VOLUME 16 ISSUE 01

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

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VOLUME 16 - NO. 01

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TCI ECONOMIC BOOM TO CONTINUE

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

T

he Turks a n d C a i c o s Islands’ economy remains “relatively s t a b l e ” and future projections are for continuous positive g r o w t h as both private and public Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson s e c t o r capital projects that are currently in the pipeline begin to materialize.

That assessment and forecast came from Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. Sharlene Robinson, as she delivered the Fiscal and Strategic Policy Statement (FSPS) for 20202024 in the House of Assembly in Grand Turk.

In laying the FSPS which sets out the Government’s areas for priority funding for its upcoming Budget, the Premier announced that there is no need now for UK Approval.

“The TCI Statistics Department’s preliminary projections revealed continued positive economic growth over the period 2019 to 2021.

Real GDP is forecasted to grow by 3.8 percent in 2019 and to dip slightly by 0.6 percentage points in 2020 and is forecasted to remain positive in 2021. This overall positive growth is attributed to contributions from the hotel and restaurant, construction and real estate sectors,” the Premier stated.

“The construction, hotel and restaurant and real estate sectors are all projected to increase by more than 3 percent in 2019 and 2020 and is forecasted to experience positive growth in future years. The agricultural and fishing sector is projected to improve slightly by 2 percent in 2019, whilst the transportation, storage and communication sector is forecasted to realize the same degree of growth in both 2019 and 2020.”

Continued on page 2

TCI ranks among 50 best places in the world to travel

Turks and Caicos Islands has been listed by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the top 50 best places in the world to travel.

“To say that Turks and Caicos is having a moment would be an understatement,” the world-renowned magazine and website stated.

“The country — home to more than 40 picturesque islands and cays — is less than a four hour flight from New York City and under two hours from Miami, and with new flights from Southwest and JetBlue, it’s easier than ever to get to one of its jaw-dropping resorts. For private island indulgence, consider the

December opening of Ambergris Cay, In compiling the annual list, for where a charter plane will transport definitive answers on the best vacation you from the international airport to spots of the moment, Travel + Leisure untouched, white-sand beaches away hit the books, scouring tourism statistics, from the crowds. For a family vacation, scoping out major events, charting new Turks and Caicos’ first all-suite resort, flight routes, and logging hotel debuts.

Grace Bay Club, has bounced back In this photograph, more than from Hurricane Irma, and is home to a dozen luxury jets can be seen at Provo hot-ticket, oceanfront restaurants and Air Center, which is owned by local exclusive kids’ and teen excursions like businessman Lyndon Gardiner, who a treasure hunt and mermaid encounter. also operates interCaribbean Airways.

And at the recently redesigned Seven Over the holidays there were several Stars Resort and Spa, you can relax with more jets at the FBO. a beachside massage as the sounds of the ocean lull you into an even deeper state * Photo by Kelano Howell of relaxation.”

Police officers being threatened

Police officers are raising concern about being threatened by members of the public.

Detective David Barnett, president of the Police Welfare Association Committee (PWAC) said they are “disturbed by news of threats and assault on our officers who continue to execute their duties without fear to keep the Turks and Caicos Islands safe”.

Barnett said the year 2019 saw “unprecedented numbers of assaults and threats of serious harm against our members who continue to show restraint and remain professional in the face of

adversity, poor working conditions and low wages”.

He added: “As recently as this past weekend the PWAC has yet again learnt of another attack and threats against our members, which also extends to their families. We are disappointed with the response from many quarters which is silence. This silence is deafening when our officers are assaulted or threatened by hoodlums and those undesirables of society. As Chairman of the Police Welfare Association (PWA), I want to remind our members that selfpreservation comes first and this PWAC

ENERGY TRANSFORMATION You Can Depend On www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313

will do everything in our power to defend and stand by our members who have used justifiable force to defend their life, the lives of their family and the lives of law abiding citizens of these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Detective Barnett said the association is committed to defend its members who have taken lawful actions to neutralize any threat faced by them, their family or members of the public.

Efforts to get a comment from the Commissioner of Police were unsuccessful, at the time of this report.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

TCI ECONOMIC BOOM TO CONTINUE

continued from page 1

“Although the growth rates for the TCI sectors are relatively low, optimism still remains, since positive growth is being realized despite the setbacks from the 2017 Hurricanes.”

She noted that construction activity will be propelled by foreign direct investment in large-scale tourism related and other projects.

These projects, she noted, include the Ritz Carlton which is at an advanced stage and is set to open in 2021. This project has 124 hotel rooms and 60 condos, the latter of which is being sold at competitive prices.

“Sales are ongoing which are impacting the real estate sector. These activities will be complemented by increased public sector spending on capital works as the Government find ways of ensuring the capital budget is executed. This sector is also boosted by projects funded from the TCIG/ Carnival Infrastructure Fund,” she added.

For Capital Expenditure, $39million has been allocated for 202021, while approximately $100 million is planned for investment in the island’s infrastructure over the next three years and budget surpluses are planned for the medium term, 2020-2024.

The Premier stressed that the TCI’s economy is vulnerable to external shocks; evidenced by its trend in domestic economic activity over the last decade.

“The national economy continues to rebound from the

devastating effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and is set to achieve sustained economic growth going forward. The local economy is back on the path to sustainable international competitiveness in the tourism industry as the TCI brand of tourism remains strong in the midst of economic and environmental hurdles,” she added.

She noted that the projections are planned against the background that no new taxes or fees are being imposed on the citizenry of the islands in the medium term.

Total expenditure excluding capital has been restricted to $279.0 million or 25.1 percent of GDP. Recurrent expenditure growth is planned at 2.5 percent for the medium term.

Recurrent expenditure of $270.0 million or 24.3 percent of GDP are expected to be approximately $33.5 million higher in 2020-21 than the forecast outturn 2019-20 and $42.6 million above the performance 2018-19. Recurrent expenditure growth is planned at 2.5 percent for the future years. Recurrent expenditure in 2021-22 to 2023-24 are projected at $269.0; $267.7; $274.4 million respectively.

The requirements of the FSPS are embedded in the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012 and the2012 Framework Document that has been agreed between the Governments of the United Kingdom (UK) and the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). The FSPS is the policy paper that puts into perspective the

country’s macroeconomic environment and outlines my government’s strategic priorities for the medium term (2020-24) budget planning.

PLANS TO DEVELOP AIR AND SEA PORTS

Meantime, the Premier announced major plans to upgrade air and sea ports

She noted that in 2018-19, the Board of Directors at the Ports Authority approved the Medium Term Infrastructure Investment Plan (MTIP) which has paved the way for the May 2019, strategic plan. The strategic plan prioritizes continued improvement, maintenance and building resilience of port infrastructure.

“The TCI’s ports infrastructure has been poorly maintained and are in need of major rehabilitation and investment to support the development thrust of the country. Rehabilitation of secondary ports on Grand Turk and South Caicos is ongoing from net-revenue the Government has approved for the Ports Authority to retain,” she stated.

“South Dock, Providenciales is the main international port for the TCI, through which more than 90 percent of imports and exports take place. It is widely acknowledged that South Dock is currently operating beyond its capacity and in need of redevelopment, modernization and general improvements to keep pace with

economic developments taking place on Providenciales.

Consistent with the MTIP, in 2018 the Ports Authority commenced a consultancy to plan the redevelopment of South Dock for the long term.”

She said the consultancy involved consultation with key stakeholders and confirmed the technical feasibility and economic viability of redevelopment project at the current location, which will take place in five (5) phases between 2020-2024.

“This is necessary as the port will remain operational during construction. The Cabinet accepted the recommendations of the consultancy in January 2019. The Ports Authority should complete final technical studies within the next 3 months. The Ports Authority along with the Ministry of Finance is currently exploring the financing options with a view to have Phase 1 of the project approved in 2020/21,” she continued.

The Premier noted that at the Providenciales International Airport, there is lack of infrastructure to accommodate peak periods and a new terminal facility has been identified as a major Government priority.

“ Urgent discussions on the expansion of the Providenciales Airport has begun at the policy level and the government is committed to have the expansion completed timely. Financing options are being discussed,” she said.

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

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JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

PDM is the worst government in TCI’s history, says Opposition Leader

By Todeline Defralien

Leader of the Opposition Progressive National Party (PNP), Hon. Washington Misick said the present People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) is the worst government in history of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Speaking during a press conference at the PNP Headquarters on Thursday December 19th, 2019, Hon/ Misick said that three years after a land slide victory at the polls, the average Turks and Caicos Islander is worse off under the PDM administration.

“This is without doubt the worst performance of any government in the 43 years of party politics in this country, and I challenge you to check it out,” he stated. “The Premier (Hon. Sharlene Robinson) claimed at her swearing-in ceremony that faith would have her to be the first woman Premier in succession to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) 40 years after the first Chief Minister the most honorable Jags McCartney leadership role of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. I would say, what an unfortunate coincidence for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

In addition, Misick noted that history has deservedly been kind to honorable McCartney and for his unselfish vision-driven legacy which the people of these Turks and Caicos Islands proudly memorialize.

“Turks and Caicos Islanders, those of us who have been around long enough to remember Hon. Jags McCartney the founder of the PDM, I think we can say that abashedly this PDM government/PDM party doesn’t resemble the party of McCartney in the slightest. There are a lot of young people who hear about McCartney who do not know McCartney, and if they believe that this PDM government represents his legacy and his vision, then I think that it is a disservice to our first National Hero,” he explained.

The Opposition Leader added that this PDM government is neither representative of the people, nor it is democratic.

“How could it be, when elected members of Cabinet are used as props for a talking, do-nothing head? That is not a democracy. That is a despotic government and one that we should hope to see the back of very soon.”

Misick added that persons

would expect as the economy recovers and grows, social development of the people would move in the same direction.

However, that is not the case, he said.

“What the government should have done is make investments in the social development of Turks and Caicos Islanders. As it relates to housing, there are people in North Caicos, Grand Turk, South Caicos and Provo who are still living under tarpaulin nearly 1,000 days after hurricane Maria and Irma passed.”

He continued: “When this government came to office there was an approved contract signed for the development of the airport facilities and the terminal, huge investment going into South Caicos to develop that Island and to create jobs. Three years later, nothing has happened. In the last couple of weeks, this government has gone up and down through the Turks and Caicos Islands cutting ribbons for clinics and schools that are not finished and they are not furnished. That is why I said it is all smoke and mirrors; talking pass the issues and trying to as they use to say in the old days to mamaguy (deceive) people.”

The Opposition Leader said when he noted this is the worst

Leader of the Opposition Progressive National Party (PNP), Hon. Washington Misick performing government, he means in term of delivering benefits to people.

“The economy is growing on its own, in spite of them, but we have to realise that it’s not going to forever.

I think all in all there is a high level of incompetence in government and in spite of the Premier’s claim to be such a Godly person, and I don’t want to attack people from that perspective, but the fruits that she bears are not lined up with that claim,” he said.

Electrical Contractors Association has serious concerns about the industry

By Sherlock C. Smith - President of the Electrical Contractors Association

The Electrical Contractors Association has grave concerns about the Turks and Caicos Islands Electricity Industry.

In the year 2015, the Turks and Caicos Islands Electricity (Amendment Ordinance) under section 60B covered the licensing of persons carrying out electrical work in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

It clearly stated that no person should carry out electrical work of any nature unless he holds a license issued

by the Turks and Caicos Electrical Board, authorizing him to do so, and he is licensed in one of the categories.

We, the Electrical Contractors Association, applaud the Government and appreciate what the Government has done for our industry. Since then, it has been nothing more than an uphill battle communicating with the powers that be; the Turks and Caicos Government Electricity Board. The Turks and Caicos Electricity Board has not been functioning.

The Turks and Caicos Electricity Board has not made any provision to collect license fee for the financial

year 2018 to2019, plus numerous electrical applications are awaited from the Government Electricity Board for processing for work permits and the general public.

We, the Electrical Contractors Association, have written many letters to the Chairman of the Electricity Board, past and present, and up to now, no one can tell us why the Government’s money was not paid into the treasury for the 2018 to 2019 period and what will happen for next year.

There are many expatriate electricians now working in the electrical Industry in Turks and Caicos without

Turks and Caicos electrician licence or work permits. This is a violation of the law and should be dealt with to the full extent of the law.

We, the Electrical Contractors Association, also notice that electrical inspections are now a significant problem, due to the fact the electrical inspectors are still carrying out inspections for a non-electrician licensed holders. That is not right.

This is unacceptable by the Electrical Contractors Association, and we call on the present elected Government to fix this problem at their earliest convenience.

PRUDHOE CARIBBEAN LITIGATION ASSISTANT (TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDERS ONLY) Training position for Turks and Caicos Islander, no prior experience required. This is a starter position. A driving licenceand attention to detail both required.

Willingness to learn essential, also to work hard and complete a demanding training programme.

This is not a work permit advertisement.Applicants subject to immigration restrictions shall not be considered. Those seeking a “9 to 5” job should not apply.

We offer an empowering, dynamic, work environment in which our priority is to deliver top quality work to demanding international clients. Be the best you can be but be ready for much hard work.

Start date less important to us than identifying the right future colleague.

Only applicants required for interview will be contacted.

Applications can be sent to jobs@prudhoecaribbean.com and /or sent to P.O. Box 1525, Regent Village, Grace Bay Road.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Arlington “Chuck” Musgrove responds to Premier

Happy New Year to Middle and North Caicos and the entire Turks and Caicos. May God continue to shine his grace upon all of you and your families.

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you all that the accusations made against me and my company, Jaca TCI Ltd. by the Premier in the December 20th to 27th Issue, Volume 15 – No. 50 of the Sun newspaper, are completely and utterly incorrect.

Unfortunately, I can only say that either your team did not advise you of the facts or you have intentionally released false information. It gives me no pleasure in bringing to light the factual events which occurred during the Bottle Creek Clinic Project, but it is imperative that the people of Bottle Creek and the entire Turks and Caicos Islands know the truth.

Madame Premier, you stated: “The Bottle Creek Clinic was a fight from (the time) we got elected.” I’m confused about this statement. I can provide numerous emails to the contrary.

In fact, the Permanent Secretary for that department and EMS department staff can attest to all the emails I sent requesting to begin the project. Hon. Derek Taylor’s intervention was done at the request of my colleague Jeff Lee on behalf of Jaca TCI Ltd.

Madame Premier, the budget

Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson for The Bottle Creek Clinic was $1.8 million. My initial bid came in a little over that, I was asked to come within the budget and to do value engineering and show savings on the project. I then came in with a price of a little over $1.5 million. Recommencement of work after negotiations was $68,000, which led to me creating savings of over $140,000.

The Bottle Creek Clinic came in below budget and still as a state of the art Clinic for the people of Bottle Creek.

Unfortunately, I think you are confusing this project with the Promenade, where you and your team

Arlington “Chuck” Musgrove, the PNP candidate for North and Middle Caicos had to shuffle figures around to find monies near or around the amount of $900,000. Madame Premier, please explain to the people of North and Middle Caicos and the entire Turks and Caicos Islands, why that project had doubled. One can only assume why.

The ditch you are claiming I did not dig, was outside my scope of work, and outside the scope of the bid. This ditch was something Fortis TCI asked for which would allow them to upgrade per their master plan for that area. Your EMS department asked for quotes from a few persons. I ended up with it two weeks

Island Bus & Mass Transportation

ago.

You also mentioned that the temporary power had to be sourced.

Madam Premier, two days before your socalled opening of the Bottle Creek Clinic, to save face for my friend Ralph Higgs, not you, I personally went and turned on that power in my name.

Here in the Twin Islands we are our brothers’ keepers. What affects Ralph affects me and the entire community of North and Middle Caicos. I will continue to say Ralph is a good person, but that he is led by a party which does not care about the people of North and Middle Caicos. Madam Premier. Please tell the people what the PDM has ever done for the Twin Islands.

Madame Premier, please tell me and the people of the Twin Islands where is the truth in anything you have said in that article. It is all lies.

In an effort to clear my name, my company’s name and receive a public apology, I have decided to take this matter to court, where everything, all factual details will come out, as all information presented by you in that article is false.

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous new year. May God continue to bless and protect the people of Turks and Caicos Islands.

Location: #554 Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking one (1) Mechanic Duties: High skill in mechanic auto, gasoline, Diesel. Excellent knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic components of vehicles To work 5 days a week Salary is $2,000 monthly This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Please Contact: Sonny Forbes or Nevelle Clarke at 231-0589 or 231-0658 Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

OFFICE MANAGER Grand Turk Office Position Summary: The National Health Insurance Board with responsibility for the coordination of local and international financing of health care services in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is seeking a dynamic and transformational leader to fill the position of Office Manager in Grand Turk. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the delivery of administrative health care, financing and administrative services to the population of Grand Turk in line with the Corporate Plan of the NHIP. Essential Duties: • Manage the client registration and compliance activities of the NHIP in Grand Turk • Carry out compliance audits within Grand Turk to ensure that all potential registrants are registered, and that timely remittance of statutory deductions are transferred to the NHIP • Manage the customer service and complaint mechanisms • Collaborate with internal departments on IT, Accounting, Patient Care matters.

• Collaborates with IT department on all office equipment.

• Manages relationships with vendors, service providers and landlord; ensures that all items are invoiced and paid on time.

• Develop KPIs for line staff in line with the organizational strategic plan.

• Adheres to all NHIB codes, rules and regulations.

Skills/Qualifications • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Health Administration, Finance or related fields • Minimum of six (6) years of experience in a senior management position within the insurance/healthcare field.

• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritise work • Attention to detail and problem-solving skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Strong organizational and planning skills • Proficient in MS Office Salary: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. $43,000 to $52,152 annum year.

All Applications should be addressed to: Sheena Smith-Yip National Health Insurance Board Salt Mills Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands British West Indies Email: recruitment@tcinhip.tc Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants who applied for any of the above listed positions, do not have to reapply. After submitting application to National Health Insurance Board Human Resource department, Qualified Belongers may also submit a copy of their applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Immigration Board.

Deadline for submission is January 4, 2020

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Four Babies Delivered on Christmas Day including twins

InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital wishes to congratulate three mothers who delivered four babies on Christmas Day, including twins.

A baby girl was the first to be delivered at Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Grand Turk. Little Steliah Andreka Pierre was born at 4:22 a.m. to mother Marie Ange Sylvain and her partner. She weighed 2.7 kg and 45 cm in length at birth.

Twin boys were then delivered less than minutes apart at 7:19 a.m.

and 7:21 a.m. at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales, to mother Tanesha Gray. The first twin weighed 1.61kg and 41 cm in length at birth.

His brother weighed 2.21 kg and 48 cm in length at birth. The names of the twins are still under deliberation.

The maternity team on Providenciales delivered another baby boy named Ah-Marri Ryland at 4:26 p.m. to mother Takera Francis. Little Ah-Marri weighed 3.45kg and 52 cm in length at birth. According to Francis, her son’s name means ‘forever

beautiful’. with infant-care items, courtesy of

The mothers were not InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos expecting to deliver during the Islands Hospital.

Christmas season, but their little Commenting on the ones were adamant to make an Christmas day deliveries, Chief of earlier arrival. The three baby boys Clinical Services, Mikette Been said: delivered in Providenciales remain “During this festive season, I would under admission and monitoring in like to congratulate the proud parents the Special Care Baby Unit. The baby on the birth of their newborns. These girl and her mother are expected to be latest additions to your families are a discharged soon. blessing; new life is the greatest gift

In keeping with the annual that can be offered during the holiday tradition, the mothers across both season. We wish you all the best in medical centres received a gift bathtub continuing your motherhood journey.”

Baby Boy - Ah-Marri Ryland at CHMC

Marie Ange Sylvain with baby girl and partner at CTMC

Takera Francis and Maternity Nurse at CHMC

Tanesha Gray and Maternity Nurse at CHMC

Twin Boy 1 at CHMC in NICU 02

Twin Boy 2 at CHMC in NICU 02

Graceway IGA Supermarket invites applications from suitable qualified individuals to fill the listed positions currently held by work permit holders: General Manager/Managing Director Summary of Duties The position is the general overseer of all aspects of Graceway Supermarkets. This includes providing leadership and motivation to promote the consistent execution of standard practices, policies and procedures. Setting the tone and leading the stores culture/ environment to ensure success in all aspects of customer service, profitability, operations, people development, merchandise presentation and merchandise assortment.

Required Specifications and qualifications •Over twenty-five(25) years experience in supermarket retail and wholesale with a minimum of ten (10) years in a senior management position to include management of individual departments •Experience in company expansion projects with the ability to lead and develop new store concept, design, layout, format and operations.

•Experience in managing a group of stores across multiple locations.

•Proficient in the understanding of retail and wholesale accounting and good business practices related to documentation and record keeping •Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and a proven record in the ability to achieve the budgeted financial and operating results, including sales, profitability, and wage percentage •Experience managing and developing the human resources activities, maintain and develop organizational culture, values and reputation in market and with all staff, customers, suppliers, partners and governmental bodies.

•Must have the ability to identify, develop and direct the implementation of business strategy and report to shareholders on organizational plans, financial disclosure and operational performance.

• Ability to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays Salary rate will commensurate with experience and qualifications Deadline for submission of applicants is 17 January, 2019 Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarkets main office complex, Leeward Highway, for the attention of Edith Cox Email: edithcox@gracewayiga.com Please note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contact to attend interviews.

Graceway IGA Supermarkets invites applications from suitable qualified individuals to fill the listed positions currently held by work permit holders: IT Analyst Job Requirements & Responsibilities: •Must have at least a bachelors or higher degree in Computer or Information Systems •A minimum four years on the job experience as an information technology programmer/analyst (SQL language preferable) is required •Experience in data processing, computer information systems, data communications, networking, systems analysis, and computer programming is a must •Ability to conduct training and informational sessions •Supporting all hardware related issues and reviewing all new hardware capabilities as required, such as cash registers, scales, and database and POS systems •Assist in resolving any software issues, review and upgrade of all new software packages •Maintaining good documentation relating to all IT related work plans and schedules such as backups and flowcharts •Overseeing the systems implementation and taking ownership of the systems work stream within the Process re-engineering project including any new systems for Graceway IGA Supermarket •Assisting with updating and improving the current Graceway IGA website •Providing reports generated from systems as requested by senior management – operational, financial or IT based Pay will commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline for submission of applicants is January 7th, 2020 Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Report from recent Cabinet meeting His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, •Agreed on amendments required to chaired the 31st meeting of the Cabinet •Approved a 99 year lease to Desarrollos the proposed Notary Public Bill for on Wednesday 18th December, at the Hotelsco Turks and Caicos Ltd. for consideration by Cabinet early in the Hilly Ewing Building, Providenciales.

Crown Land Parcels 60905/214, 215 and New Year; 60906/227 on Leeward Going Through, All Ministers were in attendance.

Providenciales; •Discussed in-depth a paper on the FortisTCI Rate Variation Application At this meeting Cabinet: •Approved for Crown Land parcel and agreed on next steps early in the 60003/231 at Northwest and North New Year; •Approved a development agreement Central Providenciales to go out to between BELB East Development tender for the development of a public •Noted a draft Population Policy report Ltd and the TCI Government for the cemetery; dated December 2019; construction of beach cottages and a boutique resort on Beach Enclave, •Approved for Crown Land Parcel •Approved an application from Jamal Providenciales; 61113/341, Providenciales to go out to Williams for a license to use the parking tender; lot at the Lighthouse on Grand Turk to •Approved a development agreement host an annual Christmas event; between Windward Long Bay Ltd and the •Approved a request from the Airports TCI Government for the construction Authority to reallocate existing funds •Approved planning application PR of a mixture of ocean homes, lagoon ($250,000) from within its FY 2019/20 12606 by Emerald Point Ltd. to remove villas, boat houses and condominiums Capital Budget; and replace three existing T-head on Long Bay, Providenciales and further groynes with a single terminal groyne in action for TCI Government; •Approved a variation to the terms of a Leeward Marina, Providenciales; lease of Crown Land Parcels 20313/22, •Approved the appointment of Mrs Mary 23 and 24 on South Caicos offered to •Approved a request from the Integrity Doreen Quelch-Missick as President of Fortis TCI Ltd. in accordance with the Commission to reallocate existing funds the Labour Tribunal for a period three 1986 Take Over Agreement; ($170,000) from within its FY 2019/20 years with effect from 1 January 2020 budget; and further action to handle outstanding •Approved a three year lease for applications; accommodation on Providenciales for •Approved a lease agreement of the HE the Governor with effect from 1 Franklyn Missick Buildings on Grand •Welcomed and discussed a Criminal January 2020; Turk for a period of two years for use by Justice Stakeholder’s Group Strategic the Ministry of Education; Plan and Actin Plan 2020-2023; •Welcomed an Information Paper on the stony coral disease and discussed in- •Were informed of issues affecting the • Approved a paper setting out pre- depth the need for urgent decision on ferry service between Providenciales emptive visa conditions for Venezuelan recommended treatments to the disease; and Parrot Cay and agreed urgent action nationals and discussed the need for the required; Minister of Immigration to review the •Informed of waivers granted for the Ministry’s 2018 policy on Venezuelans quarter July to September 2019 under •Discussed the issue of fires at in response to the recent update to the the Public Procurement ordinance, the municipal waste facility on UNHRC Guidance Note on the Outflow Section 21; Providenciales and urgent action of Venezuelans; required;

The Arches Grand Turk Is seeking an Assistant Manager Summary The Arches Grand Turk is seeking an Assistant Manager to assist with the operation of this small family owned and operated business. The Assistant Managerwill be required to work irregular hours, based on the needs of the business, and is responsible for assisting in the general operation, maintenance, and record keeping of the property. Duties associated with this role include lease negotiating, marketing, and bookkeeping. As well as tasks associated with co-ordination of property maintenance, repair, regulations, and expectations.

Assistant Manager Salary: $1,500 per month Skills •Accounting and finance background with extensive knowledge and ability to use QuickBooks and Excel •Strong communications and organization skills •Proficient in English both written and verbal •Ability to work flexible hours. Assistant Manager is expected to be available to guests 24/7 when scheduled. After hours work is expected.

•Being positive and encouraging to co-workers, and courteous to guests Mandatory Experience •Post Secondary Education •Minimum of 10 years’ experience in customer service •Proven experience of assistant management and accounting •Health and safety training •First aid •Valid driver’s licence with a reliable vehicle Suitable candidates that do not meet the above requirements may, at the sole discretion of the Company’s management team, be eligible for consideration in circumstances where they demonstrate a clear willingness to embrace the Company’s in-house training initiatives and established standard operating policies and procedures. Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Is seeking an Chef/ Barrister Summary The Arches Grand Turk is seeking a Chef/ Barrister to assist with the operation of this small family owned and operated business. The Chef will be required to work irregular hours, based on the needs of the business, including weekends and holidays and is responsible to create, prepare and cook a wide variety of menu choices for breakfast, lunch and catering. As well as associated task barista, the successful applicant must be able to repair and fix appliances and

Turks and Caicos Sun

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

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

coffee equipment.

Chef/ Barrister Salary: $1,200 per month.

Successful Applicant must •Have the ability to be a self starter and be able to work alone.

•Be punctual (report to your shift a minimum of 10 minutes before the start time) •Be able to maintain inventory levels.

•Have a strong knowledge in a wide variety of cuisines.

•Be able to plan a menu on a weekly basis.

•Ensure the work space and kitchen are constantly cleaned according to Health Board requirements.

•Strong communications and organization skills.

•Proficient in English both Written and Verbal.

•Ability to work flexible hours •Being positive and encouraging to co-workers, and courteous to guests MANDATORY EXPERIENCE •Handling and butchering of various proteins •Preparing mise en place for each day •Working with a wide variety of ingredients, starches, basic sauces •Wealth of knowledge creating meals (including vegetarian choices) using basic equipment.

•Understand and can execute a large variety of breads, pastries, croissants, donuts, muffins, cakes, pies (savoury and sweet), quiche, biscuits, salads, wraps from scratch.

•Barrista •Minimum of 10 years experience •Supervise a kitchen •Health and safety training •First aid •Valid driver’s license with a reliable vehicle.

These Positions are currently being held by Work Permit Holders.

The deadlines for applications are January 3rd, 2020.

Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders are invited to send copies of their applications to the Labour Commissioner and Immigration Board.

Written applications only and accompanying CVs/Resumes must be addressed to the following: The Arches Lighthouse Rd. Grand Turk thearchesgrandturk@gmail.com 649-331-2399

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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CHEF DE PARTIE Reporting to the Executive Sous Chef, responsible for working with the executive sous chef and the kitchen team to maintain high standards in the quality of food both as to its preparation and its presentation.

REQUIREMENTS •Graduate culinary art or Culinary degree strongly preferred •5 plus years previous experience as a cook •Experience in a luxury hotel with comparable service and standards would be an asset •Valid Food Handler Certificate required •Must have experience and be proficient in both a la carte and production cooking Salary Scale: $9.00 - $12.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR Reporting to the Food & Beverage Manager, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: RESPONSIBITIES: •Lead and manage the day to day operations of the restaurant ensuring all service standards are followed •Lead and support all Food & Beverage departments in the achievement of their financial and operational targets •Assist with training and development of all Colleagues to ensure career growth •Follow department policies, procedures and service standards •Follow all safety policies REQUIREMENTS: •Proven food and beverage management experience •Familiarity with restaurant management software •Communication and team management abilities •Availability to work within opening hours (e.g. evenings, holidays, weekends) •Up to date with food and beverages trends and best practices •Requires fingering, grasping, lifting, pushing and carrying up to 50 lbs.

Salary commencing at $9.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply.

CONCIERGE Reporting to the Front Desk Manager. Responsible for ensuring and accommodating all guest needs, transportation, appointments. Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: RESPONSIBILITIES: •Consistently offer professional, friendly, hospitable service •To identify and anticipate Guests’ needs and ensure personalized service is provided •To fully understand and have knowledge of all in suite services, technology, amenities, functions & systems •Provide information on local restaurants, special sites, activities, etc.

• Resolve customer complaints and problems calmly and effectively •Notify management of any serious issues that you cannot resolve REQUIREMENTS: •Constant standing and walking throughout shift •Superior knowledge of All-Inclusive hospitality •Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.

•Willing to work outside of normal working hours.

Salary Scale: $7.00 - $9.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply MECHANIC Reporting to the Chief Engineer, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: RESPONSIBILITIES: •Building and assembling machines or mechanical components according to requirements •Inspecting machines, engines, transmissions etc. and run diagnostic tests or discover functionality issues •Conducting repairs aiming for maximum reliability •Troubleshoot reported problems and resolve them in a timely manner •Perform thorough maintenance to machinery components •Undertake other duties as assigned (e.g. repair of hydraulic systems, painting vehicles etc.)

REQUIREMENTS: •Proven experience as mechanic •Excellent knowledge of machinery and hydraulic, electrical and other systems and their components.

•Aptitude in using various hand tools (screwdrivers, hammers etc.) and precision measurement tools (e.g. calipers) •Valid Certification is preferred •Very good physical strength and stamina •Ability to follow established procedures and practices and reas instruction, blueprints etc.

Salary commencing at $9.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply.

SECURITY OFFICER Reporting to the Director of Security, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Position Description Security Officer is responsible for: insuring a safe environment for all guests and associates; patrolling; documenting; reporting; and following-up on safety and security hazards or infractions. This individual may also be required to carry out more general guest service tasks, such as delivering items to guest rooms. A Security Officer must demonstrate the ability to remain calm in emergencies, and balance excellent guest and associate relations skills with safety and security. The successful applicant must be available to work multi shifts, holidays, weekends and overnight.

JOB REQUIREMENTS •Guest Oriented with previous resort/hotel experience is a MUST •Must have working knowledge of all procedures and processes in Loss Prevention •Must be computer literate with excellent communication, written and oral skills •CPR and First Aid Certification Preferred •A valid TCI driver’s license Salary commencing at $8.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply CHILD CARETAKER •Exceptionally patient and passionate about working with children •Must have an understanding of childhood development to address the emotional, physical, and mental needs of the children •Must be able to sit, stand, bend, and physically lift children weighing up to 40 pounds •Should be creative in activities such as art, dance, and music to stimulate their development •interpersonal skills are a must to communicate with children and their parents on a constant basis •Should be able to assist with primary school level students with homework assignments Salary commencing at $7.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply Interested persons may contact out Corporate HR department office or by submitting your resume with qualifications and experience to: hr@wihl.com Please also submit a copy of your completed application to our labour department.

Closing date January 11th, 2020

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

TCHTA Unveils 2020 Destination Turks & Caicos Magazine

The Turks & Caicos Hotel produce a publication that represents of the creative team for the magazine and Tourism Association (TCHTA) the luxury of our destination, but we and how she hopes the publication will recently unveiled the cover of its highly also wanted to create a keepsake piece inspire its readers. “I am honoured to anticipated 15th edition of Destination with rich imagery of the islands and the have been asked to work with the TCHTA Turks & Caicos,which features an wonderful stories that accompany them, on the 15th edition of Destination Turks exciting new contemporary look while “said Karen Whitt, Director of Marketing & Caicos Islands.” She said, “My aim is delivering the important message of for the TCHTA, who played a key role to allow the essence of these islands to tourism sustainability. in the decision to take a new approach radiate from each page. This publication

This year, the premier go-to to the annual publication.”While we encompasses everything we cherish in tourist guide took an exciting leap, are excited about the new look, we this paradise we call home.” transforming from a traditional coffee- are equally excited about sharing Dominique Rolle says table design to a luxury publication how TCHTA membersare promoting ‘Destination’ is iconic to Turks and for 2020. In addition to the change in environmentally friendly practices.”

Caicos and has for many years provided style, the message has been updated to Since 2005 this publication a platform for the best in Turks and reflect issues such as sustainable tourism has been outsourced, and this year the Caicos photography to display their craft practices while showcasing stories and TCHTA is excited to take the creative and appreciation for these islands. “I’m efforts taken by TCHTAMembers to lead on this milestone issue, managing honored to see it continue in its 15th benefit their local communities and the magazine in-house. The organization year and evolve into a premier luxury the tourism industry in the Turks and partnered with locals Erin Patrick of magazine with content dedicated to the Caicos Islands, all set to the backdrop of EP Designs and Dominique Rolle of country I love and the people working to stunning Turks and Caicos imagery.

CayaHico Media who served as Creative preserve its future.”

Officials at the TCHTA said Directors for the publication to deliver The new Destination TCI cover that they are committed to the a fresh approach to this time-honoured features a modern and stylish, clean advancement and sustainability of the book. look with a classic gold bold typeface tourismproductand hoped to awaken Stacy Cox, TCHTA CEO added, and a single image (an installment in the sensibilities of the general audience “This was truly a labour of love for us. Dominique Rolle’s “Flora” collection) by sharing the work the organization From the pictures to the stories and the showcasing the lush vegetation and has been doing in this edition of the messages, every part of this publication plant life of the Turks & Caicos Islands magazine. was designed to pique your interest thus transforming this once hardbound

“We are so excited about the while deepening your connection with publication and giving it a modern, new contemporary look that Destination our ‘Beautiful by Nature’ islands”. stylish, luxurious feel.

Turks & Caicosnow has. It has always been Erin Patrick also shared her “We are thoroughly impressed the goal of the organization to not only excitement on being chosen to be a part with the outcome, and all of this would

not have been possible without the contribution of writing content from Dominique Rolle and Sonia Simmons, the impeccable job done by editors Nicholette Thomas and Sonia Simmons, the vibrant imagery provided by our Member Photographers, Brilliant Studios, CayaHico Media, Philip Shearer of Big Blue Collective, Paradise Photography and Visit Turks & Caicos, and the unwavering support of our Executive Board and Members.” Cox said, “And for this, we say thank you. Thank you for helping the TCHTA transform Destination Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The Patty Place celebrates10 year anniversary

By Todeline Defralien

The Patty Place recently celebrated 10years of business in Providenciales.

On Friday December 20th, 2019, both the Grace Bay and Downtown branches showed warm appreciation to their customers who received re-usable shopping bags that commemorate their 10th anniversary.

In addition, customers were also offered sweet and savory treats in celebration of the event.

Malaika Wit-Williams, owner of The Patty Place told The SUN she is very grateful for the support received by her customers, but knows no company grows without a good team, to which she credits her staff.

Wessex Fairchild Attorneys

Over the years they have developed a very good relationship with the wider community, particularly with the schools, supporting various initiatives, and rewarding students for humanitarian efforts. This is one aspect WintWilliams wants to see grow in her company.

According to Wint-Williams, The Patty Place currently has a distributor in Grand Turk, and hope to have other distributors in the outer islands in the near future.

The Patty Place proudly carries the Juicy Patties line of products, and is the only company outside of Jamaica that carries the renowned Devon House Ice Cream line. customers and staff showing off their re-usable shopping bags

Location: Regent Village East, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Wessex Fairchild requires the services of a Solicitor admitted England and Wales, as well as being a member in good standing with a Bar in the Caribbean.

The successful candidate must: •Possess over 25 years’ experience in legal practice, and have experience of international commercial, banking and insurance litigation as an Attorney.

Duties include: •Providing legal counsel and assisting with the operations and proceedings of various types of Litigation matters.

Salary commensurate with experience.

We welcome applications from any Belonger who may have the foregoing qualifications and experience.

All applications must be submitted with copies of degrees and certificates on or before 18th January, 2020 to at@wessexfairchild.com and to the Labour Department.

Turks Kebab

10 year anniversary cake

Location: 8 Sandcastle Road, Alverna Craft Market Unit 8, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales Is seeking a Sous Chefs Duties: involves a large degree of supervising other kitchen staff, as well as keeping an eye out for problems that arise in the kitchen and seizing control of a situation at a moment’s notice Must specialize in Turkish Food To work 6 days a week Salary is $300.00 per week Please Contact: 431-9963 The 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

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

New Year’s Message from Opposition Leader Hon. Washington Misick

“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;with skilful hands he led them.” Psalm 78:72 The new International Version

God has indeed been gracious to the Turks and Caicos Islands, and as we head into 2020 and lookback in our rear-view mirror at 2019 there is much to reflect on.

However, I will leave 2019 postmortem to others who will undoubtedly tell the tales of horrible events and lost of control over many aspects of our traditional way of life not least of which is increase in crime and lawlessness. My message is one of hope and national assertiveness in the wish that our collective consciousness will seize the opportunities that will 2020 present.

As we enter the final year of the second decade of the twenty-first century,there is a prevailing culture that challenge the absolute concept of traditional values of honesty and integrity.

Juxtaposed against the example of David who possessed a moral compass and leadership skills charlatans manoeuvre themselves to the head of governments; the truth no longer seems to matter; and many leaders take shortcuts and play by their own set of rules to their personal benefit and to the detriment of those they purport to represent.

They dominate instead of cooperate; they mislead instead of lead; they hold to the opinion that they know best. They engage in excuses for failed

promises instead of apologies; they concoct false task to make false claims of progress and speak to symptoms instead of confronting causes.

Turks and Caicos Islands, 2020 is a moment for national introspection.

It will be a defining moment and an opportunity to reassert control of our national destiny with Gods guidance; an opportunity for leadership focused on authentic progress in which success is determined by the degree to which people lives are improved and they are engaged in the solution ofreal problems.

First, we must understand why we are in the condition we are in, andto have a collective vision for where we want to go if we are to createbridgesto genuine progress, as opposed to the illusion of success.

Most Turks and Caicos Islanders live vicariously on the margins of skewed macro-economic indicators. To get where we want to be it would be necessaryto shift the economic hegemony in our interest.

Power was settled in these islands under conditions and at a time when our forefathers were the means through which development was to be achieved by others.

While that has change in form it has not in substance because of who controls the economy leavers of the country. The year 2020 must be that moment in time when we must finally cease to becomeincidental to, and instead become the purpose of all development.

Our vision, and the pursuits of our needs while can only be achieved through hard

work must be seen to produce benefits now and for generations yet unborn.

This ambition command primacy of place that can only be facilitated by the creation of a system of economic fairness and social change.

At the same time, we must accept that we must set standards for ourselves, follow them and pass them on to the next generation and to those joining us from elsewhere who have committed themselves to become real members of the Turks and Caicos Island Family.

On May 14, 1991, I made the statement below in a letter to Michael Borden then head of the British Development Division in Barbados. I got the assistance requested and delivered a self-sustaining economy by the end of my tenure in office. It is on that foundation that the economic growth of the Turks and Caicos Islands was build “As the new Chief Minister of and has for the most part continued to the Turks and Caicos Islands I would grow. like to share with you, on behalf of

Again between 2012 and my colleagues, a long-term vision for 2016 as part of the executive and with our beautiful islands. It is a vision for responsibility for finance my colleagues which we are determined to lay secure and I took TCI out of debt and established foundation in our first term in office. a foundation upon which the current And it is a vision that will become a mere government has failed to establish mirage unless those secure foundations empowering social development.Instead, are laid; to lay them successfully we need our middle-class lives on pay-day loans the full support of and understanding and continues to slip below the poverty of Her Majesty’s Government as is line. described in our document below

Bold steps are now needed “Progress through Partnership.” With to reverse this situation. This requires these foundations in place the Turks and progress you know and experienced you Caicos Islands economy will become trust. It is for that reason I unreservedly self-sustaining by mid-1990’s.” commit myself to deliver on the vision May God continue to bless our of a country that works for its people.

Turks and Caicos Islands.

Launch of Customs Department’s stakeholder Engagement- faster clearance times!

The Turks and Caicos Islands Customs Department recently launched its Stakeholders Engagement Meeting.

Present were senior customs managers, and a number of brokers, and transit shed representatives.

This marked a renewed initiative by the Department to foster a partnership with clients, with a view to

Customs Management Team

encouraging voluntary compliance on their part, in return for facilitation by the Department.

This will enable the speedy movement of goods through the Customs Declaration Process, which will greatly benefit the end consumer and the TCI economy. Specific issues were discussed, such as the processing

of entries and measures recently implemented by the Department to significantly speed up the process, allowing importers to have their goods in hand quickly.

In what was deemed a very interactive and successful session, the group was advised by the Department of a number of key initiates which may

be implemented, including the Trusted Trader Programme or similar, all geared towards improving efficiency of service.

They were also afforded the opportunity to voice their concerns.

It was agreed that moving forward a meeting of this nature would be held at least once per quarter within the financial year.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Building a strong TCI is the road that needs to be taken, says Governor

By Todeline Defralien

His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin says that building a strong Turks and Caicos Islands, is the road that needs to be taken.

“Whatever the future holds, building a strong TCI is the road that needs to be taken,” he said during a recent press briefing at the Governor’s Office in Providenciales. “Building indigenous capability can, for the moment, be best seen in the area of national security. The Premier and I intend to speak more about this in January, but sitting under our own strategy will be a Turks and Caicos National Security Advisor reporting through the National Security Council to myself and the Premier. That will have a secretariat that can coordinate government departments.”

Dakin reminded that in his inaugural speech he promised to initially focus on three issues which were crime, illegal immigration and hurricane preparedness.

“The islands will have their own military force, their own central intelligence center, maritime capabilities would have been improved, commander control would have been improved, a border force would have been established, and the islands will be far more resilient to natural disasters, not just in terms of recovery, but in terms of literally weathering the storm.”

“The national security strategy brings an overarching coherence to the three, but given that I’ve said that I wanted to get quickly to work and let’s deal with what is happening right now,

first crime. My arrival coincided with a serious uptake in gun-related crime and murder. Through tireless work by the police, and I pay tribute to the way they reacted, the last couple of months have seen some suppression linked to visibility, intelligence-led arrest operations, the formation of a specialists unit and some brave work by the Tactical Unit,” he explained.

Dakin said more guns are being recovered and more arrests are being made, but he stressed that the answer in terms of policing, is building a force fit for the third decade of the 21st century in a country that has changed at a pace that “law enforcement hasn’t kept up with”.

He added: “Indeed, very little in our society is kept up given the pace of change. A 7% uplift is already been agreed and has started to be delivered, by March 2021 we expect overall the police to be increased by around 20%. The recently established gun crime unit has started to have some success and some of the most recent arrests have come from this team. The force’s Tactical Unit is set to increase and because of increased numbers, community policing can be introduced.”

He continued: “The most significant reason why all of this is going to happen is that now there is a genuine leadership team at the top of the county, of the Premier, Commissioner (of Police) and myself, and in this team we bring together all the various plans and all of the different types of accountability that are required. We are committed as one team to deliver and as an aside,

this isn’t the only team. We’ve worked hard to make Cabinet, both elected and non-elected members, one cohesive group operating under both the law and Constitution, collectively determined to deliver on the government of the day’s manifesto. Cabinets are increasingly strategic purposeful and focused on moving matters forward. ”

Meantime, weekly delivery meetings were established and coach head by the Premier and the Governor where they take issues that appear attractable and bring every government stakeholder into the room, give direction and put energy into processes that at time seem to have stalled.

“The National Security Council has also become a team determined not to just hold different branches of government to account, but instead, an engine to deliver cross-government solutions and build long-term capability.

The wider justice sector under the guidance of the Chief Justice has an independently generated a team approach that includes Judges, the Chief Magistrate, DPP, Chambers, Police and prison and have exciting draft proposals as to how we seek to improve and grow the police, the wider justice system can modernize, better deliver and provide 21st century reinsurance to the public,” Dakin explained.

Dakin also spoke about TCI having its first every Islander as Deputy Commissioner.

“You will recall one of my first appointments after my swearing in was to appoint a TC Islander as Deputy Commissioner. The Commissioner has

His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin taken this further by having a proper team of four at the top of the police, of which three are islanders. That team is working as a very effective board. In short, we’ve started down a path now of a new way of doing government business here.

It’s now about teams of teams, breaking down stove pipes, understanding context and delivering what government wants,” Governor Dakin continued.

“Don’t get me wrong, these are very early days. Culture is changing and this takes time, but the tremendous news is unlike in some countries I’ve served, including when I witness this approach being introduced in the UK, there’s not only no relation existence here, there is very positive energy. People want this to happen because they know it must,” he said.

BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES POSITIONS AVAILABLE All positions are held by work permit holder

Rosie’s Delight

Butterfield Gold

One (1) Server

One (1) Labourer

Serving customers Cashiering General cleaning

Cleaning downtown parking lot removing garbage, pruning, watering and replanting plants at the Town Centre Mall, parking Lot and Butterfield Square parking Lot. Wages from $7.00 per hour

Wages from $6.50 per hour Coral Quarry One (1) Maintenance worker Performs routine maintenance on building interior and exterior.

Maintains a schedule of when maintenance has been performed and when next service is due. Works in a safe manner and recognizes unsafe situations. Takes appropriate action to ensure safety of themselves and others in building.

Wages from $8.00 per hour One (1) Labourer Applicant must be physical and able-bodied individual capable of lifting heavy loads of cements and Offloading shipments.

One (1) Carpenter Carpenter/general construction worker of at least Ten (10) years’ experience required with knowledge of roofing, window & doors installation and screen fabrication/installation.

Salary: commensurate with experience starting from $9.50 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 January 13, 2019 to:

Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Wages from $6.50 per hour Town Center Mall Gold Fuel Services Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211

One (1) Domestic Worker Labour Commissioner,

Labour Department General cleaning & Relief Gas Attendant Providenciales Wages $6.50 per hour Turks & Caicos Islands

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Tanya Swann receives leadership Awards

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resorts Villages & Spa’s (BTC) Tanya Swann was recently awarded the Sandi McCoy Award recognizing excellence in Sales Department Leadership at the Global Sales Conference hosted by Unique Vacations, a worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.

Swann was one of several sales managers awarded at the event which recognises the best in sales and marketing for Sandals in the Americas.

Swann’s latest accolade comes on the heels of her recent promotion at Beaches Resorts as Director of Sales, Groups and Conventions.

Speaking about her award and ongoing accomplishments on resort, Swann said: “I felt happy, elated and blessed to have been recognized for such an esteem Award as “Sales Manager of the Year” within the Sandals and Beaches chain throughout the Caribbean, I am indeed proud to be chosen and honored for such.”

Swann began working with Beaches Resorts in April 2004 as Secretary

Over the years Swann has been for Food and Beverage. Her tenacity and excellent work ethics led to a promotion a key lead in selling the Beaches Turks as Executive Administrator to the General and Caicos brand to international Manager. In (year) Swann joined the partners; speaking at road shows, sales Sales department as an Administrative blitz and promotional events across Assistant in the Sales Department. From the United States. Swann works closely there she was promoted to Senior Sales with travel agents, airline representative Executive, later Sales Manager and as s and Business Development Managers of 2019 was named Director of Sales at to promote the brand and the Turks & Caicos destination, to new and existing Beaches Turks and Caicos.

Swann credits her rise within customers.

As Director of Sales, Swann also the company to mentorship and a willingness to learn and to tackle new spearheads bookings and logistics for challenges. Swann said she learned to major resort and group-wide signature adapt, took on additional roles, and was events such as Global Sales, Star Awards, clear on where she wanted her career to World Travel Awards, and FAM trips.

Swann was also instrumental in the go.

“In each position that I have opening of the Key West Village.

As for her advice to others worked in at BTC I was given the opportunity not just by management but looking to climb the corporate ladder of also by the potential and success which success within the hospitality, she noted; they saw in me. Just like everything in “Sometimes no matter how rough and life, sometimes it was not easy but it was challenging our lives may be, we must worth it because it got me where I am always take a moment and be proud of today. What I have already done and ourselves no matter what. God is indeed what I will continue to do will determine a good God, a faithful God and he allows where my next level of success will be.” us to be recognized when the time is

Tanya Swann right and not before as his timing is always the right one and the on time one.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos would like to congratulate Tanya Swann on her latest commendation, we continue to be proud of her accomplishments.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

JAIS donates $4,000 Cash to inpatients at TCI Hospital

A group of predominantly acutecare inpatients on the general wards at Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital received a surprise Christmas giveaway of $400 cash each, courtesy of JAIS.

Interhealth Canada (IHC), the private health care management company of the facility, held a press conference to announce and distribute the donation to patient rooms on Friday, December 20th 2019. Remarks were given by Nikira John, IHC Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Daniel

Carriere, IHC Chief Executive Officer and Manish Lalwani, Representative of JAIS, respectively.

Patients were selected by clinical leaders based on a criteria, which also covered their medical and personal circumstances. The eight recipients were De Vera Jose, 66, Daniel Kerns, 69, Elizabeth Mckenzie, 64, Ella Miller, 91, Beverly Fulford, 67, Stanley Stubbs, 81, Philip Lewis, 65, and Jasmin Moreau, 51. The group comprise of persons from all walks of life, medical challenges,

Beverly Fulford 67

Daniel Kerns 69

Ella Miller 91

JAIS and IHC Reps

Phillip Lewis 65

nationalities and different personal circumstances.

The inpatients were unaware of the value and in some cases, the nature of the giveaway. Seven of the inpatients were based at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and a single inpatient at Cockburn Town Medical Centre. The latter facility is smaller and statistically has a lower volume of inpatients.

JAIS donated a total of $4,000.

The total value of the cash giveaways equated to $3,200. The remaining

balance of $800 will be used along with an additional $1,000 donation from another benevolent donor to purchase care packages for non-acute care inpatients. The initiative will be entitled Operation Gratitude Part II and is scheduled for early 2020.

InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital expressed gratitude to JAIS Jewelers for the partnership and generous initiative. The cash recipients were elated and expressed appreciation for the kindhearted gesture.

De Vera Jose 66

Jasmin Moreau 51

Stanley Stubbs 81

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

LOCAL NEWS

Youth Department holds its first annual sustainable Christmas workshop

The Youth Department held its first annual “Sustainable Christmas” the workshop comprised of students making and creating Christmas gifts from everyday items. Members of the Grand Turk community supported by donating and assisting, these items were then recycled and reused making the perfect canister, planters also reusable bags.

Workshop leaders Anya Pratt

and Nixon Dickenson walked students through how small changes and can have a huge impact.

“Seeing the kids connect the dots as to how up cycling in our environment can go along way has truly been enlightening,” stated Ms. Pratt.

Youth Director Mrs. Jasmin Parker said: “The youth is our future, it is our best practice to inform and

educate them on aspects in the world, their environment changes quickly and having them well equipped is a major key.”

Invited guest Deep Blue Charters lead a demonstration as to what happens when plastic bag enters our waters and pollute.

The workshop focused on the overall aspect of informing the kids how

important it is to recycle, re-use and restore our current environment. The Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Library and Social Services would like to thank the Red Cross, Willique, Sandbar, Deep Blue Charters and volunteers for making this a truly “Sustainable Christmas”.

“Be the change you want to see in the world” - Mahatma Gandhi

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Resolutions worth keeping

By Dr. Marsha Barnett

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

Resolve to wear sunscreen

It’s a fact that the sun is the greatest factor when it pertains to ageing of the skin.

This is particularly true in climates as ours where we have sun exposure on a daily basis. Ultraviolet rays affect the collagen fibers in the skin, causing it to lose elasticity.

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

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

Outside of aesthetics, sun exposure is the main risk factor for skin cancers, and as such wearing protective clothing in the midday sun and reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours when out at the beach is also a great idea.

Resolve to get exercise

Our bodies were made to move.

Exercise frees the body of excess weight and the mind of excess worry. This upcoming year, resolve to get exercise in most days of the year.

Whether it be walking on the beach, running on a treadmill, joining a football team or doing aerobics in your living room, get moving.

Consistent exercise is linked to lower rates of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression and insomnia. And if you already have a chronic condition, exercise will help to manage it, perhaps even allowing you to wean off of some of your medications as your lifestyle improves!

Resolve to get your annual checks

It is very easy to go years without seeing your doctor if you are generally well. But a wellness check is essential especially as we age. It is important to know your numbers - your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index and so on.

It is also advisable to do certain screens such as a mammogram in women over 40 years, a pap smear in women who have been sexually active and are over 21 years and prostate exams in men over 40.

Annual skin surveillance and mole mapping is also important especially in fairer skin individuals.

Knowing about any medical conditions that may be brewing at an early stage

Owner Accountant * As an Owner Accountant for The Shore Club Resort, you will be responsible for administering financial aspects for owner relations within the company.

Areas of Responsibility: •Post all recurring monthly charges to the Owner’s Statements (strata fees, owner related charges,…)

•Verify and send out the Owner’s Statements on a monthly base before the established deadline.

•Prepare a monthly statement of all overdrawn balances.

•Complete spreadsheet with comparison of Owners’ revenues by sq. ft.

•Receive all payment requests from Condo Unit Owners, verify all legal documents required and signatures for payments, verify there is sufficient balance in the Condo Unit Owner statement, file all corresponding documentation by Condo Unit Owner, send information to Accounts Payables for payment and ensure that all payments are posted and reflected on the Condo Unit Owner statement.

•Handle all information requests from the Condo Unit Owners in coordination with Chief Engineer, Executive Housekeeping Manager and Owner’s Relation Manager.

•Prepare all Strata Certificates requested by the handling lawyers for the resale of the unit, submit to Financial Controller for signature.

•Assist the Hartling Sales Office with any requests for info on historical data for any unit for sale.

•Receive the night audit package from the Front Desk and verify with the departure list that all guest folios, with registration cards and signed checks from the outlets are included; Verify that registration cards are completed as established; File the night audit package chronologically.

•Ensure the arrival reports are received on a daily base from the Reservations Department and are signed by the person who verified. Keep the arrival reports filed by day.

•Run the Income Audit on a daily base; Produce the daily revenue reports and once all data and statistics have been verified and send the report out electronically to all Department Heads.

•Verify that no checks are left open in POS system.

•Ensure that at all times the PM account for Lost Interface is activated and there are no charges pending on this account. Verify that there are no PM accounts with a rate included.

•Verify that the Night Audit check-list has been received and signed by the Night Auditor.

•Verify that all occupied room have a rate attached, with the exception of complimentary nights, owner occupied, or special promotions with a 3rd of 4th night free.

•Review the credit limit report and ensure there is a credit card authorization on

almost always ensures a better outcome than finding out later in the process when signs and symptoms are rampant.

Resolve to add color to your plate

We all know that fruits and vegetables are important. Unfortunately, the vast majority of us do not get the 5-7 servings advocated by the World Health Organization. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for the proper functioning of the cells in our bodies.

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

Different fruits have different benefits so it is important to have a wide range of produce. Luckily for us, the color of the veg or fruit gives a hint as to what vitamins are present.

So, you don’t need to be a nutritionist to get the range of benefits, just choose produce with varied colors – red, purple, green, orange and so on and you will be getting all that nature has to offer.

Resolve to relax

Its difficult to think that relaxation should be of paramount importance in a world where we have numerous demands on our time, energy and money.

But this is precisely why time away from the stresses of life is important.

Stress is related to a myriad of illnesses and as such stress busting activities such as mediation, yoga, a walk on the beach, or just time in a quiet space is important.

Endeavor to make time for yourself on a daily basis and never underestimate the effect of a good night’s rest. Sleep is this is the time the body gets to repair and the mind refreshes itself for another day.

As we wish for health, wealth, love and prosperity in the upcoming year, let us resolve to take better care of ourselves.

file for all Guests in house covering the balance on their account.

•Verify all resort credits are correctly applied.

•Daily Completion of Outlets Revenue, credit cards, and Cash Reconciliations and follow up on any discrepancies.

•Responsible for Accounts Receivables and Group Billings.

•Create a PM account so advance deposits can be posted; Participate in pre-con meetings for any incoming groups.

•Follow up on advance deposit payments according the schedules in the signed contracts.

•Meet with Group Responsible in coordination with the Events Manager before departure to reconcile billing and have the Master Bill signed off.

•Ensure all services and activities according to the BEO’s are posted on a timely base by the corresponding departments and accurate.

•Post any cash advances to the Master Account when copy of receipt is received by the General Cashier.

•Ensure Group billings are sent out no longer than 2 business days after the departure of the Group.

•Follow-up that any final outstanding payments are received within 2 weeks after sending out the final bill.

•Review PM Accounts in Guest Ledger for pending balances.

•Assist with any other task requested by the Financial Controlled monthly from various departments and warehouse and submit these to Financial Controller.

•Any other ad hoc duties or tasks as assigned or directed by management.

Key Skills and Requirement: •Degree level and/or relevant professional qualification and/or relevant proven experience.

•Ability to multitask and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

•Must be able to exhibit confidence in producing efficient work.

•Proficient in using Microsoft Office, Excel knowledge is essential.

•Demonstrable communication skills both verbally and written.

•Excellent numerical skills.

•Good technical skills and experience using systems.

•Thinks ahead and anticipates future challenges to ensure the organization’s requirements are met.

•Demonstrable evidence of leading innovation, change and continuous improvement.

•Team player who can also work on own initiative.

•Strong attention to detail and commercial awareness.

•Act with a high degree of integrity while upholding the values of group.

•Self-motivated individual.

Salary role starting at $36,000.00 per annum depending on previous experience and qualifications.

POSITIONS MARKED WITH (*) ARE CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER. Interested applicants should apply to The Shore Club,Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume Attention to Danitra Clare or Karresa Gardiner, Asst. Human Resources Managers atcareers@theshoreclubtc.com, no later than end of day Friday January 31st 2020. Resumes can also be submitted to the Labor Department directly. The Shore Club HR Office can be contacted at (649) 339-8000

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Believe! A Ninth recipe for success.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

By Drexwell Seymour

My ninth recipe for success is to believe. The word of Lord says in Mark 11:24 that whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.

Believe that your marriage will be successful. Don’t ever go in your marriage thinking it will fail otherwise it will fail because that is what you believe.

Believe that your employment or business will be a success. If you believe in something or someone, you will do what it takes to make it successful. There will be times when you will be confronted with adversities that may test your beliefs. Look beyond the adversities and focused on your vision.

Believe in God. Believe that he did not bring you that far for you to fail. Believe in yourself and when you believe in yourself, you can be confident of your success.

Believe in God

You were not created to be a failure. You were created for a purpose

and that purpose will bring you success.

You were created by God therefore believe in God.

Too many of us have beliefs in men and when men fail us we are disappointed and heartbroken.

However, God will never fail us. In order to believe in God, you need to have faith. Many persons who are not even Christians are successful because of faith. The doctors diagnosed some of us with a health issue. Believe in God for a miraculous healing.

Believe in your vision

Your vision comes from within you. You may tell others about your vision and they may discourage you.

Others may even try to steal your vision and run with it.

While it is good to tell others about your vision, you do not need them to validate it for you. You need to believe in your vision. If you do not believe in it then how do you expect others to come along with you to ensure that the vision is being fulfilled.

I remember when Cable & Wireless (the company that I previously worked for) changed its name to LIME.

Each of us as CEO met in the Cayman Islands and then returned to our respective locations to introduce it to the staff.

It was hard as I was not bought in with the vision and when I did the presentation, one of my employees came after the presentation and said I did not look convince or even convinced him about this new vision.

Believe in yourself

You need to believe in yourself.

You need to believe that despite any shortcomings or weaknesses, you can still do it. You may not be from a wealthy family but you got to believe in yourself. You may have a past that you are ashamed of but you got to believe in yourself that that is the past and you have a great future. You got to believe that you can achieve your vision and you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you.

Conclusion.

Whatever you want to do, believe it can happen. You are what you think so believe what you want. It

is natural to feel doubtful at times but never ever let that doubt be a part of your life. The moment you are about to have doubts, take it under control and rebuke those doubts and replace those doubts with faith.

Stop saying and believing that you can’t. Believe that you can.

SEEKING EXPERIENCED AND QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

T & C Refreshments (1) Post Mix Technician Repair and maintenance of fountain and cooler equipment Collect water samples and perform all quality control testing required Execute sanitation process of all syrup lines Perform calibration exercise on the fountain equipment Execute weekly preventative maintenance checks Perform installation & removal of equipment (fountain dispensing and coolers) as required Participate in special events involving Coca-Cola marketing equipment Perform other duties as requested Qualifications Certified Post Mix Technician or the equivalent of nine (9) years’ experience in repairing coolers, vending machines, refrigerant equipment preferred Valid driver’s license Salary commensurate from $2,000.00 per month according to experience and qualifications This position is currently held by a work permit holder Qualified Belonger candidate asked to submit resume electronically to: T & C Refreshments 10 Parade Avenue Providenciales, Turks & Caicos hradmin@CBCBahamas.com & Employment Services Providenciales

SALES EXECUTIVES •Lead a dynamic sales team to further grow and develop a highly demanding lending portfolio •Lead marketing initiatives in the existing and new markets •Create and execute effective sales strategies that will grow the business to meet/exceeding business targets •Work with/through the collections team to risks is minimized and/or alleviated •Carry-out operational mandates as required •Provide relevant management reports and returns to the Senior Manager/ Director as required •Provide overall provisions of support to Senior Management COLELECTIONS EXPERTS •Lead a demanding portfolio, highly organized and aggressive in acting swiftly on matters to ensure payment resolution.

All candidates must possess minimum 5 years supervisory and/or management experience in the field of Sales, Marketing, Risk Management &Account Resolution.

Excellent written, Microsoft Office Suits capabilities. Persons interested in an interview should send their CVs to Senior Manager, Global Capital Ltd, @ carmen70s@hotmail.com no later thanJanuary 10th, 2020.

NOTICE Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990 An Application REGISTERED PR 13936 by Nadine Borel Giese has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on parcels 60810/136, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147 & 148, The Bight & Thomas Stubbs on Providenciales, which will be rezoned from Medium Density Residential (R4) to Commercial Related Development (C1).

The subject planning application is for the regularization of an existing development, consisting in a Nursery and Storage buildings.

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

Dated Posted: __________________________________________

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

New Year’s message from Jamell Robinson

By Jamell Robinson, PNP All-Island Candidate

As we boldly step into the year 2020, a new decade, with renewed hope and energy for the year ahead with all its possibilities, let us take the time to reflect on 2019.

While we all know that 2019 hasn’t been without its societal challenges, I would like to end the year highlighting two refreshing experiences that I have had in the last several weeks.

These two experiences add to my hope and excitement for the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

On a recent trip to South Caicos, I was booked to travel with

interCaribbean Airlines. To my surprise as we walked the tarmac, we were escorted to a Caicos Express Airplane.

While airline partnerships and associations may be common place in many countries, I was pleased to see such cooperation between our local airlines.

This may not be a big deal to some, but it was a big deal to me and left me feeling hopeful about business community partnerships that focus on common goals to building an even stronger Turks and Caicos Islands.

The second occurrence happened when I recently attended a funeral in North Caicos. The vehicle that was rented by my colleague was owned by a company that was once three

individual rental car companies.

This triad of companies, all with local principles in their early thirties, merged and now own approximately 65 % of the rental car fleet in the North and Middle Caicos Market. Wow!

What a powerhouse. I rarely hear about partnerships amongst our companies, but am happy to see when it does happen. I leave these final words with you as we journey through 2020 together. It is my wish that we are all positioned to Help Our People Excel through Leadership, Integrity, Fellowship and Education to Possess * Jamell Robinson, PNP All Island Our Wealth, Economy, and Resources. Candidate H.O.P.E., L.I.F.E., P.O.W.E.R. Happy New Year!! #JR2020 #HOPE #LIFE #POWER

KH Capital Ltd invites applications from suitable qualified individuals to fill the Group Technology Manager Job Requirements & Responsibilities: •Must have at least a bachelors or higher degree in Computer or Information Systems with a preference for a Masters degree •A minimum fifteen years on the job experience as an information technology programmer/ analyst (SQL language preferable) is required •Experience is working across group companies and over multiple locations, including different islands •Experience in data processing, computer information systems, data communications, networking, systems analysis, and computer programming is a must •Ability to conduct training and informational sessions •Ability to manage a team of IT/IS staff working across group companies

•Supporting all hardware related issues and reviewing all new hardware capabilities as required, such as cash registers, scales, database and POS systems •Assist in resolving any software issues, review and upgrade ofsoftware packages •Maintaining good documentation relating to all IT related work plans and schedules such as backups and flowcharts •Overseeing the systems implementation and taking ownership of the systems work stream within the Process re-engineering project including any new systems for the operations (supermarkets, property maintenance and head office) •Ability to lead and manage a wide variety of design and development projects in a team and in independent situations •Ability to use current and emerging technologies to streamline business processes

JOB OPPORTUNITY SENIOR SOLICITOR or ATTORNEY REQUIRED A senior solicitor or attorney is required for a busy firm based in Providenciales. The successful candidate will be a qualified real estate solicitor or attorney with at least ten years post qualification experience in the disciplines of: -

property development residential and commercial real estate drafting and advising on commercial contracts and leases drafting and advising on Wills, Probate and Trusts

The successful candidate must already be called to the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar. Excellent communication skills and ability to manage files and work independently are essential, together with requisite experience in preparation of cases and direct client relationships.

Remuneration based on experience – Commencing at $90,000.00 per annum All suitably qualified TC Islanders are required to send applications in writing with full resume to: Managing Partner Miller Simons O’Sullivan P.O. Box 260, Regent House West Regent Village Turks and Caicos Islands Fax: (649) 946-4663 E-mail: mslaw@tciway.tc Prospective TC Islanders applicants may also lodge a copy of their applications with the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder

and assist with the deployment of multiple projects •Assisting with updating and improving website offerings for group companies and developing online purchasing and sales platforms •Providing reports generated from systems as requested by senior management – operational, financial or IT based •Reporting directly to the Board of Directors of KH Capital Ltd Pay will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline for submission of applicants is January 7th, 2020 Submit to: KH Capital Ltd, Third Floor Graceway House, Graceway Plaza, Providenciales or email: paul. murray@khcapital.com

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 20 JANUARY 2020 ACCOUNTING ASISSTANT Department: Finance Location: Grand Turk Annual Salary: $21,935.00 – $24,600.00 JOB SUMMARY The post holder must receive payments and apply to the accounts receivable accounting system, generate receipts and issues them to relevant departments for distribution; receipts must be filed and copied in chronological order daily. Must have basic knowledge of preparing daily reports. Files accounting documents/records as required and other related functions assigned from time to time by the Senior Accounting Assistant.

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 20 January 2020. 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.

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

It’s 2020, rekindle pride and purpose in the capital

By Ed Forbes Since the impact of Hurricane Ike over 11 years ago, this beautiful by nature island of Grand Turk, once a vibrant city with a small town feel, is now a sad state of affairs.

It is literally the most beautiful island on the planet, pristine, stunning and unpopulated beaches with so much unrealized potential.

Now, I may be a bit biased, as I’m a son of the soil. Growing up as a little boy on this tiny island in the 70s, you could feel that sense of pride and identity.

Now, it appears as if only a small minority seems to grasp the importance of conservation and restoration of our heritage and unique culture. We have sold our birthright to benefit a few. Our people should be up in arms of what’s being done and or ignored.

Why such a slow pace of reinvestment in the Capital? We largely depend on tourism just as much as we do in Providenciales. Ask any taxi driver or small mom and pop restaurant owners.

Although the average dollar spent by tourist in Grand Turk may be slightly below that in Provo, we have the volume. Therefore, we must showcase our island in a much better way as to drive repeat visitors.

The infrastructure is crumbling and it appears as if everything has become a political saga. Part of the revitalization budget should include restoration and requalification of the capital’s historic lighthouse; has either of the political parties ever sought after bids?

The old prison and the Salt House are some of the most extraordinary landmarks in Grand Turk and are grim reminders of our past history that should not be forgotten. Given the beauty and prestige of these locations, these historical buildings need to be properly renovated and continued as tourist attractions. This will allow students and residents alike to enjoy and embrace its rich history.

The format of the existing lighthouse accommodation is already a well-known touristic site, which spreads an environmentally-friendly atmosphere for cruise ship passengers.

However, there could be so much more other than just a photo-op from the outside. Why let these structures run down or just sit there not open to the public? For heaven’s sake, some of the street lights are still out in the capital, just to name a few. The overall goal should be to bring sustainability and innovative entrepreneurship to the capital.

Big foreign corporations seem to be the only one’s benefiting and getting the lion share of our tourism dollars, while some local small mom and pop businesses are struggling to keep their doors open.

Also, the cost for doing business in the capital is quite challenging in itself.

Such as, excessive fees for licenses, lack of efficiency with centralized government locations and limited resources. If you have had an opportunity to visit the capital lately, other than enjoying our beautiful by nature beaches, there is not much to do in terms of social activities.

Nevertheless, we are content with it that

way.

That’s what makes the island so quaint and unique. Although this government has made some progress and we thank them for it, it’s not enough. All we are asking for are some fundamental changes.

This will help to improve our standard of living and way of life.

Carnival cruise lines has a beautiful unoccupied building right in the heart of what was once called our down town business center. What a perfect location for local vendors to display their goods if the rent was affordable. How Carnival was able to acquire such prime location and do nothing with it is still questionable.

make a little money.

Nevertheless, contracts alone are not enough. For example, you can’t fix the schools just once a year, or clean up the streets twice a year. Repairs and maintenance should be an ongoing effort. Figuratively speaking, too often are we seeing Band-Aids being placed on open wounds. As a result, you end up with substandard buildings like some of the government structures we see, including our local community college in Grand Turk.

We need more concerned citizens to speak out publicly as we can’t remain silent or just talk amongst ourselves and expect change to come. At the same time, we need to have a spirit of volunteerism among ourselves all across these islands and not just in a few neighborhoods.

We must also find ways to give back to the community and encourage our youth to do the same. Although, sometimes it may seems as if we are preaching to the choir, but just remember, this is our land. We have to dig deep within and ask ourselves, do we throw in the towel or just sit on the sidelines and watch it withered away, or do we act now; as the future of our next generation depends on us.

The only beacon of hope in that vicinity is the historical Anglican Church, with its bright red shutters and stain glass windows, which adds a touch of beauty and graces the area with its presence. Other than that, all that’s left on Front Street are charred and dilapidated buildings.

Even the front street road along the sea wall has been ignored for years and have enough pots holes that even walking could be hazardous at times.

Considering Turks and Caicos, not just Provo is now a destination of choice, I know we can do much better than this, I passionately embraced Mahatma regardless of political affiliation and or Gandhi’s idea and a frequent quote of disagreements. mind, “We must be the Change we wish

To help keep our islands clean to see in the world” In this case, in our and beautiful, what we need is an active beloved Turks and Caicos Islands. public works department like it once was.

Yes, contracts are good, because it gives * Ed Forbes is a concerned citizen of the average citizen an opportunity to Grand Turk

•Achievement of sales and/or cost control goals Salary range is $43,000.00 per annum and is based on previous experience and qualifications.

Commis Cook*

Assistant Restaurants Manager *

As a Commis Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and presenting high quality dishes to deliver an excellent Guest and Member experience. You will also be required to prepare all mis-en-place and contribute to departmental financial and costcontrol goals.

Assistant Restaurants Manager is responsible for ensuring successful operation of the outlet(s) and functions assigned, ensuring memorable, luxury dining experiences for all guests and maximization of revenue and profitability.

Areas of Responsibilities:

Areas of Responsibility: •Manage assigned outlet or function during shift to ensure operation is in accordance with standards, ensuring all employee performance meets standard with all duties completed properly and on timely basis.

•Ensure all opening and closing checklists for outlet/function are completed correctly and on time.

•Maintain positive personal presence with body language and demeanor, complying with all hotel and department grooming and dress code standards.

•Monitor employee performance and provide feedback and coaching.

•Ensure all charge and cash handling policies and procedures are followed at all times and that cash floats are properly maintained and secured during and after shift.

•Ensure staff is well trained, knowledgeable and conversant with all menus.

• “Touch” each table during shift and use knowledge of guest and name to ensure a high level of guest recognition and personalized service.

•Assist in conducting physical inventories of all linens, china, beverages and other supplies.

•Ensure accurate recordkeeping as required and track daily sales.

•Establish and maintain departmental communication, maintaining Daily Log Book for shift; keep manager fully informed on a timely basis of any problems or need for action.

•Maintain controls of inventory and keys.

•Attend all daily briefings, meetings and training as required.

•In addition, other duties as may be requested or required by department or another manager.

Key Skills and Requirement: •Minimum 3 years’ experience in a hotel restaurant preferably in a luxury hotel.

•Accuracy and attention to detail.

•Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.

•Able to stand for long periods of time.

•Able to carry up to 20kgs.

•Must have excellent mathematic skills.

•Able to handle a fast-paced environment and be able to work under pressure.

•Must be organized and detailed oriented.

•Guest Satisfaction (comment cards, website postings, in-person feedback) •Completion of work assignments (safely, timely, completely, correctly) •Achievement of sales and/or cost control goals •Able to handle a fast-paced environment and be able to work under pressure.

•Must be organized and detailed oriented.

•Guest Satisfaction (comment cards, website postings, in-person feedback) •Completion of work assignments (safely, timely, completely, correctly)

•Ensure consistent great food production, in line with the high-quality standards expected by Hartling Group.

•Perform tasks within a timely manner.

•Contribute to kitchen revenue through effective food cost control.

•Provide support to the Kitchen brigade.

•Prepare and present high-quality dishes within quality dishes within company guidelines.

•Coordinates all hot and cold food preparation, including banquets when necessary.

•Prepare sauces, soups and hot entrees for service and special functions, ensuring that all stations are set for forecasted covers.

•Demonstrate recipe knowledge for all soups, sauces and entrees.

•Organize and maintain work areas, coolers and storage areas.

•Take proper care of all kitchen equipment including rangers, ovens, broilers, fryers, friddles, and utensils.

•shift to ensure operation is in accordance with standards, ensuring all employee performance meets standard with all duties completed properly and on timely basis.

•Prepares work checklist and organizers work stations for each shift.

•Keep all working areas clean and tidy and ensure no cross contamination.

•Prepare all mis-en-place for all relevant menus.

•Assist other departments wherever necessary and maintain good working relationships.

•Report maintenance, hygiene and hazard issues.

•Comply with hotel security, fire regulations and all health and safety and food safety legislation.

•Awareness departmental targets and strive to achieve them as part of the team •Meet all health and hygiene requirements.

•Be environmentally aware.

•Any other ad hoc duties or tasks as assigned or directed by management.

Key Skills and Requirement: •Willing and able to work effectively with team members •Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines and work under pressure.

•Proficient in using Microsoft Office, Excel knowledge is essential.

•Demonstrable communication skills.

Starting salary $8.50 per hour not including service charge.

*POSITIONS MARKED WITH (*) ARE CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER. Interested applicants should apply to The Shore Club,Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume Attention to Danitra Clare or Karresa Gardiner, Asst. Human Resources Managers atcareers@theshoreclubtc.com , no later than end of day Friday January 31st2019. Resumes can also be submitted to the Labor Department directly. The Shore Club HR Office can be contacted at (649) 339-8000

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

We hire smiles!!!

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond All-inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. We hire the personality and train the individual.

Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that applicants will be contacted for an interview via Text Message.

The House Keeping Department requires:   

The Entertainment Department requires:

Houseman Room Attendant Public Area Cleaner/Attendant

Reports to:

   

Executive Housekeeper

The Room Attendant assumes primary responsibility for guestroom cleaning and servicing. The Housemen are responsible for delivering clean linen and clearing dirty linen from Room Attendants’ trolley. The general maintenance of all corridors and walkways on assigned floor/section are also the responsibility of the Housemen. The Public Area Cleaner/ Attendant is responsible to service all other areas and offices.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Physically fit with the ability to lift and bend.  No allergies to chemicals or dust Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders (note however more than one is required).

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

The range for these positions are $6.25- $6.50 per hour



Linen Room Attendant

Reports to:

Executive Housekeeper

The Photoshop Department requires: Photographer

Responsible for the photographic experience, including the flow of guests through the photography, selection and purchase process

The Spa Department requires:

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Certifications in field or studio Photography (both required for Lead Photographer)  Sales experience and able to meet quotas  Two (2) years’ experience in a similar position This position is currently held by Work Permit Holder (note however more than one is required).

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

Spa Therapist Spa Manager

The range for this position is $6.25 to $7.75 per hour plus commissions

The Spa Therapist is responsible for the comfort of the guests of the spa while performing treatments.

Direct all efforts toward guest satisfaction achievement of Spa standards, and profit maximization. As part of the Spa Team it is imperative to work harmoniously to achieve the highest standard of service.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Must have a valid License/Certificate in your field of expertise;

The Kitchen Department requires:     

Chef Cook Cook Grade 1,2 and 3 Pastry Cook Kitchen Helper

Reports to: Executive Chef

This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder (note however more than one is required).

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

The range for this position is $6.25 to $6.75 per hour plus commissions

Under the guidance and supervision of the Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef and Sous Chef, and within the limits of established Sandals Resorts policies, procedures, oversees and directs all aspects of the kitchen operation at the level of standard and quality established by the company.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Culinary institution or equivalent technical schooling or apprenticeship training;  Three to five years’ culinary experience hotel/resort.

The Food and Beverage Department requires: Restaurant Manager Director of Food and Beverage

Under the guidance and supervision of the Director of Food and Beverage and within the limits of established Sandals Resorts policies, procedures, oversees and directs all aspects of the Restaurant operation at the level of standard and quality established by the company.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Minimum three experience as Restaurant Manager in an international first-class hotel/resort.  Experience managing a restaurant with over 300 persons seating area The Restaurant Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder (however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders (note however more than one is required).

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

The range for these positions is $6.25 to $9.00 per hour The Bar Department requires:   

Bartender Bar Porter Cocktail Server/ Pool and Beach Server

Reports to:

Bar/Beverage Manager

Have a full knowledge of mixology and the use of all bar equipment, glassware and ingredients.

Maintain a clean and efficient bar. Have an excellent command of guest service information and consistently practice excellent service with a friendly smile.

The salary for these positions ranges between $23,000.00 and $38,000.00 The Watersports and Catamaran Departments require: 

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  5 CXC or GCE subjects or equivalent;  Excellent Customer Service Skills;  First AID & CPR Certified;  CHS Certified (Or any recognized Hospitality Training Institute).

Reports to: Photoshop Manager

The range for this position is $6.25- $7.00 per hour

Reports to:

These team member responsibilities for supporting, coordinating and directing the daily operations of the Sesame Street Characters based on directive by the Animation Manager. He/she is reports to the Animation Manager and The Director of Entertainment (Manager); together they oversee all the Sesame Street Programs in addition to working with the rest of the Entertainment Areas, Photography, Sales, Food and Beverage, Public Relations, among some others. The Senior Animator’s main responsibility is to ensure quality and quantity exposure of the Sesame Street Characters so that our Guests can enjoy during their stay at the Resort as well as look for revenue opportunities that will make us grow in within the Hotel industry.



This position is currently held by Work Permit Holder (note however more than one is required).

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.



Director of Entertainment and Animation Manager

The range for this position is $7.25- $9.00 per hour

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Physically fit with the ability to lift and bend.  No allergies to chemicals or dust  Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position.

Reports to:

Reports to:

This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

To maintain order and cleanliness in the linen room and to assist with all of the activities related to the linen room, to record all items received and issued.



Senior Animator Animator Player Kids Counselor/ Counselor***

Watersports/ Pool/ Beach Attendant

Reports to: Watersports Manager Under general supervision, ensures the safety of patrons of an aquatic facility by preventing and responding to emergencies.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  First Aid & CPR Certified;

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Two years’ experience within a casual restaurant setting preferred  Physically fit  No food allergies These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders (note however more than one is required).

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

The range for these positions are $6.25- $6.50 per hour

These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders (note however more than one is required).

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

The range for these positions are $6.25- $7.00 per hour

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

and

Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road

and should reach not later than January 10th 2020

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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Happy New Year! ¡Próspero Año Nuevo!

Bonn Ane!

20 20

To our valued customers: As we begin a new year and a new decade, we are confident that our country’s best days lie ahead. As in the last decade and after hurricanes Irma and Maria, the FortisTCI team will continue to provide the resilient and reliable energy you need to power the future. We wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

From all of us at FortisTCI, your partner in all things energy.

2017 Winner

Allied Member of the Year

BCMS 681102

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

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

2020 Destination Turks & Caicos Magazine unveiled T

he Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) recently unveiled the cover of its highly anticipated 15th edition of Destination Turks & Caicos.

The event was held at Hawksbill Villa in Leeward, on Wednesday, December 18th, 2019.

The magazine features an exciting new contemporary look while delivering the important message of

tourism sustainability.

“Flora” collection) showcasing the lush

This year, the premier go- vegetation and plant life of the Turks to tourist guide took an exciting & Caicos Islands thus transforming leap, transforming from a traditional this once hardbound publication and coffee-table design to a luxury giving it a modern, stylish, luxurious publication for 2020. feel.

The new Destination TCI In its 15th year, the TCHTA cover features a modern and stylish, Destination Magazine which has clean look with a classic gold bold been outsourced in the past, is now typeface and a single image (an fully managed in-house and comes installment in Dominique Rolle’s with a new layout and refreshed feel.

The organization partnered with locals Erin Patrick of EP Designs and Dominique Rolle of Caya Hico Media who served as Creative Directors for the publication to deliver a fresh approach to this time-honoured book.

The 2020 copies will be in every hotel and villa room on the island come January 2020.

Photo Credit: Earlson Robinson.

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LOCAL NEWS

S

Sandals Foundation & interCaribbean Airways spread Christmas cheer in Grand Turk

andals Foundation-the charitable arm of the Sandals & Beaches brands- partnered with interCaribbean Airways recently to bring over 800 pounds of toys and gifts to the children of Grand Turk spreading Christmas joy to over 500 students.

The gifts were donated by the Sandals Foundation in collaboration with Hasbro- an American based toy and board games Company-as part of the foundation’s annual Christmas treats to local schools and commitment to more outreach in the family islands.

The donation marks Sandals Foundation’s second collaboration with interCaribbean Airways as the airline sponsored airfare for Sandals Foundation representatives to travel from Providenciales to Grand Turk and waived all fees for transporting the toys.

Jamie McAnally, General Manager Beaches Turks and Caicos noted, “We always look

forward to our annual Christmas Treat and this year our resort and philanthropic arm aimed to reach children of Grand Turk as we expand our outreach to the neighboring islands. I am proud of the work that our foundation is doing in impacting lives throughout the Turks and Caicos and this latest donation is evident of our commitment to the children who are the future of these islands.

Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean Airways noted “At interCaribbean we are committed to supporting the communities in the countries we serve and it is part of our social responsibility as the flagship airline of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is a privilege for us to support children and that is why we have joined with the Sandals Foundation bringing nearly 800 pounds of toys at this special time of the year and hope The Sandals Foundation led initiative brings joy to our school-age children in the Turks and Caicos Islands”

Gwenn Harvey, Principal of the Ona Glinton Primary School commended both companies for their donation to the school; “we are extremely grateful to the Sandals Foundation and interCaribbean Airways for their donation of Christmas toys to the children of Ona Glinton Primary School.

Sandals Foundation has been very supportive of our school and we commend their efforts to support education and the growth and development of our children.”

Thewell (Full name and title?

Principal?) of Eliza Simmons Primary School thanked the Sandals Foundation and interCaribbean Airways for the donations to both schools noting that “the gifts will help to spark the Christmas joy in the hearts of our children this year.”

Last week, Sandals Foundation donated toys to students of the Ianthe Pratt Primary School.

Over 200 children were invited to the resort to take part in the annual Christmas treat

which included art and craft activities with travel agents of the STAR Awards and donated toys from Sandals Foundation and Hasbro.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation says the annual event has been a success thanks to the continued support of committed partners.

“Every year we are incredibly grateful to our partners, guests and team members who volunteer their time to wrap gifts, prepare meals and coordinate one of a kind events for the children. It is truly through this sustained support that make our work to improve the lives of the Caribbean children and people possible.”

As the foundation closes another year, Clarke extended holiday greetings to the Turks and Caicos Islands and noted that the foundation will continue to support education, environment and community development initiatives.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

LOCAL NEWS First Annual 12th Month Musical Festival was a hit!

T

he First Annual 12th Month Musical Festival hosted on Friday December 27th, 2019 was a great success in Providenciales.

A collaborative effort between Carpé Dream, Digicel, Hard Rock, Seafood Haven and TCI’s Most Wanted, DJ Shakes, attracted over one thousand (1,000) persons that evening.

Dancehall megastar Shenseea, the ‘trending gal’ headlined the most anticipated event. The Jamaican artist rocked the stage as she performs her original chart toping songs like Trending Gal, Shenyeng Anthem, Blessed and much more.

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TCI’s Most Wanted DJ Shakes, Mixology Sound, Tiko T, Mr. Chawa, Carl ‘Choice’ Lewis, Lewbo, Stunna P and DJ Neko Pelico also hit the main stage.

Organizer of the 12th Month Musical Festival and the Founder of the TCI-based event production company, Carpé Dream, Jajuan Harvey told The SUN that he is overwhelmed with the support they received.

“I would like to thank God most importantly for the vision and providing a team of loyal people to execute this great event. Big thank you to my partner Dj Shakes, Kawayana Wilson, Reron Williams, Rodney Rigby and Renau Destine and thank you so much to Turks and Caicos.

The vision came through and it was amazing. We welcome feedback to improve the event for next time and we’re looking to do it even bigger and better.”

Harvey also gave special thanks The Wine Cellar, The SUN newspaper, Digicel, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and Air & Sea Agency for making this event possible.

Proceeds from the 12th Month Music Festival will go towards a donation for a musical program for the youth in the TCI. Photo Credit: Renau Destine Photography.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Grace Bay Club hosts Japanese Dinner O

n Wednesday December 4th, 2019, Grace Bay Club hosted its Japanese dinner, staring guest Chef Ting Yen at The Grill restaurant.

The Japanese Culinary Dinner was birthed as a way to not only give diners an authentic taste of the country’s cuisine, but to showcase local talent.

International Master Chef Ting Yen was at the helm of this culinary experience which took diners on a culinary journey through Japan. He, along with Executive Chef Frank Castleton, Executive Chef, Private Villa Collection Charles Joseph, Executive Pastry

Chef Vadivel Raju, Sous Chef Makindy Joseph and the Grace Bay Club Culinary team and Murad Mohammad- Principle of Caribbean Beer & Spirits are credited for pulling off the outstanding event.

Kendi Jones of Grace Bay Club told The SUN that the resort likes to continuously develop and create new dining experiences for its guests, so when the opportunity arises where they can take people on a culinary journey, they jump at it.

“Chef Christopher Meredith, Group Director of Food and Beverage, wanted to offer this experience to his team as a way to

not only expand their knowledge but also help stoke their passion for the culinary arts. However, the local talents of today are not the only ones who benefited from this experience. Culinary arts students from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College were also able to partake in this unique event,” she said.

Grace Bay Club looks forward to future events that take the community on a culinary journey.

Photo Credit: Earlson Robinson

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LOCAL NEWS

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

The 10 Most Expensive Celebrity Real Estate Transactions of 2019

Tennis courts. Personal spas.

Yoga pavilions. Ocean views. For most, these are luxuries that can only be found on exquisite vacations. For Hollywood’s elite, these are just some of the components of the places they call home. Still, even when celebrities get to retreat to personal paradises on a daily basis, they often look to upgrade to even more extravagant abodes. Below, AD takes a look back at the most expensive real estate celebrities bought and sold in 2019.

10. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, $23 million

In July, real estate aficionados Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi sold their mansion in Carpinteria, California, to makeup mogul Jamie Kern Lima and her husband, Paulo Lima, for $23 million.

The 6,862-square-foot main home boasts three bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, and there’s a 900-squarefoot guesthouse with another bedroom and bathroom on the property as well.

Adding even more extravagance to the oceanfront beach house: a tennis court and spa.

9. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, $27 million

DeGeneres and De Rossi’s first real estate purchase of the year was also a big one. In February, they picked up a mansion in Montecito, California, for $27 million. While the Balinese-style main home, which features bamboo,

flamed black limestone and distressed oak floors, has five bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, the couple’s new place also gives their visitors the option to stay in a lavish guesthouse on the 8.24 acre property.

8. Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis, $27 million

Bruce Willis and his wife, Emma Heming Willis, sold their Asian-inspired Turks and Caicos compound for $27 million—the second most expensive home sale in the country’s history, notes Sotheby’s International Realty—in July.

The 13,500-square-foot property, which is technically part of the COMO Parrot Cay resort, features a five-bedroom main house, a yoga pavilion, and two guest casitas.

7. Lindsey Buckingham, $29.5 million

Stephen

Curry’s

new

5. Tommy Hilfiger, $33.35 million

After having it on the market for more than a decade, Tommy Hilfiger finally sold his Manhattan penthouse in the Plaza Hotel in September for a reported $33.25 million. Among its unique design details, the four-bedroom home features its own turret adorned with a wall mural of children’s book character Eloise, hand-painted by none other than creator Hilary Knight.

4. Mark Zuckerberg, $37 million

In June, former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham sold his French-Normandy-inspired Brentwood mansion for $29.5 million. WeWork’s vice chairman Michael Gross was reportedly the buyer. The 10,000-square-foot home was custom built for Buckingham and his wife, interior designer Kristen Messner, in 2007 and features eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and a two-story tower with its own spiral staircase.

6. Stephen and Ayesha Curry, $31 million

certainly holds court. In June, the NBA star paid $31 million for the three-story mansion in Atherton, California, making it the most expensive 2019 home purchase in the Bay Area. In addition to the main house, the property, which was built on spec earlier in the year, also has a separate guesthouse, poolside cabana, and separate three-car garage.

abode

Mark Zuckerberg wasted no time making moves in 2019. In January, the Facebook founder and CEO scooped up a Lake Tahoe mansion, known as the Brushwood Estate, for $37 million. This was after he had purchased an adjacent home for $22 million in December 2018, making his new compound worth an estimated $59 million. While most details of the sales have been kept extremely private (hence the lack of images), it is known that the Brushwood Estate features a 5,322-square-foot main house with six bedrooms, a separate guesthouse, and a private dock.

3. Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo (to DeGeneres and De Rossi!), $45 million

After a reported renovation and just more than a year of residence, Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo were ready to say goodbye to their Beverly Hills mansion. The couple sold the threestory Tudor-style home, which boasts five bedrooms (including a 2,000-squarefoot master suite) and 12 bathrooms, to DeGeneres and De Rossi in May for $45 million.

2. Sting, $65.7 million

More than a year after selling his Manhattan duplex for $50 million, Sting bought a nearby penthouse for $65.7 million in July. At the time of purchase, it was reported that the musician’s new place has three bedrooms and five-anda-half bathrooms within its 5,807 square feet.

1. Jeff Bezos, $80 million

It seems Jeff Bezos believes that good things come in threes. In June, the Amazon founder closed on a trio of Manhattan apartments for a combined $80 million. The sizable buy included a three-story, five-bedroom penthouse apartment in addition to the two units below, all of which overlook Madison Square Park.

A three story penthouse apartment made up the bulk of Jeff Bezos’s large Manhattan purchase this year.

Dee and Tommy Hilfiger in their Manhattan apartment in the Plaza Hotel.

Former Fleetwood Mac member Lindsey Buckingham sold his fully customized Brentwood mansion for $29.5 million in June.

Levine and Prinsloo bought this home from Will & Grace cocreator Max Mutchnick in 2018.

Stephen and Ayesha Curry, $31 million

The kitchen in Lindsey Buckingham’s former home.

Mark Zuckerberg Brushwood Estate, for $37 million.

The main house at the Turks and Caicos compound Bruce Willis sold for $27 million in July of this year.

220 Central Park South, where singer Sting purchased a home this year.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, $27 million

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HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE

Twitter bots tout cannabis as a cure-all despite few approved medical uses

Social media bots are promoting cannabis as a remedy for everything from cancer to insomnia and foot pain, according to an analysis of posts on Twitter.

“Social bots regularly perpetuate unsubstantiated health claims on the platform, providing one example of how false statements may drown out solid science on social media,” said lead study author Jon-Patrick Allem of the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

“I want the public to be aware of the difference between a demonstrated, scientifically backed piece of health information and claims that are simply made up,” Allem said by email. “Currently, cannabis is only approved for medical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in a small number of instances, including to help with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, with appetite stimulation in conditions like AIDS or HIV that cause weight loss, and with the management of two forms of pediatric epilepsy.”

Cannabis has become easier to get and more affordable in the U.S. as a growing number of states have legalized the drug for medical or recreational use, or both, Allem and colleagues note in the American Journal of Public Health. A total of 33 states have legalized medical cannabis and 11 have legalized adult recreational use. ` Despite legalization, cannabis is not risk-free, the study team notes.

Cannabis plants are seen inside a greenhouse of the Clever Leaves company in Pesca, Colombia October 2, 2019 Serious health problems associated with the drug include impaired short-term memory, reduced attention, impaired coordination and sleep problems, they point out. Regular cannabis use can also lead to an increased risk of dependence as well as addiction to alcohol or other drugs.

To assess how Twitter posts may be shaping public perception of the benefits or risks associated with cannabis, researchers sifted through millions of tweets to select a subset of more than 60,000 from almost 48,000 different users who didn’t appear to be bots. They also looked at almost 9,000 tweets from roughly 2,900 users that did appear to be bots.

The study team then coded the tweets into 12 categories, including

Fathers should be screened for postpartum blues, too

Screening fathers for postpartum depression is as important as screening mothers, researchers argue, and current guidelines don’t go far enough in urging doctors to identify new fathers who may be suffering.

A perspectives piece in the journal Pediatrics points out that recent guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend that pediatricians use well-child visits to screen mothers for postpartum depression, yet they hardly mention fathers.

The guidance from these two respected organizations risks “being out of touch with contemporary American families,” the authors write, in light of all the evidence emerging in recent decades showing the importance of fathers’ mental health to the wellbeing of their children.

“Depression among new dads is a problem that too often gets overlooked,” lead author Tova Walsh, an assistant professor of social work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told Reuters Health.

“Although many new dads experience depressive symptoms, few know how to identify the signs or talk about their struggles.”

Depression symptoms in fathers in the first year after the birth of a child are considered paternal postpartum depression, Walsh and colleagues write.

Past studies have estimated that anywhere from 2% to 25% of fathers are affected.

But no clear diagnostic criteria specific to fathers exist, they note.

“Depression often looks different in fathers than in mothers,” Walsh said. “In addition to the familiar symptoms of depression such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities and trouble eating and sleeping, men may mask their symptoms by throwing themselves into work or by drinking more.”

Fathers with postpartum depression are also less likely than mothers to ask for help, and a lack of awareness about paternal depression could be making it more difficult for them to tackle the problem.

mentions of first-time use, health and medical, legality, processed products such as edibles and using cannabis in conjunction with alcohol, painkillers and psychedelics.

About one third of the tweets involving cannabis from non-bots involved users “tagging” the drug, or identifying it in a photo or post, the analysis found.

Cannabis use was a topic in about 12% of posts that weren’t generated by bots, with about 3% of these involving first-time use of the drug.

Almost 6% of the posts that didn’t come from bots involved medical uses of the drug, which was described as helping cancer, plantar fasciitis, Crohn’s disease, sleep, pain, anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD.

The next most common posts involved legality of the drug or posts about where to buy or sell cannabis.

In contrast, bots were less likely to tag cannabis in posts or discuss personal cannabis use.

But bots appeared about twice as likely to mention health and medical uses for cannabis as non-bots.

The study only looked at Twitter, and results may not reflect what’s happening on Facebook or other social media platforms, the study team notes.

Even so, the snapshot of posts about cannabis suggests that misinformation is widespread, Allem said. That’s because about one in four adults and one in three teens are regularly on the platform, he said.

“Posts to Twitter can be treated like a massive focus group allowing researchers to understand the social and environment context people use (or would like to use) cannabis,” Allem added.

“The organic, naturally occurring conversations we captured showed that the public often mentions initiation with cannabis, cannabis use along with other substances, and the perceived health benefits of cannabis use,” he continued. “If a Twitter user is perusing their feed and seeing a lot of posts with unsubstantiated health claims, these posts may resonate with that person and lead to offline attitude and behavior change.”

Transgender children sense their gender identities at young ages

Transgender children may start to identify with toys and clothes typical of their gender identity from a very young age, a recent study suggests.

And their confidence in their gender identity is generally as strong as that of cisgender children, whose identity matches their sex assigned at birth, researchers found.

“Trans kids are showing strong identities and preferences that are different from their assigned sex,” lead author Selin Gulgoz said in a press statement.

“There is almost no difference between these transand cisgender kids of the same gender identity - both in how, and the extent to which, they identify with their gender or express that gender.”

For the study, researchers interviewed 317 transgender children, ages 3 to 12, and 189 of the children’s siblings. They also interview 316 cisgender kids.

Researchers asked the children how much they felt like a boy or girl or something else.

They also asked about preferences for toys and clothes that are stereotypically associated with one gender.

The transgender kids showed strong preferences for toys and clothing typically associated with their gender identity, not their assigned sex, the study found. Their preferences

didn’t appear to differ based on how long they had lived as their current gender.

Transgender kids also didn’t appear to have preferences much different from cisgender children with the same gender identity, according to the report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The similarities among transgender and cisgender children were surprising, researchers said, because early in life, the transgender kids had been treated as a gender other than the one they currently identify as.

“These findings suggest that children might not be simply learning about gender based on what their parents tell them about their own gender or how they treat them early on (which would be about the gender associated with their assigned sex),” Gulgoz told Reuters Health by email.

“Instead, the findings suggest that children may be selectively attending to broader social messages regarding the gender they feel they are, from early ages,” said Gulgoz did the work at the University of Washington in Seattle and will start a new position this winter at Fordham University.

Researchers traveled across the U.S. and Canada to meet transgender children and their parents at home or in their communities. They met each

family for about an hour.

Children in the cisgender control group and their families lived in the Seattle area and answered all of the same questions as the families of transgender kids.

One limitation of the study is that all the transgender kids lived in families that affirmed their current gender identity, the study team notes.

Their experiences might not reflect what would happen for transgender youth who lived in less supportive environments.

Researchers also only looked at children at one point in time.

Gender expression or identity for some of them might shift in the future, or their level of support and affirmation might change.

In previous studies of cisgender children, it was always difficult to tease apart whether patterns were due to gender identity, sex assigned at birth or socialization experiences, said Dr. Stuart Chipkin of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who wasn’t involved in the study.

The current study, Chipkin said by email, “helps to confirm the unique and separate reality of gender and how it is distinct from biological sex and socialization,” Chipkin added. “It supports the idea that gender is inherent and separate from biological sex which would seem to then come down on the side of nature as opposed to nurture.”

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FUN & GAMES

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VACANT POSITIONS Position: Quality Risk and Patient Safety Manager Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales TCI Job Summary: The Quality Risk and Patient Safety Manager will be responsible for providing oversight of the Quality Improvement, Risk Management, Patient Safety initiatives throughout the organization. Manages the international accreditation efforts and acts as Accreditation Survey Coordinator for all accreditation activities.

Supports the peer review process. Liaises with medical-legal and insurance staff, internal staff and external staff as appropriate to job function or as directed by CEO. Duties, Requirements and Experiences: •Provides leadership in the key care delivery areas of quality improvement, risk management and patient safety.

•Provides oversight of proactive and reactive patient safety activities, including root cause analyses, failure mode effects analyses and significant unplanned incident analyses.

•Provides leadership of and support for the accreditation processes and function in the organization and acts as Accreditation Survey Coordinator throughout the triennial accreditation cycle. Assures the organization maintains ongoing readiness and compliance with current and new standards when identified.

•Serves as chair of and develops the Quality, Risk Management and Patient Safety Committee.

•Oversees the complaint management process, analyzes results and develops reports as required.

•Participates in the development of and supports the medical staff peer review, credentialing and privileging processes.

•Helps the organization and its leaders create and sustain an abiding culture of continuous quality improvement in all it does.

•Reviews international databases to identify current trends in healthcare practice, as developed by organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Institute of Medicine, Institute of Healthcare Improvement, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and others.

•Provides support in the development of clinical protocols, clinical pathways and clinical practice guidelines so variation is reduced and quality of care is enhanced.

•Serves as point of contact for medical/legal issues within the organization and liaises with external insurers and/or legal entities.

•Conducts staff training and education in the principles and activities of patient safety, risk management, continuous quality improvement and ongoing accredita tion survey readiness.

•Provides leadership to staff in research and implementation of evidence-based practice.

•Conducts staff training and education in the collection of quality indicators and data and the optimum display of monitoring results.

•Coordinates the receipt, review and response to clinical audit results and clinical KPI data.

•Effectively develops monitors and manages departmental budget.

•Prepares monthly and annual reports as requested and required.

•Supports the work of the Mortality and Morbidity Committee.

•Acts as liaison with the Infection Prevention and Control Nurse.

•Conducts an annual review of the Quality Improvement Plan for the organization, including a process for prioritizing quality improvement initiatives for the coming year.

•Analyzes complex information and writes logical and lucid reports.

•Develops and maintains contact and relationships with key customers, through internal and external verbal and written communication.

•Ensures personal and departmental compliance with company policies and procedures.

•Supervises assigned staff and conducts annual Employee Performance Appraisals for assigned staff as required.

•Participates in the continuing professional development of assigned staff; acts as role model, coach and mentor as required.

•Coordinates and implements staff orientation as required.

•Performs any other related duties as may be assigned from time to time by the head of department or CEO. •Conducts self in a manner consistent with the mission, vision and values of the organization Desirable •Master’s degree required •Certification in Health Care Quality (such as CPHQ) strongly preferred •Extensive prior experience in education and training of staff in the principles of quality improvement, risk management and patient safety Requirements and Experiences: •At least three to five years clinical experience in an acute care hospital, preferably as a registered nurse.

•At least three to five years experience working with domestic or international accreditation agencies and experience with leading accreditation surveys.

•Five or more years of management/supervisory experience.

•Minimum of five years of current, progressive experience in quality management/quality improvement in a healthcare setting required.

•Minimum of two years experience in the area of risk management required.

•Minimum of two years experience in the area of patient safety required.

Salary: $70,000.00 - 80,000.00 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 15th January 2020.

VACANT POSITIONS Position: Radiographer 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 15th January 2020.

Page 32

ALVIN PARKER In South Caicos Is seeking two Fishermen Will be required to catch various types of fish and shellfish and prepare them for sale Working hours vary depending on weather and sea conditions Salary is negotiable Please contact 244-2912 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

CAICOS FISHERIES In South Caicos Is seeking a Plant Worker To work 5 days per week Required to sort, process, and bag fish and seafood products Salary: $ 6.25 per hour Please contact332-3826 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

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

Spend Wise Variety Store Location: Norway Road, Kew Town #60602/51, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Cashier Duties: Welcoming customers, answering their questions, helping them locate items, and providing advice or recommendations To work 5 days a week Salary is $6.50 per hour Please Contact- 348-2026 This position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

#603761

Rosa Maria Clare

Show’s Bar

Blanche Forbes

Is seeking a Labourer To work on the Island of South Caicos Mondays to Fridays weekly Pay is $6.25 hr. 4 hrs daily Applicant must be able to do minor repairs around the house, water plants and clean yard This job is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Please contact 231-2786 Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

In Grand Turk Is seeking Barmaids Must be able to serve drinks and assist the Bartender and must be able to serve the customers To work 6 days a week Salary $6.25 per hour Please contact 231-7246/241-6542 These positions are new Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labour Board

Location: South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Caretaker To work 6 days per week Duties: Taking care of an elderly person, washing clothes, keeping the house clean and preparing meals Salary is $ 6.25 per hour Please contact 432-3645 This position is currently held by a work permit holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

New Style Beauty Salon and Boutique

Michael Basden

Pastor Malcolm Location: South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking one (1) Labourer Duties include: Requires general maintenance upkeep, repairs, yard work, trash removal, keep property secure.

To work 5 days a week Salary is $250.00 per week Please Contact: 231-2894 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Kew Town, Building #6, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Hairdresser Duties include: Experience in washing, hair treatments, perms, braids, and sew-ins Salary is $6.50 per hour To work 6 days a week Please Contact: 331-8154 This position is new Interested Turks & Caicos Islanders may remit application directly to the Labour Board

Location: In Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands Seeks to employ a Labourer At a salary of $250.00 per 5 day week Successful applicants will be required to maintain the property by cleanliness of all the rental apartments and removing the debris to the disposal provided Applicants are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1 and to Mickey Basden at Tel no. 347-6414 Please note that this position is new

El Rancho Restaurant

LVA Management Ltd.

Joab Germain

Location: Lavista Azul, Turtle Cove, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Position: Handyman Nature of position: Fixing plumbing systems, providing repair guidance, cleaning and remodeling community spaces Salary is $12.00 per hour Please Contact: + (1649) 432-2830 The position is currently held by a work permit holder Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to submit their resumes to the Labor Board

Location: In Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands Seeks to employ a Domestic Worker At a weekly salary of $200.00per 5 day week Successful applicants will be required to maintain the cleanliness of the residence and perform other homely duties Applicants are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1 and Joab at Tel no.

241-3270 Please note that this position is new

Location: Norway Road in Kewtown Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Waitress Applicant must be honest and friendly with a positive attitude They must be willing to work on weekends and holidays, 5 days a week Salary is $6.50 per hour This is a new position Interesting persons should contact 1649 343-4718 Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send a copy of their application to the Labour board

SRF Construction Location: Miracle Circle, The Bight, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking A Steelman Duties: Build and install iron or steel girders, columns, and other construction materials to form buildings, bridges, and other structures To work 5 days a week Salary is $7.00 per hour Please Contact 242-9445 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send a copy of their application to the Labour board

#603759

Godfrey Williams Residences Location: in Godet Allotment Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker For the above position, applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as they should also enjoy working with people and be willing to learn Include General Cleaning To work 5 days a week Salary is $250.00 per week Please Contact: 232-1491 This position is new Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send a copy of their application to the Labour board

Jhonny Pierre Location: #21A, Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Island Is seeking a Babysitter Duties: To care for a child, clean after the child, cook etc Must be able to work six (6) days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 344-3288 This position is currently held by a work permit holder Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labour Board

#603770

KENRIC HALL

Blue Water Divers

Location: South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer To work 5 days a week Duties may include cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials and using a variety of tools and machines Salary is $6.25 per hour This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Please Contact: emailkenrichall@hotmail.com / 243-2112 Interested Turks & Caicos Islanders may remit application directly to the Labour Board

Is looking to hire a full time PADI Dive Instructor with the following qualifications for the upcoming Season: Applicants Must Possess: PADI OSWI (or higher) Certification Mechanical skills/background Valid Driver’s Licence Familiarity with scuba dive equipment, PADI Standards, Rules and Regulations Fluent English Boat Handling Experience Minimum 4 years experience Starting Pay $1300/month All interested applicants possessing these skills are encouraged to apply.

Please send resume via email to info@grandturkscuba.com This position is currently held by a Worker Permit Holder

Island Style Tours & Rentals

Desiree Lewis

Location: 74 Long Bay Beach Drive, Long Bay Hills, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Is seeking a Full time Mechanic Duties: Service, repair, maintain, monitor and keeping everything up and running Experience to work on Piaggio Scooter motors and ATV’S Must be able to work 6 days a week Salary is $2,000.00 monthly Please Contact: 342-4291 This position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: In Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking to employ a Domestic Worker At a salary of $250.00 per a 5 day week Successful applicants will be required to maintain the cleanliness of the home on a daily basis along with other house duties Applicants are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1 and to Desiree Lewis at Tel no. 331-8150 Please note that this is a new position

#603757

#603763

Lorna James

Premier Solution

Location: In Grand Turk Seeks to employ a Domestic Worker At a salary of $200.00 per 5 day week Successful applicants are required to take care of the elderly and maintain the home by cleaning and other homely chores Applicants should submit their applications to the Immigration Board zone 1 and Lorna James at Tel no.

2427311 Please note that this position is new

Location: International Drive, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Duties: General house cleaning.

Must be honest, trustworthy and speaks English.

To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50/$7.00 hr Please contact 649-231-3617 This position is currently held by a Work permit holder Interested applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labour Board

SELFOLOGY

#48 French Cay Clos, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Fitness & Wellness Specialist

•Minimum 5 yrs experience developing wellness programs for individuals •Knowledge of physical and lifestyle assessment •Bachelors of Science •Certification as and Exercise Coach preferred •Certification in corporate wellness •Willing to travel to client’s location and work various hours including weekends Salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience. (Salary: $15.00 per hours) Telephone: 431-6099 Email: selfologycoahing@gmail.com

This position is new Qualified Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders (belongers) must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Club Sodax Jerk Location: #183, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking one (1) Kitchen Helper Duties: Taking orders, answer question about the menu, take payment. Sweeping and mopping floors, and perform other duties to assist cook and kitchen staff To work 6 days a week Salary is $6.50 per hour This position is new Please Contact: 247-3275 Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

CAT Construction Location: One Pelican Place, Unit #202, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking to employ a Skilled Carpenter Duties: : Building items such as shelves, doors, windows, counters, and other carpentry projects, to the correct scale and dimensions Salary is $9.00 per hour To work 6 days a week Please contact: 649-441-1055 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Prospective applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders can send copies of their application to the Labour Board

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 33

CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

The Ritz-Carlton super yacht will travel to Caribbean

The Ritz-Carlton hotel company is planning on taking luxury to the high seas and it will cost passengers around $5,000 to set sail.

In 2017, the company announced the building of three superyachts that are intended to “usher in a new way of luxury travel,” according to Herve Humler, the president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton said in a press release at the time. Bloomberg even called the planned cruises an experience for “the 1% of global travelers.”

The first ship was initially slated to set sail in late 2019, but as Business Insider’s Hillary Hoffower previously reported, the date was pushed to June 2020, and the ship is reportedly about $55 million over budget.

Even still, The Ritz-Carlton recently released the itineraries for the 2021 season. The routes are varied, with voyages in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean each lasting roughly seven nights. According to the report, the variation of port cities is meant to inspire guests to stay aboard for more than one voyage. The base price for one passenger on one voyage is $4,900.

The destinations for the 2021 season were just released, and they include hard-to-get-to spots in the Mediterranean, near the Greek Isles and

A rendering of the Evrima, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Balearic Islands, as well as tiny towns in the Caribbean.

Other featured destinations include Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, and Aruba.

Most voyages will last seven nights. The itineraries, however, were designed with variety in mind to make it possible for guests to book two trips backto-back without repeating any ports.

Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will enjoy an all-inclusive luxury experience including spacious suite accommodations, onboard

Trinidad police kill man who murdered cop

The man suspected in the murder of Trinidadian police officer Nicholas Victor was shot dead on Friday night by police.

According to the Express newspaper, Police Commissioner Gary Griffith together with the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) conducted an exercise in Valencia which resulted in a shootout between the criminal and police.

Dead is Michael Thomas.

“You touch one, you touch all” Griffith told the Express as he confirmed the incident.

He warned he will be leading the charge in defence of his officers.

“I intend to be back out leading such operations. Going after every shooter. To those who want to live by the sword- 2020 is going to be interesting” he added.

The Express understands that the SORT team went to a house along the Valencia Old Road, Valencia, at around 7.05 pm where Thomas was said to be hiding.

Thomas opened fire on the officers who fired back. He was taken to the Arima hospital where he was pronounced dead by doctors.

The Commissioner said the mother of Thomas told police that her son had court matters pending for arms and ammunition.

“ If true, it means exactly as I said. A criminal arrested for illegal weapons but some bright people saw it fit to have him set free upon which a police officer was killed” said Griffith.

The Express was told that Thomas was one of gunmen who approached officer Victor on Tuesday and shot him in the head.

Victor, of Bagna Trace, Chase Village, was an officer attached to the

activities and entertainment, multiple dining venues, onboard gratuities, WiFi and watersports from the yacht’s marina platform.

Experiences available for an additional fee include specialty dining at S.E.A., the yacht’s signature restaurant designed by Michelin-starred Chef Sven Elverfeld, spa treatments, and immersive excursions offered through The Shore Collection. Voyage prices will vary based upon the itinerary and season.

The yachts are also available for private charter. The ship is designed

with lavish amenities to support longer stays. This includes multiple dining venues and lounging areas, including a bar called The Humidor that serves cigars and cognac.

It also has a full service spa — The Ritz-Carlton wants to achieve the same level of luxe hospitality at sea as it does on land.

The first ship set to sail, the Evrima, is somewhere between a private superyacht and a small cruise ship. It is designed to accommodate up to 298 guests across 149 suites, each with its own private terrace.

The first of the three RitzCarlton ships to sail will be the Evrima.

The superyacht will have 149 suites — each with its own private terrace — and accommodate up to 298 guests.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is designed to defy cruise stereotypes, with a smaller carrying capacity and larger cabins than the typical cruise liner, in addition to luxurious lounging spaces, high-end dining options, and elite port cities.

Evrima, a word of Greek origin meaning “discovery”, inspires travelers to immerse themselves in exceptional experiences, explore new destinations and foster the spirit of adventure that makes travel so rewarding.

St Lucia implementing accommodation tax

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith stands over the body of Michael Thomas, the man who fatally shot a police officer Highway Patrol Unit. He was off duty at the time of his murder.

According to police reports, around 8.40 pm, Victor had just left the Rainbow Supermarket in Kelly Village (where he worked as private security) and was walking towards his vehicle when he was approached by two men.

One of the men opened fire on Victor, hitting him several times. The second individual then relieved the officer of his cash and valuables. The officer’s service firearm was stolen.

Sources said police were able to retrieve Victor’s firearm during their sting on Friday night.

Victor’s family had told the Express that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people.

He was a consummate police officer, dedicated, ambitious and driven, relatives said.

Vieux-Fort, St Lucia

The St Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) says the accommodation head tax will go into effect from April 1 next year.

It said that the tax will be charged to guests at check-in, and that this… “is designed to ease the impact of the tax on existing contract arrangement, ensure implementation… and supplement financial resources for the Tourism Authority for the next financial year”.

Government approved the tax that is two-tiered and not applicable to guests under the age of 16 years.

The SLHTA said that a three US dollar tax per night per guest will be applied to guest staying at a hotel with an average Average Daily Rate (ADR) below US$120, while the six US

dollar tax per night will be for guests at a hotel with an average ADR above US$120

The SLHTA said that the fee is to be applied to all non-sharing platform accommodation providers and that the rate of value-added tax (VAT) on hotel accommodation providers will be lowered from 10 to seven per cent.

“In the coming weeks, the Tourism Authority is to spearhead further discussions with the sector on the most effective modalities through which accommodation providers will collect and remit the fee to the Tourism Authority, to ensure high compliance levels, amongst other aspects related to implementation of the fee,” the SLHTA added.

Page 34

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

CARIBBEAN NEWS

What projects will Caribbean countries deliver in 2020?

Although the Caribbean region has fewer infrastructure projects than the rest of Latin America, important ones are underway for 2020.

Caribbean countries are driven by tourism and maritime transport due to their strategic position in the Atlantic.

But the islands’ location also exposes them to natural disasters.

In 2019, some of the region’s countries designated part of their annual budget to the reconstruction and protection of their infrastructure due to hurricane season and earthquakes.

Meanwhile, others received international help.

For example, the European Investment Bank announced earlier in December that it would allocate US$50mn to Princess Juliana international airport (PJIAE) serving the islands of Saint Martin, Saba St. Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Barthélemy, Nevis and the British Virgin Islands. The airport was heavily damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria this year.

Though the year was complicated for Caribbean countries in terms of infrastructure, some of them did start new projects above US$100mn that are likely to be completed in 2020, according to BNamericas project database.

BNamericas takes a look those

projects in the Caribbean.

JAMAICA

Work on the first stage of the Jamaica Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) kicked off on November 16 and will extend into 2020.

Initial investment reached US$195mn and works are being executed

by China Harbour Engineering (CHEC).

According to the government, the plan entails the rehabilitation of about 110km of road between Harbour View in St. Andrew and Port Antonio in Portland and will also extend 526km from Morant Bay to Cedar Valley in St. Thomas.

Construction was originally scheduled to begin in 2018 but was tendered only in March due to budget adjustments.

In August, CHEC and the government signed three of the five subcontracts with Alcar Construction & Haulage, Construction Solutions and Y.P. Seaton and Associates for the first phase corresponding to the rehabilitation of the road from Harbor View to Cedar Valley.

More details will emerge next year when other stages of construction are announced.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Caribbean country with the most infrastructure projects planned for 2020, the government of the Dominican Republic recently opened a second stretch of the Juan Bosch beltway. The 16km stretch, also called 2B, now links kilometer 23 of Duarte highway with Juan Pablo II highway, and a last-minute investment adjustment had the complete price tag at nearly US$164mn.

Two other major projects, the government hopes, will start operations next year.

One is the expansion of the Caucedo multimodal port, also referred to as DP World Caucedo port expansion.

It began in January 2019 and should be completed by spring 2020.

Port operator DP World Caucedo invested US$1bn and was granted the concession of the multimodal port. The expansion will add 400m to the port’s facility and increase port depth to 5.5m, according to the operator.

Planning for the second project began on January 15, daily El Caribe reported. It involves a new cruise terminal for US$125mn at Puerto Plata in San Felipe municipality.

At a press conference earlier this month, representatives of the

tourism ministry, port authority and the consortium that was awarded the concession to operate the port – Puerto Plata Port Investment – said the harbor could start receiving cruises and tourists in November 2020.

According to consortium representatives, the port will receive about 650,000 tourists and 150 ships in 2021.

TRINIDAD &TOBAGO

Building a central tower block at Port of Spain General Hospital is a key 2020 infrastructure project for the island. Work started this year and will be completed in January, finance minister Colm Im¬bert said in October while announcing a US$6bn package for the health sector.

The project is being developed

by Shanghai Construction Group, which also helped complete the Couva children’s hospital and a multi-training facility.

Based on an Inter-American Dialogue study, Trinidad & Tobago received US$2.6bn in Chinese financing from 2005 to 2018.

The hospital was structurally damaged by an earthquake last year and the Chinese group is helping with rebuilding.

Brave Davis believes medical marijuana shouldn’t have age limit

Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) time in law, he has seen people who have with medical marijuana [cards])”.

Leader Philip Brave Davis said he doesn’t been negatively and positively impacted The report proposes the believe there should be an age limit for by the substance. expungement of all police records the use of medical marijuana.

“We have to find that fine reflecting possessions of small amounts

The Bahamas National balance to ensure that the good that can of cannabis.

Commission on Marijuana recommended come out of this does not eventually It notes that the public the legalization of medical marijuana have the unintended consequence of “generally felt” that small amounts of and the decriminalization of up to one overly burdening our inner-city youth,” marijuana should not result in jail time. ounce of the drug.

Davis said.

In July 2018, the CARICOM

The report suggested that He also advised that measures be Regional Commission on Marijuana medical marijuana be permitted for put in place to ensure that the substance recommended the declassification of adults over 18 years of age. remains out of reach for minors. marijuana as a dangerous drug in all

“It is to cure illnesses, and The report, however, suggested legislation and the reclassification of the young people do have ailments that that recreational marijuana be permitted drug as a controlled substance, noting may require treatment,” Davis said when for adults over 21 years of age. it should be treated similarly to tobacco asked about the report.

Meantime, The Bahamas and alcohol.

“I think that ought to be left National Commission on Marijuana, in One month later, Cabinet to the prescribing physician, who is a preliminary report, recommends the approved the makeup of a commission Philip Brave Davis going to determine whether a young legalization of medicinal marijuana and that is tasked with examining the The report also recommends the drafting child should be treated with medicinal the decriminalization of the possession issue of marijuana in The Bahamas in of legislation “that does not obligate marijuana. of up to one ounce of the substance. order to make recommendations to the a patient taking medical marijuana to

“I think we ought to leave However, the report notes, government. Its recommendations are advise the supervisor unless there are that to the experts to regulate and be “Marijuana should be decriminalized expected to be tabled and discussed in expected side effects”. responsible for, rather than we put a and persons should be allowed to have Parliament.

It advises the government to limit on that aspect of it.” a maximum of one ounce in their The Bahamas National draft legislation “to protect patients,

The 98-page report, which was possession without prosecution.

Commission on Marijuana was initially who must take marijuana for their illness, viewed by The Nassau Guardian, is still “The allowable one ounce of given until April to submit its findings. from undue stress, company drug testing under review by the commission. marijuana may be subject to increase However, it has been granted several policies, unnecessary prosecution in the

Back in May, Davis confirmed after a review of implementation.” extensions. work environment [and] termination”. his support for the decriminalization It adds, “Recreational marijuana The commission’s draft report The document notes that there of recreational marijuana and the should be permitted for adults over 21 recommends the use of marijuana as a needs to be a determination of the immediate expunction of the records years and medicinal marijuana should be sacrament for Rastafarians. “optimum quantity of marijuana plants for those who have been convicted of permitted for adults over 18 years of age.”

The document recommends a patient can cultivate bearing in mind possessing small amounts of the drug.

According to the report, there that marijuana be used for medicinal that some conditions require various

Last month, Prime Minister Dr. should be an amendment of legislation and therapeutic purposes.

CBD and THC levels and amounts, [and] Hubert Minnis also expressed his support to “allow cultivation maximum of five A “majority” of individuals there are three phases of the growth (e.g. for the decriminalization of marijuana. plants per household, clearly defining surveyed were in favor of the medicinal seedling, immature plants, and mature

Davis said yesterday that in his cultivation and household (for persons use of marijuana, according to the report. plants)”.

Belize PM confident economy will grow

The Belize government says it remains optimistic that the country will record economic growth during the fourth quarter of this year.

Revised figures released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) show that there was a contraction in the third quarter.

The SIB said that the percent change within the secondary sector, within which electricity production falls, was adjusted from a 4.5 per cent rate of growth to a decrease 10.8 per cent.

As a result, the total gross domestic product (GDP) for the quarter was also affected, going from a growth rate of 1.8 per cent to 0.4 per cent.

However, Prime Minister Dean Barrow, speaking with reporters said he remains confident that the country will experience overall economic growth in 2019.

“Indeed in terms of the text book definition of a recession, but you do understand that in putting the three quarters together there is growth. So we will have to fast on to that for now and I certainly believe that the last quarter will provide the kind of bump that will make sure that when we report next year, soon as the figures are in, it will be clear that the recession has been passed through and is in the rare view mirror,” he said.

Barrow said that he is

maintaining his confidence even as acknowledged that the drought situation had adversely affected the sugar industry with the crop starting much later than normal.

“Remember that we did come up with a package to try to help everybody who suffered from the drought. I think there was some offer to farmers that they didn’t find satisfactory. We are going through the processes of getting the additional help externally that was promised to us.

“It is taking sometime but we don’t control the situation in that regard.

I still believe that overall there is going to be growth in the fourth quarter. We

Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow have to wait and see. I don’t think that I will be proved wrong,” he added.

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 35

CARIBBEAN NEWS

For Caribbean nations, climate change means shrinking populations

To visitors, Vieques, the it out and returning if the next small island community off the catastrophe that makes you lose eastern coast of Puerto Rico, everything is just another season looks much the way it did before away?”

Hurricanes Irma and Maria wreaked It’s an increasingly havoc in September 2017. Business urgent question for many of the is booming at the bar and hostel Caribbean’s 43 million residents.

Stephanie Latona manages, a The Caribbean contributes less colorful beachside shack popular than one percent of all global among visitors. Federal relief has CO2 emissions but is subject to mostly benefited tourist areas, disproportionate consequences of and tourism has returned to pre- warming temperatures and sea level hurricane numbers. rise, in the form of tropical storms.

To Latona, however, But when Caribbean Vieques is meaningfully different. climate refugees seek help from the One of the most noticeable things world’s biggest cumulative CO2 that’s changed since the hurricanes, emitter — that would be the United Latona says, is that there are fewer States — they haven’t been received familiar faces. “The community very warmly. In the past, accepting definitely feels like it’s gotten climate refugees was seen as a smaller,” she said. “People who left bipartisan value. Breaking from the after Maria — or even Irma — stuck norm, the Trump administration around until the next storm, but denied the designation of eventually gave up trying to rebuild Temporary Protected Status to the and left.” estimated 70,000 Bahamians who

Latona understands why were left homeless after Hurricane some of her neighbors packed up Dorian decimated Grand Bahama for good. In the two years since and Abacos islands this August.

Maria, the local hospital has yet to Florida’s Republican Governor Rick be rebuilt, and getting to the nearest DeSantis has publicly discouraged alternative requires a sometimes Bahamians from moving to the hours-long commute to the Puerto Sunshine State post-Dorian.

Rican mainland. Many of the stores “You can sense a difference in her neighborhood have closed, — the relief feels more temporary leaving food supplies limited. than before.” said Marlon Hill, a Then there are the frequent power Miami-based attorney and liaison outages. for climate migrants from the

Watching the community Caribbean. “Just the rhetoric from shrink has been hard on Latona’s our President invokes stereotypes 6-year-old son. Every time a about immigrants coming here classmate stops showing up and becoming a burden when most for school, she has another research shows they’re a benefit.” conversation with him about the As U.S. citizens, Puerto trauma they’ve been through and Ricans don’t face the same legal the choice they’ve made to stay — challenges as Bahamians who wish for now, at least. to immigrate to the U.S. But some

Puerto Ricans had already Puerto Ricans who have moved to been leaving in droves prior to the U.S. after the 2017 hurricanes Maria. With a struggling economy, have encountered hostility from the population dropped 9 percent some unexpected sources.

A between 2000 and 2015. After the University of Miami survey found twin hurricanes of 2017, as many that Puerto Ricans who relocated to as 210,000 sought refuge in the Central Florida had a harder time mainland U.S. As of last December, finding a job or housing than Puerto more than 130,000 Puerto Ricans Ricans who relocated to Miami, in never returned. The U.S. Census part because South Florida has a Bureau estimates Puerto Rico’s critical mass of Spanish speakers. population will decrease to 2.98 The same group also reported more million by 2050, its lowest level instances of hostility from Central since 1980.

Flordia’s existing Puerto Rican

“There’s a real sense population. of ‘what’s the point of coming “What happened in many back?’’’ Latona said, describing the of these cases was that older Puerto perspective of Puerto Ricans who Ricans rejected these folks,” Seth have left. “Why bother toughing Schwartz, the study’s co-author and

a professor of public health sciences at the University of Miami, told the The Ledger, a central Florida newspaper.

With a sustained uptick in Puerto Ricans moving to Central Florida after Maria, their Democratic-leaning votes are predicted to be a political force rivaling Republican-leaning CubanAmericans. And not everyone is happy about the demographic shift.

Zoraida Rios-Andino of Misión Boricua, an advocacy group representing members of Orlando’s growing Puerto Rican diaspora (who are also known as Boricuas), says that Florida politicians are beginning to understand their potential political power.

“After Maria, it looked good to care about Boricuas, people came to shake hands and take photos in our communities,” RiosAndino said. “But then politicians realize we come here and can vote.

Now they’re accountable to us, and that’s when you began to notice the welcome mat disappearing.”

And then there are the less tangible challenges of migrating after a climate disaster. Moving can make migrants feel like they’re abandoning their native communities in a time of need.

“That can compound the trauma and stress for migrants who are seeking to escape disasters at home,” said Adelle Thomas, a Bahamas-based senior researcher with Climate Analytics, an environmental research and policy organization. Her research has shed light on the mental health vulnerabilities of Bahamians who migrate after storms.

Caribbean residents who decide not to leave home after a climate-related disaster face their own unique challenges. After Hurricane Irma damaged 95 percent of Barbuda’s infrastructure in 2017, residents who returned home found a government that seemed friendlier toward foreign investors than its own citizens. And then there are the psychological impacts of living in a declining community.

“As you watch your homeland permanently change around you, it’s that loss of community that can have longterm mental health effects like PTSD and depression,” Thomas said.

Trinidad woman dies after being set on fire by relative

Keisha Stanley

A Mayaro woman who was doused with kerosene and set on fire by a relative, died on Friday.

Keisha Stanley, 31, died on the same day that man who allegedly committed the crime appeared in court with wounding her, and with arson.

Stanley suffered first degree burns to the upper body, hands and back.

The suspect, a 30-year-old man, was detained at the scene of the crime at Stanley’s home at Old Rio Claro Road, Mafeking Village on December 21.

Police were told that on that day Stanley and a relative had an argument at the house.

The man allegedly doused her with kerosene and set her alight.

Neighbours contacted fire officers of the Mayaro Fire Station who took Stanley and the suspect to the Mayaro hospital.

Doctors told police that Stanley suffered 36 per cent first degree burns to her body. She was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital.

The suspect suffered burns to both hands and was treated and discharged from hospital.

He was taken into police custody and Sgt Kistow charged him with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and arson.

He appeared before a Mayaro magistrate on Friday and remanded in prison custody.

Police were informed later that day that the victim died.

Latin America and the Caribbean could save US$ 621 billion by 2050 through the decarbonisation of energy, transport sectors

Latin America and the Caribbean could achieve annual savings of US$ 621 billion by 2050 if the region’s energy and transport sectors reach net-zero emissions, according to new findings from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) presented today in Madrid at the UN Climate Change Conference COP25.

The findings are included in an advance executive summary of the Zero Carbon Latin America and the Caribbean 2019 Report, which will soon be published, and which highlights the opportunities, costs and benefits of coupled decarbonization of power generation and transportation.

Both sectors account for two-thirds of the region’s fossil CO2 emissions and about 25 per cent of its greenhouse gas emissions. A two-fold increase in these emissions is expected by mid-century if current policies continue unaltered.

Under current policies and conditions, the emissions from the

energy sector are expected to increase 140 per cent (up to 1.2 billion tons), considering the regional electricity demand will almost triple by 2050.

Meeting these new requirements under a fossil fuel-based generation matrix would place the region further away from the 2°C pathway of the Paris Agreement, the report warns.

The conversion to a fully renewable system would be the least cost path to electrifying the region and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. A renewable matrix will require cumulative investments of US$ 800 billion by 2050, less than the US$ 1,083 billion needed to meet the projected power demand under a business as usual scenario, according to the study.

The report shows that by decarbonizing the energy matrix and providing electricity to a full zeroemissions transport system (including marine and land transport), in 2050

the region could reduce 1.1 billion tons of CO2 equivalent and additionally save US$ 621 billion per year.

These savings include US$ 300 billion of avoided expenses in land passenger transport and reductions of US$ 222 billion in electricity costs.

US$ 30 billion in health costs could be prevented thanks to the positive effect of electric mobility in urban air quality.

The total savings anticipated by the authors consider the costs of phasing out the installed fossil fuel power plants ahead of its full deprecation. The value of stranded assets was estimated at US$ 80 billion (2018) by mid-century.

The transition to full decarbonization in these specific sectors will create further benefits, such as 7.7 million new permanent jobs and 28 million job-years in temporary assignments related to green technologies, infrastructure deployment or transport electrification.

“Both energy and transport sectors present opportunities for rapid and far-reaching, environmentally sound and financially attractive action.

A coupled transition not only aims to reach zero emissions by 2050, but to contribute to the economic growth and to the improvement of public health,” said UNEP Regional Director in Latin America and the Caribbean, Leo Heileman.

“This transition represents an important opportunity to raise the level of ambition of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term strategies with many no-regret options to meet international climate commitments established under the Paris Agreement and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals,” said Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Echandí, Minister of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica.

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NEWS

World welcomes 2020, but wildfires, protests, cast a pall over some celebrations

The world celebrated the New Year on Wednesday with fireworks displays from Sydney to London, although celebrations were clouded by deadly wildfires in Australia, protests in Hong Kong and India and nuclear tensions with North Korea.

Large crowds gathered in European capitals for spectacular firework displays that lit up the skies over landmarks like Big Ben in London, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Parthenon in Athens and the Kremlin in Moscow.

The traditional drop of a Waterford crystal ball on Times Square in New York capped a six-hour New Year’s Eve show. Intermittent rain did little to dampen the festivities as hundreds of thousands of people were treated to performances by pop star Post Malone, the Korea-pop band BTS, and singer songwriter Alanis Morissette.

In Australia, a million revelers thronged Sydney harbor and nearby districts to watch more than 100,000 fireworks explode above the city, even as thousands of people along the country’s eastern seaboard sought refuge from the bushfires on beaches.

Thousands in Hong Kong welcomed 2020 on neon-lit promenades in the picturesque Victoria Harbour, breaking into pro-democracy chants shortly after the countdown to midnight.

Hong Kong authorities canceled the main midnight fireworks display for the first time in a decade, citing security concerns. A “Symphony of Lights” took place instead, involving projections on the city’s tallest skyscrapers, while smaller-scale pyrotechnics were launched

One Times Square in 1907 as an ironand-wood sphere and has now become a global symbol of the New Year.

But amid the celebrations of a New Year and decade, old tensions threatened to flare up. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Wednesday his country would keep developing nuclear programs and introduce a “new strategic weapon” in the near future, after the United States ignored a yearend deadline to restart denuclearization talks.

PROTESTS, BREXIT A general view shows the Times Square in the Manhattan borough during the New Year’s celebrations in New York City, U.S., January 1, 2020 from waterfront rooftops.

In Japan, people took turns striking Buddhist temple bells, in accordance with tradition.

SYDNEY CONTROVERSY

Sydney decided to press ahead with its fireworks despite calls by some members of the public for the display to be canceled in solidarity with fire-hit areas in New South Wales, of which the city is the capital.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said planning had begun 15 months ago and that the event also gave a boost to the economy.

Some towns in eastern Australia canceled their New Year’s celebrations as naval vessels and military helicopters helped firefighters rescue people fleeing the fires, which have turned swathes of

New South Wales into a raging furnace.

The fires have killed at least 11 people since October, two of them overnight into Tuesday, destroyed more than 4 million hectares (10 million acres) and left many towns and rural areas without electricity or mobile coverage.

Elsewhere, celebrations from Auckland, New Zealand, to Pyongyang, the capital of isolated North Korea, welcomed in the New Year with fireworks displays.

Fireworks exploded and confetti rained on revelers after the ball dropped in New York. High school science teachers and students pressed the button that started the ball on its 60-second descent to count down to the New Year in a gesture to highlight efforts to combat climate change.

The ball has changed form several times since it first dropped at

In Hong Kong, rocked by months of sometimes violent prodemocracy demonstrations, protesters were urged to wear masks at a New Year rally called “Don’t forget 2019 - Persist in 2020,” according to social media posts.

Some 6,000 police were deployed and Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, appealed for calm and reconciliation in her New Year’s Eve video message and Chinese leader Xi Jinping hoped “harmony” would return to the territory.

The protests began in response to a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party, and have evolved into a broader pro-democracy movement.

Thousands of Indians ushered in the year by demonstrating against a citizenship law they say will discriminate against Muslims and chip away at India’s secular constitution.

Pope apologizes for ‘bad example’ of slapping arm of woman who tugged him

Pope Francis apologized on Wednesday for having angrily slapped a woman’s arm when she had grabbed hold of his hand and yanked him toward her, saying he had lost his patience and set a “bad example”.

His unusual apology came after he used his first homily of the new year to denounce violence against women, which he compared to profaning God.

Pope Francis, 83, had a sharp encounter with a woman on Tuesday evening during a walkabout in St. Peters Square.

The pilgrim, who has not been identified, unexpectedly seized his hand and pulled him toward her, causing him evident alarm. A clearly disgruntled Francis wrenched himself free by slapping down at her arm.

“So many times we lose patience, even me, and I apologize for yesterday’s bad example,” the pope told thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday at the end of the traditional New Year Mass.

He had used the service to issue a forthright condemnation of the abuse

Pope Francis slaps the hand of a woman who yanked him towards her respected and honored”. of women in modern society.

“All violence inflicted on Despite creating life, women women is a desecration of God,” he told “are continually offended, beaten, raped, a packed St. Peter’s Basilica. forced into prostitution” and made

“How often is a woman’s to have abortions, he said. “We can body sacrificed on the profane altar of understand our level of humanity by advertising, profit, pornography,” he the way we treat a woman’s body,” he said, adding that the female body “must told the congregation. be freed from consumerism, it must be During his homily, Francis

also addressed another theme close to his heart, immigration, saying women who moved abroad to provide for their children should be honored, not scorned.

“Today even motherhood is humiliated, because the only growth that interests us is economic growth,” he said.

“There are mothers, who risk perilous journeys to desperately try to give the fruit of the womb a better future and are judged to be redundant by people whose bellies are full of things, but whose hearts are empty of love.”

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church, which allows only unmarried men to be ordained as priests, also said women “must be fully involved in decision-making processes”.

The pope said last April the Church had to acknowledge a history of male domination and sexual abuse of women. A month later, he appointed for the first time four women to an important Vatican department that prepares the major meetings of world bishops.

Drug lord ‘El Chapo’ once held as much power as Mexican president -Lopez Obrador

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador declared an end to the days of collusion between crime and government, saying in a holiday address there was a time when drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was as powerful as the country’s president.

Lopez Obrador, who took office in December 2018, rose to power with pledges to root out corruption in Mexico.

He hailed his progress toward that goal in a speech on New Year’s Eve at the Palenque ruins in southern Mexico.

“There was a time when Guzman Loera was as powerful, or had the influence, that the president had at that time,” said Lopez Obrador. “That made it hard to punish those who had committed crimes. That is now history.”

Last month, Genaro Garcia

Luna, a former Mexican government official responsible for public security, was charged in the United States with accepting millions of dollars in bribes from the Sinaloa drug cartel once run by Guzman.

Lopez Obrador has said Mexico will not investigate former President Felipe Calderon, who led the country at the time. But he added the Mexican

government would cooperate with U.S. authorities in the probe of Garcia Luna, who moved to the United States in 2012.

Guzman was sentenced last year to life in prison without parole and moved to a high-security facility in Colorado after being convicted in a U.S. court of smuggling tons of drugs to the United States over a colorful, decades-long career.

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Thousands trapped on Australian beaches by dangerous bushfires Thousands swarmed to beaches on Australia’s east coast on Tuesday to escape fierce wildfires bearing down on several seaside towns, as the government readied naval vessels and military helicopters to aid firefighting and evacuations.

Government officials called for Australian military support and assistance from U.S. and Canadian fire crews as authorities confirmed two people had died overnight, taking to 11 the total deaths in wildfires since the beginning of October.

The huge bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (10 million acres), with new blazes sparked into life almost daily by extremely hot and windy conditions in bushland left tinder dry after a three-year drought.

Fueled by searing temperatures and high winds, more than 200 fires are now burning across the southeastern states of New South Wales and Victoria, threatening several towns and snapping their power, mobile and internet links.

“This is absolutely one of the worst fire seasons we’ve seen,” Shane Fitzsimmons, commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service, told a briefing in Sydney.

“It’s going to be a very long,

A crowd of people at the beach evacuate from the bushfires at Batemans Bay, Australia December 31, 2019 in this still image taken from social media video difficult dangerous night still ahead.

It’s going to be another difficult day again tomorrow.”

Authorities said the main firefront was moving up the coast and warned those in its path to seek shelter close to the beach.

About 4,000 people in the town of Mallacoota in Victoria headed to the waterfront after the main road was cut off. Those who could not make it there scrambled for shelter in a gymnasium and other public buildings, as emergency sirens wailed.

Some of those trapped in the town posted images of bloodred, smoke-filled skies on social

media. One beachfront photograph showed people lying shoulder-toshoulder on the sand, some wearing gas masks.

Several hundreds of kilometers north, the Jervis Bay tourist spot famed for having the whitest sand beach in the world, was shrouded in darkness in the afternoon as massive fires burned, with conditions expected to worsen.

The blazes were also generating their own weather patterns, with erratic winds, dry lightning and a significantly faster spread in different direction, fire authorities said.

Russia says it has deployed first hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles

Russia deployed its first regiment of hypersonic nuclearcapable missiles on Friday, the Defence Ministry said, a move which President Vladimir Putin has boasted puts his country in a class of its own.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has informed Putin of the deployment, according to a ministry statement that did not disclose where the missiles were located.

The new system, called Avangard, comprises a hypersonic glide vehicle designed to sit atop an intercontinental ballistic missile, one of several new types of weapons Putin has touted as ahead of their time.

Putin has said Russia’s new generation of nuclear weapons can hit almost any point in the world and evade a U.S.-built missile shield. Some Western experts have

questioned how advanced some of the weapons programs are.

The Pentagon said in a statement that it “will not characterize the Russian claims” about the Avangard’s capabilities.

The United States has been developing hypersonic weapons since the early 2000s, according to a Congressional Research Service report published in July.

Russia said on Nov. 26 that U.S. experts had examined an Avangard under inspection rules of the 2010 New START treaty. A U.S. State Department official confirmed that inspectors examined an Avangard, but had no further comment.

Putin said on Tuesday the Avangard system could penetrate both existing and any future missile defense systems.

“Today, we have a unique situation in our new and recent

history. They (other countries) are trying to catch up with us. Not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continentalrange hypersonic weapons,” said Putin.

Hypersonic glide vehicles are boosted on a rocket to altitudes of between 40 km (25 miles) and 100 km (62 miles) before detaching to glide along the upper atmosphere toward their target, say researchers.

Control surfaces on glide vehicles mean they can steer an unpredictable course and maneuver sharply as they approach impact.

They also follow a much flatter and lower trajectory than the high, arching path of a ballistic missile.

That makes them much harder to detect early with radar, giving missile defenses less time to respond, say researchers.

Record online sales give U.S. holiday shopping season a boost

U.S. shoppers spent more online during this year’s holiday shopping season, a report

by Mastercard, with e-commerce sales hitting a record high.

The holiday shopping season is a crucial period for retailers and can account for up to 40% of annual sales. But this year, Thanksgiving, which traditionally starts the U.S. holiday shopping period, was on Nov. 28, nearly a week later than last year’s Nov. 22, leaving retailers with six fewer days to drive sales between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

E-commerce sales this year made up 14.6% of total retail and rose 18.8% from the 2018 period, according to Mastercard’s data tracking retail sales from Nov. 1 through Christmas Eve.

Overall holiday retail sales, excluding autos, rose 3.4%.

“E-commerce sales hit a record high this year with more people doing their holiday shopping online,” said Steve Sadove, senior adviser for Mastercard.

“Due to a later than usual Thanksgiving holiday, we saw retailers offering omnichannel sales earlier in the season, meeting consumers’ demand for the best deals across all channels and devices,” Sadove said.

Retailers have invested heavily to provide same-day delivery, lockers for store pick-up and improve their online presence as they battle against retail giant Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) for market share.

U.S. President Donald Trump, whose support in the polls has been buoyed by strong economic data despite his impeachment by the House of Representatives, heralded the news in a tweet in all capital letters.

“2019 HOLIDAY RETAIL SALES WERE UP 3.4% FROM LAST YEAR, THE BIGGEST NUMBER IN U.S. HISTORY. CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!,” Trump tweeted.

However, Mastercard spokesman William Tsang, citing 2018’s 5.1% growth in total sales, said this year’s holiday sales growth was not the biggest ever.

The White House had no immediate comment on the apparent discrepancy.

Despite slowing global growth, U.S. consumer spending is benefiting from wage growth and a strong labor market, retail consultants and analysts say.

The holiday season was challenging for retailers after Amazon expanded its free return policy to include products that were not previously eligible, giving consumers until January to return even small purchases bought on the website.

The National Retail Federation had forecast U.S. holiday retail sales over the two months to increase between 3.8% and 4.2%. That compares with an average annual increase of 3.7% over the past five years.

The SpendingPulse report tracks spending by combining sales activity in Mastercard’s payments network with estimates of cash and other payment forms but excludes automobile sales.

Cuba names prime minister in move to lighten presidential load

Cuban President Miguel DiazCanel on Saturday named tourism minister Manuel Marrero Cruz as the country’s first prime minister in decades, under a new constitution that seeks to decentralize former leader Fidel Castro’s job.

Manuel Marrero Cruz, 56, an architect and whose nomination was ratified by the National Assembly, is a former functionary of the military-run Gaviota tourism corporation whose hotels have been sanctioned by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Marrero, tourism minister for 15 years, presided over the growth of the industry into Cuba’s most important, with dozens of partnerships with foreign companies and broad connections with the growing private

sector.

Unlike many other countries where prime ministers often play central, political roles, the post involves day-to-day supervision of the Council of Ministers (cabinet) and the implementation of policy.

“The head of government will be the administrative right hand of the president of the republic,” the state-run Cubadebate online news outlet said.

William LeoGrande, a professor of government and Cuba expert at American University in Washington said the post was different than in a multiparty system.

“It’s a division of responsibilities rather than a division of authority,” he said.

Castro was prime minister until 1976 when the post was abolished.

Tourism minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, named as the country’s first prime minister a role created by the new constitution, gestures during the ordinary session of the National Assembly in Havana, Cuba, December 21, 2019 The iconic revolutionary became head He was famous for micromanaging the of the Communist Party and president Caribbean island nation. of the Council of State and Council of Raul Castro stepped down as Ministers. president in 2018, but remains head of

Castro, who ceded power in the Communist Party.

2006 to his brother Raul, died in 2016.

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WORLD NEWS Texas church shooter wore wig and fake beard, says security head who shot him

Keith Thomas Kinnunen

A man wearing a wig and fake beard raised suspicion when he walked into a church service in Texas before opening fire with a shotgun and killing two people, a volunteer security guard who shot the assailant said on Monday.

The victims of Sunday’s shooting, identified as Anton Wallace, 64, of Fort Worth and Richard White, 67, of River Oaks, were also members of the civilian security force at West Freeway Church of Christ, the state’s attorney general said.

Jack Wilson, the head of the security detail, fired a single shot that took down the gunman, who has been identified by authorities as Keith Thomas Kinnunen, 43, of River Oaks.

Wallace was serving communion at the church in the Fort Worth suburb of White Settlement and was approached twice by the suspect in the moments before the gunfire rang out.

“When he sat back down the second time, shortly after that, he stood up, turned, and produced a shotgun,” Wilson told NBC News.

Wilson and White began “drawing our weapons. Richard did get his gun out of the holster.

He was, I think, able to get a shot off, but it ended up going into the wall. The shooter had turned and shot him and then shot Tony and then started to turn to go toward the front of the auditorium,” Wilson told NBC. “I fired one round. The subject went down.”

Kinnunen was not a regular at the church and raised suspicion when he walked in wearing the wig and fake beard that he kept adjusting, Wilson said.

The reason for Kinnunen’s actions are unclear.

State Attorney General Ken Paxton told a news conference that the gunman may have been mentally ill.

TRUMP PRAISES ARMED ‘HEROES’

The attack and response by armed civilians were likely to further inflame a nationwide debate over gun violence ahead of the 2020 presidential campaign.

“Our prayers are with the families of the victims and the congregation of yesterday’s church attack,” President Donald Trump said on Twitter.

“It was over in 6 seconds thanks to the brave parishioners who acted to protect 242 fellow worshippers. Lives were saved by these heroes, and Texas laws allowing them to carry arms!,” Trump said.

Local TV station NBC DFW, citing unidentified law enforcement sources, said Kinnunen had a criminal record that included charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2009. A Texas Department of Public Safety spokeswoman declined to comment.

Texas allows concealed carry in places of worship under a law that took effect in September. It was passed following a shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, in 2017 that killed 26 people.

Paxton encouraged other states to allow citizens to carry concealed weapons for defense in case of active shooters.

Wilson had previously trained other churchgoers to use firearms, and had his own shooting range, Paxton said.

But gun control advocates and some religious leaders have argued such laws have no place in houses of worship.

“Instead of looking for a success story in a tragedy, lawmakers should be talking about how they can prevent gun violence in the first place,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety.

UK honours recipients’ addresses accidentally leaked online

The British government accidentally published online the addresses of the New Year’s Honours 2020 recipients, it said on Saturday.

The New Year Honours 2020 list, in which Britain recognised its film-directing and cricketing stars, with a damehood for Olivia Newton-John and knighthoods for Sam Mendes, Steve McQueen and cricketer Clive Lloyd, was published late on Friday.

The initial version posted online contained the home or work addresses of more than 1,000 recipients, including singer Sir Elton John, and was visible for around an Olivia Newton-John performs before the 85th hour, according to BBC. Angeles,California,U.S. November 27, 2016

The Cabinet Office said the addresses had been published film “12 Years a Slave.” He becomes in error and taken down from the a Knight Bachelor, awarded by the Foreign Office in recognition website “as soon as possible”.

“We apologise to all those of outstanding service to Britain affected and are looking into how internationally and overseas.

Lloyd, 75, was a middlethis happened. We have reported the matter to the ICO (Information order batsman and captain of the Commissioner’s Office) and are West Indies between 1974 and 1985 contacting all those affected at a time when the team reached the peak of its powers. directly,” the Cabinet Office said.

CBEs - Commander of the

Honours also go to Ashes hero Ben Stokes, his captain Joe Order of the British Empire - go to “Butterflies” and “Not in front of Root and footballer Jill Scott.

Elton John, who was the Children” sitcom actress Wendy knighted in 1998, becomes a Craig, 85; England limited-over Member of the Order of the cricket captain Eoin Morgan, 33, Companions of Honour for services and broadcaster Annie Nightingale, 79. to music.

OBEs - Order of the

British-born Australian singer and actress Newton-John, British Empire - are awarded to 71, is probably best-known for the Australian Trevor Bayliss, 57, the 1978 musical “Grease” in which she former England cricket head coach; sang the duet “You’re the One that wine writer Oz Clarke, 80; Welsh I Want” with John Travolta which taekwondo world champion Jade became one of the world’s best- Jones; Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody and racing-horse trainer selling singles.

Mendes, 54, directed the Paul Nicholls, 57.

OBEs also go to broadcaster “Skyfall” and “Spectre” James Bond movies while McQueen, 50, won June Sarpong, 42; food writer Nigel the 2014 Best Picture Oscar for his Slater and to Stokes, 28, who was

annual Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los man of the match as England won the cricket World Cup for the first time this year and hit an unbeaten 135 in his side’s epic third Ashes Test triumph against Australia.

MBEs - Members of the Order of the British Empire - go to Root, 28, who was made England cricket captain in 2017; England and Manchester City women’s team midfielder Scott, 32; TV chef Ainsley Harriott, 62, and fashion expert Gok Wan, 45.

The New Year’s honours have been awarded since Queen Victoria’s reign in the 19th century and aim to recognise not just well-known figures but those who have contributed to national life through often selfless and unsung contributions over many years.

The twice-yearly honours list is released on the Queen’s official birthday in June and at the end of each year. The list, along with a guide to the various awards, is published by the Cabinet Office and can be seen at www.gov.uk/ honours/honours-lists.

Royal Navy seizes £3.3m of crystal meth in Arabian Sea

The Royal Navy says it has seized 11 “mailbag-sized” sacks of crystal meth in the Middle East, worth an estimated £3.3m.

HMS Defender spotted the “suspicious” ship while patrolling the Arabian Sea for smugglers and traffickers.

Sailors and Royal Marines boarded the ship, and found a total haul of 131kg.

HMS Defender’s commanding officer said he was “proud” they had seized a “significant quantity” of drugs that could have potentially reached the UK.

Cdr Richard Hewitt added: “This has been a real boost for the ship’s company as they face Christmas away from their loved ones.”

The Navy said the drugs contained in the bags would have had an estimated street value of £3.3m in the UK.

The Portsmouth-based warship HMS Defender carried out the day-long search of the boat - a dhow - after being alerted by the destroyer’s helicopter.

The Navy said the Wildcat helicopter discovered a solo ship without a flying flag and could not find evidence it was carrying out fishing.

That prompted the destroyer to investigate, sending

HMS Defender has been deployed to the Middle East since August Royal Marines to secure the ship and its crew.

HMS Defender is one of more than a dozen British warships, submarines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary support vessels on duty over the Christmas period.

The vessel has been deployed to the Middle East since August, safeguarding merchant shipping entering and leaving the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Ministry of Defence said about 11,000 troops are

involved in operations in more than 30 countries across the world over the Christmas period.

They include personnel serving in Somalia, South Sudan, Estonia, Afghanistan, the Falkland Islands and the Caribbean.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Over the festive period we should all take a moment to be grateful for the selflessness of our armed forces personnel and their families at this time of year.”

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US mass killings hit new high in 2019, most were shootings

The first one occurred 19 days into the new year when a man used an ax to kill four family members including his infant daughter. Five months later, 12 people were killed in a workplace shooting in Virginia. Twenty-two more died at a Walmart in El Paso in August.

A database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University shows that there were more mass killings in 2019 than any year dating back to at least the 1970s, punctuated by a chilling succession of deadly rampages during the summer.

In all, there were 41 mass killings, defined as when four or more people are killed excluding the perpetrator. Of those, 33 were mass shootings. More than 210 people were killed.

Most of the mass killings barely became national news, failing to resonate among the general public because they didn’t spill into public places like massacres in El Paso and Odessa, Texas; Dayton, Ohio; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Jersey City, New Jersey.

The majority of the killings involved people who knew each other — family disputes, drug or gang violence or people with beefs that directed their anger at co-workers or relatives.

In many cases, what set off the perpetrator remains a mystery.

That’s the case with the very first mass killing of 2019, when a 42-year-old man took an ax and stabbed to death his mother, stepfather, girlfriend and 9-month-old daughter in Clackamas County, Oregon. Two others, a roommate

and an 8-year-old girl managed to escape; the rampage ended when responding police fatally shot the killer.

The perpetrator had had occasional runins with police over the years, but what drove him to attack his family remains unknown. He had just gotten a job training mechanics at an auto dealership, and despite occasional arguments with his relatives, most said there was nothing out of the ordinary that raised significant red flags.

The incident in Oregon was one of 18 mass killings where family members were slain, and one of six that didn’t involve a gun. Among other trends in 2019:

The 41 mass killings were the most in a single year since the AP/USA Today and Northeastern database began tracking such events back to 2006, but other research going back to the 1970s shows no other year with as many mass slayings. The second-most killings in a year prior to 2019 was 38 in 2006.

The 211 people killed in this year’s cases is still eclipsed by the 224 victims in 2017, when the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history took place in Las Vegas.

California, with some of the most strict gun laws in the country, had the most, with eight such mass slayings.

But nearly half of U.S. states experienced a mass slaying, from big cities like New York, to tiny towns like Elkmont, Alabama, with a population of just under 475 people.

Firearms were the weapon in

all but eight of the mass killings. Other weapons included knives, axes and at least twice when the perpetrator set a mobile home on fire, killing those inside.

Nine mass shootings occurred in a public place. Other mass killings occurred in homes, in the workplace or at a bar.

James Densley, a criminologist and professor at Metropolitan State University in Minnesota, said the AP/USA Today/ Northeastern database confirms and mirrors what his own research into exclusively mass shootings has shown.

“What makes this even more exceptional is that mass killings are going up at a time when general homicides, overall homicides, are going down,” Densley said. “As a percentage of homicides, these mass killings are also accounting for more deaths. ”

He believes it’s partially a byproduct of an “angry and frustrated time” that we are living in. Densley also said crime tends to go in waves with the 1970s and 1980s seeing a number of serial killers, the 1990s marked by school shootings and child abductions and the early 2000s dominated by concerns over terrorism.

“This seems to be the age of mass shootings,” Densley said.

He and James Alan Fox, a criminologist and professor at Northeastern University, also expressed worries about the “contagion effect,” the focus on mass killings fueling other mass killings.

“These are still rare events.

Daniel Munoz talks about his experience being injured in Saturday’s shooting incident during an interview in a park in Odessa, Texas, Sunday, Sept.

1, 2019 Clearly the risk is low but the fear is high,” Fox said. “What fuels contagion is fear.”

The mass shootings this year include the three in August in Texas and Dayton that stirred fresh urgency, especially among Democratic presidential candidates, to restrict access to firearms.

While the large death tolls attracted much of the attention, the killings inflicted a mental and physical toll on dozens of others. The database does not have a complete count of victims who were wounded, but among the three mass shootings in August alone, more than 65 people were injured.

Netanyahu wins party vote in boost ahead of Israeli election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu easily won a vote to keep the Likud party helm, the party said on Friday, in a boost ahead of what is likely to be a hard-fought general election in March.

Netanyahu won 72.5% of votes in Thursday’s party ballot, against 27.5% for challenger Gideon Saar, who conceded, tweeting that he would now back the incumbent “for the sake of a Likud victory in the (general) election”.

The challenge by Saar, a former education and interior minister, had added to pressures on the four-term premier, who is under indictment and fighting for political survival.

Netanyahu declared victory in a speech at Likud’s campaign headquarters near Tel Aviv, telling supporters: “The future is in our hands”.

“The sweeping decision in the

primaries was a major expression of confidence in my path, in our path,” Netanyahu said, adding: “Now is the time to bring a sweeping victory to Likud and the right in the elections.”

In November, Netanyahu was charged with corruption in three criminal cases and he has twice failed to form a government in the wake of inconclusive national ballots in April and September.

Netanyahu’s rival in those elections, Benny Gantz of the Blue and White party, was also unable to form a coalition, leading to political deadlock and a third election on March 2.

Netanyahu has cast the legal case against him as a political witchhunt by the media and an Israeli left hoping to oust him.

Gantz, who will be Netanyahu’s main challenger again in March, sought

to draw a distinction between his centrist party and Likud under Netanyahu, who he said was “seeking to break down the rule of law”.

“As Likud continues to by led by a defendant in bribery, fraud and breach of trust, we will choose unity, statehood and reconciliation, leading Israel on a new path,” Gantz said on Twitter.

Though the troubles of “King Bibi”, as his fans call him, do not seem to have dented the loyalty Netanyahu commands among his supporters, some Likud members have said it is time for fresh leadership.

Netanyahu had played down Saar’s challenge, talking up his own security credentials and international prowess. Saar had argued that Likud was unlikely to regain power in March unless Netanyhu steps aside.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Man, 60, dies after beating in $1 Christmas Eve mugging

A 60-year-old man who was kicked and punched while defending his partner during a $1 mugging on Christmas Eve has died.

Juan Fresnada died Friday afternoon at the Bronx hospital where he was taken in critical condition after the mugging early Tuesday, the New York Police Department said Saturday.

Officers have released surveillance photos and videos in hopes of pinpointing suspects.

His partner, Byron Caceres, told the Daily News of New York that Fresnada suffered the fatal blows while trying to spare him and urging him to run to safety, which he did.

He “tried to defend me,” Caceres, 29, told the newspaper Wednesday. He said he had been unable to summon help because he doesn’t have a cellphone. No contact information for him could immediately be found Saturday.

Police said the two men were walking in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx around 1:30 a.m. when

This still image taken from surveillance video provided by NYPD shows suspects in connection to a mugging of a 60-year-old man on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019 in the the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx in New York several muggers approached them and demanded their property. When they refused, they were attacked.

Surveillance video clips

released by police show a man grabbing another man’s shirt and swinging him to the ground, then hitting him. Later clips show two other men joining the

attacker, one of them grasping a trash can, as the beaten man starts to stand up.

It’s unclear whether he is Fresnada or Caceres, who didn’t need hospitalization.

The muggers took $1 from the men and fled, police said.

Caceres, originally from Honduras, and the Cuban-born Fresnada met through a program for poor gay men in 2015 and lived together in a building in Morrisania, according to the Daily News.

“He’s very calm, and I’m the one who is stressed all the time,” Caceres said Wednesday as Fresnada lay in intensive care.

Caceres says the muggers didn’t say anything to indicate the attack was a hate crime.

A neighbor, Aletha Jacobs, told the Daily News that Fresnada was well known and liked in the area.

“He never bothered nobody,” she said. “He’s a beautiful guy.”

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY The Netflix decade: How one company changed the way we watch TV

Prosecutors claim Avenatti was over $15 million in debt during alleged Nike extortion

California attorney Michael

In the not-so-distant past, TV viewers were Avenatti, known for representing forced to wait a week for the next installment of their porn actress Stormy Daniels in favorite shows, parceled out by networks in half-hour a lawsuit against U.S. President Donald Trump, was more than $15 or hour-long increments. million in debt when he allegedly

Fast forward to 2019, when media and tech tried to extort as much as $25 companies are subverting that schedule and the million from Nike Inc (NKE.N), U.S. majority of viewers using U.S. TV streaming services prosecutors claimed. watch an average of four hours of content in one “Specifically, the sitting, according to Deloitte.

To understand how we got here, look at Government presently estimates that the defendant’s debts at that Netflix (NFLX.O). time were, conservatively, in excess

At the start of the decade, binge watching of $15 million,” prosecutors said involved VHS tapes, DVD box sets or long nights glued to a DVR. TV cable hits included “Homeland” in a filing late on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern and “The Wire” - hour-long dramas with complicated District of New York. plot lines that needed to be watched sequentially.

In a statement to Reuters

Watching “Saturday Night Live” on a Sunday late on Wednesday, Avenatti denied became normal, and viewers started to lose track of those claims and dismissed them as the broadcast schedule.

In November 2010, Hulu, which debuted “bogus”.

“Any claim that I was $15 in 2008 as an ad-supported streaming video site, million in debt is completely bogus, launched its subscription service, including full ludicrous and absurd. I can’t wait seasons of certain shows.

Around the same time that the broadcast TV for the trial in this case, at which point the TRUTH and FACTS schedule was losing its hold on viewers, Netflix was will come out and I will be fully beginning to invest in original content. exonerated,” Avenatti said in an

In 2011, it struck a deal for its first original show, the political thriller “House of Cards.” It released all 13 episodes of the show’s first season on Feb. 1, 2013. That July it followed with the entire first season of “Orange is the New Black.”

Viewers were hooked, and the cultural shift accelerated. “Binge-watch” was a runner-up to “selfie”

Oil prices fell on for the Oxford Dictionary’s 2013 word of the year.

Wednesday after U.S. industry data

Netflix championed this new kind of showed a surprise build up in crude consumption, commissioning a survey to determine inventories but losses were kept in how many people binge-watch, and why. check by expectations for an uptick

“Our viewing data shows that the majority in demand next year on the back of of streamers would actually prefer to have a whole progress in resolving the U.S.-China season of a show available to watch at their own pace,” trade row. said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos at the

Brent LCOc1 dropped 34 time. cents, or 0.5%, to $65.76 a barrel

While some say the decade technically ends a by 1315 GMT on Wednesday. U.S. year from now, the end of this year will be marked by West Texas Intermediate (WTI)CLc1 many as the conclusion of the second decade of the fell 41 cents, or 0.7%, to $60.53 per 21st century. And as the new decade begins, the trend barrel. may start to reverse.

Prices had risen more than

AT&T’s (T.N) forthcoming HBO Max 1% in the previous session after the streaming service will debut one new episode of its announcement last week of the sooriginal series per week. Walt Disney Co’s (DIS.N) called Phase One U.S.-China trade Disney+ is releasing episodes weekly for new series deal, which lifted global economic including the Star Wars-related “The Mandalorian.” prospects and improved the outlook Apple (AAPL.O) released three episodes at the same for energy demand. time for dramas “The Morning Show” and “See” - and

“The sizzling oil market is doing so for most other Apple series - followed by rally came to a grinding halt after one episode per week. an unexpected climb in the weekly

Media companies are hoping a longer release U.S. crude inventory report,” said schedule will generate buzz and create more of a Stephen Innes, market strategist at shared experience among viewers.

AxiTrader, although he said figures Just like the old days. for stocks were “unlikely to be a game-changer.”

“Investors have transcended the trade deal-inspired relief rally euphoria, and are now banking on a fundamental demanddriven shift that could quicken the Location: La Vista Azul, Providenciales, pace of the oil market rebalancing in the first quarter of 2020,” he said.

Turks & Caicos Islands

U.S. crude inventories Is seeking a Labourer climbed 4.7 million barrels in the week to Dec. 13 to 452 To work 5 days per week million, compared with analysts’

emailed statement.

Last week, Avenatti, 48, pleaded not guilty to an indictment accusing him of trying to extort up to $25 million from Nike by threatening to go public with claims the company made improper payments to athletes.

The celebrity lawyer is accused by prosecutors of demanding money from the athletic wear company in exchange for agreeing to scrap a threatened news conference to discuss Nike’s alleged improper payments to elite college basketball recruits.

A trial is scheduled for late in January. Nike, which has denied wrongdoing, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on Wednesday.

Since his March 25 arrest in the Nike case, Avenatti has defended himself against a variety of criminal charges.

He has pleaded not guilty in Manhattan to stealing about $300,000 from Daniels, whose real

Attorney Michael Avenatti arrives at the United States Courthouse in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., October 8, 2019 name is Stephanie Clifford, after helping her secure a book contract.

He has also pleaded not guilty in California to wire fraud, bank fraud and other crimes, including stealing from clients.

Oil falls as U.S. inventories rise but demand hopes stem bigger drop

Sandeep Jagger/ Senson Group Ltd.

Duties may include cleaning and preparing job sit, loading and delivering materials and using a variety of tools and machines Salary is $6.25 per hour This position is new Please Contact or email HR@ sensongroup.co or 431-4663 Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

Pumpjacks are seen against the setting sun at the Daqing oil field in Heilongjiang province, China December 7, 2018 expectations for a draw of 1.3 million barrels, data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute showed. [API/S] Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is due later on Wednesday.

“As much as the API has taken the wind out of bulls’ sails, the lull in upside is expected to be short-lived. After all, recent positive developments have given oil fundamentals for next year a supportive shot in the arm,” said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM.

Deeper production cuts coming from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, such as Russia, which make up a group known as OPEC+,

continued to offer some support and prevented a further slide in prices.

OPEC+, which has cut production by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) since Jan. 1 this year, will make a further cut of 500,000 bpd from Jan. 1 to support the market.

RBC Capital Markets said prices could stagnate if trade progress did not translate into concrete economic growth.

“Economic green shoots will help sentiment”, the bank wrote. “But broad macro worries, oil demand softness and pent up producer hedging may continue to serve as near term headwinds for oil prices.”

A decade on earth captured from space

The biggest news events of the past decade have been chronicled from space.

The last 10 years have seen a boom in the use of satellite imagery for reporting, led by a growth in commercial satellites that has slashed the cost of such images, and advances in technology that have made high-resolution images from many parts of the world

accessible, almost instantly, even on a phone.

U.S. satellite imagery company Maxar Technologies Inc has released satellite images from some of the biggest news events of the past decade – from natural disasters to war to the construction of Apple’s “Spaceship” headquarters in Cupertino, California.

The images range from the

2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to the launch of China’s first domestically produced aircraft carrier, the Shandong, from a base on the shore of the disputed South China Sea last month.

Headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, Maxar specializes in satellites for Earth imagery, geospatial data and analytics.

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY WORLD NEWS

Amazon’s Ring cameras are vulnerable to hackers, lawsuit in U.S. claims

Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) and its Ring home security camera unit have been sued by an Alabama homeowner who said the cameras’ defective design leaves purchasers vulnerable to cyberattacks.

In a proposed class action filed on Thursday, John Baker Orange said an unknown hacker recently accessed his Ring camera while his children, ages 7, 9 and 10, were playing basketball on the driveway, and through its speaker system encouraged them to move closer to the camera.

Orange, who said he paid $249 for his camera in July, said the

cameras work only when connected to the internet, and are “fatally flawed” because they do not protect against cyberattacks, despite Ring’s assurances of “peace of mind” and “smart security here, there, everywhere.”

A spokeswoman for Ring said the Santa Monica, California-based company does not discuss legal matters.

The complaint filed in Los Angeles federal court seeks unspecified damages from Ring and Seattle-based Amazon, as well as improved security for new and existing Ring cameras.

It followed several reported incidents of hackers accessing homes

China halts British stock link over political tensions

A worker adjusts British and China (R) national flags on display for a signing ceremony at the seventh UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue “Roundtable on Public-Private Partnerships” at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing September 21, 2015.

China has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges because of political tensions with Britain, five sources told Reuters.

Suspending the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme casts a shadow over the future of a project meant to build ties between Britain and China, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UKlisted companies.

The sources, who include public officials and people working on potential ShanghaiLondon deals, all said that politics was behind the suspension.

Two of them highlighted Britain’s stance over the Hong Kong protests and one pointed to remarks over the detention of a now former staff member at its consulate in Hong Kong.

All five sources have been involved in talks with Chinese officials and spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak about the matter publicly.

British companies and banks involved in the scheme are watching closely how recentlyelected Prime Minister Boris Johnson approaches relations with Beijing and what stance he takes on Hong Kong, which has been roiled by protests.

China blames the Hong Kong unrest, heavily supported by an anti-government movement seeking to curb controls by Beijing, on interference by foreign governments including the United States and Britain.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Shanghai Stock Exchange did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the London Stock Exchange (LSE.L) and a spokeswoman for the UK’s finance ministry declined to comment.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a faxed statement that it is not aware of the specifics, but added that it “hopes the UK can provide a fair and unbiased business environment for Chinese companies that invest in the UK and create the appropriate conditions for both countries to carry out practical cooperation smoothly in various fields”.

Stock Connect, which began operating last year, was devised as a way of improving Britain’s relationship with the world’s second biggest economy and was seen as a major step by China to open up its capital markets as well as linking them globally.

through Ring cameras, including when a man repeatedly called an 8-year-old Mississippi girl a racial slur and claimed he was Santa Claus.

“A company that sells a device that is supposed to protect occupants of a home shouldn’t become a platform for potentially endangering those occupants,” John Yanchunis, a lawyer for Orange, said in an interview.

Ring’s main product is a doorbell that contains a security camera and lets homeowners monitor and communicate with visitors through a phone app even if they are not at home.

Amazon has said it bought

Ring in April 2018 for $839 million in cash.

Orange, who lives in Jefferson County, Alabama, said he changed his “medium-strong” password and began using two-factor authentication for his camera after learning about the incident involving his children.

“So many devices are tethered to the Internet, and consumers simply don’t have a realization of how that can be so easily exploited,” Yanchunis said.

The case is Orange v Ring LLC et al, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, No. 19-10899.

Decade in Review: What the smartphone has wrought

When the first Apple iPhone hit the market in 2007, not everyone was convinced it would supplant the flip-phone. When Google’s Android software system arrived a year later, the Blackberry still seemed to have bright future.

But with the iPhone 4 in 2010, featuring a high-resolution display, sleek design and frontfacing camera, our collective fate was sealed. Here are 10 ways the smartphone has made its mark over the decade.

Today some 5 billion smartphones are in use around the world, according to Canalys Research. The total number of internet subscriptions has soared to 7.2 billion globally from 1.3 billion in 2010, the vast majority of them mobile subscriptions, International Telecommunications Union data shows. The explosion in connectivity has been especially dramatic in the developing world, where there are now more mobile connections than people.

Tech uber alles

Feed me

You can look it up

The endless scroll on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (TWTR.N) and other social media apps now consumes 34 minutes of every U.S. adult’s day, according to Nielsen. Fewer people are sitting on the sofa to watch live TV at set times, and advertisers are following.

Mobile ad spending surpassed TV for the first time in 2018 in terms of percentage share of the U.S. market, according to research firm eMarketer. We can also thank the smartphone for Instagram influencers, “sextortion,” and fake news.

Smile for the (smartphone) camera Global shipments of digital cameras dropped from their 2010 peak of 121 million to just 19 million units in 2018, according to the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA). Meantime the latest phones pack as many four camera lenses and cutting edge software that makes it easier than ever to get that perfect shot. The front-facing camera might be the busiest: Google reports that its Android devices take 93 million selfies every day.

The 2010 edition of the venerable Encyclopedia Britannica, all 32 volumes and 129 pounds of it, turned out to be the last. But untold barroom arguments or dining room debates can now be settled on the spot: Wikipedia is consulted more than 240 million times daily.

Apple Inc (AAPL.O), once a niche computer company, is now one of the world’s most valuable companies thanks to the Where am I? iPhone. The five largest Fortune 500 technology companies - Apple, The satellite tracking Amazon (AMZN.O), Google technology known as GPS, (GOOGL.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O) combined with information from and Facebook (FB.O) - currently cell towers and Wi-Fi networks, has boast a market cap of $4.7 trillion, made the smartphones incredibly compared with about $800 billion powerful tracking devices. Google for the top five in 2010. Not all maps and its poorer cousins of that is due to the smartphone, enable even the most directionally of course, but the mobile- impaired find their way around related technologies and services unfamiliar locales with ease. accounted for nearly $4 trillion For the privacy-minded, in economic activity in 2018, though, it’s a disaster: Phone according to trade group GSMA. companies and app makers There’s an app for that routinely record the movements

Whether we’re hailing a of subscribers and sell that data cab, ordering food, playing a game, to advertisers, a $20 billionfinding a date, listening to music or a-year business. The data is shopping for just about anything, “anonymized,” but as numerous there’s a good chance we’ll be studies and a recent New York doing it with a smartphone app Times investigation have revealed that didn’t exist in 2010. Many it is often a simple matter to of most popular apps are free, but identify who is behind the dot on consumers are still expected to the map. Nearly 50% of companies spend more than $120 billion in surveyed by Verizon this year used app stores during 2019, according or planned to soon use smartphone to App Annie, a mobile apps management tools to track their analytics firm. employees.

Distracting ourselves to death

In 2018 alone in the United States, 2,628 fatal crashes involved a distracted driver, and of those deadly crashes, about 13% involved mobile phone use, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Forget your wallet

Apple Pay and Google Pay are still afterthoughts for most U.S. consumers, but China may be a harbinger. Alipay and WeChat pay, China’s two big smartphone payment services, have reached a combined adoption rate of over 80% since they were launched around the beginning of the decade, according to a study by Bain. The QR code now peppers storefront windows. Even streetside beggars have adapted, sometimes rejecting cash and asking that payments be made via WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Say what?

Among the major casualties of the smartphone era is the conventional phone call itself: ubiquitous messaging apps have helped make video calls, GIFs, emojis and audio messaging preferred modes of communication.

In the UK, for example, the total number of minutes spent on voice calls fell from 254 billion in 2013 to 206 billion in 2018, and the number of text messages dropped from 129 billion to 74 billion over the same period, according to Ofcom. Mobile data usage, meanwhile, jumped almost ninefold between 2013 and 2018. The number of available emojis has nearly tripled to almost 3,000 since 2010.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

We hire smiles!!!

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond All-inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. We hire the personality and train the individual.

Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that applicants will be contacted for an interview via Text Message.

The Maintenance Department requires:  

The Stewarding Department requires:

Room Technician AC Technician

 

Steward Laborer

Reports to: Chief Engineer

Reports to: Stewarding Manager

To work closely with the Rooms Division to ensure that the physical appearance in and around the room is as per the Resort’s established quality and standards; to ensure that the furniture, fixture, A/C’s, plumbing and equipment are properly maintained, and to provide a prompt and efficient response to all guest service requests in a timely and courteous manner.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Stewarding Manager and Stewarding Supervisors within the scope of established Sandals Resort & Spa policies, the Steward will ensure that all aspects the stewarding operation are performed accordingly.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Must have a minimum of a high school diploma and/or a certificate in a field of engineering from a recognized Vocational Training Institution  Basic computer literacy and internet knowledge is preferred This position is currently held by Work Permit Holder (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time. 

Carpenter

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Physically fit with the ability to lift over 30 lbs.  No allergies to chemicals  Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position.

These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders and persons with on-island status (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time. Should a suitable local applicant not be found a permit application will be submitted.

The range for this position is $6.25-$6.50 per hour

Reports to: Chief Engineer

The Administrative Department requires:

To work closely with the Rooms Division to ensure that the physical appearance in and around the room is as per the Resort’s established quality and standards.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Physically fit with the ability to lift and bend.  Knowledge of pool chemicals and required levels (Pool Operator)  Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position.



Nurse

Reports to: Hotel Manager The Nurse provides health services to Guests and Staff Members. Responds to emergency calls as well as provide general health care. Maybe required to be on call any time within a 24 hour period.

This position is currently held by Work Permit Holder (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Nurse’s Certification required;  Minimum two years’ work experience in a similar or comparative position.

The range for these positions is $7.25 to $10.00 per hour

This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

The Dining Room and Banquets Department requires:

The range for this position is $13.00 to $14.00 per hour

  

Supervisor Server Shift Leader

The Front Office Department requires:  

Reports to: Restaurant Manager Is responsible to assist with Dining Room supervisor the coordination, planning, organizing and control the activities of the restaurant.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  One year experience in similar capacity  Extensive food & beverage/wine knowledge;

The range for this position is $7.25 to $9.00 per hour

Supervises the Front Office operation and ensures personnel are executing their duties in accordance to SRI SOP’s. Directs and coordinates the activities and daily functions of the Front Office department according to standards of Sandals Resorts International. Creatively and innovatively foster, mentor and develop team members.

  

The Watersports and Catamaran Departments require:

Minimum two years’ work experience in a similar or comparative position; Computer literate with computer application and software i.e. Windows/Excel/Access/Outlook. Ability to input and access information from a computer and to adapt to new computer technology; Excellent Customer Service Skills;

This position is currently held by Work Permit Holder (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

Boat Captain Dive Instructor Master Scuba Dive Instructor Dive Technician Open Water Scuba Instructor

The range for this position is $8.00 to $13.00 per hour The Projects Department requires: 

Reports to: Watersports Manager The main function of the Boat Captain is to supervise all activities of the dive boat while in operation. The Dive Instructors and Technician take care of the guest and equipment.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Certified PADI/NAUI Instructor;  Basic Compressor Certification (an asset) (MAKO);

MEP Manager

Reports to: Managing Director and Projects Director SRI In association w ith the Managing Director and Projects Director SRI, the Projects Manager implements projects, at both administrative and/or instructional level. Ensures the coordination of various events and is instrumental in the planning, ordering, instillation, and follow-on process. Participates in the coordinating the personnel required to complete the project.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Minimum Bsc. Preferably in Hospitality from a recognized institution;  Minimum ten (10) years’ work experience in the Hotel Industry;  Experience managing a 500 rooms or more hotel;  Experience managing and overseeing conference facilities of 15, 000 sq. ft. or more;  Experience managing a team of minimum 1500 employees;

These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders.

The ranges for these positions are $7.25 to $13.00 per hour The Accounts/Cost Control Department requires: 

Reports to: Front Office Manager

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:

This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder (however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

    

Supervisor Front Office Agent

Assistant Cost Control Manager

The Project Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

Reports to: Logistic Manager

The salary for the position indicated above is dependent on skills and experience and is negotiable.

The Assistant Cost Control Manager is responsible to maintain constraints and reduce cost in any way possible to ensure the company’s viability by developing, revolutionizing, if necessary, all regulations surrounding the company’s current, operating and fixed assets.

The Security Department requires:

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: o Experience in controlling cost example fuel, electricity, water. o Experience in controlling a multi-million dollar portfolio o Ability to cover day and night shifts

Supervisor Officer Shift Leader

Reports to: Security Manager Under the guidance and supervision of the Security Manager, and within the limits of established Sandals Resorts policies, procedures, ensures the safety of Guests and Staff.

The Assistant Cost Control Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Ability to generate reports and maintain logs  Previous experience in this or similar capacity  Experience supervising a team or shift (Supervisor)

The salary for this position ranges between $28,000.00 and $50,000.00 The Butler Department requires:  

  

Butler Junior Butler

These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

Reports to: Butler Manager Is responsible for all aspects of guest care during stay, assisting in all areas of hotel and continual improvement of skills through training and practice; is instrumental to achieve our goal in providing the highest professional standards in Butler Service to our guests and thus exceeding the guest expectation.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Holder of a certification from the Guild of Professional English Butlers.  Physically fit with the ability to lift over 30 lbs.  No allergies to seafood

The Offsite Department requires: 

Laborers - Offsite

Reports to: Properties Manager Under the guidance and supervision of the Properties Manager within the scope of established Sandals Resort & Spa policies, the Steward will ensure that all aspects the stewarding operation are performed accordingly.

This position is currently held by Work Permit Holders (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these

positions is underway at this time.

Qualifications and Experience:  Physically fit with the ability to lift over 30 lbs.  No allergies to chemicals  Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position.

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

and

Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road

and should reach not later than January 10th 2020

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

LOCAL SPORTS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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Turks & Caicos Islands Basketball Federation attends convention in El Salvador T

he Intentional Basketball Foundation (IBF) through FIBA recently hosted a mini basketball convention from December 12th -16th in El Salvador.

On the heels of a success Level One Coaches Clinic, The Turks and Caicos Islands was proudly invited to attend this convention. The objective

of the conference was strategic planning for a national federation to develop basketball among players ages 5-12.

Secretary of the TCI Basketball Federation, Trevor Cooke told The SUN, “One of the objectives of the Turks and Caicos basketball federation is to invite the IBF to visit the Turks and Caicos

Islands to see ways in which the IBF can assist in developing mini basketball throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands through infrastructure and equipment donation.”

According to Cooke, some materials will also be provided for national federation to use in their

programs.

“A collaborative effort between the Government, IBF and the TCIBF can achieve this major objective for Basketball development in TCI.”

The overall winner was Clement Howell High School. Maranatha Academy Blizzards followed.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DATE OPEN: December 18, 2019 START DATE: ASAP POSITION: Labourer PROPERTY:GraceBay Club Job Overview: Perform tasks involving physical labor at work sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types and a variety of other equipment and instruments.

May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, and clean up rubble, debris and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers.Shifts varies. 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: $7.50 - $8.00 per hour DATE OPEN: December 18, 2019 POSITION: Houseman

START DATE: ASAP PROPERTY: Grace Bay Club

Job Responsibilities: A houseman’s primary job duties include cleaning and maintaining guest rooms, bathrooms, work areas, furnishings and carpets.

Cleaning rooms includes duties such as changing bed linens and emptying trash as well as vacuuming carpets and dusting furniture. You’ll also replenish guest supplies, such as hand soap and shampoo. Your duties don’t end with guest rooms, however, because you’re responsible for cleaning common areas, such as banquet and meeting rooms. Secondary duties may include shoveling snow from walkways, assisting bellmen, answering guest questions and helping the front desk person.

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: $6.25 - $6.40 per hour DATE OPEN: December 18, 2019 START DATE: ASAP POSITION: Painter PROPERTY: Grace Bay Club Job Overview:Primary responsibilities include applying paint to surfaces including canvas, walls, floors, doors, and cabinets. Mixing, matching, and applying paint, varnish, shellac, enamel, and other finishes. Being able to scrape, sandpaper, prime, or seal surfaces prior to painting. Cleaning walls to ensure proper adherence.

Responsibilities: •Painting interior and exterior walls of buildings and other surfaces •Varnishing and staining finished wood works and furniture • Prepping walls and surfaces for paint, stains and varnishes •Touching up damaged surfaces in guest areas and rooms •Maintaining the painted surfaces in guest areas to ensure that the overall aesthetic of the public areas meet company standards Requirements: •An all-around knowledge of painting •5+ years of experience working as a painter •Hospitality experience preferred •Ability to work independently as well as on a team •Must be able to communicate efficiently, both written and verbally, in English Shifts varies. 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: $7.50 - $8.00 per hour

DATE OPEN: December 18, 2019 POSITION: Strata Engineer

START DATE: ASAP PROPERTY: Grace Bay Club

Job Overview: Engineering course undergraduate or Vocational School graduate with good verbal and communication skill. With at least four years work experience in the field Hospitality. His main role is to liaise between the owner and supplier/ contractor and Maintenance Department with regards to owner’s requests. He will ensure that owners unit are maintain to the highest standard and communicate to them any engineering concern in their unit.

Job Requirements: •Must have excellent oral and written communication skill.

•Highly knowledgeable on engineering aspects of the hotel operation •Knowledge on construction and other related discipline.

•Knowledge on computer and its peripherals •Have strong leadership skills •Can maintain his composure while working under pressure •Punctual and discipline in term of attendance •Excellent planner •Fast learner 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: $30,000 - $33,000 per annum DATE OPEN: December 18, 2019 POSITION: Director of Engineering

START DATE:ASAP PROPERTY: Point Grace

Job Overview: The general purpose of the Director of Engineering is managing the

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

mixed use of the Resort’s Engineering Department, including all related activities including participation in executive committee meetings; hire and maintain an effective work force appropriate for an upscale Resort; establish and maintain preventative maintenance programs for all equipment, systems, guestrooms and public areas/ general maintenance; participate in effective safety programs; coordinate and implement capital improvement projects; establish, maintain and manage department budgets and monthly forecasts protecting the Resort and the Owners from losses, claims, and liabilities. Responsible for all aspects of the Engineering Department, including but not limited to, maintaining all facilities, equipment, furniture, fixtures, systems and landscaping at the highest quality standards.

Job Responsibilities: •Hire, train and direct all department personnel •Provide efficient use of manpower to maintain workload •Provide timely performance appraisals •Conducts walk-through and visually assesses the safe and efficient maintenance and operation of the physical structures of the Resort, all mechanical, electrical, HVAC systems, vehicles and any other related equipment.

•Manage adequate inventory of parts, supplies, tools and material for the department •Enforce Hotel / Resort and Company policies and procedures •Must be able to respond to emergency situations, such as fire alarms, and other life-safety situations •Maintain files per department guidelines. Schedule and conduct monthly department meetings.

•Participate as a member of the Resort’s Executive Committee.

•Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings.

•Maintain files per department guidelines.

•Maintain a working knowledge of all local laws, codes, and regulations.

•Assure proper certification of all employee mechanics and technicians, as required.

•Solicit and administer all sub-contract work.

•Analyze bids and verify quantities, as appropriate.

•Negotiate, prepare, and administer agreements and contracts with consultants and contractors.

•Liaison with governmental agencies and manage the procurement and compliance with entitlements, permits, inspections, notices, and other requirements.

•Produce annual operating budget for payroll, expenses, utilities, and capital improvements.

•Operate all areas within budgeted guidelines.

•Provide budget analysis each period.

•Establish and maintain an efficient inventory and purchasing system.

•Maintain the Hotel / Resort facility and related equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

•Participate in or possibly manage the property’s safety committee.

•Assure proper certification of all employee mechanics and technicians, as required.

•Maintain the Resort facility and related equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

•Alignment with Property Mission and Core Values •Model the property/company core values and other expected leadership attributes •Maintain a professional image at all times.

•Act as a resource for all departments of the Resort.

•Maintain accurate records for all areas of responsibility.

•Perform other duties as assigned by General Manager •Maintain property key schedules and records Shift Varies. 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: $66,000 - $72,000 per annum DATE OPEN: December 18, 2019 POSITION:Kitchen and Laudry Technician

START DATE: ASAP PROPERTY: Grace Bay Club

Job Requirements: Engineering course, undergraduate or vocational school graduate with good verbal and written communication skills. Must have at least 8 years work experience engineering/ facilities equipment operations and maintenance gained in hospitality or other industries.

•Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical equipment and plumbing trouble shooting •Working knowledge of swimming pool operation and water chemistry •Working knowledge of sewage treatment plant operation and maintenance •Knowledge of computers and its peripherals •Planning and executing preventative maintenance of suites and equipment within •Knowledge of Operational Health and Safety Standards •Knowledge of basic kitchen equipment maintenance and trouble shooting •Knowledge of industry storekeeping procedures •Must be computer literate and technology savvy, particularly for ordering and follow up processes •Must be familiar with electrical and mechanical parts 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: $6.25 - $6.40 per hour Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than January 10th, 2020 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1020 Email: kendi.jones@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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SPORTS

Former NBA Commissioner David Stern dies at 77

David Stern had basketball as a who followed Stern as commissioner. passion and law as a profession, one he “Every member of the NBA family is the figured he could return to if a job at the beneficiary of David’s vision, generosity NBA didn’t work out. and inspiration.”

He never did.

Lakers forward LeBron James echoed

Instead he went to Europe, Asia Silver. and plenty of other places around the “We lost a great visionary,” world, bringing with him a league that James said. “Him and Dr. James Naismith was previously an afterthought in the U.S. are the two most important people for and turning it into a global powerhouse. the game of basketball. Dr. Naismith Stern, who spent 30 years as the NBA’s because he invented the game and David longest-serving commissioner and for his vision, his vision to make this one of the best in sports history, died game global.”

Wednesday. He was 77.

Thriving on good debate in

“Without David Stern, the NBA the boardroom and good games in the would not be what it is today,” Hall of arena, Stern would say one of his greatest Famer Michael Jordan said. “He guided achievements was guiding a league of the league through turbulent times and mostly black players that was plagued by grew the league into an international drug problems in the 1970s to popularity phenomenon, creating opportunities with mainstream America. that few could have imagined before.”

He had a hand in nearly every

Stern suffered a brain initiative to do that, from the drug hemorrhage on Dec. 12 and underwent testing program, to the implementation emergency surgery. The league said he of the salary cap, to the creation of a died with his wife, Dianne, and their dress code. family at his bedside.

But for Stern, it was always “The entire basketball about “the game,” and his morning community is heartbroken,” the often included reading about the National Basketball Players Association previous night’s results in the newspaper said. “David Stern earned and deserved — even after technological advances he inclusion in our land of giants.” embraced made reading NBA.com easier

Stern had been involved with than ever. the NBA for nearly two decades before he “The game is what brought us became its fourth commissioner on Feb. here. It’s always about the game and 1, 1984. By the time he left his position everything else we do is about making in 2014 — he wouldn’t say or let league the stage or the presentation of the game staffers say “retire,” because he never even stronger, and the game itself is in stopped working — a league that fought the best shape that it’s ever been in,” he for a foothold before him had grown to said on the eve of the 2009-10 season, a more than $5 billion a year industry calling it “a new golden age for the NBA.” and made NBA basketball perhaps the One that was largely created world’s most popular sport after soccer.

by Stern during a three-decade run

“Because of David, the NBA that turned countless ballplayers into is a truly global brand — making him celebrities who were known around not only one of the greatest sports the globe by one name: Magic, Michael, commissioners of all time, but also one Kobe, LeBron, just to name a few. of the most influential business leaders Stern oversaw the birth of seven of his generation,” said Adam Silver, new franchises and the creation of the

Redskins hire Rivera as head coach, Del Rio as DC

The Washington Redskins officially named Ron Rivera as head coach Wednesday and hired Jack Del Rio as his defensive coordinator.

“After several meetings with Coach Rivera, it was clear he is the right person to bring winning football back to Washington, D.C.,” Redskins owner Dan Snyder said. “He is widely respected around the league as a man of great integrity and has proven to be one of the finest coaches in the country.”

Rivera has more than 20 years of coaching experience, including most of the past nine seasons as head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

Rivera, who turns 58 on Jan. 7, was fired by Carolina on Dec. 3 after a loss — to the Redskins — dropped the Panthers to 5-7. His tenure in Charlotte included a 76-63-1 record, four playoff appearances and an appearance in Super Bowl 50. He was named the NFL’s Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2015.

Rivera replaces interim coach Bill Callahan, who finished the season after Jay Gruden was fired following an 0-5 start. The Redskins haven’t been to the playoffs since 2015 and haven’t won a Super Bowl since the 1991 season.

“While I love the storied history of the franchise, I am focused

on the future and excited for the opportunity to win football games with this talented young team,” said Rivera, who will be introduced at a press conference Thursday. “After meeting Dan Snyder, it was clear we are aligned in our passion for the game and he supports my vision to turn the team around. I look forward to surrounding myself with great people and getting to work.”

He named his first assistant Wednesday, hiring former NFL head coach Del Rio to lead his defense.

Del Rio, 56, was head coach for 12 seasons with the Oakland Raiders (2015-17) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-11). He compiled a 93-94 record with three playoff appearances.

The former NFL linebacker was the defensive coordinator for coach John Fox with both the Panthers in 2002 and the Denver Broncos from 2012-14.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Rivera plans to interview incumbent offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell for the same position.

According to multiple reports, Callahan will not be retained by Rivera in his old position of offensive line coach, and most of the defensive staff also will be let go.

WNBA and NBA Development League, now the G League, providing countless opportunities to pursue careers playing basketball in the United States that previously weren’t available.

Not bad for a guy who once thought his job might be a temporary one.

Stern had been the league’s outside counsel from 1966 to ’78 and spent two years as the NBA’s general counsel, figuring he could always go back to his legal career if he found things weren’t working out after a couple of years.

Instead, after serving as the NBA’s executive vice president of business and legal affairs from 1980-84, he replaced Larry O’Brien as commissioner.

Overlooked and ignored only a few years earlier, when it couldn’t even get its championship round on live network TV, the NBA saw its popularity quickly surge thanks to the rebirth of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry behind Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, followed by the entrance of Jordan just a few months after Stern became commissioner.

“There are no words that can really describe the far-reaching impact of Commissioner Stern’s brilliance, vision, fairness and hard work over so many years,” Bird said. “When you think of all that he accomplished worldwide on behalf of thousands of players, so many fans, all of the jobs he created for team and arena employees and all of the people that benefitted from the many layers of growth in the sport and industry that David spearheaded and then passed on to others, there is no doubt Commissioner Stern lifted the NBA to new heights and he will be greatly missed by all of us.”

Under Stern, the NBA would play nearly 150 international games and be televised in more than 200 countries and territories, and in more than 40 languages, and the NBA Finals

NBA Commissioner David Stern announces Los Angeles will be the site of the 2011 NBA All-Star basketball game, at a news conference, in Los Angeles and All-Star weekend would grow into international spectacles. The 2010 AllStar game drew more than 108,000 fans to Dallas Cowboys Stadium, a record to watch a basketball game.

MARKETING GENIUS

“It was David Stern being a marketing genius who turned the league around. That’s why our brand is so strong,” said Johnson, who announced he was retiring because of HIV in 1991 but returned the following year at the All-Star Game with Stern’s backing.

“It was David Stern who took this league worldwide.”

He was fiercely protective of his players and referees when he felt they were unfairly criticized, such as when members of the Indiana Pacers brawled with Detroit fans in 2004, or when an FBI investigation in 2007 found that Tim Donaghy had bet on games he officiated, throwing the entire referee operations department into turmoil. With his voice rising and spit flying, Stern would publicly rebuke media outlets, even individual writers, if he felt they had taken cheap shots.

Tiger ends 2019 ranked No. 6

Tiger Woods finished 2019 at No. 6 in the official world golf rankings, his highest year-end ranking since completing 2013 at No. 1.

Woods was a two-time winner in ‘19 — the Masters in April for his 15th career major title and the ZOZO Championship in October to tie Sam Snead’s PGA Tour career record of 82 career victories. He rose as high as fifth in the world after finishing tied for ninth at the Memorial in June.

After finishing at No. 1 in 2013, Woods dropped to No. 32 at the end of the next year, playing in only nine tournaments. As he went through several injury-plagued years, Woods plummeted to No. 656 at the end of 2017.

He quickly shot back up the rankings in 2018, playing 19 times and winning once to go with six other top-10 results. Woods dialed back his schedule in 2019, playing in only 14 official events while also serving as the winning captain for the United States’ Presidents Cup team.

Brooks Koepka finished 2019 ranked No. 1 in world, despite having not played since withdrawing from The CJ Cup in October due to a knee injury that has kept him from competing since.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is No. 2, followed by Spain’s Jon Rahm and Americans Justin Thomas and Dustin Johnson ahead of Woods.

Patrick Cantlay is No. 7, finishing a year

Tiger Woods inside the top 10 for the first time in his career, followed by former No. 1 Justin Rose of England, Xander Schauffele of the United States and Tommy Fleetwood of England.

A few Top 100 players made enormous strides in 2019, led by Denmark’s Bernd Wiesberger, who skyrocketed 163 spots to No. 22 on the strength of three wins in 26 worldwide events. Other big movers included Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond (No. 40 from No. 123), South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen (49 from 141) and Jim Furyk (57 from 223).

Brendon Todd, who won twice during the PGA Tour’s fall swing, moved from No. 2,006 to No. 63 — a startling jump considering he was ranked 522nd as recently as October. Collin Morikawa, a first-time winner, rose from No. 2,006 to No. 65, while fellow rookie Viktor Hovland of Norway leapt to No. 93 from No. 1,157. Korn Ferry Tour graduate Scottie Scheffler improved 1,523 spots to No. 66.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

WORLD SPORTS

The NBA’s East is loaded at the top, and might stay that way

The West is used to being loaded at the top.

The East, not so much.

But a new year is arriving with a new look in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. The league will wake up on Wednesday — the first day of 2020 — with six teams with winning percentages of .600 or better, the first time that’s been the case on New Year’s Day since 1998.

“This is a tough part of the country, a tough part of our league,” Philadelphia coach Brett Brown said.

He didn’t say “finally,” but he could have.

Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, drives to the basket as Philadelphia 76ers’

Just last spring, Brooklyn Josh Richardson, left, will accidentally pokes him in the eye during the second half of an NBA got the No. 6 seed in the East basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019, in Philadelphia playoffs at 42-40. This season, it won’t be inconceivable if two have been disparaging the Eastern Draymond Green had 10 for Golden teams in the East reach 50 wins Conference for so long. You have State against Memphis on Feb. 10, and start the playoffs on the road some really good teams here in the 2017. Green’s was part of a most anyway — which would be amazing, East and the teams are proving it.” unique triple-double; he also had considering that every 50-win team There were seven different 11 rebounds and 10 assists, but only in the East since 1998 has gotten a franchises with at least one NBA four points. top-four seed. championship in the 2010s, Golden

Has there been a power State leading the way with three Most 3-pointers — Klay Thompson shift from one conference to followed by Miami with two. made 14 for Golden State against another? And can what seems to be San Antonio was one of Chicago on Oct. 29, 2018. happening in the East race last until the five clubs with one — but a case April? could be made for the Spurs being Most blocks — Poor Chicago. JaVale

“My gut feel is, I think it the team of the decade.

McGee had 12 for Washington can,” Brown said. “To your overall The Spurs had the most against the Bulls on March 15, 2011, question, is there a power shift, I’m wins in the 2010s, whether just and Hassan Whiteside had 12 for biased but I think quite possibly.” counting the regular season or Miami against the Bulls on Jan. 25,

That one could easily be adding both the regular season and 2015. argued. Going into 2020, the basic the playoffs together. Oklahoma structure of the standings in each City was No. 2 in regular season THE WEEK AHEAD conference is basically the same. wins, followed by Golden State,

There’s a team that has Houston and Miami.

A game to watch each day this week: broken a bit away atop the pack The fewest wins? That — Milwaukee in the East; the Los would be Sacramento, followed by Tuesday, Dallas at Oklahoma City — Angeles Lakers out West.

Minnesota, Brooklyn, Phoenix and The final game of the decade, and

Then there are five New York. But a special decade- two West teams playing well. teams jostling for spots 2 through long award for futility should go 6 — Miami, Boston, Toronto, to Detroit — the only team in the Wednesday, Orlando at Washington Philadelphia and Indiana in the NBA that didn’t win a playoff game — The first game of the decade, and East; Denver, the Los Angeles in the 2010s. The Pistons have lost two East teams that are ailing.

Clippers, Houston, Dallas and Utah 14 consecutive postseason contests in the West. since winning Game 4 of the 2008 Thursday, Toronto at Miami — The

There’s a team around .500 Eastern Conference finals.

Raptors and Heat are in the thick of hovering in seventh — Brooklyn the race, likely surprising many. in the East, Oklahoma City in the Other high marks from the 2010s: West.

Friday, Philadelphia at Houston — And then there’s a below-.500 team Most points — Devin Booker scored Game 5 in a 10-game run of the in eighth — Orlando in the East, 70 points for Phoenix against 76ers are facing likely playoff teams.

Portland in the West.

Boston on March 24, 2017.

The East and West have split Saturday, San Antonio at Milwaukee the last eight NBA Finals, so it’s not Most rebounds — Kevin Love had — Begins a Gregg Popovich-Mike like there’s been a huge disparity in 31 for Minnesota against New York Budenholzer home-and-home that talent at the very top. But the West, on Nov. 12, 2010. ends Monday. top to bottom, has unquestionably been the stronger side of the league Most assists — Rajon Rondo had 25 Sunday, New York at L.A. Clippers — for some time. for New Orleans against Brooklyn The Knicks have lost 13 of their last Things seem different now. on Dec. 27, 2017.

14 against Doc Rivers’ club.

“It’s really competitive and you have to like this,” Miami Most steals — Lou Williams had Monday, Denver at Atlanta — The coach Erik Spoelstra said. “You have 10 for the Los Angeles Clippers Nuggets, very quietly, are rolling to enjoy it as a competitor. People against Utah on Jan. 20, 2018, and along. The Hawks are not.

Patriots face tough path with first wildcard game in a decade

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hands off to running back Sony Michel (26) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium

With an 11th-straight AFC East title, the league’s top-ranked defense and a future hall-offame quarterback, the New England Patriots would appear - at least on paper - as fearsome as ever.

But Sunday’s humiliating 27-24 loss to the Miami Dolphins, sending them to their first Wild Card weekend in a decade, underscores the inconsistency of a team that have struggled to fend off claims their time is finally up.

“It’s important for us to just realize our goals are ahead of us,” quarterback Tom Brady told the local Greg Hill Morning Show radio program on Monday.

“We’ve got to go out there and we’ve got to try to have our best week and try to figure out how to win a game.”

Brady knows that for his team, who had not lost to the Dolphins at home since 2008, shaking off the pain in the short week before Saturday’s wildcard game is a unique challenge.

“Everyone wishes the outcome were different yesterday but it wasn’t,” he said. “Tough loss and we’ve got to turn it around quick.”

Even with his go-to man Julian Edelman in the mix, Brady struggled to connect with some of his receivers during the year, with critics pointing to the team’s diminishing talent in the position and some noting the 42-year-old may be showing his age.

The six-time Super Bowl champion Patriots have rarely faced a tougher path to the Lombardi Trophy in the Brady Era, having failed to defeat fellow AFC contenders the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans or Kansas City Chiefs during the regular season.

Their first task is to beat visiting wildcard opponents the Tennessee Titans (9-7) against who they are slightly favored.

“We’ve got to dig deep this week. We’ve got to look ourselves in the mirror and get ready to go,” safety and team co-captain Devin McCourty said in a statement on the Patriots’ website on Monday.

“Each team has their own journey, and this is our journey to go out there next week, Wild Card weekend and have an opportunity to continue to play.”

Sharapova to return next month as Brisbane wildcard

Former world number one Maria Sharapova will return to tournament action at the Brisbane International next month after being awarded a wildcard to play in the Australian Open warm-up.

The 32-year-old Russian, who last played a competitive match in the first round of the U.S. Open in August, has dropped to 133rd in the world after a season in which a long-standing shoulder injury restricted her to eight tournaments.

The five-times Grand Slam champion will join current world number one Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka

and Karolina Pliskova in a strong field at the Queensland Tennis Centre from Jan. 6-12.

“It’s a fresh start after a tough last season,” Sharapova told Australian Associated Press on Tuesday.

“There were a lot of ups and downs, there were times when I was ready but the shoulder wasn’t. But I have had a fairly good off season and I am motivated to compete. At this point in my career when I have that feeling, it’s a good sign.”

Sharapova has been troubled

by shoulder problems throughout her career and the current issue required surgery early last year with lingering problems hampering her throughout the 2019 season.

“To be fair when I was younger I never saw myself playing past 30,” she added.

“But I still feel there is a lot in me to give. I still have a lot of fire in me and I am big competitor. As long as the shoulder stays healthy and my body allows me to, I hope there is a lot of time left for me.”

Send us your sports reports and photos to sun@suntci.com And we will publish them at no cost

Sharapova’s lowly ranking means she will also need a wildcard to get directly into the main singles draw for this year’s Australian Open, which begins on Jan. 20.

“While it is about results for me, it is more about how I feel day to day, making sure my shoulder holds up, but I am definitely up for that test,” she said.

Sharapova won her third major title at Melbourne Park in 2008 but also tested positive for a banned substance at the tournament in 2016 and served a 15-month suspension from the game.

JANUARY 3RD, 2020 – JANUARY 10TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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WORLD SPORTS

Fraser-Pryce to go for sprint double at Tokyo Olympics

LeBron James named AP’s male Athlete of the Decade

He left Cleveland for Miami, finally became a champion, went back to his beloved northeast Ohio, delivered on another title promise, then left for the Los Angeles Lakers and the next challenge. He played in eight straight finals. No NBA player won more games or more MVP awards over the last 10 years than he did. He started a school. He married his high school sweetheart.

“That’s all?” LeBron James asked, feigning disbelief.

No, that’s not all. Those were just some highlights of the last 10 years. There were many more, as the man called “King” spent the Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Natalliah Whyte celebrate last decade reigning over all others LeBron James winning gold

“I would be lying if I said I -- with no signs of slowing down.

Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will run in

James is The Associated don’t see it,” James said. “Obviously both the 100 meters and 200 meters events at the Press male athlete of the decade, I’m not trying to say, `OK, well if I Tokyo Olympics next year. adding his name to a list that play this amount of time, if I average

Fraser-Pryce is a two-times Olympic 100 includes Tiger Woods, Wayne this’ ... I’m not doing that because meters champion and she won gold at this year’s Gretzky and Arnold Palmer. He was I’ve never done that with my career. world championships in Doha. a runaway winner in a vote of AP I’ve always just kind of let it happen.

The 32-year-old, who has four world 100m member sports editors and AP beat Whatever happens, happens. But I titles to her name, did not compete in the 200 at the writers, easily outpacing runner- see it. I do see it.”

2016 Rio Olympics to focus on the shorter event in His work ethic, even now, up Tom Brady of the New England which she finished third despite a toe injury. makes even those closest to him Patriots.

“I will be doubling up definitely,” Fraser “You add another 10 years marvel.

Pryce was quoted as saying by website insidethegames Here’s a typical day this past of learning and adversity, pitfalls, here. good, great, bad, and any smart summer for James, who remains

“Last year I really wanted to attempt the person who wants to grow will learn obsessed with working even though double but coach had other plans so I just worked from all those experiences,” James, fame and fortune found him long with that plan. He knows best.” who turns 35 Monday, told The ago: He’d wake up at 3 a.m. and

Fraser-Pryce, who won the 200 meters gold AP. “A decade ago, I just turned 25. be at the Warner Bros. lot by 3:45 medal at the 2013 world championships and silver at I’m about to be 35 and I’m just in a - where a weight room and court, the 2012 London Olympics, said her aim was to run better (place) in my life and have a built just for him, were waiting. under 22 seconds for the first time in what will be her better understanding of what I want He’d be lifting by 4 a.m., getting fourth and final Olympics. shots up by 5:30 and be ready to to get out of life.”

“I am definitely looking forward to running

Usain Bolt of Jamaica was start another day of shooting the the 200 meters, especially because I believe in my third for dominating the sprints at remake of “Space Jam” that he has heart that I can run 21 seconds,” she added. “It’s the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, soccer been planning for years by 7 a.m. a big passion of mine so I am working really hard LeBron reaches the 30,000 superstar Lionel Messi was fourth towards that.” career points milestone in 2018. and Michael Phelps -- the U.S.

The Tokyo Olympics runs from July 24 to “That’s who he is,” said swimmer who retired as history’s Aug. 9. most decorated Olympian with 28 Mike Mancias, one of the longesttenured and most trusted members medals, 23 gold -- was fifth.

In his 17th season, he’s on of James’ inner circle, tasked for pace to lead the league in assists more than 15 years with keeping for the first time while remaining James fit. “He does whatever it takes when it comes to fulfilling among the NBA’s scoring leaders.

Including playoffs, no one his commitments to everything - The prize pool for the 2020 Australian Open in the NBA scored more points than especially his game and his craft.”

LeBron, who turns 35 on has been boosted by 14% to A$71 million ($49.1 James in the last 10 years. He started million), organizers said on Tuesday, with the biggest the decade 124th on the league’s Dec. 30, heads to Los Angeles for gains for players exiting in the early rounds. all-time scoring list. He’s now about possibly the final chapter in his

Players losing in the first round of qualifying to pass Kobe Bryant for No. 3. No. storied career.

Going Hollywood made so at the year’s first Grand Slam will take home A$20,000, 2 Karl Malone and No. 1 Kareem much sense -- he’s making movies, up by a third from last year, while singles players who Abdul-Jabbar are within reach. exit in the first round of the main draw will earn

Is Abdul-Jabbar in his has a production company, has a A$90,000, a jump of 20%. sights? Is catching him the new program called “The Shop” as part of his `Uninterrupted’ platform

Before the start of the 2018 Australian Open, decade’s goal?

Serb champion Novak Djokovic had to distance himself from media reports that he had pushed for a revolt over the way revenues from the four Grand Slams were distributed to help reward a larger group “When the history books

Tennis superstar Serena of players.

Williams was named Female Athlete are written, it could be that the

“We have long been committed to of the Decade by The Associated great Serena Williams is the greatest improving the pay and conditions for a deeper pool Press, as voted on by AP member athlete of all time. ... I like to call of international tennis players,” tournament director sports editors and beat writers. it the ‘Serena Superpowers’ — that Craig Tiley said in a statement, noting that overall

Williams, winner of 23 champion’s mindset. Irrespective of prize money has more than tripled since 2007.

Grand Slam singles titles, won the adversity and the odds that are

“This year ... we pushed to reward players 12 of those majors over the past facing her, she always believes in competing early in the tournament in both singles decade — no female player has herself,” said Stacey Allaster, USTA and doubles.” won more than three over the same chief executive and former WTA

The 2020 women’s and men’s singles span — including a run of four in CEO, via the Associated Press. champions will receive smaller increases in prize “Whether it was health a row from the U.S. Open in 2014 money, with both winners taking home A$4.12 through Wimbledon in 2015, for issues; coming back; having a child; million, up $20,000. her second self-named “Serena almost dying from that — she has

Players can usually secure a main draw Slam.” She also was the runner- endured it all and she is still in appearance in the tournament, which starts on Jan. up another seven times at major championship form. Her records 20, by having a ranking in the top 100. tournaments over the past decade, speak for themselves.”

Naomi Osaka of Japan is the reigning Williams, 38, spent three including four of the seven she has women’s singles champion at the Australian Open entered since returning to action and a half years straight at No. 1 in while Djokovic claimed a record seventh title by after having a baby in 2017. the WTA rankings. She also became defeating great rival Rafa Nadal in the 2019 final.

Finishing second among the oldest No. 1 player in WTA

In a report published last year, an voters was gymnast Simone Biles, history and tied Steffi Graf’s record International Review Panel commissioned to address the 2019 AP Female Athlete of the for most consecutive weeks at the betting-related and other integrity issues said that Year, followed by swimmer Katie top. players in the lowest tiers were susceptible to being In all, Williams reached Ledecky in third, and skiers Lindsey corrupted because of the difficulty of making a living, Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin in fourth the finals at 19 of the 33 majors she with only 250-350 players earning enough money to and fifth place, respectively. competed in and collected 37 break even.

Australian Open prize pool jumps to $49 million, biggest gains for early rounds

featuring an array of guests from Drake to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who signed a bill on the show that will allow college athletes to get paid for the use of their likeness and sign endorsement deals.

“There’s a lot of moments from this decade that would be up there, winning the two Miami championships, winning a championship in Cleveland, the chase-down block,” James said.

“But the best moment? Definitely marrying Savannah. That would be No. 1.”

James and longtime partner Savannah Brinson got married six years ago. They already had two sons -- both are very good basketball players already -- and added a daughter in 2014.

James also spent most of the last decade as a lightning rod for critics.

He doesn’t know how much longer he’ll play. He laments missing time with his children. His “I Promise” school that opened in 2018 in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, has been an immediate success story, and he wants to see that enterprise continue growing.

Some love him. Some don’t.

He doesn’t mind.

“When you believe in your calling or you believe in yourself, then it doesn’t matter what other people say or how other people feel,” James said. “And if you allow that to stop you or deter you from your mission, then you don’t get anywhere.”

And in the 2010s, nothing deterred James.

Serena named AP Female Athlete of Decade

Serena Williams of the USA hits to Maria Sharapova of Russia in the first round on day one of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center singles titles over the past decade (she boasts a career total of 72 singles titles) — 11 more than anyone else.

Off the court, her celebrity status has given her a platform to champion women’s rights and call attention to health care inequality for black women in the United States.

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