling of child abuse by religious and other nongovernment organizations. The task force also investigates allegations made to a similar national inquiry, called the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Pell gave evidence by video link from Rome to the royal commission, the nations’ highest level of inquiry, in 2016 about his time as a church leader in Melbourne and in his hometown of Ballarat.

The four-year royal commission found in its 2017 report that the Melbourne Archdiocese had ignored or covered up allegations of child abuse by seven priests in a bid to protect the church’s reputation and avoid scandal.

Hundreds surrender as Islamic State nears defeat in last enclave

Islamic State faced imminent defeat in its final enclave on Tuesday as hundreds of jihadist fighters and their families surrendered and the U.S.backed Syrian Democratic Forces said the battle was as good as over.

A Reuters journalist in Baghouz saw hundreds of people surrendering to the SDF, which launched its final attack to capture Baghouz on Sunday, backed

by U.S.-led international coalition air strikes after weeks of siege.

The enclave is the last shred of territory held by the jihadists who have been driven from roughly one third of Iraq and Syria over the past four years.

The ferocious assault continued late on Tuesday. Live footage broadcast by the Kurdish Ronahi TV showed a series of large explosions lighting up the night sky over Baghouz, apparently from an ammunitions dump blowing up.

Smoke billowed past burning buildings, lit orange by flares and raging fires, as tracer fire poured into the enclave amid the sound of constant shooting and blasts.

SDF official Mustafa Bali said on Twitter on Tuesday that the number of Islamic State members who had

Islamic state fighters and their families walk as they surrendered in the village of Baghouz, Deir Al Zor province, Syria March 12, 2019 surrendered has risen to 3,000.

“Once our forces confirm that everyone who wants to surrender has done so ... the clashes will resume,” he said, adding that the jihadists’ defeat was very near.

The coalition said in an email earlier on Tuesday there were an estimated “few hundred” foreign Islamic State fighters remaining in Baghouz who had decided to fight to the end.

The Baghouz enclave had been pounded on Monday with barrages of rockets, but the situation calmed on Tuesday morning before the intense bombardment resumed.

“The operation is over, or as good as over, but requires a little more time to be completed practically on the ground,” SDF spokesman Kino Gabriel told al-Hadath TV.

The SDF has laid siege to Baghouz for weeks but has repeatedly postponed its final assault to allow thousands of civilians, many of them wives and children of Islamic State fighters, to leave. It resumed the attack on Sunday.

Gabriel said 25 Islamic State fighters had been confirmed killed so far in clashes, in addition to an unknown number of militants killed by air strikes.

Another SDF official said earlier 38 jihadists had been confirmed killed.

The SDF, which is spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG militia, has been advancing slowly into Baghouz to minimize its losses from sniper fire and landmines.

Three SDF fighters have been killed, Bali said on Twitter.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Allred: Tape appears to show R. Kelly sexually abusing girls

A man who said he was cleaning old VHS tapes in his Pennsylvania home out an old videotape collection found recently when he found the footage, on what he thought was a recording of R&B a tape that was labeled with Kelly’s name. singer R. Kelly in concert, but instead Dennis said he has never met Kelly and turned out to show a man who appeared doesn’t know how the tape came to be to be Kelly sexually abusing girls, he and in his possession. He said that because his attorney said Sunday. the tape also has a sports game on it, he

The man then turned the tape believes it may have come from a friend. over to law enforcement, according “To my shock and surprise, R. to attorney Gloria Allred. She and her Kelly appeared to be on the tape, but client, Gary Dennis, would not discuss not in concert,” Dennis said. “Instead he the specifics of the tape during a news was sexually abusing underaged Africanconference in New York. But Allred said American girls.” it appears to show a separate incident “I was disgusted and horrified from the 10 counts of aggravated sexual when I saw that,” Dennis said. abuse that Kelly faces in Chicago, though Allred said they assume the girls she acknowledged she could not be “100 in the video were underage because they percent certain” that the man in the tape didn’t appear to have developed. is Kelly.

The charges Kelly faces in

Steve Greenberg, an attorney for Chicago are in connection to three girls Kelly, noted that lack of certainty. and one woman. Prosecutors have said

“The doubt here is self-evident, they have video of Kelly sexually abusing with reporting that the man on the one of the girls. tape kinda, sorta looks like R. Kelly,” Kelly has been trailed for decades Greenberg said Sunday in an email. by allegations that he victimized women “That doesn’t make it him. It is not him.” and girls, and he was acquitted of child

The lawyer also said Kelly pornography charges in 2008 related “denies that he is on any tape with to a tape that prosecutors said showed underaged girls.” him having sex with a girl as young as

“It is obviously now just open 13. He and his attorneys have repeatedly season on R. Kelly,” Greenberg said. denied allegations of sexual misconduct,

Dennis, an assistant at a nursing and he has pleaded not guilty to the home, said he was cleaning out a box of charges filed last month in Chicago. In

Gary Dennis, seated with Lawyer Gloria Allred, speaks during a press conference announcing a video tape said to present further evidence of wrongdoing by recording artist R. Kelly Sunday, March 10, 2019, in New York an interview that aired Wednesday and Thursday on “CBS This Morning,” Kelly pleaded with viewers to believe that he never had sex with anyone under age 17 and never held anyone against their will.

Allred, who represents women who say they were abused by Kelly, said the tape from Dennis was turned over to law enforcement in the federal Eastern District of New York. She didn’t say why it went to that venue. A representative

for the office declined to comment.

Allred encouraged anyone who was in possession of similar tapes to come forward, either to her or to law enforcement. hicago police spokesman referred questions about Allred’s news conference to the prosecutors handling the case.

That office did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Chance the Rapper marries Beyonce, Jay-Z to be honored longtime girlfriend at GLAAD Media Awards

Chance the Rapper tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend in a starstudded ceremony.

The Chicago-based rapper posted several photos of him and Kirsten Corley on his Instagram and Twitter accounts on Monday. He captioned his photos with him sporting a white tuxedo with black pants and her wearing a strapless white dress writing “The Bennetts.”

Reports say the couple married in Newport Beach, California on Saturday.

The 25-year-old rapper, whose real name is Chancelor Jonathan Bennett, shared another photo of him with Kanye West, Dave Chappelle and Kirk Franklin.

Last week, Chance the Rapper posted a story on social media of how he met Corley when he was 9-years-old at his mother’s office party. He called their marriage “destiny.”

Chance the Rapper, right, and Kirsten Corley

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are engaged

Jennifer Lopez said yes to Alex Rodriguez’s proposal, and with the rock he presented, who could say no?

The couple posted an Instagram photo of their hands with a massive engagement ring on Lopez’s ring finger. The former Yankees shortstop captioned his photo with “she said yes” and a heart emoji.

The couple has been dating since early 2017 and later that year landed on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine with their celebrity couple nickname, J-Rod.

In January, Rodriguez told The Associated Press that he and Lopez had similar backgrounds and her latest film “Second Act” reflected the ties that drew them together.

“It really resembles a lot of the arc that Jennifer and I lived in our life: Both born in New York, both come from immigrant parents, both have two children, both Latino Americano —

Alex Rodriguez, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles her from Puerto Rico, me from Dominican Republic. We’ve been through our ups and downs, but here we are in our 40s and trying to live the best lives possible and, at the same time, give back and pay it forward,” Rodriguez said.

It will be Lopez’s fourth marriage and Rodriguez’s second.

Each has two children from previous marriages.

Beyonce and Jay-Z perform during a Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton campaign rally in Cleveland

Beyonce and Jay-Z are getting a large gay fanbase, is being recognized recognized for achievements outside for speaking out about marriage of music: The power couple will be equality nationwide; for including honored at the GLAAD Media Awards members of the LBGTQ community in for accelerating LGBTQ acceptance. her music videos; and for dedicating

GLAAD announced Monday one of her performances to the victims that the Carters will receive its and survivors of the Orlando Pulse Vanguard Award at its 30th annual nightclub shooting. awards on March 28 at the Beverly Jay-Z received the GLAAD Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Special Recognition Award last year for The award, previously given to Cher, his song and video for “Smile,” which Janet Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and featured his mother Gloria Carter, who Antonio Banderas, honors “allies who is a lesbian. GLAAD said the rap icon is have made a significant difference being honored because of his inclusion in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ of LGBTQ artists in his work, from Janet Mock to James Baldwin, and for people,” GLAAD said.

GLAAD said Beyonce, who has his support of marriage equality.

Tamron Hall gets a new talk show, announces baby news

Tamron Hall is having a baby and getting her own talk show.

The former NBC “Today” show anchor and host tweeted Monday that she’s pregnant. She wrote that she was “in a safe place at 32 weeks” to share her joy.

Hall writes that she and husband Steven “are beyond excited.”

Walt Disney Direct-to-

Consumer and International announced that the 48-year-old’s syndicated talk show “Tamron Hall” will premiere Sept. 9.

Executive producer Bill Geddie says Hall has the experience to “talk and listen to all sides and bring folks together.”

Hall tweeted “when one door closes...another one opens.”

Hall left NBC and MSNBC in 2017.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY Spotify files antitrust complaint to EU against Apple

Swedish music site Spotify has complained to European Union regulators about Apple for allegedly abusing its dominant position in music streaming and stifling competition.

Spotify founder Daniel Ek said Wednesday that the company has filed a formal antitrust complaint with the executive European Commission against Apple — a move that adds to the debate about how to rein in the power of big-tech.

Writing in a blog post , Ek said Apple is acting “as both a player and referee to deliberately disadvantage other app developers” by bringing in new rules to its App Store that intentionally limit choice and constrain innovation.

The company takes issue with how Apple acts as a gatekeeper to the internet by controlling important platforms such as its iOS mobile operating system and the App Store, while also competing against services like Spotify with its Apple Music service.

Apple’s media team in Britain did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The European Commission said it has received Spotify’s complaint, which it is assessing under its “standard procedures.”

Spotify’s beef with Apple centers on a 30 percent tax it and other digital services have to pay whenever they use Apple’s “in-app” payment system to process user purchases such as upgrading subscriptions.

The charge makes Spotify’s premium membership more expensive than Apple Music, so the company said it refuses to use the system. But if it shuns Apple’s payment system, Spotify alleges that Apple blocks app upgrades or stops it from working with Apple services like Siri assistant.

U.S. tech giants have already come under intense scrutiny from EU authorities for their behavior. Apple was ordered in 2016 to repay $15 billion in taxes to Ireland by EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who has also slapped Google with multibillion-dollar antitrust fines.

Spotify and German rival Deezer were among European tech industry players that issued a joint letter last year calling on EU ministers to get tougher on unfair business practices by U.S. tech giants.

Archaro Harvey Seeks to employ a Labourer At a salary of $250.00 To work 5 day per week Successful applicants are required to maintain the property by cleaning mooring the lawn and cutting trees keeping the yard in a pristine condition Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders are required to submit their applications to the immigration board zone 1 and Archaro at Tel no. 347-9990 Please note that this position is a new one

Trump defends ‘Tim Apple’ comment, says he was saving time

President Donald Trump says he didn’t slip up when he referred to Apple CEO Tim Cook as “Tim Apple” at a White House meeting.

Trump tweeted Monday: “I quickly referred to Tim + Apple as Tim/Apple as an easy way to save time & words. The Fake News was disparagingly all over this, & it became yet another bad Trump story!”

Trump made the comment last week. After the session, Cook altered his Twitter profile, replacing his last name with the Apple logo.

At a dinner for Republican National Committee donors at his Florida club Friday, Trump complained that his “Tim Apple” flub was “fake news,” said a person who heard them and spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Trump’s remarks.

Trump’s complaint was first reported President Donald Trump talks to Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook during the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board’s first meeting in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington

by Axios.

Facebook’s messaging ambitions amount to much more than chat

Facebook, already the leader in enabling you to share photos, videos and links, now wants to be a force in messaging, commerce, payments and just about everything else you do online.

The company’s ambitions harken to how WeChat has become the centerpiece of digital life in China, where people use it to order movie tickets, subway passes, food delivery and rides. If Facebook succeeds in turning its own messaging services into a platform for everything, it could ultimately threaten established services such as Snapchat, Yelp, Venmo, eBay and even Apple and Amazon.

“It’s clear that Facebook does have very broad ambitions here,” said Bob O’Donnell, president and chief analyst at Technalysis Research. “Their goal is to be the WeChat of everywhere but China.”

But Facebook faces numerous hurdles. A key one is restoring user trust, following a string of privacy failures that includes the sharing of personal information from as many as 87 million users with a consulting firm affiliated with Donald Trump’s campaign.

And any change may cause users to rethink their relationship with Facebook.

“Facebook has a lot of momentum but it’s not completely invincible,” said Roger Kay, an analyst at Endpoint Technologies Associates.

“People came to Facebook for a particular thing.

Offer them a different thing, and they’re likely to re-evaluate whether they want to be there at all.”

After all, Friendster and Myspace came and went as Facebook grew. Yahoo and AltaVista moved over for Google.

And remember when AOL was popular, powerful and rich enough to buy the traditional media company Time Warner? Both AOL and Yahoo are now fading brands within Verizon.

New features of Messenger are displayed during the keynote address at the F8 Facebook Developer Conference in San Francisco After building an advertising-supported service that depends on vacuuming up data on your hobbies, interests and political views, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced last week that Facebook will now emphasize ways for small groups to communicate in a truly private fashion.

This involves scrambling all messages in WhatsApp, Instagram Direct and Messenger so that even Facebook itself can’t read them. Facebook will also let messages automatically disappear after a set amount of time, something rival Snapchat already does.

Facebook, Zuckerberg said, will “then build more ways for people to interact on top of that, including calls, video chats, groups, stories, businesses, payments, commerce, and ultimately a platform for many other kinds of private services.”

Facebook declined to further elaborate on its ambitions, and a spokeswoman reinforced that it is early in the process. But there are clues in what Chinese tech giant Tencent has already done with WeChat in China.

WeChat combines functions that are typically done by separate companies elsewhere — think of Facebook and its messaging services

combined with PayPal and Uber.

People use WeChat to buy goods in retail stores, split restaurant bills with friends, pay utility bills, donate to charities and hail rides from the Uber-like Didi Chuxing service.

Facebook already lets people send money to other individuals through Messenger in the U.S. and a few other countries and is testing payments through WhatsApp in India. The New York Times reported that Facebook is also developing its own digital currency to make it easier for users to send money to their messaging contacts.

Facebook didn’t offer many details on its digital currency endeavors, but said a “new small team” was looking for ways to make use of the type of technology powering bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies.

While the current payment options require linking Facebook to bank accounts or services such as PayPal, a digital currency could potentially work without them. That could appeal to users, especially in Asia and Africa, with limited access to banking services, said Avivah Litan, a Gartner analyst who specializes in security and payments.

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The Sands is now accepting applications/résumé for the following positions. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply: MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY & SKILLED POSITIONS SENIOR MAINTENANCE PROPERTY MANAGER •Maintain hotel guest rooms and public areas by performing routine maintenance jobs and repairs.

•Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on heating, cooling and ventilation systems.

•Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on plumbing systems, electrical systems and appliances.

•Maintain the hot tub by ensuring a safe chemical balance through frequent testing.

•Organize, implement and track all maintenance projects for guestrooms and public areas.

•Monitor and revise as needed, departmental health & safety tools including training programs, policies and practices.

•Ensure a safe work environment is maintained at all times and that all colleagues are committed to working safely.

•Partner with Front Office Manager to ensure safe guest evacuation during emergencies (i.e. Fire Alarm).

•Motivate, train and lead maintenance personnel by personal example with a philosophy of work conduct, enthusiasm and personal development that leads to maximum performance and job satisfaction.

•Effective scheduling, vacation planning and department productivity to budget.

•Effective and timely interaction with all Hotel & Restaurant departments and positively impact guest experience by effectively and efficiently resolving maintenance concerns.

•Effective and timely interaction with HR regarding payroll (i.e. set up new hires, etc).

•Occasional maintenance to staff residence as required.

•A positive contributor to the leadership team of the hotel.

Requirements •Prior Maintenance Management and/or supervisory experience within a operation equal in size and facilities.

•Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Proven ability to motivate and lead employees in a busy, high quality environment.

•Background in electrical and or plumbing are essential.

•Good English communication skills (both written & oral).

•Ability to respond quickly in a dynamic and changing environment. Ability to handle multiple requests in a fast-paced environment.

•Good training, coaching and mentoring skills are essential.

•Proven experience with budgets and payroll process is essential.

•Completion of high school and technical training required.

•Majority of work shift requires standing or walking 90% of the work day •Many tasks require sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, and/or positioning to accomplish tasks •Able to lift and carry up to 50+ lbs. is common and up to 150lbs with assistance •Reaching is required at all levels throughout the work period •Climbing of stairs is required and may require up to 50% of the time •Previous hotel maintenance experience preferred •Able to work efficiently under time constraints •Able to work independently and with others Salary start at $48,000.00 commensurate with qualifications and experience FRONT OFFICE MANAGER The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES •Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace to facilitate the communication process.

•Requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

•Must possess above average computational ability.

•Must have previously held position as AFOM in at least 2 other hotel or resort.

•Bachelor Degree or equivalent Hotel Lodging experience required.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

•Required certificate of successful completion of FOM AHLA Educational Institute Courseline.

•Experienced on PMS systems, and is MICROSOFT PC literate.

•Second language a plus.

•PMS Systems Manager knowledge and certification a plus.

•Must possess a high level of hospitality skills including highly effective body language.

•Has effective written and oral communication skills to communicate with guests, owners, VIP’s, employees, and senior management.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS/PREREQUISITES: Education Completion of High School or equivalent education.

Bachelor Degree or equivalent Hotel Lodging experience required.

Required certificate of successful completion of FOM AHLA Educational Institute Courseline.

Experience A minimum of 5-8 years previous front office management experience.

Must have been in the role and job title of Front Office Manager at least one time prior, and for at least 3 or more years at the same resort.

Grooming Must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance per The Sands at Grace Bay standards.

Physical Demands •Most work tasks are performed indoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems.

•Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 3 hours in length.

•Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis.

•Must be able to push and pull equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.

•Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space.

•Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill tasks.

•Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.

•Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and other employees.

•Vision occurs continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near vision and depth perception.

•Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR Responsibilities: •Ensures maximum compliance and efficiency in the performance of Housekeeping staff in guest rooms and surrounding areas •Carries out the policies and procedures of Housekeeping Departments Standard Operating •Offers assistance to guests and owners, initiates corrective action on complaints of cleanliness and service to guest rooms •Assists in and conducts monthly Housekeeping Inventories as required •Conducts routine guest room and common area inspections.

Provides inspections scores and retrains for success •Assists in and conducts staff scheduling and annual performance evaluations •Maintains inventory and stock controls •Ensure delivery of service excellence to all guests by monitoring staff performance and provides hands-on training and development •Evaluates and updates Executive Housekeeper on staff performance.

Makes recommendations for appropriate action in the areas of disciplinary and commendation •Maintains quality controls and assurance •Assists in overseeing Laundry Department as required in service, quality, inventory, inspection, scheduling and overall performance Requirements: •High school diploma •Must have supervised a minimum of 15 employees •Most work tasks are performed indoors and outdoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems •Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 3 hours in length •Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis •Must be able to push and pull carts and equipment weighing up to 200 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis •Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space •Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks •Must have minimum of 3 years supervisory experience in the Hotel/Resort and/or Hospitality Industry Turks Island citizen’s only need to apply in person to Kitchandra McDonald, Assistant Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Labour Department, or e-mail: careers@thesandstc.comcontact number 649-946-5199 ext. 30147.

Resumes/CV’s must be in by March 29th, 2019

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

•Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language (s) used in the workplace •Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process •Requires excellent communication and grammar skills, both orally and written to communicate well to guests and owners •Must possess basic math and computational ability •Must have basic computer skills in Hotel PMS, Word, Excel and Outlook •Must work weekends and holidays Qualification Standards/Prerequisites: Education High school or equivalent education required.

Experience Minimum of 3 years’ experience as Housekeeping Supervisor.

Licenses or Certificates Required Housekeeper Certification with American Hotel Lodging Institute Educational Courseline (AHLA) required.

Essential Functions 1.Maintain resort cleanliness standards, ensure orderly and attractive conditions on guest floors, and mop closets, maid’s carts, and public/common and employee areas.

2.Monitors and maintains a sanitary, healthy and safe environment for owners, guests, employees, suppliers and vendors.

3.Effective and professional written and oral communication skills.

4.Ensures the effective dissemination and follow-up of all work assignments, tasks, coordination of inter-department repairs/ maintenance/restoration.

5.Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace to facilitate the communication process. (This list is not limited or exhaustive of all functions, duties and expectations of the position.)

Salary start at $7.00 per hour RESERVATIONS / SALES AGENT Responsibilities: •Handle incoming reservations, utilize up selling and value-added techniques •Process advance deposits •Process all electronic and faxed requests •Perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy •Be able to prioritize and organize incoming and outgoing work flow •Be a clear thinker, remaining calm and resolving problems using good judgment •Follow directions thoroughly •Understand guest service and request needs •Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team •Work with minimal supervision •Maintain confidentiality of guest information and pertinent hotel data Requirements: •High school diploma •Must have experience in the Hotel/Resort and/or Hospitality Industry •Visual One/Opera experience is highly preferred •Must be able to type more than 40 words per minute •Strong Grammar, Reading and Writing Skills •Must have great Customer Service Skills and telephone etiquette •Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.

•Must possess basic computational ability (basic mathematics, word, excel, outlook) Salary start at $9.00 per hour ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE TECHINICAN Responsibilities: •Installs and repairs electrical systems, apparatus, and electrical and electronic components of industrial machinery and equipment, following electrical code, manuals, schematic diagrams, blueprints, and other specifications, using hand tools, power tools, and electrical and electronic test equipment: Installs power supply wiring and conduit for newly installed machines and equipment, such as conveyors, and programmable controllers, following electrical code and blueprints, using hand tools and voltage tester.

•Connects power supply wires to machines and equipment, and connects cables and wires between machines and equipment,

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following manuals, schematic diagrams, and blueprints, using hand tools and test equipment.

•Diagnoses malfunctioning apparatus, such as transformers, motors, and lighting fixtures, using test equipment, and replaces damaged or broken wires and cables, using hand tools.

•Tests malfunctioning machinery, using test equipment, and discusses malfunction with maintenance manager, such as machine repairer, maintenance and tool maker to diagnose malfunction.

•Replaces faulty electrical components of machine, such as relays, switches, and motors, and positions sensing devices, using hand tools.

•Diagnoses and repairs or replaces faulty electronic components, such as printed circuit boards.

•May diagnose and replace faulty mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic components of machines and equipment.

•Required to hold proof of electrician’s license and certification.

•Perform equipment repairs such as Circuit-Breaker Mechanic; Electrician, Rectifier Maintenance; Time Clock Repairer; Machine Shop; Electrician.

•May be designated: Watch Electrician; Wirer, Maintenance.

Written and Verbal Communication Skills: Maintenance Electricians call upon their written communication skills to document tests and repairs in each machine’s maintenance log. They call upon their verbal communication skills to coordinate with their coworkers and delegate tasks to other maintenance staff.

Competency with Power Hand Tools: Using power hand tools is a big part of the repair process for Maintenance Electricians. They must be able to use drills, saws, solders and related tools safely and efficiently.

•Must be able to work well with all members of the Engineering Department and all other members of the Hotel Staff. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with others, and listen and respond appropriately to the concerns of other employees.

•Must promote a cordial and caring attitude toward all other department heads.

•Highly motivated self-starter.

•Experience in all phases of mechanical/electrical systems.

•Appropriate technical schooling would be helpful.

•Ability to communicate with hotel guests. Welcome and acknowledge all guests according to company standards, anticipate and address guests’ service needs, assist individuals with disabilities, and thank guests with genuine appreciation.

•Follow all company and safety and security policies and procedures; •Report any maintenance problems, safety hazards, accidents, or injuries; complete safety training and certifications; and properly store flammable materials.

Education •High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience •Must have minimum of 3 years electrician and/or apprenticeship experience working on electrical, painting, plumbing, carpentry and A/C repairs. Proven problem-solving skills Licenses or Certificates •Must have relevant electrician certifications, required licenses, and/ or electrical permits.

•Familiar with the local and US electrical codes.

Grooming •All employees must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance per The Sands at Grace Bay employee handbook standards.

Salary starts at $7.75 per hour LINE POSITIONS HOUSEKEEPING ROOM ATTENDANT* HOUSEMAN* LABOURER* GROUNDSMEN* COMMON AREA ATTENDANT BEACH SECURITY SECURITY OFFICERPART TIME PURCHASING ADMINPART TIME HR ADMIN ASSISTANT PBX OPERATOR FRONT DESK AGENTS

COMMON AREA SUPERVISOR

Positions marked by asterisks are currently held by work permit persons. For the above line staff positions, Caribbean resort experience is an asset but not a requirement. Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude, must be willing to work holidays and weekends as standard in the hospitality industry. Salary will commensurate with experience.

Turks Island citizen’s only need to apply in person to Kitchandra McDonald, Assistant Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Labour Department, or e-mail: careers@thesandstc.comcontact number 649946-5199 ext. 30147. Resumes/CV’s must be in by March 29th, 2019

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

We hire smiles!!!

The Resort holds monthly job fairs to find Team Members; we hire the personality and train the individual.

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, is inviting applications from Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions.

Applicants be able to obtain a favorable reference check, must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends (Saturday and Sunday). The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that applicants will be contacted for an interview via Text Message only.

Please forward your resumes by Friday March 22nd 2019 to secure an interview date and time.

Feel free to drop your resumes in our secure resume drop-box at the Service Gate, or email it to mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com, or fax to 649 946 4870.

There are vacancies from Entry Level to Management positions: Below are some of the openings in our departments (this inviting Turks and Caicos Islanders applicants: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

list is not exhaustive)

and we are

Accounts (Accountant, Clerk etc.)

Bars (Beach and Pool Server, Bar Porter, Bartender etc.)

Concierge (Agent, Junior Concierge etc.)

Cost Control & Stores (Porter, Clerk etc.)

Dining Room (Server, Supervisor, Restaurant Manager etc.)

Engineering (Certified skilled technical persons, AC Technicians.)

Entertainment (Dancer, Singer, Musician, Animator, AV Technician etc.)

Front Office (Agent, Bellman etc.)

Grounds (Grounds man) Housekeeping (Houseman, Room Attendant, Linen Room Attendant, Supervisor etc.)

Human Resources (Human Resources Coordinator, Administrator) Kids Kamp (Attendant/ Counselor *must have early childhood education certificate) Kitchen (Cooks Grade 1, 2 and 3) Laundry (Attendant, Shift-leader, Supervisor) Photoshop (Photographer) Projects (Construction Supervisor,) Sales (Junior Sales Executive) Security (Officer, Supervisor) Spa (receptionist) Stewarding (Steward, Supervisor) Travel and Loyalty(Travel and Loyalty Consultant[returning guests bookings]) Watersports (Towel Runner, Waterpark, Beach and Pool Attendant, Dive Instructor etc. ) Weddings (Wedding Planner) Applicants will be contacted via text only to confirm your interview Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn or dropped off in the “Resume Box” at the Service Gate Or Employment Services- Labour Department and should reach not later than March 22nd 2019.

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

LOCAL SPORTS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 45

TCIFA Welcomes New Technical Director

The Turks and Caicos Islands Omar Edwards (former Head Coach of Football Association (TCIFA) is pleased Jamaica’s Tivoli Gardens Football Club) to welcome our newly appointed and Mr. Aaron Lawrence (former Head Technical Director, Mr. Andrew Edwards. coach of Jamaica’s Sandals South Coast

Edwards brings with him Football Club). plethora Football expertise, gained Having qualifications through on the field and off, as he takes on his FIFA’s Advance Levels 1 & 2, a Hungarian new role of overseeing all of the TCIFA Coaching License, a pending Concacaf National Teamsfrom the Grassroots to “B” Coaching License, as well as playing the Senior Teams. a significant role as Assistant Head

Edwards has served with Coach for the Jamaican Boys Under 17 distinction, as the former Jamaican National Team, during the 2011 FIFA Under 17 and Under 20 Men’s Under 17 World Cup in Mexico, Omar National Team Coach, as well as a top Edwards will be coming to the TCIFA ranked Coaching Educator for the in the capacity of Head Coach for the Jamaican Football Federation and for Academy Jaguars Football Club and our regional Football Governing Body, will also work within the TCIFA’s Youth the Confederation of North Central Programme with a particular focus on and Caribbean Association Football the development and progress of the (Concacaf).

Under 15 Boys. Additionally, Omar

In joining us at the TCIFA, Edwards will act as Head Coach for Edwards fortifies the TCIFA with a wealth the Men’s National Team for both the of knowledge and experience. Having upcoming International Friendly Game certifications from several Jamaican and against the Bahamas on March 16, 2019, international federations and holding and the final Nations League Qualifier licenses from Concacaf, UEFA, USSF, & against the British Virgin Islands on JFF, as well as, a Jamaican Youth License, March 21, 2019. a Professional Development Certificate As the new National Goalkeeper from NSCAA, coaching certificates Coach, Aaron Lawrence brings with him from both Brazil and Italy, and a post- certification through FIFA’s Advance graduate diploma in Sports Science and Levels 1 & 2, a pending Concacaf “B” an “A” License Equivalent from the Coaching License, and coaching badges University of Leipzig (Germany), Mr. earned in Spain from world-renowned Edwards aims to build a program that and multiple Champions League Club, significantly impacts and strengthens Real Madrid. Mr. Lawrence’s playing the development of Football in the days include: representing the Jamaican TCI. Joining him in this endeavor is Mr. National Team at the FIFA 1998 World

Andrew Edwards

Andrew Edwards Orange Shirt Cup in France, where he was the starting goalkeeper in the Reggae Boyz 2-1 victory over Japan.

Together, Mr. Andrew Edwards, Mr. Omar Edwards, and Mr. Aaron Lawrence, along with our Director of Women’s Football, Yunelsis RodriguezBaez, will be spearheading the TCIFA’s youth programs and senior teams, laying the groundwork to elevate the development of all the players within the various programs in the

TCIFA. With the ever-present goal of growing the sport and increasing the quantity, technical and tactical ability of our players and with the long-term objective of being more competitive in the international arena, this formidable team along with the TCIFA Youth Coach, Olivia Graveley and our Development Officers and Volunteers, will collectively work to promote the TCIFA as a strong and technically effective Football Association. Ensuring that the TCIFA has a solid foundation for future successes and helping to develop a football philosophy and culture throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For more information, please contact TCIFA Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Candia Ewing, at 941-5532 or cewingtcifa@ gmail.com

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WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SPORTS

NBA fines Westbrook $25,000 for language; Jazz ban fan

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

MMA fighter McGregor arrested in Florida after fan’s phone smashed

The NBA has fined Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook $25,000 for the language he directed toward a fan in Utah.

Meanwhile, the Jazz have banned the fan from all events at their arena permanently and effective immediately.

Westbrook says the fan made racial comments toward him during the Jazz-Thunder game on Monday night. The NBA and the Jazz both investigated the matter and released decisions Tuesday afternoon. Westbrook was fined for using both profanity and threatening language, which he did from the sideline.

The Jazz say that the fan was banned for “excessive and derogatory verbal abuse” during the game.

MMA fighter Conor McGregor

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates after a teammate scores against the Utah Jazz in the second half during an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 11, 2019, in Salt Lake City

Bad day for No. 1s: Djokovic, Osaka upset at Indian Wells

It was a tough day for seeded players at the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday, with Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka, the world’s topranked players, ushered out in the desert.

Djokovic and Philipp Kohlschreiber resumed their thirdround match that was suspended because of rain a night earlier. The unseeded German knocked off the five-time tournament champion 6-4, 6-4.

Osaka lost to Belinda Bencic 6-3, 6-1 in just over an hour in the fourth round of the first title defense of her career.

“She sort of came out there really aggressive,” Osaka said. “She sort of knew what she wanted to do more than me.”

Since Osaka won the title at Indian Wells a year ago, she won the U.S and Australian Opens. Her triumph in Australia made her No. 1 for the first time, but her time at the top has been rocky. Osaka fired her coach and lost in the first round in Dubai before taking on a new coach, Jermaine Jenkins, who came on court during the match.

“It’s always a bit tricky whenever you change someone in the team, but I feel like for a first tournament we did really well,” Osaka said. “We communicate well, so I think that’s a really big plus. I don’t think it’s going to be difficult.”

On Tuesday, the 23rdranked Bencic served and returned better.

The bottom half of the men’s draw still includes No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal and fourth-seeded Roger Federer, both of whom breezed to victory.

Nadal eased by 25thseeded Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-1, while Federer defeated Swiss countryman Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 6-4.

“Overall it’s not been easy playing Stan,” Federer said. “He feels the same way, so that’s very

awkward sometimes.”

Djokovic owned an 8-1 record against Kohlschreiber, who beat a No. 1 player for the first time.

Kohlschreiber liked the weather — sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s — much better than the cold and rain on Tuesday night.

“I liked my chances more at night against Kohlschreiber, but it wasn’t to be last night,” Djokovic said.

“Completely different conditions today. I congratulate him for playing tactically really well and getting me out of my comfort zone. He deserved to win.”

The 35-year-old German started thinking he had a chance early in the first set when he survived a handful of break points on his serve.

“I would say after 3-all in the first set I felt like getting closer to the set, holding my service games, which is not easy against Novak, because he’s such a great returner,” Kohlschreiber said. “I know from that point on it’s going to be a very interesting match.”

Djokovic was just 1 for 5 on break-point opportunities.

Kohlschreiber converted three of his four chances.

Next up for Kohlschreiber is Gael Monfils, who owns a 13-2 record against the German.

Djokovic remains alive in doubles with partner Fabio Fognini.

Djokovic returned about an hour after his loss for their match.

“When I hit a good return, I was wondering why this didn’t happen in singles,” he said.

Also ousted were No. 6 Kei Nishikori, No. 10 Marin Cilic and No. 14 Daniil Medvedev.

In women’s fourth-round matches, No. 2 Simona Halep lost to Marketa Vondrousova 6-2, 3-6, 6-2; and No. 7 Kiki Bertens was beaten by 20th-seeded Garbine Muguruza 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

Venus Williams reached the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-4

Conor McGregor was arrested in Miami Beach on Monday after a fan said the Irish mixed martial arts fighter smashed his phone and walked off with the shattered remains, police records show.

McGregor, 30, was booked into a correctional center on suspicion of robbery and criminal mischief, according to an arrest affidavit. The incident took place shortly after 5 a.m. (0900 GMT) on Monday.

McGregor was later released on a $125,000 bond, the Miami Herald reported.

Samuel Rabin Jr., a Miami-based attorney representing McGregor, said the fighter was involved in a “minor altercation involving a cellphone” and would cooperate fully with police, the Herald reported.

The arrest report, which did not identify McGregor by name, said “the victim attempted to take a picture of the defendant with his cell phone” outside a hotel.

“The defendant slapped the victim’s phone out of his hand, causing it to fall to the floor. The defendant then stomped on the victim’s phone several times, damaging it,” the report said, adding that the device was valued at $1,000.

McGregor was charged in April 2018 with three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief after police said he attacked a charter bus in New York carrying UFC fighters, .

He later pleaded guilty to a reduced disorderly conduct charge.

British Olympic team set to have more women than men

Naomi Osaka, of Japan, reacts after losing a point to Belinda Bencic, of Switzerland, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament Tuesday, March 12, 2019 in Indian Wells, Calif win over Mona Barthel.

“I haven’t played that much, so I wanted to make it count,” said Williams, who expects to play about 12 tournaments this year. “I need to do what I want, and what I want is to play the tournaments I want to play.”

Bianca Andreescu, an 18-year-old Canadian, beat 18thseeded Wang Qiang 7-5, 6-2.

Great Britain’s team for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is on course to contain more women than men for the first time, chief de mission Mark England has told the BBC.

The number of women in the British team could rise above 50 percent from 44 percent at Rio in 2016, he added.

“For the first time it looks like we might have more women than men in the Great Britain team for Tokyo as we see the fruition of some fabulous athletic talent,” the BBC quoted England as saying.

“We have seen some fantastic role models in multiple Olympic champions like Heather Stanning and Helen Glover, Jade Jones and Nicola Adams.

“Everybody also looks up to Jessica EnnisHill and they have clearly all had a great impact in terms of inspiring a new class of young female athletes which is now emerging.”

England also said Britain’s Olympic Committee was hopeful its athletes could match the medal haul from Rio, where they finished second on the table behind the United States with 27 gold, 23 silver and 17 bronze.

“We have tough shoes to fill from Rio,” he said.

“Typically, we don’t set medal targets but we are hugely confident that the investment by UK Sport... will make Team GB as successful as it was in Rio.”

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 47

WORLD SPORTS

NBA suspends Ibaka, Chriss over fight

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Marquese Chriss (3) and Toronto Raptors center Serge Ibaka (9) throw punches in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena

The NBA suspended Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka three games and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Marquese Chriss one game for their fight in Monday night’s game.

Both suspensions, announced Tuesday, are without pay.

The incident occurred with one second left in the third quarter of the Cavaliers’ 126-101 home win over the Raptors.

Ibaka and Chriss collided while going for a full-court pass near the Raptors’ basket. Chriss appeared to say something as Ibaka got up. Ibaka grabbed Chriss by the throat and punches were thrown by both players.

Ibaka’s longer suspension was based on his instigation of the altercation, throwing a punch at Chriss and his history of fighting during NBA games.

The suspension of Chriss was based on throwing a punch at Ibaka.

Chriss will serve his suspension Tuesday, when the Cavaliers visit the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ibaka’s suspension begins Thursday, when the Raptors host the Los Angeles Lakers.

Federer beats Tsitsipas in Dubai to claim 100th title

Roger Federer claimed the 100th ATP title of his career by beating 20-year-old Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 6-4 in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday.

The 20-times Grand Slam champion became the second man in the Open Era to win 100 titles, after American Jimmy Connors who won 109.

Swiss Federer also avenged his shock defeat

by Tsitsipas in the Australian Open fourth round in January and will climb to number four in the rankings on Monday.

“I’m delighted. It’s great to win my eighth here in Dubai and in combination with my 100th singles title,” Federer said.

“Tough conditions and tough opponents. To win in Marseille (last Sunday) and then come here was difficult for Stefanos.”

Federer, who had been stuck on 99 titles since triumphing at his hometown tournament in Basel in October, broke Tsitsipas in the first game of the match and saved two break points at 5-4 to claim the first set in 36 minutes.

Tsitsipas, who will break into the top 10 for the first time, held firm up to 4-4 in the second set before the 37-year-old Federer switched gear to seal the decisive break and close out the victory.

“I don’t know if Stefanos was born when I won my first title,” Federer joked following a tribute video that included his first title in Milan in 2001.

“It’s a privilege (to play against potential champions) because I’ll be watching them on TV. It was a treat to play Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. I’m sure Stefanos will have a wonderful career.

“Tennis is in good hands regardless of if I’m there or not.”

Federer has won at least one ATP trophy in nearly every season since his first title, missing out only in 2016 when he suffered a knee injury.

The Swiss won 24 of his 100 titles in consecutive finals from Oct. 2003 to Oct. 2005 and the magnitude of Federer’s achievement was not lost on Tsitsipas.

Astros pitcher Martes suspended for 80 games for drug test

Injured Houston Astros pitcher Francis Martes has been suspended for 80 games following a positive test for the banned performance-enhancing drug Clomiphene.

The anti-estrogen substance is used in fertility treatments and is employed by men to accelerate testosterone production. It is taken along with steroids to inhibit estrogen problems.

Houston says in a statement “we hope that Francis can learn from this experience and that he returns to have a successful career.”

A 23-year-old right-hander, Martes was considered the Astros’ top prospect entering 2017 and

made his major league debut that June. He was 5-2 with a 5.80 ERA in four starts and 28 relief appearances for the Astros, striking out 69 and walking 31 in 54 1/3 innings.

He made four starts last April for Triple-A Fresno, hurt his elbow, and made a one-inning injury rehabilitation appearance for the Gulf Coast Astros on Aug. 2. He had Tommy John surgery on Aug. 15 and was expected to miss most or all of this season.

Martes’ suspension, announced Tuesday, was the second this year under the major league drug program after Kansas City pitcher Eric Skoglund. Nine players have been suspended Houston Astros pitcher Francis Martes waits this year under the minor league to warm up before a baseball against the Los Angeles Angeles in Houston program.

Jets agree to sign RB Le’Veon Bell

Le’Veon Bell sat out a full season while considering where he’d make his next playmaking moves.

Well-rested, motivated and armed with a new contract, the star running back is joining Sam Darnold and the New York Jets.

Bell agreed to a deal early Wednesday morning, a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press. The decision ended months of speculation about where he’d resume his playing career after six years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because teams can’t officially announce signings until the start of the new league year Wednesday afternoon.

ESPN first reported the signing, and said the deal is for four years and $52.5 million — including $35 million guaranteed.

Bell, a former Michigan State star, also announced his decision on Twitter , saying: “I’m back in the green baby, let’s get it.”

Several teams were mentioned throughout the past few days as having interest in signing Bell, with the Jets consistently among them. Many football fans and reporters took to their computers to download the new album released at midnight by the running back — who goes by the stage name “Juice” — to glean any potential clues in his lyrics he might have included about his next football destination.

The news, however, came as many were in between tracks.

And, Bell was immediately a big-time hit among the Jets and their fans.

“Welcome my brutha @ LeVeonBell,” linebacker Avery Williamson tweeted.

“I’m in Miami brotha,” safety Jamal Adams tweeted at Bell.

“We going up tonight!!!”

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL divisional football AFC playoff game in Pittsburgh

The deal gives Darnold one-year, $14.4 million franchise and new coach Adam Gase a big- tender with the Steelers and made time playmaker, arguably the best himself ineligible to play. It was player at his position before Bell an unprecedented move as Bell opted to sit out all of last season — who received the franchise tag rather than sign a franchise tender in two straight years — skipped a with Pittsburgh. season in his prime to preserve his

The 27-year-old Bell is a long-term health and secure a big two-time AP All-Pro selection and payday. three-time Pro Bowl pick who Last month, Pittsburgh immediately upgrades the Jets’ decided to not place the transition backfield. tag on Bell. That cleared the

New York still has Isaiah running back to become an Crowell, Elijah McGuire and unrestricted free agent when the Trenton Cannon, but Crowell NFL’s new year begins Wednesday. is likely to be released after one And the Jets pounced on a season with the team. Bilal Powell, player they think can help Darnold the team’s fourth-round pick in take their offense to another level 2011, is a free agent and unlikely — despite the fact Bell hasn’t played to be back. since Pittsburgh’s playoff loss to

Bell has rushed for 5,336 Jacksonville on Jan. 14, 2018. That yards and 35 touchdowns, and has means it will be a span of 19 months 312 catches for 2,660 yards and in between game appearances by seven scores as one of the most the time the preseason begins in versatile and dangerous offensive August. players in the NFL. His 128.9 yards The Steelers drafted Bell from scrimmage per game over his with the 48th overall pick in 2013. career is the best mark in the NFL He combined with quarterback Ben since the 1970 merger.

Roethlisberger and wide receiver

Bell’s career reached a Antonio Brown to form Pittsburgh’s crossroads, however, last year “Killer B’s” on offense, a potent trio when he declined to sign his of game-breaking talents.

Send us your sports reports and photos to sun@suntci.com And we will publish them at no cost

Page 48

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 15TH, 2019 – MARCH 22ND, 2019

EXPERIENCE A DAY IN SOUTH CAICOS

Bask on quiet pristine beaches. Explore surrounding waters. Be treated to world-class service and amenities. Enjoy delicious beachside cuisine.

Experience out-island adventure, luxurious seclusion and natural beauty with a fully packaged day-trip to Sailrock Resort in South Caicos.

OUT-ISLAND DAY TRIPS TO SOUTH CAICOS $150.00 ++/person includes: Providenciales ground transportation to/from your resort/villa and PLS airport • InterCaribbean round trip flight (18 minutes each way) South Caicos ground transportation • Day pass to Sailrock Resort, including access to all resort amenities and complimentary watersports equipment

TO BOOK YOUR DAY TRIP CALL 649-946-3777 OR EMAIL DAYTRIP@SAILROCKRESORT.COM @SAILROCKRESORT

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SAILROCKRESORT

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