APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
VOLUME 15 - NO. 14
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Tel: (649) 348-6838
Fax: (649) 941-3281
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HIGH POWERED GUNS IN TCI by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
H
igh-powered weapons, including assault rifles such as AK-47s, Uzis, Tec-9s, Bushmaster AR15s and ARXs, are prevalent and easily-accessible in the Turks and Caicos Islands, investigations by The SUN have revealed. These weapons, some of which are far superior to the firearms used by members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, are allegedly being smuggled in along with ammunition from neighbouring countries such as Haiti, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and the USA. These smuggling schemes that are apparently so advanced and wellorganised that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is having challenges clamping down. In the recently-released 2019 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) from the US State Department, President Donald Trump identified The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica among the “major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries” in the world. Although Turks and Caicos Islands was not mentioned in that report, information reaching The SUN revealed that as illegal drugs pass through the TCI en route to The Bahamas and the USA, high-powered weapons are also included. “Any gun you can get in the (United) States you can get in Turks Islands,” a source told The SUN on condition of anonymity. “And when I tell you any gun, I mean any gun!” Last week, a video circulated on social media along with a report showing significant damage to a concrete wall of a house in Five Cays by what a resident claimed was a high-powered weapon. “Right now if there’s a shootout between the street and the police, trust me, the street will win hands down,” the source added. “Ni*gas ain’t playing when it comes to guns.” In recent times, in addition to the wooden sloops, high-speed boats
Two men charged with murder - Page 5
T
TCI Community College celebrates College Month
he Turks and Caicos Islands Community College was abuzz with activity at both campuses as staff and students engaged in a number of activities for “College Month” including Sports Day; Softball competitions; Inter Faculty Quiz sessions and Cross-country
events. The month focused around a recurring theme “I am TCICC” and throughout the month, visitors and residents alike were pictured in the customized frames also designed by students. Pictured from L-R- Mr. Keno Forbes,
have been used to smuggle illegal Haitians after which there was a chase of the into the Turks and Caicos Islands, an illegal vessel by the M/V Sea Guardian. indication that the smuggling operation is becoming more sophisticated. “I would like to say well done to my The SUN reached out to Marine Branch Officers who continue to Commissioner of Police James Smith for do their best to protect the waters of the a comment on the illegal/high-powered TCI while putting their lives at risk. We weapons situation, but there was no never know if these boats are carrying response up to the time of writing this weapons that could potentially harm us, report. or like what transpired today they can However, Smith alluded to potentially ram us. I am happy to report the possibility of illegal guns coming that the M/V Sea Guardian received in on these high-powered boats while minimal damages that will be repaired,” commenting on the latest interception Smith said. “We have illegal vessels of another high-powered boat with six entering with multiple engines, so they illegal Haitians off Northwest Point on can go faster and evade detection, but Thursday, April 11th, 2019. our marine assets are fully operational The white vessel powered by 24/7 and with the support of the Radar twin 200 HP outboard engines did not System we will intercept.” comply with requests by Marine Branch The white vessel was taken to the officers to surrender. A brief physical Marine Base where it was searched and interaction took place where the illegal nothing of interest was found, according vessel rammed the M/V Sea Guardian, to police.
Several new boards appointed - Page 5
Total ban on plastic bags from May 1st - Page 6
Chair of the TCI Community College Board, Mr. Samuel Forbes, Vice President of TCICC, Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale and Dr. John Mubenwafor, Academic Dean TCICC.(See page 24 & 25 for more photographs). Meantime, the INCSR report noted that Haiti remains a transit point for cocaine originating in South America and marijuana originating in Jamaica, traversing the country’s porous borders en route to the United States and other markets. This traffic takes advantage of Haiti’s severely under-patrolled maritime borders and its extensive land border with the Dominican Republic, it was stated. The State Department report also noted that Haitian and HaitianBahamian drug trafficking organizations, networked between Haiti and the significant Haitian diaspora in The Bahamas, continue to play a role in the movement of cocaine. It also stated that throughout 2018, traffickers continued to split up larger loads into smaller loads before entering the southern Bahamas. continued on page 2
Haitian man who killed female partner was ‘provoked’ - Page 13
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
LOCAL NEWS
HIGH POWERED GUNS IN TCI continued from page 1 The report also revealed that traffickers move cocaine through The Bahamas via “go-fast” boats, small commercial freighters, maritime shipping containers, and small aircraft,
and that they move cocaine from The Bahamas to Florida by blending in with legitimate traffic that transits these areas. Larger go-fast and sport fishing vessels transport marijuana from Jamaica
both to The Bahamas and through The Bahamas into Florida, the report added. The State Department reported that during the first 10 months of 2018, coordinated U.S.-Bahamian operations
in The Bahamas led to 203 arrests and the seizure of approximately 176 kg of cocaine, 5.66 metric tons of marijuana, $1.6million in currency and $43,400 in assets.
GOVERNMENT VACANCY JOB REFERENCE: JOB TITLE: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:
KHB9-01 EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR Office of the Premier and District Administration Providenciales $33,415.00 per annum
JOB SUMMARY: This senior administrative support position will provide an efficient and responsive administrative, organizational and logistical service to member of senior executive and/or Minister. JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB9-02 JOB TITLE: Aide De Camp DEPARTMENT: Office of The Premier and District Administration LOCATION: Grand Turk and Providenciales SALARY: $26,650.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The job holder is primarily responsible for assisting with the provision of transportation services and to the Honourable Premier and the First Family and the Acting Premier in performing their official duties. The position requires the incumbent to be a mature, responsible and accountable individual who will be expected to maintain high service standards and be very punctual. The incumbent must be able to pay keen attention to detail and be able to work flexible hours. The candidate must also be physically fit in order to carry out the assigned duties and responsibilities. APPLICATION DEADLINE: 25th April, 2019 We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.
Faith Baptist Church In Blue Hill, Millennium High, Providenciales Is seeking a Sound Engineer Salary is $7.00 an hour Duties: to produce a recording or a live performance, balancing and adjusting sound sources using equalization and audio effects, mixing, reproduction, and reinforcement of sound To work 5 days per week Please Contact: 332-3515or 341-3515 This position is new Applicants who are TCI Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Immigration Board
APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 5
LOCAL NEWS
Several new boards appointed A number of new statutory boards were appointed when Cabinet met on Wednesday, 10 April 2019, at the Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales.
Synkero Missick (Chair) (3 years), Mr George Garland (2 years), Mr Ashwood Forbes (3 years) and Mr Curtis Lightbourne as members of the Civil Aviation Authority Board of Directors.
Acting Governor Her Excellency, Mrs. Anya Williams, chaired the 10th meeting of the Cabinet at which all •Approved the appointment of Mr ministers were present except Deputy Andre Malcolm Snr. (Chair), Mr Premier Sean Astwood and Minister Thomas Duncan, Mr Willard H. for Health Edwin Astwood. Williams, Mr Clyde Ewing, Mr Max E. Garland and Mr Leonardo Glasgow At the meeting, Cabinet: as members of the Physical Planning Appeals Tribunal for 2019/20. •Approved the appointment of Mr Approved a proposal to enter into Jason Francis (Chair), Mr Charles Hall • (Deputy Chair), Mr E. Larvado Ewing, a lease agreement for the relocation Mr Karl Bain and Mr Derek Rolle as of the Library, Youth and Culture members of the Ports Authority Board Departments to Butterfield Square office complex in Providenciales for a for 2019/2020. period of three years. •Revoked the appointment of Mr Kendrick Walters as a member of the •Approved the appointment of Ms National Wealth Fund Board, at his Carolyn Lightbourne (Chair), Mr Eric Lightbourne, Mr Leo Selver, Mrs behest, owing to personal reasons. Marionette Hinds, Ms Requel Harvey, •Approved the appointment of Mr Mr Albert Capron, Mrs Melanie Smith, Andre Malcolm Jr. (Chair), Mr Conroy the Permanent Secretary Prison, Smith (Deputy Chair), Mr Godfrey Director Social Development and Been, Ms Radica Been, the Chief Prison Superintendent as members Executive and Permanent Secretary of Prison Visiting Committee for Finance as members of the Airport 2019/20. Authority Board for 2019/20. •Approved the appointment of Mr •Approved the appointment of Mr Ryan Walkin (Chair), Mrs Motis
Roberts, Ms Theresa Williams, Ms Carmella Been, Mr Oral Selver, the Permanent Secretary Prison and TCIG Senior Press Officer as members of the Radio Turks and Caicos Board for 2019/20.
Adelphine Pitter (Chair), Mr Corey Forbes (Deputy Chair), Ms Kimberly Cox, Mr Gordon Lightbourne, Ms Maisha Ewing, Ms Kendra Parker, Mr John Hilton and the Permanent Secretary as members of the Tourism Board.
•Approved the appointment of the Director Social Development or •Approved the appointment of Mr designate (Chair), Ms Judy Knowles Reuben Hall (Chair), Henry Leon (Education), Ms Betty Ann Been Wilson and Mr Terry Astwood as (Health), Principle Legislative Drafter members of the Gaming Control Ms Desiree Downes (AG Chambers), Commission Board for 2019/20. Permanent Secretary Social Development, Mrs Carolyn Dickenson • Approved the appointment of (Gender Affairs), Mrs Marjorie Bassett, Mr. Derry Handfield (Chair), Mr. Mr Wilbert Jennings and the Rev. Charley Garland (Deputy Chair), the Carol Musgrove as members of the Director of Planning, Director DECR, Adoption Committee for 2019/20. Director of Disaster (DDME), Mr Lewis W. Parker and Mr Kevin E. Harvey as •Approved the appointment of Mrs members of the Physical Planning Sharon Whittaker (Chair), Mrs Edith Board for 2019/20 and Mr Toriano Mesa and Mrs Jasmine Adams as Williams as secretary of the board. members of the Prison Categorization Board for 2019/20. •The Hon. Minister for Home Affairs provided an update on the Prison. • Approved the appointment of Mr Pedro Ariza (Chair), the Permanent • Approved revisions to the Revenue Secretary Communications, Mr Brook and Expenditure Estimates 2019-2020 Capron Jr., Ms Lacal Palmer, Mr and referral to the House of Assembly. Quinton Dean and Mr Roshawn Been as members of the Telecommunications •Noted steps being taken to bring Committee for 2019/20. the Credit Union Ordinance, its Regulations and Prudential Standards •Approved the appointment of Ms into effect on 1st June 2019.
Turks & Caicos International Film Festival set for Nov. 15 With a dual theme of Blue and Green, the inaugural Turks & Caicos International Film Festival (TCIFF) is scheduled to take place on Providenciales from November 15 to 17, 2019. A homegrown festival, the TCIFF, an exciting new festival honouring films focused on putting the spotlight on our environment, as well as celebrating a budding local film industry, will showcase cinematographic stories centred on oceans and the environment with international features, short films, documentaries, and workshops. “We want to celebrate the best of film making particularly focusing on oceans and the environment, but we also want to bring together film makers
from around the world to discuss how best to tell compelling stories about environmental change,” said TCIFF Festival Director Colin Burrows. The Festival has secured an exciting partnership in its first major sponsor, telecommunication provider Digicel TCI. “We are very excited to come on board as a sponsor of the TCIFF and play our part in the development of young filmmakers and bringing further awareness to ocean sustainability in TCI, where the health of our environment is so closely tied to the health of our nation,” Digicel Regional CEO Sinead O Marcaigh said about the companies support of the TCIFF. The official countdown to the
Two men charged in April 8th murder Police have charged two men on April 10th, 2019 for the shooting death of Obed Dupree on Monday, April 8th, 2019. The 24-year-old, Ellington “BJ” Been and 38-year-old Chabo Capron, appeared in court on Thursday, April 11th, 2019 and were remanded. Dupree was shot while walking along the Airport Road. He was taken to hospital via private car and later died.
event will be celebrated on May 1, 2019 with a visit from Digicel Ambassador Usain Bolt. “Our festival is bringing together people from all over the islands who share our love of film and passion for the oceans so I’m delighted that Usain Bolt is coming to celebrate the launch with us,” Burrows said on the announcement. “As the Chief Speed Officer for our partners at Digicel there’s no-one better to kick off our The Turks and Caicos International Film Festival is a not for profit organisation WWW.TCIFF. ORG plans for the November festival and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to the Turks and Caicos.” The three-day festival will
run several film strands screening at multiple locations, plus workshops and the Making Waves discussion program. A gala evening is to be hosted at The Shore Club on Long Bay. In addition, throughout 2019 the Festival will be working with local school children, teaching film-making skills that will encourage them to create short stories about conservation from their unique perspective. The Turks and Caicos International Film Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of the environment and showcasing local emerging talent. Find out more on the website: tciff.org or contact info@tciff. org.
Police investigate murder in Duck Yard Officers of The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating an incident that led to a murder early Thursday, April 11th, 2019. Police were dispatched to Duck Yard, Kew Town, shortly after 2:00 a.m. where they discovered the lifeless body of an unidentified male in bushes. A second male, also
unidentified was taken to hospital. Investigations are ongoing. An update will be provided soon. Meanwhile, if you have witnessed or have any information regarding this incident please contact the Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901 or 941-8082 or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.
Page 6
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
LOCAL NEWS
Total ban on plastic bags from May 1st, 2019 From April 15th 2019 persons will no longer be able to import single use plastic bags as defined by the ordinance entitled: Plastic and other Single Use Products (Use and Waste Management) Bill 2019.
problem that extends across our islands. Plastic does not dissolve; it breaks into tiny pieces and stays there for up to 1,000 years, contaminating soil, waterways and oceans and entering the food web when eaten by animals.
The total ban will come into effect and prohibited from being imported, used, sold and distributed in Turks and Caicos Islands on May 1st 2019, according to a press statement from Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson. Retailers and vendors are advised to use up remaining stock and seek alternative suppliers for their plastics bag alternative. The ordinance describes a single use plastic bag as “(l) all single use carry out plastic bags whether biodegradable or non-biodegradable, with handles, which are provided to consumers at the point of sale.”
2) The volume of trash in the islands is more than just an eyesore; it brings a myriad of environmental and public health issues. The pristine marine environment that surrounds TCI is threatened. The litter from the streets has both indirect and direct effects on the ecosystem. Marine organisms ingest toxins from the trash and these toxins make their way into the food chain, affecting multiple organisms.
1) Plastic bags are one of the most visible signs of the pollution
4) Plastics have a huge environmental cost, and this ban is one
3) Trash not only threatens the local eco-system, it can adversely affect the human population. Trash in the streets promotes disease and pestilence.
simple step we can take towards fixing it. The importation ban on all single-use groceries plastic bags will be applied to all importers operating in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Turks and Caicos Islands ban on importation of plastic bags takes effect April 15, 2019 and affects grocery and convenience stores, retailers, pharmacies, restaurants, liquor stores, seasonal and temporary businesses, jewelry and household goods stores. All businesses that provide a checkout bag to customers at the point of sale, must be compliant with this Policy. Banned plastic bags 1) All single use plastic bags used by retail establishment, restaurant or business that sells perishable or nonperishable goods including but not limited to clothing food, and personal items directly to the customer at the check stand, cash register point of sale or other point of department for
transporting food or merchandises out of the establishment, except as provided in this policy. Acceptable Bags: 1) Reusable bag or 2) recyclable paper bag 3) Recycled paper bag 4) Produce / vegetable bags (used in store for loose produce items) 5) Bags used by consumer to hold product to deliver such items to the point of sale or check-out area 6) Laundry or dry-cleaner bags 7) Newspaper bags 8) Bags used to contain or wrap frozen foods, meat or fish, whether prepackaged or not, to prevent or contain moisture Bags used to wrap hold or contain medical product, supplies or samples. The Government has reduced the customs import duties to 10% on select tariff codes to reflect the alternative.
Renewal of British Overseas Territories citizens Turks and Caicos Islands passport The Department of Registration and Citizenship within the Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services hereby advises the public of the importance of checking the validity of their passport books on a regular basis, whether they have immediate plans to travel, or not. On average, international travel requires a validity period of six months or more. Applications for the renewal of passports with less than six months remaining should be made as soon as possible and ahead of the upcoming high
travel season during the summer months. The public is also reminded that BOTC Turks and Caicos Islands passports cannot be extended and must be renewed in order to facilitate travel. Further, limited validity passports, otherwise known as emergency passports, are issued only in cases of extreme emergency and unforeseen and/or unavoidable official travel by public officers. Applications for limited validity passports
HS LTD.
HOUSEKEEPER
Responsibilities: The successful applicant will be responsible for the general cleaning of the company’s property performing such duties as dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, restroom cleaning etc. The applicant will also be responsible for any other duties assigned regarding general cleaning of the property. Requirements: The successful applicant must be able to work with little to no supervision, must have knowledge of proper cleaning techniques,must be able to speak, read and write in English and understand verbal and written instructions, should be physically fit, hardworking and reliable. Starting wages: $6.50 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) 9465126; Fax (649) 946-5191; Email: ronnie@habgroup. com Interested Belongers must also submit copies of their application to the Commissioner of Labour& Work Permit Board Zone 2. Position currently held by a work permit holder. Closing date for application is April 22, 2019.
must be accompanied by documentation substantiating the emergency or unforeseen and/ or unavoidable need for official travel, in addition to all other supporting documents required when otherwise applying for a full validity passport and the applicable fees. All applications for renewal or first time passport books can be made to the Customer Services Center located at Level 1, Sammy Been Plaza, Airport Road Providenciales or at Three Degrees Business Complex in Grand Turk.
PIONEER MANAGEMENT LTD. Pioneer Management Limited requires a full time certified Waste Water Technician: Applicant must have an industrial chemical engineering degree from a recognized university and have 5+ years field experience. Operator must have excellent experience for the following processes: Extended Aeration, SBR (sludge batch bioreactor systems), MBR (membrane bioreactor systems) and secondary reverse osmosis processes. Applicant must have excellent laboratory skills to include analysis such as sedimentation calculation, suspended solids calculation, dissolved oxygen content, bacterial analysis and identification, chemical oxygen demand and have computer skills to log and track trends for each analysis. Experience with flat sheet and spiral wound membrane systems is a must. Written English and Spanish are required to communicate with laboratories in South America. Salary of $300.00 per week commensurate with experience, training and education. Swing shift hours, weekends and holidays will be required. Please submit applications to: Veronica Rigby, Pioneer Management Ltd, P.O. Box 483, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tel: (649) 946-5126; Fax (649) 946-5191; Email: ronnie@habgroup.com. Interested Belongers must also submit copies of their application to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2. Position currently held by a work permit holder. Closing date for application is April 22, 2019.
APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 7
LOCAL NEWS
InterHealth Canada reviewing baby death at Cheshire Hall emergency room urgency when it came to a woman and her three-day-old baby boy who was reportedly bleeding from the mouth when they visited the Emergency Room of the Cheshire Hall Medical Center for treatment. Stubbs explained that the mother, who had given birth to the child on March 31, 2019 at the very same facility, was told to “wait” because staff members were changing shift. “Sunday March 31st a baby boy was born at the Cheshire Hall Hospital located in Providenciales. The mother Ediane and her baby were released from the hospital the very next day Monday April 1st. They went home and everything seems normal and ok; but early Wednesday morning April 3rd Ediane went to tend to her son and found him bleeding from the mouth so she quickly called her fiancé Moise and they went to the hospital. They arrived at the Emergency room and she was given a number and asked to wait in the waiting room. But after being there for quite some time and seeing nurses walk by, she decided to go back to the front desk to ask if there was anybody there who can help her, as this was a state
By Todeline Defralien InterHealth Canada says it is “conducting a review of the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate passing” of a three-day-old baby who died in the emergency room at the Cheshire Hall Hospital in Providenciales, on April 3rd, 2019. In a press statement, the hospital said “efforts were made to resuscitate the patient without success”. The matter has been referred to the coroner in accordance with standard procedure, the press release stated, adding that the baby was born at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and “discharged with no health complications”. The statement from Nikira John, the hospital’s public relations manager stated: “Due to patient confidentiality, no further information can be released. The hospital expressed their deepest thoughts and prayers with the grieving family who were comforted as best possible during the unfortunate ordeal.” The controversial story which was posted on Facebook by concerned citizen Deandrea Stubbs on Thursday April 4th says there was no sense of
of emergency. But the lady at the front desk only reply that she was not a nurse or doctor and she has to wait,” the post read. She continued: “So the mother politely went back and sat down and wait and wait and wait. After seeing nurses walk by laughing and cracking jokes and not really paying attention she was fed up. In much distress she took it upon herself to ask the nurse that was passing by if there is anybody who can help her baby. The nurse also told her that she has to wait as they were changing shift; while waiting for someone to desperately help her, her three day old baby died.” Stubbs said she was greatly saddened and she’s not even a mother yet. “How the staff in the emergency room could be so trifling...To carry and love a child in your womb for 9 months, give birth to that child, hold that child; only to lose him waiting for someone whose job is to help; help you. This is something that should not be swept under the rug. There are many complaints about this hospital and it is time for us to do something about it.
We need to reveal the things that are happening to people, and this hospital needs to do a better job at helping people in this country. Flying out or waiting for hours for some disgruntled doctor or nurse to poke and jab at you should not be the only options. A doctor or nurse should be; and are meant to be passionate about their job in saving lives not waiting for your next paycheck. We need more good doctors and nurses to help the few that we do have,” she explained. Stubbs who pleaded the community in sharing her post to bring awareness to this matter, received over 300 comments and over 1,000 shares on Facebook. “I asked that you please share this, so that this gets the right authority attention. That we can have something done, for the better for the hospital in this country. I also ask that we pray for the family, for healing and for the justice.” In addition, scores of local individuals also shared their encounters at the local hospital and the unsatisfactory services its staff provides in emergency situations.
TCI celebrates the Queen’s official birthday The Turks & Caicos Islands will honour and celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday on Saturday, April 27th, at 5pm. The annual celebrations will be held at the parade ground in capital, Grand Turk, and will feature the timehonoured uniformed parade; the celebrations will also be carried live via Radio Turks & Caicos. Governor, Dr. John Freeman,
Vacant Position:
stated: “Her majesty the Queen is a model of service and has been throughout her reign. It is entirely right that once again we in the Turks and Caicos Islands will come together to express thanks to Her Majesty the Queen and to thank God for her continuing reign as our Sovereign. I hope as many people as possible will be able to join in this celebratory event.” The parade will feature
participants from an array uniformed groups, including the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), HM Prison Service, Customs and Immigration officials, the ExServicemen Legion, the Cadet Corps, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Rainbow’s and students from the Island’s schools; all led by the RTCIPF band. Following the parade, HE the Governor will present long
service awards to key members of the uniformed services in recognition of their 18, 25 or 30 years of dedication and service to the Crown. The award ceremony will last approximately 60 minutes and will conclude with a royal salute taken by the Governor. The Governor’s Office will provide the customary refreshments to all participating in the parade.
General Internist Location(s): Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales & Cockburn Town Medical Centre, Grand Turk, TCI. Job Summary: To provide general internal medical care to patients within the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and Cockburn Town Medical Centre.
Responsibilities:
Education
• Attend to Internal Medicine in-patients • Attend to Internal Medicine out-patients via the Out Patient clinic • Attend to High dependency unit patients. • Provide Internal Medicine emergency coverage on an on-call basis • Provide evidence based patient care within acceptable regional/worldwide standards • Facilitate, where necessary, visiting consultants • Assist colleagues in a collegiate manner where necessary • Advise and supervise the delivery of nursing care to the Internal Medicine patients. Required •
Experience
Required •
Holder of an appropriate medical degree and Royal College / Boards / other certification in Internal Medicine At least five years in recognized Internal Medicine posts.
Desirable Previous substantive consultant post or equivalent 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 17th April 2019 Salary: $130,000.00 to 170,000.00 per annum. Position Currently being held by a work permit holder
Page 8
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
LOCAL NEWS Turks and Caicos Islands debuts at World Gourmet Summit 2019 The 23rd World Gourmet Summit, culinary experiences, top chefs, and food The origin of Turks & Caicos Islands’ one of the most anticipated culinary festivals festivals. From the Caribbean Food & Wine involvement in this year’s World Gourmet in the world, will for the first time include Festival, Turks & Caicos Conch Festival to the Summit came after Peter Knipp, founder of the participants from the Turks & Caicos Islands in annual Lobster Festivals, our destination offers World Gourmet Summit, visited Providenciales its 2019 edition. The World Gourmet Summit visitors an opportunity to savor the culinary in 2018 and expressed that he was extremely began on April 1, 2019 and continues through adventures the islands have to offer. The Turks impressed with the culinary scene. During his to May 12, 2019 across various restaurants and & Caicos Tourist Board is pleased to sponsor visit he met with key industry stakeholders and venues in Singapore. The Turks & Caicos Islands and endorse TCI’s participation which will subsequently an invitation was extended for culinary team includes Culinary Ambassador assist with promoting our destination on a Turks & Caicos to participate in the exclusive Nikita Skippings, Lorraine Kenlock and notably global culinary stage”. festival. two junior chefs Kevin Missick and Robinangel Nikheel Advani, Co-Founder of Chef Lorraine Kenlock, owner of Simons who completed the TCHTA Hospitality the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, was Frenz Deck (the only farm to table dining Adventure Program. The Turks & Caicos instrumental in securing Turks & Caicos experience in Providenciales), will participate Islands was extended an exclusive invitation Islands’ participation in this year’s summit. as a special guest chef and Chef Nikita Skippings, to participate in the World Gourmet Summit Advani commented, “This is the first time that Culinary Ambassador of the Turks & Caicos which features a diverse curation of cuisines the Turks and Caicos Islands culinary talents Islands, is designated as an international from around the world. The Turks & Caicos will be showcased on a global platform at one master chef. Both chefs will participate in a Islands chefs will have the unique opportunity of the most prestigious gourmet events - The number of events including Chefs’ A La Minute to introduce the country’s native cuisine to an World Gourmet Summit! We will also have - Meet the Stars and the Opening Reception. international audience. the opportunity to take two young Turks and The Opening Reception will include notable Since 1997, the World Gourmet Caicos Islands chefs - one from the Community guests such as ambassadors various embassies Summit has successfully grown into a globally College and the other from the Lit’l Chefs and countries, WGS International master recognized culinary event. Every year, a program - who will shadow the Turks and chefs and other talented chefs in the industry, constellation of stars from the international Caicos Islands Master and Guest Chefs - they media, and industry heavyweights. The chefs and local culinary arena showcase a delectable will take part in all the culinary experiences will be accompanied by Mary Lightbourne spread of gastronomic experiences for a the gastronomic event has to offer! We are Deputy Director of Tourism, Nikheel Advani community of fine dining enthusiasts. truly honored to be invited to this event and Co-Founder of CFWF, Murad Mohamad CFWF Encompassing a series of dazzling events, are proud to promote the Turks and Caicos Committee Member, and Stacy Cox CEO of including the gourmet golf experience, Islands internationally!” TCHTA. vintner dinners and special themed and Stacy Cox, CEO of the Turks & Caicos The culinary team representing Turks celebrity dinners, the World Gourmet Summit Hotel and Tourism Association comments, & Caicos hosted a tasting event on April 8, is a spectacular annual gourmet expedition “The TCHTA is proud to congratulate Kevin 2019 at Crackpot Kitchen where invited guests specially crafted for discerning individuals Missick and Robinangel Simons, on their were treated to a preview of the traditional who appreciate fine wines and cuisines. selection to participate in the 23rd edition dishes which will be served during the event The culinary team from Turks & of the World Gourmet Summit along with including tropical scorched conch, stewed Caicos Islands is sponsored by the Turks & talented local chefs. This will be the first time conch and dough and island fish and grits – Caicos Tourist Board and The Caribbean Food that the TCI participates in this prestigious each featuring a gourmet flair. & Wine Festival (which is underwritten by culinary event, which presents an incredible The Turks and Caicos Islands Grace Bay Resorts and The Wine Cellar). opportunity for both students who got their presence at the World Gourmet Summit is Ramon Andrews, Director of start in our Hospitality Adventure Camps. The historic and presents a great opportunity for Tourism stated, “The Turks & Caicos Islands TCHTA is always looking for ways to develop exposure and promotion of our culture and is positioning itself as the culinary capital local talent and their progress down the path heritage through food. Islanders can follow of the Caribbean and the preferred gourmet to a culinary career has been remarkable. We’re Team TCI’s experience at the World Gourmet destination. Turks & Caicos is renowned for incredibly delighted that they will be able to Summit by following the official hashtags our pristine, white sand beaches, however experience the culinary side of Singapore first #WGS #WorldGourmetSummit #WGS2019 increasingly, we are attracting travelers from hand and we look forward to seeing how they #TCIWGS #TurksAndCaicos #WhyILoveTCI around the globe for our cultural and diverse can apply that experience upon return.” #TeamTCI.
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.
Eight poachers apprehended in TCI waters Eight poachers from the Dominican Republic were apprehended in the waters of Turks and Caicos Islands after the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) and the Marine Police received an anonymous tip-off alerting them to illegal activity on the South side of the Caicos bank, on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019, Officers intercepted two poacher vessels in the vicinity of Whale Breakers, in the act of illegal fishing. One vessel, a 22-ft Panga powered by two 40 horse-power Yamaha engines, and another 22-ft Panga powered by two 60 horse-power engines, as well as eight suspects were apprehended.
The suspects, Dominican nationals, were captured with marine product on board their vessel. The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged and prosecuted in accordance with the Fisheries Limits Ordinance and the Fisheries Protection Ordinance, as amended. The DECR would like to appeal to the public to seek to collaborate and cooperate with the Department by reporting any suspicious activities within our waters. All information will be considered confidential. Please call the DECR at 338-4164 or email environment@gov.tc should you notice any suspicious Poachers boats activity.
Dalvem Ltd
HOUSEKEEPER Island Escape (TCI) Ltd is seeking candidates for the above position. Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in housekeeping. Must have your own transportation. Must be able to communicate in English; additional languages is a plus. Must be willing to work long hours, weekends and holidays. Tasks include but are not limited to cleaning of villas, inventory check of household items, reporting to Supervisor when something does not work, submitting meter reading. Remuneration: $6.50 per hour based on experience and qualifications. Kindly forward resumes and qualification to oa@fchamberslaw. com, copying same to the Turks and Caicos Islands Labour Department and Immigration Board.
Leeward Highway, Providenciales
•Is seeking (2) LABOURER First time Work Permit Nature of position: To be carried out heavy manual labor as many tons of material must be carried to various locations on the property and requires a minimum of 2 individual to handle the load (typically one at each end eg. One pushing a wheel barrow and one pulling with wheel barrow with a rope). Wage: 6:50 per hour •Is seeking MASON First time Work Permit Nature of Position: Prepares surfaces prior to beginning work. Fabricates, alters, repairs and maintains walls, sidewalks and other related structures or surfaces. Lay blocks or bricks following blueprints, plans or drawings. Wages:$6.50 per hour Please Contact: 341-3282 Belongers are encouraged to send applications and resumes to the Labour Board.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
LOCAL NEWS
Airport Road roundabout gets facelift By Todeline Defralien A roundabout that facilitates hundreds of vehicles through downtown and Airport Road every day in Providenciales is getting a facelift. On Wednesday April 10th, 2019, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Ralph Higgs and Minister for Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, Hon. Goldray Ewing visited the site as workers were undergoing works. Higgs told The SUN, the government and the Ministry of Tourism are committed to modernizing and giving a fresh look to the medians and signage and in addition, TCI brand. “Clearly we can’t do it all at once but this is long overdue and I know that the last improvement that this roundabout would have seen would have taken place when I was with the Tourist Board and as the Director we got the wall done and the dolphin placed. So I am pleased to see that improvements are being done to it now,” he said in an interview with The SUN. Higgs added: “Coming in the not too distant future, you will see beatification to our medians and
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Ralph Higgs and Minister for Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, Hon. Goldray Ewing at the Airport Road roundabout on Wednesday April 10th signage across the length and breadth and certainly Providenciales in the first instance and let’s hope that that will be rolled out to the wider Turks and Caicos over time. We will pay close attention to areas that are frequented by our visitors, because I think that it is reasonable to assume that persons who live here can
find their way about very readily, but tourists may need directions. So we are going to pay attention to those areas that are frequented by our guests.” He added: “This is a muchneeded improvement to this roundabout and it is obviously one of the first impressions that our visitors to our
country see, and we’re hoping to make a statement. We are on a drive/mission from the government level and certainly through the Ministry of Tourism to give Providenciales and the wider Turks and Caicos a complete facelift consistent with what our brand represents in the international community,” he explained.
TCI Drug Prevention Foundation’s annual Masquerade Ball set for May 4th
By Todeline Defralien
Turks and Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation will be hosting its most important event of the year, the annual Masquerade Ball on Saturday May 4th, 2019 at The Courtyard at The Shore Club, Long Bay. The event will have performances by QBand Lynks and a live DJ. This event is hosted every year to help raise funds to help individuals suffering from alcohol, drug addiction and repeat offenders. The aim of this event is to raise money to build a Half Way House for recovering addicts.
The Turks and Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation works along with the Turks and Caicos Government on trying to provide some assistance for them. During a press conference on Friday April 5th at TCI’s first Half Way House location, Dierin Longmire, President of the Turks and Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation said she can be contacted on 246-2526 for tickets which are going for $125.00 per person. They also have raffle tickets for prizes which include, spa, dinners at SharkBite, Las Brisas Restaurant, Chinson’s, Hemingways, Simone’s, Outback Restaurant and Mango Reef, Gas certificates at Smithco
Sea turtle By Ziahon Taylor (Grade 4) I am sea turtle. I am green turtle. I swim far and wide. Queen in my blue wilderness. Below the sea, dwelled a beautiful green turtle (she loved to swim around). She danced with happiness in her heart she danced as the sound of the sea rang in her ears. In the morning, she wandered far and wide: in a blink of an eye, she could hear all types of honking. She swam and swam; she stopped and ate a plastic bag thinking of jellyfish and then -BOOM- the cruise ship stopped! And an anchor fell as another turtle passed by. Both turtles dropped down in despair! Their fins cut and bruised: the turtles cried with anxiety. Then they heard a big -SPLASH- two girls swam to the turtles with speed. The girls stopped with silence They heard a noise -BOOM- and another one
-BOOM- then a -SPLASH. Two strong men came to help all. All of them together lifted the anchor and set it somewhere else. They lifted the anchor slowly and moved it away from the turtles. Two men lifted the turtles out to the shore… A few days later, the turtles went into a sanctuary… they found 56 bags of plastic in them. We are sea turtles no more. We are green turtles no more. We can no longer swim far and wide, queens of our beautiful blue wilderness.
STOP THIS PLASTIC POLLUTION BEFORE WE LOSE ALL OF OUR BEAUTIFUL TURTLES!!
Ltd, gift certificates at Sunny Foods, two laptops donated by Alcoholic Anonymous, a telephone from Kishco and a television from Charlie’s Place. The Shore Club is also offering a couple night stays in the Silent auction and InterCaribbean has offered two tickets to anywhere they fly.” The community is asked to come out in huge numbers with their masquerade/costume attire to this year’s event. There will be live bands, raffles, mask will be provided for individuals, entertainment by local DJs and organisers of the events want everyone to come out and enjoy the buffet and they will be offering two Dierin Longmire, President of the Turks and Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation free drink tickets.
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LOCAL NEWS
Construction resumes on HalfWay House in Providenciales
From L-R (Thekkan Poulose, Mr. Charles Garland, Dierin Longmire President of Turks & Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation, Dr. Alicia Malcolm and Donna Davis $1,200 table, but I go into the Treasury Department and they handed me this cheque and when I opened I saw $61,200. The Ministry allocated this money and I am so grateful and so thankful that now we are going to be able to do our roof.” Longmire expressed her gratitude to the local government for allocating this fund to help them in moving forward. She added: “We’re still trying to build this Half Way House. We’re already up to roof. After we get the roof on we are looking forward to having a door and window drive, then from there it should be free sailing in getting the walls started up and being able to get some people here for recovery. We would be delighted to have labour assistance and we will take monetary assistance as well.” Dr. Alicia Malcolm, Director of the Department of Mental Health & Substance Dependence, said her
By Todeline Defralien After receiving a cheque for over $60,000 from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, the Turks and Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation resumed construction on its Half-Way House in Providenciales. As a joint effort between the Drug Prevention Foundation and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, this Half Way House project has been trying to get off the ground since breaking ground in 2016. Speaking during a press conference at the Half Way House location on Friday April 5th, 2019 in Providenciales, Dierin Longmire, President of the Turks and Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation said, “I went to Treasury to pick up the cheque that the Health Department ordered for twenty tickets which would have been a
Department and the government are committed to seeing the completion of this project. “In the past the Government has donated funds in the amount of $150,000 towards helping to get it where it is at today. We are still actively involved and currently seeking ways to see how we can continue to support this initiative to see it to completion. We should have further details on how much we can still actually commit, but definitely we are here for support because we do want to see this all happen because there are so many people in Turks and Caicos who are definitely going to benefit. There are a number of persons who struggle with alcohol and drug addiction issue and they would need that support,” Malcolm explained. Dr. Malcolm revealed that based on last year’s annual report, there were a little over of 130 persons who were
Dierin Longmire, President of the Turks and Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation poses with the $60,000 cheque diagnosed with either an alcohol or a drug abuse problem. Additionally, Dr. Malcolm noted that this program will increase the client’s ability to function in a socially acceptable manner and to reduce their reliance on criminal behaviour as well as drugs or alcohol and ultimately make their community a much safer place. Other expected benefits of this project include reduction in recidivism among drug offenders, reduction in the number of drug offenders, reduction in drug related crimes, reduction in the level of poverty associated with loss of income recourses to substance abusers and the maintenance of treatment gains by patients sent abroad to rehab. The site for the facility is on South Dock Road, Providenciales and the Half Way House project is 7,500 sq ft.
Bruce Willis invites a new owner to the party at his Caribbean retreat Actor Bruce Willis kept his Caribbean getaway in the Turks and Caicos Islands long enough to renew his wedding vows with model-actress Emma Heming-Willis last month, but now the Parrot Cay estate is for sale at $33 million. Set within COMO Resorts Parrot Cay, the more than seven-acre bay-front property contains three homes with 11 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms and a powder room for a total of 13,500 square feet of interior living space. There are another 4,500 square feet under roof and 17,000 square feet of decking with four swimming pools. To quote his “Die Hard” character John McClane: “Welcome to the party, pal.” To enhance privacy, the fivebedroom main house and the two three-bedroom guest villas are set apart
from one another. In the main house, a plush movie room sits off the great room. The master bedroom occupies the entire upper level and features sliding glass doors, expansive ocean views, vaulted ceilings, dual closets and a sitting area. A wrap-around terrace surrounds the suite. The residences are surrounded by lush lawns, a beachfront yoga pavilion and a children’s playground with a pirate ship. Coconut, banana and papaya trees dot the tropical grounds. Willis, 64, and Heming-Willis, 40, have been married for 10 years. They have also listed their main residence in Bedford Corners, N.Y., for sale at $13 million. That property includes a 9,000-square-foot, threestory main home and four separate residences. The family is relocating to
Parrot Cay Beachfront Estate “The Sixth Sense” (1999). the West Coast. Nina Siegenthaler and Joe In addition to the “Die Hard” film series, Willis is known for the late- Zahm of Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s 1980s series “Moonlighting” and his International Realty are the listing starring roles in the films “Pulp Fiction” agents for the Parrot Cay estate. (1994), “The Fifth Element” (1997) and
Air and Sea Agency
Blue Hills Glass
William Escane Joseph
Leeward Highway, Providenciales Seeking: Warehouse Labourers General Duties: To carry out menial chores in the warehouse Salary is $6.25 per hr. Contact: Tel. 941-4121 or Email: airseaagency@ gmail.com 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
Blue Hills, Providenciales Seeking: Glass Man Salary is $7.00 per hour General Duties: Ability to cut and install glass To be capable of doing glass finishing and designing Please Contact: 242-7012 Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board
DANIEL MALCOLM
Five Cays, Providenciales Seeking: Caretaker /Domestic Worker Duties: Providing assistance to an Elderly person, preparing meals, running errands, making beds, buying groceries, bathing, administering treatments, and handling the laundry Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 343 5002 Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board
In South Caicos Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work 5 days per week Duties include house cleaning and laundry Salary: $6.25 per hour Please contact: 345-9694 This position is currently held by a work permit holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Immigration Board
EXECUTIVE TOURS LTD. Is seeking the following position: (1) Labourer Duties may include cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines Needed to work six days a week Salary: $6.50 per hour Interested persons may contact Executive Tours Ltd. 941-7974 Belongers only need apply 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
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APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
LOCAL NEWS
TCI Salvation Army constructing multi-purpose building By Todeline Defralien The Turks and Caicos Islands Salvation Army is constructing a $1.5 million multi-purpose on the Leeward Highway in Providenciales. ` The building will be home to early childhood education classrooms, a music program, community kitchen, alcohol and drug abuse counseling center, house of worship, and eventually women’s and children’s shelter. In an interview with The SUN, Salvation Army representative, Derek Miller said the organisation has been here for almost a decade and has been struggling to find a location where it could conduct all of its endeavors. “We are super excited,” Miller said. “Fortunately for us, we were able to acquire a property on the Leeward Highway and now we are in the process of finishing up our fundraising activities where we can put up a multipurpose building that would be suitable to conduct what we are aiming to conduct here in TCI.”
The Salvation Army Multipurpose building location on Leeward Highway Miller said they are hoping to have the building completed within a year once they are able to raise the funds. He added: “We are still in the process of raising funds and we just need a few more dollars to get over the line, so we are hoping as we appeal to the general public for assistance which is going to benefit those in TCI. We’re looking to get the general public, the public sector involved in the construction. This was a project we mentioned about two years ago. We just wanted to clear the property
and let the general public know our intentions and hopefully in another month or two constructions can start.” Meantime, Miller thanked the proprietors of Ports of Call who kick-started this venture with a donation of $50,000. “We are very grateful and wanted to say thanks again to the proprietor of Ports of Call who actually kick started this venture with $50,000 donation and we’re hoping that others can join him as well. We are very easy to reach. The Salvation Army number is 431-6802 and
they can call this number at anytime if they are interested in supporting this venture.” “We are almost in 140 countries throughout the world and in every country that we are present in including TCI, we try to be as relevant as possible to needs that exist. We know needs existing that are both spiritual and physical in nature and so we have a lot of character building programmes from young people to the elderly and people more see us for the social work that we do which is more critical. Operating here in TCI we have identified certain needs among our young people and senior citizens as well where we will be trying to address those needs,” he added. The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Wheeland pond gets information signs The Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) collaborated with the Clement Howell High School’s Tourism Club to install information signs at Wheeland Pond, Wheeland, Providenciales. The signs, one describing the mangrove ecosystem and the other encouraging the community to keep the ponds clean, were installed by the Tourism Club after the students banded together to create awareness about the importance of the wetland
ecosystem, following the annual World Wetlands Day clean-up, hosted by the DECR, earlier this year. “The DECR is encouraged to see young people concerned about the state of our environment and motivated enough to educate others about it too!”, said DECR’s Environmental Outreach Coordinator, Amy Avenant. Minister Higgs commented; “I am pleased to see the collaborative effort between the DECR and Clement Howell High, this is a worthy initiative and
one that we would like to see happen in schools across the TCI; through club memberships and other means” The DECR and Clement Howell High’s Tourism Club would like to thank Ms. Tanya Parnell, Mr. Trevor Lewis of Graceway IGA and the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board for their support of this initiative. The DECR would also like to acknowledge the initiative taken by the students and would like to thank them for giving back to their local community and environment.
National Trust hosts local craft workshop ‘Preserving Traditional Skills with a Flair of Modernization’ was the theme of a local craft workshop hosted by the Turks and Caicos National Trust March 29th, continued on April 1st, 2019. Artisans of the twin Isles Middle and North Caicos were presented with an opportunity to showcase their skills in utilizing bits of fabric (scraps) to produce the traditional mats and doilies, but with new creations. The workshop was held at the Flamingo
Pond Visitor Information Centre and Local Craft Outlet facility, in Whitby, North Caicos. New ideas introduced by the facilitator and attempted by the participants were coasters, dashboard protectors, color coordinated doilies and wall ornaments. The participants were encouraged to produce marketable items which could be displayed at the Flamingo Pond Local Craft Outlet for retail, as well at other National Trust gift shops at the Conch Bar Cave, Little Water Cay, Heaving
Down Rock and Cheshire Hall Plantation Ruins Historic Site. Through its cultural heritage preservation programme, the National Trust encourages the public to buy local, support our artisans and support the preservation of traditional skills. For more information about this craft workshop and the other related projects, please contact the Turks & Caicos National Trust at (649) 941-5710 or e-mail info@tcnationaltrust.org.
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LOCAL NEWS
Haitian man who killed female partner was ‘provoked’, says Court of Appeal by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief A Haitian man who killed his female partner in Duck Yard in May 2015, was provoked and should not have been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, according to the Turks and Caicos Islands Court of Appeal. In quashing Jamesly Joseph’s conviction for the murder of Dieula Jean and substituting it with 15 years for manslaughter, the Court of Appeal judges said there was “sufficient evidence of provocation and hence mitigating circumstances”. The court, which comprised President Sir Elliott Mottley and Justices of Appeal Humphrey Stollmeyer and Roger Hamel-Smith, stated: “It was imperative that the judge directed the jury that if the intent to kill arose as a result of provocation by Dieula, then the (Joseph) ought to be found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter.” Joseph was represented by Tim Prudhoe and Willin Belliard, while Jillian Williams, the former Director of Public Prosecutions, appeared for the Crown during the appeal which was heard on November 16th, 2018 and the judgment delivered on March 22nd, 2019. Following a trial lasting eight days before Mr. Justice Robert Shuster (retired) and a jury, Joseph was convicted of murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment. The prosecution’s case was that Joseph and the deceased lived together for a number of years and the relationship was such that the police were called to the residence from time to time. On Friday May 22nd, 2015, Joseph left Provo and travelled to South Caicos for the weekend where celebrations relating to Haiti were taking place. He returned to his residence on May 25th, 2015, where a quarrel ensued between him and the deceased, resulting in her death. A report was made to the police and shortly afterwards, Joseph was taken into custody. Following a caution administered by Sgt. Neal Stanislaus, Joseph said: “Officer, I was in South Caicos when someone called me and tell me my girlfriend had a man in my house. I come “Provo” to talk to her. Whilst talking to her, we start to quarrel. She pick up a cutlass to cut me, so I pick up a knife and I stab her. And this is what the defendant said my Lord.” On June 3rd, 2015, the police conducted an interview with Joseph which consisted of 143 questions and
answers. During the course of the interview, Joseph said, among other things: “That was why I went to work. When I came from work, that was the same time I saw her coming from the beach. Afterward she said she took water that he washed her vagina, put it [in] the fridge. When I came, I did not know I took it and drank it. My little brother was resented because he knows Dieula was saying that to people. When I became to know on the same Sunday she did that she went to the beach. When I came, that was the time she returned from the beach. I told her no problem since she tells people she made me drink her vagina water and moreover, she came from the beach with her man. When I was mad at her, she called police to kick me out of the house.” In response to a suggestion that his brother had called him to say that the deceased was going to put him out of the house when he returned from South Caicos, Joseph told the police that it was not the brother, but the deceased who told him that on the Friday on which he went to South Caicos that she was putting him out of the house. When asked by the police officer conducting the interview how he felt when the deceased told him that, he responded that he did not feel good because he was the one who spent his money to repair the house. During the appeal, a preliminary point was taken relating to the definition of provocation. Joseph’s lawyers submitted that the trial judge erred by not directing the jury in accordance with the provisions of section 54 and 55 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 of England. The Court of Appeal noted that on the state of the evidence, the following issues had to be left to the jury for their determination. First, Joseph alleged in the course of his interview by the police and in his statement to the police when he was arrested that he returned to Provo from South Caicos to speak with Dieula. While speaking with each other they started to quarrel. During the quarrel, Joseph said that Dieula picked up a cutlass and attacked him and he defended himself by stabbing her with a knife. According to the Court of Appeal judges, it was opened to the jury to accept these statements, and if they did, it would have led to a verdict of not guilty of murder. The judges said it was clear that the jury rejected self defence
and by doing so accepted the evidence that no cutlass was found at the scene of the incident. Secondly, according to the judges, even though the jury would have rejected the evidence that Joseph had been attacked with a cutlass, the issue of manslaughter by way of provocation could arise on the facts. The judgment stated: “ The evidence disclosed that Dieula told the appellant that she had taken water she used to wash her vagina and put it in the fridge. When the appellant came home, unaware of the source of the water, he drank it. Dieula then told people that she made the appellant drink her “vagina water”. In addition, Dieula told the appellant that she was putting him out of the house which the appellant said that he spent money building. In addition, it was alleged that Dieula had taken up with another man. This was evidence if, left to the jury with proper directions, could lead to the jury reaching the conclusion that the appellant had been provoked or could have concluded that they were left in reasonable doubt as to whether the appellant had been provoked. Unfortunately, the jury was not properly directed as to how they should approach the issue of provocation,” the Court of Appeal added. The judges noted that before dealing with the issue of provocation, it is important to accept that it was open to the jury to reject the defence of selfdefence and provocation, but yet, in the circumstances, come to the conclusion that Joseph was not guilty of murder because he did not have the requisite intent to cause her death. It would then have been open to the jury if they accepted that the appellant did not have the requisite intent even though not provoked to come to the conclusion that he was guilty of manslaughter, they added. According to the Court of Appeal judgment, in his summation, Judge Shuster told the jury: “Now, what is manslaughter? If in your deliberations, members of the jury, you reach the point where you are sure that defendant did, in fact, cause the death of the female, Dieula Jean, and he did so by an unlawful act, but you are not sure that the defendant intended to kill the deceased, then, as I said, you would acquit the defendant of murder, because one of the essential elements of murder, as I have explained to you, would not have been made out beyond reasonable doubt so that you are sure, that is to say,
the intention to kill.” Later, the judge said: “However, members of the jury, I direct you, and you must listen to what I am saying, that you can only consider the lesser crime of manslaughter if after you have properly deliberated on the evidence adduced by the crown during this trial for the crime of murder, and then consider manslaughter, only if you find the defendant not guilty of murder, which is a crime of specific intent. I need to say more on any possible alternative verdict later in my summing up, and I will.” The Court of Appeal noted that that the judge did not explain to the jury that in considering the issue of murder, it was necessary to consider whether Joseph had been provoked. They said the trial judge ought to have explained the various avenues by which they could have arrived at a verdict of manslaughter. “In leaving the issue of provocation to the jury, the judge did not instruct the jury that if they were left in reasonable doubt as to whether the appellant was provoked, then they must give the appellant (Joseph) the benefit of doubt and return a verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. The failure to do this was a serious non-direction by the judge,” the Court of Appeal continued. “In addition, the judge misdirected the jury relating to the issue of provocation. At no stage did the judge tell the jury that if they found the appellant intended to kill Dieula but if they found that the intent arose as a result of provocation by Dieula, then he would not be guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. This issue engaged the attention of the Courts of Appeal in the Caribbean and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.” The Court of Appeal said that nowhere in the summing-up did the trial judge make it clear to the jury that an intention to kill or to cause grievous bodily harm resulting solely from the loss of control induced by provocation, rendered the appellant not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter. They added that the judge did tell the jury that the law is that where a person, because he has been provoked, loses his self-control and does an act which results in death, that person is guilty of manslaughter and that provocation therefore reduced murder to manslaughter. However, he returned at the close of the summing-up to repeat the unqualified direction that he had earlier given.
NEEDLES & PINS LTD
REQUIRES THE FOLLOW EXPERIENCED STAFF:
OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT CANADA AS HONORARY CONSUL TO THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS The High Commission of Canada (HCC) in Jamaica is looking for a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as Canada’s Honorary Consul to the Turks & Caicos Islands. Interested candidates can apply by visiting the Job Opportunities section of the HCC website: www.jamaica.gc.ca and submit their application by April 26, 2019.
UPHOLSTERER (1) - $8.00 per hour plus commission MACHINE MECHANIC (1) - $8.00 per hour plus commission •Detail orientated and organized individuals required. •Duties include all aspects of upholstery projects from concept to conclusion such as - liaising with clients, onsite measuring of jobs, preparing Estimates, coordinating work flow. Projects includecustom window treatments and bedding; furniture; cars; boats; awnings etc. •Maintenance of all machines and equipment; •Minimum of 10 years’ experience required. •Must have good command of English and Clean Driver’s License Belongers only need apply Please apply via Email to: trish@needlesandpins.net Needles & Pins Ltd., U12 Industrial Park, Providenciales. 649-332-4383 Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board
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APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
LOCAL NEWS
Local businessmen officially launch GetMe Ride service in TCI
By Todeline Defralien
Four young local Turks and Caicos Islanders are the masterminds behind launching the Caribbean’s Uberlike company GetMe Ride in Turks and Caicos Islands. GetMe Ride, the Uber or Lyft style app that uses taxi drivers for a mobile ride call-up service officially launched during a Grand opening ceremony on Wednesday April 10th, 2019. Getme Ride is in partnership with locals: Eugene Walkin, president; Birkley Missick, vice-president; Jervon Hall, director of operations and Ikelyn Stubbs, technical director. In attendance was Minister of Tourism Hon. Ralph Higgs, Director of Tourism Ramon Andrew and their team, members of the Taxi association and other local community members. Walkin said that on Wednesday April 10th, GetMe Ride started with the services of two registered Taxis. “This is the first phase of the ride-sharing segment of the app we’re going to offer and later we’re going to offer different services to the different islands. We don’t want to talk too much about it now, but definitely we’re going to embark on the other islands, because like the Tourist Board has done so well, we are trying to promote guests to travel to the other islands. It is important to know how you’re going to get there and how you’re going to get back.” Walkin also revealed there will be future services from the tour companies.
L-R- Eugene Walkin President of GetMe Ride, Blight Clare Training Manager at Tourists Board, Hon. Ralph Higgs- Minister of Tourism, Jervon Hall Director of Operations, Ikelyn Stubbs Director of Tactical Support, Burkley Missick Vice President and Mr. Ramon Andrew- Director of Tourism “One of the ways that made us different is how we approach business. What we are doing is involving social media and technology because today people are behaving different when it comes to technology and everyone needs to adapt. People want to have the power in their hands. They want to book meals and buy clothes instead of going to the stores. We are bringing the guests to the taxi drives and making sure that they are up-to-date. We are not changing the way that taxi drivers do business, but we are offering them an alternative and a way for them to make extra money,” Walkin explained. Minister of Tourism Ralph Higgs said, “I am so proud that they are moving this initiative. Of course,
COX MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED Cox Plaza, 15 Five Cays Road Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Tel: 649-941-3650 Fax: 649-946-4283 bac@tciway.tc
IS SEEKING FOR (1) WELDER Job Duties: Welders fabricate and assemble metal structures and equipment through the use of welders, cutters, shapers and measuring tools. Welders produce metal products according to customer or employer specifications. Welders set up, operate and maintain welding equipment. RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED • A minimum of 5 years’ experience • Must be able to understand, speak & write English. SALARY- $14,872.00 per annum Interested Turks & Caicos Islanders apply APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 30th, 2019
Maleka Seymour In South Caicos Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work 6 days per week Duties include house cleaning, laundry, and cooking Salary: $ 6.25 per hour Please contact: 244-0361 This position is currently held by a work permit holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Immigration Board
transportation is an equal pillar in the whole tourism sector and people must be able to move freely to wherever they wish to go and enjoy. I want to commend the players behind this initiative. No one would have thought in a few years ago that Uber and some of the other online booking engines could dominate the transportation industry.” Higgs encouraged both the Taxi Association and the public at large to subscribe to this idea. “If you can stay home at the comfort of your home and download the app and connect with a cab or a taxi, that is precisely what you want. This is a giant step in the right direction and I want to commend the organisers on behalf of everybody in the tourism
sector. I don’t want to say that it is long overdue, but it is timely and we will do everything to make sure that the word gets out,” he said. Getme Ride will be providing ridesharing, pickup drop off, with license taxi drivers and with a range of services with partners that will have economy, midsize, large and luxury rides at a reasonable rate. Getme Ride started with Founder and CTO Michael Broome along with his team, that took his concept and made it a reality, with new offices throughout the Caribbean and now moving into Spain, it definitely shows that this is going to be an amazing future to work for and lots more to come.
S AND C UPHOLSTERY
Is looking for Two (2) Upholsters to make, repair or replace upholstery for household and office furniture, boats and vehicles. Responsibilities: •Fit, install and secure materials on frames using hand tools, power tools, glue, and etc. •Mount materials or work pieces onto equipment. •Take work orders •Keep files in order Requirements: •Must have Minimum 5 years experience in this area •Must be able to work 6 days a week, including holidays if required •Must be customer service oriented •Must be able to work with little to no supervision •Must have knowledge in fabrics •Certified or Associates degree in the field is a MUST Starting Salary is $7.00 per hour to be paid weekly. Qualified applicants should send a copy of their application and current Police Certificate to: Sandccreative2018@hmail.com And send a copy of your application to the Turks and Caicos Islands employment Services One position is not held by a Work Permit Holder and the other is currently held by a Work Permit Holder
LITIGATION ASSISTANT (TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDERS ONLY) Training position for Turks and Caicos Islander, no prior experience required. This is a starter position. Willingness to learn essential, also to work hard and complete demanding training programme that is likely to involve time spent in the U.S. with other new starters in equivalent roles at international litigation law firmKobre Kim. This is not a work permit advertisement.Applicants subject to immigration restrictions shall not be considered. Those seeking a “9 to 5” job should not apply. We offer an empowering, dynamic, work environment in which our priority is to deliver top quality work to demanding international clients. Be the best you can be but be ready for much hard work. Start date less important to us than identifying the right future colleague. Only applicants required for interview will be contacted. Applications can be sent to jobs@prudhoecaribbean.com and /or sent to P.O. Box 1525, Regent Village, Grace Bay Road.
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LOCAL NEWS
F Chambers adds Scottish human rights, criminal defence specialist Sheena Mair to team of attorneys Sheena Mair was called to the Turks & Caicos Islands Bar on April 10th, 219, by the Chief Justice Her Ladyship Margaret Ramsay-Hale upon presentation by Managing Partner Mark Fulford of F Chambers Law Firm. Sheena Mair, a former Scottish Solicitor is passionate about human rights and criminal defence work. Mair comes to F Chambers with over 14 years of experience in human rights and criminal defence work and will head up that division of law at F Chambers. On being called to the Bar, Mair stated in open court, that “It is a privilege to be permitted to practice in this jurisdiction and I thank your Ladyship for the opportunity as well as the wider Bar and all at F Chambers, in particular Mr Fulford and Mr Oliver. I have a passion for fighting for the underdog
and standing up for an individuals’ basic human rights in particular where it relates to the criminal justice system.I am looking forward to what lies ahead and continuing the fight for truth and justice.’ Managing Partner, Mark Fulford, commenting on Ms. Mair’s call said: “At a time when there are so many human rights infractions that have been ably highlighted by Commissioner (Sabrina) Greene of TCI Human Rights Commission, it’s important, that F Chambers recognize these issues and seek to find a way to help correct these before they ruin our society and way of life as we know it. It is my hope that with recruiting Sheena, she will be able to assist me and the firm in representing those whose human rights have been affected, without fear or favour.
(left to right) Partner Craig Oliver, Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale, attorney Sheena Mair and Managing Partner Mark A Fulford
Grace bay Resorts recognized as a “Hotel with Heart” in International Travel Guide Frommer’s World renowned travel guideFrommer’s has recognized Turks & Caicos luxury hotel brand Grace Bay Resorts as a “Hotel with Heart” in their recent publication regarding volunteering while on vacation. The article encourages travelers to find opportunities to volunteer while on vacation as acts of service such as volunteering is known to alleviate stress and increase happiness in those who give. The publication recommends Grace Bay Resorts, stating that “guests can request a curated experience with one of several
local schools that the resorts’ foundation assists.” They reached out to Grace Bay Resorts Foundation Director, Johnna Messam who said “We’ve had a family on vacation who wanted to teach their daughters the importance of giving back and leaving something behind everywhere they visit. Since the daughters were of school age and a new school year was about to begin, we took the family to a supply store and they purchased hundreds of books, backpacks, pens, stationary, and anything that
JOB VACANCY
A vacancy exist at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board for a Database Administrator/Programmer at its Providenciales Branch Office. Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the post.
The Database Administrator/Programmer with report to the Information Technology Manager Core Functions of the Job: •Developing adequate computer programs •Designing and testing programmes •Microsoft SQL programming •The creation and maintenance of databases and tables associated with NIB applications •Configure of database backup and replication •Update and maintenance of the BeMa and Mas200 applications •Monitor database growth •Troubleshooting systems and implement solution as necessary •Design and maintenance of the NIB Website •Develop reports using Microsoft reporting server •Installing and testing new software •Developing and assigning users to various application security levels •Provide first level technical support for staff at the Providenciales office. •Supporting and assisting users in accessing information to enable them to perform their function •Preparing monthly reports •Research various applications that would increase efficiency within NIB Educational Requirements and Experience This position requires a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology. In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree the, position requires specialized training in the following areas: •Computer programming and modern computer languages •Systems analysis •Database management •Project management •Supervisory management •Communication The position requires at least three (3) years on the Job experience to acquire the necessary expertise to respond effectively to the challenges of the functions Compensation will be determined based on qualifications and experience. Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to the Deputy Director Corporate Services, National Insurance Board, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands to reach no later than Thursday, April 18, 2019.
could save local parents some money.” Grace Bay Resorts Foundation remains a household name in the community when it comes to giving back. Their staple initiatives have always focused on education and in its 10th year they aspire to transform the way we look at education by expanding the efforts of autism awareness in the Turks & Caicos, bringing autism to the forefront of our conversation when we discuss education. This week, the Foundation kicks
Johnna Messam off their first annual gala in honor of The Autism Classroom. This sold out Gala will feature a mystery dining experience for attendees, and the evening will be hosted by international celebrities Kim Fields and Holly Robinson Peete who is an Actress and Autism Awareness Activist.
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Ten ways to boost your health after 40 By Dr. Marsha Barnett As we get older, we have to pay more attention to our health. Here are some simple things we can do to help improve our lifespan and the quality of the lives we lead. 1.Floss daily A beautiful smile isn’t only good for your appearance, apparently, it’s also good for your heart. According to studies, flossing daily reduces a person’s risk of death by 30 percent as plaque between the teeth and on the gumlines is associated with plaque along the vessels of the heart, thereby linking increased flossing to reduced incidence of heart disease! 2.Wear sunglasses on a regular basis Those designer shades do more than make you look stylish. They are actually important for eye health as there is a strong association between exposure to UV rays from sunlight and the development of cataracts. So, wear your shades once you are out and about in the day, even when driving. 3.Tweak how you take your coffee Looking for an easy way to shave some calories? Switch the milk in your coffee for one of the non-dairy varieties and hold the creamer. Also, ditch that artificial sweetener in your
coffee or tea and you’ll be healthier in no time. Research suggests that not only can artificial sweeteners increase your risk of weight gain, but can actually make you more likely to crave real sugar, too. 4.Start moving According to the European Society of Cardiology, just 15 minutes of walking a day can reduce a person’s risk of death by 22 percent. So, go for that long walk on the beach with your partner or play with your kids, you will years to your life and life to your years. 5.Do a ‘Meatless Monday’ By simply opting for veggiebased proteins instead of meat just one day a week, you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Who knows? You may like it and decide to make it a permanent thing. Research shows that going fully vegetarian reduces a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease by 40 percent. 6.Get more sleep Going to bed just half an hour earlier might make all the difference when it comes to the health of your heart as getting under six hours of sleep has been linked to increased heart disease. Also, keep the phone away from your bed as the blue light it emits can reduce your body’s production of melatonin, making it harder to get a good night’s sleep. 7.Spice it up
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
address:
For centuries persons have touted the healing properties of herbs and spices. Garlic consumption has been linked to reductions in heart disease, cayenne boosts the metabolism rate and turmeric has been shown to have antiinflammatory effects on the body such as reducing symptoms of joint pains. Of course, there are many other spices with varied health benefits so mix it up a little. 8.Increase your fiber Increasing your intake of fiber can do wonders for your weight, heart and colon! Take oatmeal for instance, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that oatmeal can reduce bad cholesterol, slashing your risk of heart disease in the process and a study revealed that people who ate apples before lunch reduced their total caloric intake by 15 percent. A healthy dose of fiber, also reduces your risk of colorectal cancer so add flaxseed to your smoothie, swap your white bread and rice for the whole grain variety and load up on those fruits and veggies.
Dr. Marsha Barnett were less likely to have memory deficits and mental slowing with age. This does not mean you need to enroll in a PhD program, as simply reading more often or even doing crossword puzzles were shown to have an effect on the brain. 10.Be more social A weekly game night, drinks with your colleagues after work, or just inviting a friend over to watch a movie from time to time can have major benefits for your health. Not only is loneliness and isolation linked to everything from weight gain and depression to heart disease, but it can even suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and infection. Wellness is found in our daily routines. Make these a habit and you will reap the rewards.
9.Become a lifelong learner Turns out the old adage “if you don’t use it, you lose it” also applies to the brain. It has been proven that staying *Dr. Marsha Barnett is a general mentally active is one of the surest ways practitioner who also specialises to stave of dementia as we get older. in dermatology. For questions or Studies clearly show that individuals comments, please contact her at who continued academic pursuits later drmarshabarnett@gmail.com or at in life or were simply more intellectually Associated Medical Practices - 946challenged at work or their spare time, 4242.
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Are there too many churches? By Drexwell Seymour “And I tell you that you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matt 16:18 NIV) Introduction There are quite a number of churches being established rapidly not only in TCI but throughout the world. As a result of this growth, some critics are complaining about the number of churches. Some say these churches are for business purposes only. However, what is interesting is there are so many bars popping up, so many gangs popping up and brothel houses popping up and no one is complaining about them. What is a church? As explained in a previous article, a church is an assembly of believers. In fact according to Hebrews 10:25, God wants us to assemble together so that we can encourage one another. He does not want us to give up meeting together. I know there are quite
a number of denominations and critics sometimes use this denomination factor as a means to provide doubts about the purpose of the churches. However, I believe as long as the church is based on the sound doctrine of the word of God, then denominations should not matter. However, if denominations are formed and their teachings are contrary to the Bible, then there is a major problem. Ensure you know the read the Bible for yourself so that you can determine if the church you choose to attend aligns with the word of God. Benefits of a church The church plays a very important in our community. In fact when things in a community get out of hand, the first reaction from most people is to call on the pastors and the churches. The church provides hope to individuals who are hopeless. The church can provide encouragement to those who feel discouraged. The church through the word of God can show you how it is possible to be healed. The church can and will teach you the truth.
Once you know the truth, the truth will set you free. You will learn to have faith and stop being afraid. You will learn to love one another and stop this hatred, fighting, jealousy and unforgiveness we have towards one another. If you do not go to church and stay home or do something else, you will lose out on the many teachings from the word of God and perhaps end up believing the things of this world. Conclusion I do not think we have too many churches. The population in TCI is increasing and we need to have churches to accommodate the rising population. Yes some of the churches are empty but if everyone were to go to church, there will be insufficient space to accommodate them. God wants us to spread the gospel and if we spread the gospel and people accept the word, they will need a place to worship together and hence more churches are needed. I know that if more of us assemble together and do the right thing according to the word of God, the world
Drexwell Seymour will be a better place. We have too many crimes, we have too many bars, we have too many brothels, we have too many gangs and we have too much division among us. We need more churches so these issues can be fixed.
You got the scripture wrong, Drexwell Seymour By Jerome Lynch, QC I read with interest the article in your April 5th edition of “The Turks & Caicos Sun” by Drexwell Seymour. Whilst I care not for his point of view, he is entitled to have it: but, if he is to peddle it, he should take greater care not to mislead his audience. It’s not clear if it was through ignorance, sloth or deliberate deceit, but he has attributed to Jesus Christ words that he never spoke. In his opening paragraph Mr Seymour purports to cite a passage from what he claims is “Luke 18:22 NIV” as reading: “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman;
that is detestable”. What does Luke 18: 22 NIV actually say? It reads, “When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then come follow me”. Mr. Seymour might think those passages are similar but if he does he probably needs to enlist in an Early Reading Class. Not a single word in either passage is even remotely similar. The words that he cites are actually to be found in The Old Testament, in Leviticus 18: 22. However I note that Verse 20 prohibits sexual relations with a neighbour’s wife, but that does not yet
seem to be illegal in the TCI. I imagine Drexwell Seymour thinks that it ought to be. May I suggest that he follows the guidance of St Paul, “Test all things: hold fast to that which is good”, (1 Thessalonians 5:21). I have searched the Holy Scriptures diligently but I can find no words of Our Saviour Christ which in any way condemned a loving relationship. His harshest judgment was on the selfrighteous. Yours, Jerome Lynch, QC
Jerome Lynch, QC
Vaccine that protects against cervical cancer launched Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the vaccine that protects against cervical cancer, has been launched in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services has announced. The vaccine is safe and effective and available at no cost through the Primary Health Department., the ministry said in a press statement. The statement said that cervical cancer is preventable, noting that it is one of the most common forms of cancer in women in Latin America and the Caribbean. “It (cervical cancer) can be prevented by the HPV vaccine, screening and treatment of precancerous lesions. HPV is a group of about 200 viruses. Historically, the virus was known only to be transmitted through sexual contact. While this is still the leading cause of transmission, research has proven that the virus can live on surfaces for a long time and is resistant to heat and disinfectant. When an individual encounters an infected surface (e.g. toilet seats,
countertops, swimming pool floors, gym equipment, sheets, towels), they can become infected,” the press release noted 50%-80% of sexually active individuals will be infected with HPV in their lifetime. While it is possible for the body to clear HPV on its own, there are cases when it does not; this is when the virus can develop into cancer or genital warts. The types of HPV which cause genital warts are different to those which cause cancers. HPV can cause many different types of cancer; cervical, vaginal, vulva, oralpharyngeal (throat), anus and penile. There are other ways of developing cervical cancer, however, HPV is the leading cause. Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women globally. Some 72,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in our region. Cervical cancer ranks among the first five most common cancers, in terms of both incidence and mortality in Latin America and
the Caribbean. In this region, the disease is estimated to be the second most common cancer after breast cancer. Twenty-three (23) countries in our region are among those that have documented cervical cancer deaths. It is for this reason that the HPV vaccine is being introduced, as it is the most effective way of preventing cervical cancer. Prevention is better than cure and young women who receive the vaccine must still have their annual pap smears for detection of precancerous lesions. An estimated 32 million women in the region are eligible for cervical cancer screening, which, when coupled with treatment can save lives. The TCI in 2018 recorded ten (10) persons living with cervical cancer The press release added that the myths surrounding the vaccines have been dispelled and proven to be just myths. The vaccine is safe and effective and available at no cost through the Primary Health Department. Over 67 million doses of the vaccine have been administered
globally. Currently, the vaccine is only being offered to girls and women aged 9 to 26 years. While there have been requests from women who are older and some countries have been known to offer it at an older age, the vaccine is most effective in the younger women and girls. For individuals aged 9 to 14 years, a two-dose schedule will be used; for those 15 to 26 years, a three-dose schedule will be used. At the end of 2019, we expect to introduce the HPV vaccine that will cover both genders, so our boys and men will be able to benefit from this vaccine. Women between the ages of 21-65 years are reminded to ensure that they have regular pap smears to be screened for cervical cancer. Early identification of abnormalities and treatment result in improved outcomes. For more information please call or visit your nearest primary health care clinic, speak with your primary health care provider or contact the Senior Public Health Nurse on 3385469.
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LOCAL NEWS
Wanting more
By Jamell Robinson
One of the takeaways from the expertly organized and executed 2019 TCI Economic Empowerment Conference is that a few speakers and attendees lamented the fact that they may have done their children a disservice by giving them everything that they themselves did not have as a child. While they may have had a point in terms of over indulgence of material possessions for kids, this action is understandable. It is only natural for parents to want their kids to have more than they had as children. The Turks and Caicos as a budding nation is relatively young. We are only one or two generations removed from people in our families that could have been considered to be in extreme poverty. While some might say that we all
were poor pre-introduction of Ministerial governance, some still had comparative advantages over others. One of my concerns is, that despite our better financial position than our forefathers that teach our kids core values that will position them to surpass whatever we are able to achieve in our lifetime. Setting a good example for our kids will do far more than any material gift given. Case in point, I knew that one day I could hold a Senior Manager position within the Civil Service because both my parents did so before me. So when I assumed the role of Director of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies it was not a shock to me. Also, my brother Courtney becoming the Head of the Government Information Services (GIS), was again not shock. Children generally emulate what they see in their environment, good or bad,
so it is incumbent upon us as parents not only to give our kids more but also to teach them to aspire for higher heights and fulfill a greater purpose. Not just in the Turks and Caicos context but on a global scale, as DSS has shown us is possible. While I do not claim to be an expert in Jewish culture and practices, let’s look at bar mitzvahs, which is the religious initiation ceremony of a Jewish boy who has reached the age of 13 and is regarded as ready to observe religious precepts and eligible to take part in public worship. I am pretty sure they are taught more than just religious practices and rituals but also include financial literacy and real world applications amongst other things. While I can appreciate that training is not completed at age 13, it is an intentional program for which they are trained by age 13. What types of programs
Jamell Robinson should we be introducing to our kids before age 13 within the school curriculum or outside of it? What other rituals or programs should we be tapping into beyond the gifting of material things to our children? I am sure Prince William and Prince Harry did not receive the same type of upbringing as the majority of the people in the UK. We can, should work to learn how best to invest our financial resources into our kids for their betterment, and the betterment of these our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.
World Health Day celebrated in TCI World Health Day was observed on Sunday 7th April under the theme “Universal Coverage for all”. This day has been set aside by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1948. The ambitious vision set out 71 years ago of a world in which all people enjoy the highest attainable standard of health still stands today. The Turks and Caicos Islands joined the rest of the world in observing World Health Day. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO stated; “Today, half the world’s population cannot access essential health services. Millions of women give birth without help from a skilled attendant; millions of children miss out on vaccinations against killer diseases, and millions suffer and die because they can’t get treatment for HIV, TB, and malaria. In 2019,
this is simply unacceptable.” Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus further stated; “In the Sustainable Development Goals, all countries have committed to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. To meet that target, we need to see 1 billion people benefitting from UHC in the next 5 years.” The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services is working to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals targets are met. The Turks and Caicos Islands are one of the first Caribbean countries to implement National Health Insurance Program which is a social health insurance scheme (NHIP). There are Primary Health Care clinics on all islands and extended clinic hours are offered on Providenciales at the Cheshire
Sailrock Contracting Limited [Sailrock] is seeking qualified candidates for the position below:
Project Specialist – Sailrock Contracting Limited is seeking a Project Specialist to oversee all accounting, inventory, and construction project controls for projects carried out by the Sailrock Development. The employee will be responsible for acting as Project Specialist during construction of infrastructure, hospitality and residential components of Sailrock Development. Responsibilities include onboarding Sage 100 ERP Inventory, manage inventory issuances, provide project controls and pay requests, and assist in the development and implementation of procedures and policies in order to maximize efficiencies and mitigate risk. Day-to-day activities include, but are not limited to: Responsibilities •Lead the onboarding of the Sage 100 ERP Inventory for Sailrock Contracting to provide precise control and safeguarding of materials •Create detailed procedures for inventory management, including the requisition, purchasing, shipping & receiving of materials •Organize materials yard and create systematic policies for issuances of materials to job sites & ensure integration with Sage 100 ERP •Develop an organized system for month-end counts to ensure accurate inventory valuation •Manage financial operations and budgeting while implementing Sage 100 ERP software
Medical Centre Monday to Saturday. Health care systems are being strengthened. The Minister of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services, Hon. Edwin Astwood, stated; “We see primary health care as the foundation of universal health coverage therefore, we will continue to strengthen our primary health care systems and services to guarantee early detection, treatment and prevention of diseases. We are putting Primary Health Care in the driver’s seat.” Hon. Astwood thanks all personnel working in the medical profession for their hard work and commitment to ensuring a healthier Turks and Caicos as we continue to work towards making health care accessible for all.
•Complete budget analysis with pay applications on an ongoing basis •Refine pay application process in conjunction with Corporate and review on an ongoing basis •Manage project budget creation and process, track actuals and create reporting protocol •Communicate with key vendors and suppliers to drive efficiency in purchasing and logistics •Establish Point of Contact for closed contract buyers in navigating through construction process, providing updates as required to assigned personnel and Corporate •Nurture and maintain strong relationships with vendors, subcontractors, suppliers, AHJs and related stakeholders •Core responsibilities include day to day management of inventory and inventory system, logistics, purchasing and requisition functions •Other support tasks as delineated by Director of Construction and executive team Qualified Candidates will have/be: •Must have Bachelor’s Degree •Must have experience establishing, managing, analyzing, and reporting of project controls and multi-disciplinary tasks •Must have sound working Knowledge of Microsoft Office, SAGE Accounting and Inventory Tracking Systems as well as Payroll and Business Administration work flow. •Must have 5 years of working experience in a related capacity •Must have experience with project management and experience leading a project team Salary Range •$45,000 Annually Please submit applications to Human Resource •Drop off: W104 Venture House, Grace Bay, Providenciales • E m a i l : h u m a n r e s o u rc e s @ s o u t h c a i c o s . c o m / S w h a r t o n @ southcaicos.com This is a new position. Interested Turks and Caicos Islands must also submit copies of their application to the TCI Work Permit Board
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
CAREER OPPORTUNITY Do you aspire to build a thriving hospitality career at one of the leading luxury resorts in the Caribbean? Are you a self-motivated, talented team-player, interested in joining a dynamic team? The Amanyara Resort invites all suitable candidates to apply for the following positions: Pest Control Manager •Proactively prevents, and eradicates the property of various vectors and pests by using chemical solutions, powders, and gases. Also pests proofs buildings. •Correctly sets mechanical traps and place bait, and removes dead rodents after extermination. •Ensures buildings are empty when product is applied and airs out buildings after application. •Inspects property to determine wall and roof porosity and possible sites of pest invasion. •Develops and updates reports including, but not limited to, treatment calendar, month end reports, and monthly inventory. •To execute the BioRationaleProgramme, to provide feedback and to constantly test on results; monitors and dippers, etc. •Ensures pest control team is coordinated and scheduled appropriately to provide consistent service and deliver such programs in addition to special requests and any emergency scenarios that may be different from the treatment plan. •Trainsvarious departments such as Housekeeping, Front Office, Villa Management and Food and Beverage in the good practice of pest control Requirements: •High School Diploma or higher education •Self-motivated, enthusiastic, fit and capable of manual outdoor labor. Also able and willing to work in all weather conditions. •Fluent in English; verbally and written. •Inventory reporting and supply chain management •Microsoft Office suite proficiency Salary range from $3000 to $3500 per month, based on qualifications and experience. Villa Director of Engineering •Leads the Villa Engineering Department under the direction of the Director of Facilities and oversees all event set-ups at the villas.Thereby carries out all predictive, corrective and preventative maintenance of the Villa Electrical infrastructure, water distribution system, refrigeration and all equipment and appliances. •Maintains and improves the hardscaping and exterior engineering systems in collaboration with the Landscaping team and Villa staff. •Responsible for Energy Management and leak control on all Villa real estate. •Effectively communicates and plans all works in collaboration with the Villa Management team and develops good relationships with the Villa Owners. •Ensures compliance with all EHS requirements and safety policies and procedures. •Specializes in electronic equipment, including electric motors, machinery controls, lighting, and wiring in buildings and communications systems, and power generation, control, and transmission devices used by electric utilities. •Tests equipment and isolate defects. Plans, schedules, conducts, and coordinates program of assigned engineering work and projects. Evaluate the effectiveness of the electrical (Upgrade) design and change if necessary. •Controls costs, ensuring that projects are properly scoped,
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costs are reported, and expenses tracked. Prepares financial and work planning forecasts and ensures accuracy in the completion of purchase requisitions. •Maintains a clean and safe working environment; Mechanical, Swimming Pools, Plumbing, and Wood working. •Designs and plans continuous improvement to the entire site utility, this will include emerging technologies and renewable energy sources. •Responsible for developing and overseeing Hurricane preparedness initiatives for all Villas. •Takes monthly electrical, gas, water, diesel, petrol, and meter readings and formulates monthly reports. •Maintains records of the various transformers tests, Megger, Transformer Turns Ratio, Di-electrical, and Oil sampling are performed annually. •Secures, and maintains a record of all tools checked out and in, log keeping proper inventory. •Provides supervision and quality assurance for ongoing projects •Monitors and maintain all lift stations and waste water systems. •Inspectsinstallations and observes operations to ensure compliance with design and equipment specifications and safety standards. •Electrical preventive maintenance procedures and routines and record keeping to be a priority. Develops, maintains, and administers facilities documentation and information management systems by maintaining facilities documentation management systems to ensure drawings, project files, specifications and standards, databases, equipment files, vendor files, historical records and other related documents are archived, up to date, and easily available for use by other departments. •Ensures ongoing assessments of the electrical system, evaluating equipment performance and property’s load balancing; identifying and approving recommendations to improve system performance; and overseeing the implementation of system changes. •Manages the constant maintenance of the architectural finishes on all the Villa buildings to the highest standards. Requirements: •A degree in Electrical Engineering or a diploma in the Electrical Engineering with relevant experience, or a diploma in Mechanical Engineering with Electrical Engineering experience. •Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience in a Property Maintenance or Engineering Department •Knowledge of integrated building control systems and IT capabilities. •Must be well versed in the codes for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection, to protect people and property from electrical hazards. •Knowledge of kitchen and laundry equipment maintenance and refrigeration procedures, Life and fire safety systems, Building maintenance, Weather preparedness systems, GP’s, and Public Areas. Salary range from $9000 to $10,000 per month, based on qualifications and experience. For further information on the above positions please contact us by using the details below. Candidates must be available to work 6 days a week, weekends, and holidays. Positions marked with * are currently held by a work permit holder. However, qualified belongers are encouraged to send a cover letter & resume with the following attachments: Valid Police Record, Passport Bio Page, Proof of TCI status i.e. PRC, Belonger Status Card or Naturalization Certificate. Human Resources Amanyara Resort Northwest Point, Providenciales E: amanyara.training@aman.com Prospective applicants are also asked to send copies to the Labour Board, Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD. Provo Water Company Ltd is seeking suitable applicants to fill the following positions. POSITION:
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ENGINEER QUALIFICATION: 1.Must be a graduate of Civil or Mechanical Engineering with at least 5 years of continuous professional work experience under the same capacity. 2.Must have at least 2year minimum experience in water line maintenanceunder a water utility company setting. 3.Knowledgeable on the principles of hydraulic engineering related to water supply and water distribution. 4.Well verse on engineering mathematics and economics. 5.Familiar with Construction methods, materials and equipment. 6.Knows how to apply the principles and methods of statistical analysis. 7.Must be computer literate. JOB DESCRIPTION: The Preventive Maintenance Engineer plays a vital role in keeping the integrityand efficiency of PWC’s water distribution system. Application of scientific and methodological process in dealing with the existing line problem is the main concentration while subduing the new ones in occurrence before becoming PWC’s major concern. The responsibilities and tasks of the Preventive Maintenance Engineer may vary from role to roledepending on the call of the situation. Under the technical setting, one must be flexible and mustengage in multi-tasking to ensure immediate application of required corrective actions. Following is the PM Engineer’s job description which includes: •Applying knowledge of civil engineering under the preventive maintenance setting of a water distribution system which includes pipeline positioning, hydraulic analysis, structural design and control systems. •Development of preventive maintenance database, including data input, monitors, audits and maintains the accuracy of the PM data base system at all times. •Designing preventive maintenance strategies, procedures and application methods; •Planning and scheduling planned and unplanned maintenance work; •Carrying out quality inspections on the main distribution system and formulate technical recommendation for system’s enhancement; •Diagnosing breakdown problems in the distribution line and provide technical assistance for the application of corrective action; •Anticipating technical problems and developing solutionsfor recommendation at an early stage; •Arranging procurement requisition of needed fixtures, fittings or components for a specialized problem in the water main; •Communicates with preventive maintenance program vendor’s technical support staff regarding software upgrades, needed program modifications, and technical issues;
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•Maintaining infrastructure master plan and mapping database of all accomplished preventive maintenance task; •Oversees data input in CMMS and Asset Management software; •Provides technical and administrative support to engineering works and field operations as required; •Assists in the integration of maintenance software with GIS, GPS, CMMS, AutoCAD, Hydraulic Modeling Software, financial inventory and utility billing/customer databases; •Develops, produces and assists in generating regular and special preventive maintenance system reports; •Researches, gathers data, analyzes and documents PWC’s needs to automate current processes in addressing problem areas and improve existing workflow within preventive maintenance system; •Provides technical assistance in the operation, configuration, diagnostics, and troubleshooting of preventive maintenance program; •Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures for preventive maintenance task; •Directs implementation and procedural modifications in the preventive maintenance function; •Formulates and coordinates the implementation of Provo Water’s asset management plan; •Prepares monthly Preventive Maintenance report and maintains records and documents in accordance with PWC policy. Salary Range: US$ 36, 000 – 48, 000 per annum POSITION:PIPE FITTER REQUIREMENTS: o Minimum of 5 years experience in waterworks and piping networks. o Must be available for emergency maintenance calls on evenings and weekends according to rotational schedule. WORK ENVIRONMENT: •Hot, dusty and wet conditions including open and confined spaces •Active roadways and associated traffic noise levels •Remote locations JOB DESCRIPTION: The Pipe fitter is responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining pipes, fixtures and other plumbing used for water distribution in residential, commercial and industrial connections. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE TO: 1.Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks. 2.Reads and follows installation plans and establish the sequence of pipe installations. 3.Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required angle, using hand and power tools or machine such as pipe cutters, pipe threading machines and pipe bending machine. 4.Use hand or powered tools to excavate trenches and ditches 5.Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools. 6.Repair and maintain plumbing, replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes. 7.Attend Emergency callout when necessary. 8.Carry out all other duties as directed by the Supervisor. Salary Range: US$ 12.00 - $15.00 per hour All applications (inclusive of cover letter, CV & copies of qualifications) must be submitted by April 15th, 2019 to: Managing Director Provo Water Company Limited Grace Bay Road, PO Box 39 Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Recruitment@provowater.tc Qualified Turks & Caicos Islanders preferred. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified.
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SAILROCK RESORT
3RD ANNUAL SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM WE ARE LOOKING TO HIRE TCI’S FUTURE HOSPITALITY LEADERS WE WILL BE EMPLOYING SUMMER INTERNS FOR 3 WEEK ROTATIONS WHEN?
HOW DO I APPLY?
1st SET: July 9TH - July 27TH 2nd SET: Aug 6TH - Aug 24TH
Send an Email to swharton@southcaicos.com With The Subject “Sailrock Summer Internship Program”, Attached With Your Resume, Cover Letter, Status Card (Or Birth Certificate), A Reference Letter From A Teacher, And The Position You Are Applying For.
OPENINGS Food & Beverage Intern Front Desk Intern Housekeeping Intern Maintenance Intern Mechanic Intern Inventory Intern Culinary Arts Intern
REQUIREMENTS MUST Attend Marjorie Basden High School or Turks & Caicos Community College & Be 16 Years or Older
Qualified Candidates Will Be Contacted For Interviews. *If You Are Interested In Multiple, Positions From Most Preferred to Least Preferred
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SENT BY MAY 31, 2019
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APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
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SAMUEL MEDAS
KEM GARDINER AND FEARLESS PRAISE
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JARON NURSE
ANGEL COLEBY-TAYLOR
JAY MORLEY MINISTRIES
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APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
LOCAL NEWS
TCI Community College shone during College Month T
he Turks and Caicos Islands Community College was abuzz with activity at both campuses as staff and students engaged in a number of activities for “College Month” including Sports Day; Softball competitions; Inter Faculty Quiz sessions and Cross-country events. The students gave a stellar performance at the Integrity Commission’s Speak Off as they argued the moot and took part in the impromptu question section of the competition. The month focused around a recurring theme “I am TCICC” and throughout the month, visitors and residents alike were pictured in the customized frames also designed by students. Special Guest Speakers were featured during the “Principal Hour” sessions each week and during the month, the College welcomed Ms. Roxanne Wake-Forbes, Director of the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, Mr. David “Jack” Lightbourne, Local Recording Artist and Ms.
Nadidja Parker, Journalist at PTV who is also broader appreciation of the material and hear a Poet. They shared about opportunities for from business professionals. volunteerism; the power of entrepreneurship and The month culminated with Cocktail events at both locations with Entrepreneurs the journey to finding a career that you love. The College hosted an Expo and it being honoured in Grand Turk while attendees in allowed the public to get a “bird’s eye view” of the Providenciales got an overview of the College as level of performance that is expected of students. preparations are being made for the celebration Those in the Associate Degree programme of the of the 25th Anniversary of the College’s existence Business Faculty had seven viable business ideas in the fall of 2019. Dr. Hubert Fulford, President of the as they presented their end of year projects. Each Faculty was present, so visitors got a glimpse into TCI Community College said, “Our motto is the other programmes. The College thanks the ‘Daring to Aspire. Determined to Succeed’ and Community Partners who were invited and they we are indeed proud of our Faculties, students showed up to support. and staff who rallied together to make this a The Business Day at the Grand Turk very successful month.” He continued, “It does Campus saw various speakers who spoke with not stop there, the College will continue to be students on several important topics including a beacon for the community as we assist in the Human Resources and Finance and Economics. provision of quality education and opportunities Exhibits were set allowing one on one interaction for advancement.” with students. This helped students to get a
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LOCAL NEWS
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LOCAL NEWS
GetMe Ride grand opening ceremony highlights T
he Caribbean Uber-like company GetMe Ride officially launched in Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday April 10th, 2019 at their store located at #41 Princess Drive, Unit #28, Grace Bay. The event was well attended by members in the community, including Hon. Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism and his team and members of
the Taxi Association. GetMe Ride, the Uber or Lyft style app that uses taxi drivers for a mobile ride call-up service went online during the grand opening ceremony. Getme Ride will be providing ridesharing, pickup drop off, with licensed taxi drivers and
with a range of services with partners that will have economy, mid-size, large and luxury rides at a reasonable rate. Getme Ride is in partnership with local persons, Eugene Walkin, president, Birkley Missick, vice-president, Jervon Hall, director of operations and Ikelyn Stubbs, technical director.
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LOCAL NEWS
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Invest Turks and Caicos promotes financial services sector in London, UK
nvest Turks and Caicos and partners returned from London following a successful week of promoting the country’s financial services sector to London’s ultra-high networthaudiences. Invest TCI’s promotional activity started off with industry leaders from some of London’s top family offices, banks, and private client firms coming together on April 3rdat the Spear’s breakfast briefing at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for a presentation hosted by Invest Turks and Caicos discussing the country’s opportunities for UHNW investors. In their presentations to an audience of over 40 specially invited guests, James Bursey, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicosand David Stewart, partner at Londonand TCI law firm Griffiths and Partners, and managing director of Coriats Trust, spoke optimistically about the country’s financial services sector. “We’re trying to diversify, to
capitalise on our small but perfect reputation on financial services, and to try and grow that industry, so we are as a government and as an investment agency, authorised by government to come out and speak to communities like this to say ‘we want you to come’,” David Stewart told the audience. “We want lawyers, we want accountants, we want bankers and fund managers to consider the Turks and Caicos.” “One of the things we do on these islands is to promote just the natural beauty of the place,”James Bursey stated.“What a lot of people forget is that we are incredibly well positioned to command investment throughout the region. Most of our real estate investors are making very good returns on investing in the hotels and condominium that they develop, and most of our capital has historically come from North America.” Mr. Bursey went onto to highlight that the island is now turning
its focus to the UK.“We have good compliant arrangements with pretty much all the major capital markets. We are very much a part of British overseas territories, and we are a prime destination for the UK market.”, Bursey said. Following the Spear’s Breakfast briefing, Bursey and Stewart conducted
meetings with several prominent businesses and institutions in London, including Her Majesty’s Treasury. Bursey and Stewart was also interviewed by the London Stock Exchange where they discussed the revitalization of the financial services sector, key development priorities and growing the TCI economy.
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APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
ENTERTAINMENT
Man wins over $110K, breaks ‘Smallville’ actress pleads single-day record on ‘Jeopardy!’ guilty in sex-trafficking case
Actress Allison Mack leaves Brooklyn federal court Monday, April 8, 2019, in New York
This image made from video aired on “Jeopardy!” on Tuesday, April 9. 2019, and provided by Jeopardy Productions, Inc. shows James Holzhauer A 34-year-old professional sports gambler from Las Vegas won more than $110,000 on “Jeopardy!” on Tuesday, breaking the record for single-day cash winnings. The show said in a press release that James Holzhauer won the episode with a total of $110,914. The previous record of $77,000 was set by Roger Craig in 2010.
Tuesday’s win was the fourth consecutive victory for Holzhauer, whose winnings total more than $244,000. He will face two new challengers Wednesday. “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek revealed in March that he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer but said he intends to fight the disease and keep on working. The episode that aired Tuesday was taped Feb. 11.
Seven who accused Cosby of sex abuse settle defamation suits Seven women who said Bill Cosby sexually assaulted them decades ago and then labeled them liars by denying it have settled defamation lawsuits against the imprisoned actor. Court documents filed Friday in Springfield, Massachusetts, show a settlement has been reached since Cosby went to prison last fall in a separate Pennsylvania sex assault case. Cosby, 81, is serving a three- to 10-year prison sentence. Cosby’s spokesman, Andrew Wyatt, said Cosby did not authorize the settlement reached between the women and American International Group Inc., and “vehemently denies the allegations.” “Mr. Cosby did not settle any cases with anyone. He is not paying anything to anyone, and he is still pursuing his counterclaims. AIG decided to settle these cases, without the knowledge, permission and/or consent of Mr. Cosby,” Wyatt said in a statement. Courts had ruled that AIG had to pay for Cosby to defend the defamation lawsuits as part of his coverage. Cosby had homeowners and other coverage through AIG. The judge overseeing the defamation case in Massachusetts must still approve the settlement. The terms were not disclosed in the filings Friday. A message left with AIG’s corporate press office was not immediately returned late Friday. The plaintiffs are among the dozens of women who have accused Cosby of sexual misconduct. They include Tamara Green, Barbara Bowman and Therese Serignese. Cosby, in a 2006 deposition, acknowledged giving Serignese quaaludes that made her “high” before a sexual encounter in Las Vegas in 1976, when she was 19. Some of that deposition testimony was aired in his criminal case. “I don’t think he has much to contest the cases with, given his conviction,” said Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson. “I don’t know how much resources (he has left). It
TV actress Allison Mack pleaded guilty Monday to charges she was involved in a scheme to turn women into sex slaves for the spiritual leader of a cult-like upstate New York group, a development that came on the same day jury selection began for a federal trial in the case. Mack, 36, wept as she admitted her crimes and apologized to the women who prosecutors say were exploited by Keith Raniere and the purported self-help group called NXIVM. “I believed Keith Raniere’s intentions were to help people, and I was wrong,” Mack told a Brooklyn judge. Mack - best known for her role as a young Superman’s close friend on the series “Smallville” - said that after months of reflection since her arrest, “I know I can and will be a better person.” The actress is to be sentenced Sept. 11 on two racketeering counts that each carry maximum terms of 20 years in prison. However, it’s likely she would face far less time under sentencing guidelines. The plea means Mack will avoid going to trial with Raniere, wealthy heiress Clare Bronfman and another member of Raniere’s inner circle, Kathy Russell. All have pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.
About two hours after Mack’s guilty plea, potential jurors got their first glimpse of the jailed Raniere at a proceeding where they were instructed on questionnaires to be filled out as a first step in the selection process. Opening statements are scheduled for April 29 for a trial that is expected to last up to six weeks. The question of who would be seated at the defense table that day had remained unanswered in the wake of new allegations that Raniere exploited a teenage girl. The accusations gave his co-defendants even further incentive to seek separate trials and engage in plea negotiations. Court papers allege NXIVM formed a secret society of women who were branded with Raniere’s initials and forced to have sex with him. Defense attorneys have insisted any relationship between Raniere and the alleged victims, including an unidentified actress and other women expected to testify against him at trial, was consensual. On Monday, Mack said that at Raniere’s direction, she obtained compromising information and images of two unidentified women called “collateral” within the group that she threatened to make public if they didn’t perform “so-called acts of love.”
Bill Cosby arrives for a sentencing hearing following his sexual assault conviction at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown Pa. Court filings on Friday, April 5, 2019 probably makes sense for both sides to resolve it.” Joseph Cammarata, an attorney who represents the women, told The Associated Press on Friday that “each plaintiff is satisfied with the settlement.” He declined to comment further. However, he warned in a status report also filed Friday that his clients would seek to depose Cosby and gather other documents and evidence if Cosby does not drop counterclaims that accuse the women of harming his reputation through their accusations. Wyatt said that Cosby still intends to pursue those claims. Cosby’s wife, Camille, had been ordered to give a deposition in the defamation case in 2016, after a heated fight over her testimony. Lawyers for the Cosbys tried to quash her subpoena to testify, saying she didn’t have any relevant information on the women’s claims and that any marital conversations she had with her husband of 50 years were confidential. The judge agreed that marital conversations were private, but the women’s lawyers noted she also served as his business manager throughout their long marriage.
Donald Glover And Rihanna
Donald Glover And Rihanna’s Film Is Coming To YouTube This Weekend
The mysteries of ‘Guava Island’ are finally going to be revealed. Donald Glover’s top secret project with Rihanna is set to drop this weekend at Coachella -- but luckily, fans of the dream duo don’t need tickets to the Californian festival to catch the premiere. YouTube has revealed that everyone with a working internet connection can watch Guava Island from the comfort of their couches, because it’s going to air on the Coachella live stream, Billboard reports. Ads for the project have been popping up online and IRL, teasing the April 13 release date, but fans are still unsure whether Guava Island will be a feature film or a visual album in the same vein as Beyoncé’s Lemonade.
What we do know is that the project was shot in Cuba and has been helmed by Hiro Murai, a frequent collaborator of Glover’s who directed the majority of Atlanta and Childish Gambino’s “This Is America”. Black Panther’s Letitia Wright is also reportedly starring in the film alongside Donald and Rihanna, but the actor has remained tight-lipped about her involvement. “I can’t tell you anything,” she mysteriously told The Hollywood Reporter. “I don’t even know ... what is Guava Island? I have no clue. I don’t know anything. I don’t even know where they got my name from!” she said. Guava Island will hit the Coachella YouTube live stream on Saturday, April 13.
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HEALTHY
LIFESTYLE NYC orders mandatory vaccines for some amid measles outbreak Health officials Tuesday ordered nearly everyone in a heavily Orthodox Jewish New York City neighborhood to be vaccinated for measles or face fines, reviving a public-health strategy that experts say hasn’t been used in the U.S. in recent memory. The emergency order came as the city, a suburban New York county and some other parts of the nation grapple with a spurt in a disease the U.S. declared eradicated almost two decades ago. “This is an unusual action,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio acknowledged, “and it’s because of the sheer extent of the crisis.” Meanwhile, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention elevated its response to measles, establishing a larger team to focus on outbreaks that have sickened 465 people nationwide this year — the secondgreatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since measles was eliminated domestically in 2000. The nation’s biggest city is in the midst of its biggest measles outbreak since 1991, with 285 cases diagnosed since last fall — compared to two in all of 2017, officials said. They blamed the spike partly on anti-vaccine campaigns spreading misinformation that immunizations are dangerous. News of the order got a mixed reaction among Orthodox Jews in Williamsburg, the Brooklyn neighborhood affected by the order.
A woman, right, who identified herself as Ester, passes a group of boys, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York Some residents — even those who support vaccination — said they felt uncomfortable about the city pushing inoculations on people who don’t want them. Others remain convinced, against expert assurances, that vaccines are unsafe. New York City’s order applies to unvaccinated people who live, work or go to school in four ZIP codes, with some exceptions, such as for children under 6 months old. Officials said they would help people arrange to get shots but were prepared to fine them as much as $1,000 if they refused.
Major study debunks myth that moderate drinking can be healthy Blood pressure and stroke in The Lancet medical journal, risk rise steadily the more alcohol focused on people of East Asian people drink, and previous claims descent, many of whom have that one or two drinks a day might genetic variants that limit alcohol protect against stroke are not true, tolerance. according to the results of a major Because the variants have genetic study. specific and large effects on alcohol, The research, which used but do not effect other lifestyle data from a 160,000-strong cohort factors such as diet, smoking, of Chinese adults, many of whom economic status or education, they are unable to drink alcohol due can be used by scientists to nail to genetic intolerance, found that down causal effects of alcohol intake. people who drink moderately - “Using genetics is a novel consuming 10 to 20 grams of alcohol way ... to sort out whether moderate a day - raise their risk of stroke by 10 drinking really is protective, or to 15 percent. whether it’s slightly harmful,” said For heavy drinkers, Iona Millwood, an epidemiologist consuming four or more drinks a at Oxford who co-led the study. day, blood pressure rises significantly “Our genetic analyses have helped and the risk of stroke increases by us understand the cause-and-effect around 35 percent, the study found. relationships.” “The key message here The research team is that, at least for stroke, there is including scientists from Oxford and no protective effect of moderate Peking universities and the Chinese drinking,” said Zhengming Chen, Academy of Medical Sciences, said it a professor at Oxford University’s would be impossible to do a study Nuffield Department of Population of this kind in Western populations, Health who co-led the research. since almost no-one there has the “The genetic evidence shows the relevant alcohol-intolerance gene protective effect is not real.” variants. The World Health But the findings about the Organization (WHO) estimates that biological effects of alcohol should around 2.3 billion people worldwide be the same for all people worldwide, drink alcohol, with average per they said. person daily consumption at 33 Europe has the highest per grams of pure alcohol a day. That person alcohol consumption in the is roughly equivalent to two 150 world, even though it has dropped ml glasses of wine, a large (750 ml) by around 10 percent since 2010, bottle of beer or two 40 ml shots of the WHO says, and current trends spirits. point to a global rise in per capita This latest study, published consumption in the next 10 years.
The measure comes a day after the city ordered Orthodox Jewish schools and day care programs in Williamsburg to exclude unvaccinated students from classes during the outbreak or risk being closed down. The city believes an estimated 1,800 children in the neighborhood hadn’t been immunized as of December. At Yeshiva Kehilath Yakov school, Rabbi David Oberlander said administrators took pains to make sure children with measles — some 20 cases in recent months — weren’t in class. “We try to control our school, and we really strive to comply 100% with the Department of Health,” he said.
“But we don’t control the parents, and we don’t intend to control the parents.” U.S. cities have fined residents before for not being vaccinated, but “not in our modern history,” said Lawrence Gostin, a Georgetown Law professor focused on public health law. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld such an order in a 1905 case involving smallpox vaccinations in Cambridge, Massachusetts. But over time, schoolvaccination requirements — which the high court upheld in 1922 — became the centerpiece of public health officials’ strategies to fight measles, mumps and other communicable diseases. Overall vaccination rates remain high, but the percentage of kids under 2 who haven’t gotten their shots is growing, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC attributes the trend partly to lack of health insurance. Spread through coughs and sneezes, measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling that can lead to seizures, deafness or intellectual disability. Deaths are rare in the U.S., but measles killed 110,000 people globally in 2017. The CDC recommends that all children get two doses of measles vaccine. It says the vaccine is 97% effective. The National Institutes of Health says reports of serious reactions to vaccines are rare: about one in every 100,000 vaccinations.
U.S. charges 24 in telemedicine healthcare fraud causing $1.2 bln losses U.S. authorities on Tuesday said 24 defendants have been charged in connection with one of the largest health care fraud schemes prosecuted by the federal government, involving telemedicine companies and resulting in more than $1.2 billion of losses. Authorities said the charges concern an alleged scheme by so-called durable medical equipment companies to pay kickbacks and bribes in exchange for referrals of Medicare beneficiaries
for medically unnecessary back, knee, shoulder and wrist braces. The U.S. Department of Justice said hundreds of thousands of elderly or disabled patients were lured into the scheme to defraud Medicare. Among the defendants were chief executives and other top officials associated with five telemedicine companies, and the owners of dozens of durable medical equipment companies.
Up to 1 in 13 boys in U.S. have sex before adolescence While it’s possible that as many as one in 13 boys in the U.S. have sex before reaching their teens, the chance that they will do this varies widely depending on where they live, a study suggests. Researchers examined data from two nationwide surveys - one with almost 20,000 male high school students and another with more than 7,700 males ages 15 to 24. Overall, 7.6 percent of high school students in the first survey and 3.6 percent of participants in the second survey reported having sex for the first time before age 13. Across cities nationwide, the proportion of boys who reported having sex before age 13 ranged from as small as one in 20 in San Francisco to as large as one in four in Memphis, Tennessee. “Adolescent males’ attitudes and value about their sexuality and masculinity are influenced by the social
context of their community,” said lead study author Laura Lindberg, a researcher at the Guttmacher Institute in New York City. “Our findings reflect that where you live exposes you to different social norms about manhood,” Lindberg said by email. “The variation across settings means that programs for young people’s development and health need to be tailored and responsive to the communities they are in.” In most cities examined in the study, black males were more likely to report having sex before age 13 than their white counterparts. In many cities, Hispanic males were also more likely to have sex at young ages than white boys. Compared to black males, white males were 79 percent less likely to have sex before age 13, and Hispanic males were 73 percent less likely.
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FUN & GAMES
Answer Block
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• Must be punctual and have an excellent attendance track record • Flexibility as a team player • Willing to work outdoors • Posses an outgoing and pleasant personality Reports to: Food and Beverage Manager Compensation package: • $6.25 per hour, paid fortnightly
Chukka Caribbean Adventures (TCI) Ltd is about playtime! It’s about fun, laughter and a passion for life. Every single member of the CHUKKA team in Jamaica, Belize and Turks & Caicos contributes to helping their guests play; they get to wow them at every turn with all that the Caribbean has to offer. Chukka is always looking for new talent to add to our dynamic team. ALL SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS MUST: • Be at least 21 years old. • Be well spoken in English. • Possess excellent interpersonal & written communication skills. • Trustworthy & Reliable disposition with a clean criminal record. • Positive & disciplined work attitude in a customer service oriented business. • Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including weekends, public holidays as necessary to meet the challenging needs of cruise ship schedules and/or reasonable needs of the business. See below opportunities currently available in GRAND TURK: ZIPLINE CANOPY GUIDE • Document accurately all incidents and accidents on tour. Information must be communicated to the Location Manager immediately. • Ensure that all tour reports are completed properly and checked off daily. • Go through the tour at least three times per week. • Complete periodic inventory of resources and equipment. • Ensure that maintenance schedules are in place, adopted and up-to-date. • All equipment and tools used in the operations are properly functional. • Client Satisfaction Ratings are maintained above target 85%. Minimum Requirements: • One year experience in a related position • CPR and First Aid • Ability to work under pressure • Ability to handle complaint • Must have no fear of heights Reports to: Operation Manager Compensation package: • $6.25 per hour, paid fortnightly Role currently held by work permit holder BOAT CAPTAIN • Manage day to day operations of the tour including maintenance and efficient use of Human Resources • Manage the daily operational needs inclusive of tour needs, client needs • Ensure that the team is motivated, empowered and performing at an optimal level Minimum Requirements: • Valid Masters License (STCW Grades 1-5) or Yacht masters license (RYCA or equivalent) • At least 5 year experience working in the Cruise Industry with emphasis on snorkeling and other water based tours. • Must be trained and certified in Lifeguard Rescue, CPR and First Aid • Full knowledge of man over board procedures, fire at sea, abandon ship and all related safety drills and procedure. • Knowledge of maintenance and upkeep of outboard engines and inboard engines • Knowledge of basic navigation and Rules of the Road is an asset. Reports to: Operations Manager Compensation package: • $8.50 per hour, paid fortnightly Role currently held by work permit holder LIFEGUARD/BOAT CREW • Good verbal and written communication skills • Ability to work under pressure • Ability to use initiative • Provide clients with accurate tour information • Ensure clients adhere to safety guidelines • Efficiently dispatch clients as per the tour in which one is a part of • Work with other crew members to ensure sanitation of vessel is maintained • Work with other team members to ensure the vessel is adequately prepared for tour execution Minimum Requirements: • Have a minimum of 3 years experience working on boats as a lifeguard or boat crew • Have training or certificate in Lifeguard/CPR • Enjoy marine environment and have a passion for people • Must be punctual and have an excellent attendance track record • Flexibility as a team player Reports to: Boat Captain/Team Lead Compensation package: • $6.25 per hour, paid fortnightly Role currently held by work permit holder BARTENDERS • Prepare and sell menu item beverages in a fun and creative way • Set up and break down bar service area with all necessary equipment, bar beverages • Maintain cleanliness of work station an immediate environs at all times • Complete end of day sales reconciliation reports and closing stock • Advise Food and Beverage Manager in a timely manner of items that are at par or just below par for reorder • Participate in end of year stock audit exercise Minimum Requirements • Minimum 6 months experience in a similar role • Certification in Mixology a plus! • Possess excellent written and oral communication
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHY SUPERVISOR • Ensure that Photos Department meets daily revenue and costs targets • Manage guest experience when purchasing photos at the end of tour(s) • Troubleshoot technical software challenges • Ensure department is stocked with all required supplies • Inventory of equipment is properly maintained • Company procedure, policies and practices are always observed Minimum Requirements: • Be able work outdoors • Two years’ experience in retail sales • Excellent computer and technical skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Excels at operating in a fast pace and multi-tasking environment Reports to: • On Property Revenue Manager Compensation package: • $2000 per month Role currently held by work permit holder DRIVER • Safely transfer clients and guides from tour points to base in a timely manner. • Ensure that safety procedures are adhered to by all during transfer such as wearing seatbelts. • Report all accidents and incidents to the Operations Manager. Ensure that accurate accident reports are completed. Observe and abide by all road rules to ensure safety at all times. • Assist with the pick-up and drop off of supplies. • On tour site, conduct orientation with clients with tour facts. • Assist in tour areas between client transfers • Abide by local speed limits Minimum Requirements: • Have a minimum of 2 years as a driver. • Must possess pleasant and hospitable personality • Flexibility as a team player • Ability to take initiative and work under pressure. • Certificate in Defensive Driving an asset • Must be punctual and have an excellent attendance track record • Must possess Public Passenger license Reports to: Operations Manager Compensation package: • $7.00 per hour, paid fortnightly BEACH ATTENDANT • Mount beach umbrellas and cushions on beach chairs on the beach • Attend to guest’s food and bar needs. • Keep beach free of debris before during and after business hours. • Ensure trash receptacles are emptied frequently and surrounding areas kept sanitary • Beach shower areas are kept clear from any obstacles • Assist with any heavy lifting and movement of equipment or supplies needed for operational functionality • Ensure sand is combed each day. Minimum Requirements: • Punctual • Willing and able to work in a face paced service environment • Posses an outgoing and pleasant personality • Exercise flexibility in being able to be of assistance in wherever areas needed. Reports to: On-Property Revenue Manager Compensation package: • $6.25 per hour, paid fortnightly SENIOR CAPTAIN OF OPERATIONS • Ability to train and guide Captains and crew in marine best practices. • Create and update Standard Operating Procedures for tours • Create and update Risk Assessment data for tours • Conduct safety training for all tours • Develop and maintain medical screening processes for all tours • Tour flow management for all aqua related tours Minimum Requirements: • Minimum age 35 years • Valid Masters License (STCW Grades 1) or Yacht masters license (RYCA or equivalent) • At least 10year experience working in the Cruise Industry with emphasis on snorkeling and other water-based tours. • Must be trained and certified in Lifeguard Rescue, CPR and First Aid • Full knowledge of man over board procedures, fire at sea, abandon ship and all related safety drills and procedure. • Knowledge of maintenance and upkeep of outboard engines and inboard engines • Knowledge of basic navigation and Rules of the Road is an asset. • Ability to work under pressure Reports to: Country Manager Compensation package: • $3296.00 per month Role currently held by work permit holder Turks and Caicos Islanders applications will be given preference
Deadline for submissions is April 26, 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
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HAB LIMITED HAB Limited is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following position. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered. Is seeking to employ
RESORT FINANCE MANAGER Job Description •Responsible for all aspects of Resort and Strata Corporation accounting up to production of Trial Balance. •All Balance Sheet reconciliations, including bank, credit card accounts and supplier statements. •Reconciliation of Sales Reports and Accounts Receivable and supervision of Accounts Payable processing and Payroll. •Reconciliation and preparation of bank deposits. •Payment of purchase invoices and raising of cheques as applicable. •Preparation of Strata invoices/statements and corresponding with owners regarding statement queries. •Preparation and processing of weekly/monthly payroll and Social Security returns •Preparation and processing of monthly Accommodation Tax returns •Preparation and processing of monthly Service Charge payments Requirements •Should have at least (ten) 10 years experience in an Accounts Office. •Must hold a minimum of a Degree in Accountancy. •Must be proficient in MS Office application and Quickbooks. •Must have a good understanding of Accounting Procedures. •Work with minimal supervision. The salary range for this position is $30,000 - $41,000.00 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Interested applicants should submit applications to: Veronica Rigby, HAB Limited, P.O. Box 124, Regent House, The Regent Village, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tel: (649) 946-5126; Fax (649) 946-5191; Email: ronnie@habgroup.com. Interested Belongers must also submit copies of their application to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2. Position currently held by a work permit holder. Closing date for application is April 29th, 2019.
Job Summary: This position is responsible for maintaining a positive work environment for employees and a positive shopping environment for customers through planning, execution, coordination, and training of front-end operations. Main Duties and Responsibilities •Coach / Discipline staff within standard guidelines, establish procedures to ensure the accuracy and security of all cash received through the front end •Ensure that Front End Staff are aware of changes in store policies and procedures, including changes in pricing, specials, and new programs and promotions •Prepare and manage the Front-end schedules in an effective expense control manner •Develops and implements solutions for both employment and operational problems and issues •Plan, develop, and implement systems to provide for efficient and productive operations •Ensure efficient and friendly customer goodwill from all Front-End Staff towards customers by enforcing high standards of customer service •Ensure that return items and or customers quires are handled in a prompt and orderly manner •Immediately address customers issues/complaint and resolve to the full satisfaction of the customer, within standard company guidelines •Prepare and manage Front-End weekly schedules to ensure that the department is sufficiently staffed at all times •Administer good judgment in staff work assignments, delegation, and follow-up for the efficient performance of the department •Exhibit, train, ensure and enforce proper scanning and bagging procedures •Conduct employee performance evaluations as per standard company guidelines •Oversee the enforcement of dress code and grooming as per standard policy •Create and foster a conducive and working relationship with staff members to enhance overall employee performance and productivity •Ensure that disciplinary actions are issued in accordance with company procedures and policies •Partner with Human Resources Department to create and develop operational procedures and to assess training needs Starting salary range is based on qualifications and experience Deadline for submission of applicants is April 18, 2019 Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.
Come and join our winning team at Seven Star Resort & Spa The following positions are currently available Chef de Partie/ Demi Chef de Partie The Chef de Partie is responsible for running a specific section of the kitchen. The chef manages a small team of workers, which are responsible for keeping organized so that meals go out on time and the work area remains clean and orderly. Requirements: • 5 to 15 culinary experiences in a five star hotel/resort • Knowledgeable in international cuisine such as Japanese and other Asian dishes • HACCP knowledge, self-motivated and passion for hospitality and cooking • Excellent palate and attention to detail Duties and Responsibilities: • To work and lead the kitchen team • Execute cooking to the expected high standard quickly and efficiently • To maintain the required level of hygiene standards/HACCP as laid down both legally and by the standards manual • To be responsible for the day to day training of the team Salary range: USD13,200 to USD14,400. Position currently held by a work permit holder Retail and Spa Manager The Retail &Spa Manager will be responsible for overseeing the entire Spa function. This includes retail, a full-service gym as well as massage therapy. The primary role of the Spa Manager are; • To ensure optimum guest and employee satisfaction. • Plan or direct spa services and programs • Train staff in the use or sale of products, programs, or activities • Assess employee performance and suggest ways to improve work • Check spa equipment to ensure proper functioning • Coordinate facility schedules to maximize usage and efficiency • Develop staff service or retail goals and guide staff in goal achievement • Establish spa budgets and financial goals • Inventory products and order new supplies Skills and Qualifications: Customer Focus, Tracking Budget Expenses, Pricing, Vendor Relationships, Market Knowledge, Staffing, Results Driven, Yoga/ Pilates knowledge, Strategic Planning, Strong Management Proficiency, Client Relationships, Verbal Communication and able to work long hours. Must have international spa and retail experience. Salary range: USD35,000 to USD44,800 per annum and is based on experience and qualification. Position currently held by a work permit holder.
Crystallization Specialist: This individual will be responsible for grinding and leveling of floors with the required machinery. Responsible for all of the following: Travertine Cleaning , Marble Polishing, Marble Cleaning, Granite Polishing, Etch Removal, Stain Removal, Limestone Cleaning, Lippage Removal, Crack & Chip Repair and Marble Floor Maintenance Requirements: • Knowledge of working with chemicals used for floor restoration, polishing, buffing or crystallization on different stone floor types – Limestone/granite/marble • Some math and measuring skills along with an eye for detail • Also requires a great deal of lifting, bending and squatting, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is needed. Salary range: USD12,000 to USD 13,500 per annum. Position currently held by a work permit holder Housekeeping/Labourers Turndown Attendant / Houseman/Attendants Clean, stock, and provide turn down service for guest rooms to ensure cleanliness and guest satisfaction while caring enough to do it well by adhering to the Resort Commitments. Job knowledge/Skills/Abilities • Ability to work conscientiously, meets deadlines, follows instruction and directions, with minimal supervision and detailed oriented • Ability to stand, sit, kneel constantly to handle specific details or demands of quality and speedy guest services • Ability to work with cleaning agents by extending arms over head, bending and stooping • Ability and desire to handle the heat as the layout of the resort's rooms dictate • Ability to push, lift and/or pull equipment up to or more than 100 lbs • Ability to scrub and scour surfaces, extend arms over head to perform cleaning tasks, and work in confined spaces • Additional language abilities preferred Salary range: USD12,000 to USD 13,500 per annum. Owners Asset Protection Officer This position is under the direct supervision of the Owners Relations Manager/General Manager and is responsible for the protection, safeguarding, and security of assets for the assigned Home Owners. Duties and Requirements: • A minimum of 5 years’ experience • Able to work flexible hours, holidays and weekends. • Highly trained in security procedures and martial arts. • First Aid training is preferable and ability to communicate effectively • Physical ability to run, walk, jump and bend. • Willing to work long Shifts (up to 14hrs) and split shift during the night. • Willing to work in all weather conditions and ability to respond to patron problems effectively. • Excellent customer service skills Salary range: USD1,100 per month
ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED. Candidates should apply to Seven Stars Resort & Spa, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales via e-mail at hr@sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration or should leave CV’s at the security building for the attention of HR. Prospective applicants who are Islanders kindly send copies of your application to the board. Application deadline: May 1, 2019
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NEWS NEWS
Hotel building boom in Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic appears to have more development on the drawing boards, in construction, ready to debut or recently opened than any other Caribbean destination. In fact, according to new data from hotel analytics firm STR, the D.R. is in the midst of a full-fledged boom, with construction cranes dotting the coastline from Puerto Plata south to La Romana and Santo Domingo. Room inventory totaled 80,256 rooms at the end of 2018, including 12 new properties that added 4,365 units to the total count, plus more than 6,200 rooms currently under construction, according to STR. The National Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic, or Asonahores, confirmed 11 properties will be added to the inventory in the next three years, totaling 15,000 rooms. By way of comparison, Cuba, closest to the D.R. in terms of room count, had 74,586 available rooms at the end of 2018, with 5,000 new rooms projected for this year, according to its Ministry of Tourism. Every week brings an announcement of another ribboncutting ceremony, or a photo of a groundbreaking with hotel executives and developers holding shovels and
The TRS Cap Cana Hotel in Punta Cana flanked by Dominican Republic president Danilo Medina and tourism minister Francisco Javier Garcia. At the recent Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange conference in Punta Cana, three more hotels announced plans to invest, expand and update properties: Be Live Hotels with its seventh property; Amhsa Marina’s investment of more than $25 million in updates to its luxury Casa Marina Beach & Reef hotel in Sosua; and Viva Wyndham’s expansion of its adults-only Viva Wyndham V Samana. “Hotel activity represents more than 8% of the Dominican Republic’s GDP, amounting to more than $840 billion in income for the country in 2018,” Encarna Pinero, CEO of Grupo
6.5 million, up 6.2% over 2017, according to the Central Bank of the D.R. Keeping track of what’s recently opened and what’s soon to open requires a detailed spreadsheet, but here’s a brief recap of some of the hotel companies on the move: The Palladium Hotel Group debuted its 115-suite TRS Cap Cana Hotel in November, joining its TRS Turquesa Hotel, also in Punta Cana. The adults-only Sanctuary Cap Cana celebrated its reopening in January following a $44 million redo that added 140 more suites. Pinero, parent company of Bahia Principe, Marriott International plans said at the official grand reopening of the to open three hotels under The Luxury adults-only Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Collection, W Hotels and Ritz-Carlton in Punta Cana, following a $26 million Reserve brands in Puerto Plata on the investment in extensive renovations. island’s north coast, representing an Pinero said that the hotel sector investment of more than $350 million. “is essential to the growth of this country.” Marriott also has begun Perhaps the pace of development construction on its first AC Hotel in the is directly related to the country’s strong country, in downtown Santiago. arrival numbers. Javier Garcia said Presidential Suites Cabarete in recently that the D.R. “outpaces the Puerto Plata opened its first phase in global average of annual tourist arrivals. December. The country is continuing to see an The Grand Reserve at Paradisus upward trend regarding tourism.” Palma Real by Melia, the Spanish hotel Statistics bear him out. The D.R. company’s newest resort in the Bavaro topped the list in 2018 of Caribbean beach area in Puna Cana, welcomed its destinations that welcomed the highest first guests that same month. number of stayover and cruise visitors:
Cayman Airport development costs rise to nearly $68 million The total estimated cost of upgrading the Owen Roberts International Airport in the Cayman Islands was nearly $68 million as of last week, an increase of some $14 million from original contract prices. In response to a Cayman Compass records request, the Cayman Islands Airports Authority stated that the estimated cost of the airport development was $67,792,499 as of Thursday, April 4. The project should be finished by the end of June, and a final estimated cost will be released then, according to the CIAA. The project’s total estimated cost was $53.8 million as of August 2016. Government had a budget of roughly $55.7 million for the project when it began, and increased the scope of the work by about $2.6 million once it began, according to records provided by the CIAA. “As the project unfolded, the CIAA identified opportunities for increased passenger experience, safety, operational efficiencies and building enhancements,” the CIAA records state. “This figure represents these scope
Owen Roberts International Airport in the Cayman Islands increases.” The remaining roughly $9.5 million of expenditures were due to cost overruns because to design errors and omissions, unforeseen issues, client changes, and tenant changes, the CIAA’s records state. Before the CIAA released its records last Thursday, the most recent estimate of the airport project’s cost was around $64 million – a figure that came from an August 2018 report from the Office of the Auditor General. According to that report, the Airports Authority made multiple changes to the project after it started, including upgrading the hurricane-
impact windows, adding canopies to protect passengers and baggage from the weather, upgrading banners on the roof, landscaping around the airport, and adding other designs such as the dutyfree mall and the CIAA offices. The report, released in January, estimated that these changes added nearly $5 million to the redevelopment price. “Almost $5 million of these cost increases are as a result of additions in scope made to the project after contracts were signed, including hurricane-rated glass and canopies,” stated Auditor General Sue Winspear, adding, “Making changes to the scope of a project after
a contract has been signed is not good practice.” Other cost overruns were attributed to project delays. For example, flaws in the designs of the electrical works led to an eight-week delay in construction starting for Phase 2 of the project, according to the report. Awarding the contract for the baggage-handling system was also 10 months late due to poor quality of tender materials, the report states. “These delays have resulted in the project being rescheduled on more than one occasion and have contributed to increased costs,” the report states.
CDB approves financing to improve climate resilience in St. Vincent The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved financing of USD13.4 million to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to enhance resilience of the Sandy Bay and other North Windward communities to coastal hazards and the potential impacts of climate change. The Sandy Bay Sea Defences Resilience Project aims to reduce the rate of coastal erosion, through the construction of sea defences in sections along the Sandy Bay coastline. Daniel Best, Director of Projects, CDB stated, “This Project will reduce the vulnerability of the Sandy Bay and other North Windward communities to aggressive coastal erosion caused by wave action and storm surges associated with the passing of tropical storms and hurricanes.
The erosion of the Sandy Bay coastline threatens the Windward Highway and the social and economic activities of the surrounding community. The Windward Highway provides the community’s only access to key economic activities, including the geothermal site currently under development and to popular attractions in the north-eastern section of the coast.” Key project components include: •preparation of a feasibility study inclusive of an environmental and social monitoring plan; •construction of sea defences along approximately 730 metres of shoreline, including stone revetment, retaining walls and river training, as well as
auxiliary works such as green space and pavement construction; •engineering and construction-related services; and •project management, monitoring and evaluation. The investment is consistent with the Bank’s Disaster Management Strategy and Operational Guidelines, and Climate Resilience Strategy. This initiative also supports the vision of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to improve the quality of life for all of its citizen, as outlined in the National Economic and Social Development Plan (2013-2025). Goal 4 of the Plan stresses improving physical infrastructure, preserving the environment and building resilience to climate change.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
Bodies of American couple missing in Dominican Republic believed found Authorities in the Dominican Republic said Tuesday they believe they’ve found the bodies of an American couple who disappeared late last month after checking out of their hotel — and officials think the two died in a car crash on their way to the airport. Orlando Moore, 40, and girlfriend Portia Ravenelle, 52, both of Mount Vernon, N.Y., were supposed to return home on March 27, but they never boarded their flight back to Newark Liberty International Airport. National Police spokesman Frank Felix Duran said on Tuesday a man’s body – believed to be Moore’s – was found in the waters of Sans Souci on March 31, while a woman’s body was found where authorities believe a car crash occurred days earlier. El Diario Libre reported the woman was found unconscious and taken by ambulance March 27 to Dario Contreras hospital with multiple trauma injuries. She reportedly died there on April 4. Duran said the man’s body was found decomposing about 12 to 18 miles away from where they believe the rental vehicle he was in became submerged in the ocean. He said treacherous water conditions have kept divers from getting to the submerged vehicle, but they expect it to be the same vehicle the couple rented to drive to the airport. He said they believe the man’s body is that of Moore because of a tattoo on his right arm that says “Milano,” similar to one that the 40-year-old man had. Police said they believe the couple was in a car crash on Las Americas highway, which leads to a nearby international airport. Duran said local fishermen reported seeing a car in the bottom of the ocean in
Orlando Moore and his girlfriend, Portia Ravenelle Sans Souci. Moore and Ravenelle were reported missing by their families in the U.S. after they did not board their flight home. Investigators said they confirmed the couple had checked out of the Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa hotel in Samana on March 27. Moore and Ravenelle flew out of Newark Liberty International Airport on March 23 for a getaway in the Dominican Republic. They were supposed to return home to Mount Vernon on March 27. Fourteen days later, their family hasn’t heard from them. Their phones are off. And their car is still parked at the airport. Moore’s sister, Lashay Turner, said her first move was to reach out to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic. Then she filed a police report. Cops say the pair checked out of their hotel in Samana, but what happened to them next remains a mystery at this point. Officials say they didn’t make the flight back to Newark, and there’s no record of them getting back to the U.S. Turner said her brother
and Ravenelle had a rental car in the Dominican Republic, but that vehicle is missing. A picture believed to be the latest of them posted to social media before they vanished shows them riding horses together on their trip. “We’ve been calling DR and they said they didn’t make their flight,” Turner said. “We also spoke to someone in U.S. Customs and they said my brother did not make his flight back here.” Turner says her brother has a daughter -- and he’s not the type to “just run off on a hiatus ... he’s gonna let someone know where he is.” “I’m scared. I don’t know what’s going on,” she added. “I’m saddened, my family is saddened by this and we just want me brother to return safe and alive.” Authorities aren’t speculating about what may have happened to the couple, but relatives are growing increasingly concerned. “When these things happen, you always think of the worst, but we are hoping for the best,” Edith Walters, Moore’s grandmother, said.
Belize referendum of territory dispute postponed The referendum in Belize on whether or not to take Guatemala’s claim on Belize’s territory to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final settlement has been postponed On Wednesday, April 3, 2019, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin granted an injunction halting the referendum scheduled for April 10, 2019. Later the same day, Prime Minister Dean Barrow hosted a press conference assuring the public that the referendum would go on per scheduled since the Government would appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal. On Monday, April 8, 2019, the Court of Appeal upheld the Chief Justice’s injunction. PM Barrow hosted another press conference yesterday evening informing officially that the April 10th referendum is being postponed until further notice. “We will not be having a referendum on Wednesday April the tenth. I am in no doubt that we will be having a referendum on going to the I.C.J. no later than six to eight weeks from the originally scheduled date,” Barrow stated. PM Barrow has stated that the Government is considering taking the case to the CCJ to lift the
Prime Minister Dean Barrow injunction. “I shall go to my grave secure in the knowledge that the Chief Justice got it horribly wrong,” he said. Prime Minister Dean Barrow hopes the Caribbean Court of Justice gives him one last chance to get it right, though as of this writing a final decision has not been made. The Prime Minister says the Government “must look” at taking their unheard appeal from the Court of Appeal to the CCJ. As for the campaign itself,
the Prime Minister accused the Opposition as they have accused him of delay tactics – in their case, he said, trying to keep Belizeans from making the final choice via referendum. He said he had been trying to keep the campaign above party politics. Addressing why his administration may be seen as “stubborn and arrogant” in deciding not to go right away to the House of Representatives to fix the possible error flagged by the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister pointed out that it does not lift the injunction. Further indicting the top judicial officer for not producing “timely fast hearings and quick delivery of decisions,” P.M. Barrow said the widely-framed order leaves GOB in limbo – something intolerable to the P.M., who said he is determined to have the referendum as quickly as possible. Answering questions, the Prime Minister said the Opposition, not the Government, is to blame for any belief that Belize may lose at the I.C.J. because of the “local shenanigans” here. It will have to be explained to the people so that they may understand. There is another option which the Prime Minister declined to go into specifics on at this time.
Bank of Nova Scotia’s plan to sell assets in Caribbean facing scrutiny Bank of Nova Scotia’s plan to sell some of its Caribbean assets is facing scrutiny from a local watchdog that has flagged what it says are potential “anticompetitive effects.” Scotiabank announced late last November that it had struck a deal to sell banking operations in nine “non-core” Caribbean markets to Trinidad and Tobago-based Republic Financial Holdings Ltd. The Canadian lender also said that it was selling insurance subsidiaries in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to Barbados-headquartered Sagicor Financial Corporation Ltd. In early December, the competition commission of the Caribbean Community (or CARICOM) said it had “taken note” of Scotiabank’s announcement and “further noted the concerns of bank customers and governments across the region regarding the proposed acquisition of Scotiabank by Republic Financial.” More recently, the Suriname-based commission said in an update that it had completed a preliminary review. “Such assessment indicates that the proposed transaction or parts thereof could possibly have anticompetitive effects in at least three (3) Member States in the Community,” a statement dated March 27 said. It did not say which of the 15 full members of the CARICOM bloc could be affected, or give further details about any alleged “effects.” However, the CARICOM Competition Commission also said it would reach out to national and sector regulators in the affected areas, “for the conduct of preliminary examinations of proposed transaction” between the businesses. “In furtherance of its commitment to fair and transparent processes for both the business community and consumers, the Commission will continue to monitor this activity in the Community and will inform as appropriate on further progress of this matter in affected Member States,” the statement added. Scotiabank’s Caribbean banking asset sale — involving Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines — forms part of a broader campaign by the bank to focus its energies on its core markets. In February, for instance, the lender announced it would sell banking and insurance businesses in El Salvador, a move it said was “driven by the bank’s strategy to focus on key markets which can generate greater scale for Scotiabank.” The bank’s plans have been widely reported on in the Caribbean. CARICOM’s competition commission, which was created by treaty to encourage economic development among participating nations, says on its website that it has certain powers, including the ability to impose fines and to “direct the enterprise to cease and desist from anti-competitive business conduct.” In response to questions from the Financial Post, Scotiabank said it “acknowledges the CARICOM Competition Commission’s contribution to the regulatory approval process, and continues working closely with Republic and all applicable regulatory authorities to provide all needed information related to this transaction.” The bank said previously that the transactions announced in November would not be “financially material,” but that they would increase a measure of capital strength by around 10 basis points upon closing. Republic Financial previously said in a release that the purchase price on the Caribbean bank assets was approximately US$123 million. The purchase price on Scotiabank’s insurance operations in Jamaica and Trinidad is around US$240 million, according to a November investor presentation. It was also subject to the closing of an acquisition of Sagicor by Toronto-based special purpose acquisition company Alignvest Acquisition II Corp. “Until such approvals are obtained and conditions are met, and the transactions close, all Scotiabank operations in these countries will continue as usual,” the bank said in November. Alignvest announced on March 1 (before the Caribbean competition commission weighed in) that it and Sagicor were postponing shareholder meetings to allow both companies more time to market the deal, as well as to “afford time for investors and shareholders to understand the publicly available information.”
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CTO chief says funding for crisis marketing needed Hugh Riley, secretary general and chief executive officer of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), who is in New York to conduct the mandate of the CTO, in an exclusive interview with Caribbean Life recently, commended the CTO Manhattan workforce for doing a superb job of planning programs, such as the June 1-8 Caribbean Week in New York, of which he plays a supporting role. Riley, who overseas the CTO offices in Barbados, North America, UK and Europe, spoke passionately about protecting the Caribbean brand after a natural disaster. He said heaven forbids anything happens in member countries anytime soon, the CTO would have to repair the image of the destination, though effective messaging, noting that a natural disaster is an image disaster. The CTO is working with private sector partners to have a marketing fund so that whenever disaster strikes “we are able to market the Caribbean brand effectively, so people know what is happening.” “You can’t leave it up to the public to understand, which parts of the Caribbean had been affected, and those that were not affected, and what level of recovery is taking place,” adding that tourists should not have to guess, which countries were affected, whether Barbados, Bahamas, Bermuda or Barbuda. “There is a need to use funding and other marketing mechanisms to ensure people understand what has happened when a natural disaster has occurred,” he said. During the 2017 hurricane season, countries that were directly hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, suffered damage, but many of the countries that were not hit also suffered damages because tourists felt that the entire Caribbean was affected and stayed away. This would continue to affect the Caribbean unless “we have a proper funding mechanism to repair the damage to our brand.” “It takes money to get that messaging out,” he asserted. In one instance, the CTO partnered with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association to launch The Rhythm Never Stops — a marketing campaign to lure tourists back to the Caribbean region, because according to Riley, the Caribbean never stops. The campaign was instrumental in repairing some of the damage done to the Caribbean, but when funding ran out, the campaign ended, said Riley, who contended that the region should be ready when a crisis hits.
The best-kept Caribbean secret is emerging from tourism obscurity Not many American tourists make it to, or have even heard of, St. Eustatius, an eightsquare-mile island in the Dutch Caribbean. Yet dive enthusiasts and frequent Caribbean travelers looking for something different may be surprised at how easy it is to get in step with this history-rich Caribbean idyll, located between St. Kitts and St. Maarten. English is the most commonly spoken tongue, though Dutch is the official language, and the standard currency is the U.S. dollar. The airport, F.D. Roosevelt, is named for the United States’ 32nd president. Locals on Statia, as the island is known to its 3,200 residents, celebrate a kinship with the U.S. dating to the 18th century, when St. Eustatius was home to the Caribbean’s busiest and most prosperous trading port. The colonies purchased ammunition and supplies here during the American Revolution, owing to the port’s neutral status, and, with an 11-gun salute to the USS Andrew Doria in November 1776, St. Eustatius offered the first international recognition of the newly-chartered United States. More than a century and a half later, in 1939, FDR traveled to St. Eustatius to deliver a brass plaque commemorating the gesture, which now hangs among the ramparts and canons at Fort Oranje in the capital of Oranjestad. Today, Statia has the feel of a land that time forgot. The British, none too happy with local leadership’s chummy relations with the United States, ransacked the place in 1781; an earthquake followed some years later. Collectively, these events ended Statia’s run as a commerce capital. The 18th-century brick warehouses which once housed the riches of the Dutch West India Company still exist as lonely, wavebattered ruins, lining the shore of Oranjestad’s quiet Lower Town area, reminders of a heyday that earned the island its nickname “The
Known as “The Golden Rock,” Statia features stunning natural beauty Golden Rock.” Other remnants $563 billion wellness travel sector. have been reclaimed by the sea— “Embracing Environmental Health one reason why St. Eustatius has and Wellness” was the focus of developed a fervent following in the St. Eustatius’ annual sustainable international diving community. tourism conference held in Unlike most of its September. Caribbean neighbors, tourism has “I believe we have what never been a significant factor it takes,” said Charles Lindo, St. in St. Eustatius’ economy. The Eustatius’ director of tourism. “The Dutch government is the largest first thing we have to start pushing employer, and U.S. firm NuStar is the tranquility envelope. Come Energy operates a 13-million-barrel to Statia and unplug. The Internet oil terminal on the island, circled is here—fast Internet, too—but we at all times by tankers awaiting prefer you come and unplug.” cargo. However, changes are afoot. Wellness tourism Holland recently took control of the represents “a big opportunity” for local government from local leaders, St. Eustatius said Sallie Fraenkel, and tourism is likely to play a major founder and director of the Mind role in shaping its future. Body Spirit Network, a New York The island currently has based wellness travel consulting about 85 hotel rooms, 25 of which firm. “Natural resources here are have opened in the last three years. so deep,” Fraenkel said. “You have The Dutch owners of Knippenga an amazing antidote to stress being Estate, a posh villa complex in the through the roof.” island’s secluded southwest, recently For a small place— broke ground on Petit Guyeau, a Oranjestad is not only the capital, 40-room hotel expected to open in it’s the island’s only town—Statia 2020, boosting the number of keys boasts a variety of invigorating on Statia by nearly a third. activities, including 36 dive sites This year, the modern, and more than a dozen hiking trails. eight-room Oranje Bay Hotel opened One headline attraction is The Quill, steps from the island’s three dive the dormant, 2,000-foot volcano shops and Lower Town’s colonial which lords over the island’s ruins. The operators of The Old southern half. Gin House, St. Eustatius’ oldest and From “town,” the summit best-known lodge—and presently can be easily reached in under an its largest, with 20 rooms—are also hour; you’ll want to allow another eyeing expansion opportunities. two hours, however, to explore The The island’s tourism office, Quill’s inner crater, which is home known as the St. Eustatius Tourism to a spectacular tropical rainforest. Development Foundation, sees an The island also holds appeal for opportunity to position itself as a birdwatchers, with 32 native species. niche player in the fast-growing,
Runway Blunder: Pilot took off heading for passenger jet A near mid-air collision between two planes at the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, The Bahamas last September resulted in the suspension of a pilot and an air traffic controller, a new report by the Air Accident Investigation Department details. Two planes simultaneously departed the same runway around 7am on September 22, 2018. It is not clear how close the planes came to contact, but investigators said the seriousness of two planes heading towards one another from opposite ends of the same runway “cannot be understated”. One of the planes, a C6-JEF Piper Aztec, was operated and owned by a 53-year-old private operator. It was headed to the Berry Islands with just the pilot onboard. The other aircraft, a Western Air turbo-prob aircraft, C6-KID, was headed to Grand Bahama with 25 passengers. The chief cause of the near collision was the C6-JEF pilot’s defiance of an air traffic control order –– the pilot departed from the wrong runway and later told investigators he forgot to follow the correct instructions despite previously acknowledging them. The crew of the plane carrying 25 people did not realise another aircraft had taken off towards
One of the planes was a Piper Aztec, C6-JEF, top, while the other aircraft was a Western Air turbo-prob aircraft, C6-KID, above, which was heading to Grand Bahama with 25 passengers themtook off toward them until it had passed directly overhead. Even though the pilot of the C6-JEF failed to obey air traffic control orders, it is “still incumbent on all pilots entering an active runway to be cognizant and vigilant of traffic that may be crossing a runway, exiting a runway or in this case departing from a runway,” investigators emphasized. The AAID said: “The poor decision making exercised by the pilot of aircraft C6-JEF in not following directions by ATC, despite advising
he understood the instructions given, has been determined as the probable cause of the near mid-air collision; also contributing to this near mid-air collision was the actions of the air traffic controller by losing visual on the aircraft he issued instructions to, and the failure on the part of the crew of C6-KID for not observing that another aircraft was on the same runway at the same time before commencing their take-off roll; the AAID believes this loss of visual contact on the aircraft by the controller may have
been as a result of distraction due to the ongoing shift change at the time, and the fact that the controller was manning two separate radio frequencies during a time of high traffic volume while using a system that required additional training and frequent data input so that all systems can function properly with adequate current information. “The AAID also believes the failure to notice the aircraft by the crew of C6-KID may be the result of distractions or preoccupation with completing final checks while on the runway, before takeoff; pilot training, qualification and air traffic controller training, licensing and record keeping practices have been investigated and while not directly contributing to the incident, were noteworthy and required action.” The AAID found that the air traffic controller had an expired medical certificate and no ATC licence. It found that the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Division (BANSD) lacked a documented process to track the medical status of air traffic controllers, that no ATC personnel had required ATC licences and that several ATC personnel were operating without the required current medical certificates.
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WikiLeaks’ Assange arrested in London; US charge unveiled
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was forcibly bundled out of the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and into a waiting British police van on Thursday, setting up a potential court battle over attempts to extradite him to the U.S. to face charges related to the publication of tens of thousands of secret government documents. British police arrested Assange after the South American nation decided to revoke the political asylum that had given Assange sanctuary for almost seven years. Ecuador’s President Lenin Moreno said he took the action due to “repeated violations to international conventions and daily life.” In Washington, the U.S. Justice Department accused Assange with conspiring with Chelsea Manning to break into a classified government computer at the Pentagon. The charge was announced after Assange was taken into custody. His lawyer has previously said that Assange planned to fight any U.S. charges against him. Assange took refuge in the embassy in 2012 after he was released on bail in Britain while facing extradition to Sweden on sexual assault allegations that have since been dropped. British police said Thursday that Assange had been arrested for breaching his bail conditions in Britain and in relation to the U.S. arrest request. Moreno, speaking in a video released on Twitter, said the country was no longer willing to give Assange
Police carry WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from the Ecuadorian embassy in London after he was arrested by officers from the Metropolitan Police and taken into custody Thursday April 11, 2019 protection. Other Ecuadorian officials in Quito accused supporters of WikiLeaks and two Russian hackers of attempting to destabilize their country. “The discourteous and aggressive behavior of Mr. Julian Assange, the hostile and threatening declarations of its allied organization, against Ecuador, and especially the transgression of international treaties, have led the situation to a point where the asylum of Mr. Assange is unsustainable and no longer viable,” Moreno said. Assange for years has been under U.S. Justice Department scrutiny for years for WikiLeaks’ role in publishing thousands of government secrets. He
was an important figure in the special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe as investigators examined how WikiLeaks obtained emails that were stolen from Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and Democratic groups. Assange had not come out of the embassy in London for almost seven years because he feared arrest and extradition to the United States for publishing classified military and diplomatic cables through WikiLeaks. Although Sweden has dropped the sexual assault case that first led to Assange’s arrest in Britain, U.K. authorities said he would be rearrested if he ever left the embassy because he skipped bail in the
original case. Video posted online by Ruptly, a news service of Russia Today, showed several men in suits around Assange, pulling him out of the embassy building and loading him into a police van Thursday while uniformed British police officers formed a passageway. Assange sported a full beard and slickedback grey hair. WikiLeaks quickly drew attention to U.S. interest in Assange and said that Ecuador had illegally terminated Assange’s political asylum “in violation of international law.” “Powerful actors, including CIA, are engaged in a sophisticated effort to de-humanise, de-legitimize and imprison him,” the group said in a tweet over a photo of Assange’s smiling face. But Moreno appeared to suggest that a swift extradition to America was not likely. “In line with our strong commitment to human rights and international law, I requested Great Britain to guarantee that Mr. Assange would not be extradited to a country where he could face torture or the death penalty,” Moreno said. “The British government has confirmed it in writing, in accordance with its own rules.” Assange’s arrest came a day after WikiLeaks accused the Ecuador’s government of an “extensive spying operation” against him. WikiLeaks claims that meetings with lawyers and a doctor inside the embassy over the past year were secretly filmed.
Sudan’s military ousts president in face of protests Sudan’s military ousted President Omar al-Bashir on Thursday, ending his 30 years in power in response to escalating popular protests. The defense minister announced military rule for two years, imposing an emergency clampdown that risks enflaming protesters who have demanded civilian democratic change. Al-Bashir’s fall came just over a week after similar protests in Algeria forced the resignation of that North African nation’s long-ruling, militarybacked president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Together, they represent a second generation of street protests eight years after the Arab Spring uprisings that ousted a number of long entrenched leaders around the Middle East. But like those popular movements of 2011, the new protests face a similar dynamic — a struggle over
the aftermath of the leader’s removal. After the military’s announcement Thursday, protest organizers vowed to continue their rallies until a civilian transitional government is formed. Tens of thousands of protesters were massed Thursday at a sit-in they have been holding outside the military’s General Command headquarters in Khartoum. The military’s coup Thursday brought an end to a president who came to power in a coup of his own in 1989, backed by the military and Islamist hard-liners, and who had survived multiple blows that could have brought him down. Over his three decades in power, al-Bashir was forced to allow the secession of South Sudan after years of war, a huge blow to the north’s economy. He became notorious for a
Sudanese celebrate after officials said the military had forced longtime autocratic President Omar alBashir to step down after 30 years in power in Khartoum, Sudan, Thursday, April 11, 2019 brutal crackdown on insurgents in the western Darfur region that made him an international pariah, wanted by the International Criminal Court for war
crimes. The United States targeted his government repeatedly with sanctions and airstrikes for his support of Islamic militant groups.
UK’s May pleads with Parliament after EU grants extension LONDON — British Prime Minister Theresa May urged lawmakers Thursday to spend the upcoming Easter break to “reflect” on the need for a Brexit compromise, after a clearly frustrated European Union gave the country six more months to find a way to leave the bloc. She said doing so and passing an EU withdrawal agreement quickly would allow Britain to avoid taking part in European parliamentary elections set for late May, an unpalatable prospect to many, particularly in her Conservative Party.
May was addressing lawmakers just hours after returning from a special summit in Brussels at which the other 27 EU leaders delayed Britain’s scheduled departure from the bloc from this Friday to Oct. 31. Given that Britain’s fractious Parliament has rejected her Brexit withdrawal deal with the EU on three occasions this year, her hopes for a quick resolution could rest in large part on whether her Conservative Party-led government can find common ground with the opposition Labour Party. The talks, which both sides call
serious and constructive, are expected to continue in the coming week. Speaking after May, the usually combative Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he welcomes indications that the government may be altering some of its long-held policies and specifically called for movement on the key issue of remaining in a customs union with the EU after Brexit. “The government will have to compromise,” he said, warning that any agreement would have to be entrenched because Labour has no idea who will replace May.
Without support from the Labour Party, May’s path toward actually taking Britain out of the EU remains unclear. She is blocked by a strong faction in her own Conservative Party that hates her withdrawal deal and hopes to oust her. May’s own authority has been gravely compromised by the long Brexit ordeal and she has promised to step down once Britain leaves the bloc — if efforts to get rid of her more quickly do not bear fruit.
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National Enquirer parent explores possible sale of tabloid
An issue of the National Enquirer featuring President Donald Trump on its cover at a store in New York The supermarket tabloid under fire for paying hush money to a former Playboy model to help Donald Trump in his 2016 presidential campaign is on the auction block. The parent of the National Enquirer said Wednesday that it is exploring a possible sale as part of a “strategic” review of its tabloid business. The decision by American Media comes after the tabloid said it paid $150,000 to keep Karen McDougal quiet about an alleged affair with Trump and being accused by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos of blackmail. American Media said it was considering a sale so it could focus more on other parts of its business, including its teen brand and broadcast platforms. “Because of this focus, we feel the future opportunities with the tabloids can be best exploited by a different ownership,” said American Media CEO David Pecker in a statement. Pecker is a longtime Trump ally who helped bury potentially embarrassing stories about the future president over the years by paying hush money in a tabloid practice called “catch-and-kill.” The Associated Press reported last year that Pecker kept a safe that held documents on hush money payments and killed stories, including records on ones involving Trump. In August, the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan agreed not to prosecute American Media in exchange for the company’s cooperation in its investigation of campaign violations. That probe eventually led to a three-year prison term for Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen for campaign violations among other charges. American Media came under fire this year from Amazon founder Bezos for what he said were threats to publish explicit photos of him following a January story on him that included lurid texts exchanged with his mistress, former TV anchor Lauren Sanchez. Bezos said the tabloid promised not to publish the photos if he stopped his private investigators from trying to find out how the tabloid obtained the texts. Bezos took to social media to accuse the National Enquirer of blackmailing him. An American Media attorney denied that the tabloid committed blackmail, but the attack from Bezos threatened potentially big legal costs and at a bad time for American Media. The company is struggling under a heavy debt load after years of borrowing to buy other publications. The Bezos attack also threatened to upend American Media’s non-prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors. The Associated Press reported in February that prosecutors were looking into whether the publisher violated terms of the deal, which included a promise not to break any laws in the future. American Media is controlled by its biggest investor, a hedge fund called Chatham Asset Management. A phone message seeking comment from Chatham was not immediately returned. In addition to the National Enquirer, American Media said it was also considering selling two other brands, Globe and National Examiner. American Media owns news, celebrity and sports publications such as Us Weekly, Star, OK!, In Touch, Life & Style, Men’s Journal, Muscle & Fitness, Snowboarder and Surfer.
Israel’s Netanyahu wins re-election with parliamentary majority Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured a clear path to re-election on Wednesday, with religious-rightist parties set to hand him a parliamentary majority despite a close contest against his main centrist challenger, a vote tally showed. With more than 97 percent of votes counted, Netanyahu’s conservative Likud party looked likely to muster enough support to control 65 of the Knesset’s 120 seats and be named to head the next coalition government. It would be his record fifth term as premier. President Reuven Rivlin said on Twitter he would begin meeting next week with political parties that won parliamentary seats to hear who they support for prime minister. At the sessions, which Rivlin said would be broadcast live “to ensure transparency”, he will then pick a party leader to try to form a coalition, giving the candidate 28 days to do so, with a two-week extension if needed. The close and often vitriolic contest was widely seen in Israel as a referendum on Netanyahu’s character and record in the face of corruption allegations. He faces possible indictment in three graft cases, and has denied wrongdoing in all of them. Despite that, Netanyahu gained four seats compared to his outgoing coalition government, according to a spreadsheet published by the Central Elections Committee of parties that garnered enough votes to enter the next parliament. “It is a night of colossal victory,” the 69-year-old Netanyahu told cheering supporters in a latenight speech at Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv after Tuesday’s vote. “He’s a magician!” the crowd chanted as fireworks flared and Netanyahu kissed his wife Sara. His challenger, the new
Confetti falls as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Blue and White party of ex-army chief Benny Gantz, claimed a more modest victory after winning a 35-seat tie with Likud. Unless he reverses on campaign pledges to shun Netanyahu, and joins him in a broad coalition, Gantz looked destined to lead a center-left parliamentary opposition. “The skies may look overcast...but they cannot conceal the sun of hope that we have brought to the Israeli people and society,” Gantz, 59, wrote in an open letter to supporters. Should Netanyahu retain the helm, he will become the longest-serving Israeli prime minister in July, overtaking the country’s founding father, David Ben-Gurion. That could be scuppered if criminal charges are filed and force his removal. An indictment decision would follow a review hearing where Netanyahu can be expected to argue he should be spared in the national interest. Some analysts predict he may try to pass a law granting himself immunity, as a
sitting leader, from trial. During the campaign, the rival parties accused each other of corruption, fostering bigotry and being soft on security. Netanyahu highlighted his close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, who delighted Israelis and angered Palestinians by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017 and moving the U.S. Embassy to the holy city last May. Two weeks before the election, Trump signed a proclamation, with Netanyahu at his side at the White House, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights captured from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war. In a rare turn during the race toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Netanyahu further alarmed Palestinians by pledging to annex Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank if re-elected. Palestinians seek a state there and in the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Mexican citizen, suspect in 5 deaths, found hanged in jail A Mexican citizen accused Louis awaiting an October trial in of killing four people in Kansas and Nordman’s death on a change of one in Missouri in 2016 hanged venue. Missouri prosecutors were himself from a light fixture in his seeking the death penalty. St. Louis jail cell. He had tried to take his Pablo Serrano-Vitorino own life before, with a safety razor, was found alone in his cell at 2:02 shortly after his arrest while jailed a.m. Tuesday He was pronounced in Montgomery County. After a dead at a hospital about an hour hospitalization he was returned to later, said Koran Addo, spokesman the jail. for St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson. Authorities say the Addo declined further shooting spree began when comment but St. Louis Public Serrano-Vitorino gunned down Safety Director Jimmie Edwards his Kansas City, Kansas, neighbor, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch 41-year-old Michael Capps, and that Serrano-Vitorino hanged three other men at Capps’ home himself and left a note written — brothers Austin Harter, 29, and in Spanish. Edwards was out of Clint Harter, 27, and 36-year-old town and didn’t know if Serrano- Jeremy Waters. Before dying, one Vitorino was on suicide watch or of the victims managed to call when jailers had last checked on police. him. Authorities have not Serrano-Vitorino, 43, who disclosed a possible motive. was in the U.S. illegally, was accused Serrano-Vitorino then of fatally shooting four men at a allegedly fled in his pickup truck home in Kansas City, Kansas, on into Missouri. Authorities say he the night of March 7, 2016. He was killed Nordman, 49, at Nordman’s arrested a day later and 170 miles rural home near Interstate 70 away in Montgomery County, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) Missouri, where he was accused east of St. Louis. He was captured of killing Randy Nordman of New hiding face-down in a ditch a few Florence. He was charged with first- miles from Nordman’s home, and degree murder in all five deaths. had a rifle with him, the Missouri He was being held in St. State Highway patrol said at the
Pablo Serrano-Vitorino time. A lawsuit filed in Kansas City, Kansas , by the father of one of the victims accused U.S. immigration officials of missing two chances to detain and deport Serrano-Vitorino. Serrano-Vitorino was deported to Mexico after he was convicted of a felony in 2003 but illegally re-entered the U.S. He was arrested in 2014 and 2015. After his 2014 arrest in Kansas for battery, Wyandotte County jail officials notified ICE he was in custody. But SerranoVitorino was released after the federal agency didn’t send an agent to the jail, according to the lawsuit.
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Venezuela pledges to honor oil commitments to Cuba despite sanctions Venezuela will “fulfill its commitments” to Cuba despite United States sanctions targeting oil shipments from the South American country to its ideological ally, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said on Monday. Washington on Friday imposed sanctions on 34 vessels owned or operated by state-run oil company Petroleos de Venezuela as well as on two companies and a vessel that have previously delivered oil to Cuba, aiming to choke off a crucial supply of crude to the Communist-run island. Venezuela has long sent subsidized crude to Cuba. The United States describes the arrangement as an “oil-for-repression” scheme in which Havana helps socialist President Nicolas Maduro weather an economic crisis and power struggle with the opposition in
exchange for fuel. Arreaza said he would not reveal Venezuela’s “strategy,” but that the sanctions would not stop the shipments. “When the conventional power of capitalism attacks you, you have to know how to respond through nonconventional means, always respecting international law,” Arreaza told reporters. Friday’s measure came after broader sanctions Washington had slapped on PDVSA in January as part of its bid to oust Maduro. The United States, along with most Western nations, recognizes Juan Guaido, the leader of the oppositioncontrolled National Assembly, as Venezuela’s rightful leader. Guaido invoked the country’s constitution to assume an interim presidency in January, arguing Maduro’s May 2018 re-election
was a sham. The opposition last month ordered an end to oil shipments to Cuba, but PDVSA - controlled by military officers loyal to Maduro - has continued the exports. The most recent fuel shipment to Cuba left Venezuela’s Jose port on April 4, carrying liquefied petroleum gas, according to Refinitiv Eikon data. In the second half of March, two tankers carrying crude and two tankers carrying refined products left for Cuba. The only tanker sanctioned on Friday, the Despina Andrianna, is currently returning to Jose after unloading crude at Cuba’s Cienfuegos refinery in March. Another three vessels are waiting off Venezuela to load with shipments destined for Cuba.
First ever black hole image released Astronomers have taken the first ever image of a black hole, which is located in a distant galaxy. It measures 40 billion km across - three million times the size of the Earth - and has been described by scientists as “a monster”. The black hole is 500 million trillion km away and was photographed by a network of eight telescopes across the world. Details have been published today in Astrophysical Journal Letters. Prof Heino Falcke, of Radboud University in the Netherlands, who proposed the experiment, told BBC News that the black hole was found in a galaxy called M87. “What we see is larger than the size of our entire Solar System,” he said. “It has a mass 6.5 billion times that of the Sun. And it is one of the heaviest black holes that we think exists. It is an absolute monster, the heavyweight champion of black holes in the Universe.” The image shows an intensely bright “ring of fire”, as Prof Falcke describes it, surrounding a perfectly circular dark hole. The bright halo is caused by superheated gas falling into the hole. The light is brighter than all the billions of other stars in the galaxy combined which is why it can be seen at such distance from Earth. The edge of the dark circle at the centre is the point at which the gas enters the black hole, which is an object that has such a large gravitational pull, not even light can escape. The image matches what theoretical physicists and indeed, Hollywood directors, imagined black holes would look like, according to Dr Ziri Younsi, of University College London - who is part of the collaboration. “Although they are relatively simple objects, black holes raise some of the most
The first ever picture of a black hole: It’s surrounded by a halo of bright gas pulled in by the hole’s gravity complex questions about the nature Atacama Desert of Chile, and in of space and time, and ultimately Antarctica. A team of 200 scientists of our existence,” he said. “It is remarkable that the pointed the networked telescopes image we observe is so similar to towards M87 and scanned its heart that which we obtain from our over a period of 10 days. The information they theoretical calculations. So far, it looks like Einstein is correct once gathered was too much to be sent across the internet. Instead, the again.” But having the first image data was stored on hundreds of hard will enable researchers to learn drives which were flown to a central more about these mysterious processing centres in Boston, US, objects. They will be keen to look and Bonn, Germany, to assemble out for ways in which the black the information. Prof Doeleman hole departs from what’s expected described the achievement as “an in physics. No one really knows extraordinary scientific feat”. how the bright ring around the “We have achieved something hole created. Even more intriguing presumed to be impossible just a is the question of what happens generation ago,” he said. in when an object falls into a black “Breakthroughs technology, connections between hole. No single telescope is the world’s best radio observatories, powerful enough to image the black and innovative algorithms all came hole. So, in the biggest experiment together to open an entirely new of its kind, Prof Sheperd Doeleman window on black holes.” The team is also imaging of the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics, is director of a the supermassive black hole at the project that set up a network of centre of our own galaxy, the Milky eight linked telescopes. Together, Way. Odd though it may sound, they form the Event Horizon Telescope and can be thought of as that is harder than getting an image from a distant galaxy, more a planet-sized array of dishes. Each is located high up at than five light-years away. This is a variety of exotic sites, including because, for some unknown reason, on volcanoes in Hawaii and the “ring of fire” around the black Mexico, mountains in Arizona and hole at the heart of the Milky Way is smaller and dimmer. the Spanish Sierra Nevada, in the
Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jorge Arreaza talks to the media during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela April 8, 2019
Refugees in Egypt struggle to live as economic hardships deepen Syrian refugee Ahmad al-Khatib and his 16-year-old son both work as tuk-tuk drivers in Cairo, but it is not enough to pay the bills. Tough economic reforms and rising costs have hit refugees and migrants in Egypt particularly hard, aid groups say. Help from a charity is the only way Khatib can cover the family’s rent. He also borrows cash from friends. “How am I going to repay them?” he asked. More than 77 percent of Syrian families in Egypt were in debt in 2017, up from 73 percent the year before, according to unpublished data seen by Reuters from a UNHCR survey of more than 100,000 Syrians. Nearly 93 percent of families were unable to repay the loans, up from 81 percent in 2016, the year Egypt devalued its currency as part of an IMF loan deal. Egypt has much smaller refugee populations than Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, where most of those displaced by Syria’s war have fled. But refugees and asylum seekers reside in Egyptian communities rather than camps, and those without means are directly exposed to economic hardships. Nearly 250,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers live in Egypt, more than half of them Syrian. Khatib, 58, suffers from multiple illnesses, including a prostate infection, but cannot afford all the treatments he needs. He usually eats just one meal a day to cut costs. Arrivals of refugees and asylum seekers have surged, with about a 25 percent increase registered over the past two years, UNHCR data shows. Since 2016 Egypt has also prevented large numbers of migrants and refugees from leaving by boat toward Europe, efforts that have been praised by the European Union, but this, combined with the increase in arrivals, have left many stranded in some of Egypt’s poorest neighborhoods. The Egypt State Information Service could not immediately be reached for comment, but Egypt has previously said that the country’s treatment of refugees is exemplary because they can access services such as healthcare without discrimination and live freely among the Egyptian people. Economic reforms have not only made life more difficult for Syrians. The International Organization for Migration says requests for assistance with housing costs, medical expenses and returns started to increase in June and have more than doubled since September. The majority come from Sudanese and Ethiopians. “We believe it’s a consequence of economic reforms and the cut of gas subsidies, which has led to an increase in basic goods costs,” said Laurent De Boeck, IOM’s head in Egypt. Austerity measures mean Egyptian landlords are stricter collecting rent, he said. Migrants mainly work in the informal sector and some poor Egyptians now view them as competitors, he added. When Hala Bekdash fled shelling in her native Syria and brought her children to Egypt in 2012, life in their new country was affordable. But during the past two years prices have rocketed and the family’s bills have doubled, the 32-year-old said.
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Global warming is shrinking glaciers faster than thought Earth’s glaciers are melting much faster than scientists thought. A new study shows they are losing 369 billion tons of snow and ice each year, more than half of that in North America. The most comprehensive measurement of glaciers worldwide found that thousands of inland masses of snow compressed into ice are shrinking 18 percent faster than an international panel of scientists calculated in 2013. The world’s glaciers are shrinking five times faster now than they were in the 1960s. Their melt is accelerating due to global warming, and adding more water to already rising seas, the study found. “Over 30 years suddenly almost all regions started losing mass at the same time,” said lead author Michael Zemp, director of the World Glacier Monitoring Service at the University of Zurich. “That’s clearly climate change if you look at the global picture.” The glaciers shrinking fastest are in central Europe, the Caucasus region, western Canada, the U.S. Lower 48 states, New Zealand and near the tropics. Glaciers in these places on average are losing more than 1 percent of their mass each year, according to a study in Monday’s journal Nature . “In these regions, at the current glacier loss rate, the glaciers will not survive the century,” Zemp said. Zemp’s team used ground and
Tourists walk past waterfalls at the Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand satellite measurements to look at 19,000 transportation is making Earth lose glaciers, far more than previous studies. its ice. They have been especially They determined that southwestern Asia concerned with the large ice sheets is the only region of 19 where glaciers covering Greenland and Antarctica. are not shrinking, which Zemp said is This study, “is telling us due to local climate conditions. there’s much more to the story,” said Since 1961, the world has lost Mark Serreze, director of the National 10.6 trillion tons of ice and snow (9.6 Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, trillion metric tons), the study found. Colorado, who wasn’t part of the study. That’s enough to cover the lower 48 U.S. “The influence of glaciers on sea level is states in about 4 feet of ice. bigger than we thought.” Scientists have known for a A number of factors are making long time that global warming caused sea levels rise. The biggest cause is that by human activities like burning coal, oceans are getting warmer, which makes gasoline and diesel for electricity and water expand. The new figures show
Rhino poacher killed by elephant and eaten by lions A rhinoceros poacher was stomped to death by an elephant and eaten by lions in a South Africa wildlife preserve, and rangers found just his skull and trousers, authorities said. The man and two others were hunting illegally at Kruger National Park last week when the elephant surprised them, park spokesman Isaac Phaahla said. The hunter’s companions dragged his body to a spot near a road and told the man’s family what happened. It took two days for rangers to find his remains. South Africans weighed in on social media, with many celebrating the poacher’s death, calling it justice or applauding the animals for “restoring law and order in the jungle.” But others blamed the economic desperation that leads people to become poachers, and the international criminal syndicates they work for. Julian Rademeyer, a project leader for TRAFFIC, which monitors the international trade in wildlife, said effective measures are needed to attack the global rings that deal in rhino horn and elephant ivory. “The rage and anger of many people at the rampant poaching that is endangering rhinos and elephants is understandable. But the joy and gloating over the death of a poacher is crass and misguided,” Rademeyer said. “Killing poachers will not stop poaching. Poachers are just the foot soldiers of international criminal syndicates.” The world’s rhinos are in danger of being hunted to extinction. They are prized for their horns, which are ground up and used in traditional Chinese medicine as a supposed cure for a variety of ailments. South Africa, which has about 80% of the world’s remaining rhinos, has seen aggressive poaching of the animals in recent years. Last year 769 rhinos were killed illegally , down from more than 1,000 annually since 2013, according to Save the Rhino. “Poaching is a serious, ongoing problem in the park,” Phaahla said of Kruger, which covers 7,500 square miles in southeastern South Africa, making it about the size of the U.S. state of New Jersey. After the death of the poacher, whose name and nationality were not released, relatives asked park officials to help recover the body. Rangers searched on the ground and by air but did not find the remains before it got dark, Phaahla said. The two surviving hunters gave officials a more precise description of where they left the dead man. Police arrested them on suspicion of poaching.
glacier melt is a bigger contributor than thought, responsible for about 25% to 30% of the yearly rise in oceans, Zemp said. Rising seas threaten coastal cities around the world and put more people at risk of flooding during storms. Glaciers grow in winter and shrink in summer, but as the Earth has warmed, they are growing less and shrinking more. Zemp said warmer summer temperatures are the main reason glaciers are shrinking faster. While people think of glaciers as polar issues, shrinking mountain glaciers closer to the equator can cause serious problems for people who depend on them, said Twila Moon, a snow and ice data center scientist who also wasn’t part of the study. She said people in the Andes, for example, rely on the glaciers for drinking and irrigation water each summer. A separate study Monday in Environmental Research Letters confirmed faster melting and other changes in the Arctic. It found that in winter, the Arctic is warming 2.8 times faster than the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. Overall, the region is getting more humid, cloudier and wetter. “It’s on steroids, it’s hyperactive,” said lead author Jason Box, a scientist for the Danish Meteorological Institute.
Indian bishop charged with repeatedly raping nun Indian authorities charged a Roman Catholic bishop on Tuesday with repeatedly raping a nun in her rural convent, a case that helped make the sexual abuse of nuns a major issue in the church. Bishop Franco Mulakkal was charged with rape, illegal confinement and intimidation, said Hari Sankar, a district police chief in the southern state of Kerala, India’s Catholic heartland. The nun who made the accusations, who has not been publicly identified, said Bishop of the Indian city of Jalandhar, Franco Mulakkal, center, leaves after being questioned she went to police last year only by police in Kochi, India after complaining repeatedly to church authorities. Eventually, a accusations, calling them “baseless he said. group of fellow nuns launched and concocted” and saying the The Mulakkal case has unprecedented public protests to accusing nun was trying to pressure split India’s Catholic community, demand Mulakkal’s arrest. He was him to get a better job. with many people defending the arrested but released after a few In February, Pope bishop. weeks. Francis for the first time publicly In March, the founder of Mulakkal was the official acknowledged the sexual abuse of the Vatican’s women’s magazine, patron of the nun’s community, nuns by priests and bishops. along with the magazine’s allthe Missionaries of Jesus, and Speaking to reporters female editorial board, quit wielded immense influence over aboard the papal plane, Francis their positions, saying a Vatican its budgets and job assignments. vowed to confront the problem. campaign to discredit them had The nun said the rapes occurred “Should we do something more? increased since they denounced between 2014 and 2016. Yes. Is there the will? Yes. But it’s a the sexual abuse of nuns by priests Mulakkal has denied the path that we have already begun,” and bishops.
Three U.S. service members, one contractor killed in Afghanistan Three U.S. service members and a contractor were killed in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device on Monday, the NATO-led Resolute Support mission said in a statement. Three U.S. service members were also wounded in the incident near Bagram air base close to Kabul, the statement said. Violence has been relentless in Afghanistan even though Taliban militants have held several rounds of talks with U.S. officials about a peace settlement. The talks began late last year, raising hopes for an end to the conflict.
Colonel David Butler, a spokesman for U.S. ForcesAfghanistan, said a car bomb had detonated near the security convoy, which lead to deaths and injuries. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. The latest deaths bring the number of U.S. service member deaths in Afghanistan to seven in 2019, and a total of 68 U.S. military deaths since January 2015, according to U.S. government and NATO reports. The death toll is one of the deadliest recent attacks against U.S. personnel. In November, a roadside
bomb blast killed three U.S. service members near the central Afghan city of Ghazni. Last month two U.S. service members were killed in Afghanistan while conducting an operation. The war has taken a much larger toll on Afghan security forces and civilians. President Ashraf Ghani, speaking at the World Economic Forum in January, said that about 45,000 Afghan security forces have been killed since he took office in September 2014, which works out to an average of 849 per month.
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TECHNOLOGY
Uber plans to sell around $10 billion worth of stock in IPO
Uber Technologies Inc has decided it will seek to sell around $10 billion worth of stock in its initial public offering, and will make public the registration of the offering on Thursday, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. An IPO of this size would make Uber one of the biggest technology IPOs of all time, and the largest since that of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd in 2014. Uber is seeking a valuation of between $90 billion and $100 billion, influenced by the poor performance of smaller rival Lyft Inc’s shares following its IPO late last month, the sources said. Investment bankers previously told Uber it could be worth as much as $120 billion. Uber most recently was valued at $76 billion in the private fundraising market. Most of the shares sold would be issued by the company, while a smaller portion would be owned by Uber investors cashing out, one of the sources said. Uber plans to make its IPO registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
publicly available on Thursday, and will kick of its investor roadshow during the week of April 29, putting it on track to price its IPO and begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange in early May, the sources said. The sources cautioned that the plans are still subject to change and market conditions, and asked not to be identified because the matter is confidential. A representative for Uber declined to comment. Lyft’s IPO priced at the top end of its upwardly revised range last month, assigning it a valuation of more than $24 billion in an offering that raised $2.34 billion. But the stock has traded poorly since debuting on the Nasdaq on March 29, as concerns about the startup’s path to profitability have become more prominent. The shares ended trading on Tuesday at $67.44, well below their $72 IPO price. In moderating its valuation expectations, Uber is showing a realism that is being increasingly adopted by Silicon Valley unicorns, as stock market investors push back against some of the lofty price tags sought.
On Monday, Pinterest Inc set a price range for its IPO that values it below the $12 billion at which the online image-search company sourced its last private fundraising in 2017. Uber operates in more than 70 countries. In addition to ride-hailing, its business includes bike and scooter rentals, freight hauling, food delivery, and an expensive self-driving car division. During the IPO roadshow, Uber’s chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, will be tasked with convincing investors that he has successfully changed the company’s culture and business practices after a series of embarrassing scandals over the last two years. Those have included sexual harassment allegations, a massive data breach that was concealed from regulators, use of illicit software to evade authorities and allegations of bribery overseas. Uber last year had revenue of $11.3 billion, while gross bookings from rides was $50 billion. But the company lost $3.3 billion, excluding gains from the sale of its overseas business units in Russia and Southeast Asia.
Jeff Bezos keeps Amazon voting power in divorce settlement Amazon.com Inc Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos will retain voting control of his entire $143 billion stake in the company under a divorce settlement with his wife, MacKenzie Bezos, who will own 25 percent of those shares, the couple said on Thursday, removing uncertainty over control of the online retailer. The world’s richest couple had announced their impending divorce in a joint Twitter statement in January, causing some to worry that Jeff Bezos could wind up with less Amazon voting power or that he or MacKenzie would liquidate large positions. “It takes the issue off the table, with less turbulence than you might have expected,” said an investor, whose company owns several million dollars worth of Amazon shares but who asked for anonymity because of a firm policy. MacKenzie Bezos will wind up with a stake in Amazon that is worth roughly $36 billion. Her shares represent a 4 percent stake in Amazon, according to a regulatory filing by the company. The Amazon shares will make her the world’s third-richest woman while Jeff Bezos will remain the world’s richest person, according to Forbes. The couple, who tweeted separately on Thursday, disclosed that under their settlement MacKenzie will give up her interests in the Washington Post, which Jeff Bezos bought in 2013 and which has been a frequent target of criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, and the rocket company Blue
Origin he founded in 2000. “Grateful to have finished the process of dissolving my marriage with Jeff,” MacKenzie Bezos said in her tweet outlining the agreement, the first and only post from an account created this month. The two did not provide any further financial details about the settlement. Amazon, the world’s biggest online retailer, said in the filing that 4 percent of its outstanding shares would be registered in MacKenzie Bezos’ name after court approval of the divorce, which is expected to occur in about 90 days. The petition for divorce was filed in Washington state, a person familiar with the matter said. Jeff Bezos, whom Amazon listed in its most recent proxy statement as its single largest shareholder with a 16.3 percent stake, will keep sole voting authority over the shares unless MacKenzie donates them to a nonprofit or sells them in the open market. Amazon shares closed down 0.1 percent at $1,818.86. Jeff Bezos, 55, is seen as essential to Amazon’s meteoric growth and stock price rise since he founded the company as an online bookseller in 1994. He has credited MacKenzie, 48, for her support when he uprooted the young couple to Seattle from New York to launch Amazon. “When I think about Amazon, and the influence Bezos has on Amazon, I would argue his
Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and his wife MacKenzie Bezos influence would be the same if he had 51 percent shares outstanding or 1 percent. I think his influence is dictated by his vision for Amazon,” D.A. Davidson analyst Tom Forte said. MacKenzie Bezos’ stake in Amazon is worth more than the market values of nearly 70 percent of the components of the S&P 500. The settlement suggests that Amazon will be spared the kind of boardroom battle that has plagued other companies whose owners are dealing with family rifts, even though the divorce had jolted the once-private Bezos couple into the public spotlight. Jeff Bezos re-tweeted MacKenzie’s statement and added in a separate post that he was grateful “for her support and for her kindness in this process.”
Galaxy Note 10 Leak Exposes Samsung’s Massive Mistake
Galaxy Note 10 concept based on leaks by Phone Arena Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10 looks like a truly massive upgrade. But an overlooked snippet of information suggests that scale may actually be its biggest problem… Yesterday a report from the excellent ET News was widely picked-up because of news Samsung is making no-less than four Galaxy Note 10 models. This is due to the Note 10 and its new budget Galaxy Note 10e counterpart coming out in 4G and 5G editions. But what was overlooked were the implications of how big you’ll have to go to get the top model. ET News states Samsung will size up the Galaxy Note 10 to an eye-watering 6.75-inches the largest display ever put in a flagship device. For that, you’ll get a new quad camera array and a huge battery. By contrast, the Galaxy Note 10e will be a more manageable 6.28-inches but limits you to the Galaxy S10’s triple camera array and a significantly smaller battery. Yes, Samsung has decided that if you want the best tech it has to offer then you’ll need to buy a smartphone with a display just 0.25-inches smaller than its Galaxy Tab 7 tablet. It’s a woeful backwards step, at exactly the wrong time. Right now, both Apple and Google are heavily promoting not just the quality of their smartphones’ cameras but the fact that, regardless of size, their premium models share the same optics. There’s no size penalty for those who prefer a smaller device but still want top-of-the-line photography. Pixels have always done this, but the irony is Samsung also used to offer parity when Apple was irritating customers by giving the Plus range preferential treatment. Google knew. Apple learned. Samsung forgot. So, as impressive as the Galaxy Note 10 appears (and that is very impressive indeed), it looks like anyone who doesn’t want a device requiring hands the size of a baseball glove will be treated as second class citizens. That’s dumb. Size still matters Samsung, but your view of how is stuck in the past…
Hit by an arrow, mobile phone dies saving Australian man An Australian man had a lucky escape while confronting a man armed with a bow outside his home, as a loosed arrow pierced the mobile telephone he was holding to take a photograph of the incident, Australian police said on Thursday. The 43-year old man had returned on Wednesday to find the man, who was known to him, waiting outside his home in Nimbin, a small east coast town around 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of Brisbane. “The resident held up his mobile phone to take a photo of the armed man who then engaged the bow and was ready to fire,” a police statement said. “It’s alleged the man fired the arrow at the resident which pierced through the man’s mobile phone causing the phone to hit him in the chin. It left a small laceration that didn’t require medical treatment.” A 39-year old man was arrested at the scene and charged, police said.
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Samsung Electronics sees lowest quarterly profit in more than two years Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Friday it was heading for its lowest quarterly profit in more than two years as a glut in memory chips, slowing panel sales and rising competition in smartphones hit margins. The South Korean tech giant said first-quarter operating profit likely slid 60 percent from a year earlier, missing market expectations and putting it on track for its weakest quarterly profit since late 2016. Shares in Samsung rose briefly before paring gains to trade flat following the guidance, as many investors are already looking ahead to an earnings recovery on the back an improvement in chip prices in the second half of the year. Samsung supplies memory chips and screens for its own smartphones and Apple Inc, and server chips for cloud companies such as Amazon. Its semiconductor business is the main
profit driver. “In the second half, memory chip prices will have a soft landing, so falls will slow, and the release of new iPhones later seems like a good sign for Samsung’s display and memory chips,” said Kim Yang-jae, an analyst at KTB Investment and Securities. The world’s biggest maker of smartphones and memory chips said in a filing January-March profit was likely 6.2 trillion won ($5.5 billion), missing the 6.8 trillion won estimate from analysts according to Refinitiv SmartEstimate. Revenue likely fell 14 percent from a year earlier to 52 trillion won. The firm will disclose detailed earnings in late April. Samsung shares were flat as of 0120 GMT, while the broader market up 0.2 percent. The firm earlier had warned the quarter could be disappointing due
Wi-Fi 6 routers are starting to get cheaper Netgear is announcing one of the cheapest routers yet with support for Wi-Fi 6. Its new entry-level router, the Nighthawk AX4, offers Wi-Fi 6 support, four gigabit Ethernet ports, and up to 3Gbps of data transmission. At $199, it’s by no means a cheap router, but it’s cheaper by hundreds of dollars than most of the Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market so far. The router’s support for Wi-Fi 6 is really what makes it stand out. Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of the Wi-Fi standard, and it offers more efficient communication with devices, which ought to lead to better performance on busy networks. Wi-Fi 6 routers and devices have started to come out over the past few months, but most have been fairly high-end due to it being new technology. It’ll be more affordable routers like the AX4 that really help the new standard start to spread. TP-Link has also announced some more affordable Wi-Fi 6 routers, but those models have yet to hit the market. Netgear’s AX4, on the other hand, will be available this month. Other than its inclusion of Wi-Fi 6, there isn’t anything particularly splashy here. The AX4 is a basic router that ought to be capable of handling regular networking needs around a home — Netgear says that includes gaming and streaming 4K video. But the router doesn’t offer anywhere near the excessive amounts of bandwidth available in Netgear’s last WiFi 6 router, the Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12, which included an additional wireless radio and 10.8 Gbps of total data transmission.
Canon continues to shrink its DSLRs with the EOS Rebel SL3 While mirrorless cameras are all the rage right now, Canon hasn’t forgot about its DSLR bread and butter. It just launched the 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor EOS Rebel SL3, the smallest and lightest model in its EOS lineup at just 15.84 ounces, or 449 grams. Spec-wise, it’s much like Canon’s mirrorless EOS M50. It packs the same DIGIC 8 processor, 3.0 inch flip-around touchscreen for vlogging and selfies and 4K video (with some big limitations). Most importantly, it’s Canon’s first EOS model to have Dual Pixel autofocus with eye detection in live view shooting mode. Pro shooters often prefer DSLRs that use separate phase-detect autofocus (AF) systems to acquire subjects more quickly than mirrorless cameras. With the Rebel SL3, Canon is having its cake and eating it too, offering an optical system with 9 AF points and spot focus for precise subject selection. At the same time, it packs Canon’s vaunted Dual Pixel system -- embedded directly on the sensor -- that offers quick and accurate AF for 1080p video and live view (non-optical) shooting. While probably not quite as quick as the optical system, the eye-tracking AF is a big plus on a budget DSLR. The SL3 is also Canon’s first Rebel camera with 4K. Unfortunately, however, it doesn’t work with Dual Pixel, significantly crippling its autofocus capabilities (you’re limited to contrast-detect AF instead). On top of that, the sensor is cropped by 1.6 times, like it is on the EOS M50, giving you an effective sensor size that’s smaller than Micro Four Thirds. It also lacks sensor-based in-body stabilization, using digital IS instead that also introduces cropping.
to falls in memory prices, and slowing demand for display panels used in Apple’s iPhones. Samsung’s premium Galaxy smartphones meanwhile are struggling to be profitable due to rising costs of innovation, competition from Chinese rivals and the reluctance of consumers to upgrade, analysts have said. Samsung’s share price has leapt more than 25 percent since sinking to a two-year low in early January as some investors bet on a recovery in chip demand. SK Hynix Inc, Micron Technology Inc and Samsung - which dominate the global market for dynamic random access memory, or DRAM, chips used in personal computers, smartphones and servers - recently have issued upbeat assessments of the prospects for a recovery in chip prices. Hopes were buoyed further
when data showed the manufacturing sector in China, the world’s biggest smartphone market, unexpectedly returned to growth for the first time in four months in March. Samsung is betting a new lineup of smartphones including a foldable handset and a 5G-enabled model will help boost its market share in China, which crashed with the advent of cheaper Chinese rivals like Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. But its latest phones are expensive to make, weighing on profitability even as its sells faster than its predecessor, analysts say. “New smartphones coming out in the second half won’t necessarily help its smartphone business, but will be a plus for Samsung’s chip side as those phones require high density chip adoptions,” said Park Sung-soon, an analyst at BNK Securities.
Facebook, Google face widening crackdown over online content Tech giants like Facebook and Google came under increasing pressure in Europe on Monday when countries proposed stricter rules to force them to block extreme material such as terrorist propaganda and child porn. Britain called for a first-ofits-kind watchdog for social media that could fine executives and even ban companies. And a European Union parliamentary committee approved a bill giving internet companies an hour to remove terror-related material or face fines that could reach into the billions. “We are forcing these firms to clean up their act once and for all,” said British Home Secretary Sajid Javid, whose department collaborated on Britain’s proposal. Opponents warned the British and EU measures could stifle innovation and strengthen the dominance of technology giants because smaller companies won’t have the money to comply. That, in turn, could turn Google and Facebook into the web’s censors, they said. The push to make the big companies responsible for the torrent of material they carry has largely been driven by Europeans. But it picked up momentum after the March 15 mosque shootings in New Zealand that killed 50 people and were livestreamed for 17 minutes. Facebook said it removed 1.5 million videos of the attacks in the 24 hours afterward. The U.S., where government action is constrained by the First Amendment right to free speech and freedom of the press, has taken a more hands-off approach, though on Tuesday, a House committee will press Google and Facebook executives on whether they are doing enough to curb the spread of hate crimes and white nationalism. Australia last week made it a crime for social media platforms not to quickly remove “abhorrent violent material.” The offense would be punishable by three years in prison and a fine of 10.5 million Australian dollars ($7.5 million), or 10% of the platform’s annual revenue, whichever is larger. New Zealand’s Privacy Commissioner wants his country to so the same. The British plan would require social media companies
Conference workers speak in front of a demo booth at Facebook’s annual F8 developer conference, in San Jose, Calif such as Facebook and Twitter to protect people who use their sites from “harmful content.” The plan, which includes the creation of an independent regulator funded by a tax on internet companies, will be subject to public comment for three months before the government publishes draft legislation. “No one in the world has done this before, and it’s important that we get it right,” Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright told the BBC. Facebook’s head of public policy in Britain, Rebecca Stimson, said the goal of the new rules should be to protect society while also supporting innovation and freedom of speech. “These are complex issues to get right, and we look forward to working with the government and Parliament to ensure new regulations are effective,” she said. Britain will consider imposing financial penalties similar to those under the EU’s online data privacy law, which permits fines of up to 4% of a company’s annual worldwide revenue, Wright said. In extreme cases, the government may also seek to fine individual company directors and prevent companies from operating in Britain. Under the EU legislation that cleared an initial hurdle in Brussels, any internet companies that fail to remove terrorist content within an hour of being notified by authorities would face similar 4%
penalties. EU authorities came up with the idea last year after attacks highlighted the growing trend of online radicalization. The bill would apply to companies providing services to EU citizens, whether or not those businesses are based in the EU’s 28 member countries. It still needs further approval, including from the full European Parliament. It faces heavy opposition from digital rights organizations, tech industry groups and some lawmakers, who said the 60-minute deadline is impractical and would lead companies to go too far and remove even lawful material. “Instead, we call for a more pragmatic approach with removals happening ‘as soon as possible,’ to protect citizens’ rights and competitiveness,” said EDIMA, a European trade group for new media and internet companies. Opponents said the measure also places a bigger burden on smaller internet companies than on giants like Facebook and Google, which already have automated content filters. To help smaller web companies, the bill was modified to give them an extra 12 hours for their first offense, a measure opponents said didn’t go far enough. Mark Skilton, a professor at England’s Warwick Business School, urged regulators to pursue new methods such as artificial intelligence that could do a better job of tackling the problem.
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• Supervise the AP and AR Accounting Officers to ensure that their functions are carried out accordingly. • Ensures that payments are applied to specific bills before executing the Mass Apply process and conducts Paid Transaction Removal process • Submits to the Deputy CFO a list of delinquent/non-moving accounts for verification and resolution • Primary contact for Customers to meet and reconcile their Accounts. • Spot audits on Cash Receipts and the timely Deposits of Receipts. • Reviews and ensures the accuracy of the Accounts Payable reconciliation • Provide assistance where necessary to the Accounting Officers in carrying out their duties • Leads the conduct of Monthly Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Review • Ensure that all supporting documents are accessible and filed appropriately • Dealing with the banks and auditors of NHIB on various matters. • Assistance with the preparation of the financial statements. • Preparation of journal entries. • Ensure the confidentiality and security of all financial files • Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.
VACANCY: COMPLIANCE MANAGER POSITION SUMMARY-OVERVIEW: This is a management position, which has unit wide responsibility for ensuring compliance to the NHIB Ordinance and Regulations. The incumbent provides leadership to a team of Compliance Officers and with the support of the Compliance Supervisor, schedules audits of businesses and self-employed persons; reviews arrears reports to determine the level of compliance; plan and review audits of wage books to ensure that all employees are properly registered, and the correct amount of contributions are collected and remitted to the Board; monitor investigations in order to establish the level of compliance is being maintained. The generation of results are deemed acceptable when: there is a high level of compliance with NHIB ordinances; there is an increase in the number of contributors; there is a decrease in the number of non-compliant employers and self-employed persons; accurate case files are prepared which aid in the prosecution of non-compliant employers and self-employed persons; and staff are properly trained and supervised. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Reviewing activities of all compliance staff on a daily basis. • Managing the workload of the department to ensure effective delegation of work to the compliance officers. • Evaluating the efficiency of controls in the compliance section and improving them continuously. • Revising procedures, reports etc. periodically to identify hidden risks or nonconformity issues. • Training and assessing Compliance Officers. • Managing the resolution of compliance issues which may arise. • Managing and executing legal activities in prosecution of employer and selfemployed in arrears. • Consulting with legal officer/representative as necessary to address difficult compliance issues. • Interpretation of the NHIB Ordinances and Regulations for all staff on a regular basis. • Making recommendations for amendments to the Ordinances. • Submission of monthly reports to the Chief Financial Officer on all compliance activities. • Reviewing the analysis of arrears reports. • Attending court to represent the Board’s interests. • Planning surveys to determine compliance levels. • Reviewing noncompliance notices and warning letters to be issued. • Managing and monitoring the execution of all signed payment plans. • Scheduling and conducting investigations to ensure contributions are current. • Preparing and distributing documents that educate others on how to improve compliance. • Planning and managing activities to ensure all agreed targets are conscientiously pursued and realized. • Preparation of management reports regarding compliance operations and progress. • Travel throughout the TCI to meet with Employer/Self Employed in relation to collection of arrears and other compliance issues. • Performance of 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 four (4) years on the job experience to acquire the necessary competencies to effectively respond to the challenges of the job. • Bachelor’s Degree in Management or related field. • Knowledge of the operation of the National Health Insurance Board. • Knowledge of the statutory regulations governing the National Health Insurance Board. • Knowledge of bookkeeping and payroll audits. • Excellent team player with team building skills. • Oral and written communication skills. • Management skills. • Supervisory skills. • Must be able to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point etc.). • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure. Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. VACANCY: SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
REQUIRED EDUCATION EXPERISE/SKILLS • A Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy or equivalent qualification plus five (5) years’ work experience in Accounting/Finance. • Must be able to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point etc) • Excellent team player with team building skills. • Excellent writer and oral communication skills. • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure • Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP will be an asset. Salary: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE OFFICER POSITION SUMMARY-OVERVIEW: The Accounts Receivable Officer shall provide financial and administrative support in order to ensure an effective, efficient, accurate and timely financial and administrative support. This position reports directly to the Senior Accountant and is responsible for providing financial, administrative and clerical services. This includes working in a disciplined and controlled manner, reconciling the National Health Insurance Board’s bank Accounts on a weekly basis and balancing of cash daily. Providing these services in an effective and efficient manner is critical and will enable the organization to detect and prevent fraud. POSITION SUMMARY-OVERVIEW: • Reconciliation of the operating bank Accounts on weekly basis. • Daily monitoring of receipts through all external entities, e.g. Collections through FCIB and Scotia contributions collections account. • Ensures prompt & proper posting of payment receipts to customer accounts. • Daily balancing of cashiers and organize timely deposits. • Monitoring credit card payments, ensuring that all supporting documents are filed to each transaction for the said statements. • Reconciliation of Credit Card Account on a monthly basis. • Handling and controlling of Petty Cash. • Processing and payment of NIS monthly contributions. • Vouch the veracity of revenue and recording of receipts, ensuring that they are properly and promptly classified to the correct subsidiary accounts. • Address audit issues on discrepancies in the individual customer accounts (contribution bills versus payments) due to non-matching of payments and untimely posting of adjustments due to additions and terminations. • Provide timely update on customer’s ledger by ensuring that daily payments are being posted to the correct account and applied promptly to individual invoices and penalties. • Prepares reports for the conduct of the monthly AR reconciliation. • Ensure that all supporting documents are accessible and filed appropriately • Ensure the confidentiality and security of all financial files. • Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or any other person authorized to give instructions or assignments. REQUIRED EDUCATION EXPERISE/SKILLS • Associate degree in Finance or equivalent qualification plus three (3) years’ work experience in an accounting position. • Detail oriented • Ability to analyze spreadsheet information • Excellent verbal & written communication • Thoroughness and Reporting Research results • Knowledge of computerized accounting and record keeping systems. • Ability to establish and retain effective working relationships internal and externally. • Ability to be able to work efficiently with little or no supervision. • Must be able to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point etc.) • Excellent team player with team building skills. • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure Salary: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience 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
POSITION SUMMARY-OVERVIEW: The Senior Accountant reports to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, and is responsible for providing financial, administrative and clerical services. This includes the supervising of the Accounting officers and ensuring that all functions of the Department are carried out in a timely and accurate manner. Providing these services in an effective and efficient manner will ensure that the Financial Statements are accurately reported.
We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Deadline for Submission is April 19, 2019
APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
OPEN JOB POSITION DATE OPEN: April 1, 2019 START DATE: ASAP POSITION: Director of Spa & Boutique, GBR PROPERTY: Grace Bay Resorts Job Summary: Accountable for the day to day operations of The Anani Spa & Boutique outlets with the responsibility of the department and area. Ensure that Grace Bay Resorts (GBR) Values and Mission are understood and practiced in all outlets by maintaining a well-trained, efficient and professional staff whose focus will be on providing a memorable guest experience while perfecting the basics and creating spontaneous handmade experiences. Maintain a financially efficient operation with a keen focus on revenue generation, inventory turn, and profitability. Essential Function •Ensure all guests are being treated in an efficient and courteous manner and that all GBC standards are being applied and exceeded. •Responsible for the hiring, training, and direction of new & existing department Associates. Ensure all Associates are being mentored, coached, and developed. (Inclusive of Forbes & Leading Hotels of the World). •Responsible for the generation of revenues and obtaining yearly budgeted goals for revenue and profitability. Work in conjunction with accounting to maintain an accurate inventory, timely invoice payments, accurate expenses and accurate payroll. Conduct quarterly physical inventory counts. •Ensure that The Anani Spa & Boutique service standards are complied with and that policies and procedures are consistently applied. •Attend all required Operational Meetings, Rooms Meetings, HR Meetings/ Activities and Trainings. •Assist in the daily maintenance and organization of the outlets to achieve optimal levels of revenues while maintaining high levels of guest expectations. •Ensure the timely completion of performance appraisals. Job Requirements •Responsible for budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and management of The Anani Spa & Boutique Operations. •Responsible for sales to guests through The Anani Spa & Boutique areas (performance indicators are sales, profits, growth, turnover, etc.) •Responsible for the implementation and training of standard operating policies (SOPs) for The Anani Spa & Boutique. •Responsible for promoting the product and services to the targeted guests. Develop promotional programs, point of sales materials, merchandising activities for The Anani Spa & Boutique. •Responsible for enhancing the product and service for the GBC guest. Recommend changes to the product and services. Research innovative ways to better the services of The Anani Spa & Boutique. •Responsible for maintaining quality of product and ensuring consistency in its delivery/standards. •Any other duties as assigned by the Executive Assistant Manager – Rooms. •Additional duties as necessary and assigned. Specific Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities •Must be able to speak, read, write and understand English in the workplace. •Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process. •Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written. •Must possess basic computational ability. •Must possess solid computer skills. •Ability to supervise subordinate staff, including, but not limited to, assignment of duties, evaluating service and taking disciplinary action when necessary. •Ability to solve problems and make rational decisions. •Knowledge of Resort operations, its services, and facilities. Physical Demands •Most work tasks are performed indoors, but includes outdoor functions. •Position requires walking and giving direction most of the working day. •Must be able to exert well-paced ability to reach different outlets and other departments of the Resort on a timely 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 be able to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis. •Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and subordinates (including attending Company Socializing Events like Managers Cocktail Party). •Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment. Qualified Islanders need only to apply Salary Rate: $60,000 per annum DATE OPEN: March 25, 2019 START DATE: ASAP POSITION: Creative Desing and Social Media Coordinator PROPERTY: Grace Bay Resorts Summary: •Assist Marketing Manager creative design and updates for Grace Bay Resorts and ensuring that all brand standards are well represented and adhered to •Designs marketing material as needed, ensuring that all tasks are completed
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prior to deadlines •Oversees the daily social media post while working with our PR Agency •Provide oversight and guidance to our marketing interns with the direction of Marketing Manager and Director of Marketing •Coordinate photo and video shoots as needed •This position will work with very closely with our Food & Beverage, Spa and Boutique teams Key Responsibilities: •Create and update graphic design and layout of all marketing material and collateral that is consistent and fits with brand image and direction provided by management. Determine and complete the graphic and printing requirements of the departments, interpreting and applying brand standards consistently to all materials produced •Assist with managing company’s social media avenues, using each as appropriate to convey relevant information •Daily response to all Trip Advisor reviews both positive and negative •Develop communications tools including PowerPoint and Prezi presentations, newsletters and email E-marketing / •social media campaigns, under the direction of the Marketing Manager •Design and oversee the print production and distribution of all printed materials that will positively influence public opinion and promote the organization’s goals •Assist Marketing Manager & Director of Marketing with event planning and event marketing •Assist with website updates as needed •Other duties as assigned •Work with printing companies ensuring accurate quotes and production timelines •Position will require time spent on each property, which will require adhering to all operational staff policies Requirements: •Preferred College degree in marketing and or creative design •2-3 year’s related experience in a similar position •Previous experience in production and design procedures for graphic material (both print and online). •Ability to balance departmental needs through communication and organization. •Ability to plan prioritize projects •Understanding and respect the customer is both internal and external •Time-efficient, systematic working methodology •Rapid adaptability to new problem solving •Excellent knowledge of Adobe programs (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) •Excellent skills to coordinate printed productions with external suppliers (agencies, computer graphics designer, printers) •Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office programs •Excellent English communication (written and spoken) •Ability to work in a team •Organized, autonomous, resourceful and detail oriented •Can handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines •Basic knowledge of WordPress Qualified Islanders need only to apply Salary Range: $32,400 per annum DATE OPEN: April 1, 2019 START DATE: ASAP POSITION: IT Professional PROPERTY: Grace Bay Resorts Requirements: IT Systems Administration experience; Strong knowledge of VMWare, NAS, SQUID, WEBMIN; Strong knowledge of In-House Surveillance camera systems; Knowledge of Microsoft 2xxx Server architecture such as roles, networking etc.; Knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory; Knowledge of SAN/NAS storage system; Knowledge of Remote Desktop; Knowledge in Linux operating system; Knowledge in configuring squid proxy access policy; Knowledge in Virtual Private Network (VPN); Experience in Point of Sale Jonas system and Jonas Accounting software; Experience in Micros OPERA administration; Experience in Saflok Doorlock system administration; Basic Knowledge in Electronics system; Experience in Avotus Call Accounting system; Basic Knowledge in Night Audit Daily activities: Be responsible for server infrastructure support and maintenance (Linux Ubuntu) and Windows Server and workstation; Responsible to troubleshoot electronics systems (TV, Sound Systems, PA Systems); Responsible to troubleshoot Doorlock systems; Responsible to troubleshoot Guest internet and Office internet connection; Provide email configuration and support; Responsible daily POS transaction and report; Responsible OPERA PMS operation; Responsible surveillance camera system This position is currently held by an expatriate worker Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2 Salary Range:$44,000 - $54,000 per annum
Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than April 12th, 2019 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1020 Email: humanresources@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
Carl Gardiner/C & S Plumbing & Electrical Services
Osprey Beach Hotel
Lofton Morley
Audrey Ewing
Location: Leeward Palms, Providenciales Is seeking a Plumber Installs pipes and fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, for water, gas, steam, air, or other liquids To work 5 days a week Salary is $9.00 per hour Please Contact: 241-1153 This position is new Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labour Board
Needs Domestic Worker In Grand Turk To do housekeeping work Must be able honest, trustworthy and speaks English Salary $6.25 per hour To work 6 days per week Please Contact 946-2666 or 946-2668 This position is currently being held by a worker permit holder Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board
Location: South Dock Road, Providenciales Is seeking a Housekeeper Includes vacuuming, dusting, mopping and making sure all assigned areas of the home are clean, neat and tidy To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 246-5644 This position is currently held by Work Permit Holder Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board
Location: Leeward Palms, Providenciales Is seeking a Domestic Worker Cleaning house, laundry, ironing, cleaning windows and other Domestic chores Must be honest and trustworthy
Lathia Outten
Jennifer Iron & Welding
JaMalCo Ltd.
E. Candace Hanchell
Location: Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a Domestic Worker Cleaning house, laundry, ironing, cleaning windows and other Domestic chores Must be honest and trustworthy Must be willing to work 5 days per week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 241-1941 This position is new Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board
Is seeking a Steel Worker In Grand Turk Duties: Build and install iron or steel girders, columns, and other construction materials to form buildings, bridges, and other structures. Salary $200.00 per week Must be able to work 5-6 days per week Please Contact 232-4240 This position is currently being held by a worker permit holder Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Immigration/Labour Board.
# 814092
#814090
Inel Faustin Location: Five Cays, Providenciales Is seeking a Disk Jockey (DJ) Duties: play music in parties, clubs, discs, etc. They are required to mix and match the music to suit the mood of the event This applicant must be on call To work 6 days a week Salary: $7.00 per hour This position is new Please Contact: 345-3982 Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labor Board #230205
Ange Toussaint Location: Grace Bay, Providenciales Is searching for a Babysitter To work 6 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Duties include Babysitting a child, cooking, cleaning and must be able honest, trustworthy and speaks English Interested Applicants Please Call: 244-2888 This position is new Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labor Board. #230204
Florice Forbes
B & B Services
Location: Long Bay, Providenciales Is seeking (1) Labourer Duties include general cleaning Must be able to work 5 days per week Salary is $6.25 Per Hour Please Contact: 247-7819 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board
Location: Grace Bay, Providenciales Is seeking an AC technician/ Maintenance Worker Duties: To repair and service AC’s, to do some painting and some plumbing To work 6 days a week Salary $10.75 per hour Please Contact: 649 – 243-8471 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board
Pro Tennis Academy TCI LTD Location: Providenciales Is looking for an Assistant Coach Level 3 ITF Qualification: 10 years of experience as Coach or in management of tennis school Salary is $12.00 an hour Must be able to work 6 days a week New Assistant Coach must: •Teach tennis 6 to 8 hours a day •Develop the mini-tennis club for kids •Coach the elite junior of TCI •Teach private lessons to the local community, and tourist •Teach adults and kids groups of all levels •Organize activities, festivals and tournaments for kids and adults •Support the community Interested applicants please email: infoprotennisacademytci@gmail.com 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 Labor Board
Location: F202 Regent Village, Grace Bay, Provo Seeking 25 Construction Helpers Duties: Assist construction craft workers with various tasks; clean and prepare sites, machinery and equipment. Salary: $6.25/hr; 42 hrs/wk Position currently held by work permit holders. Closing date for applications is April 26, 2019 Applications can be dropped off at the office, Immigration Board, and/or emailed to jmc@tciway.tc
Danzella Jennings Seeks to employ a Caretaker in Grand Turk At a salary of $250.00 per 5 day week The successful applicant will be required to take care of 2 elderly people by cleaning and maintaining the home Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1 and Danzella Jennings at Tel no. 431-2282. Please note that this position is new
To work 5 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 232-2623 This position is new Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labour Board #814101
Location: Long Bay, Providenciales Is looking for 1 Family Caregiver The job will include care for 1 elderly Female and 1 Sick Adult Male Employee must be willing to work 6 days per week, weekends and holidays At a rate of $6.50 per hour This position is new and all applications Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board Please telephone #332-3458 and email applications to candacehanchell@gmail.com
Sunshine Restaurant Seeks to employ a Cashier in Grand Turk At a salary of $350.00 per 6 day week The successful applicant is required to collect daily sales on behalf of the restaurant in an efficient effective and friendly manner Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders are to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1 and to Sunshine Restaurant at Tel no. 241-2402 Please note that this position is presently being held by a work permit holder
Rejouvenance Spa LTD Location: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking Spa Therapist applicants •Duties and requirements: Available to work 9am-7pm every day, weekends and holidays are a must. •They own vehicles in excellent working order and clean license for Out Call spa services. •5 year’s experience as a therapist with spa rated 4 stars or above and relevant International Beauty and Massage Therapist degrees and certification on IPL laser. •Excellent written and verbal communication. Salary $6.50 per hour (plus commission) Position currently held by work permit holder Qualified candidates should send resume to frontdesk@rejouvenance.com or call Phone: 649-432-7546 Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labor Board.
Hon. Amanda Misick
Location: Grace Bay, Providenciales Is seeking (1) Gardener and (1) Domestic Worker Gardener Duties: Responsible for weeding, planting, pruning and watering as well as the general maintenance and appearance of the grounds. Domestic Worker Duties: is providing regular housekeeping. This may include sweeping, mopping Both must be able to work 6 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please email: misickamanda@gmail.com These positions are new Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board
#863809
Sharel Talbot Location: Blue Hills, Providenciales Is seeking a Babysitter Duties include Babysitting a child, cooking, cleaning and must be able honest, trustworthy and speaks English To work 6 days a week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 244-0921 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 Labor Board. #230203
ROCK OF JESUS MINISTRY
All About You
ANA’S Variety Store
Is seeking for: (1). GRAPHIC DESIGNER Prepares visual presentations by designing art and copy layouts. Relevant Qualification and Experience Required Must be able to use graphics design programs RELEVANT QUAIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED A minimum of 7 years’ SALARY: Based on qualification and experience. Deadline date May 31, 2019 Must be a Christian Please fax or email resume to Fax: 649-946-4283 Email: info@roj.tc
Is seeking a Sales Person Duties include greeting customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs To work 6 days a week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 231-3892 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 Labour Board
Location: Glass Shack, Providenciales Is seeking a Sales Clerk The Sales Clerk is responsible for obtaining or receiving merchandise, totaling bills, accepting payments and making change for customers in retail store. Must be able to work 6 days per week Salary $7:00 per hour Please Contact: 242-0681 This position is new Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board
#814093
#814091
APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
LOCAL SPORTS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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Top TCI Swimmers Bound for CARIFTA
Eight TCI for our boys and girls TCI Swim swimmers will be to compete with top Federation President representing the nation swimmers in the Ben Stubenberg added, at the 2019 CARIFTA Caribbean region. “TCI can be very proud swim competition taking While we might be of these hardworking place in Barbados next one of the smallest swimmers who will gain week 19-23 April. The teams participating, our tremendous experience swimmers, ranging prospects for podium at CARIFTA and keep from age 11 to 15 will finishes are looking very advancing swimming for compete in all four promising.” the nation. They will also types of competitive Team Manager be an inspiration for the racing: Free style, Janine Taylor said, many new and talented breaststroke, backstroke, “Carifta has been and swimmers coming up and butterfly at various continues to be an behind them.” distances. They will also amazing experience for C A R I F T A be swimming in several our swimmers—one Sponsors: TCI relay races. Previous that motivates them Government, Waratah, CARIFTA competitors throughout the year to BCQS, Turks & Caicos Luke Haywood (15) and strive to achieve the Collection, Graham Lillian Taylor (13) will times needed to qualify Thompson, Blue Heron be returning along with to be part of the team. Aviation, Elite Gambling, first-time swimmers I am thankful for the InterHealth Canada, Sophie Taylor (11), community support J&W Construction, Tajhari Williams (11), that is allowing us to British Caribbean Bank, Rohan Shearer (12), take the children on Misick & Stanbrook, The Selin Kilic (12), Angelina such and amazing trip Agency, Price Waterhouse, Linderhahn (12), Thais to swim for TCI. We Wymara Resort & Villas, Burgess (13). couldn’t do it without all Graceway, Air Cool, MEP National Coach of the sponsors, so many Pools, Environmental Zeke Hall stated, “TCI thanks to all of them. I Arts Irrigation, Da swimming is growing wish this team the best of Conch Shack, D&D rapidly and CARIFTA luck, and look forward to Construction, Island provides an opportunity watching them compete.” Imports, Villa del Mar.
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WORLD
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 12TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2019
SPORTS LeBron James no longer alone as NBA’s best player, according to NBA 2K19 Ever since 2010, LeBron James has been rated almost exclusively alone at the top of the NBA 2K player rankings. According to Brian Wiedey of the Sporting News, there has only been one two-month stretch during that time where James has not been ranked as the top player in the video game. This season, LeBron began the year with a player rating of 98 — once again the highest in the league. But after the latest NBA 2K19 roster update, James is now down to 96. That mark puts LeBron in a three-way tie at the top alongside James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry are each right behind with the second-highest player rating of 95. While averaging 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists this season, James has exceeded his career averages this season with the Los Angeles Lakers. But his nagging groin injury limited him to just 55 games. He will also be on the outside looking in during the postseason for the first time since 2005. Both factors certainly contributed to LeBron’s recent rating drop. Meanwhile, Harden and Antetokounmpo are currently battling it out for NBA MVP honors after posting banner years. Harden is averaging a league-best 36.1 points per game while Giannis has led his Milwaukee Bucks to the best record in the Association. Harden began the season ranked as a 96 in NBA 2K19, before dipping down to 94 in weeks 5-12 as his Houston Rockets came out of the gates slowly. Harden peaked as high as 97 from weeks 16-21 before leveling out at 96, with the season now coming to a close.
Fan sues Astros for $1 million over broken finger
New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) pitches against the Houston Astros in the sixth inning at Minute Maid Park A Texas woman has sued the Houston Astros for more than $1 million, contending her left index finger was injured permanently last summer when the team mascot shot a giveaway shirt in her direction using a “T-shirt cannon.” Jennifer Harughty said she was sitting behind third base last July 8 when the mascot, Orbit, launched a T-shirt at close range, resulting in a broken finger. “It was a life-changing event that I think if it happened to anybody else ... they would feel the same way,” Harughty told KTRK-TV in Houston. According to the lawsuit, which was filed Monday, Harughty went to the emergency room after the game and was diagnosed with a severe fracture and told she would need surgery. Four days later, she had surgery with two screws placed in her finger. Two months later, she underwent a second surgery. According to the lawsuit, Harughty has little to no use of her finger, despite physical therapy. She is seeking more than $1 million for pain and suffering and wants a jury trial. She said the team is negligent for failing to properly train staff to use the device and for not warning fans of its dangers. The Astros released a statement on Tuesday. “The Astros are aware of the lawsuit with allegations regarding Orbit’s T-shirt launcher,” the statement said. “We do not agree with the allegations. The Astros will continue to use fan popular T-shirt launchers during games. “As this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment on this matter.”
Magic Johnson abruptly resigns as Lakers’ president Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers’ president of basketball operations Tuesday night, citing his desire to return to the simpler life he enjoyed as a wealthy businessman and beloved former player before taking charge of this tempestuous franchise just over two years ago. Johnson didn’t tell owner Jeanie Buss or general manager Rob Pelinka about his shocking decision before he announced it in front of reporters about 90 minutes before the final game of the Lakers’ sixth consecutive losing season. Los Angeles, which is missing the NBA playoffs yet again despite the offseason addition of LeBron James, played well after Magic Johnson speaks to reporters prior to Johnson’s announcement, but still an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers lost 104-101 to Portland. “I want to go back to on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, in Los Angeles having fun,” Johnson said, fighting minutes before the game ... and off tears. “I want to go back to I haven’t had any time to really being who I was before taking on process it.” this job. We’re halfway there with Clearly blindsided by LeBron coming (last summer). I Johnson’s announcement, the think this summer, with that other Lakers also issued a team statement star coming in, whoever is going at halftime. to bring him in, I think this team “There is no greater Los is really going to be in position to Angeles Laker than Earvin Johnson,” contend for a championship with it said. “We are deeply grateful to the growth of the young players.” Magic for all that he has done for our Johnson didn’t directly tie franchise as a player, an ambassador his decision to the future of Luke and an executive. ... He will always Walton, but the third-year coach be not only a Lakers icon, but our was widely expected to be fired by family. As we begin the process of Johnson. Without using names, moving forward, we will work in a Johnson repeatedly mentioned Buss’ measured and methodical fashion affinity for Walton, who was in to make the right moves for the place before Johnson got his job in future of our organization.” February 2017, and Johnson’s desire Johnson’s desire for his not to cause upheaval between the old life wasn’t the only reason for owner and her chosen coach. his departure. He also said he is “(On Wednesday) I would tired of being investigated or fined have to affect somebody’s livelihood by the NBA for tampering when and their life,” Johnson said. “And I he comments on basketball on thought about it and I said, ‘That’s Twitter or even speaks to another not fun for me. That’s not who I am.’ organization’s player. And then I don’t want to put her in Johnson, a longtime the middle of us, even though she broadcaster and respected basketball said, ‘Hey, you can do what you figure before moving into the front want to do.’ I know she has great office, has been investigated four love for him and great love for me.” times for tampering after everything Johnson and Buss had a from a joking comment about Paul three-hour meeting Monday about George on Jimmy Kimmel’s talk the direction of the 16-time NBA show to his response to an email champion Lakers, who haven’t sent to him by Philadelphia’s Ben made the postseason since 2013. Simmons. Magic claimed he didn’t finalize his “I thought about Dwyane decision until Tuesday morning. Wade retiring (Wednesday), and “Somebody is going to I can’t even tweet that out or be have to tell my boss, because I know there,” Johnson said. “Serena she’s going to be sick,” Johnson said. Williams called me a week ago and “But I knew I couldn’t face her face- said, ‘Will you mentor me and be to-face and tell her.” on my advisory board?’ And I said, Buss didn’t attend the ‘Yeah, I’m going to do that.’ So when Lakers’ season finale, although Ben Simmons called and we went Johnson waited by the executive through the proper channels and parking area at Staples Center in they made me look like the bad guy hopes of seeing her. Buss tweeted out of that situation, but I didn’t do her reaction at halftime. anything wrong ... I was thinking “Earvin, I loved working about all those times, all those guys side by side with you,” Buss wrote. who want me to mentor them or be “You’ve brought us a long way. We a part of their lives, and I can’t even will continue the journey. We love do that. I had more fun on the other you.” side.” Walton, who is 98-148 in Johnson, who will turn 60 three seasons, refused to say much in August, also has many thriving about Johnson’s announcement business interests along with after the loss to Portland: “I found ownership stakes in the Los Angeles out when you guys did. It was 80 Dodgers and Los Angeles FC.
Johnson’s sudden decision ends another chapter in the remarkable life of the star point guard from Lansing, Michigan, who won an NCAA championship at Michigan State before claiming five NBA titles and three league MVP awards during his 12-year playing career as the leader of the Showtime Lakers. Johnson retired in 1991 after he tested positive for HIV, but later returned briefly to the Lakers as a player and a coach. Johnson says his current health is ideal, and he insists no health concerns were part of his decision to quit the job that seemed to be his ultimate destiny. Johnson was hired along with Pelinka when Buss dismissed her brother, Jim, and GM Mitch Kupchak just 26 months ago. The Buss children’s father, Jerry, had long envisioned Johnson in a powerful role in the Lakers’ front office, and Jeanie put Magic in charge of shaking up her storied franchise in decline. Immediately after taking the job, Johnson stated his plan to land at least two free-agent superstars to return the Lakers to immediate title contention. That plan rankled feelings around the league and got him in trouble when he publicly acknowledged the Lakers’ interest in George, which led to an investigation that eventually stuck the Lakers with a $500,000 fine for Pelinka making improper contact with George’s agent. Johnson made several personnel moves to clear salary cap space for his ultimate goal, notably trading guard D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn largely to rid the Lakers of Timofey Mozgov’s onerous contract in 2017. Johnson also criticized Russell for his maturity and playing style on the way out the door, but Russell has blossomed into an AllStar leader for the playoff-bound Nets. Some of Johnson’s other moves have worked out much better, including the Lakers’ drafting of Lonzo Ball, the acquisition of Kyle Kuzma and the bargain signing of center JaVale McGee. And though James was in charge of his decision to join the Lakers last summer, LeBron credited Magic with closing the deal in a meeting before he agreed to a fouryear contract. But after James strained his groin at Christmas and subsequently sat out for the longest injury absence of his 16-year NBA career, the Lakers were unable to compile enough midseason wins to stay in playoff contention. The Lakers also slumped before the trade deadline when Johnson aggressively pursued disgruntled New Orleans superstar Anthony Davis in a trade that would have required the Lakers to give up much of their talented young core. James was shut down for the season late last month, and he watched the Lakers’ season finale in street clothes on the bench. He wasn’t available to reporters after the game.
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Nowitzki announces retirement after final home game for Mavs Dirk Nowitzki cried near midcourt when the second quarter was about to resume. The Dallas Mavericks star nearly jumped for joy with a huge smile on his face after a rare dunk prompted thunderous applause from a crowd celebrating the final home game of his record 21st season with the same franchise. And then after Larry Bird joked during a postgame ceremony that he was “15 when Dirk came into the league and now I’m 62,” Nowitzki let fly with a realization the 40-year-old said he reached in recent days. It’s time for the most accomplished European player in NBA history to retire after scoring a seasonhigh 30 points in a 120-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. “As you guys might expect, this is my last home game,” Nowitzki said, doing a better job of fighting his emotions than he did at the end of a timeout in the second quarter, after a tribute video showing his holiday visit to a children’s hospital a little more than two years ago. “This is obviously super, super emotional. Just too many people to really thank. I put you guys on a helluva ride with a lot of ups and downs, and you guys always stuck with me and supported me, so I appreciate it.” Nowitzki never shared his retirement plans because he didn’t want a farewell tour, but he also said
he only began serious deliberations on in a game. “That was my No. 1. They retirement when his lower body gave brought Larry Legend. I mean, it’s, that him issues late in the season. was an emotional moment when I saw The 14-time All-Star got the all five of them and I was in shock really.” farewell treatment on the road anyway, Nowitzki went out firing, with opposing fans chanting “We want hoisting 31 shots — the most since he Dirk” and giving him standing ovations, was in prime and gearing up to lead the and LA Clippers coach Doc Rivers only championship in franchise history stopping a game, grabbing a public early in the 2010-11 season. He made 11, address microphone and honoring was 5 of 14 from 3-point range, grabbed Nowitzki. eight rebounds and matched a season It should happen again high with three assists. Wednesday night in San Antonio, Dallas’ The final bucket at home of Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki gets season finale. Nowitzki said he gave his likely Hall of Fame career was his emotional after a video played during a break in almost all he had in the final home signature one-legged fadeaway from just the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game game but wanted to put up a few more above the free throw line — yes, there against the Phoenix Suns in Dallas on Tuesday, April jumpers against probably the biggest was a tribute video for that too, starring 9, 2019 rival of his career. Kevin Durant and LeBron James. number, not a tough decision. And I’ll Just as owner Mark Cuban That shot had a practical promise you we will put the biggest ... hinted, the final home game trumped purpose as well, pushing the Dallas statue ever. And we’ll put it right in all those road shows. Tribute videos lead back to 12 after the Mavericks let front of the arena.” before, during and after the game. Shots a 30-point halftime cushion dwindle to The smooth-shooting 7-footer of former teammates on the video board. four in the fourth quarter. changed the game when the Mavericks A large collection of Dallas Cowboys, The sellout crowd that followed traded for the 20-year-old, taken ninth including stars Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Cuban’s orders by showing up early overall in the 1998 draft. He was the first Elliott, in a suite. chanted “M-V-P” and “One more year” player that big to be a legitimate threat Nowitzki wondered why the throughout the game. But after he made at the 3-point line. postgame video included him talking the announcement, the chant turned to Nowitzki, sitting at 31,540 about the players he idolized growing “Thank you, Dirk” as Cuban started to points with one game left, gave the up in Germany. Then he saw Charles speak . home crowd another thrill last month Barkley on the court. And Bird. Scottie “There’s no words that I could by passing Wilt Chamberlain to regain Pippen. Shawn Kemp. Detlef Schrempf, possibly say to describe how I feel what sixth on the career scoring list. Nowitzki the notable countryman to come before you meant to this organization, but reached that spot last season, but James him in the NBA. I can make you all kinds of promises,” passed him. “The only guy that was missing Cuban said. “It will never be the same was MJ,” Nowitzki said, referring to “I’ll promise you that you have around here,” said Rick Carlisle, who Michael Jordan — the player he passed a job for life. I don’t care what you do. coached Nowitzki for his final 11 seasons. to become the oldest to score at least 30 I’ll promise you that we’ll retire your “It just won’t.”
Coleman to double at U.S. trials, worlds and Olympics World 100m silver medalist Christian Coleman will go for a sprint double at July’s U.S. championships, setting the stage for a run at gold in both at Doha’s world championships and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, his manager told Reuters. “He is definitely doubling,” Emanuel Hudson said in a telephone interview. “Christian Coleman always has considered himself a 100-200 meters athlete,” Hudson added in revealing the world 60m record holder’s plans to go for his first double on the global stage. “The norm is he would be running the 100 and 200. So ideally he is going to run both at the Olympic Games.” A long 2017 collegiate season before Coleman turned professional led the sprinter to contest only the 100m at London’s world championships, even though he made the U.S. team in both sprints. Then last season hamstring problems curtailed his 200m plans. The decision to double this time, along with world and Olympic implications, assures the U.S. nationals/
Christian Coleman of the U.S. in action during the Men’s 60m Final with China’s Bingtian Su and Zhenye Xie at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, Britain, March 3, 2018 world trials, scheduled for Des Moines, 200,” Lyles’ coach Lance Brauman told Iowa, of a major showdown in both Reuters. events. “But all options will stay on the table just World champion Justin Gatlin in case.” and indoor bronze medalist Ronnie Baker Coleman, the 2017 U.S. will likely be Coleman’s opponents in collegiate double sprint champion, is the 100m and Diamond League winner planning to compete in both events Noah Lyles in the 200m. on the Diamond League circuit before Lyles has not totally closed the chasing the U.S. double, his manager door on doubling, though. said. “As of right now, the plan is the The 23-year-old will open his
Soccer legend Pele back in Brazil, healthy but undergoing tests Brazilian soccer legend Pele arrived home in Brazil after a spell in a French hospital on Tuesday and was immediately taken to a Sao Paulo clinic for further urinary tests, doctors said. “At the moment, he is undergoing admission exams and his health is good,” doctors at the Israelite Albert Einstein Hospital said in a brief statement.
Considered by many as the game’s finest player and the only man to have won three World Cups, Pele was hospitalized in France last Wednesday after suffering a fever following an event in the city with French World Cup-winner Kylian Mbappe. The 78-year old former Santos player was diagnosed as suffering from a urinary infection
and was treated with antibiotics and released on Monday. He arrived back in his home state on Tuesday morning. Doctors said the urinary infection had been cured but did not give more details about what were believed to be routine tests at the hospital where he has been treated on several Brazilian soccer legend Pele is seen occasions previously. in Paris, April 2, 2019
Diamond League season with a 100m headliner against Chinese world indoor silver medalist Su Bingtian in Shanghai on May 18 and is confirmed for a 100m at the Prefontaine Classic near San Francisco on June 30. Although Coleman missed several races with hamstring problems before roaring back with the year’s fastest 100 (a personal best 9.79 seconds) in 2018, “I don’t think that (the double) will be a problem,” his manager said. A final check at the Florida Relays, where Coleman ran the 4x200m and 4x400m relays, showed he was ready. “He’s healthy. We are not putting him in a whole bunch of meets and his last likely race, in Lausanne, will be 20 days before the U.S. championships,” Hudson said. Coleman’s 200m best of 19.85 seconds in 2017 is two-tenths of a second slower than Lyles’ top time, but Hudson is expecting big things this season. “Since then (2017) he has broken the world record in the 60 meters and run a personal best in the 100,” the manager said. “I think his 200 meters time is going to be something off the charts.”
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