VOLUME 15 ISSUE 41

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 15 - NO. 41

Email: sun@suntci.com

Tel: (649) 348-6838

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Fax: (649) 941-3281

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ATMs CLOSING EARLY

By Todeline Defralien

A

utomated Teller Machines (ATMs) in the Turks and Caicos Islands will be closed from 7:00 p.m.to 8:00 a.m. in order to ensure the safety of clients. his has been implemented following the recent trend of persons being forcibly taken to ATMs by armed bandits to withdraw money. All Drive through ATMS on Providenciales will be affected.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Rodney Adams met with the managing directors of the three leading financial institutions in the Turks and Caicos Islands: Scotiabank, First Caribbean International Bank and the Royal Bank of Canada in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday October 16th, 2019 to discuss their security arrangements following criminal incidents of forced ATM use.

It was agreed that all financial institutions would conduct an enhanced security assessment of their establishments and that in the interim, all drive thru ATM’s will be closed from 7:00 p.m.to 8:00 a.m. in order to ensure the safety of their clients.

Commenting on this measure Acting Governor Anya Williams said: “As a part our efforts to work with all businesses, stakeholders and private citizens to address the recent incidents of crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we are pleased to have met with the banks on island to discuss their security arrangements and to develop a proposed course of action to deter these types of incidents going forward”.

T

C

CWCF donates $30k to Eliza Simons Primary in TCI

able & Wireless Charitable Foundation/Flow on Thursday October 17th donates $30K in ICT equipment for the refurbishment of math and computer lab post hurricane Irma and Maria to Eliza Simons Primary school.

Minister of Education, Hon Karen Malcolm, along with officers and staff of the Ministry of Education were in attendance, as well as Principal and VP of Eliza Simons Primary school.

Pictured Left to Right is VP of Eliza

Simons, Nyree Taylor-Williams, Acting Country Manager, Audley Gibbs, Principal of ESPS, Juliet Arthur-Thelwell, and Marketing Communications Executive, Darron Hilaire in the newly refurbished lab.

Foreign police to assist in TCI crime fight

By Todeline Defralien

Faced with a record 12 murders for the year and an alarming string of armed robberies and home invasions, the Turks and Caicos Islands will be getting assistance from foreign police officers to assist in the fight against crime.

The announcement of outside help was made on Sunday, October 13th, in a joint statement from Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams and Premier Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson.

Assistance will be coming from the Royal Bermuda Police Service,

who will provide investigative support, with other areas to be determined.

The Officers will arrive in the Country during the week commencing October 21st, 2019.

“Our Police are working hard and we continue to support them. We are however pleased to say that we have and are securing external support for reinforcement to bolster the work of the police,” the joint statement said.

“What has happened over the past few days is unprecedented and not the home that we can recognise or wish to raise our families. We stand in solidarity with the Turks and Caicos Islands and ask that we work together

with the police to arrest this situation.

We wish to extend our sincerest sympathy to the family of the young man (Jefferson Seide) who loss his life..and pray God’s comfort be yours at this time. We wish to also share our sympathies with those who are victims of the recent crime spree. We acknowledge that these are difficult and trying times but we remain committed to the task at hand of delivering a safer place for us all.”

It was noted that police are continuing its sustained operations, the increased patrols and will continue to deploy further crime fighting strategies.

“We are extremely concerned

with the climate of fear that is prevailing our communities particularly in Providenciales and met to also share our concerns and to ensure that the feelings of the public is represented to the highest level of enforcement.”

Meantime, Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Rodney Adams is supporting bring foreign police to the Turks and Caicos Islands support to fight crime.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday October 15th, Adams said that he is confident that with their support, it will make a difference in expediting investigations.

Continued on page 2

Hurricane Preparedness In case of flooding, know the location of the nearest hurricane shelter. If called to evacuate, do so immediately.

Further information and hurricane safety tips are available on our website: www.fortistci.com/hurricane-preparedness-tips

www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

ATMs CLOSING EARLY

President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Banking Association Larry Lawrence in support of the enhanced security measures commented, “The TCI Bankers Association is committed to working with stakeholders to enhance security at our ABMS.”

Acting Commissioner Rodney Adams said: “We are delighted to have met with the heads of the Financial Institutions yesterday and pleased that they have agreed to join in with our efforts to combat crime, through these ATM drive-through closures. This definitely wasn’t a decision that was taken lightly, but a decision we felt we had to take for security reasons and in the interest of the safety of everyone.

Members of the public are being asked to avoid ATM use during these closures and report unusual activity to 911. You can call a confidential line at 1-8008477(TIPS)”

Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams told a joint press conference with The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and Turks and Caicos Islands government that she has initiated meetings with bankers on the issue.

“I reached out directly to the managers of the banking institutions here in the Turks and Caicos Island and I’ll be meeting with them...What we discussed is that the operations of the banks and ATMs; whether there is need for revised operating hours and also security at the financial institutions in these islands.”

L-R: (Acting COP Rodney Adams, Marcus Samuel-RBC, Curtis Knight- Scotia Bank, Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, Larry Lawrence-FCIBC).

She added: “The Acting Premier (Sean Astwood) and the Acting Commissioner (Rodney Adams) and I will meet with the financial institutions to discuss with them these concerns that have been raised. There are meetings between other businesses in the islands, the Chamber of Commerce members and also the Hotel and Association and other agencies and they will be meeting to discuss their security arrangements.”

She continued: “We discussed the operations as to whether or not we need to look at which ATMs are opened beyond a certain hour and whether persons will have to come inside of the bank where there is proper security and there are cameras to be able to access services. When we talk about making these sorts of adjustments, of course

there is going to be some discomfort by residents, because you will not for persons that want to be able to go to an ATM on certain locations at 1:00/2:00am in the morning, but we believe that some of these steps are necessary in order to protect our citizens.”

According to Williams, certain amendments need to be made to make sure that the system that they’ve heavily invested in works, and also that businesses are taking proper precautions to protect their clients and citizens.

“We often question the use of CCTV and the importance of it and persons ask whether it is working. CCTV is working, but the issue that we have is that it could only properly work if we have proper licensing within the islands.

If vehicles are not properly licenced

or, as the Acting Commissioner said, if persons are riding in tinted vehicles, then of course it reduces the success of the CCTV,” she explained.

“Those are some of the areas that we are working and as I said and as you are aware, we would have already launched the recruitment process for the additional officers and we will be looking at strengthening capabilities in other areas as well, particularly in our tactical area which is very important to us.”

In addition, William revealed that discussions are also underway as it relates to liquor licences and businesses operating after hours.

She said, “Some of the things that we discussed are liquor licensing and establishments that do not have permits to operate beyond certain hours.

Certainly if the Police can police certain areas at certain times and they know the hours at are of operation that certain businesses are to operate from, then it makes their policing much easier when they know that there are certain areas where there will be no activities after certain hours.”

Williams added that they are not going to be able to address the issues currently at hand by just looking at one area, but it has to be comprehensive and it has to look at all areas and working together.

“It is for that reason that we’re asking all of our enforcement teams to stand up,” she ended.

Foreign police to assist in TCI crime fight continued from page 1

“As the Acting Commissioner, I am confident in terms of our capabilities here in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force to tackle crimes at hand. However, it is true that we need to certainly increase our capacity moving forward. We certainly support, and I support from this end, the deployment of additional help from the outside,” he said.

Adams added: “I am confident that with their support, it will make a difference in terms of us expediting investigations based on enhancing our numbers that will complement what we have here in TCI. There have also been a number of comments expressed by the public as it relates to our strategies not working and so on, and I want to reassure you that we are confident that

our strategies are working.”

Adman noted that the force has made adjustments to those strategies in terms of deployment of resources proactively and in support of defending the TCI. ` He continued: “We have revised a number of parts of our strategies moving forward and you can look forward to seeing stronger police presence across the TCI as well as other law enforcement colleagues that will be assisting us. I want to put the public on notice that from time to time you will encounter some delays on the streets as you move about.”

In a tough message to the criminals, the Acting Commissioner stressed that the only persons that will have to be feared in this country will be

themselves.

“We will be making it a point in making sure that we are going to be a lot more proactive in tackling these incidents and ensuing that you thugs are behind bars where you ought to be,” Adams said

Adams said that he is confident in the ability of the local staff in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

“I want to go on record thanking our great men and women of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for the long hours that they have put in over the last couple of months and weeks and we will continue to support you from where we stand. We will also be on the streets too doing our part, so criminals you are the

Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Rodney Adams ones that must be in fear going forward across the TCI,” he concluded.

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

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OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 5

LOCAL NEWS

Young bartender is TCI’s 12th murder for 2019

Jefferson Seide, a 27-year-old who worked at The Palms as a bartender, became Turks and Caicos Islands’ 12th murder victim for the year, after he was robbed and shot on Sunday, October 13th.

Police public relations officer Takara Bain said 911 Central received reports at 2:46 a.m., of shots fired on Church Avenue, Millennium Highway, Providenciales. The 27-year-old man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at Hospital at 3:57 a.m.

Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Rodney Adams said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the young man who was murdered. I know that this is a very difficult time for all of you.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force stand committed to bringing the facts to light and we need the public’s support in assisting us with information. Someone must have seen something. If you do not want to talk to the Police, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. We need to get these thugs off

the streets and behind bars. We are currently at murder 12 and this is beyond unacceptable.

These senseless murders must stop and we as a community must not continue to allow a minority to place the majority in fear.”

As the Police continue their investigation into this matter they are appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed or have any information, to contact the Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901 or 941-8082 or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.

Jefferson Seide

Prison staff concerns resolved Following several incidents of assault against Prison Officers by inmates over several months, a number of Prison Officers refused to report to their work stations on the morning of October 17th 2019 which resulted in the need to call an emergency meeting with staff.

The meeting was convened at 10:00am at the Police Headquarters in Grand Turk and was chaired by the Acting Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams supported by the Acting Minister of Home Affairs, the Honourable Edwin Astwood, the Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs, Mrs. Clara Gardiner, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Prison Superintendent, Mr. Grahame Hawkins and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Clifford Henry.

The Prison Officers raised a number of concerns relating to their working conditions, pay, benefits, security and safety, which were all discussed during the meeting.

Commenting on the meeting and its outcome, Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams stated “Following a number of incidents of unrest and assault at the Prison, it was necessary to convene an emergency meeting with the Prison Officers to assure them that it was safe for them to return to work and that their concerns would be addressed.

A number of the matters raised were

already in the process of being dealt with as substantial investments have been and will continue to be made in the infrastructure of the Prison and staff working conditions.

The UK recently funded a new fencing and lighting project for the prison, which once completed, will be followed by the reconstruction of the Yellow Wing, which was destroyed by fire following the hurricanes in 2017 and was subsequently tendered and awarded earlier this year.

In addition to this, the government has announced its intention to construct a new Remand Center in Providenciales to reduce the movement of prisoners for court purposes and the construction of a new Prison in Grand Turk to better address custody and rehabilitation.

The Prison has continued to see increases in staff over the years and progress is being made to providing staff with insurance, protective equipment and other resources to staff.

We understand and appreciate the challenges that our Prison Officers face every day in the carriage of their duties, and we are grateful for the jobs that they do and commit to working in partnership to address their concerns and to improve the overall state of the Prison.”

Acting Minister of Home Affairs,

TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD

VISITOR RECEPTIONIST An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board in the post of Visitor Receptionist. This position is based in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. The successful candidate will provide exceptional customer service and accurate tourism information to guests arriving by cruise ship; to respond to communication inquiries and requests as well as visitor complaints; to maintain the TCI Tourist Board’s presence at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, and to assist in the development of new tourism products for the destination, with special emphasis on the cultural tourism product.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES • Manage Board of Tourism Cruise Center booth and greet visitors arriving by cruise ship • Provide accurate tourism information on accommodations, tourist sites, culture, activities, dining, transportation, and any other relevant information • Distribute TCI tourism information including brochures, magazines, CD’s, etc.

• Stay alert to guest concerns and complaints related to arrival; keep supervisor promptly and fully informed of all problems and unusual matters of significance, and make recommendations for how common complaints can be addressed • Maintain favorable working relationships with tourism partners, including cruise ship personnel, immigration and customs officers, taxi drivers, and car rental agents • Assist as needed in completing all functions necessary to ensure positive guest reception at the Cruise Center • Regularly research tourism information to ensure information provided is accurate, timely and up to date • Maintain high level of awareness of TCI tourism products, programs, activities and events • Monitor information queries and complaints about the TCI tourism product and/or services and respond promptly; report such complaints to supervisor or relevant authorities as appropriate • Assist in resolving poor customer service situations and report

the Honourable Edwin Astwood said: “As acting Minister with responsibility for the Prison which is located on Grand Turk where I am based and serve the community, it was important to be present to join the Acting Governor, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other senior officials to participate in communicating the Government’s efforts to address staff concerns and longstanding physical infrastructure issues at Her Majesty’s Prison. From our discussions, I am confident that a great deal of effort and work has already gone into resolving many of the issues raised and it is only a matter of weeks before some of them will materialize. Through this medium, I want to express the Government’s appreciation to management and staff for the work they do daily and reiterate our commitment to continue to provide meaningful support.”

Prison Superintendent Grahame Hawkins commented: “In the context of meals, prisoners received their breakfast at 9:30am this morning, their lunch meal at 12:30pm and will get their evening meal on time this evening.

In addition, The Police tactical team have also attended the prison today, as part of mutual support, with the intention of searching a number of areas and cells. The searching is being led by the prison team, with the assistance of the police. The intention is to demonstrate that the police and prison work together to make sure that the prison and those within it understand that security and safety is important.”

Upon conclusion of the meeting, the staff returned to their duties at 11:30am this morning.

incidents to supervisor with a view toward minimizing repeat incidents • Act as Front Office Clerk on non ship days • Recommend ways to enhance the customer experience at the cruise terminal, looking at all of the services provided • Comply with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the TCI Tourist Board • Perform other duties as directed by the Deputy Director of Tourism and the Director of Tourism REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS • High School education, two years of relevant experience, and thorough knowledge of the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism product • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills • Exhibits initiative, responsibility, flexibility and leadership • Ability to be flexible in approach towards assignments and ambiguous guidelines • Excellent social and interpersonal skills • Problem-solving skills • Good health and high energy level WORKING CONDITIONS: • Work location may be split between the Board of Tourism office and the Grand Turk Cruise Center • Interface with tourists arriving to TCI, relevant government agents and departments, and tourism private sector entities • Ability to travel locally between office and Cruise Port, and regionally and internationally as needed • Ability to work flexible hours which may include early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays SALARY: Salary for this position is set at $28,800 annually and allowances For consideration please submit the following documents to Human Resources hr@turksandcaicostourism.com or submit to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Regent Grand, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: • Cover Letter • Current Resume • Two (2) reference letters • Current Police Record • Resident Status Only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted in this regard.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, 23rd October 2019

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Fake news on social media adding to fear in TCI communities

By Todeline Defralien

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kendall “Kenny” Grant is appealing to persons to desist from sending around fake messages on social media which is causing fear in TCI communities.

In recent weeks, many graphic messages have been circulating, including some which did not take place in Turks and Caicos Islands.

During a press conference on Tuesday October 15th, Grant said, “We understand the level of fear that is circulating within the community and we do understand your concerns.

However, what we’ve noticed is that there have been several (social) media

posts going around that are not from Turks and Caicos. This in itself is causing a level of fear in the community. We’re asking persons if you’re going to take posts from another country, please outline where it is from and whether it is from The Bahamas or across the region, let it be known and not just posting it as if it is in Turks and Caicos.”

He added: “We want to say to you desist from doing such, and if you are doing it unknowingly, please put the heading where those posts are coming from. We are focused and we are determined to get the job done and we are confident in our officers that we will get the job done.”

Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Rodney Adams agreed with Adams,

adding that these fake messages have an impact on use of their resources.

“As it relates to persons sending out messages on social media, in many cases we understand that persons want to genuinely help us. We do understand that, but when false or fake type messages are sent out it really has an impact on our resources. The reality is that once persons see these messages they will put in calls to either the 911 center or officers that they might know and what that does is force us to spend time trying to find Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Kendall out the credibility of those messages or “Kenny” Grant deploying resources and at the end of the make life miserable for the criminal element in the society. day it’s time wasted,” Adams explained.

Adams encouraged people in “We cannot allow the minority the community to be more responsible to make life difficult or place the majority and work together hand and hand to in fear,” he said.

Police recover nine firearms

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have recovered nine unlicensed firearms between September, 1st and October 15th, 2019 with one recovery in Grand Turk and eight on Providenciales.

In addition, 35 rounds of ammunition were seized during various police operations which included random stop checks.

On Providenciales,

Police have arrested four people on suspicion of possession of illegal firearm during the same period. Six persons were arrested on suspicion of murder and three persons arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rodney Adams said, “We are actively trying to remove illegal firearms from our streets. We are happy to have nine less

firearms out of the hands of thugs. The reduction in the number of illegal firearms will have a positive impact on the number of serious and violent crimes that are reported. We want to appeal to the community to help us with information with regards to illegal firearms in your neighbourhoods. If you want to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.”

Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rodney Adams

• Excellent communication and organizational skills • Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities • Highly responsible & reliable • Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment • Ability to work cohesively with fellow colleagues as part of a team • Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times

DATE OPEN: October 14, 2019 POSITION: Mixologist

START DATE: ASAP PROPERTY: Grace Bay Club

The Grace Bay Club is looking for a proven Mixologist, who is passionate about the art of hand crafted cocktails, beer and wine to give our guests the full Food and Beverage experience.

Summary of Responsibilities: Reporting to the Bar Manager, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: •Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service •Maintain a professional but engaging interaction with Resort’s guests and colleagues.

•Assist guests regarding all beverage menu items in an informative and helpful way •Mix drinks and control the beverage stock as per guidelines •Extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits •Have full knowledge of beverage lists and promotions •Have full knowledge of all menu items, garnishes, contents and preparation methods •Follow outlet policies, procedures and service standards •Follow all safety and sanitation policies when handling food and beverage •Other duties as assigned Qualifications: • Previous International Mixologist experience in leading hotels/ resorts.

• Certified in Flair Bartending from reputed institution.

• Excellent knowledge of all beverage products, beer, wine and spirits • Previous point of sale system experience an asset

Physical Aspects of Position (include but are not limited to): • Constant standing and walking throughout shift • Frequent lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs • Occasional kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting • Occasional ascending or descending ladders, stairs and ramps Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour& Work Permit Board Zone 2 Salary Range: $30,000 - $40,000 per annum DATE OPEN: October 14, 2019 POSITION: Sous Chef

START DATE: ASAP PROPERTY: Point Grace

Job Overview:The sous chef reports directly to the executive chef and will quickly amass an in-depth familiarity with the kitchen’s operations so that they may fill in for the executive chef when needed and assist them in resolving any problems that may arise on the job. A sous chef must possess the ability to quickly and authoritatively delegate job tasks to a large staff. They must also be able to draw upon their considerable experience as a culinary chef who has worked in many different roles and settings in order to effectively coach and mentor junior chefs. Full time.

Weekend and holiday work may be required.

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:$22,000 – $24,000 per annum Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than November 1, 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

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

The threat of crime is real, and the long-term peace of the TCI is at risk. It is past time to trade rhetoric for action

By Hon. Charles Washington Misick - Opposition Leader

On Saturday, 12th October 2019, we woke up to a report of the 13th murder of the year. This came after 10 days of brazen and unchecked violence at the hands of cowards.

On 6th March 2017, in a press statement I lamented and condemned the growing incident of violent crimes perpetrated against innocent persons. In that press statement I pledged solidarity with the Government (not silence) in the fight against crime and have since then repeatedly affirmed my belief that the fight against crime must not be a political one. On 29th July 2017, in yet another press statement, I was forced to acknowledged that our peaceful homeland was facing a crisis as both the incidence and gravity of criminal acts ballooned.

Then, on 31st July 2019 I was compelled to reluctantly issue another press statement addressing the escalation in gun crimes resulting in deaths.

However, the situation in the last ten days has been the most troubling to date.

Those who would rob, maim and kill us have shown that they are prepared to act in the light of day without regard for the police.

Unfortunately, the response to this threat has been routine and lukewarm, while the fate of our families and communities are being threatened.

Local law enforcement is out gunned and outmanned. Law abiding citizens are imprisoned in their own homes and all the while there is a deafening silence and inaction from those who are elected to protect us, or who bear constitutional responsibility for the security of these Islands.

Fear and anxiety in our communities are running high amid calls for drastic and immediate action.

We must now spare no cost or concern ourselves about individual egos in an effort to protect and bring the country back to a sense of normalcy; this calls for

For All you advertising needs contact TCISUN at 348-6838 Or email – sun@suntci.com

engagement with all stakeholders.

The structures in place to engage with stakeholders are woefully inadequate; as the Leader of the Opposition, I have no direct role in the security of the islands nor am I privy to decisions of the National Security Council.

I am, however, a member of the National Security Council Advisory Group, which last met briefly on the 13th March 2019. Despite this, I have tried to provide advice to those with responsibility for direct security of these islands through press statements and monthly bilateral meetings with the Governor. While not exhaustive, the suggestions that I have made are practical, reasonable, affordable and implementable immediately.

In my July 2019 press release, I called for the following interim measures subject to the development of longer term strategies: 1.The Government to make available through supplementary appropriation, additional resources to increase police presence in the communities and places where violent crimes are prevalent; 2.The Government to pass legislation to require all residents to always carry a TCIG issued picture ID, and for visitors to provide IDs and an address on the islands when required to do so by law enforcement officers; 3.The Government to consider limited curfews at designated hours of the night in high risk areas; 4.Government to make available container and handheld scanning equipment at all ports to detect guns and other contraband; 5.The police to institute a system of surprise rolling roadblocks at strategic locations to search for firearms and other contrabands; 6.The police to make routine the search for unlicensed motor vehicles and unlicensed drivers; and 7.The cancelling of operating licences

Althea Requel Basden Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work on the Island of South Caicos Applicant must be able to clean, dust, wash and iron Must be able to work from Tuesday to Fridays weekly Pay is $6.25 hr. 4hrs daily Please Contact 243-1275 This job is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

for businesses that have a history of violence on property.

In addition to the above, today I am advising the Government to take the following steps immediately.

•Re-establish the Police Training School for the training of recruits and continuous education for police officers; •Immediately hire an additional 30 tactical trained police officers in addition to the 20 new recruits recently budgeted for; •Institute a 90-day intensive training program for new recruits and initially deploy them on beat duty in the various communities; •Install check points on all roads in/ out of high-risk communities; •Open at least 3 additional Police Stations/Posts – Blue Hills, Five Cays and Kew Town; •Acquire and deploy at least twenty unmarked police cars manned by plain clothes police officers for undercover duty; •Expedite the introduction of a biometric unique identifier system for every person legally entitled to reside in the islands; •Create a database of Turks & Caicos Islanders deported from foreign countries; •Introduce a witness protection legislative and support framework system for informers of violent crimes; •Introduce Electronic Monitoring legislation to allow for the monitoring of persons on bail and parole; and •Introduce Telephone Intercept Communications legislation like that used in the Cayman Islands.

I am fully aware that my suggestions do not take into consideration the root cause of crime in our country and therefore the measures suggested are containment, abatement and control responses. The root causes of crime are largely economic and social constructs and the political directorate

must now come to grips with the need to balance rapid economic growth with home grown social development goals, economic fairness and inclusiveness to rebuild the social capital of the TCI.

Crime impacts everyone, and the solution requires active sectoral representation. The current situation demands an immediate meeting of the National Security Council Advisory Group to receive detail updates on the recently announced National Security Strategy, and to provide input into security enhancement measures to protect our communities. Going forward it is of critical importance that the National Security Council Advisory Group is routinely engaged as critical partners in the security of the Turks and Caicos Islands.– the threat of crime is real, and the long-term peace of the TCI is at risk. It is past time to trade rhetoric for action!!! The PNP call on HMG in the UK to take strong measures now to protect the people and economy of the TCI. We call on this PDM Administration to stand with us and let us begin a non-violent protest movement until our justifiable security concerns are addressed.

May God bless us all; and may God bless the TCI.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 6 (1) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance)

Take Notice that Mr. Fitzerald Pierre Louis, bachelor, of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory Citizen and ordinarily resident of Kew, North Caicos in accordance with section 5 (2) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance has made application for the grant of Turks and Caicos Islander Status.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Report from October 9th Cabinet meeting

His Excellency the Governor, •Approved the re-appointment of Nigel Dakin, chaired the 23rd meeting Mr Curtis Simmons as Deputy Chair of the Cabinet on Wednesday 9 October, of the National Health Insurance at the office of the Premier, Durham’s Board (NHIB) for a period of one year Building, Grand Turk. commencing on 10 October 2019.

The Hon. Premier, Hon. Ministers for Immigration, Tourism, • Approved a business licence Home Affairs, Health and Education application in a restricted business were present, in addition to the activity for Wessex Fairchild Attorneys Attorney General and HE the Deputy at Law. Governor.

•Approved duty concessions for At this meeting Cabinet: Caicos Resorts Ltd. (Amanyara) for refurbishment purposes, subject to •Noted the financial performance of approved amendments to the current the TCI government for the period refurbishment policy. from April to June 2019 and approved the publication of a financial report •Were updated on the consultancy for covering this period. the redevelopment and modernisation of South Dock, Providenciales.

• Noted an information paper on the financial performance of the Statutory •Approved amendments to be drafted Bodies of the TCI government for the for the Elections Ordinance to address period from April to June 2019 and inconsistencies identified by the agreed a number of action points.

Elections Adjudicator and an election observer mission of 2016, and a number •Noted an information paper updating of actions points for the Supervisor of Cabinet on the status of the National Elections.

Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) and agreed a number of action points.

•Approved amendments to the Health Professions Ordinance to be •Noted a progress report on the included under the Health Professions government’s contract with InterHealth (Amendment) Bill covering indemnity Canada (IHC). provisions.

• Approved the appointment of Mr Trevor M. Cooke, Leader of the Opposition candidate, to the Board of Directors of the TCI National Wealth Fund (TCNWF) for a period of three years commencing on 1 October 2019.

• Discussed a paper on the engagement of public servants under the National Policy for Support Staff in Emergency Situations 2019 and agreed action points.

•Was updated by HE the Deputy Governor of progress being made on the Recovery Plan by the relevant ministries.

Turks and Caicos Sun

•Discussed further the independent inquiry into the reasonableness of the rate variation application from Fortis TCI Ltd. and Turks and Caicos Utilities Ltd. report and the appointment of an Electricity Regulator.

Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 348-6838 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com

•Discussed technical aspects of the Islander Status Commission, recent public debate and next steps.

Read us online at www.suntci.com

•Approved the appointment of Dr Terese Maintland as interim CEO of the NHIB for a period of two months commencing on 2 October 2019.

• Approved the granting of scholarships awards for 2019/2020 and endorsed a formal agreement for all local scholarship awardees.

•Gave heartfelt congratulations for Ms Danae Dennie, Junior Minister of Tourism, winner of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Tourism Youth Congress.

• Discussed issues relating to TCI Airports Authority impacting on a number of airports in TCI. •Was updated by the Hon. Premier on work being carried out in relation to a public register of beneficial ownership for companies.

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.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADVERTISEMENT

Request for Proposals to Conduct Salary and Policy Review with Recommendations for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College

DATE OPEN: October 14, 2019

START DATE: ASAP

SCOPE OF WORK

POSITION: Teacher Job Requirements: •Will be utilized as a general education teacher who will be responsible for teaching all subjects to a primary grade class •Must be a practicing Born Again Christian •Must have at least 5 years teaching experience •Bachelor Degree in Education or equivalent from an accredited institution •Teacher Certificate / Diploma from a recognized Educational Institution.

•Must have a working knowledge of the A-Beka Curriculum •Must be familiar with Primary Education within the Caribbean.

•COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience 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: $18,000 - $22,000 per annum DATE OPEN: October 14, 2019

The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College invites proposals from interested individuals, firms or companies for a Consultancy undertaking to review is current Salary structure.

START DATE: ASAP

POSITION: Teacher Job Requirements: •Will be utilized as a general education teacher who will be responsible for teaching all subjects to a primary grade class •Must be a practicing Born Again Christian •Must have at least 5 years teaching experience •Bachelor Degree in Education or equivalent from an accredited institution •Teacher Certificate / Diploma from a recognized Educational Institution.

•Must have a working knowledge of the A-Beka Curriculum •Must be familiar with Primary Education within the Caribbean.

•COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience Qualified Belongers need only apply Salary Range: $18,000 - $22,000 per annum Suitable Applicants can forward Resumes along with copies of Qualifications, two (2) Character References no later than October 31, 2019 P.O. Box 939, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

•To undertake a detailed briefing with the TCICC Board of Governors to lead and guide the salary review process on behalf of the institution.

•To review existing documentation as it relates to salary scales, job descriptions and contractual documents to get a full understanding of the scope of the consultancy.

•To conduct interviews with several comparator organizations to confirm the salaries, allowances and benefits offered; •To assess the existing remuneration structure of the TCICC vis a vis comparator institutions and identify if, and where gaps exist.

•To consider any necessary revision to the salary structure and propose any necessary adjustment for the various categories of administrative and professional personnel; •0065plore the feasibility of introducing performance related pay structure.

OUTPUT AND REPORTING •Present a draft report of the findings and recommendations to the Board of Governors •Present a final report that reflects the suggestions/recommendations/ amendments emanating from the draft report to the Board of Governors and other relevant stakeholders.

DURATION OF THE CONSULTANCY AND DUTY STATIONING The consultancy is expected to be completed within three (3) months from the date of signing the contract. The successful consultant/s shall be required to be present in the Turks and Caicos Islands for a significant part of the work.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE Proposals are to include the following: Individual’s/Firm’s/Company’s Profile Consultant’s/Consultants’ CV/s Years of experience undertaking similar assignments Methodology to be used for the consultancy Work Time Plan Reporting Cost Expressions of interest are to be sent to: Mr. Keno Forbes, Chairman, Board of Governors of TCICC via email: Keno.Forbes@ tcicc.edu.tc copied to: The President, Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands or by email to hubert.fulford@ tcicc.edu.tc on or before October 31st 2019.

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Clampdown on dark tints

By Todeline Defralien

Police will be clamping down on dark tints on all vehicles around these islands.

Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Rodney Adams on Tuesday October 15th revealed that anyone with less than 30% tints on their windows will be ticketed.

He said, “With immediate effect there will be zero tolerance as it relates to illegal tints on vehicles across Turks and Caicos Islands. Going forward certain amendments will be made to the law but with immediate effect, a person with dark tints and the legal requirement is 30% and anything lower will be ticketed and dealt with accordingly.”

Adams stated that dark tints enable criminals to carry out their line of

business which is illegal.

“I think that members of the public will appreciate the fact that many vehicles are on our streets with dark tint. It might seem to be something insignificant but from a law enforcement standpoint, it only enables criminals to carry out their line of business which is certainly illegal.

It also enables them to evade detection by law enforcement from time to time and this is true in many cases where we have picked up on CCTV suspected vehicles that we’ve been looking for and these persons were in the vehicle and under the shadow of dark tint,” he explained.

Adams further requested that legislation be changed whereby if persons want to insist that they have dark tint that licence can be eventually revoked.

He added: “We have to get serious

about this type of business. It endangers our officers’ lives from time to time when we stop persons at nights in particular because we have no idea who is hiding behind those tints. As indicated it might seem insignificant but it plays a very serious part in terms of our crime fighting initiative.

Going forward we will certainly do what we need to do to ensure that members of society are safe.”

In addition, Adams said that persons who had permissions for dark tints in the past, permissions will be revoked with immediate effect.

“I am also aware of the fact that in the past a number of permissions for persons with tinted windows have been issued by the former Director of Road Safety, that will be addressed and we’re going to be asking that all of those permissions be

Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Rodney Adams revoked with immediate effect so we can certainly police this country in a way that avoids criminals and thugs hiding behind the darkness of tinted windows moving forward,” he said.

The job of an Air Traffic Controller

An Air Traffic Controller is a specialized, intense, mind-baffling profession; one that is responsible for safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic within an air traffic control airspace system.

It requires specialized training of theory and practical practices, which within its capacity is not built for everyone. The magnitude of the pressure that is endured in carrying out this task daily often goes unnoticed and is quite unexplainable.

On a daily basis, hundreds of lives are entrusted into the hands of an Air Traffic Controller, as they are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers to and from their destinations with great care and ensuring that all necessary policies and procedures are being adhered to, to avoid the possibility of

any errors or deadly collisions that can result in unfortunate situations, resulting in them possibly having to face jail time.

Tourism is one of the major industries throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, and one that is heavily depended upon for the economic growth of the country.

Each year thousands of tourists visit our shores from all walks of life and Air Traffic Controllers hold the great responsibility of ensuring the safety of their arrival into and departure out of the country. ` Air Traffic Controllers are indeed very instrumental in the country’s growth and development, as it is through the careful execution of their expertise that visitors and locals are transported safely daily by air locally, regionally and internationally

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 6 (1) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance)

Take Notice that Mrs. Isabella Grace Stanbrook, married to Mr. Igal Alber Yahya, of Brussels, Belgium, a British Overseas Territory Citizen and ordinarily resident of Providenciales in accordance with section 5 (2) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance has made application for the grant of Turks and Caicos Islander Status.

MG Caicos Property Management LLC Location: AR 102 Governors Road, Leeward, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a husband and wife Live-in Butler and Housekeeper couple to Live and work at designated Villas in TCI. Husband must be an experienced Butler with knowledge of all aspects of Property and Guest Services. Must be able to greet guest, ensure that their stay is enjoyable, setup for special events, arrange catering and maintain villa as required. Also must be able to schedule home maintenance with garden and MEP Contractors so that it does not conflict with guest stay.

Wife must be experienced housekeeper with ability to assist husband and able to provide top notch housekeeping and babysitting if so required by guest.

This couple can be required to live on premises as needed and can also be required to live on remote islands for extended time periods.

Please send Resume of both to: tcidevon@gmail.com and copy to The Labour Department Belongers only need apply These are new positions

An Air Traffic Controller’s salary should be on par with some of the most highly-paid professions worldwide. The job is one that brings a great responsibility that can be extremely stressful and risky at times.

Unfortunately, Air Traffic Controllers throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands are not compensated for the complexity of the job that they perform daily.

There are also various adversities that they are faced with in performing their job that can compose a risk to the travelling public.

Unbeknown to most, Turks & Caicos Air Traffic Controllers provide some of the most recommendable services throughout the region without accessibility to radar assistance.

DID YOU KNOW? In comparison to regions such as Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Bahamas and Dominican Republic, Air Traffic Controllers in the Turks & Caicos Islands are the lowest paid and the structural building in which they have to carry out such a huge responsibility is in the most deplorable state.

Below is a schedule of regional Air Traffic Controllers monthly salary: Dominican Republic - $3500 or more monthly Jamaica - $4500-$6000 monthly Cayman - $5000 - $7000 monthly Bahamas - $6000 or more monthly Turks and Caicos Islands - $3200 monthly

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 6 (1) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance)

Take Notice that Mr. John David Wildish, married to Mrs. Carol Anne Wildish, Father of Arayih Tamara Wildish, of Kingston Jamaica, a British Overseas Territory Citizen and ordinarily resident of The Bight, Providenciales in accordance with section 5 (2) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance has made application for the grant of Turks and Caicos Islander Status.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 6 (1) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance)

Take Notice that Ms. Achsah Blessings Wildish, spinster, of Florida, United States of America, a British Overseas Territory Citizen and ordinarily resident of The Bight, Providenciales in accordance with section 5 (2) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance has made application for the grant of Turks and Caicos Islander Status.

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Constitution review committee public meetings continue

By a Joint Press Statement on Wednesday 2nd October 2019, the Hon. Premier Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition Mr. C Washington Misick OBE, on behalf of the governing PDM and the Opposition PNP announced the appointment of a Constitution Review Committee formed to conduct consultations throughout the Islands on proposed constitutional changes to our constitution.

The Members as announced were: Hon Sean Astwood, Deputy Premier Hon Douglas Parnell, Elected Member for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill Hon Akierra Missick, Elected Member for Leeward and Long Bay and Hon. R Donhue Gardiner, Minister for Border Control

former

the Hon. Premier and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition on behalf of their respective political parties, appointed Mrs. Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles OBE, QC, Hon. Attorney General to be the Chair of the Constitution Review Committee and this was subsequently publicly announced in the House of Assembly on Monday 7th October 2019.

The Attorney General has not been involved in the discussions between the parties and the proposals are not those of the Attorney General. The proposals being consulted on are those agreed by the two political parties to be put to the public for consultation.

The Attorney General is supported by the Principal Legislative Drafter in the Attorney General’s Chambers, Ms. Desiree Downes MBE.

Both the Hon. Premier and Hon. Leader of Opposition are assisting the Committee in their consultative from time to time.

The Premier’s Office is facilitating the work of the Committee.

On Friday 4th October 2019,

The remit of the Committee is to: 1) Reintroduce the public to the current proposals before the UK; 2)Educate on areas of proposed new submissions and 3) Receive recommendations.

The work of the Committee began on October 7th, 2019 with a town hall meeting on Grand Turk and the Report will be completed by October 31st, 2019. Once the Report is completed, it will be forwarded to HM Government and a TCI Delegation will travel to make representations during the month of November.

The following public meetings are being held around the Islands: October 7th October 11th October 16th October 21st October 25th

Grand Turk South Caicos Middle Caicos and North Caicos Providenciales Salt Cay

The work of the Committee follows earlier submissions for constitutional amendment in 2015 and in 2018. The United Kingdom rejected the 2015 proposals and has invited the Turks and Caicos Islands to revisit what would be proposed on the basis of agreement between the political parties as to the final proposals to be considered by the UK before any further discussions.

Since that time, the Opposition and the Government met over the summer months and the Proposals submitted for consideration by the public are as a result of these meetings and these proposals have not all found agreement among the political parties but they have agreed to consult the public on them.

The Committee welcomes written submissions from member of the Public by no later than 26th October 2019 on the email address consultation@gov.tc.

• Acts as Financial Control in her absence • Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be determined by the Financial Controller from time to time.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIRMENTS

THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS NATIONAL INSURNACE BOARD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY A vacancy exists at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board for an Accountant at its Head Office in Grand Turk. Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced Turks and Caicos Islanders to fill the post.

ROLE AND CORE FUNCTIONS OF JOB •Supervision of staff in the Finance & Accounts Department.

• Preparation of Monthly Financial Statements.

• Reconciliation of Balance Sheet and Income Statement accounts, which includes the various Schedules, with the General Ledger • Compilation and reconciliation of monthly investment report from all investment managers • Review and assist with the compilation of payroll data.

• Ensures the reconciliation of various bank accounts.

• Provision of financial support services to departmental managers across NIB. • Assistance with the preparation of annual budgets.

• Ensures proper accounting and security of cash.

• Ensures the completion of the Fixed Assets Register • Assisting with asset management.

• Assistance with the training and the development of staff in the department.

• Assisting with the development and implementation of financial management systems to protect the resources of the Board.

This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or equivalent professional qualification and four (4) years post qualification practicing experience.

Knowledge and skills must also include the following: •Project management skills •Highly developed communications skills •Business Writing and Financial reporting skills •Computer and Information technology application for financial data management, analysis and reporting •Investigative skills •Human and financial resource management skills and team building skills •Budgeting •Development of internal control systems This position requires the frequent use of analytical reasoning and visual dexterity especially when incumbent is: •Assisting with the development of financial management systems to ensure the security of NIB’s assets.

•Reconciliation of Balance sheet and Income Statement Accounts •Reviewing of Fixed Asset Register and assisting with asset management •Assist with the preparation of the budget.

•Assisting with the training and development of staff in the accounting department.

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 Friday, October 25th, 2019.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

$70,000 raised at 11th annual In the Pink extravaganza

By Todeline Defralien

The annual In The Pink cancer fundraiser, which was held on Saturday October 12th at The Palms Turks and Caicos, raised around $70,000 for the National Cancer Society this year.

Karen Whitt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of The Hartling Group Turks and Caicos, and committee chairman of the event since its inception, described this year’s event as epic.

In an interview with The SUN, she said, “In what can only be described as epic. On behalf of the entire organizing committee of In The Pink, we want to thank the community for the amazing outpouring of financial support, donations, creativity, resources and volunteerism that made the 11th annual event our most successful ever. It gives me such great pride to work with a committee of amazing volunteers who have been together from day one, working in concert to raise much needed funds for the National Cancer Society.”

Whitt noted that although there is always a nervous energy as to whether they are doing enough, it all manifests in such a spectacular way.

She added: “It was a massive effort with a lot of moving parts, and everyone should be so proud. Each year we try to ensure that the event is not only a charity fundraiser, but in an inspiring experience and a reminder for everyone to pay attention to all the warning signs of cancer. What a pleasure it is to be in

Karen Whitt pictured with the bartenders the company of such beautiful people knowing that we’ve all come together to make a difference.”

Whitt said she is always totally in awe of how seamlessly everything at The Palms works on the night of the main event.

“From the shopping to the poker to the dancing and the frolicking in the courtyard year after year we continue to

wow and delight our patrons, and we are so pleased with the overwhelming support of this year‘s event. Thanks also to our kind Mother Nature. I love the fact that in 11 years it’s never rained on PINK, that amazing ray of light shines continues to shine so brightly and gives us hope for the future,” she said.

The event played host to a mega-shopping frenzy, a PINK Poker

Tournament sponsored by Casablanca Casino and a lavish after-party where PRIME DJs rocked The Palms Courtyard well into the night, included a silent auction and raffle giveaways.

The In the PINK committee, local cancer survivors, their loved ones, families, friends and a host of other caring volunteers have come together to present the annual event since 2009.

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Starbucks opens first store in Grand Turk

Starbucks has opened its first store in Grand Turk, marking a milestone for Starbucks and Caribbean Coffee Traders Ltd. as the first store on the islands of Turks & Caicos.

This store represents the company’s 81st market globally, and 20th market in the Latin America and Caribbean region, marking an important milestone for the global coffee brand’s Caribbean operations.

“We are delighted to open our first store in the tropical and exotic island of Turks and Caicos,” said Tim Grever, director of operations for Starbucks Caribbean markets. “We are confident that along with Caribbean Coffee Traders Ltd, we will deliver a unique an exceptional coffee experience for Turks and Caicos Islanders, one that truly showcases our deep passion for some of the best coffees from around the world, while honoring the local culture.”

The widely anticipated café, located on the Grand Turk Cruise Port, offers customers an inviting destination to relax, unwind and connect. This store features a cafe design unique to the island and offers the commonly known range of Starbucks signature beverages and food, including Starbucks ethically sourced 100 percent arabica coffee.

“This milestone demonstrates

were rumored to search for among the Sea. Using a chromatic composition which was inspired by the natural coral and mystic of the island, the Siren inspires peace and warmth - recreating the history of Starbucks in a contemporary and tropical language.

Creating Community Partnerships

our commitment and enthusiasm for the region and our optimism for the opportunities ahead. We are excited to become the island’s hub for coffee, connection and community,” stated Mr. Ian Dear, Chairman of the Margaritaville Caribbean Group.

A Unique Store Experience for Grand Turk

Although situated on a cruise port, Starbucks will be the first café of its kind to call Grand Turk “home”, giving locals and tourists a feel of the true Starbucks experience through a unique

customer service and Starbucks range of signature beverages and food offerings.

These offerings include exquisite coffees from around the world, such as the AsiaPacific and Latin America regions.

The stunning pink exterior keeps the authentic Caribbean feel of the café, where the indoor palette was kept light to keep the tropical theme. The back of the store features a mural, handpainted by artist Maria Camila Bernal Toro of Remedios Art, showing the Siren – a Starbucks icon – with her double-tail bent underwater. The artist recreated the Siren to evoke the same tranquility and pleasure so many travelers in the past

Starbucks has a long commitment of investing in the communities it serves worldwide. On October 12th, Starbucks partners (employees) in Grand Turk had their very first community initiative, which consisted of partnering with the Health Promotion & Advocacy Unit of Grand Turk, falling under the umbrella group of the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services.

Starbucks partners (employees), along with volunteers from the Ministry of Health, participated in a day of service which consisted of cleaning up the community surroundings, as well as providing refreshments to the locals in the area. Starbucks has long-term plans to harness awareness of the work done by the Health Promotion & Advocacy Unit on the island, showing its commitment to aiding the communities in which it serves.

Invest Turks and Caicos to host 2nd annual Economic Conference: the future of Financial Services in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Invest Turks and Caicos is proud to host its 2nd Annual Economic Conference and first ever national conference in the Turks and Caicos on the future of our financial services industry.

Under the theme, Financial Services – Building Block of a Strong Diversified Economy, the one-day event, will be held at Beaches Resort Village & Spa on November 8th and will bring together representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss the importance of our financial services sector.

In 2018, a Government report prepared by an international consultancy team concluded that the Turks and

Caicos: •Needed to diversify its economy and create more good quality professional employment opportunities for its citizens •Needed to leverage the considerable national cost of being compliant with international regulations •Needed to invest in our financial services industry, or risk losing what little we have

This conference will bring together the FSC, the private sector including bankers, lawyers, company

David Stewart, Partner, Griffiths and Partners, Managing Director of Coriats Trust

managers, accountants and Government to debate various topics including why should we grow the financial services sector, What is in it for the nation, and how do we grow the sector to benefit the citizens of this nation and secure good quality employment opportunities.

The conference is divided into two parts, with speeches held in the morning and features International Keynote Speaker, Lorna Smith, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LGS and Associates and Interim Executive Director, BVI Finance amongst other speakers.

The afternoon breakout sessions will provide engaging and enlightening

James Bursey, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Turks and Caicos Agency

discussions around the industry. The sessions will be facilitated by seasoned industry representatives who will lead the discussion and spark debate on the direction of FS in the TCI. Key points of the discussion will be recorded and lead to the development of an action plan.

The conference is by invitation only. If you would like to receive an invitation, please contact Trina Adams-Smith (tadamssmith@ investturksandcaicos.tc) or Hezron Henry (HHenry@investturksandcaicos. tc) with a brief explanation of your reasons for attending.

Lorna Smith, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LGS and Associates and Interim Executive Director, BVI Finance

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Church of God of Prophecy Blue Hills celebrates 50th Anniversary

The Church of God of Prophecy,Blue Hills, celebrated its 50th Anniversary on October 12, 2019. To commemorate this auspicious occasion, the church had a week of celebrations from October 5th, to October 13th, 2019.

The Church of God of Prophecy, affectionately called the ‘Jumper’ Church has been in the Turks and Caicos Islands for nearly a hundred years, with its first Mission established in the settlement of Kew, North Caicos.

It is where Pentecostalism first originated in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In 1961 the Church of God of Prophecy established a Mission under the leadership of Brother James Calvin William for Blue Hills. The Mission engaged in house to house visitations and street meetings throughout the community of Blue Hills. As the Mission grew, permission was granted to utilize the school building on Bay Road (now the AIDS Hospice) for regular church services.

Bishop Isaiah J. Whyms, was the Colonial District Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy, Turks and Caicos Islands at that time and appointed Brother James Williams, as the leader of the Blue Hills Mission along with Sister Nanless Taylor as the Secretary.

“About three months before the dedication of the Church of God of Prophecy in Blue Hills, the National Overseer of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, the late Bishop Alvin

S. Moss JP, CBE, received information from Brother James C. Williams of Providenciales and Bishop Isaiah J. Whyms, that the church building in Blue Hills was ready for dedication and church organization.”

On January 23, 1963, the ground-breaking ceremony was held, which officially established the first Church of God of Prophecy on the island of Providenciales. Bishop Isaiah J. Whyms, laid the corner stone.

On Sunday, October 12, 1969, the Church of God of Prophecy, Blue Hills building was dedicated. Bishop Moss recorded his greetings and sent Evangelist Clarence N. Williams to represent him in the capacity of the National Overseer and to implement the following: •the dedication of the church building •to organize the local church •to appoint and install Bro. James C. Williams as the local Pastor •to ordained Bro. James C. Williams as a Minister of the Gospel The past and present National Overseers, of the Church of God of Prophecy, Turks and Caicos, includes: Bishop Stanley R. Ferguson Minister James T. Musgrove Bishop Alvin S. Moss, JP, CBE Bishop Simeon B. Handfield Bishop Isaiah Wynns

Church of God of Prophecy, Blue Hills, October 12th, 1969

Bishop Franklyn R. Williams, MBE Bishop Clarence N. Williams Bishop Clayton Martin The Seniors Pastors of the Church of God of Prophecy, Blue Hills includes: Pastor James C. Williams October 12th, 1969 to May, 1984 Pastor Hoplyn Parker - June 1984 to June 1985 Pastor Sally Williams - , June 1985 to April 1986 Pastor James C. Williams - April 1986 to June 1995 Pastor Emmanuel Rigby - June 1995 to March 1997 Pastor James C. Williams - April 1997 to April 2001 Bishop Andrew Stone, - May 2001 to present

Many churches, ministries, ministers, pastors, evangelist, and teachers have been birthed out of the Church of God of Prophecy, Blue Hills which includes the Church of God of Prophecy Kew Town French Church, Wheeland and Kew Town Spanish Churches, the Lower Bight Church, Five Cays Church and other various churches throughout Providenciales.

We will continue to shine the light and love of Jesus Christ, as we serve the community of Blue Hills, “Letting People Know That We Care.”

Celebrations for the 50th Anniversary

Church of God of Prophecy, Blue Hills, 2019

included the following celebration of praise: Saturday, October 5, 2019 - 10:00 AM A walkabout in the Community of Blue Hills Sunday, October 6, 2019 - 6:00 Am Pray Meeting, 11AM Divine Worship Service And 7:00 PM Grand Gospel Concert Monday, October 7, 2019 – 7:00 PM a Night of History. Refreshments will be served Tuesday, October 8, 2019 – Bible Quiz and Trivia night

7:00

PM

Wednesday, October 9, 2019– 7:00 PM Saturate the Atmosphere Evangelistic Outreach Street Meeting, the Jetty, Blue Hills Thursday, October 10, 2019 – 7:00 PM a Night of Brass featuring original and existing members of The Turk & Caicos Brass Band and the Church of God of Prophecy Brass Band Saturday, October 12, 2019 - 10:00 AM Motorcade & Fun Time. -7:30PM Family Enrichment Seminar with Host Presenter Bishop Roger Ball, Ph.D. New York Sunday, October 13, 2019 -2:00 PM Anniversary Service followed by a Gala Banquet at the Shore Club.

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Fungal Nail Infections

By Dr. Marsha Barnett

Fungal nail infections are called onychomycosis or tinea unguium in the medical world. They occur from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so this type of environment can cause them to naturally overpopulate. The same fungi that cause jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm can cause nail infections.

Any nail can become infected with a fungus but toenails are more commonly affected, men are more commonly affected than women and the older you are the more susceptible you become.

Fungal infections normally develop over time, so any immediate difference in the way your nail looks or feels may be too subtle to notice at first. By the time most persons notice them, the fungus might have been sitting in the nail for months and many times, multiple nails are affected.

What Puts Me At Risk For A Nail Fungus?

Although many of the causes of a fungal nail infection are preventable, some risk factors increase the likelihood of developing it. You’re more likely to develop a fungal nail infection if you: •have diabetes •have a disease that causes poor circulation •are over age 65 •wear artificial nails •swim in a public swimming pool •have a nail injury

•have a skin injury around the nail •have a weakened immune system •wear closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes or boots What Does It Look Like?

A fungal infection of the nail may affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or several nails. Common signs of a fungal nail infection include a distorted nail that may lift off from the nail bed, an odor coming from the infected nail and a brittle or thickened nail. The nail may begin to have white or yellow streaks, scaling under the nails and even appear totally disfigured.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Because other infections can affect the nail and mimic symptoms of fungal nail infection, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to see a doctor.

After taking a complete history and examining all nails, the diagnosis may be clear to your physician. Sometimes she will take a scraping of the nail and look under a microscope for signs of a fungus or even send the sample to a lab for analysis.

How Do I Get Rid Of It? Over-the-counter products aren’t usually recommended to treat nail infections because they don’t provide reliable results. Topical solutions are not generally effective in curing nail fungal infections.

The gold standard in managing nail infections is oral antifungals for 2

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 6 (1) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance)

Take Notice that Mrs. Arlene Jennings, married to Hudson Stephenson Jennings, of Clarendon, Jamaica, a British Overseas Territory Citizen and ordinarily resident of Cheshire Hall, Providenciales in accordance with section 5 (2) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance has made application for the grant of Turks and Caicos Islander Status.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 6 (1) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance)

Take Notice that Mr. Neil Robert Coles, married to Mrs. Helle Lykkes Coles, Father of Jasmin Selina Coles and Lucas David Coles, of United Kingdom, a British Overseas Territory Citizen and ordinarily resident of Turtle Tail, Providenciales in accordance with section 5 (2) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance has made application for the grant of Turks and Caicos Islander Status.

or 3 months for the finger and toenails respectively. Treatment isn’t guaranteed to rid your body of the fungal infection completely and in some cases, repeated treatments are required. Even then, in almost half of all cases, the fungal nail infection can return.

As an adjunct, you may use other antifungal treatments, such as antifungal nail lacquer or topical solutions. These treatments are brushed onto the nail in the same way that you would apply nail polish.

What’s New In Nail Fungus Management?

Making a few simple lifestyle changes can help prevent a fungal infection of the nails, and also reduce the risk of a recurrence if you already have one. Taking good care of your nails by keeping them well trimmed and clean is a good way to prevent infections.

You should also avoid injuring the skin around your nails for example, picking at cuticles or nail biting. Other ways to prevent fungal infections of the nails include using antifungal sprays or powders regularly, drying your feet well after showering, especially between your toes, getting manicures or pedicures from trustworthy salons, wearing socks that minimize moisture and avoiding being barefoot in public places.

Laser technology is revolutionizing many aspects of medicine, especially in dermatology, and now it has an indication in the management of nail fungus. Lasers use mainly light energy to target certain tissues and effect a change. A few lasers have been recently approved for the management of nail infections! The deeply penetrating light and heat energy from the laser is thought to heat the fungus under the nail bed, thereby killing the fungus and eradicating the problem. Many times, only one treatment is required and then topicals can be used until the abnormal nail grows out. This is perfect option for persons who may not want to be on oral medications for months at a time or for individuals who are unable to do so for *Dr. Marsha Barnett is a general instance because of liver dysfunction or practitioner who also specialises drug-drug interaction with medications in dermatology. For questions or comments, please contact her at they are currently taking. drmarshabarnett@gmail.com or at Associated Medical Practices - 946. Tips to Prevent Fungal 4242.

Nail Infections

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 6 (1) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance)

Take Notice that Mr. Alfred Meme, married to Alucienne Joseph Meme, bachelor, of Cape Haiten, Haiti, a British Overseas Territory Citizen and ordinarily resident of Blue Hills, Providenciales in accordance with section 5 (2) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance has made application for the grant of Turks and Caicos Islander Status.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 6 (1) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance)

Take Notice that Mr. Adrian Gerard Corr, married to Mrs. Roschellie Succour Agatep Corr , of Derry, Northern Ireland, a British Citizen and ordinarily resident of Leeward, Providenciales in accordance with section 5 (2) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance has made application for the grant of Turks and Caicos Islander Status.

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

The controversy continues; but laws can be repealed the same way laws are created?

By Drexwell Seymour

When the list of 160 persons or so who applied for Turks and Caicos Islander Status was revealed, many persons reacted with shock, anger and amazement.

Based on the expressions, it seemed that many were not aware of the content of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Bill. Perhaps they were not aware because only 550 persons participated in an online survey and 305 people attended the public meetings.

Ironically though, the current opposition stated that the law should not be implemented in its current form.

However, the law is already in place and if anyone does not want the law to be implemented, then a parliamentarian has to make a move in the House of Assembly to repeal the law and I don’t think anyone has made that move as yet. It should be noted though that amendments were made to some of the provisions of the law in 2018.

The main purpose of this article is to explain the process on how a bill becomes a law and how a law can be repealed.

How does a Bill become a law?

A Bill becomes a law through a number of steps. First of all, cabinet has to approve a bill proposal for an ordinance. Before Cabinet approves the Bill, there should be internal and external

consultation. Once approved by cabinet, the Bill moves to the House of Assembly for debate. It is debated for three readings and if the majority of members agree to the bill, the Bill is passed and becomes a new Ordinance. The next step is that the Governor assents to the new Ordinance and it becomes a law. The law then comes into effect by a commencement notice.

It should be noted that any member of the Parliament can moved for a Bill to be presented to the House but if it requires expenditure from the Consolidated Fund, then the bill must be moved by a member of Cabinet.

How to repeal a law?

The steps for repealing a law are similar to the steps a Bill becomes a law.

A bill to repeal the original Ordinance or relevant provisions of an Ordinance has to be moved in the house and debated for three readings and if the majority of members agree, it is passed and become the new Ordinance. The Governor assents to the new Ordinance and it becomes a law. The new Ordinance is commenced by a Commencement notice and once commenced the original Ordinance is repealed.

The Turks and Caicos Islander Status Bill

The Turks and Caicos Islands Status Bill was debated in the House

Caribbean Cruisin Ltd.

of Assembly in September 2015. The Governor assented the Ordinance on September 30th 2015 and the Bill was published in the Gazette on October 9th 2015. Apparently the only element that was left was the establishment of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Commission.

Turks and Caicos Islander Status Commission

Recently the membership of that Commission was announced comprising of 5 members, the chairman, two members appointed by the Premier and two members appointed by the Leader of the Opposition.

The functions of the Commission are as follows: 1)Review applications for the grant of Islander status.

2)Make recommendations to the Governor for the grant of Islander status no later than October 31st of each year.

3)Make recommendations for revocation of Islander Status to the Governor.

Conclusion

One of the main roles of politicians is to create legislations.

However, if politicians (whether in opposition or government) realize some of the laws created were mistakes, there

is nothing wrong with admitting mistakes. Repeal the laws or amend portions of the laws that you think are mistakes, rather than just talking.

Actions speak louder than words.

I know many people are upset with some of the names on the list, but we really cannot blame the applicants for applying if they felt they met the requirements of the law.

It will now be up to the Turks and Caicos Islands Status Commission to make recommendations to the Governor for the grant of Islander Status.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Location: Walking Marina, Building #2, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking an Office Manager A highly motivated and dedicated person is required to fill the above role.

The Judicial Service Commission

The Candidate will be expected to run a busy sales office while keeping accurate records of all transactions and sales.

The Judicial Service Commission of the Turks and Caicos Islands invites applications for the position of

A major part of the candidate’s responsibilities will be to keep all company books and accounts up to date and be able to produce accurate and timely Sales figures and Charter accounts.

To be considered for this position the candidate must have a minimum of: •Bachelor Degree in Commerce, Management & Accounting •Ten years experience in a similar environment •At least five years extensive usage/experience of accounting software such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Applications/ Software, POS System & Troubleshooting (and the ability to prove this).

Justice of Appeal to the Court of Appeal of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Judicial Service Commission of the Turks and Caicos Islands invites applications for the Office of Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal from suitably qualified persons.

Candidates for this position must be a Judge of the High Court; or is or has been a Judge of a court of unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth, or of Ireland or of a court having jurisdiction in appeals from such a Court; APPLICATION PROCEDURE: There is a three (3) year appointment extendable on mutual agreement.

•Capable of meeting budgetary targets and deadlines and produce accurate and timely reports to support.

You will receive a retainer fee per annum and a sitting and subsistence fee per day. Other fees (writing/reading of judgments, advance reading/preparation) are in line with Sitting fees. Your cost of travel and accommodation and other expenses incurred for meetings will be covered by the Judicial Administration.

Position requires applicant to be extremely flexible and self motivated.

This job is based in the Tourism industry and therefore the applicant must be willing to work unsociable hours, weekends and holidays.

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter and two letters of reference as well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the Passport photo page.

Ability to speak and write second language is a plus, salary & compensation starts at $28k per annum.

Applications should be addressed to the Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission, Governor’s Office, Waterloo, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands.

All applicants will be reviewed; however only qualified meet the minimum requirements as stated above will be contacted.

Applications can be sent by email to: Jaastwood@gov.tc with the subject line being: Justice of Appeal to the Court of Appeal Application. If sent by courier, envelopes should have the subject: Justice of Appeal to the Court of Appeal Application clearly marked on the front.

Please send application to caribbeancruisin@gmail.com attention to the Managing Director and to Labour Department along with reference letter no later than 31st October 2019. Position is being held by a Work Permit Holder.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEW. The closing date for submission of Applications is 31st October 2019.

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• Maintain high level of awareness of TCI tourism products, programs, activities and events • Comply with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board.

• Liaise with other departments/customers/vendors • Assist with other financial projects in the office • Any other duties as assigned.

TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD

ACCOUNTING CLERK An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board in the post of Accounting Clerk. This position is based in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. The successful candidate will support the Financial Controller with a range of general clerical, accounting and bookkeeping support functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES • Prepare and submit customer invoices • Post and receive payments • Prepare and coordinate all bank deposit activities • Manage, enter and balance accounts receivable and payable on a daily basis • Assist Financial Controller to reconcile department accounts monthly and prepare reports to present to management.

• Monitor customer accounts for nonpayment and delayed payment • Weekly report preparation • Reconciliation of petty cash accounts, expense vouchers and receipts.

• Collect, confirm and process time sheets; overtime and local subsistence • Maintain orderly financial filing system and general administrative tasks.

• Assemble financial data for audits • Book local flights, hotel and transportation reservations for all local offices as required • Assist front office with answering telephone and welcoming guest to the Tourist Board office as needed • Stay alert to vendors concerns and bring to the attention of Financial Controller • Maintain favorable working relationships with all vendors and maintain vendor files • Assist as needed in completing all functions necessary to ensure positive Financial functions • Assist with preparation and distribution of payroll cheques • Assist with verifying of NIB, NHIP and other deductions

TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD

VISITOR RECEPTIONIST An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board in the post of Visitor Receptionist. This position is based in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. The successful candidate will provide exceptional clerical office support to the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board Office and provide customer service and accurate tourism information to guests arriving at the Providenciales Airport on rotation; to respond to communication inquiries and requests as well as visitor complaints.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: • Perform general clerical duties, including typing correspondence, photocopying, scanning, and faxing of documents • Answer office telephones and direct callers as appropriate by transferring calls, researching responses, and assisting callers • Maintain business machines and office supplies inventory • Assist Management with administrative functions as requested • Collect and respond to e-mail messages and requests • Book office local travel, hotel and transportation reservations for all offices as required • Assist with the collection of brochures and marketing collateral for travel shows; Source and distribute information as requested by local and overseas offices.

• Provide ground transportation for Board Directors and other Board of Tourism guests • On a weekly basis, greet incoming visitors arriving to the Providenciales Airport • Provide accurate tourism information on accommodations, tourist sites, culture, activities, dining, transportation, and any other relevant information • Distribute TCI tourism information including brochures, magazines, CD’s, etc.

• Stay alert to visitor concerns and complaints at the airport; keep supervisor promptly and full informed of all problems and unusual matters of significance and make recommendations to address common complaints • Maintain favorable working relationships with tourism partners, including airport personnel, immigration and customs officers, taxi drivers, and car rental agents • Assist as needed in completing all functions necessary to ensure positive guest reception at the airport • Meet and greet all office visitors; provide tourism information as requested • Maintain high level of awareness of TCI tourism products, programs, activities and events

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS • Associate Degree in Accounting or related field is an advantage, with at least 1-3 years’ experience in clerical accounting.

• Sound knowledge of basic accounting principles.

• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent time management, organization and scheduling skills.

• Ability to work effectively with all internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and QuickBooks.

KEY COMPENTENCIES • Planning and organizing • Attention to detail • Problem-solving • Team work • Customer service orientation • Communication skill WORK ENVIRONMENT • The job is performed in an office environment SALARY: Salary for this position is at $30,000.00 per annum.

For consideration please submit the following documents to hr@ turksandcaicostourism.com or submit to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Regent House, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: • Cover Letter • Current Resume • Two (2) reference letters • Current Police Record • Resident Status Only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted in this regard.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, October 23rd 2019

• Monitor information queries and complaints about the TCI tourism product and/or services and respond promptly; report such complaints to supervisor or relevant authorities as appropriate and make recommendations regarding how they can be addressed • Assist in resolving poor customer service situations and report incidents to supervisor with a view toward minimizing repeat incidents • May be required to assist others within the Providenciales office with clerical functions, as directed by the Executive Administrative Officer • Assist with special events and activities promoted by the TCI Board of Tourism • Comply with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the TCI Board of Tourism • Perform other duties as directed by the Executive Administrative Officer or Director of Tourism Skills/Qualifications/Competencies: • High School education, two years of relevant experience, and thorough knowledge of the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism product • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills • Exhibits initiative, responsibility, flexibility and leadership • Ability to be flexible in approach towards assignments and ambiguous guidelines • Excellent social and interpersonal skills • Good driving record and valid driver’s license • Good health and high energy level Working Conditions: • Work location may be split between the Tourist Board Office and the Providenciales Airport • Interface with tourists arriving in TCI, relevant government agents and departments, and tourism private sector entities • Ability to transport guests as requested • Ability to travel as needed • Ability to work flexible hours which may include early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays SALARY: Salary for this position is set at $28,800 annually and allowances For consideration please submit the following documents to Human Resources hr@ turksandcaicostourism.com or submit to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Regent Grand, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: • Cover Letter • Current Resume • Two (2) reference letters • Current Police Record • Resident Status Only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted in this regard.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, 23rd October 2019

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•Able and willing to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time.

Salary Range •$15,000 yearly Guest Service Agent •Guest Service Agent is directly responsible for the prompt, efficient and courteous check in and check out of guest.

Great House Management Limited [Sailrock] is seeking qualified candidates for the positions below: Activities and Tour Guide Operator This person is responsible for all day-to-day activities and excursions at the Sailrock Resort.

Responsibilities: Include, but are not limited to: •Interacting with guest on a day to day basis •Booking Tours and Excursions for in house Guest •Preparing and scheduling daily activities •Ensuring all equipment is cleaned and stored properly •Knowledgeable of hotel facilities and service to answer guest inquiries •Willing to take ownership of all guest requests and complaints, try to resolve issues immediately and follow up to ensure the guests satisfaction.

Qualified Candidates Will Have/Be: •Must have good presentation skills.

Must be enthusiastic and friendly.

Must have good verbal communication skills.

•Must have a Valid driver’s license •Must be CPR licensed and first aid training •Must be able to interact with people from different backgrounds.

•Must have Working experience as an activities and tour operator for at least 2 years or more •Must be well verse in motorized and non-motorized water sport •Must be able to swim •Must be able to interact with guest •Must be experienced in the safety protocols both on land and sea involving all activities provided •Fluent in English (Fluence in more than one language is a plus) •Great attention to detail and creativity •Willingness to replenish professional knowledge •In depth knowledge of excursions and activities provided by the Resort

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES! The Financial Services Commission (FSC), the regulator of financial services business in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill several vacancies.

APPLICATION DEADLINE 21 OCTOBER 2019 SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR II Department: IT Department Location: Providenciales Annual Salary: $41,205 - $47,457.50 JOB SUMMARY Reporting to the Systems Engineer, the System Administrator II (PLS) maintains the FSC’s networking, security and database systems, troubleshoots and resolves problems with the systems’ environments and assists users of the systems with daily issues to ensure that the organization’s technical infrastructure is operating at optimal efficiency levels.

Details on the above vacancies can be found on the Commission’s website at https://tcifsc.tc/vacancies/ or by contacting the Commission at telephone numbers 649-946-2550 or 649-946-2791 ext. 4002 or 4021.

Applications should be emailed to administration@tcifsc.tc no later than 21 October 2019. A copy of the application should be submitted to the Employment Services Department by emailing to CHbacchus@gov.tc and MCadams@gov.tc. Applications received after the application deadline may not be considered in this recruitment phase but may be placed on file for future reference.

While we appreciate your response, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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

•Update guests’ profile with any special request.

• Complete all transactions and daily deposits.

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

•Promote safe working environment •Keep work area neat and tidy Qualified Candidates will have/be: •High School Diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor’s degree preferred •Excellent communication skills both oral and written •Must have strong computer skills •Requires standing/walking throughout shift •Ability to work effectively in an innovative fast-paced and multi tasked environment •Able to organize, plan ahead and manage workload Salary Range •$15,000 yearly o Please submit applications to the Human Resources Department: o Drop off: W104 Venture House, Grace Bay, Providenciales o Email: HumanResources@Sailrockresort.com/swharton@ southcaicos.com These are new positions. Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders must also submit copies of their application to the TCI Labour Board.

BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES POSITIONS AVAILABLE All positions are held by work permit holder Rosie’s Delight One (1) Chef Requirements are either certification plus a minimum three (3) years’ experience or ten (10) years’ experience as Cook/Chef Required to prepare Caribbean /International dishes The general preparation of food with an emphasis on the preparation of platters and cold counter dishes; Responsible for the daily operations of the restaurant Managing staff Responsible for ensuring that adequate stock of inventory is maintained.

The general presentation of cold and hot counters in accordance with food safety handling procedures.

Salary: from $3,000.00 per month One (1) Server Serving customers Cashiering General cleaning Wages from $7.00 per hour Coral Quarry One (1) Labourer Applicant must be physical and able-bodied individual capable of lifting heavy loads of cements and Offloading shipments.

Wages from $8.00 per hour Island Pride Fuel One (1) Domestic Worker Cleaning the gas station Wages: starting from 6.50 per hour Location: 23 Parade Ave, Providenciales Only Belongers apply for these positions. Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified.

Submit applications to by October 21, 2019 to: Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall, Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211 Labour Commissioner, Labour Department Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands

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HS LTD. Graceway Supermarkets invites applications from suitable qualified individuals to fill the position of Meat / Seafood Department Manager:

Meat / Seafood Department Manager

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER This position will provide all Food &Beverage Management services within Fairways Bar and Grill at Provo Golf Club, including the daily operation of the F&B in the club house and on the golf course, as well as event/tournament banquet services.

Job Requirements and Responsibilities: •Oversee department staff to include scheduling, training evaluation reviews and assignment of duties •Implement all merchandising programs of the meat department, while ensuring standards of Department presentation and operations are met; Including, cleanliness and sanitation, inventory control, rotation, quality, ordering, variety standards, signing and pricing •Prepare cutting list and process meat according to work plan and standards to maximize sales and gross profits •Posses good communication skills and the ability to conduct and facilitate department meetings •Directs and manages all functions and activities of the Meat / Seafood Department.

Helps to manage labor costs and reduce losses due to shrink, damage and pilferage •Handling and cutting a variety of the department’s specialty meats and seafood throughout the day per customer requests and to maintain quality products levels all while ensuring outstanding customer service throughout the department •Manages the inventory and ordering; enforces and follows department practices regarding the receiving, stocking and unloading of product to ensure freshness and quality •Manage department inventories by tracking weekly sales reports, orders product and supplies so as to meet customer satisfaction and requirements along with the company’s gross profit goals •Maintains clean, full, fresh and dry cases at all times; keeps merchandise fresh in compliance with all health code regulations and company standards •Assist in maintaining the quality of department’s staffing, scheduling, and financial results •Must have previous experience in Droste Systems •Must be computer literate and have excellent communication, organizational and people management / training skills and be extremely customer service oriented •Must have previous supermarket management experience in the meat / seafood department •Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays Pay will commensurate with qualifications and experience Deadline for submission of applications is October 18th , 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.

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: *SPA SUPERVISOR •Provides consistent, professional Spa treatments compliant to Amanyara Spa menu, standards, and outlined protocols.

•Proactively promotes treatment bookings, and upsells services to guests; opti mizes the guest experience, with treatment and journey recommendations •Assists the Assistant Spa Manager and Director of Wellness in providing leadership, direction and supervision of staff in the daily operations of the Spa which includes conducting staff meetings.

•Undertakes administrative activities such as compiling daily revenue and payroll reports, products ordering and inventory as well as monitoring and controlling departmental expenditures.

•Assists in staff scheduling and therapists performance review, pro-actively as sesses and develops departmental training plans.

Requirements: •High school diploma, knowledge of MS Office programs and at least 5 years’ experience as a Spa therapist at a luxury resort •Certified in different massage modalities (includes Thai massage) and preferably beauty treatments (facials, hair, nails, waxing) •Must be proficient in speaking and writing English •Ability to focus attention on guest needs, and remain calm, courteous and professional at all times Salary: $2000 per month, plus service charge BELLMAN •Act as a constant presence at the front of the Entrance Pavilion, greeting all guests with a warm smile and welcome.

•Keep the front of house area clean and tidy at all times, ensuring the entrance roundabout is swept, the Bellstand doors closed and the whole area is clear of clutter.

•Ensure the interior and exterior of the Amanyara vehicles and Front Office golf carts are immaculate at all times. Vehicles must always be stocked with welcome amenities.

RESPONSIBILITIES •preparing and updating of various F&B menus •costing of all F&B items to ensure margins and profitability •hiring, training and development of all front of house and kitchen staff •implementing training programs & procedures in accordance with hygiene and food safety standards •planning labourrotas, stock ordering/handling and cost control •preparing annual financial budgets, monitoring and forecasting sales •implementing cost controls, labor management and revenue generating programs •promoting the facility to maximise revenue REQUIREMENTS •a proven track record of operating a F&B facility •an understanding of golf course etiquette, team management & good organizational skills •experience with EPOS systems including payroll management, purchasing and inventory systems •strong technical literacy including Microsoft Word and Excel •must be able to work closely with the Director of Golf to ensure that golf visitors and members are being properly serviced and that functions/events are being professionally managed to ensure repeat business.

•Must be able to worksplit shifts and unsociable hours on weekends when events are taking place.

The remuneration for this position is $36,000.00 per annum commensurate with experience.

Please submit applications to: Veronica Rigby, HS Ltd, P.O. Box 124, Regent House, The Regent Village, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tel: (649) 946-5126; Fax (649) 946-5191; Email: ronnie@habgroup.com Interested Belongers must also submit copies of their application to the Commissioner of Labour& Work Permit Board Zone 2. Position currently held by a work permit holder. Closing date for application is 28th October 2019.

•Provide a professional driving service to guests with safety and comfort be ing priority.

•Ensure each transfer contributes to the overall guest experience at Amanyara by providing a knowledgeable, cheerful and helpful service •Provide a prompt and courteous pick up service for guest luggage when they depart the resort •Provide transport for guests around the resort in the golf carts. Guest safety and prompt, personal and friendly service are paramount.

•Follow the direction of the Guest Assistants and Managers for transfers, de livery of messages and running errands •Ensure the Bellstand is well stocked with supplies: mineral water and pre pared face towels in the fridge, towel trays, car cleaning supplies, broom, umbrellas •Valet park guest vehicles, ensuring they are properly tagged and keys hung on the key board •Ensure all luggage is labeled at the airport or when being placed in storage Requirements: •Certified TCI Driver’s license •Knowledge of TCI public road safety •Knowledge about the Turks and Caicos Islands •At least 2-3 years of experience in a luxury resort •Ability to perform under pressure and maintain a pleasant personality •Computer literate •Proficiency in English Salary: $9.00 per hour, plus service charge LANDSCAPER Requirements: •Physically fit and ability to perform manual labor •The ability to deliver service aligned with resort standards.

•Must be proficient in English Salary based on experience: $6.25-$7.50per hour, plus service charge 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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20 October 2019 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sunday Brunch at Mango Reef Adults $50 Children 5-12 years $20 Under 5 years free

Your adult ticket will provide over 30 free healthy breakfasts

(donations accepted) There will be a Food Drive for non-perishable breakfast items WELCOME MIMOSA | BUFFET BRUNCH | ENTERTAINMENT | FACE PAINTING

For tickets call 242-FEED, visit Savory & Co., or email info@foodforthoughttci.com

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LOCAL NEWS

T

11th annual In the Pink event highlights

he Palms Turks and Caicos and the organizing committee of In The Pink hosted its 11th annual “In the Pink” event on Saturday October 12th to raise funds for Turks and Caicos Islands Cancer Society.

The event featured a shopping frenzy, a lavish after-party and Pink Poker Tournament at The Palms Courtyard with music featuring Prime DJ’s, cocktails, a silent auction and fun giveaways.

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

Photo Credit: Renise Peters of Paradise Photography.

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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ENERGY TRANSFORMATION AT WORK: OUR PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

‘Transforming Energy in the Turks and Caicos Islands’.

This is the vision and commitment of our team at FortisTCI.

That’s why we take holistic approach to human resource development: recruiting top talent and equipping our people with the skills to do a first class job.

And, over the years, we have invested in, and empowered our employees to deliver on our vision, to serve the needs of our customers and contribute to the growth and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Today, our team is leading the way on a new energy future for the Turks and Caicos Islands. With a strong spirit of innovation, we’re delivering even more energy solutions to customers.

2017 Winner

Allied Member of the Year

BCMS 681102

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

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LOCAL NEWS

Sandals hosts annual Global Sales Award M

ore than 280 sales team members from Canada, the US, South and Central America, the UK, Europe and the Caribbean attended the annual Sandals Global Sales Conference and Award held recently at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa.

The event was held on Sunday, October 12th with a reception at the French Village Pool with a cocktail party, followed by an awards celebration

at the French Village Stage.

The Global Sales Awards recognized sales and business development managers from across the USA, UK, and Chile who helped to sell the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resorts while promoting brand Turks and Caicos to tourists around the world.

Photo Credit: Todeline Defralien & Earlson Robinson.

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Houston, Notorious B.I.G. nominated for rock hall of fame

The late musical icons Whitney Houston and the Notorious B.I.G. are among the 16 acts nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2020 class.

The prestigious organization announced Tuesday that Dave Matthews Band, Motorhead, Pat Benatar, Soundgarden, The Doobie Brothers, T.Rex and Thin Lizzy join Houston and B.I.G. as first-time Rock Hall nominees. The 35th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on May 2, 2020, at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio.

Nine Inch Nails, Judas Priest, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, MC5 and Todd Rundgren round out the 16 nominees for the 2020 class. The official inductees will be announced in January.

Each year, between five and seven acts usually make it into the Rock Hall following a vote by 1,000 people, including performers, music historians and industry experts. Fans are able to vote online.

This combination photo shows Notorious B.I.G., who won rap artist and rap single of the year, during the annual Billboard Music Awards in New York on Dec. 6, 1995, left, and singer Whitney Houston at the BET Honors in Washington on Jan. 17, 2009.

Gooding faces new charges and a potential parade of accusers

Cuba Gooding Jr. appears in court to face new sexual misconduct charges, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, in New York

Cuba Gooding Jr. is facing a growing cast of sexual misconduct accusers, with prosecutors Tuesday

Acts are eligible for Dance With Somebody.” She died unveiling new criminal charges against the actor and induction 25 years after the release in 2012. telling a judge they intend to have up to a dozen women of their first commercial recording.

B.I.G., born Christopher testify that he violated them, too.

Houston has been eligible for Wallace, released his debut album,

Standing in a New York City courtroom, nearly a decade: Her self-titled “Ready to Die,” in 1994. He was shot Gooding pleaded not guilty to an indictment that debut album was released in 1985. to death in 1997, 16 days before the included the new charges, which allege he pinched a The six-time Grammy winner is release of his sophomore album, woman’s buttocks at a Manhattan nightclub in October one of the greatest singers of all- “Life After Death.” His hits include 2018 after making a sexually suggestive remark to her time, known for hits like “The anthems like “Juicy,” ?Big Poppa,” earlier in the night.

Greatest Love of All,” “I Will ?Stay With Me,” ?Hypnotize” and

The indictment expands a case that started with Always Love You” and “I Wanna “Mo Money Mo Problems.”

Gooding’s arrest in June after a 29-year-old woman told police that the actor, who won an Oscar for his role in “Jerry Maguire,” squeezed her breast without her consent at another Manhattan night spot. No trial date has been set.

Gooding’s lawyer, Mark Heller, argued the case against him is an example of the #MeToo movement run amok and that overzealous prosecutors are looking

“Desperate Housewives” to turn “commonplace gestures” into crimes. star Felicity Huffman reported

The new criminal allegation, Heller said, is the to a federal prison in California result of a failed shakedown attempt in which the accuser on Tuesday to begin serving a 14approached Gooding for a confidential settlement after day sentence for her role in a vast his arrest and then went to the authorities only after he U.S. college admissions cheating refused to pay up. scandal.

“We are shocked, outraged and absolutely

The one-time Academy dumbfounded that the district attorney’s office has Award nominee, 56, turned herself wasted the taxpayers’ money, resources and time in in to authorities at the Federal charging Cuba with these two incredulous cases,” Heller Correctional Institution in Dublin, told reporters outside the courthouse. He said video California, her spokesman said in a evidence would exonerate his client. statement.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office

U.S. District Judge Indira declined to comment.

Talwani had sentenced her to

Gooding, 51, was released on his own serve two weeks behind bars recognizance and didn’t comment as he left court. after Huffman pleaded guilty to Wearing a charcoal suit and black tie, he smiled as one conspiracy related to her payment of his lawyers whispered into his ear as they walked out of $15,000 to have someone secretly Actress Felicity Huffman leaves the federal courthouse with her husband William H. Macy after of the courtroom. In the hallway, several people there correct answers on her daughter being sentenced in connection with a nationwide college admissions cheating scheme in for other business cheered as he got into an elevator.

Sophia’s SAT college entrance test.

Gooding nodded and winked at well-wishers Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., September 13, 2019

“Ms. Huffman is prepared outside the courtroom. Asked if he had a message for his to serve the term of imprisonment arrest, her daughter’s top choice bribe university sports coaches to fans, Gooding said: “I love you!” present his clients’ children as fake Judge Talwani ordered as one part college rescinded her acceptance.

Beyond the criminal charges, Gooding’s trial Huffman’s husband, actor athletic recruits. of the punishment she imposed could turn into a referendum on his behavior with Some of the parents have women for the better part of his career, as prosecutors for Ms. Huffman’s actions,” her William H. Macy, was not charged in the scheme. pleaded guilty and have been look to bolster their case with a parade of potential spokesman said in the statement.

Huffman is among 52 sentenced. Judge Talwani earlier witnesses who say he violated them in similar settings —

“She will begin serving the remainder of the sentence Judge people charged with participating this month sentenced the founder bars, hotels and restaurants — as far back as 2001.

Talwani imposed - one year of in a wide-ranging scheme in of a food and beverage packaging Some of the alleged incidents happened outside supervised release, with conditions which wealthy parents engaged in company and his wife, Gregory of New York City, in places such as Los Angeles, Dallas including 250 hours of community a bribery and fraud scheme with and Marcia Abbott, to one month and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and some are outside a California college admissions in prison after they admitted to of the statute of limitations. None have resulted in service - when she is released.”

Huffman, who won an consultant to get their children paying $125,000 in a test-correcting criminal charges, but state law allows prosecutors to call Emmy award for television’s into top colleges, including Yale, scheme. accusers not involved in the criminal case as witnesses Other parents maintain as they look to show a pattern of misconduct.

“Desperate Housewives” and was Stanford and the University of their innocence and will face trial, nominated for an Oscar as best Southern California.

In seeking to have other accusers testify, William “Rick” Singer, including “Full House” actress Lori prosecutors appear to be echoing the strategy actress for her role in the 2005 film “Transamerica,” said her daughter the consultant, pleaded guilty in Loughlin and her husband, clothing Philadelphia-area prosecutors used last year in was unaware of the scheme until March to charges stemming from designer Mossimo Giannulli. convicting Bill Cosby at his sexual assault retrial and No students have been that Manhattan prosecutors are preparing to use in their the actress was arrested on March the plot to correct wrong answers 12. In the days after Huffman’s on college entrance exams and criminally charged. prosecution of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

In court papers seeking a judge’s permission to have the women testify, Gooding prosecutor Jenna Long said the alleged incidents from his past make clear “that his contacts with (women’s) intimate parts are intentional, not accidental, and that he is not mistaken about their lack of consent.”

The judge, Curtis Farber, said he would rule on the request in December.

In one of the incidents described by prosecutors, at the W Hotel in Los Angeles in 2001, a woman said Gooding approached her from behind, rubbed his groin and pelvis against her buttocks and then grabbed her buttocks and breast with her hand. The woman said she hadn’t talked to Gooding prior to that.

Actress Felicity Huffman reports to prison for part in U.S. college scandal

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE

Suicide attempts rising among black teens

Suicide attempts are rising among black teens in the U.S. even as they fall among youth from other racial and ethnic groups, a study suggests.

Researchers examined nationwide survey data from nearly 200,000 high school students collected between 1991 and 2017. While the overall proportion of teens reporting suicidal thoughts or plans declined for all racial and ethnic groups during the study period, the proportion of black boys attempting suicide climbed by 4% and the proportion of black girls attempting suicide rose by 2%.

“Whatever is happening to result in a downward trend among teens in the general population is missing black teens,” said Michael Lindsey, lead author of the study and executive director of the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University.

Overall, 7.9% of teens attempted suicide during the study, and 2.5% sustained injuries as a result.

Almost one in five teens reported suicidal thoughts and 14.7% planned a

suicide, researchers report in Pediatrics. can stem from untreated depression Self-reported suicide attempts rose and, in addition to the classic signs of in black teenagers, even as they fell depression, such as becoming withdrawn or followed no significant pattern in or having a depressed mood, black teens white, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, may present with physical complaints, and American Indian/Alaska Native such as persistent headaches or stomach aches or with interpersonal challenges, teenagers, the study found.

While suicide attempts such as angry outbursts, which may be decreased among teen girls overall, they construed as behavioral problems rather than cries for help.” increased among black teen girls.

There was also a surge in injuries A separate study in Pediatrics from suicide attempts among black teen looked at suicide rates for cisgender teens - youth whose gender identity boys.

More research is needed to matches their sex assigned at birth - and determine why traditional precursors to for transgender teens - whose gender suicide attempts like thinking about or identity does not match their sex planning a suicide are decreasing while assigned at birth.

This study examined online actual attempts are going up, Lindsey survey data from 2,020 teens ages 14 to said by email.

The current study can’t explain 18, including 1,134 who identified as why suicide attempts and injuries are transgender. rising among only certain groups of Compared to their cisgender youth. counterparts, trans teens were more

“We believe that it’s important than twice as likely to report having a for parents, mental health service death wish or suicidal thoughts. Trans providers and school personnel to learn youth were also 82% more likely to plan the signs of depression in black youth,” a suicide and 65% more likely to attempt Lindsey said. “We know that suicidality suicide.

Vitamins, omega-3 supplements may improve autism symptoms

Children with autism who take supplements of vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids may have fewer symptoms than kids who don’t, a research review suggests.

Researchers examined data from 27 trials involving a total of 1,028 children with autism spectrum disorder. Kids were randomly selected to take various dietary supplements, including vitamins or omega-3s, or to take a dummy pill instead.

Omega-3s and vitamin supplements were more effective than the placebo pill at improving several symptoms, functions, and clinical domains, researchers report in Pediatrics.

Gains varied in the trials but included improved language and social skills, reduced repetitive behaviors, improved attention, less irritability and behavior difficulties, and better sleep and communication.

“These results suggest that some dietary interventions could play a role in the clinical management of some areas of dysfunction specific to ASD,” said Dr. David Fraguas, lead author of the study and a researcher at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Maranon and Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain.

Even though the analysis was based on controlled experiments - the gold standard for testing the effectiveness of medical interventions - the individual studies were too varied in what supplements they tested and how they measured results to draw any broad conclusions about what type or amount of supplements might be ideal for children with autism, researchers note in Pediatrics.

“The underlying mechanisms involved in the potential efficacy of dietary interventions in autism spectrum disorder are unknown, Fraguas said by email. “Our study does not assess this important question and current literature is inconclusive.”

About 1 in 59 kids have autism spectrum disorder, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s much more often diagnosed in boys than in girls.

Early symptoms of autism can vary but may include repetitive behaviors like hand flapping or body rocking, extreme resistance to changes in routine, and sometimes aggression or self-injury. Behavioral, educational, speech and language therapy may help reduce the severity of symptoms in some children.

“Trans teens are under much greater potential societal pressure, such as parental disapproval, bullying, and difficulty in finding romantic and other friends,” said Dr. Benjamin Shain of NorthShore University HealthSystem in Deerfield, Illinois and the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

Teens are increasingly in danger for suicide and from related mental health problems such as depression, Shain, author of an editorial accompanying the studies in Pediatrics, said by email.

Parents should keep an eye out for evidence of depression, severe mood changes, substance misuse or suicidal thoughts or behaviors, Shain advised.

Other warning signs may involve changes in how teens behave in school or in relationships with friends and peers, Shain said.

In particular, parents should get help for teens when they see a “change in functioning such as lower grades, less interest in activities, isolating from friends and/or family, or dangerous or impulsive behaviors,” Shain added.

U.S. health officials say vaping illness may have multiple causes

U.S. health officials said there may be more than one cause behind the nationwide outbreak of serious lung illnesses linked to vaping, and that they have not yet seen a meaningful drop in new cases.

Investigators have pointed to vaping oils containing THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, as being especially risky, but have not yet tied the cases to any specific product or compound.

In a conference call with reporters, health officials said more than one agent may be involved in the mysterious illness that has sickened more than 1,000 people in the United States.

“I think there will be multiple causes and potentially more than one root cause,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said on the call.

The source of the illness in one part of the country may not be the same as in another part of the country, she said.

On Tuesday, the CDC reported 1,299 confirmed or probable cases of lung injuries linked to vaping in the United States, with 26 deaths, including one victim under the age of 18.

About 80% of patients were under age 35.

The CDC issued updated guidance for doctors, urging them to be especially watchful of patients who may have both a vaping lung injury and an unrelated respiratory infection.

The CDC had previously advised doctors to rule out infections before considering vaping injuries, but that was during the summer months, when there are fewer cases of respiratory infections such as flu.

“It may be more complicated to understand now that we expect to see a higher degree of respiratory

A man uses a vape device in this illustration picture, September 19, 2019. infections,” Schuchat said. The CDC is now advising doctors to devise treatments that would address both conditions.

Schuchat said a handful of vaping patients who recovered and were discharged were later readmitted to the hospital, but it was not clear whether these individuals resumed vaping and incurred a new injury.

The new guidelines urge doctors to follow up with patients a week after discharge, and to begin vaping cessation treatments or therapies for THC and nicotine before patients leave the hospital.

Dr. Ned Sharpless, acting commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, said the agency has begun testing on more than 700 product samples and product parts gathered from patients and health officials.

FDA scientists are testing for a broad range of chemicals, including nicotine, THC and other marijuana components, metals, cutting agents and other additives, pesticides and toxins.

“Based on our testing

of samples to date, there does not appear to be one product or substance involved in all of the cases. It may be there is more than one cause to this outbreak,” he said on the call.

“We do know that THC is present in most of the samples tested to date,” Sharpless said.

Mitch Zeller, director of FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, said the agency has evaluated 225 THC-containing products and found Vitamin E acetate - a cutting agent - in nearly half of them.

Sharpless said the FDA is collaborating with customs and border control agents to intercept any products containing illicit substances.

“If we determine that someone is manufacturing or distributing illicit, adulterated vaping products that cause illness or death for personal profit, we would consider that to be a criminal act,” he said.

The CDC and the FDA continue to urge people to stop vaping, especially products containing THC.

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FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

FUN & GAMES

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SERGO PIERRE

LA DONA SUPERMARKET

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

Leonza Been

Location: In South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Fisherman To work 6 days per week Duties include fishing, diving, and preparing the day’s catch for sale.

Salary: $6.25 per hour Please contact 342-5711 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 Labour Board

DOMESTIC WORKER WANTED In Grand Turk Duties: Must be able to do general cleaning, honest and hardworking Salary $6.25 per hour To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 346-1143 This position is New Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Palm Grove, Grand Turk Is seeking 1 labour, 1 Domestic Worker Domestic worker Duties: Must be able to do general household cleaning, honest and hardworking Salary is $6.25 per hour Must be able to work Labour duties: Cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines 5 days per week Please Contact: 246-0869 New positions Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Ashwood L. Forbes

WAKE TO WAKE

E. L. Construction

Location: #9 Grace Bay Plaza, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Store Clerk. Duties: Responsible for obtaining or receiving merchandise, totaling bills, accepting payments and making change for customers in retail store.

Wages: $8/hr. To work 6 days a week Please Contact: (649) 331-4175 This position is currently held by a Work permit Holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Kira Isles, Leeward, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking to employ a WAKESPORTS INSTRUCTOR •Applicant must hold a wake-related instructors certification •CPR & First Aid trained •Applicant must provide proof of competency operating watercraft & wakeboats •Duties: Instructing wakeboarding, wakesurfing & waterskiing whilst ensuring guests’ safety on/off the water. Maintain inboard wakeboat and help build TCI as a wakesports destination Salary: $2,000 This position is new Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of resume to labour board or contact us directly 242 9253 or email info@waketowake.tc #603655

CAICOS FISHERIES

ANTONISE FORBES JN BAPTISTE

Location: In South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking (2) Plant Workers and (2) Conch Peelers To work 5 days per week Plant workers are required to sort, process, and bag fish and seafood products Conch peelers are required to cut, clean, and trim seafood before it is packaged Salary: $6.25 per hour Please contact: 332-3826 These positions are currently held by work permit holders Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

Location: In South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Caretaker To work 6 days per week This individual will be responsible for ensuring that the house is clean and well-maintained at all times Salary: $6.25 per hour Please contact 341-9902 This position is currently held by a work permit holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders should send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

Island Steel Fabrication

Palm Ventures Ltd.

Location: South Dock, #70, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Painter Duties: Prepare paint surfaces, mix, match, and apply paints and other finishes to various surfaces.

To work 6 days a week Salary is $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 231-6153 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Applicants who are Turks & Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their applications to the Labour Board #603646

Gibson Design Built Location: Prospect 10, Cooper Jack Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Plumber Duties Include: Installs pipes and fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, for water, gas, steam, air, or other liquids Must be able to work 5 days a week Salary is $10.00 per hour Please Contact: 243-4350 This position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board #603659

Air and Sea Agency

Beach Boys Adventures

Location: North of White Sand, Grand Turk and Grace Bay Beach Providenciales Is seeking a BEACH ATTENDANT - $8.00 per hour Duties: Responsible for the transactions with customers as they rent equipment, Is seeking a CRAFT MAKER- $7.00 per hour Duties: Adapt, utilize, and sculpt a variety of materials to create arts and crafts Is seeking a TAILOR – $7.00 per hour Duties: Sew garments, using needles and thread or sewing machines Is seeking an ARTIST PAINTER - $7.00 per jour Duties: Remove old paint, priming surfaces, choosing materials, selecting and mixing colors and cleaning up job sites Is seeking a REPAIR MAN -$7.00 per hour Duties: To repair the chairs and umbrella on the beach sites To work 6 days a week Please Contact: 343-0030

One of these positions are first time and the others are currently held by Work Permit Holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board #603639

MYRON CLARE

Location: In South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking to employ a Domestic Worker Duties include cleaning, laundry, and cooking Salary: $6.25 per hour To work 6 days per week Please contact 342-7786 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 Labour Board

Irene Butterfield

Location: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic worker To take care of elderly male Must be able to read and write English Language, honest and trustworthy To work 5 days a week Salary $250.00 a week Please Contact 231-1955 This position is held by a work permit holder Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should send copies of their application to Labour Board #603652

#603644

ISLAND VIBES TOURS

Location: Turtle Cove Landing, Shop #17, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands SEEKS Tow Inboard and Outboard Engine Mechanics Duties: repair engines, repair all electrical problems and have some knowledge of fiberglass work To work 6 days a week and must be on call Must have at least 5- 10 years experience Salary $7.50 per hour Please Contact 231-8423 One of these positions is new and the other is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Applicants who Turks and Caicos Islanders should submit Copies of their application to the Labour Board #603661

ISLAND VIBES TOURS Location: Turtle Cove Landing, Shop #17, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Fleet Captain Duties: Must have good people skills, very knowledgeable of the craft, CPR and first ad certified and must have a current boat captain license and SCW certified To work 6 days a week and must be on call Salary: $7.50 per hour Please Contact 231-8423 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Applicants who Turks and Caicos Islanders should submit Copies of their application to the Labour Board #603661

Provo Discount Ltd.

Tow (2) Labourers WANTED In Grand Turk Duties: Cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines Salary $7.00 per hour To work 5 days per week Please Contact: 231-0431 These positions are currently being held by a Work Permit Holders Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Unit 1, Central Square, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Seeking Two (2) Domestic Workers Duties: Operate Cash Register with POS system, Greet Customers, Inventory, Stock and Tidy Store Salary: $6.25/hr Positions currently held by work permit holders.

Closing date for applications is October 25, 2019.

Applications can be dropped off at the office, Immigration Board, and/or emailed to pdl@tciway.tc

TCI Structures Ltd.

Location: Leeward, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Seeking: Labourer Salary is $6.50 per hour Contact: Deluxe Training and Recruitment Services Tel. 946-8018 or Email: deluxebusinesscenter@tciway.tc Work Permit Renewal Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Adrian Williams

W & F Variety Store

Carmalla Bain

Luiyee Morris

Location: Leeward Palms, #57 Palms Well, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Duties: Include but limited to general cleaning and maintaining a family home, Laundry Must be able to speak English Salary is $6.25 per hour Must be able to work 5 days a week Please Contact: 231-3276 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Applicants who Turks and Caicos Islanders should submit Copies of their application to the Labour Board

Location: Five Cays Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Seeking: Store Clerk Duties: Responsible for obtaining or receiving merchandise, totaling bills, accepting payments and making change for customers in retail store Salary $6.25 Please Contact: 242- 6980 Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Leeward, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Seeking: Labourer Duties: Cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines Salary is $6.25 per hour Contact: 247- 8989 Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Babysitter Duties: To care for a child, clean after the child (clothing, bottles etc) Must be able to work Monday – Friday Salary is: $250.00 per week Please Contact: 649-431-7116 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

#603662

Location: Over back, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands Seeks to employ a Carpenter Duties included but not limited to being able to follow blueprint and building plans to meet the needs of clients.

Install structures and fixtures such as windows and molding.

Measure, cut or shape wood, plastic and other materials To work 5 days per week Salary is $7.50 per hour Please Contact: 347-1124 This position is new Applicants who are TC Islanders are required to submit their applications to the Labour Board

Aldarro’s Construction

Location: South Dock Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Seeking: Labourer Salary is $6.50 per hour Contact: Deluxe Training and Employment Services Tel. 946-8018 or Email: deluxebusinesscenter@tciway.tc Work Permit Renewal Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Seeking: Warehouse Labourers Truck Drivers Salary ranges $7.25 – $12.50 per hour Contact: Deluxe Training and Employment Services Tel. 946-8018 or Email: deluxebusinesscenter@tciway.tc Work Permit Renewals Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Giordani Phanor

Location: F202 Regent Village, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Seeking: 1 Domestic Worker Duties: Office Cleaning Salary: $6.25/hr Position currently held by work permit holder Closing date for application is October 25, 2019.

Application can be dropped off at the office, Immigration Board, and/or emailed to tcistructures@tciway.tc

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Foreign-based human rights group call for resignation of Haiti’s President Moïse

Jovenel Moise

More than 200 foreign-based human rights groups are calling for the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse whom the opposition has accused of corruption.

In an open letter to the Haitian people, the human rights groups from more than 20 countries, including Guatemala, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago, said they were expressing their solidarity and support in their quest for the resignation of Moïse.

Among those signing the letter is the Argentinian Nobel Peace Prize winner, Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, who won the prize in 1980 for his work on human rights in Latin America.

“From the four corners and the most diverse sectors of our American continent, we wish to express our solidarity and support for the fight you are waging, both on the streets and in other ways, for just and urgent demand,” they wrote.

“This is a claim that rises like a deafening cry, calling for the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse, his government and his parliament because they no longer have any legitimacy and ability to govern. We make your claim to the UN, the OAS, the governments of the United States and the entire Core Group,” the human rights groups wrote adding “we demand from these powers that they abandon their mistaken qualification and their demonisation of Haiti and respect your right to self-determination”.

In addition, the human rights groups say they are opposed to the deployment of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (UNHIB) a new special political mission from October 16.

On Monday, the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, named former United States State Department official, Helen Meagher La Lime, to head the new unit that is s expected to work on issues concerning elections, which have been delayed due to political turmoil.

Coral reef could be destroyed to make way for cruise ships in the Cayman Islands

It is one of Britain’s most prized coral reefs, sitting off the coast of the Cayman Islands which were praised by Prince Charles as a “shining example” of a Commonwealth nation protecting its marine life.

But 15 acres of the coral reef, which is home to critically endangered turtles, could be destroyed to make way for two cruise ship docks as part of plans to boost tourism.

E n v i r o n m e n t a l campaigners warn the George Town Harbour project will see 22 acres of the seabed dredged, and silt sedimentation will turn the “crystal-clear aquamarine waters to murky white”.

In December, the first publicly initiated referendum on the islands will decide the reef’s future, after 25 per cent of the electorate signed a petition to take the decision to a vote.

There are fears it may not save the reef as campaigners claim the Government has withheld the latest designs for the docks, and the date of the vote coming so close to Christmas will mean many residents are on holiday.

“The marine environment is the heritage of the Caymanian people and decisions made today will have consequences for generations to come,” said Shirely Roulstone, of the Cruise Port Referendum (CPR) Cayman campaign group.

“We must be responsible custodians of our precious natural resources.”

The seabed will be dredged and two deep water piers constructed on pilings to allow marine life move underneath as part of the project.

The first Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), submitted in 2015, said 15 acres of coral reef habitat would be permanently removed.

But the designs have been altered, following the selection of the preferred bidder, Verdant Isle Port Partners (VIPP) in July, and

The Soto’s Reef, one of those under threat from the George Town harbour expansion have not been subjected to a new EIA.

Campaigners have called for the full plans to be released and a new EIA carried out before the referendum.

This week the Cayman Islands Government (CIG) and VIPP have confirmed that the new plans will lead to an overall reduction in the dredge footprint, impact on coral and adverse environmental impact.

VIPP told The Daily Telegraph they will be conducting a “relocation” programme to try and save some of the critically endangered corals in the area, such as the Elkhorn and Staghorn.

Citing multiple studies and past successes with repairing damaged reefs, they hope to translocate much of the affected coral prior to dredging.

They also have optimistic plans for ‘coral gardening’, where fragments of healthy coral will be grown in tanks, before replanting in nearby reefs - with a goal of replanting one million corals.

But they admitted: “It is clear that coral relocation will never completely mitigate impacts of proposed projects.”

The individual cruise liners involved in the project - Royal Caribbean Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line - have also come under fire, after they separately pledged to work with conservation NGOs,

WWF and The Nature Conservatory, to “ensure the long-term health of the oceans” in recent years.

Charlie Butt, Caribbean Territories Manager for the RSPB, said it is “difficult to believe” the companies would back the project if they understood the true environmental impact.

The RSPB are concerned the plans would lead to a “net loss of globally threatened wildlife”, such as the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle, he said.

“Whilst we welcome the sustainability commitments of the two cruise liner companies involved, it is difficult to believe that they would consider backing this plan if they knew that at least 15 acres of world-class coral reefs - one of the Cayman Islands’ main tourist attractions - would be permanently lost as a result,” he said.

The Cayman Islands is one of the UK’s Overseas Territories (UKOTs), and estimates state 94 per cent of the UK’s biodiversity is located in our OTs.

The UK government has made international commitments to safeguard this biodiversity, under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Yet repeated calls by CPR Cayman and RSPB for consultations with Tariq Ahmad, the Minister for Commonwealth who is responsible for the UKOTs, have been refused or gone unanswered.

Montserrat elections on November 18

Premier Donaldson Romeo announced November 18 as the date for general elections in this British Overseas Territory.

In a brief radio broadcast on Monday, Romeo told listeners the time had finally come to announce the dissolution of Parliament and the date for the 2019 general elections.

He said he had already met with the Acting Governor Lyndell Simpson “and I can now confirm that the instruments for the dissolution of parliament have been signed.

Romeo did not say when Nomination Day would be, but said he was looking forward “to a very lively campaign where all ideas contend, and as usual free and fair elections where the people of Montserrat exercise their democratic right to choose their

representatives”.

Romeo is expected to lead his ruling People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) into the election where it will face a challenge from the Montserrat United Labour Party (MULP), The Movement for Change & Prosperity (MCAP), Montserrat National Congress (MNC) as well as a number of independent candidates who have announced their intentions to contest the elections.

The Legislative Assembly has 11 members, of which nine are elected.

The Attorney General and the Financial Secretary take the remaining seats. The British Overseas Territory is a single nine-member constituency, with voters able to vote for up to nine candidates on their ballot paper.

Last October, Romeo survived a move by disgruntled opposition

legislators to bring down his administration when a key government backbencher indicated that he had no intention of supporting a vote of no confidence against him.

Former agriculture minister Claude Hogan held the key to the survival of the government that faced an uphill task to complete its first fiveyear term, but told legislators that they should withdraw the motion, adding “if you want to change the premier there is a way to do it”, said Hogan.

The government hold a slim one seat majority in the Legislative Assembly and political observers had expected Hogan, who was dismissed

by Romeo in 2017, to have sided with the opposition that included two former members of the ruling People’s Democratic Movement (PDM).

Hogan said he still intends to contest his present seat in the next general election, adding that the vote of no confidence is nothing more than an early start to the 2019 general election campaign.

Dr Ingrid Buffonge, a former member of the ruling PDM, who piloted the motion of no confidence, likened the situation to a “day of history” for Montserrat.

The 2014 general election was a victory for the newly established PDM, which was formed by Romeo on April 30 that year, in order to contest the elections.

The party defeated the then ruling MCAP, the Alliance of Independent Candidates and 10 other independents.

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OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Hotel occupancy up and down across the Caribbean

Several Caribbean officials said August 2019 visitor destinations are reporting strong arrivals increased 9.9 percent 2019 visitor arrivals, even as recent over 2018, the destination’s “best data from travel research firm STR August on record” for land-based, shows Caribbean hotel occupancy overnight visitors. declined significantly this spring To date the Cayman and summer.

Islands has hosted 369,650 visitors,

While several regional a 10.7 percent increase compared nations are expected to post with 2018, and “more than the record 2019 visitor arrivals, travel entire annual numbers for all years agents specializing in Caribbean between 2000 and 2013,” officials vacations say sensational news said. reporting of Dominican Republic Meanwhile, Anguilla is safety and security issues impacted “well on its way” to achieving a bookings across the Caribbean.

20 percent year-over-year increase

News of Caribbean in overnight arrivals, according occupancy declines “doesn’t to Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) surprise me,” said Jennifer officials. Anguilla recorded 55,916 Doncsecz, owner of VIP Vacations. land-based, overnight arrivals “The news in the Dominican between January and June, a 16.8 Republic didn’t just affect the percent increase over the 47,894 Dominican Republic. Americans arrivals posted in 2017, during hear horrible stories about a which the destination set the Caribbean island and correlate it previous annual record. to every island,” she said.

Curaçao also posted

“At the height of the strong first-half 2019 visitor Dominican Republic media arrivals, including a 17 percent craziness [in June] our phone year-over-year increase through calls for new reservations were May, “with all markets showing significantly lower than other positive growth,” said Paul June [periods],” she said.

Pennicook, CEO of the Curaçao

STR reports Caribbean Tourist Board. hotel occupancy declined 5.6 Meanwhile, St. Maarten’s percent between April and August overnight visitor arrivals are of this year, falling from a high paced “far ahead” of 2018 levels of 75.2 percent in March to 61.1 in the first six months of 2019, percent in June compared with the said St. Maarten Tourist Bureau same period in 2018. officials. In addition, St. Maarten

Additionally, Caribbean Hospitality and Trade Association RevPAR (revenue per available (SHTA) officials reported “strong room) declined from 9.4 percent hotel occupancy rates for the first ($164.82) in April to -5.3 percent six months” of 2019. ($112.54) in August, eventually Tourism officials in to $112.54, a falling 5.3 percent Belize, Grenada and Saint Lucia decline compared with the same also reported higher first-half period in 2018. Yet the occupancy 2019 arrivals. Louisiana-based and RevPAR declines come as Caribbean specialist Geraldine several Caribbean destinations Simpson said Saint Maarten, report strong arrivals.

Barbados and St. Lucia are all “hot”

For example, Cayman with travelers.

Islands Department of Tourism Conversely, the

Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Cuba all suffered 2019 visitor arrival and hotel occupancy downturns, with each tied to specific events.

Dominican Republic travel slowed considerably this summer following the media reports of tourist deaths. Officials at the country’s Agency for Social, Solidarity and Sustainable Tourism termed the decline in Dominican Republic visits as “worrisome,” saying 11 hotels have closed on the island’s eastern resort districts, although they did not name the properties.

Visitor declines in Cuba were tied in the former case to the Trump administration’s travel restrictions. Puerto Rico tourism was impacted by lingering challenges following Hurricane Maria in late 2017. Tourism in the Bahamas may be impacted by Hurricane Dorian, although the territory’s main visitor districts were unaffected by the devastating storm.

“My Caribbean bookings are definitely not down at all for this year, they are actually higher than last year,” said Joel Scholtz of Romance Travel Pro, a Cruise Planners agency. “The report probably reflects the drastic drop in Dominican Republic bookings,” Scholtz said, due to “the media frenzy in the US over a non-issue.”

Doncsecz agreed the Dominican Republic’s issues may have impacted travel to other Caribbean nations. “We spent a significant amount of time in moving [vacationers on Caribbean itineraries] and many still canceled.

So we had little time to market and attract new business for sales in July and August.”

Caribbean Tourism Organisation to close New York and UK offices

The CTO said it recognised the need to “reinvent and reposition” the organisation, therefore closure of the UK office will be preceded by closure of the CTO’s New York office at the end of the year.

The CTO will also carry out a “comprehensive audit” of its Barbados office.

“Over the past two decades, there has been much discussion surrounding the promotion and development of tourism in the Caribbean, the world’s most tourismdependent region” read the CTO statement.

“While there have been many visions, plans, papers written and philosophies espoused, there has been widespread acceptance that much improvement is needed to elevate tourism development in the region.”

The CTO said the most commonly discussed aspirations for the organisation included marketing the Caribbean as a single brand, undertaking more in-depth research and pursuing a “greater uniformed approach to policy formation and product development”.

“We are of the firm view that in order to play a stronger role in the new era of tourism development, we have to reinvent and reposition the organization as a pillar upon which tourism advancement can rest,” it said.

“This restructuring exercise is expected to significantly reduce the operational expenditures of CTO, giving it more capacity to undertake its key functions of regional marketing, statistics and research, and product development.

“[The] CTO notes that this exercise will lead to some displacement, but firmly believes that it represents a strong revitalization of the organization.

“This is a necessary process to ensure tourism plays its most vital role as a means to bring about opportunity and prosperity for the people of the Caribbean.”

Antigua PM blames ‘overzealous’ ministers for investigation into former Speaker

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has blamed “overzealous” ministers in his Cabinet for the investigation that led to fraud related charges being laid against former executive secretary of the Board of Education (BoE), D. Gisele Isaac.

A High Court judge last Friday upheld a no case submission filed on behalf of Isaac, a former speaker of the House of Representatives here, who had gone on trial on October 9, nearly five years after the state had alleged that she had illegally obtained EC$9 000 for Algernon “Serpent” Watts, a debt collector/bailiff from the BoE, which the government insisted was higher than normal. Both Isaac and Watts were arrested in June 2015.

In addition, she was also charged with dishonestly applying EC$9 000 and fraudulently applying EC$13 983.97 cents for the benefit of Watts between February 2013 and March 2014.

But speaking on his private radio station over the last weekend, Browne said that left to him he would not have pursued the matter.

“Unfortunately, there were one of two individuals who were very zealous perhaps overzealous and they went ahead and did their private investigation,” he told radio listeners, adding “and let me make it abundantly clear that the Cabinet did not sanction any investigation into the Board of Education”.

“It was one or two ministers who took it on their own to proceed with the investigation,” Browne said, adding that he was also mindful not to be accused of obstructing the course of justice.

“Now I have to admit that maybe I was not as forceful as I ought to have been and one of the reason for that is D. Gisele Isaac is my son’s godmother and I didn’t want anybody to accuse me of obscuring the course of justice,” he said.

But he said he was also taking full responsibility for the investigation.

“I take full responsibility because I am part of the Cabinet. I am not trying to exonerate myself from it,” Browne said, adding that he knew that the charges against Isaac would always

be difficult to prove.

“But you have to understand that it is very difficult to get a conviction based on certain circumstances, and I am of the view that unless there is overwhelming evidence, that is an absolute slam dunk in which you have the evidence and you also have individuals to corroborate what happened, it is perhaps going to be an exercise in futility,” he said.

He told listeners that while the country is aware that the opposition Unity Progressive Party (UPP) had plundered the country “but can you prove it, and that is where the challenge lies”.

“I remember when this matter with D. Gisele Isaac and Serpent first featured, within a matter of weeks I took the position that the matter should be left alone. Not that I am saying that Serpent and D. Gisele Isaac did not do any wrong, but I felt that it would be difficult to prove the alleged wrongdoing.”

Following the court ruling, Isaac told reporters “to hear that I did my job with integrity, with honour,

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne with respect and regard to procedures and the law and that today is not a majority thing, there is no case, I did nothing wrong,” Isaac told reporters after emerging from the Court.

“There never was a case, I did nothing wrong and I will stand and secure in the knowledge . . . I did nothing wrong,” she added.

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Jamaica lobbies US on correspondent banking relationships

The Jamaica will continue to lobby the United States to take the lead in legitimising licensed cannabis growers and processors in the correspondent banking relationships with US banks, Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Audley Shaw, has said.

A government statement said that Shaw, who was addressing the recent CanEx Business Conference and Expo, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James, a suburban parish, located on the north-west end of the island, had noted that while Jamaica had made significant strides in creating an industry needed to catapult the island to the highest sphere of global cannabis, the issue of correspondent banking continues to be a major challenge for legal cannabis producers.

“I have had several meetings with investors and prospective investors who lament the difficulty of getting

money into the country to conduct legal and legitimate business within the sector – all this while other countries are busy leveraging the global demand for cannabis,” Shaw said.

He said that the refusal to bank within the sector, forces retailers to engage in mostly cash transactions to facilitate business.

“This poses not only a danger to business operators but also stifles business linkages, as associated companies also refuse to engage with cannabis businesses to avoid conflict in relationships with their respective banks,” Shaw said, adding that the passage of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act in the US Congress could resolve correspondent banking challenges.

“The passage of the SAFE Banking Act is a major step in the right direction, because, ultimately, we now have to deal with the issue of

correspondent banking. An example of this is, we are here in Jamaica, we want to do business with Canada, the US and European countries, but how does the money move?

“So, the SAFE Banking Act is dealing with how the money moves within the United States. Now we have to lobby the US government for that same Banking Act to embrace the international movement of money for countries that have a legitimate cannabis industry, such as Jamaica with the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA),” Shaw said, adding that CARICOM partners have also been called upon to join the lobby.

The SAFE Banking Act was introduced earlier this year as a means of permanently protecting financial institutions in legalised states that want to offer basic banking services to marijuana businesses.

The three-day annual CanEx

Jamaica’s Minister of Finance Audley Shaw Jamaica Business Conference and Expo brought together top cannabis industry experts from the United States of America, Canada, South and Central America, Europe, Australia and the Caribbean.

Haiti president breaks silence, says will not resign

President Jovenel Moïse broke his silence Tuesday and said it would be irresponsible for him to resign amid Haiti’s unrest, which has entered a fifth week of deadly protests that have paralyzed the economy and shuttered schools.

Moïse said during a surprise news conference at the National Palace that he was constitutionally elected and would relinquish power only through a legal process like elections.

His speech was directed in part at thousands of protesters angry over corruption, inflation that has hit nearly 20% and the dwindling of basic supplies including gasoline. Joining the call for the president’s resignation are business groups, church leaders and human rights organizations.

Moïse reiterated that he is open to any negotiations leading to a peaceful resolution of the political crisis, saying that the opposition should agree to a dialogue with his government to

address the country’s problems.

“However long it takes, I am ready for dialogue. We don’t want to have another 1986,” Moïse said, referring to the year that then President Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier fled Haiti following lengthy demonstrations against his regime.

During his speech, Moïse said Haiti is “worse off” than it was from 2004 to 2015, the years following the ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Opposition leaders immediately rejected Moïse’s bid for talks, saying his offer was “not credible” as they called for more street protests to force his resignation.

Moïse spoke on the day that the U.N.’s Mission for Justice Support in Haiti ended its mandate, marking the first time since 2004 that there is no U.N. peacekeeping operation in Haiti.

The U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti will take its place and play an advisory role.

Dominica PM says elections will be held within 100 days

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, seeking to have his ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) win a fifth consecutive term in office, says general elections will be held here “within 100 days”.

Speaking at a public meeting here on Sunday night in La Plaine, a village located on the eastern side of the island, Skerrit told supporters that they should be getting ready for the poll that is constitutionally due by March next year. But political observers believe the poll would be held later this year.

“I certainly could not have said this two weeks ago that general elections in the Commonwealth of Dominica will be held within the next 100 days.

So you could do your maths, get your calendars out and check within 100 days for elections in Dominica. The time is drawing nigh,” Skerrit told supporters.

“The time is getting closer. I can tell you we have everything in place as far as the Dominica Labour Party is concerned for the next general election,” he added.

In the last general election on December 8, 2014, Skerrit led the DLP to a 15-6 victory over the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) led by Lennox Linton, who was making his first outing as head of a political party.

If Skerrit wins the next general election, it will be his fourth consecutive

Dominica’s prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit victory having become prime minister on January 8, 2004, following the death of then Prime Minister Pierre Charles.

Skerrit, 47, told supporters at the launch of the party’s latest candidate for the election, to maintain peace and tranquillity in the country.

“Within the next 100 days you will have elections in Dominica,” he reiterated.

President Jovenel Moïse speaks during a press conference at the National Palace in Port-auPrince, Haiti, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019 As the peacekeeping operation wrapped up, the United Nations appealed to the Haitian people for political dialogue, an end to violence and compromise, saying that is the only way to resolving the political crisis.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the

U.N. peacekeeping chief, told the Security Council that progress since 2004 had been “considerable but the achievements of stability are still fragile and must be deeper rooted in democracy and development.”

Lacroix said “mistrust is making compromise difficult” but forming a unity government as Haiti’s president called for “may well provide a way forward to lasting political solutions that are desperately needed.”

The last time Moïse spoke publicly was nearly three weeks ago during a 2 a.m. televised address, which further angered Haitians demanding a change in government.

After his speech, a couple hundred protesters marched through the capital of Port-au-Prince, while others watched as artists painted murals memorializing victims under a bridge that has served as the starting point for demonstrations.

Chastanet for visa application centre

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has welcomed the decision by Canada to open a visa application centre in St Lucia, saying that it means they no longer have to go to Barbados or Trinidad and Tobago to have their visa applications processed in those countries.

Chastanet, writing on his Facebook page, noted that the centre will provide visa services and biometric collection for persons who require visas or work/student permits for Canada.

“It does not change the process for Canadian citizens who need to apply for passports or other travel documents,” he added. (CMC) The centre began operations last Thursday and according to a statement posted by the Canadian authorities, “booking of appointments for enrolling your biometrics at the VAC is absolutely free of cost” warning potential applications to “beware of fraudulent job offer.

“We encourage you to exercise caution and common sense when receiving any such employment offer, which requires payment of any fees/money, or promises a work visa in exchange for money. The said offers are

Prime Minister of St Lucia Allen Chastanet completely fake and not valid.”

The Canadians warned that “no payment should be made to outside parties for the booking of your appointment,” adding “all applications will be assessed in accordance with Canada’s immigration visa rules and guidelines.

“The decision to issue or refuse a visa is made solely by immigration officers of IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada),” which is the Canadian federal department that facilitates the arrival of immigrants to Canada, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in the country.

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WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

NEWS

Britain clinches Brexit deal, Johnson now faces parliament hurdle

Britain clinched an eleventh Johnson has no majority in hour Brexit deal with the EU on Thursday, the 650-seat parliament, and in practice more than three years after Britons voted needs at least 318 votes to get a deal in a referendum to leave the bloc, but ratified at what will be the first Saturday Prime Minister Boris Johnson still faces session since the Argentine invasion of a knife-edge vote in parliament to get it the Falkland Islands in 1982. The DUP approved. have 10 votes.

“Where there is a will there is a deal - we have one! It’s a fair and balanced “BALL IN BRITISH COURT AGAIN” agreement for the EU and the UK and it is a testament to our commitment to

The British parliament defeated find solutions,” European Commission similar deals struck by Johnson’s President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a predecessor, Theresa May, three times. tweet a few hours before the start of an

“The ball again is in the EU summit in Brussels.

British parliament’s court ... I hope

He said he would recommend it goes through this time,” Finnish that leaders of the other 27 member Prime Minister Antti Rinne said in states approve the deal.

Brussels. “I hope we are now at the end Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures during a news conference with European Commission

“I believe it is high time to of this process. But there are still many President Jean-Claude Juncker after agreeing on the Brexit deal, at the sidelines of the European Union complete the divorce process and doubts - for instance, inside the British leaders summit, in Brussels, Belgium October 17, 2019 move on, as swiftly as possible, to the parliament.” market. negotiation on the European Union’s

Johnson won the top job by

The agreement scraps the pledging to renegotiate May’s agreement, future partnership with the United “BACKSTOP” GONE “backstop”, a mechanism envisaged though he is reviving the bulk of it now,

Kingdom,” Juncker said in a letter.

Negotiators worked frantically earlier that was designed to prevent a with changes to the protocol on how to

Johnson, who was due to meet the 27 at the summit later on Thursday, this week to agree a draft compromise hard border being introduced on the treat the border between EU member declared: “we have a great new Brexit on the question of the Irish border, the island of Ireland, and would have bound Ireland and the British province of most difficult part of Brexit, haggling Britain to some EU rules. The EU had Northern Ireland. deal”.

He is hoping to get approval over everything from customs checks long insisted that the backstop could not The uncertainty over for the agreement in a vote at an to the thorny issue of consent from the be removed. parliament’s approval means that, two

However, the Democratic weeks before the latest date for the extraordinary session of the British Northern Irish administration.

The conundrum was how Unionist Party (DUP), which supports United Kingdom’s departure from the parliament on Saturday, to pave the way to prevent the frontier becoming a Johnson’s government, said the new text world’s largest trading bloc, the possible for an orderly departure on Oct. 31.

However, the Northern Irish backdoor into the EU’s single market was not acceptable - a step that could spur outcomes still range from an orderly party that Johnson needs to help ratify without erecting checkpoints that hardline Brexiteers in his Conservative departure to a chaotic exit or even any agreement has refused to support could undermine the 1998 Good Friday party also to oppose ratification absent another referendum that could reverse the deal that was hammered out over Agreement, which ended decades of additional changes. the entire endeavour.

“These proposals are not, in conflict in the province. weeks of negotiations.

It is unclear what Brexit will The agreement reached will keep our view, beneficial to the economic ultimately mean for the United Kingdom

The head of the main opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, said in Northern Ireland in the UK customs area wellbeing of Northern Ireland and and the European project - built on the Brussels he was “unhappy” with the deal but tariffs will apply on goods crossing they undermine the integrity of the ruins of World War Two as a way to and would vote against it. Lawmakers in from mainland Britain to Northern union,” the party said, warning that a integrate economic power and thus end his party said they had been told to vote Ireland if they are deemed to be headed parliamentary vote on Saturday was just centuries of European bloodshed. further, to Ireland and the bloc’s single the first stage in approving the deal. for another referendum on Saturday.

Powerful Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings has died

Maryland Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, a sharecropper’s son who rose to become the powerful chairman of a U.S. House committee that investigated President Donald Trump, died early Thursday of complications from longstanding health issues, his office said. He was 68.

Cummings was a formidable orator who passionately advocated for the poor in his black-majority district , which encompasses a large portion of Baltimore as well as more well-to-do suburbs.

As chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Cummings led multiple investigations of the president’s governmental dealings, including probes in 2019 relating to the president’s family members serving in the White House.

Cummings’ long career spanned decades in Maryland politics. He rose through the ranks of the Maryland House of Delegates before winning his congressional seat in a special election in 1996 to replace former Rep. Kweisi Mfume, who left the seat to lead the NAACP.

Cummings was an early supporter of Barack Obama’s presidential bid in 2008. By 2016, Cummings was the senior Democrat on the House Benghazi Committee, which he said was “nothing more than a taxpayer-funded effort to bring harm to Hillary Clinton’s

Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., speaks during a luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington. U.S. Rep campaign” for president. knee issues.

Throughout his career, His constituents began Cummings used his fiery voice to mourning shortly after his death at 2:45 highlight the struggles and needs of inner- a.m. Thursday at Johns Hopkins Hospital. city residents. He was a firm believer in In a statement, his widow, Maya some much-debated approaches to help Rockeymoore Cummings, chairwoman the poor and addicted, such as needle of Maryland’s Democratic Party, said exchange programs as a way to reduce “Congressman Cummings was an the spread of AIDS. honorable man who proudly served

A key figure in the Trump his district and the nation with dignity, impeachment inquiry , Cummings had integrity, compassion and humility. He been hoping to return to Congress after worked until his last breath because he a medical procedure he said would only believed our democracy was the highest keep him away for a week. His statement and best expression of our collective then didn’t detail the procedure. He had humanity and that our nation’s diversity previously been treated for heart and was our promise, not our problem.”

Cummings was born Jan. 18, 1951. In grade school, a counselor told Cummings he was too slow to learn and spoke poorly, and he would never fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer.

“I was devastated,” Cummings told The Associated Press in 1996, shortly before he won his seat in Congress.

“My whole life changed. I became very determined.”

It steeled Cummings to prove that counselor wrong. He became not only a lawyer, but one of the most powerful orators in the statehouse, where he entered office in 1983. He rose to become the first black House speaker pro tem. He would begin his comments slowly, developing his theme and raising the emotional heat until it became like a sermon from the pulpit.

Cummings was quick to note the differences between Congress and the Maryland General Assembly, which has long been controlled by Democrats.

“After coming from the state where, basically, you had a lot of people working together, it’s clear that the lines are drawn here,” Cummings said about a month after entering office in Washington in 1996.

Cummings chaired the Congressional Black Caucus from 2003 to 2004, employing a hard-charging, explore-every-option style to put the group in the national spotlight.

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WORLD NEWS

Trump administration ramps up deportations to Cuba

Since the end of the Obama who had received such orders over the administration, the number of Cubans decades but remained in the U.S. because deported from the U.S. has increased their country wouldn’t take them back. more than tenfold to more than Since Trump took office, more 800 in the past year as the Trump Cubans arriving at the U.S.-Mexico administration enforces a new policy border have encountered new limits, inked just days before it took over. It is including a policy introduced last also imposing its own sharp limits on month that denies protection to asylum who is eligible for asylum. That’s an seekers who have passed through unwelcome development for growing another country before reaching Mexico numbers of asylum-seeking Cubans and have not sought asylum there. who had long benefited from a generous Despite the new agreement, U.S. approach and their government’s Cuba remains reluctant to take its people back, and is one of 10 countries unwillingness to take its people back.

For decades, Cubans fleeing the that the U.S. government labels communist-governed island had for the “recalcitrant.” That makes it difficult most part enjoyed unique privileges. for the administration to enforce its Even after the cold war ended, they were aggressive measures against asylum — given a certain path to legal residence and leaves many Cubans in limbo.

It is unclear how the Cuban once they touched U.S. soil through the government treats people who are policy known as “wet foot, dry foot.”

But an agreement reached deported from the U.S., but rights during the final days of the Obama advocates and lawyers say they could administration ended that and required face retaliation for claiming asylum, Cuba to take back citizens who receive especially those who claimed they were deportation orders going forward and being persecuted. By contrast, deportees consider on a case-by-case basis the to Mexico and Central American return of the thousands of other Cubans countries typically get a warm welcome

home.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla told The Associated Press the increase in deportations stems from the country “diligently fulfilling its commitments” outlined in the accord with the Obama administration, but at the same time he blasted the U.S. for cutting consular services in Havana.

“It is a shame to politicize the human bond between people and between nations,” he said.

A chartered U.S. government flight landed in Havana on Sept. 27 with 96 Cubans aboard, and another with 120 arrived Aug. 30. U.S. officials say Cuba’s acceptance of this limited number of deportees is a small step, but they believe the nation is still largely unwilling to work with the U.S. on repatriations. They note 39,243 Cubans living in the U.S. with deportation orders.

“Cuba is kind of a thorn in their side in this area,” said Julia Gelatt, senior policy analyst at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.

Cuba remains on a U.S.

government list of “recalcitrant” nations with nine other countries: China, Vietnam, Iran, Bhutan, Cambodia, Eritrea, Hong Kong, Laos and Pakistan.

About 21,000 Cubans have presented themselves to officials at U.S.-Mexico crossings since last October, triple the number seen the previous 12 months, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics.

Thousands more Cubans have been stranded in northern Mexico cities on wait lists to request asylum and through a program that forces migrants to wait south of the border for their asylum cases to play out.

Of the Cubans who have been allowed into the U.S., many have been released from custody while they await court dates for their asylum cases, but hundreds have been turned over to ICE custody.

About 5,000 Cubans have received deportation orders since the new U.S.-Cuba agreement, and 1,300 of them have been deported, according to ICE data.

Trump threatens to ‘destroy’ Turkey’s economy with sanctions

Targeting Turkey’s economy, President Donald Trump announced sanctions aimed at restraining the Turks’ assault against Kurdish fighters and civilians in Syria — an assault Turkey began after Trump announced he was moving U.S. troops out of the way.

Some of those U.S. troops leaving northern Syria are being shifted to Iraq, where they could conduct crossborder operations against Islamic State group militants, a U.S. official said.

The United States also called on Turkey to stop the invasion and declare a cease-fire, and Trump is sending Vice President Mike Pence and national security adviser Robert O’Brien to Ankara as soon as possible in an attempt to begin negotiations. Pence said on Monday that Trump spoke Turkish-backed Syrian opposition fighters from the Syrian National Army, flash the V-sign as they are directly to Turkish leader Recep Tayyip driven through the town of Akcakale, Sanliurfa province, southeastern Turkey, on their way to enter over Erdogan, who promised not to attack the border to Tel Abyad, Syria. the border town of Kobani, which in 2015 witnessed the Islamic State group’s and Iraqi lands five years ago was the Jordan, according to the U.S. official, first defeat in a battle by U.S.-backed reason American forces went in the first who spoke to The Associated Press on place.

Tuesday on the condition of anonymity Kurdish fighters.

Trump said the approximately to discuss sensitive planning for the U.S. “President Trump communicated to him very clearly that 1,000 U.S. troops who had been pullout.

The official said the American the United States of America wants partnering with local Kurdish fighters Turkey to stop the invasion, implement to battle the Islamic State in northern troops have pulled out of the Manbij an immediate cease-fire and to begin to Syria are leaving the country. They will area, where U.S. outposts were set up negotiate with Kurdish forces in Syria remain in the Middle East, he said, to in 2017. Troops are consolidating their to bring an end to the violence,” Pence “monitor the situation” and to prevent a positions to prepare to fly out of the revival of IS — a goal that even Trump’s country soon. said.

The official said the U.S. troops

The Americans were scrambling allies say has become much more in Iraq could perform operations for Syria’s exits, a move criticized at difficult as a result of the U.S. pullout.

The U.S. troops being against the IS militants in Syria as they home and abroad as opening the door to a resurgence of the Islamic State withdrawn from northern Syria will did before creating the now-abandoned group, whose violent takeover of Syrian reposition in Iraq, Kuwait and possibly partnership with Kurdish-led Syrian

Democratic Forces.

The Turks began attacks in Syria last week against the Syrian Kurdish fighters, whom the Turks see as terrorists. On Monday, Syrian government troops moved north toward the border region, setting up a potential clash with Turkish-led forces.

Trump said Turkey’s invasion is “precipitating a humanitarian crisis and setting conditions for possible war crimes,” a reference to reports of Turkish-backed fighters executing Kurdish fighters on the battlefield.

The Kurdish forces previously allied with the U.S. said they had reached a deal with President Bashar Assad’s government to help them fend off Turkey’s invasion, a move that brings Russian forces deeper into the conflict.

In his sanctions announcement, Trump said he was halting negotiations on a $100 billion trade deal with Turkey and raising steel tariffs back up to 50%.

Trump also imposed sanctions on three senior Turkish officials and Turkey’s defense and energy ministries.

“I am fully prepared to swiftly destroy Turkey’s economy if Turkish leaders continue down this dangerous and destructive path,” Trump said.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions will hurt an already weak Turkish economy. Pence said the U.S. will continue to ramp up the sanctions “unless Turkey is willing to embrace a cease-fire, come to the negotiating table and end the violence.”

UK child abuser who preyed on Malaysians killed in prison

A British man serving 22 life sentences for abusing scores of Malaysian children has been killed in prison.

Richard Huckle was found dead Sunday at Full Sutton prison in the northern county of Yorkshire.

Police on Tuesday declined to comment on the status of their investigation into his death. The Prison Service confirmed Huckle had died.

He reportedly was stabbed to death using a makeshift knife.

Huckle, a freelance photographer, was convicted in 2016 for abusing children aged from 6 months to 12 years. He sold images of the abuse on the dark web. He groomed children while posing as a Christian English teacher and philanthropist.

In online posts, Huckle bragged that it was easier to target impoverished children in Malaysia

than youngsters from wealthy Western Huckle also created a 60-page backgrounds. “how to” guide for other pedophiles

Huckle was ordered to serve a seeking to evade getting caught and minimum of 25 years for 71 offenses kept a scorecard tallying the number against children from 2006 to 2014. of children abused.

The National Crime Agency “If you wanted to profile the arrested Huckle in 2014 following a worst kind of child sex offender, the tip from Australian authorities and worst kind of predator, then Richard found 20,000 indecent images on his Huckle was it,” said Jim Gamble, encrypted computer, 1,117 of which former Chief Executive of the Child showed him raping and abusing Exploitation and Online Protection children in his care.

Centre.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

WORLD NEWS

Texas officer charged with murdering black woman, resigns after shooting

A white Fort Worth police officer who shot and killed a black woman through a back window of her home while responding to a call about an open front door was charged with murder on Monday evening after resigning from the force.

Aaron Dean, 34, was jailed on $200,000 bond after the police chief said he acted without justification and would have been fired if he hadn’t quit.

Police bodycam video showed Dean approaching the door of the home where Atatiana Jefferson, 28, was caring for her 8-year-old nephew early Saturday.

He then walked around the side of the house, pushed through a gate into the fenced-off backyard and fired through the glass a split-second after shouting at Jefferson to show her hands.

Dean was not heard identifying himself as police on the video, and Interim Police Chief Ed Kraus said there was no sign Dean or the other officer who responded even knocked on the front door.

“Nobody looked at this video and said that there’s any doubt that this officer acted inappropriately,” Kraus said.

Earlier in the day, Jefferson’s family had demanded that Dean, a member of the force for 1½ years, be fired and arrested.

“Why this man is not in handcuffs is a source of continued agitation for this family and for this community,” family attorney Lee Merritt said, hours before

Dean was booked into jail.

Jefferson was a 2014 graduate of Xavier University in New Orleans and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.

She was working in pharmaceutical equipment sales and was considering going to medical school, according to the family’s lawyer.

Police went to Jefferson’s home about 2:25 a.m. after a neighbor called a non-emergency line to report a door ajar.

In a statement over the weekend, the department said officers saw someone near a window inside the home and that one of them drew his gun and fired after “perceiving a threat.”

The video showed Dean shouting, “Put your hands up! Show me your hands!” and immediately firing.

Jefferson was staying up late, playing video games with her nephew, when she was killed, according to the family’s attorney.

As for what, exactly, led Dean to open fire, the police chief said: “I cannot make sense of why she had to lose her life.” The chief said Dean resigned without talking to internal affairs investigators.

The video included images of a gun inside a bedroom. Kraus said he did not know whether Jefferson was holding the weapon. But he said the mere fact she had a gun shouldn’t be considered unusual in Texas.

“We’re homeowners in Texas,” the police chief said. “Most of us, if we thought we had somebody outside our

Newborn girl found alive in shallow grave in India

house that shouldn’t be and we had access to a firearm, we would be acting very similarly to how she was acting.”

Kraus said that, in hindsight, releasing the images of the weapon was “a bad thing to do.”

Mayor Betsy Price called the gun “irrelevant.”

“Atatiana was in her own home, caring for her 8-year-old nephew.

She was a victim,” Price said.

Texas has had a “castle doctrine” law on the books since 2007 that gives people a stronger legal defense to use deadly force in their homes. The law was backed at the time by the National Rifle Association and is similar to “stand your ground” measures across the U.S. This undated photo provided by the Tarrant County that say a person has no duty to retreat Jail shows Aaron Dean from an intruder.

Fort Worth is about 30 miles fired upon in 10 days.

(50 kilometers) west of Dallas, where Of the nine officer-involved another high-profile police shooting shootings so far this year in Fort Worth, occurred last year. five targeted African Americans and

In that case, white Dallas six resulted in death, according to officer Amber Guyger shot and killed department data. her black neighbor Botham Jean inside Nearly two-thirds of the his own apartment after Guyger said department’s 1,100 officers are white, she mistook his place for her own. just over 20% are Hispanic, and about Guyger, 31, was sentenced this month 10% are black. The city of nearly to 10 years in prison.

900,000 people is about 40% white,

Relations with the public have 35% Hispanic and 19% black. been strained after other recent Fort Calling the shooting “a pivotal Worth police shootings. In June, the moment in our city,” the mayor said she department released footage of officers was ordering a top-to-bottom review of killing a man who ignored repeated the police force and vowed to “rebuild orders to drop his handgun. He was the a sense of trust within the city and with fourth person Fort Worth police had our police department.”

Man who drove car into police at UK parliament jailed for life

The car that was driven at pedestrians and cyclists in Westminster then crashed into the barrier outside the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday is seen in an image handed out by the Metropolitan Police in London, August 15, 2018

The newborn is recovering in hospital

A newborn baby girl has been discovered buried alive in northern India, a local police chief has revealed.

Abhinandan Singh told reporters the baby was found by a villager who was burying his own daughter, who had died minutes after birth.

The baby girl, who had been placed inside an earthen pot about 3ft (90cm) below the ground, was rushed to hospital, where she is recovering.

Police have now launched an investigation into the incident.

“We are trying to find the parents of the baby and we suspect that this must have happened with their consent,” Mr Singh told reporters in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

According to the police chief, the villager found the girl by accident as he dug a grave in a burial ground for his own daughter.

“As they were digging a grave for her, at a depth of three feet, the spade hit an earthen pot, which was pulled out. There was a baby lying in it,” Mr Singh explained.

“The police took the baby to the city hospital where she is getting treatment.”

India’s gender ratio is one of the worst in the world. Women are often discriminated against socially and girls are seen as a financial burden, particularly among poor communities.

Campaigners say a traditional preference for sons has meant millions of female children lost to foeticide and infanticide over the years.

Although most unwanted female foetuses are aborted with help from illegal sex determination clinics, cases of baby girls being killed after birth are not uncommon either.

A man who drove his car at members of the public and police officers outside Britain’s parliament last year in what authorities treated as a terrorist attack was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.

Salih Khater, 30, accelerated a silver Ford Fiesta into 14 cyclists at a crossing, before veering across the road into a security lane and driving at two police officers.

The police officers jumped out of the way of the car, which was which was travelling at more than 30 mph (50 kph) before crashing into barriers outside parliament.

Khater had argued that the incident was an accident, but a judge at the Old Bailey found that the offense had a “terrorist connection” and gave him a life sentence with a minimum of 15 years.

“I am pleased at today’s sentence and that an extremely dangerous individual will be behind bars for a considerable time,” Richard Smith, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, said.

“This was a man who used his car as a weapon to attempt to kill

as many people as possible, spreading fear and terror. It was our view that this attack was carried out with a terrorist purpose and the sentence confirms this.”

Police said that Khater had acted alone, traveling to the capital from Birmingham, central England, in the early hours of the morning of the attack. After scoping out the area, he drove four times around the square outside parliament before veering onto the wrong side of the road.

Khater first hit a jogger before ploughing into the cyclists. Six received injuries, including a broken collar bone and bruising.

He then accelerated toward the policemen and was swiftly arrested by armed officers after he crashed.

The incident last August appeared to be the second terrorist attack at parliament in under 18 months.

In March 2017, Khalid Masood, 52, killed four people on nearby Westminster Bridge and stabbed an unarmed police officer to death in the grounds of parliament before being shot dead.

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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WORLD NEWS

7-story building collapses in Brazil; 1 dead, others trapped

A seven-story building collapsed Tuesday in an upscale part of the Brazilian city of Fortaleza, killing at least one person and leaving others trapped with some communicating with family members by cellphone from under debris, officials said.

Fire department commander Cleyton Bezerra said 10 people were missing, though it was unclear if they were under the rubble or just unreachable by relatives and friends. Ten survivors have been found along with an unidentified body.

“It is a difficult situation; there are parts (of the building) that can still collapse,” said Bezerra, who led the rescue operation.

Authorities in the city of 2.6 million inhabitants in Brazil’s northeast said two trapped people were communicating with relatives and rescuers by phone.

Rescuers urged people at the site to be silent to allow them to hear noises in the rubble.

“For now we are trying to hear sounds that indicate where people are. There are several layers of debris,” said fire department spokesman Romario Fernandes.

He said the rescue operation is expected to last days.

Witnesses said they saw people in the building shortly before it collapsed.

Daiane Moreira was working next to the building when it collapsed.

“I just heard a boom and the building came down at once. A man came out drenched in blood and with a broken arm; he was the only one we could help,” Moreira told journalists at the scene, as relatives and friends of building residents wept and waited for

Firefighters search for people who are trapped after a building collapsed in Fortaleza, Ceara state, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019 information.

Francineudo Rodrigues criticized the maintenance of the building where his father Francisco has worked as a doorman for eight years.

“I’ve seen cracks in columns; I’ve seen many problems that were not solved since I started coming here,” Rodrigues told journalists.

Rodrigues, who also does jobs at the building, said his father is alive at a local hospital.

“Nothing ever changed in this building. It is the same as what I saw when my father started working here,” he said.

Fortaleza Mayor Roberto Claudio said it was not immediately clear what caused the building to collapse. He promised a “rigorous investigation.”

Andre Montenegro, the head of construction industry chamber in the state of Ceara, believes Tuesday’s collapse happened “in a 30-year-old building that was clearly having problems with its maintenance,

with its foundations.”

Montenegro also said the crisis in Brazil’s economy is preventing many owners of old buildings from investing in their renovation.

“A lot of investments in maintenance are being postponed for a later date, and sometimes that later date comes too late,” he said.

The building is located in central Fortaleza about 2 miles (3 kilometers) south of the Iracema beach, one of the city’s top tourist spots.

Tuesday’s incident adds to a recent list of buildings collapsing in Brazil.

Another building partially gave way in Fortaleza in June. No one was injured, but the incident forced 16 families to move out.

In April a two four-story buildings collapsed in Rio de Janeiro, killing 24 people. The accident took place in a hillside area that was hard hit by rains and flash floods.

Ethiopia’s reformist PM Abiy Ahmed wins Nobel peace prize

The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a dynamic young African leader whose sweeping reforms and surprising embrace of a bitter rival have been praised as an inspiration to the continent and a hopeful counterpoint to strongman movements far beyond it.

Now the task for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is reining in the ethnic violence that followed the loosening of repressive controls, and resisting any urge to crack down. “He deserves it and the new challenge is keeping it,” one outspoken African activist, Nigerian Shehu Sani, said of the award.

Abiy, a favorite to win despite speculation about young climate activist Greta Thunberg, told the Nobel committee he was humbled and thrilled to receive its 100th peace prize, calling peace “a rare commodity in our region.” He hoped the award would encourage other African leaders.

His countrymen, even some critics, celebrated. ”’We are proud as a nation!!!” his office said.

The 43-year-old prime minister has embraced the concept of “medemer,” a term in Ethiopia’s Amharic language that means unity and inclusivity, and has lived it. The son of a Muslim and an

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the European Council headquarters in Brussels.

The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize was given to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday Oct. 11, 2019 Orthodox Christian, and of mixed ethnic heritage, he is a symbol of what he would like to achieve in a country of some 80 ethnicities and some 110 million people. That fractious mix could also bring him down.

“No doubt some people will think this year’s prize is being awarded too early,” the Nobel committee said. But “it is now that Abiy Ahmed’s efforts deserve recognition and need encouragement.”

Abiy seemed to come out of nowhere, taking office in early 2018 after widespread protests pressured Ethiopia’s longtime ruling coalition and hurt one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Within weeks, Africa’s youngest leader shocked the long-turbulent Horn of Africa region by fully accepting a peace deal ending a 20year border war with neighboring Eritrea that saw some 80,000 people killed.

Suddenly, one of the world’s longest-running conflicts was ending.

The visibly moved Eritrean president, Isaias Afwerki, soon visited Addis Ababa and diplomatic, communications and transport links were restored. For the first time in two decades, long-divided families made tearful reunions.

The Nobel committee cited that peacemaking in awarding Abiy the prize and acknowledged that “peace does not arise from the actions of one party alone.”

When Abiy “reached out his hand, President Afwerki grasped it.”

The Nobel committee acknowledged that “many challenges remain unresolved.” And human rights and humanitarian groups moved quickly to urge Abiy to “continue to be brave,” as the Norwegian Refugee Council said.

Serial killer’s victim portraits could help crack cold cases

Tonya Maslar holds an old photograph of her mother Roberta Tandarich taken before her death in 1991 in Ravenna, Ohio

Most of the women in Samuel Little’s handdrawn portraits seem to be frowning.

Their hair is short and curly or long and straight. They stare straight ahead or slightly off to the side. Some wear lipstick and jewelry.

Little, whom the FBI identified this month as the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history, produced startlingly detailed likenesses of dozens of women he says he strangled over the course of more than three decades. Now the FBI is publicizing his portraits — hoping that someone, somewhere, will recognize the face of a long-lost loved one in an image drawn by the killer himself.

“I’m not sure I have a better solution in terms of how to get the information out there and how to notify families,” said Claire Ponder Selib, interim executive director of the National Organization for Victim Assistance. “But I can only imagine seeing a drawing by the killer of your mother or your sister or your daughter who may have died 20, 30 years ago. ...

Honestly, I struggle with this.”

The FBI’s publication of the images was made possible by a unique set of circumstances: The killer was not only willing to confess his crimes but had a vivid memory of what his victims looked like and sufficient artistic ability to reproduce their faces. A Texas ranger who interviewed Little noticed he liked to draw and gave him art supplies behind bars.

The 79-year-old California inmate went on to produce more than 30 color portraits, which the FBI hopes will help law enforcement match Little’s confessions to victims who, in many cases, have yet to be identified.

“The tactic of having a serial killer draw composites of his own victims is unprecedented,” said Enzo Yaksic, a crime researcher who helped build the first national serial killer database. “This goes to show how serial killers retain minute details of their crimes and mull them over years later as these are the conquests that made them feel powerful and in control.”

Little, he added, could “inflict trauma on his victim’s relatives indirectly with the drawings and that is undoubtedly a small payoff for him.”

Little has confessed to 93 slayings across the nation between 1970 and 2005, targeting prostitutes, women addicted to drugs and others he thought wouldn’t be missed. Law enforcement agencies in several states have been able to confirm 50 slayings.

They are working to verify others, but have been stymied because, in many cases, there is no missing person report and no body.

An FBI crime analyst who has been working on the Little case for more than a year said investigators felt they had little choice but to publicly release the portraits.

Little’s portraits recently allowed police in Akron, Ohio, to provide answers to the family of Roberta Tandarich, whose decomposing body was found in a wooded area nearly 30 years ago.

Authorities had long ago ruled the cause of death as “unknown/undetermined,” but her family suspected she had been murdered.

The Akron Beacon-Journal reported Friday that a detective summoned Tandarich’s daughter, Tonya Maslar, to the police station and showed her a portrait of a woman drawn by Little. The image was labeled “Akron, left in woods, 1990-91.”

“That’s her!” Maslar said. The paper said she cried and hugged her husband.

Attorneys for Little have said he is in failing health, and investigators are conscious they could be running out of time. In some cases, investigators will want to interview Little about cases to get more details from him.

Even after his death, law enforcement will be able to use his DNA and detailed videotaped interviews to close cases, Palazzolo said.

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BUSINESS &

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TECHNOLOGY

Ride-hailing companies Uber, Lyft won’t testify before Congress

Uber Technologies Inc and Lyft Inc have declined to appear at a U.S. House of Representatives hearing on Wednesday on issues relating to the ride-hailing industry, the Washington Post reported, citing company and congressional sources.

The two ride-hailing companies had been asked to appear

as part of a House Transportation and inquiry even as Uber and Lyft directed Infrastructure Committee inquiry on lawmakers to third-party industry safety and labor practices as lawmakers associations. seek to prepare legislation that will Uber on Monday confirmed it impact the industry. had received DeFazio’s request, while

The head of the panel, U.S. Lyft did not respond to a request for Representative Peter DeFazio, urged comment. The companies could not be the companies’ chief executives in a immediately reached on Wednesday. letter this week to participate in the ` DeFazio, a Democrat, in

prepared remarked reviewed by the Post, criticized the companies on a range of issues from emissions and urban congestion, to how they handle reported sexual assaults and dangerous drivers, according to the report.

“They are going to have to clean up their acts,” he said.

Chinese snooping tech spreads to nations vulnerable to abuse

When hundreds of video cameras with the power to identify and track individuals started appearing in the streets of Belgrade as part of a major surveillance project, some protesters began having second thoughts about joining anti-government demonstrations in the Serbian capital.

Local authorities assert the system, created by Chinese telecommunications company Huawei, helps reduce crime in the city of 2 million. Critics contend it erodes personal freedoms, makes political opponents vulnerable to retribution and even exposes the country’s citizens to snooping by the Chinese government.

High-tech video cameras hang from an office building in downtown Belgrade, Serbia

The cameras, equipped with facial recognition technology, are government media, which publish the due to accusations that Chinese laws being rolled out across hundreds of images, along with the identities of requiring companies to assist in national cities around the world, particularly participants. Vucic himself has boasted intelligence work give authorities access in poorer countries with weak track the police have the capability to to its data.

As a result, some countries are records on human rights where Beijing count “each head” at anti-government has increased its influence through big gatherings. During a recent rally, reconsidering using Huawei technology, business deals. With the United States protesters climbed up a pole and covered particularly the superfast 5G networks claiming that Chinese state authorities a camera lens with duct tape scrawled that are being rolled out later this year.

Still, Huawei, which denies can get backdoor access to Huawei data, with the word “censored.”

Serbian police deny any such accusations of any Chinese government the aggressive rollout is raising concerns about the privacy of millions of people abuse of the Huawei system, which will control, has had no trouble finding in countries with little power to stand up eventually encompass 1,000 cameras customers eager to install its so-called in 800 locations throughout Belgrade. Safe Cities technology, particularly to China.

“The system can be used to Huawei said in a statement that it among countries that China has brought trail political opponents, monitor “complies with all applicable laws and closer into its diplomatic and economic regime critics at any moment, which is regulations” in Serbia and anywhere else orbit.

Besides Serbia, that list includes completely against the law,” said Serbia’s it does business. former commissioner for personal data While facial recognition technology Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, is being adopted in many countries, Angola, Laos, Kazakhstan, Kenya protection, Rodoljub Sabic.

Groups opposed to Serbian spurring debate over the balance and Uganda, as well as a few liberal President Aleksandar Vucic say police between privacy and safety, the Huawei democracies like Germany, France and are leaking video of protests to pro- system has gained extra attention Italy. The system is used in some 230

cities, exposing tens of millions of people to its screening.

In a promotional brochure, Huawei says its video surveillance technology can scan over long distances to detect “abnormal behavior” such as loitering, track the movement of cars and people, calculate crowd size and send alerts to a command center if it detects something suspicious. Local authorities can then act upon the information they receive.

In one case advertised on its website, the company says a suspect in a hit-and-run accident in Belgrade was later discovered in China with the help of face recognition data shared by the Serbian police with their Chinese counterparts.

In view of the cybersecurity accusations leveled by the U.S. and international rights groups against Huawei, the relationship between China and countries that use the company’s technology is coming under renewed scrutiny.

China’s influence in Serbia, a European Union candidate that Beijing views as a gateway to the continent, has significantly expanded in recent years through Beijing’s global Belt and Road investment programs. The populist Serbian regime has been keen to develop closer ties and the country’s fragile democracy allows China’s economic interests to grow relatively unchecked, without raising too many questions about human rights, environmental standards or transparency.

US authorities seek access to Facebook encrypted messaging

U.S. Attorney General William Barr and other U.S., U.K. and Australian officials are pressing Facebook to give authorities a way to read encrypted messages sent by ordinary users, reigniting tensions between tech companies and law enforcement.

Facebook’s WhatsApp already uses so-called end-to-end encryption, which locks up messages so that even Facebook can’t read their contents.

Facebook plans to extend that protection to Messenger and Instagram Direct.

But the officials will ask Facebook to hold off in an open letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg . A copy of the letter, dated Friday, was obtained

by The Associated Press.

“Companies should not deliberately design their systems to preclude any form of access to content, even for preventing or investigating the most serious crimes,” the officials wrote.

The letter repeatedly emphasizes the dangers of child sexual exploitation to justify their stance.

Law enforcement has long sought a way to read encrypted messages that’s analogous to wiretaps for phone calls. Security experts, however, say giving police such access makes messaging insecure for everyone. Redesigning

encryption to create “backdoors” for police also creates vulnerabilities that criminals or foreign spies can exploit, they say.

“Every couple of years, the FBI rears its ugly head and tells us they need to have access to end-to-end encrypted messaging,” said Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital-rights advocacy group. “You cannot make a backdoor that only good guys can go through.”

Facebook said Thursday that people have the right to have private conversations online and that companies are already able to respond to government agencies when they receive valid legal requests. “We strongly oppose government attempts to build backdoors because they would undermine the privacy and security of people everywhere,” Facebook spokesman Joe Osborne said in a statement.

The letter marks yet another salvo in the Justice Department’s continuing effort to persuade technology companies to weaken or bypass encryption upon requests from law enforcement.

Former FBI Director James Comey championed the need for law enforcement to find a workaround for

encrypted devices and communications.

He led a highly publicized push to gain access to an iPhone belonging to one perpetrator of a terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California, that killed 14 people in 2015.

Apple resisted such efforts and went to court to block an FBI demand for Apple to disable security measures that complicated efforts to guess the phone’s passcode. While the FBI cast its request as a limited emergency measure, CEO Tim Cook argued that the technique could easily be used again, making iPhone users more vulnerable to spies and thieves. The FBI relented after it found another way of getting into the San Bernardino phone.

Barr will make the request to Facebook in a letter with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan, U.K. Home Secretary Priti Patel and Australia Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.

BuzzFeed News reported on the letter earlier.

The Justice Department calls the growing use of end-to-end encrypted communications the “going dark” problem, referencing the way encryption shields information that law enforcement could previously access easily.

U.S. Attorney General William Barr addresses the International Conference on Cyber Security at Fordham University in New York.

Barr gave lengthy comments on what he described as a dangerous increase in device encryption at a cybersecurity conference this summer in New York.

During his comments, Barr specifically detailed the use of WhatsApp group chat by a drug cartel to coordinate the murders of Mexico-based police officials.

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY WORLD NEWS Small businesses increasingly a target for cybercriminals

The inside of a computer in Jersey City, N.J.

While small and mid-sized businesses are increasingly targets for cybercriminals, companies are struggling to devote enough resources to protect their technology from attack.

That’s one of the findings of an annual survey of companies released by the Poneman Institute, which researches data protection, and Keeper Security, a manufacturer of password protection software.

The survey found that 76% of the 592 U.S. companies surveyed had experienced a cyberattack in the previous 12 months. That was up from 70% in a survey in 2018, and 63% in a 2017 survey.

The most common attacks were phishing and social engineering scams, cited by 57% of companies.

These are invasions that target unsuspecting computer, smartphone and tablet users with realistic-looking emails; if a user clicks on a link or attachment in the email, malicious software is downloaded onto the device.

Forty-four percent of companies reported an attack that came via a website.

While businesses of all sizes are victims of cyberattacks, the smaller the companies, the more vulnerable they can be. They don’t have large information technology staffs and many don’t have expensive, sophisticated software designed to monitor their systems and defend against attacks.

Lack of personnel and not enough money were the top two challenges keeping companies from having a fully effective information technology program.

Seventy-seven percent of companies said they didn’t have enough staffers, up from 72% a year ago. And 55% said money was a problem, down from 58% a year ago, but still a reflection that a considerable number of companies struggle to meet their cybersecurity needs.

Companies are most concerned about protecting their customer records; 62% cited it as a priority. That was followed by intellectual property, cited by 48%, customer credit and debit card information, cited by 43% and financial information, cited by 30%.

Small and mid-sized company owners have embraced mobile devices as a way to run their businesses.

But they recognize that the convenience and efficiency these devices off come at a price; half said the devices have diminished the cybersecurity of their companies.

The survey was conducted during August and September.

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Build scaffolds, roof supports, chutes, and framework.

Install subflooring and other fixtures.

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Any other duties pertaining to carpentry work Salary: $12.00 per hour Submit resume to: G. G. Construction Co Ralph Close #4 Blue Hills, Providenciales Labour Commissioner, Employment Services Samuel Been Building Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands This position is new

Houston Rockets Nike merchandise disappears from China stores

Houston Rockets sneakers and other merchandise were pulled from several Nike (NKE.N) stores in major Chinese cities amid the furor surrounding a tweet from the team’s general manager in support of antigovernment protests in Hong Kong.

Managers at five Nike stores in Beijing and Shanghai told Reuters during visits on Thursday they had been told in recent days via a memo from management that all Rockets merchandise had to be removed.

Reuters was unable to view the memo.

Although Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has since apologized for his tweet last week, National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver further angered authorities when he said the league backed Morey’s right to exercise his freedom of expression.

Despite the controversy, the NBA was pressing ahead with an exhibition game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets in Shanghai on Thursday night.

Promotional events earlier in the week had been canceled.

The stakes are high for NBA, whose league business in China is said to be worth more than $4 billion. The world’s most populous nation is Nike’s top source of revenue growth as other regions slow.

Three Nike stores in Shenzhen also kept Rockets merchandise off the shelves, as well as NBA products in general, staff told Reuters by phone. Three Nike stores in Chengdu, a bustling inland city in southwest China, also removed Rockets products.

Nike and its China office

did not respond to multiple Reuters sneakers. requests for comment.

Alibaba, which declined to

A specialist NBA store at comment, told domestic media that Super Brand Mall, a major shopping Morey’s comments had seriously center in the Shanghai financial hurt the feelings of the Chinese district of Lujiazui, has also removed people, and that there was no room all Rockets-related merchandise. for negotiation.

“Other stuff, there hasn’t JD.com, which also did not been any impact, and no one has comment, told local media that the said we need to withdraw it,” said firm deeply resented and strongly a store manager, laughing. “If they condemned Morey’s remarks. say that all NBA stuff has to be Two of the largest online withdrawn then our store will go resale marketplaces for sneakers bankrupt.” in China have also removed all

At two basketball-themed branded shoes connected to the NBA Playzone family entertainment NBA, according to four sneaker centers in Shanghai and Beijing traders. opened by NBA China, staff Poizon and DoNew, two confirmed that Rockets products mobile shopping apps popular had been removed. among fans of designer sneakers,

“Rockets products were hot have taken NBA shoes off their before and when you stepped into platforms, traders said. the store, it was full of red. Now, it is A Reuters search on Poizon mostly yellow and blue,” the colors and DoNew’s apps with the keyword of the Golden State Warriors, said a “NBA” returned no results. manager at the Shanghai Playzone, Poizon did not respond to who like the NBA store employee an emailed request for comment declined to be identified because of and phone calls to DoNew’s office the sensitivity of the issue. in Shanghai went unanswered.

NBA China did not “As long as the bosses of immediately respond to a Reuters Nike and Adidas don’t come out request for comment about the and say something stupid and entertainment centers. get banned by China’s central

Major Chinese e-commerce government, I think sneaker platforms Alibaba (BABA.N) and resales in China will remain pretty JD.com (JD.O) have taken Houston profitable,” said Zhu Junwen, a Rockets merchandise off their sales reseller in Guangzhou. platforms, including mobile apps.

Adidas (ADSGn.DE) is

Searches for sneakers in the middle of a reported $200 with the NBA logo on Alibaba and million, 13-year endorsement JD.com also yielded no results. contract with Houston Rockets star Those include collaboration guard James Harden, who is the sneakers marketed with brands such centrepiece of the apparel maker’s as Nike and Carlyle-backed (CG.O) basketball shoe lineup.

Supreme.

“But if (Nike and Adidas get

A handful of individual banned), that would be the end of online merchants still sell the it,” Zhu said.

Goodbye, iTunes: Once-revolutionary app gone in Mac update

It’s time to bid farewell to iTunes, the once-revolutionary program that made online music sales mainstream and effectively blunted the impact of piracy.

That assumes, of course, that you still use iTunes — and many people no longer do. On iPhones, the functions have long been split into separate apps for music, video and books. Mac computers follow suit Monday with a software update called Catalina.

Music-subscription services like Spotify and Apple Music have largely supplanted both the iTunes software and sales of individual songs, which iTunes first made available for 99 cents apiece. Apple is now giving iTunes its latest push toward the grave. For anyone who has subscribed to Apple Music, the music store will now be hidden on the Mac.

Sidelining the all-in-one iTunes in favor of separate apps for music, video and other services will let Apple build features for specific types of media and better promote its TV-streaming and music services to help offset slowing sales of iPhones.

In the early days, iTunes was simply a way to get music onto Apple’s marquee product, the iPod music player. Users connected the iPod to a computer, and songs automatically synced — simplicity unheard of at the time.

“I would just kind of mock my friends who were into anything

The iTunes application is displayed on a computer on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, in New York other than iPods,” said Jacob Titus, songs he can’t find streaming. “At a 26-year-old graphic designer in the time it seemed great,” he said.

“But it kind of stayed that same South Bend, Indiana.

Apple launched its iTunes speed forever.”

The way people listen to Music Store in 2003, two years after the iPod’s debut. With simple music has changed, too. The U.S. pricing at launch — 99 cents a single, recording industry now gets 80% $9.99 for most albums — many of revenue from paid subscriptions consumers were content to buy and other streaming. In the first half music legally rather than seek out of 2019, paid subscriptions to Apple sketchy sites for pirated downloads. Music and competing services rose

But over time, iTunes 30% from a year earlier to 61 million, software expanded to include or $2.8 billion, while revenue from podcasts, e-books, audiobooks, digital downloads fell nearly 18% to movies and TV shows. In the iPhone $462 million.

“The move away from era, iTunes also made backups and synced voice memos. As the iTunes really does perfectly mirror software got bloated to support the general industry move away additional functions, iTunes lost the from sales” and toward subscriptions, ease and simplicity that gave it its said Randy Nelson, head of insights at Sensor Tower. charm.

Rachel Shpringer, a 35-year And with online cloud storage and wireless syncing, it no old patent agent in Los Angeles, longer became necessary to connect spent years curating playlists on iPhones to a computer — and iTunes. But over time, she realized that was cutting her off from new iTunes — with a cable.

Titus said he uses iTunes music. She now gets music through a SiriusXM subscription. only to hear obscure Kanye West

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Jesus Rigby

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

Charisse Gibbons

Location: 45 Reese Street, Five Cays, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Babysitter Duties: To care for a child, clean after the child (clothing, bottles etc) Must be able to work 6 days a week Salary is $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 333-2621 This position is new Interested Applicants who Turks and Caicos Islanders should submit Copies of their application to the Labour Board #603664

Location: House #16, Belg1ade, Parker Gardens, Wheeland, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Duties: To take care of kids and maintain the home Must be able to read and write English, honest and trustworthy Basic pay $6.25 per hour Contact Charisse Gibbons on 247-9797 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Applicants who Turks and Caicos Islanders should submit Copies of their application to the Labour Board

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

VACANT POSITIONS Position: Registered Nurse Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales TCI Job Summary: Post holder will be responsible for providing professional nursing care to patients by working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Assumes primary responsibility for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care in accordance with established standards and hospital policies.

Responsibilities: Administer medications, checking dosages and patient histories for possible interaction. Assess, plan, implement, evaluate and document nursing care of patients in accordance with organizational policies and in accordance with standards of professional nursing practice. Takes temperature, pulse, blood pressure and other vital signs to detect deviations from normal and assess condition.

Provide direction, advice and emotional aid to patient’s families and educate patients and public on various medical conditions Requirements and Experiences: •Graduate of an approved School of Nursing, holding a certificate in nursing, with current registration from country of training/ origin •Evidence of ongoing relevent post graduate education and training •Current BLS certification Desired •Holder of Nursing Degree •Current ACLS certification Minimum two years recent clinical nursing experience

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Incidents and SUIs. •Maintain the Contract Dashboard monthly and submitting to the Contract manager for review and approval.

•Advising the Contract Manager and CEO in the event that a Deemed Change is triggered.

•Supporting the InfraCo and ClinCo with the production of tenders, in particular for InfraCo relating to Schedule 23, Value Testing.

Providing support to the process and ensuring compliance with the RFP by all bidders.

•Ensuring the Equipment Lifecycle is updated annually and submitted for approval to the TCIG. Requirements and Experiences: •Legal qualification at under graduate or certificated level •At least one (1) year administative experience in an legal or contracual environment.

•Excellent Microsoft Office product skills •An understanding of contract terms and conditions •Office organization experience in a professional environment •Ability to absorb complex information and understand multilayered issues •Able to demonstrate ability to research and identify important information •A high work rate with multi-tasking ability •Good numeracy skills Desired: •A Levels Standard (essential) or •Degree in relevant Business Administration and or Management field Desirable Previous substantive consultant post or equivalent Salary: $36,000.00 (One year fixed term, subject to NIB/NHIP deductions)

Salary: $25,000.00 to $30,000.00 per annum

Position: Belonger applicants with suitable experience preferred

Position currently held 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: Wednesday 30th October 2019

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: Wednesday 30th October 2019 VACANT POSITIONS Position: Contract Assistant (InterHealth Canada Corporate) Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales TCI Job Summary: The position holder will be responsible for providing ultimate support to InterHealthCanada Corporate Contract Management Unit (CMU) as it relates to matters relating to the Project Agreement between TCIG and InterHealthCanada. The position holder must be able to maintain strict confidentiality; be proficient in maintaing schedules and periodic activities, support the Contract Manager while helping to support members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) with information and researching issues ready to produce a response for review by the Contract Manager.

Responsibilities: •To prepare and submit the Patient Level Data file to the CMU as per the Process Map. •Taking notes at meetings and preparing actions and agreements for approval by the Contracts Manager.

•Maintain the Contract Management Unit Intranet portal, ensuring all copies of contract correspondence, monthly reporting, and meeting notes are correctly filed for future reference. Similarly maintaining hard copy folders of the same information for ease of reference.

•Responsible for ensuring that KPI performance is monitored and supporting the Chief of Medicine with investigations into KPI breaches.

•Assistance with the production of Change Enquiries and ensuring that information is appropriately researched and referenced in documents.

•Produce drafts of the Supplementary Agreements following Change Enquiry approval in conjunction with the AG Chambers and the relevant clinical head responsible for the Change Enquiry.

•Reconcile the Change Enquiries Tracker Report with counter parts in the TCIG Contracts Management Unit and ensure appropriate numbering of Change Enquiries. Communicating this to member of the SMT during the production of Change Enquiries.

•Production of the Form of Chattel Mortgage for all items of equipment purchased under the Clinical Equipment Lifecycle.

•Supporting the clinical teams with notifications of Adverse Patient

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

Responsibilities: Assessing patients and their clinical requirements to determine appropriate radiographic techniques. Perform a range of radiographic examinations on patients to produce high-quality images, observe and maintain contact with patients during their waiting, examination and post-examination stay in the department. Assist in more complex radiological examinations working with radiologists and doctors and surgeons. Provide support and reassurance to patients, taking into account their physical and psychological needs. Ensuring that equipment is regularly checked for malfunctions and any faults are reported.

Requirements and Experiences: Recognized degree/diploma in a radiography training programme. Holder of professional active practicing certificate of registration from country of training/origin.

Current registration through TCI Health Practitioners Ordinance.

Specialist training in Ct and/or MRI. Up to date BLS certification.

Desired Preferred post-graduate study in specialist modality.Completion of an IV cannulation course.Two years’ post-certification experience in both fields. Experience of ongoing professional development and self-directed learning. Previous experience working with a PACS/RIS environment Salary: $34,000.00 to $37,000.00 per annum Position currently held 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: Wednesday 30th October 2019

Page 44

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

SPORTS

Simone Biles sets all-time medal record at gymnastics worlds

Everyone counts Simone Biles’ medals except Simone Biles.

Winning her 24th and 25th world championship medals in beam and floor Sunday put the United States gymnast top of the all-time medal charts for the championships.

Biles won five gold medals this week. If she can repeat that at next year’s Olympics it would be a feat no female gymnast has managed at a single Games.

But for Biles, it’s not about the statistics.

“I can’t be more thrilled with the performance that I put out at this world championships,” she said. The medal record? “I’m not a number person.”

Aged 22, she’s a hero to younger gymnasts who grew up watching her routines.

“I’m second in the world after Simone Biles, and she’s obviously so amazing. And to be second is super crazy,” the 16-year-old U.S. gymnast Sunisa Lee said after taking silver behind Biles in Sunday’s floor exercise. “I don’t know how she’s been doing this for so long.”

Biles’ 24th medal came on the beam, breaking a tie for 23 with Belarusian gymnast Vitaly Scherbo.

Biles scored 15.066 after a nearflawless routine, opting for a simpler dismount than the double-double she performed earlier in the championships.

That dismount is a sore point for Biles, who introduced the double-double to competition this season and had the skill officially named after her at the worlds — there are four Biles skills now.

She feels the International Gymnastics Federation didn’t reward it with a high enough difficulty rating.

Simone Biles of the United States, center and gold medal, Sunisa Lee of the United States, left and silver medal, and Angelina Melnikova of Russia, right and bronze medal, celebrate during the award ceremony for the floor exercise in the women’s apparatus finals at the Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019

“It’s not worth the one-tenth (extra difficulty point). I’m sorry, it’s just not,” she said.

When her score was announced, guaranteeing the medal record, Biles leaped up from her seat with a broad smile and punched the air.

“I was really excited. I thought it was going to be at least a 14.8, 14.9, but to see 15, I was like, ‘Well, that’s pretty crazy,’ so I was very proud,” she said.

China took silver and bronze with Liu Tingting on 14.433 and Li Shijia on 14.3, respectively.

Biles won the floor exercise by a full point, scoring 15.133 despite a step out of bounds on one pass, and blew kisses to the audience after finishing her

LeBron says Rockets GM ‘wasn’t educated’ when he sent Hong Kong tweet

LeBron James weighed in on the controversy between China and the NBA on Monday, saying that Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey “wasn’t educated” when he sent a tweet in support of protesters in Hong Kong this month.

Morey’s tweet of support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong on Oct. 4 set off a firestorm, prompting Chinese sponsors and partners to cut ties with the league and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to answer difficult questions about free speech.

“We all talk about this freedom of speech. Yes, we all do have freedom of speech. But at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others,” James told reporters before the Lakers’ preseason game against Golden State in California.

“I don’t want to get into a word or sentence feud with Daryl,” he added.

“But I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke.”

Not long after the media session, James took to Twitter to clarify his statements.

“Let me clear up the confusion. I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet,” James tweeted. “I’m not discussing the substance. Others can talk About that.”

James’ tweets and statement have set off their own firestorm, with basketball fans in the U.S. and China sounding off.

On Twitter, many users responded to his statement with anger.

“Weak,” said one user. Others simply posted emoji of bags of money.

LeBron James

On the other side of China’s Great Firewall, netizens weighed in to support James, whose statements were trending on Weibo, China’s equivalent to Twitter, and Douyin, a popular short video platform owned by Bytedance Ltd.

“My James is being attacked

by Americans, Americans believe Morey should be supported, and James’ words are basically opposing Morey,” said one user on Weibo. “Sigh, I love you James, hope you can continue to be healthy and play ball!”

The Lakers played two exhibition games in China against the Brooklyn Nets last week, but the NBA canceled media availability for the teams during the trip.

A Rockets staff member also shut down a CNN reporter in Tokyo last week while trying to ask players a question about the controversy.

The league later apologized to the reporter in a statement.

routine. Her U.S. teammate Lee won silver, her third medal of the championships, while Angelina Melnikova took bronze for Russia.

Biles’ winning routine came after a long wait when Brazilian gymnast Flavia Saraiva requested an inquiry into her score, during which time Biles sat on the edge of the floor.

Her earlier gold medals came in the team event Tuesday, the individual all-around Thursday and the vault Saturday.

A fifth place on uneven bars Saturday ended Biles’ chances of winning a medal in all six events, which she did last year in her comeback world championships after a sabbatical in 2017.

The uneven bars are historically Biles’ weakest event, though she still won a world silver in 2018, and twotime world champion Nina Derwael of Belgium is the strongest contender to stop a gold-medal sweep by Biles and the U.S. women’s team at the Olympics.

Biles hasn’t confirmed whether she’ll continue to compete after next year’s Olympics, so this week may have been her last at the world championships.

Blowing kisses to the crowd wasn’t meant as a goodbye to the competition, she said.

“It’s just a good floor routine, farewell to just the end of this world championship chapter here in Stuttgart,” she said.

Of her 25 career world medals, 19 are gold, against 12 of 23 for Scherbo.

Earlier, Russia’s Nikita Nagornyy won the men’s vault for his third gold medal of the championships. He’s the first European man to win the vault since 2010.

Nagornyy scored an average 14.966 from his two vaults, beating his friend and Russian teammate Artur Dalaloyan into second place. The bronze went to Ukraine’s Igor Radivilov.

The 38-year-old Romanian Marian Dragulescu, a four-time world champion, secured qualification for his fifth Olympics by placing fourth.

Britain won its second gold of the championships as Joe Fraser scored 15 points to win on parallel bars.

Ahmet Önder was second for Turkey, with Japan’s Kazuma Kaya third. Max Whitlock won Britain’s first gold medal Saturday on pommel horse.

‘It’s crazy’: American Gauff wins first WTA title at age 15

American teenage sensation Coco Gauff became the youngest player to win a WTA title in 15 years as she beat former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the Linz Open final on Sunday.

The 15-year-old Gauff, who started the season ranked well outside the world’s top 600, beat Latvia’s Ostapenko 6-3 1-6 6-2 in a topsy-turvy contest.

She becomes the youngest WTA singles title holder since Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic claimed her maiden crown in Tashkent at the age of 15 in 2004.

Gauff raced to a 5-0 lead in the final set before Ostapenko rediscovered her rhythm to save two match points and hold on for 5-1.

Ostapenko went on to break Gauff at love to make it 5-2 but the American held her nerve to seal victory on her third match point.

It concludes a remarkable week for Gauff, who went from failing to win her qualifier to entering the main draw as a lucky loser.

Gauff made her opportunity count by beating Stefanie Vogele, Kateryna Kozlova, top seed Kiki Bertens and Andrea Petkovic to reach the final.

“I’m still overwhelmed and shocked,” Gauff told reporters. “I guess it’s crazy to say it’s my first WTA title.

“This was definitely not on the calendar at the beginning of the year, because I didn’t think I’d have a chance to get in, and now I’m the champion, so it’s crazy.

Cori Gauff of the U.S. in action during her fourth round match against Romania’s Simona Halep

“My dad told me when I got in, before the first main-draw match ‘You can’t lose twice in the same tournament!’ I’m sure he never thought it would come this far, to being the champion, but I guess he was right.”

Gauff, whose popularity soared at Wimbledon when she beat Venus Williams on her way to the fourth round, is projected to move inside the top 75 in the WTA rankings on Monday.

OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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WORLD SPORTS

Packers RB Jones says NFL fined him $10K

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones has been fined $10,527 for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he incurred in last Sunday’s game, the player revealed to ESPN. Jones was fined by the league for taunting/unsportsmanlike conduct after he waved goodbye to cornerback Byron Jones during his touchdown run in Green Bay’s win over the Dallas Cowboys.

The third-year pro had 182 yards of offense (107 rushing, 75 receiving) in the game, a 34-24 Packers victory.

Jones, a former fifthround draft pick, has 302 rushing yards and eight touchdowns for Green Bay (4-1) this season.

After the game, Jones said he didn’t remember waving goodbye to the Cowboys player, saying that he was “just in the

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) gestures after scoring his fourth touchdown in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium zone” during the game. Jones tied a Packers franchise singlegame record with four rushing touchdowns.

Jones said that he will appeal the fine in the hopes of getting it reduced because he is a first-time offender.

Federer confirms Tokyo Olympics participation

Roger Federer confirmed his participation in next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo and said on Monday that he had listened to his heart before making the decision.

The Swiss 38-year-old competed in the first of four Olympic Games at Sydney in 2000 and won the doubles gold partnering Stan Wawrinka in 2008 and a silver in singles in 2012. He missed the 2016 Olympics due to a knee injury.

“At the end of the day my heart decided I would love to play the Olympic Games again,” Federer told reporters during a promotional event for his sponsor Uniqlo in Tokyo.

Federer will attempt to win a singles gold medal at the July 24-Aug 9 Games, the only major prize that the 20-time Grand Slam winner has yet to win.

“I’ve been debating with my team for a few weeks now, months actually, what I should do in the summer after Wimbledon and before the U.S. Open (in 2020),” Federer, who will turn 39

New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown (17) warms up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium

Brown wants to resolve issues, return to NFL

Roger Federer of Switzerland rests during his match against Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas during the Games, added.

“I carried the flag twice for Switzerland in Athens and Beijing, I’ve got a gold and a silver, and I would love to play again so I’m very excited.”

Federer will require an exemption to compete in Tokyo as he is yet to play in the Davis Cup for Switzerland in the current Olympic cycle that began after the Rio Olympics in 2016.

To fulfill the ITF participation requirements, a player must be part of a Davis Cup

or Fed Cup team and present at the tie on at least three occasions in the Olympic Cycle, provided one of those ties is in 2019 or 2020.

Federer will have little reason to worry, however, as one of the special conditions that could gain him entry is his historical participation in the Games and the Davis Cup, as stated in the ITF’s regulations here

Switzerland’s national tennis federation confirmed here it would appeal to the ITF for Federer’s inclusion.

Antonio Brown reportedly wants to resolve his off-field issues and return to the NFL soon.

The troubled former Steelers-RaidersPatriots wideout hopes to have his playing status cleared up “in the next few weeks,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Saturday.

Brown, 31, is being investigated by the NFL under its personal conduct policy after a former trainer filed a lawsuit alleging that she was sexually assaulted on multiple occasions.

Last month, Brown tweeted that he “will not be playing in the NFL anymore.” Last week, he filed eight grievances against the Raiders and Patriots seeking a reported $39.8 million in lost salary, bonuses and guaranteed money.

Despite his “retirement” announcement, sources told Fowler that Brown has been training and staying in shape and would welcome a return to New England if he is cleared to play.

The seven-time Pro Bowl selection appeared in just one game this season, catching four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ 43-0 win against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.

England thrash Bulgaria after game halted over racist abuse

England bounced back from their first tournament qualifying defeat for 10 years with a 6-0 thrashing of toothless Bulgaria on Monday in a Euro 2020 Group A clash marred by racist incidents in the first half that stopped the game.

The match at the Vasil Levski stadium was temporarily halted by the referee in the first half under a three-step UEFA protocol to tackle racist abuse from the crowd.

Racist chanting was heard from the stands and reported by England players to manager Gareth Southgate, with the referee informed and a public announcement made on two occasions.

“The officials were onto everything very quickly,” said Southgate.

“We reported everything very quickly when we heard things.

“I explained to the players that if anything else did happen in the second half we would be coming off.

We all saw the second half was calmer and that allowed our players to do their talking with the football.”

Most of the Bulgaria players and coach Krasimir Balakov said they had not heard any abuse of the England team.

“It’s a very delicate subject,” Balakov told reporters. “I do not think there is a single person in Bulgaria who would say that racism is something pleasant.

“But at the same time, it is very strange how this topic is interpreted in football. I have heard absolutely nothing (during the game).”

On the pitch, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling both netted twice after Marcus Rashford got the opener and captain Harry Kane finished off the rout, Bulgaria’s heaviest home defeat, as the visitors recovered from a 2-1 loss to the Czech Republic on Friday.

England, who moved closer to a place at Euro 2020, are top of the group with 15 points from six games, three ahead of the Czechs and four in front of Kosovo who beat Montenegro 2-0.

England debutant Tyrone Mings was an early victim of racist abuse, turning towards the fans when chants were aimed in his direction. Croatian referee Ivan Bebek stopped the game in the 28th minute after Raheem Sterling was a target for abuse.

A public announcement condemned the racist abuse before stating

England’s Harry Kane celebrates scoring their sixth goal with teammates. that the match would be abandoned if it continued.

The game was stopped again in the 43rd minute but resumed after the referee consulted England manager Gareth Southgate.

A group of black-clad Bulgarian fans, some of whom were making rightwing salutes, were moved from an area behind the dugout with home team captain Ivelin Popov trying to appeal to

the supporters in a heated discussion at halftime.

Popov did not even go to the dressing room, attempting to explain to fans that their behavior was unacceptable.

European soccer governing body UEFA had ordered the Bulgarian Football Union to partially close the Vasil Levski national stadium for England’s visit after supporters were found guilty of racist behavior in matches earlier this year.

Page 48

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OCTOBER 18TH, 2019 – OCTOBER 25TH, 2019

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