VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 16 - NO. 02

Email: sun@suntci.com

Tel: (649) 348-6838

$1.00

Fax: (649) 941-3281

www.facebook.com/tcisun

TOP TENNIS STAR ALMOST DIED IN TCI World #3 Naomi Osaka caught by strong current while paddle boarding near villa

N

aomi Osaka, the 22-yearold high-ranking tennis star, said she had a near death experience while on vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands late last year.

Osaka, whose father is from Haiti and mother from Japan, made the shocking disclosure while speaking to international journalists ahead of the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020.

She said that at the insistence of her older sister, Mari, she went out paddle boarding while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. It was all great, Osaka said, until she got caught in a current.

“The current took us and I almost died,” she said.

Prompted for more detail, Osaka, the reigning Australian Open champion, reflected on the experience.

Naomi Osaka

“Listen, if you’re scared, everything becomes more exaggerated. So I’m going to tell you my story.

(Mari) might say I’m lying, but this is what happened to me personally.”

The plot involves tears, recriminations, and a shark sighting.

“I like to be able to see what’s about to happen to me. So we went paddle boarding next to the house.

That was all fine.

FortisTCI Green Ribbon Safety awardees praised

FortisTCI President and CEO Eddinton Powell presents the winning trophy to contractors J&A Welding Julio Pozo and Alex Powell, recognized for their continuous efforts and contribution to operational health and safety. (See page 2)

Continued on page 2

Government legally can’t refuse to consider TCI Status applications, says Premier

By Todeline Defralien Premier Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson says Government legally cannot refuse to consider applications for Turks and Caicos Island Status.

Speaking during a sitting of the House of Assembly in Grand Turk on Monday January 6th, 2020, she stated: “Mr. Speaker the government legally cannot refuse to consider these applications because it is still law; but it was law when we received the applications and

that’s the bottom line. We are legally obligated to consider the applications.”

The Premier criticised Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Washington Misick, for making what she described as “reckless statements” about the granting of TCI Status.

She stressed that the granting of TCI Status “is a privilege and not a right”, adding that TCI Status is a “privilege which cannot be forced by the law courts”.

“I hear the Leader of the Opposition speak about lawyers who are gearing up to sue.

Continued on page 2

Cheryl Clare Wins Flow Six Weeks of Christmas Grand Prize

L to R:Marketing Comms Exec, Darron Hilaire; Store Manager, Graceway IGA, Jamal Ewing; Grand Finale Winner, Cheryl Clare; Business Support Officer, Anissa Bootle; Flow Country Manager (Acting), Audley Gibbs; Head of B2B Sales, Joanne Missick; and B2B Business Support Officer, Sarah Jones. (See page 2)

Lawyers objecting to SIPT prosecutor Andrew Mitchell’s application for full admission to TCI Bar

Several lawyers in Turks and Caicos Islands are objecting to Queen’s Counsel Andrew Mitchell, the chief prosecutor in the ongoing corruption trial, being allowed to practise full-time as a lawyer here.

And they are equally upset that his application is set to be heard by outgoing Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale

on Friday, January 10th, 2020, although the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Council is still conducting a required consultation on Mitchell’s application.

When contacted by The SUN, Mrs. Oreika SelverGardiner, president of the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Council, confirmed that there were objections to Mitchell’s

application; that the consultation has not yet been completed and that the matter was scheduled for hearing tomorrow at 9 a.m.. She declined further comment.

The SUN understands that many members of the local legal fraternity have expresses concern and outrage at what is perceived to be a “rush” to have Mitchell’s application heard,

Continued on page 2

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY You Can Count On

www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313

Page 2

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

TOP TENNIS STAR ALMOST DIED IN TCI

continued from page 1

It was beautiful. It was a beautiful day. I saw starfish. And suddenly we hit a current and I’m freaking out a little bit, because the house is getting further. Unless my eyes are playing tricks on me, it’s getting far as heck,” Osaka said.

Her sister encouraged her to just go with the flow and work back around into calmer waters further out.

“And I’m like, ‘How far out are you trying to take us?’ Because it’s black, like, the water is black now, and the house is like

a tiny dot, and I can’t really swim that well,” Osaka recounted. “And then I fall in the water, so now I’m like thinking about all the sharks in the Caribbean and I was like screaming at her, like, ‘If I die, this is on you. You’re going to have to tell mom how I died in the Turks and Caicos.”

She could laugh about it in the retelling, but in the moment, “I’m like crying, and then I get back on the board and then she decides that she wants to say that she sees a shark. So now I’m

like screaming and crying. But in that moment I just really thought, like, I don’t want to die like that. Yeah, that’s the end of the story.”

There was no surprise ending.

She survived. The next chapter in Osaka’s tennis career will be based on her experiences.

“I just feel like I’m experiencing so many things in my life and ... and I’m trying to take it all into, like, perspective that these are things that I’ve never thought I was going to be able to do,”

she said.

Osaka won back-to-back Grand Slam titles at the U.S. Open in 2018 and the Australian Open last year, but she’s never successfully defended a major.

With the Australian Open set to start Jan. 20 in Melbourne, that’s one thing she’s hoping to be able to do in 2020.

She held the No. 1 ranking at the end of last January and finished 2019 at No. 3, after withdrawing from the WTA Finals because of a shoulder injury.

Government legally can’t refuse to consider TCI Status applications, says Premier

continued from page 1

While I don’t sit in the little circles that he does, let us make it abundantly clear that there are only two legal rights that have risen as a result of the action and inaction of the former PNP government and that is the right to submit an application and the right for that application to be considered,” she continued.

“Let me make it abundantly clear Mr. Speaker, TCI status is a privilege and I believe that there may have been an attempt to mislead and I apologize if I misunderstand but I walked away thinking when the Leader of the Opposition said that there was lawyers waiting in line to sue for status. Let’s be abundantly clear Mr. Speaker, the grant of status cannot be forced by a court,” Robinson added.

She continued: “Mr. Speaker

I would liken this to be treading on dangerous territory for which we should all then stand together Mr. Speaker and defend and protect our right as a people to determine, after due process, whether we wish to grant our most sacred asset, our status. Mr. Speaker I invite us all to put this in perspective. There is a legal obligation that has arisen from the law to consider the applications before us. It is not an automatic grant because you applied.”

Premier Robinson said there are a number of applications to be considered and these applications on hand are not a single year’s application.

“Well Mr. Speaker it is in fact three years of applications and in fact Mr. Speaker we probably have an even amount 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Seventy-three were received in 2016,

29 applications were received in 2017, fourty (40) received when we became the government and eight (8) in 2019.

On coming to office Mr. Speaker I said and I acknowledge that the government continues to accept applications. What is this amendment bill doing Mr. Speaker, this bill is necessary because the law is one of the few laws that dates were built in for receiving and processing of the applications. These dates, Mr. Speaker, have passed, but government’s obligation is not dismissed because we reneged on our responsibility and did not uphold the law by first appointing a Commission, and secondly by processing the applications within the time stipulated or specified in the law,” she explained.

Robinson stated that this bill allows these applications out of date to

be considered.

She said, “I did not appreciate all the ways that one get TCI status and ironically, Mr. Speaker all I knew was that politicians were giving away status and honestly Mr. Speaker the first time I heard the controversial side of status being given was under Washington administration 1991-1995.”

The Premier stressed that the Turks and Caicos Islands must control who gets status in this country.

In addition the Premier noted that the TCI must not allow accidental citizens and must build the population through a point system by designed.

“I stand with the people as a politician yes, remove the politicians out of the system and let the citizens be a part of the process from beginning to end,” she added.

FortisTCI Green Ribbon Safety awardees praised

continued from page 1

Three FortisTCI departments, three partnering contractors, and eight individuals were recognized at the company’s recent semi-annual Green Ribbon Safety Awards. The ceremony was held on Friday, December 13, at the company’s headquarters in Providenciales to honor those who demonstrate their commitment to health and safety in the workplace.

Good Catch awards were presented to FortisTCI employees Clyde Hall, Ingrid Forbes, Callis Jones, Raymond Clare, Lorenzo Fabien, Rolin Garconville, Deniro Handfield, and a contractor employee John Ferguson.

They are all credited with bringing

continued from page 1

awareness to safety and environmental risks and identifying solutions to help mitigate potential hazards.

At this ceremony, the FortisTCI Production team was the top-performing department, North Caicos placed second place, and the Substation team placed third. Among the contractor group, J&A Welding took home the top prize, E&L Construction was second, and G&H Enterprises placed third.

Offering remarks at this ceremony were Senior Director of Energy Production and Delivery Don Forsyth and President and CEO Eddinton Powell.

Director of Legal Services Alexandria Missick provided the safety moment,

which is another initiative FortisTCI uses to heighten awareness of proper safety practices across the company. FortisTCI has held these brief presentations dubbed ‘safety moments’ at the start of staff and stakeholder meetings since 2017. The initiative is one way the company continues to enhance its safety culture and help employees and business partners understand the importance of operating at the highest standards at all times.

FortisTCI President and CEO Eddinton Powell commended all employees and participating contractors for their enthusiastic support of the company’s ongoing efforts to keep safety

front and center of its operations. Mr. Powell noted that by training contractors in the company’s Environmental Health and Safety Management Systems, the EHS department was taking safety well beyond FortisTCI, and creating a movement for safety best practices across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Safety is a way of life at FortisTCI and through initiatives such as the Green Ribbon Awards, we empower employees and contractors to focus on continuous improvement of our safety practices. I am pleased to congratulate all the winners of these Green Ribbon Awards and encourage everyone to keep up the good work,” he stated.

Cheryl Clare Wins with Flow

Full service communications and entertainment

When the Flow team called Cheryl to congratulate highest total any winner has ever achieved in the history of this competition. provider, Flow TCI, brought an exciting holiday season to a her as the grand finale winner, she was bursting with

Jamal Ewing, Store Manager, Graceway IGA said: close with a grand finale shopping spree in partnership with enthusiasm and excitement.

On the eve of Christmas, December 24, Cheryl and “Congratulations to Cheryl! It was an exciting fun filled Graceway IGA awarded to Cheryl Clare. minute of action! What a great way to kick off Christmas Eve her supporter, Ms. Blythe Clare, showed up bright and early at

“We wish to take this opportunity to thank all of with a record-breaking run! We are always pleased to see our customers for activating our plans and participating in the Flow 6am with a game plan and a mission. customers win and it is a pleasure to partner with FLOW and Six Weeks of Christmas campaign. A special congratulations is “My strategy this morning was the get down the aisle as quick as possible and get all the meats that I can,” added Cheryl, their team in these events!” extended to all six winners including our grand finale winner who set the bar higher for next year’s contender,” said acting after grabbing a cart full of the finest meats from the produce

“I am elated because I broke the record. I know some people would not have Christmas so I am going to just share Country Manager Audley Gibbs. section at Graceway IGA. this with some friends and family. I would like to thank Flow

Clare, a Flow Prepaid customer, activated a 30-Day

Flow is also pleased to announce that not only did Cheryl complete the 60 second challenge successfully, she also and the entire staff for making this happen for me for the Always On Prepaid Combo Plan during the sixth week of the holidays,” says Clare. campaign which automatically entered her for a chance to win. broke the record collecting over $1,500 worth of goods – the

Lawyers objecting to SIPT prosecutor Andrew Mitchell’s application for full admission to TCI Bar continued from page 1

days before Chief Justice Ramsay-Hale leaves the jurisdiction for Cayman Islands where she will be a judge in their Grand Court.

Local attorney Ashwood “Nash” Forbes” whose objection to Mitchell’s application has been widely-circulated on social media, stated: “Andrew Mitchell came here to work with the TCIG in the SIPT trial and was called under section 8 of the LPO (Legal Professions Ordinance). He is still under that limited call, there is nowhere in the LPO where a person can have limited admission and general admission at the same time...Is the DPP trying to call Andrew Mitchell so that he can freelance like (Jerome) Lynch another one of SIPT lawyers who pays no NIB, NHIP but is still allowed to freelance whilst working for SIPT, or simply because the powers that be continuously giving him limited admission call willy nilly, wilfully ignoring section 8 (1) of the LPO. Furthermore Andrew Mitchell has acted as if he was called already. He has appeared in private matters already, and anyone else this would have being a no no…..Why is there such a rush to have this matter call on or before the 10th January, 2020, every other application has a 14 days circulation, what’s so special about Andrew’s application, notwithstanding...”

(a) of the Legal Professional Ordinance. Although, he received .

Mitchell’s application for full admission was made

by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Eugene Otuonye, QC, further and broader understanding of the specifics of the and supported by his deputy Angela Brooks. law and legal practice in Turks and Caicos Islands, the ODPP lawyers have in turn benefited much from him.”

In his letter, Otuonye noted that Mitchell, who is working as the lead Attorney in the SIPT Trial and has been The DPP stated that during his attendance at the ODPP, Mr since he was instructed in Autumn 2010, has been under the Mitchell assisted with various cases over a wide range of criminal issues as well as civil recovery matters and the tutelage of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) since the enforced break in the SIPT trial in the early extradition issue relating to 2 individuals, adding that he has drafted advices on appeal to the Privy Council and settled the summer 2019.

The DPP said Mitchell has been under the applications. supervision of the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, “We, at the ODPP, are delighted to have had the opportunity to benefit from the experience he has brought to us and we are Mrs. Angela Brooks and his general supervision as the Director of Public Prosecutions. He has also closely engaged with DPP’s confident that the entire TCI Bar will also benefit greatly from attorneys, none of whom is less than two years post call. his expertise. He is scheduled to begin advocacy clinics for

The DPP added: “In the course of his working in the the lawyers in the ODPP and would, we are sure, be happy to ODPP, he has in particular worked closely with attorneys in offer the same service to new practitioners at the Bar generally.

He also has extensive experience in the field of bribery and matters in which leave will be sought to appeal to the Privy Council and he has also assisted in other matters. In addition, corruption and the training of lawyers and public servants he is acting for the Attorney General’s Chambers in relation which will serve us well when the new Bribery Ordinance to 2 extradition matters and he advised this office in relation is brought into force. We would be most grateful if the Bar to proceeds of crimes issues. He has completed the period of Council would communicate its support for this application three months training within the meaning of section 5 (2) to Her Ladyship, the Chief Justice,” Otuonye wrote.

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 3

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

SAMPLE MENU • ITEMS AND PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Page 4

FAIRWAYS IS OPEN THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER offers air-conditioned interior dining in addition to our wrap-around balcony exterior

FEHERTY APPROVED

Free Wi-Fi • Catering available for special events

Monday - Thursday Bar • 700am - 800pm Kitchen • 700am - 400pm Friday - Sunday Bar • 700am - 800pm Kitchen • 700am - 800pm

BREAKFAST

LUNCH GOLF

DRINKS GOLF

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 5

LOCAL NEWS

PDM Government is learning from criticism, says Premier

Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson says her People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) administration continues to “learn from criticism”, while recognizing that there is still “much to be done”.

Speaking at a press conference at her Providenciales office on January 7th, 2020, Robinson, who is also Minister of Finance, stated: “I am pleased to say that we have passed three surplus Budgets and critical supplementary real meaningful policies and changes and whilst we learn from criticism and will be foolish to insulate ourselves, we intend to make our voices louder than those who come bearing false and misleading reports inciting a spirit of ungratefulness, disunity, complaining, and yes hatred.”

She added: “But we are encouraged that while there is much to be done, for those with eyes who wish to see: change is happening all around and for the good. And this change is not just physical but evident through the many benefits and opportunities that my Government provides and again I encourage persons to avail themselves of it.”

Giving an overview of the administration’s achievements over the past three years, she said they are proud to have brought change through laws and the provision of resources to enforce them.

“We have passed to date 76 Bills and 202 subsidiary pieces of legislation.

We have reinvested over $98m in these islands through our capital program including record breaking sums in school redevelopment and are happy to say that all school repairs from the hurricane has been tendered with some close to completion or completed; we have invested in sporting facilities/programs for our youth; community enhancement through our road development program; prison upgrade; national security; social programs and critical government offices damages

following Hurricane Ike of 2009 and Irma and Maria of 2017. We are a working Government!” she declared.

“We have provided jobs for hundreds of TC Islanders within the public service; We have funded key programs in record breaking sums, in particular in policing, immigration, prison services, social programs, education, sports, culture and health particularly in primary health care. You will hear more as we move through this year of plenty of 2020,” the Premier said, adding that the delivery of the Throne Speech has set the tone for this upcoming year and the Budget Session will certain give our people something to be proud of.

“I note the statements that persons are not feeling the Government and as I did in my Budget Address last year May, I state again that this borrowed economic model though used by previous governments is not working for us,” Premier Robinson continued.

“I committed then to reviewing this model and making it more home grown but make no mistake about when governments are doing well there is no denying it as critical services are offered through the public service, through benefits that we are able to give under special programs like the long running hurricane exemption for home owners and businesses or the increase in benefits for the vulnerable among us. And this year, we were able to again introduce meaningful and critical policies that have positively impacted individuals and businesses.”

She said TCIG continues to run an ambitious Capital Program of $41million which included for the first time capital projects for Grand Turk from the Infrastructure Account of $4.8m and $36million from the consolidated fund transfers and that saw critical priorities.

She noted that the projects

COX MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED Cox Plaza, 15 Five Cays Road Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Tel: 649-941-3650 Fax: 649-946-4283 bac@tciway.tc SEEKS TO RECRUIT FOR THE FOLLOWING POSTS: 2 HVAC TECHNICIAN KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Install, Troubleshoot and repair HVAC units including electronic and mechanical components Certification, Mitsubishi City Multi & Lennox VRF and Daikin VRV RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: • A minimum of 7 years’ experience SALARY-Negotiable between $ 22, 000 to $ 40, 000 per annum based on education, qualifications and experience.

2 HVAC DUCT FABRICATOR/INSTALLER JOB SUMMARY -Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair duct work products and equipment, such as ducts, Includes sheet metal and fiber glass duct installers who install prefabricated ducts used for HVAC. RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: • A minimum of 5 years’ • HVAC Duct Fabricator Certification.

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

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

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

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

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

SALARY- $18,200 per annum Interested Turks & Caicos Islanders apply All positions currently held by work permit holders.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 31st, 2020

contained in the Capital Program for FY 2019/20 will continue to focus on recovery efforts that are geared towards building back better and ensuring that our infrastructure is more climate resilient to natural hazards.

“In addition to this, we will also focus on community projects aimed at creating recreational places and employment opportunities throughout the islands. The intention is through the Capital Program as employment increases, labour productivity will also increase, which will increase income in families throughout the islands and act as a stimulus to local economic activities,” she reported.

“In this financial year we are spending across the Islands and heaviest in those Islands that were severely impacted by Irma and Maria. We are happy with the pace of our hurricane repairs and are now able to move forward with critical projects in all the Islands as we will see in the next Budget Address in a few short months. Under Finance’s Capital Program we provided for enhanced security at Customs through baggage scanners and the reintroduction of the Canine Unit and a number of critical projects under our various Statutory Bodies which we will point out shortly.”

CRITICAL PROJECTS AND WORK FOR 2019 She then listed the following critical policies and work: 1.The Home Owners Policy came into effect and to date we continue to see uptake.

2.The critical work with CDB to look at the provision of capital access for businesses progressed and the tender was released to complete these works 3.A critical and successful Amnesty Program for tourism related businesses that allowed over 20 businesses to restart on a fresh page and that yielded good revenues for TCIG. 4.Purchase a Building for Trade School 5.Organize and facilitate Mission of CARTAC to discuss TCIG’s Revenues in an effort to revamp our Revenue Collections System.

6.For those who had goods in Government Storage, we provided relief by waiving all fees for a period.

7.Re-establish the critical Trade Department which has already to begin critical programs for trade and businesses.

8.We were represented at Ministerial level for the first time since before the Interim Administration at the Social Security Annual General Meeting in Belgium; and there was ministerial attendance among the delegation at the critical Meeting of the Global Forum.

9.Prioritized work on the Concessions Policy for Businesses and Air BnB Policy 10.Completed

the

Regulations

and

Standards for the Consumer Protection Ordinance and the Regulations for the Credit Union Ordinance. Both were brought into effect last year.

11.Completed the Vision Document and secured quotes for its critical roll out.

12.Funded the reintroduction of Increments for the Civil Service which were suspended for the previous 9 years and amended so as to allow the Police to participate. This saw back pay and salary increases for hundreds of Police Officers and Civil Servants. Also funded new space for critical relocation of offices to facilitate repairs, funded the Interest Free Christmas Advance for Civil Servants, we funded the Consultancy Review of the TCI Pension and Terminal Benefits and funded critical repairs for Police Stations.

13. Secured an Actuarial Review of all of Government Pensions which included for the first time Pensions under the Retiring Allowance Ordinance (Politician’s Pensions). We were also able to secure Actuarial Reviews for NIB and NHIB. 14. Opened Grand Turk Airport and approve critical projects for the TCIAA which included Salt Cay Airport Redevelopment, New Fire Trucks, South Caicos Terminal (out to Tender), Fire Hall for Grand Turk (under construction), Combined Services Building and Fire Services Building for Provo (out to Tender) and Office Building for Provo (currently being evaluated).

15. Move forward critical Projects at the Port in our plan to redevelop all the ports in TCI recognizing that they are critical lifelines: Security Gate House and RORO Ramp on GT was completed; temporary Port of entry was approved for Salt Cay; Tender for the Dredging off North Caicos and cleanup of the scrap metal at Belle Field Landing were released; approval was granted to begin works for a Terminal at Belle Field Landing; South Caicos lighting and fencing progressed; Provo’s Redevelopment Plan was completed and costed.

16. At Invest TC, we continue to facilitate developers and manage our MSME Program.

The Agency enjoys an active pipeline and we have been able to secure several key development for around the Islands this past year: Ground Breaking for The Rock House in Provo; approval of Development Agreements for a Hotel on North Caicos, Grand Turk and three in Providenciales with one located in the Lower Bight and two in the Long Bay area and a Cruise Port an Island not yet announced.

This year funds were invested with the Agency to provide further support of our commitment to developing the Financial Services Sector. We supported and participated in the ITCI’s Conference on the Financial Services Sector.

17.

Appointed a new CEO and Deputy CEO for the Civil Aviation in the persons of Peter Forbes and Arthur Bassett.

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.

Page 6

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Cancer deaths and crime are of great concern

The high rates of cancers and crime are of great concern to the Turks and Caicos Islands, says Premier Sharlene Robinson.

Addressing a January 7th, 2020 press conference, the Premier said it worthy of mention among our challenges as a people is the high rate of cancer.

“We continue to suffer great loss to cancer with an increasing incidence of diagnosis and death and strangely among our TC Islanders in a nation of over 50 different nationalities which for me dismisses that it is in the air, water or environment generally,” she stated.

“I pay tribute to those in this fight be it the victims or families. We as a people must do something different and the MOH is leading on this. I pay tribute to those also that loss the fight on this side of eternity and single out our youngest victim little Ethan Pinder who became a beacon of inspiration for me in his fight,” the Premier said.

“This past year as a tribute, I chose the colour red for the Premier’s Golf Cup Tournament participants to salute this brave young fighter. Red was Ethan’s favourite colour and he reminded us throughout his illness and how he

carried his little self that we must delight ourselves in whatever circumstance, define the challenge and not to let it define us, pray for those around and be an encouragement even when we need it most. We must conduct critical research and wage a war on cancer because it certainly is waging one on us.”

In relation to crime, she noted that last year, the Turks and Caicos Islands saw an increase in murders to a total 13.

“Whilst nations around us who are experiencing high incidences of crimes among the same age group and

sex would wish to have these numbers, 1 is too many for us and we must be concerned. I commend our Police Force who has certainly earned respect from all quarters over this period and again encourage us all to partner with them for our very own safety. I offer my sincerest sympathy to those whose families were affected in this unfortunate way and those who now have to face the consequences of their loved one’s actions,” she continued.

According to the Premier, last year “truly revealed some sides of us as a people that was scary”.

Visa restrictions on Venezuelan Nationals

Venezuelans will now require visas to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Cabinet at its meeting held on December 18, 2019 granted approval to impose visa restrictions on Venezuelan nationals by the removal of Venezuela from Schedule 2 of Regulations 9 (1) of the Immigration Ordinance 2018 revised.

It is anticipated that the proposed amendment will come into force within two (2) weeks, according

to a government press release.

Scores of Venezuelans are currently in the Turks and Caicos Islands working at bars, restaurants and major construction sites.

This Cabinet decision now mandates that Nationals of that country who wish to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands after the amendments takes effect will be required to make an application for a visa to the nearest British High Commission, Embassy or Consulate.

Three aggravated burglaries; Haitian sloop

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating an aggravated burglary along Augusta Drive in Leeward, Providenciales. Reports are that on January 8th, 2020, around 11:00 p.m., a man was attacked by one of two Burglars who entered his Townhome.

The two burglars who were dressed in dark clothing fled the scene in an unknown direction. No shots were fired in this incident.

A second aggravated burglary took place on January 9th, 2020.

According to the Police Control Room, around 2:27 a.m. two armed men, entered a Kew Town home and demanded money. The home owner was assaulted by one of the culprits who later made good of their escape with a cellular phone, a television and a wallet. No shots were fired in this incident.

A third incident was reported to 911 around 3:09 a.m., January 9th, 2020 at a home along Bay Road, Blue Hills. According to reports, two masked men armed with guns entered the home and demanded money. Stolen were a

hand bag that contained identification cards, a sum of cash, and two cellular phones. There were no injuries or shots fired in this incident.

Two men are currently in Police Custody assisting with investigations.

Anyone who may have information that could assist with these investigations can contact 911, The Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901 or 941-8082 or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1- 800-8477 (TIPS).

Meantime, an Illegal vessel containing 77 Illegal immigrants was successfully intercepted on Tuesday, January 7th 2020 at 11:15 a.m. by Marine Branch Officials via M/V Sea Pursuit and M/V Sea Guardian, in the area of French Cay.

67 male Haitian Nationals, and 10 female Haitian Nationals were removed from the red and blue, 30 ft wooden boat with two outboard engines.

The detainees were handed over to Immigration Officials who escorted them to the Detention Centre for processing and repatriation.

In addition, application may be made to the Director of Immigration or to the Turks and Caicos Islands representatives at the Turks and Caicos Islands Office in London, England or New York, United States of America.

Persons making such application must be outside the Turks and Caicos Islands at the time of application.

The statement said although this decision has been taken, the Cabinet remains cognizant of the security and humanitarian situation in Venezuela

and the Guidance Notes issued by the United Nations Commission for Refugee issues on March 2018 and updated May 2019 which request that Member States seek to allow access by Venezuelans and that countries have in place appropriate humanitarian protection for Nationals of Venezuela.

The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services will provide further information to Venezuelans within the Islands and the general public in due course.

Premier Contracting Service seeking the following skilled technician Refrigeration Maintenance Technician Maintain the day-to-day operations and to assume responsibility for maintaining the physical assets of the properties under the direction of Premier Contracting Services Ltd. Duties and Skill set required •Inspect, repair, modify and install HVAC equipment including refrigeration, A/C, compressors, receivers, expansion valves, condensers and evaporators •Conduct preventative maintenance and inspection of refrigeration units and Air-conditioning systems, make necessary adjustments or repairs •Repair or replace defective electrical or mechanical controls •Operate a variety of tools including welding torches, pressure gauges, electrical testing equipment, and vacuum pumps.

•Repair and rebuild semi hermetic reciprocating compressors.

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

Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board.

Salary rate: 9hr Deadline for Submission of application January 20th, 2020

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 7

LOCAL NEWS

Politicians or their families being threatened, says Premier

By Todeline Defralien

Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson raised concern about politicians being threatened by members of the public.

“Let me say this clearly, it is not ok to threaten politicians or their families. It is not ok to encourage persons to blame politicians for what many do not wish to do for themselves.

Not long ago we saw our collective negative actions bear out when we blamed others for others’ actions.

Persons will feel justified in making all of our lives a living hell including our tourists,” she said during a press conference on Tuesday, 7th January, 2020 marking the Turks and Caicos

Islands Government’s 3rd Anniversary in office.

Premier Robinson said last year was a really a scary experience for her as a Turks and Caicos Islander.

She said, “We saw persons defend and give excuses for criminal behavior in an effort to blame politicians this is the basis for what is wrong in Turks and Caicos in many respects, this eagerness to encourage wrong and sadly embrace wrong by holding the wrong people accountable and then missing the big picture.”

“I was disappointed in the midst of what was the worst of it, to hear persons say keep pressure on the politicians who are properly the lawmakers and founders and who in

our case provided all the resources needed. Then some would say keep pressure on the police, but I am yet to hear keep pressure on the criminal.

What transcended were threats being made against certain quarters and I know this statement made decrying a single post on Facebook against judges and the Police Welfare Association only last week spoke recently to threats against them. We as politicians dare say nothing, for many seemed united in silence and sometimes in support,” she added.

Robinson encouraged the public to choose wisely in 2020. “I encourage us all to choose wisely in 2020 and I will not discuss that any further,” she ended.

Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

Accountant General’s Department launches Automated Fixed Asset Module

The Accountant General’s Department (Treasury) announced that it will be launching its automated fixed asset module within the upcoming weeks.

This will not only enable TCIG to have a centralized asset register, but allows the utilization of the system to

manage, track and capitalize all fixed assets. This will eliminate the historic use of a multiple spreadsheet system to a streamlined solution that automatically reconciles and depreciates all asset values.

The implementation of this module comes after the approval

JOB VACANCY Post: AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER ASSISTANT

Purpose of Job To assist Air Traffic Controllers in order to achieved a safe and efficient flow of air traffic throughout the Turks and Caicos airspace.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDES •Coordinate operational data; pass and receive estimates under the supervision of the Air Traffic Controller.

•Operate aerodrome equipment as directed by the Air Traffic Controller and perform periodical checks on control tower equipment.

•Complete and/or process written reports •Process flight plans, collect landing and parking fees •Amend publications •Take limited weather observations and respond to unsafe conditions under the direction of the Air Traffic Controller.

•Record and Compile statistical data •Perform other related duties as directed by the Senior Air Traffic Controller QUALIFICATIONS •Proof of 3 CXC’s or equivalent in Mathematics, English and one other science subject •Indicate a keen interest in aviation •Be prepared to move within the islands as operationally required. Carry out shift duties and be prepared to undertake in country and external training throughout career.

•Upon successful completion of the basic training course you will be offer the Trainee Air Traffic Assistant.

CORE COMPETENCIES •Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills with particular competency in word and excel •Able to Work effectively as a part of the team •Demonstrate communication and interpretational skills Salary: $24, 495.00 Annually Interest persons must submit their applications before January 24, 2020 to: Human Resources Manager Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority Providenciales International Airport Telephone# 649-946-4420, Fax# 9415996. Email: hrrecruitmento@tciairports.com

of TCIG’s Fixed Assets Policies and Procedures Manual, which was approved by cabinet during May of 2019.

To facilitate the transition for relevant staff into this new module, the Accountant General’s Department will be carrying out a series of sensitization

sessions on the islands of Grand Turk and Providenciales during the upcoming weeks with the aim of going live this month.

We look forward to participation and support in this venture as we seek to safeguard our assets and know our worth.

COX MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED Cox Plaza, 15 Five Cays Road Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Tel: 649-941-3650 Fax: 649-946-4283 bac@tciway.tc We are looking for a skilled Accounting Clerk to perform a variety of accounting, bookkeeping and financial tasks.

Accounting Clerk Responsibilities Include: 1.Providing accounting and clerical support to the accounting department.

2.Typing accurately, preparing and maintaining accounting documents and records.

3.Preparing bank deposits, general ledger postings.

4.Reconcile accounts in a timely manner.

5.Research, track and restore accounting or documentation problems and discrepancies.

6.Daily enter key data of financial transactions in database.

7.Inform management and compile reports/summaries on activity areas 8.Function in accordance with established standards, procedures and applicable laws.

9.Provide assistance and support to company personnel.

10.Ultimately, a successful Accounting Clerk will ensure that the company’s daily accounting functions run accurately and effectively.

Accounting Clerk responsibilities include keeping financial records updated, preparing reports and reconciling bank statements and all other accounts including contract, accounts payable and receivable. Process business transactions, like accounts payable and receivable, payroll, NIB, NHIP, disbursements, expense vouchers and receipts. A successful accounting clerk should be familiar with all accounting procedures and have a flair for numbers.

Requirements •Proven accounting experience, preferably as an Accounts receivable clerk or Accounts payable clerk •Competency in MS Office, databases and accounting software •Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and financial reports •Accuracy and attention to detail •Ability to perform filing and record keeping tasks •Data entry and word processing skills •High school degree •Associate’s degree or relevant certification is a plus.

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

SALARY- $39,000.00 per annum Interested Turks & Caicos Islanders apply APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 31st, 2020

Page 8

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

PDM Government ran out of time; set the election date says Deputy PNP Leader

By Todeline Defralien

Deputy Leader of the Progressive National Party, Jay Saunders challenged the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) government to set the date for 2020 elections adding that the ruling party’s time ran out.

Saunders made this statement during a press conference on Thursday December 19th, 2019 at PNP Headquarters on Airport Road, Providenciales.

“The PDM Government ran out of time and if they don’t believe me that they’ve ran out of time because I know what is going to happen, somebody is going to go on social media and they’re going to attack us. If you don’t believe you’ve ran out of time set the date. If you believe that the people want you back, set the date. That’s the sign that show’s that you’re confident. You want to shut us up, set the dated,” he said.

The Deputy Opposition Leader noted that while he did challenge the government, he believes morally the government owes it to the people to set the date and especially not when things are that bad.

He added: “The way that it might

come off is that I was challenging them, but to be honest, if you really care you would know when you’re not doing well.

Either you’ve tried it or you say to yourself that you can do it anymore because at those times people will say lets somebody else try. I think that whether they’ve tried and it didn’t work or they didn’t try or either they don’t know or they don’t believe that the country deserves any better. The time has run out on them and they can’t drag it on anymore and every day we are getting closer to election and as you can see our team is ready.”

Saunders stressed that he is certain that the PDM Government knows that they are not going to get re-elected.

“They can’t catch us by surprise,” he said. “We are ready and they are not doing a very good job, so I believe that they owe it to the country to call an election, I believe that they probably will not do that and the reason why they probably will not do it is because if you know that you’re not going to get back in you’re going to maximize your income as much as you can. I speak with them all the time and they’ve got some cheerleaders who always say to me that, oh ‘I can’t see the PNP path to victory’

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 Deputy Leader of the PNP, Jay Saunders but gradually over time even their most ardent supports you can start seeing them now shifting because they know that they can’t win the next election.”

Saunders said the morally right thing for the current Government to do is not to drag it on anymore.

“I would say at the 7th of January when they do their address they should set the date for election. Let’s get over this an bring the country back to a point where Turks and Caicos Islanders can live their best lives and we then can return the country to the people and do the best for the country as we can,” he said.

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.

Sailrock Contracting Limited [Sailrock] is seeking qualified candidates for the position below: Junior Mechanic •This person will work with the Lead Mechanic to ensure all vehicles and equipment are in good working order at all times.

Must be able to relocate to South Caicos.

Great House Management Limited [Sailrock] is seeking qualified candidates for the positions below: Spa Therapist •Job Summary – This person will provide professional and engaging wellness therapies and massage treatments to our guests, as well as offer a full range of treatments to fulfill different guest needs.

Must be able to relocate South Caicos.

Day to Day Responsibilities •Provide competent and satisfactory massages •Provide competent and satisfactory manicure, pedicure and facial treatments •Manage all the laundry duties in the spa •Maintain the cleanliness of the changing rooms and general spa areas •Follow correct opening and closing procedures •Work together as part of a team with colleagues •Maintain awareness of all services and product availability in the spa •Comply with all hotel policies and procedures •Comply with statutory requirements regarding the work place such as employment law, health and safety, hygiene, fire prevention etc.

Qualified Candidates will have/be: •3 years of experience in an Asian themed or high-end resort Spa is preferred •Internationalqualifications and proven skills in massage, manicure and pedicure and facial treatments •Fluent in English (fluency in more than one language is a plus) •Must be Male •Computer literate Salary - $16,000 yearly

Responsibilities •Assist Head Mechanic with preventative maintenance program for all equipment.

•Assist with repairs as directed by project leadership members to all equipment and machinery.

•Perform repairs to mobile and stationary equipment.

•Perform minor welding as necessary.

•Change tires on all types of vehicles and equipment.

•Maintain an equipment maintenance report detailing equipment condition and repairs performed.

•Update maintenance records as required.

•Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical equipment as directed.

•Support projects by evaluating equipment needs.

Qualified Candidates will have/be: •Must have mechanical aptitude and previous experience as a mechanic •Must have experience working with construction type equipment and vehicles •Ability to follow instruction •Well-organized and detail oriented •Ability to work well with others Salary Range •$24,000 - $26,000 Annually Please submit applications to: •Drop off: W104 Venture House, Grace Bay, Providenciales •Email: humanresources@southcaicos.com These positionsare currently held by a Work Permit holder.

Interested Turks and Caicos Islands must also submit copies of their application to the TCI Work Permit Board

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 9

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

Page 10

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Baby Boy is first birth for 2020 at TCI Hospital

As the country celebrated the big arrival of the new year, a mother celebrated her own big arrival: a newborn baby boy delivered on the first day of 2020.

Little Denerdo Quatela Jr was born at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales at 9:25 p.m. to mother Latavia Williams. He weighed 3.3 kg and 47 cm in length at birth.

Latavia said she was delighted with her new arrival, and Denerdo Jr is her first child. She added that she did not expect little Denerdo Jr to be the first baby of the year or decade, and hopes he will look back at this occasion very fondly. He was born two days before his due date.

To commemorate the new year, Denerdo Jr was decked out in a

Mother, Latavia Wiliams and Midwife Patricia Diaz.

HS LIMITED HS LTD is seeking a suitable individual to fill the following position. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

GOLF CART ATTENDANT Job Description •The Golf Cart Attendant will meet and greet all members and guests in a warm, friendly and professional manner.

•Assist members and guests with bag drop and golf club pick up as required.

•Communicate regularly with pro shop and starter on members and guest arrival.

•Confer with pro shop staff on set up for golf bag set up as well as golf carts needed that day (according to functions or tournaments).

•Assist in any way needed with the operation of the cart fleet. Includes continuously staging the appropriate supply of carts, cleaning carts throughout the day, filling up sand/seed, scorecards, pencils, and tees in order to always have well-presented carts at set up.

•Being proactive in keeping a clean/organized environment including the cart barn, cart washing station, all bag storage rooms, practice facility, member/ guest areas, as well as the cart set up area.

•Organizing, cleaning, and checking club rentals as they go out and return.

•Assist with starting, guiding, and helping all guests to their desired destination.

•Assist in any way needed for the operation of the practice facilities.

•Must have knowledge of proper golf course etiquette.

•Perform other duties as assigned by Management.

Requirements Great people and communication skills for providing excellent customer service when servicing golfers needs. Flexibility with schedule with days, evenings, weekend and public holidays work required. Must be able to speak, read and write in English and understand verbal and written instructions. Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to approximately 35-50 pounds. Must be able to spend long hours standing on their feet. Perform any other duties as it relates to the job which may be required by Management. Wages for this position starts at $6.50 per hour.

Please submit applications to: Veronica Rigby, HS Ltd, P.O. Box 124, Regent House, The Regent Village, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tel: (649) 9465126; Fax (649) 946-5191; Email: ronnie@habgroup.com.

Interested Belongers must submit copies of their application to the Commissioner of Labour& Work Permit Board Zone 2. Position currently held by a work permit holder.

Closing date for application isJanuary 27, 2020.

tiny white and blue onesie and hat emblazoned with a cute sneaky fox, which is reflective of his growingly visible and vibrant personality. During the media photographs, he was swaddled in yellow.

The mother received an infant bathtub decorated with infant-care items, courtesy of InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital.

Commenting on the delivery, Chief of Clinical Services, Mikette Been said: “Congratulations! The motherhood journey has begun. I hope that this journey is filled with much joy, delight and happiness. We wish you and your family the very best, and the atmosphere to welcome your birthday’s will always be filled with celebratory fireworks.”

Baby Boy

Caicos Marina &Shipyard Caicos Marina & Shipyard invites applications from suitable qualified individuals to fill the position below: FinanceAccountant Job Requirements & Responsibilities: •ACA/ACMA/ACCA/CPA professionally qualified with a minimum of2 years post qualification experience in a financial analysis/financial reporting position.

•Managing a team of bookkeepers, ensuring that job responsibilities are being performed in a complete and timely manner as well as employee performance reviews being undertaken on a regular basis.

•Responsible for reviewing, correcting and posting all journal entries to the general ledger prepared by members of the Financial Accounting team.

•Detailed review and reconciliation of general ledger accounts on a daily basis to ensure accuracy of accounting records.

•Comprehensive knowledge of general ledger accounting and the function of financial accounting systems is essential.

•Implementing and improving accounting processes and procedures to improve team efficiency and drive profitability of the business.

•Weekly reporting of KPIs to senior management and stakeholders.

•Ad-hoc finance related projects as required.

•Strong written and verbal communication skills essential.

•Attention to detail and flexibility to manage multiple tasks.

•Knowledge of SAGE accounting software beneficial.

Salary range from $30,000 to $42,000 Deadline for submission of applicants is January 22nd, 2020 Submit to: Main Caicos Marina & Shipyard office or email: adman@caicosmarina.com Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 11

LOCAL NEWS

Import restriction on polystyrene and plastic straws now enforced

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government, continuing an all island phase-out of all non-biodegradable plastics, has enacted new legislation to reduce and ultimately cease the use, sale and importation of single-use plastics and Polystyrene products.

Following a decision by Cabinet approved on May 29th 2019, the restriction of the importation of Polystyrene products and plastic straws came into force in December 2019.

The ban aims to reduce TCI’s waste going to landfill, land and marine pollution and to reduce the country’s contribution to Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels worldwide. This policy paper was put forward as part of the

Government’s ongoing green initiatives to encourage the use of more sustainable alternatives.

Polystyrene including Styrofoam products and single-use plastics like: plastic bags, cups and straws are one of the most visible signs of the pollution problem that extends across our islands and is more than just an eyesore but also brings a myriad of environmental and public health issues affecting our population and our marine life in particular.

Residents and businesses are reminded that persons will no longer be allowed to import Polystyrene products and plastic straws as of December 1st 2019 and the restriction on the sale of

polystyrene products and plastic straws will begin on 1st April 2020. During this transitional period, businesses are urged to use up their stock and seek sustainable alternatives.

To facilitate and assist businesses in this transition the government has granted approval for a deduction in the Custom Duty rate from 30% to 15% for alternatives.

As stated in the Management of Single-Use Plastics and other single use products ordinance, alternatives include the following: uncoated paper; coated paper; cardboard; aluminium foil; compostable products; biodegradable products and recyclable products

These regulations have also

made exemptions on the following: (a) foam trays for uncooked meats; (b) food prepared or packaged outside of the Islands; and (c) packing materials which have been collected for reuse.

The general public is hereby advised that is a punishable offence to import polystyrene products and plastic straws; to import, distribute, sell or use single-use plastics and is liable on conviction to a fine of $5,000 or to imprisonment for six months or to both.

We are all stewards in the commitment to keep Turks and Caicos Islands Beautiful by Nature and Clean

by Choice as well as protecting our environment and adapting to changing climates.

Earthquake Awareness Week to be observed 12TH – 18TH January, 2020 The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) will observe Earthquake Awareness Week on 12th - 18th January, 2020. The intention is to sensitize residents and visitors to ensure they can effectively respond to an earthquake event. In addition, the DDME aims to strengthen the Earthquake Preparedness and Response Capacity of the Disaster Management System, by building resilience to earthquake impacts at the National and Community Level.

Several activities (as detailed below) have been planned to commemorate the Week and the Department encourages all to participate.

Scientists have tried predicting earthquakes;

however, none have been successful. While they have a pretty good idea of where an earthquake is most likely to hit, they still cannot tell exactly when it will happen. Although not often felt, the Caribbean and Central America Region experiences dozens of measurable earthquakes every week.

As the DDME continues to enhance the preparedness and readiness posture of the Turks and Caicos Islands through its Comprehensive Disaster Management strategy¬-concentrated on planning, training and exercising

for all hazards-it is important to note that a critical and essential component of the Country’s preparedness efforts are focused on rare but high impact event such as earthquakes and tsunamis. The recent earthquakes around Puerto Rico serves as a reminder that our region is seismically active and we always need to be prepared.

As we observe Earthquake Awareness Week 2020, it is important that we understand our level of vulnerability to earthquakes and recognize the need to prepare and maintain a state of readiness for such threats. Due to the geographical location of the Turks and Caicos, and its proximity to both the Puerto Rico Trench and the Septentrional Fault System, the islands have a low to moderate susceptibility to earthquakes risks.

Hon. Ralph Higgs, Minister of Disaster Management and Emergencies notes stated; “As the TCI continues to develop plans and programmes towards a more disaster resilient territory, we should all take interest in, and participate during the week so that we remain ready to actively response, as we have to be in a position to help ourselves until reinforcements arrives.”

While we cannot predict earthquakes or prevent

Premier Robinson attends opening of Ro/Ro Ramp at the Grand Turk Port Premier Robinson during

On Thursday, December 19th 2019 the Premier Hon. Sharlene her remarks at the ceremony stated, Cartwright-Robinson as Minister “This project nearing a million dollars of Finance, Investment and Trade in cost, is part of an overall strategic and Minister with responsibility for approach to develop the Ports’ system the Ports Authority attended the throughout the Turks and Caicos Ceremonial Opening of the RORO Islands. No Island will be left behind.”

The Premier commended the Ramp in Grand Turk.

Operations at this Ramp leadership at the Ports Authority and which facilitated trade and travel further added, “ I am thrilled that my between Grand Turk and Salt Cay Government was able to deliver on were suspended. In 2018, this project such projects; those that enhance and was budgeted for and tendered after impact the lives of Turks and Caicos overcoming several challenges, it Islanders for the better.”

The project, completed with was completed and opened today with Deputy Speaker of the House resiliency in mind, is elevated and of Assembly, Hon. Derek Taylor, the features a sturdy step for persons Chairman of the Ports Authority, to utilize during operation. This Urban Jason Francis, Acting Director improvement was implemented to of the Ports Authority Delton Jones, replace the steep metal ladder that Salt Cay residents including the boating passengers previously used.

The District Commissioner of District Commissioner, Deputy District Commissioner, personnel Salt Cay, Almaida Wilson performed from the Ports Authority, key the ceremonial ribbon cutting during stakeholders and residents of the the event.

Grand Turk community.

them from occurring we can be prepared to respond.

Individual, schools, businesses or community groups interested in earthquake tips and learning about what can be done to become more resilient to earthquakes can contact the Department via: DATES

ACTIVITIES

13th January, 2020

Communication Tests beginning at 10:00am

15th January, 2020

DDME 360 Radio Show via RTC 9:15am

All Week

Social Media Postings related to information on Earthquake Hazards

18th Janaury,2020

Youth Parliamentary Debate in Collaboration with the House of Assembly – House of Assembly, H J Robinson High School, Grand Turk at beginning at 10:00am

C.B.M.S. Ltd.

Location: 131 South Dock Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking to employ a Project Analyst Requirements and Responsibilities: • 10 years experience.

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

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

• Resolve cost discrepancies.

• Solve complex problems arising during ongoing projects.

•Developing technical specifications and diagrams.

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

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

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

Heaven Duty equipment.

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

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

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

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

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

Please Contact: 331-0221 or 941-3400 This position is currently not held by anyone ____________________________________ ________ C.B.M.S. Ltd. 131 South Dock Road Providenciales Seeking a Laborer • Hourly rate $8.00 •To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 331-0221 or 941-3400 This position is currently not held by anyone

Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Page 12

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association hosts annual General Meeting

By Todeline Defralien

The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association recently hosted their very successful annual General Meeting on January 8, 2020, at the Shore Club Providenciales.

The purpose of this event is to discuss our exciting 2019 End of Year Report and their Association plans for 2020 with crime being the main topic.

Attending the event was Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, Minister of Tourism Honorable Ralph Higgs and National Youth Congress winner and former Turks and Caicos Jr. Minister of Tourism, Danae Dennie as Guest Speaker.

Also attending were representatives from the hotels, villas, restaurants, insurance companies and banks throughout the islands.

Commenting on the rise in crime and the treats it poses to the destination, Deputy Governor Williams stated: “One of the biggest manmade threats that we’ve dealing with here in Turks and Caicos is crime. We often say that crime is everyone’s business and it is because crime can really damage the reputation of our islands, fear and can certainly deter persons from coming to our islands and that is certainly something that we do not want to see in Turks and Caicos.”

The Deputy Governor assured that the government will continue to make investments in the Police Force in recruiting additional officers, purchase of boats, places, drones in combating crime.

“The more that has to be done is by businesses as well as private citizens

Minister of Tourism Honorable Ralph Higgs, Blythe Clare, Training Manager at the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board Deputy Governor Honorable Anya Williams, Stacy Cox CEO of the TCHTA, Todd Foss - President of the TCHTA, National Youth Congress winner and former Turks and Caicos Jr. Minister of Tourism, Danae Dennie, Karen Whitt- Vice-President Sales and Marketing at The Hartling Group and other committee members. to work with the government of Turks and Caicos and the police to not only solve crime but to prevent crime. We need a proper tourism strategy and plan and that is something that we all need to work together on. It needs to come from government, private sector, TCHTA and every business in Turks and Caicos needs to play a part. We don’t want to damage our brand, we want to continue to build but we need to have a strategy for where we want to go,” she explained.

In addition, Williams praised the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for their dedication during the Christmas holidays.

“This year we’ve had a fairly quiet, crime-free Christmas season. The

Police have worked very hard in the last few months, executing early search warrants, making arrests, raids, road stops and we certainly appreciate the work that they’ve done.”

Minister of Tourism Ralph Higgs said he is aware of the threat that crime poses on the destination.

“We are aware of the threat that crime poses on the destination and I can reassure you that no one in the government or no one certainly in the law enforcement community underestimate the strength or takes it lightly.”

Stacy Cox CEO of the TCHTA said the meeting was a success and looking forward to what 2020 brings to

the Tourism industry.

“We’ve had the privilege of having the Minister of Tourism, the Deputy Governor and the Junior Minister of Tourism for the region joins us tonight just to share on projects or initiatives for 2020 and how we can partner with them. The big conversation is crime, so both the Deputy Governor and the Minister was able to touch base on those which are really threats to the industry and by extension the island. We think that the meeting went extremely well and we’re looking forward to continued partnership with the Governor, Deputy Governor and the Minister of Tourism,” she ended.

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 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

Beaches Employees Make Huge Non-Perishable Food Donation

Team Members of Beaches year’s drive. “We were so overwhelmed Development, Jean Williams said that Resorts Turks & Caicos donated over by the response we got from the ‘Share she wanted to extend a big thank you 5,000 pieces of canned goods and non- your Christmas’ drive. We anticipated for the generous donation.

“We have been working with perishable items to the National HIV collecting the same amount we Prevention Unit & the Turks and Caicos collected in the years prior but we Beaches for quite some time, and we Social Welfare Department as part of have exceeded that number,” the EHS thank the staff members of Beaches their annual ‘Share Your Christmas’ Manager said. “This is by far the largest who have taken the interest to share donation we have received in our six their Christmas with our clients every food drive. year. This is a worthy cause, and it’s very

The charitable initiative years of hosting this charitable drive.” which was spearheaded by the “We recognize that there exists a social beneficial to our clients. Those who are resort’s Environment Health & Safety group within our communities that are sick don’t have a financial income this Department [EHS], once again invited in need and are pleased that our great supports them tremendously, and we Team Members to participate in the relationship with the social welfare greatly appreciate it,” Williams said.

For the past six years Beaches spirit of giving and stewardship by department and other social interest sharing their Christmas while donating groups allow us to assist through this Turks and Caicos have invited all their team members to participate in the to a cause that would help the less annual initiative”

Items were delivered to the canned and non-perishable food drive. fortunate in the community.

Organizer, Shuntel Gibson Social Welfare Department on Friday, The drive was launched on December said that she was incredibly happy January 3, 2020. During the delivery, 7th and ran through December 22nd about the support received for this Acting Deputy Director of Social , 2019, to collect food items which

PROVO GOLF CLUB Provo Golf Club is seeking a suitable applicant for the following position: LABOURER Potential candidates must be physically capable of performing hard manual labour outside daily, carry out duties which involve removal of brushes and weeds, grass cutting, tree trimming, general cleanup of debris and garbage from the company’s property, assist with irrigation and small construction installation projects which includes manual trenching and digging. Candidates must be willing to work public holidays and weekends when required. Previous experience is preferred.

Wages start at $6.50 per hour.

Please submit applications to: Veronica Rigby, Provo Golf Club, P.O. Box 124, Regent House, The Regent Village, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tel: (649) 946-5126; Fax (649) 946-5191; Email: ronnie@habgroup.com.

Interested Belongers must also submit copies of their application to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2. Position currently held by work permit holder. Closing date for application is January 27, 2020.

were then donated directly to the organizations which will then be distributed to those in need.

The HIV prevention unit assists directly with providing medical support services to those affected by this disease. The group also offers healthy meals daily to about 35-40 persons on the island of Providenciales who would not have the means to feed themselves otherwise. The TCI Social Welfare Office assists with providing financial support to the unemployed and underemployed in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They directly impact single mothers, children, the disabled, and the elderly by providing them with monetary support and where possible, food and clothing.

Page 14

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Six winners in the Ministry of Education student contests

Students from the Turks and Caicos public education system accepted the challenge to enter one of three competitions commissioned in early September by the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services and the European Union.

Students from pre-school to college were offered an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and appreciation of ‘Education’ in three separate contests.

Primary school students were asked to submit a poster design or written piece as a demonstration of thanks to the European Union and Ministry of Education for the ongoing work to modernise the Education Sector.

High school and tertiary students were challenged to use a mobile device to create a of a song, rap or poem via a solo, duo or group style performance – the ‘Selfie or Ussie’ competition. The students were asked to share on the theme ‘How Education Helps Me’.

The European Union is providing funding support to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to the tune of €17.52 million. The monies, granted through the EDF11programmeare supporting school construction, training and curriculum development and management support as well as school rehabilitation in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Media production professionals, entertainers and an Educatorjudged the entries. Winners were announced on Thursday October 17, with prizes awarded to students from North Caicos, Providenciales and Grand Turk.

Primary School Poster First Place – DerroniqueThelwell, Eliza Simons Primary School Second Place – DerronThelwell, Eliza Simons Primary School Primary School Essay/Poem First Place–Brantley Saul – Eliza Simons Primary School Second Place – Aaliyah Germain – Eliza

Simons Primary School Third Place – PorcheBarromeo Adelaide Omeler Primary School

–

High School & College Selfie/Ussie

First Place – Judle Noel, Kiyanna Hamilton, Kanson Charitable and Jean Naldo Joachim representing Long Bay High School

All winners received a trophy courtesy of the Ministry of Education and the European Union.

“This competition was a great opportunity for our students in the public-school system to showcase their talent in the arts and creative writing. I would like to congratulate our winners for their outstanding achievements in placing in the various categories. It was indeed a worthwhile experience as the competition encouraged our students to learn more about the advancements that are happening within the Education Sector as a result of the partnership between the European Union and my Ministry,” said Minister of Education, Karen Malcolm.

Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head of the EU Delegation, based in Jamaica says EU support to this competition is in keeping with its commitment to foster youth development.

“We believe it is important to engage young people in efforts to foster sustainable development including though environmental protection, health promotion, education and skills development.This is why I am so pleased that the EU is part of this effort that encourages young people to explore and showcase their creative skills in recognition of the value of education in transforming lives.”The winning entries and winners can be viewed on Magnetic Media social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - from now until the end of October.

The winners will also be featured in a special production of Turquoise Morning which airs across the Caribbean, USA and Canada on One Caribbean Television.

Four Winners for Eliza Simons Primary School in Grand Turk in both the poster and written word categories of the TCI Ministry of Education and European Union contests. Trophies and prizes were presented to Brantley Saul, first place and Aaliyah Germain, second place in the Written Word contest. Derronique Thelwell, first place and her twin brother Derron Thelwell, second place in the Poster Contest at the school in Grand Turk by Amin McCartney, Undersecretary in the Ministry.

Win a trip to Tokyo with your VISA® Debit ScotiaCard .

You can win an amazing trip to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, courtesy of VISA®.

North Caicos student, Porche Barromeo placed third in the Written Word contest hosted by the TCI Ministry of Education and European Union. Barromeo was presented her trophy and prizes at her school, Adelaide Omeler Primary, by Cynclair Musgrove, North Caicos District Administrator.

‘Education Helps Me’ was the name of the song which placed first in the TCI Ministry of Education and European Union Song Contest. The video of the winning entry was submitted by Long Bay High School and students: Judle Noel, Kiyanna Hamilton, Kanson Charitable and Jean Naldo Joachim who were presented prizes and trophy by Edgar Howell, Director of Education.

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

LOCAL NEWS

Ministry of Sports hands over sport equipment to public schools across the TCI

The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services has purchased Sport equipment for all public Primary and High Schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The first handing over ceremony took place recently at Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex, Downtown for all public schools in Providenciales.

Plans are on the way to visit North and Middle Caicos, followed by South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay.

Equipment for the various schools is being provided in ten sport disciplines: Volleyball, Softball, Tennis, Basketball, Badminton, Football, Rugby, Track and Field, Darts and Cricket.

Commenting on this momentous occasion, Sports Officer Latoya Skippings said, “It is very important that we are able to outfit and facilitate the demands of our youth and this is a step in the right direction. This will be here to complement our programs; we weren’t here waiting on the equipments to put on our programs. All of this that is coming on is going to make us bigger, better and stronger and more importantly to be able to compete when it is required to do so and at the level we are required to do so.”

S k i p p i n g s added that the levels of competitions in all of these sporting disciplines should be very exciting in the next few years.

P e r m a n e n t Secretary of Sports Desiree Lewis said that children are the future and it is important that Government plays their role in developing the whole child.

“As part of that

development, today the Department of Sports under the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services is delighted to present to the various schools the equipment that will be distributed for the different disciplines in the area of sporting. This has not been an easy journey for the department and there is a lot of work that goes on behind the procurement and tendering process,” she said.

Meantime, Minister of Sports Hon. Edwin Astwood stated that no school was left out without the proper gear.

“There is no government school that Minister of Sports Hon. Edwin Astwood, Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm, Permanent Secretary of Sports Desiree Lewis, Jarrett is left out and we haven’t Forbes Director of Sports, representative from the Ministry of Sport, Long Bay High School and their students. forgotten any schools and we are going to continue to take care of them. There have been more than about $400,000 spent on equipment and if we could, we would have spent more.”

Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm explained that sports in Turks and Caicos Islands serves as a paramount source of development of youth and it gives students an opportunity to compete and teach them emotions that are involved in winning, losing and most importantly life.

“Today we are blessed with the opportunity with the help of the Ministry of Sports to provide the youth of Turks and Caicos Islands the tools needed to properly prepare for competition and live and active and healthy lifestyle,” she said

Included were also equipment such as coolers, tents, bags, flags, stop watches, measuring tapes, score books, electronic score clocks, pumps and much more.

Mills Institute

Location: 45 Marby Drive Juba Sound, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Mills Institute is seeking Teachers/Teachers’ Aide Report to: Deputy Director Job Goal: The Primary goal is to provide and carry out curriculum instructions related to the school and Ministry of Education.

Requirements: Must have at least One Year Teaching Experience at the Primary Level.

Must be energetic, creative and able to use initiative Must be flexible Be open to ongoing professional development Be a team player Duties and Responsibilities: Plan, organize and execute daily teaching schedule Supervise and teach students Work effectively as a team member Take part in extra-curricula activities Be able to communicate effectively with parents Be punctual and professional Able to use various forms of teaching aids Domestic Worker Assist with cooking, washing and cleaning Salary $6.25 per hour Handy Man Maintain and upkeep school premises Garbage removal Be able to undertake repairs, door installations and other areas as required Submit all applications along with copies of resume to: millsinstitute@gmail.com These positions are for work permit renewals Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicant are required to submit their application to the Labour Board

SEEKING EXPERIENCED AND QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: 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.

Page 16

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Vaginal Yeast Infections

By Dr. Marsha Barnett

At least 3 out of 4 women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives and most women get it more than once. Though seen in a few men, yeast infection is a condition that tends to affect women in their reproductive years and is not reserved for only the sexually active. Though it can’t be completely avoided by someone who is prone to developing them, an understanding of the conditions and ways to avert recurrences can be life altering for some.

What causes yeast infections?

Vaginal yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are a common female condition. A healthy vagina has bacteria and some yeast cells. But when the balance of bacteria, lactobacillus in particular, and yeast changes, the yeast cells can multiply. Vaginal yeast infections aren’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Sexual contact can spread it, but women who aren’t sexually active can also get them.

Once you get a yeast infection, you’re also more likely to get another one.

Several factors can cause a yeast infection or increase your likelihood of developing one. These include: •antibiotics (they lower the amount of Lactobacillus, or good bacteria, in the vagina) •pregnancy •uncontrolled diabetes

•weakened immune system •poor eating habits, including a lot of sugary foods •hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle or being on a hormonal such as the oral contraceptive pill.

What are the symptoms?

Vaginal yeast infections have a common set of symptoms, such as vaginal itching, swelling around the vagina, burning during urination or sex, pain during sex, redness and rash.

A whitish gray and clumpy vaginal discharge is typically seen with some people describing this discharge as looking like cottage cheese. Sometimes, especially if mixed with a bacterium, the discharge may also be watery.

How is it diagnosed?

Yeast infections are usually simple to diagnose. Your doctor will ask about your medical history to understand what your signs and symptoms have been. Of course, a pelvic examination is usually done to ascertain signs of the abnormal discharge and associated irritation to the genitalia or surrounding skin. Although the diagnosis is usually pretty straightforward, your doctor may want to swab the area and sent it to the lab if she believes you have a bacterial infection along with yeast, if she is suspicious of a sexually transmitted infection, or if you keep on getting recurrent infections.

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

How is it treated?

Not all yeast infections are treated in the same way so your doctor will suggest a treatment that’s best for you.

Treatments are generally determined based on the severity of your symptoms and how often you get the infections.

They range from creams and pessaries, some of which can be gotten without a prescription, to oral medications. The medication your doctor choses and the length of time you are treated for can vary. In persons who have recurrent or recalcitrant yeast infections, your •Stop taking frequent hot tub baths or physician may opt to prescribe oral sitting in wet swimsuits after swimming. medications that you take at intervals •Eat yogurt or take supplements with to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence. lactobacillus.

•Stop douching as this can affect the Natural and alternative natural balance of bacteria in the treatments genitalia.

If you have a mild vaginal yeast infection, some natural remedies may be helpful. Some persons apply tea tree oil, garlic or boric acid pessaries to the area. Plain yogurt inserted into the area or taken orally has been deemed useful in some studies. Remember to talk to a doctor before trying natural remedies as some herbs can interact with medications you may be taking or cause side effects.

Can It Be Prevented?

•Wear natural fibers such as cotton.

•Reduce the frequency of wearing tight pants, pantyhose, tights, or leggings.

•Stop using feminine deodorant or scented tampons or pads.

*Dr. Marsha Barnett is a general practitioner who also specialises in dermatology. For questions or comments, please contact her at drmarshabarnett@gmail.com or at Associated Medical Practices 946-4242.

BRAXTON V. FORBES

In South Caicos Is seeking a Fisherman To work 5 days per week Duties include fishing, diving, and preparation of seafood for sale Salary: $250.00 per week Please contact 345-5818 or 244-1046 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

•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.

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 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

We need money! Final and Tenth recipe for success.

By Drexwell Seymour “A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything.” Ecclesiastes 10:19

I know there may be many interpretations of the scripture that money is the answer for everything.

The truth is we need money for most situations in order to be successful.

One of the top causes of divorce is due to financial reasons. Businesses are failing due to lack of money and of course mismanagement of money. Individuals have so many dreams and visions but do not have the money to implement them.

Some individuals want to enhance their career or goals by pursuing tertiary education but do not have the money to go to college or university. We are living in an era where the cost of living continues to escalate.

We need money so we can live comfortably in an apartment or home.

The climate is so strange these days we need to have the air conditioner on most of the times but we need money to pay for the consumption of the electricity when it becomes due. We need to eat and live healthy and we need money to maintain a balanced diet.

Based on the aforementioned areas, we need money to live a successful life. Of course there are some things that money cannot buy. It cannot buy your way into heaven. It cannot cure incurable diseases. It cannot buy real love. One can also have a lot of money and still be unhappy.

Money vs success

Many may argue that you do not need money to be successful. Perhaps there are some valid arguments for that statement but I personally believe we need money to be successful. Of course, what is success to you may not be success to me.

Therefore, many individuals feel we should not measure success by the

PORT SECURITY OFFICER Reporting Officer: Port Facility Security Officer Salary: $26, 601.00 per annum Supervises: N/A

Location:Grand Turk and Providenciales Ports

Position Summary: This position is responsible for applying security measures and procedures in such a manner as to cause minimum interference with, or delay to ships, ship personnel and visitors, and/or goods and services. Also, to protect property from theft or damage or persons from hazards or interference. Makes periodic tours to check for irregularities and inspect protection devices. Preserves order and may enforce regulations pertaining to personnel, visitors and premises.May be exposed to inclement weather or be required to work in environments or under conditions that require the use of protective gear and devices and/or awareness of personal safety and safety of others.

Requirements: •Knowledge of security operations and procedures •Good oral communications and basic report writing skills •Basic computer skills •Clean Police Record issued within the last 6 months •Passport or Status Card •Drivers’ license •Flexible to work shifts Education and Experience: •Must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent •Previous security experience a plus Essential Functions: •Controls access to the Port facility; assists visitors with legitimate

amount of money you have. I do agree with that latter statement. However, to get to your measurement of success, you need money to get there. Let us not live in denial that we do not need money to be successful.

Of course, there are people who have money and still have unsuccessful marriages, unsuccessful relationships, unsuccessful businesses and unsuccessful careers.

Perhaps it is because they are in the wrong relationship, perhaps they are in the wrong business, and perhaps they are in the wrong career. You need to be in a relationship, a business or career that you are passionate about. However, you will need money to maintain your relationship, you will need money to expand your business and you will need money to enhance your career.

Conclusion

While there will be arguments for and against as to whether or not you

need money to be successful, we should never allow ourselves to become too obsess with our desire for money where it reaches a point that we become greedy for the love of money which of course is the root of all evil.

Finally, success does not have to be measured by the amount of money we have but we need money to live successful lives.

need to gain entry to the facility.

•Screens visitors and port employees in an efficient manner in order to expedite their admittance to the facility.

•Prevents unapproved or unlawful entry; controls the movement of people and vehicles and parking; operates a gate and examines vehicle contents •Monitors remote entrances using close circuit television; operates remote access devices and calmly directs persons who cause a disturbance to leave the property.

•Communicates in a manner that is open, honest and responsive in all situations; to the extent authorized, provides information regarding the facility and surrounding area as requested by visitors.

•Patrols assigned site(s) on foot or in vehicle; checks for unsafe conditions, hazards, unlocked doors, security violations blocked ingress and egress and unauthorized persons; inspect vehicles and grounds using appropriate equipment and protective gear.

•Observes and reports incidents or suspicious activity to client representatives, port management, life and safety personnel or public safety authorities as appropriate for the circumstances and/or as required by the post •Prepares log or reports as required for post; writes or types reports or enters data in a computer using standard grammar; inspects security control logs and takes action as required.

•Responds to emergencies in an orderly manner utilizing proper training and following all protocols.

•Carries out tasks and duties of a similar nature and scope as required for the assigned post.

The foregoing represents a definition of the main functions and requirements for this position but are not an exhaustive list of duties. The Ports Authority reserves the right to make amendments from time to time in accordance with needs of the organization.

Resumes should be forwarded to Deleria Simms Human Resource Manager Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands email: dsimms@portstci.com Or hand delivered to the Ports Authority Office South Dock, Providenciales No later than January 20th2020

Page 18

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Dear Civil Servant, are you aware?

By Jamell Robinson, PNP All-Island Candidate

The following are some key aspects of the tender:

Men and Women of the Turks and Caicos Islands civil service are you aware of the upcoming Right-Sizing exercise that is pending the approval of a consultant to carry out the work?

On December 6th, 2019 the tender notice titled: “Consultancy for the productivity and efficiency audit of the TCI public service”, was closed and was due to be awarded by January 6th, 2020 with a 3 month implementation time table.

Notice on its surface it does not really speak to a comprehensive man power review i.e. Right-sizing, but the tip off was the word efficiency and productivity.

The last time we did this exercise it didn’t go so well with Steven Catchpole only finishing the Ministry of Border Control after months and months of review. We see how that turned out.

The end result was a voluntary severance package being offered.

Heads of Departments, did your Permanent Secretary inform you of this upcoming exercise? Front line staff, did your Head of Department inform you of this upcoming exercise? Are all Permanent Secretaries even aware of this exercise?

1. Review of mandate of the Government Ministries 2.Asses the efficiency and effectiveness of all departments under the various Ministries in exercising their current mandates 3. Staffing a. identify additional key and priority staff to fulfill the mandate of the Government b. establish the qualification profile of each key and priority staff member (existing and required) for TCIG to fulfill its mandate; c.determine the “FIT” between existing and future staff requirements.

Wessex Fairchild Attorneys

I for one, don’t believe that at this time it’s fair for this PDM Government to even be carrying out such an exercise whose recommendations can result in the sending home of hard working Turks and Caicos Islanders. Why?

You cannot objectively assess an officers’ efficiency at their job when they have been forced to work in subpar conditions since Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and in some cases even longer than that.

Is it fair when civil servants’ moral is at an all-time low due to broken

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.

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

promises of restored gratuity, better working conditions, increased salaries and equity for all civil servants’? The only notable benefit civil servants have received in the last 3 years is a $30 a month increment on average.

This is set to the back drop of legislation being passed to give 100% Service Charge to an industry that is predominantly expatriate workers (more on that later), as oppose to the dealing with core issues of a civil service that’s over 85% local. Yet, under all these constraints and conditions, this government expects civil servants to produce at efficient and productive levels.

The solution is simple enough here: First, use a part of the $43 million surplus and fix or rent the adequate office space so civil servants can work in a comfortable environment to yield better results.

Secondly, provide the requisite tools and resources for civil servants to carry out their duties in a timely and effective manner. Finally, rather than wait for a consultancy to tell you what to do about civil service gratuity and pensions, simply restore the old system or implement the agreed policy left on the books by the last PNP administration over three and a half years ago. No sense in hamming and huhhing over

Island Bus & Mass Transportation

something that Ministers get after serving only two terms i.e. gratuity and pension.

Do what is right as our people deserve better. #HOPE #LIFE #POWER *Jamell Robinson, PNP All Island Candidate (Former Vice President, Civil Service Association)

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

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 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 19

LOCAL NEWS

208th Annual Session of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands Conference of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas

From January 12th – 20th, Methodist leaders from throughout the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA), will meet on the island of Grand Turk, in the beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands, for their 208th Annual Session of Conference.

This Conference is the highest decision-making court of the Church, and it brings together about (60)sixty ministerial and lay delegates from the (6) six Circuits, namely, North Turks and Caicos Islands (Providenciales & North Caicos), Andros, South Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and Nassau the host Circuit, the South Turks and Caicos Islands Circuit (Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay).

Also, there will be representation from the Connexional Conference Office in Antigua in the person of the Secretary of the MCCA, Rev. Glenna Spencer. The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands Conference is one of the eight District Conferences in the MCCA Connexion.

The Conference is being convened under the theme: “Constrained By The Love Of Christ: Reclaiming Our Heritage”.

Rev. Theophilus Nathan Rolle is the presiding Bishop.

Each year, the Conference provides delegates with the opportunity to report on the work and witness within their various Circuits under four broad areas: a) Resources and Development (Finance and Property

Matters); b) Mission, Evangelism, and Church Growth (Outreach, Worship, Membership, Preachers Affairs, Christian Stewardship and Christian Social Witness); c) Christian Education (Work Among Children, Youth, Women, Men, Choirs, and Ushers and Greeters); d) General Education (Methodist Day Schools).

Additionally, the Annual Session will seek to explore innovative strategies to advance the mission of the Church, and review and ratify important decisions.

Among the key issues to be addressed this year will be the reclaiming of our Methodisttenets and core values. What are the distinguishing characteristics of Methodism? How do we appropriate the historical significance of the Church for a 21st century Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands?

Additionally, emphasis will be placed on the reclaiming the notion of ‘Healthy Congregations = Growing Congregations’. To this end, Bishop Robert Schnase of the Rio Texas Conference, and author of the book ‘Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations’, has been invited to serve as facilitator for the empowerment sessions with the ministerial and lay delegates on Tuesday, January 14th, and Wednesday, January 15th, respectively. Our aim is to provide opportunity, instruction and strategies in Church growth for ministers and members of the Church.

At this Conference Bro. Wilbur Caley of the North Turks and Caicos

Islands Circuit, who was elected at the and the territories of the Bahamas and previous Conference, will be officially the Turks and Caicos. inducted into the office of VicePresident of the BTCI Conference. Sis. b) The Empowerment Esther Joy Sargent, a lay delegate from Session facilitated by Bishop the Nassau Circuit, is the Immediate Robert Schnase on “Healthy Past Vice-President of the Conference, Congregations = Growing having served most admirably for the Congregations” – Wednesday, last three years.

January 15th, 9:00am Meanwhile, Bishop Theophilus Rolle, who was re-elected at the 207th c) The Vice-President’s Induction Annual Session of Conference, is now Service – Thursday, January 16th, in his second triennium in the office of at 7:00pm, at Grand Turk Methodist President. Bishop Rolle was first elected Church.

Rev. Glenna Spencer, in January 2016 at the 204th Annual Connexional Secretary will be the Session, and subsequently inducted preacher into office on September 11th, 2016.

According to the MCCA Constitution d) Conference Memorial and and Discipline, Section 41 (1) (b), The Communion Service – Friday, District President shall be elected once January 17th, at 7:00am. During this every three years and shall be eligible service the names of members who for re-appointment, but if he or she have died over the past year will be has held office continuously in the remembered. same District for three triennia, then he or she shall not be eligible for re- e) Conference Prayer Breakfast – appointment by the same District Saturday, January 18th, at 7:30am Conference until after a period of three years has elapsed. f) Conference Closing Service

While the sessions of – Sunday, January 19th, at 7:00am.

Conference will mainly comprise Bishop Rolle will deliver the sermon. internal, closed sessions, the public is invited and encouraged to participate Prior to the Opening Session of the in a number of open sessions. These Conference the ministers will meet include: for their Annual Ministerial Session, where the emphasis will be placed on a) The Conference Opening Healthy Church Initiatives.

Service and Presentation of Flags The Conference will also on Tuesday, January 14th, at 7:30pm at address the deployment of ministers Grand Turk Methodist Church. At this to new stations or the confirmation of service Bishop Theophilus Rolle will ministers to remain in their existing deliver his Charge to the Conference stations.

•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

Page 20

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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

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

All successful applicants must: • Be at least 21 years old.

• Be well spoken in English.

• Possess excellent interpersonal & written communication skills.

• Trustworthy & Reliable disposition with a clean criminal record.

• Positive & disciplined work attitude in a customer serviceoriented business.

• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including weekends, public holidays as necessary to meet the challenging needs of cruise ship schedules and/or reasonable needs of the business.

See below opportunities currently available in GRAND TURK: ON PROPERTY REVENUE AGENT • Strategize capturing client interest for goods on sale and closing sale • Ensure that all guests are provided with accurate tour/ general information.

• Ensure stock is checked against sales each day • Advise Team Lead when stock is at par or about to fall below that re-order may take place.

• Ensure workspace and immediate environs are kept clean, free of debris.

• Ensure stock shelves are organized • Participate in end of year stock audit exercise • Process and complete sales transactions • Complete end of day sales reconciliation reports and closing stock • Ensure inventory of resources and equipment are done daily.

• Take ownership of all equipment whether assigned or unassigned Minimum Requirements: • Minimum 1-year experience working with watersports equipment • Possess excellent written and oral communication • Must be punctual and have an excellent attendance track record • Must possess pleasant a hospitable personality • Flexibility as a team player • Ability to take initiative and work under pressure in a fastpaced service environment • Ability to swim is an asset • Be flexible to work across all Revenue Centers – Photography, Gift Shop, Entrance Gate, Waitressing, Bartending, Rental Center Reports to: On Property Revenue Manager Compensation package: • $6.25 per hour, paid fortnightly Role currently held by work permit holder OPERATIONS LOGISTICS OFFICER • Process and distribute payroll for all members of staff • Liaise with Accounting Department on all daily financials of the operation • Organize and execute staff motivational pursuits • Ensure all departments are efficiently aligned for each operational tour day • Prepare and distribute supplier payments • Schedule and arrange all meetings

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

• Ensure company files hard and soft are organized and stored efficiently and accurately • Assist in tour dispatching Minimum Requirements: • Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in Administration and Logistics • Be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite • Possess a very flexible and positive attitude towards daily duties • Flexibility as a team player • Very organized and detailed oriented • Must possess a valid driver’s license Reports to: • Country Manager Compensation package: • $3000.00 per month Role currently held by work permit holder DRIVER/TOUR GUIDE • Transfer clients and guides from tour points to base in a timely manner.

• Ensure that safety procedures are adhered to by all during transfer such as wearing seatbelts.

• Report all accidents and incidents to the Operations Manager. Ensure that accurate accident reports are completed. Observe and abide by all road rules to ensure safety at all times.

• Assist with the pick-up and drop off of supplies.

• On tour site, conduct orientation with clients with tour facts.

• Assist in tour areas between client transfers Minimum Requirements: • Have a minimum of 2 years as a driver.

• Must possess pleasant and hospitable personality • Flexibility as a team player • Ability to take initiative and work under pressure.

• Certificate in Defensive Driving Reports to: Operations Manager Compensation package: • $9.00 per hour, paid fortnightly BOAT CAPTAIN • Manage day to day operations of the tour including maintenance and efficient use of Human Resources • Manage the daily operational needs inclusive of tour needs, client needs • Ensure that the team is motivated, empowered and performing at an optimal level Minimum Requirements: • Valid Masters License (STCW Grades 1-5) or Yacht masters license (RYCA or equivalent) • At least 5-year experience working in the Cruise Industry with emphasis on snorkeling and other water based tours.

• Must be trained and certified in Lifeguard Rescue, CPR and First Aid • Full knowledge of man overboard procedures, fire at sea, abandon ship and all related safety drills and procedure.

• Knowledge of maintenance and upkeep of outboard engines and inboard engines • Knowledge of basic navigation and Rules of the Road is an asset.

Reports to: Operations Manager Compensation package: • $10.52 per hour, paid fortnightly Role currently held by work permit holder Deadline for submissions is February 3, 2020 Applications along with CVs/ Resume’ may be submitted via Email to: gtadmin@chukka.com and jobs@chukka.com, placing the desired position in the subject line

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Spa Therapist * A Spa Therapist for The Shore Club Resort, is responsible for providing courteous and professional service in accordance with all Spa and resort standards to all Shore Club Spa guests, ensuring the delivery of The Shore Club Spa Experience; perform administrative duties and supervise Spa staff.

Areas of Responsibility: • Provide professional spa services in accordance with spa protocols, accepted certification practices and Regent Spa standards of service and timeliness.

• Demonstrate full knowledge and understanding of all services and products offered; provide accurate, appropriate and immediate response to guest questions.

• Use guest knowledge to ensure a high level of guest recognition and personalized service; effectively inform and educate guests about specific wellness concerns.

• Care for/maintain equipment and use proper amounts of product to assist with cost controls.

• Uphold the standards of sanitation and sterilization as directed by law and the spa’s policies and procedures.

Perform prep work, properly clean and restock room as required.

• Communicate to management in a timely and professional manner any and all occurrences involving staff or guests that require attention.

• Actively promote the spa, treatments, services and retail, as well as programs, promotions and/ordiscounts available.

• Regularly attend, participate in and support training and staff meetings.

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

Key Skills and Requirement: • Proper licensure and/or training certification in all modalities.

• Excellent communication and listening skills • Detail-orientation and ability to multi-task.

• Ability to be efficient and productive in a fast-paced environment.

• Must have enthusiasm and possess excellent customer service skills.

• Must possess basic math.

• Enjoy working with people and possess a friendly and outgoing personality.

• Excellent communication, listening and computer skills.

• Must be a team player.

• Must be able and available to work evenings and weekends Must be flexible with working hours Starting salary $6.50 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 31st2020. Resumes can also be submitted to the Labor Department directly. The Shore Club HR Office can be contacted at (649) 339-8000

Page 21

Page 22

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

LANDSCAPING MANAGER

CAREER OPPORTUNITY Do you aspire to build a thriving hospitality career at one of the leading luxury resorts in the Caribbean?

Are you a self-motivated, talented team-player, interested in joining a dynamic team?

The Amanyara Resort invites all suitable candidates to apply for the following positions: *DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES •Formulates and implements 5 to 10 years’ preventative maintenance and tangible energy conservation plans.

•Leads all engineering projects, initiatives, and processes aligned with organization’s established policies and objectives.

•Ensures the highest levels of quality across products, goods, and services to increase customer satisfaction and positions the organization for continual growth.

•Identifies issues relating to life, fire, and safety compliance, working with internal risk management and quality assurance teams to develop reporting platform to mitigate risks and create timeliness and accountability reporting.

•Responsible for maintaining standards and regulatory requirements.

•Directs the daily operation by defining duties and assigning workloads for the Engineering staff to ensure that a high standard of service is maintained.

•Prepares and controls the Engineering budget and monitor utilities consumption. Controls expenses in all areas of the Engineering department with innovative style of operation.

•Interviews, manages, trains and develops the Engineering team members which includes conducting regular performance feedback discussions.

•Manage and ensure proper maintenance of the Resort Assets and Facilities.

Requirements: •At least 20 years of managerial experience at both property & corporate level within a luxury resort environment.

•Competent managerial, leadership, communication and organizational skills.

•Must be able to handle multiple priorities on a regular basis within a fast pace environment.

•Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change •Have worked in various international remote locations •Proven ability to lead and develop a multicultural team •At minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or extensive experience in related field Salary range from $7000 to $14,000 per month based on qualifications and experience; plus service charge.

RESORT ENGINEERING OPERATIONS MANAGER •To lead the Resort Engineering Department under the direction of the Senior Technical Service Manager, and Director of Facilities.

•To plan and carry out all corrective and preventative maintenance of the Resort Electrical infrastructure, distribution system, refrigeration and all equipment and appliances. Give technical support to capital projects.

•To inspect installations and observe operations to ensure compliance with design and equipment specifications and safety standards.

•To design and plan the continuing improvement to the entire site utility, this will include emerging technologies and renewable energy sources.

•Ensuring ongoing assessments of the electrical system, evaluating equipment performance and property’s load balancing; identifying and approving recommendations to improve system performance; and overseeing the implementation of system changes.

•Be able and prepared to manage the development of lighting, wiring systems, electric motors and utilities.

Requirements: •A degree in Electrical Engineering or a diploma in the Electrical Engineering with relevant experience, or a diploma in Mechanical Engineering with Electrical Engineering experience.

Also experience of data infrastructure and building controls.

•5 years supervisory experience in a Property Maintenance or Engineering Department Salary based on experience: $4000-$4500 per month, plus service charge *MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN •Responsible for proper refrigeration maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs and conducting preventative maintenance on HVAC units & HVAC systems •Installs AC compressors, motors, condensers, air filters, and checks copper line repairs •Assists with electrical maintenance, ceiling fans, buggy repairs, company lighting systems and any other electrical needs that may arise inclusive of conducting mechanical, generator, air condition and laundry equipment repairs Requirements: •At least 2-3 years of experience in a luxury resort.

•Ability to perform under pressure and maintain a pleasant personality.

•Proficiency in English.

Salary based on experience: $6.25-$14.00 per hour, or $1100 to $1850, plus service charge

•Responsible for the day to day management of the landscaping department and the beautification of the entire resort and villa landscaping.

•Responsible for Landscaping budget management, purchasing, cost control and the modernization of all landscaping techniques, strategies, tools and equipment.

•Implementation of different plant species and must ensure that the resort and villa landscaping continues to improve in line with Aman standards •Maintenance and the preservation of our natural environment.

•Pest control management, horticulture and mechanics involving proper growth and development of plant life from seedlings to a mature plant.

•Looks after current water irrigation processes and assist with transplanting process and the implementation of new chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides and weedicides.

Requirements: •Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or Landscaping Management.

•Five to ten years luxury landscaping hotel experience •Excellent computer and communication skills •Ability to solve problems and produce results Salary range from $3000 to $4,000 per month based on qualifications and experience, plus service charge *AC TECHNICIAN •Responsible for proper refrigeration maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs and conducting preventative maintenance on HVAC units & HVAC systems •Installs AC compressors, motors, condensers, air filters, and checks copper line repairs •Assists with electrical maintenance, ceiling fans, buggy repairs, company lighting systems and any other electrical needs that may arise inclusive of conducting mechanical, generator, air condition and laundry equipment repairs Requirements: •At least 2-3 years of experience in a luxury resort •Ability to perform under pressure and maintain a pleasant personality •Proficiency in English Salary based on experience: $1300-$1800 monthly, plus service charge *CARPENTER •Responsible for the construction and repair of building frameworks and structures such as stairways, door-frames, partitions, and various wooden furniture.

•Installation of fixtures and fittings •Assists with general maintenance enquiries Requirements: •At least 2-3 years of experience in a luxury resort •Ability to perform under pressure and maintain a pleasant personality •Proficiency in English Salary based on experience: $1300-$1800 monthly, plus service charge *PLUMBER •To support day to day operation by troubleshooting and fixing the assigned task to minimize breakdowns, forced outages, and guest inconvenience.

•To proactively work with the Plumbing team and to communicate clearly and fairly with the same.

•To be responsible for the completion of all works given by Engineering Management Team in a correct and satisfactory manner in compliance with management instructions, and ensuring that work are completed to times set, with correct materials in a professional manner.

•Installation Fire Hydrant, Electrical Pumps, All plumbing fixtures, Drains, Emergency Pumps, all water supply systems, water Filters, water line repairs, and Tennis Courts Irrigation.

•Ensuring that all work orders issued are filled in correctly and returned to the Engineering Office at the end of each day so that records of work done can be kept.

•To be responsible for noting any and all items used by the plumbing department during their working hours and recording these items on the appropriate forms by the end of each shift.

•To carry out planned maintenance to all plumbing systems on the AMANYARA Property.

Requirements: •At least 2-3 years of experience in a luxury resort; particularly the Engineering Department; or experience in utility environments.

•Ability to perform under pressure and maintain a pleasant personality •Proficiency in English Salary based on experience: $1300-$1500 monthly, plus service charge ENGINEERING STOREROOM KEEPER •To enable all administrative functions, provided utility form monthly and ensure that the utility reading recorded, Employee’s leave record, Generator Candidates must be available to work 6 days a week, weekends, and holidays.

Positions marked with * are currently held by a work permit holder. However, qualified belongers are encouraged to send a cover letter & resume with the following attachments: Valid Police Record, Passport Bio Page, Proof of TCI status i.e. PRC, Belonger Status Card or Naturalization Certificate.

Human Resources Amanyara Resort Northwest Point, Providenciales E: amanyarahrassistant@aman.com Prospective applicants are also asked to send copies to the Labour Board.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 23

•Ability to maintain brand philosophy and standard of operations Salary based on experience: $4500-$5000 monthly, plus service charge

status and other administrative.

•Responsible for LPG gas, fuel and water reading level and refill if needed.

•To double check that all invoices issued / charged to the resort from local service company was done properly and get sign by Director of Facilities then forward to AP to pay for the invoices •To have proper control and monitoring of the tools, equipment and materials to complete the job in a safe and efficient manner.

•To arranges and organize all the items in the store in order to be easily identified with the proper labels •To ensure do physical inventory count for items in storeroom in order to monitor movements and do the reorder.

•To help receiving to unload the items from delivery truck •To get quotation from vendor and create Purchase Order for local and overseas vendors in ADACO. •To be able to make outlet requisition for items needed from General Storeroom.

•To plan and budget the works required to protect the assets and the business.

•To maintain records of planned works, breakdowns, service histories, meter readings, utilities.

•To maintain appropriate spare stocks in a secure store.

•To negotiate best prices from external vendors.

Requirements: •At minimum, a High School Diploma and three years storekeeping experience •Ability to organize and communicate effectively internally and externally to constantly improve the performance and standing of the department in the organization and the community.

•Proficient in Microsoft office, Outlook and ADACO; also familiar with engineering items •Ability to establish control systems, monitor performance of the team, perform administrative functions, produce reports, and perform other purchasing, accounting, and maintenance reporting duties.

Salary based on experience: $1800-$2000 monthly, plus service charge DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE •To effectively manage and develop the Food and Beverage and Culinary department operation, ensuring that all property and AMAN standards are implemented, adhered to, improved when necessary and meets international standards.

•Develops and implements strategies for the Culinary team that supports the achievement of the Resort’s overall goals.

•Seeks out sources for fresh food; monitors all produce and meat for freshness.

•Tailors menu based on product availability; create distinctive daily specials that incorporate seasonal or special-order ingredients.

•Evaluates food products to assure that quality standards are consistently attained and ensures that all safety and sanitation policies when handling food and beverage are in compliance with the food safety standards.

•Oversees the ordering of wines, liquors and cigars to ensure appropriate quantities and sufficient lead times, particularly in advance of peak periods •To ensure that all handling procedures for all perishable foods or beverages are followed in order to guarantee maximum sanitation and quality of the finished product.

•To ensure that wastage and spoilage of products are maintained to the minimal level.

•To be present during the main meal periods in the Restaurant and bar area and special events to interact with all guests.

Requirements: •A Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts Management and Beverage Management.

•Minimum of 5-10 years’ leadership experience in Food and Beverage, Culinary at an International Luxury resort.

•Very strong managerial, leadership, communication and organizational skills; possesses the ability to create momentum and foster organizational change •Excellent Customer Service Skills •Flexible, self-motivated, handle multiple demands, calm under pressure and able to resolve issues quickly Salary based on experience: $9000-$10,000.00 per month, plus service charge *FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPERATIONS MANAGER •To monitor and maintain standards in the Restaurant, Bar, Room Service, Butler Villa & Pantries and FB storage areas.

•To effectively manage and develop the Food and Beverage department operation, ensuring that all property and AMAN standards are implemented, adhered to, improved when necessary and meets international standards.

•To monitor and control stock levels to ensure F&B items are always available.

To ensure that all handling procedures for all perishable foods or beverages are followed in order to guarantee maximum sanitation and quality of the finished product. To ensure that wastage and spoilage of products are maintained to the minimal level.

•To be present during the main meal periods in the Restaurant and bar area and special events to interact with all guests.

•Proactively handle guest issues / complaints, ensuring that the conclusion is satisfactory for all parties.

Requirements: •A Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts Management and Beverage Management •5-10 years’ experience in an International Luxury resort •Excellent communication skills and attention to detail •Great team player, with the ability to manage large groups and events

*BAR SUPERVISOR/BAR CAPTAIN •Supervises the employees within the bar/restaurant, ensuring that the correct standards and service sequences are maintained as per Aman standards.

•Ensures that all employees are aware of and follow the operation’s opening and closing tasks in accordance with the checklist.

•Assists the Restaurant Manager with the smooth and efficient staffing of the outlet.

•Ensures that all employees provide courteous and professional service at all times and initiates guest interaction.

•Trains employees to ensure that they have the necessary skills to perform their duties with the maximum efficiency.

Requirements: •A certificate or diploma in F&B/Mixology or at least 2 years’ experience in a luxury resort.

•Good people management, leadership, and employee development skills •Proficient in English, with effective communication skills Salary based on experience: $1200-$1600 per month, plus service charge. *F&B SUPERVISOR •Supervises the employees within the bar/restaurant, ensuring that the correct standards and service sequences are maintained as per Aman standards.

•Ensures that all employees are aware of and follow the operation’s opening and closing tasks in accordance with the checklist.

•Assists the Restaurant Manager with the smooth and efficient staffing of the outlet.

•Ensures that all employees provide courteous and professional service at all times and initiates guest interaction.

•Trains employees to ensure that they have the necessary skills to perform their duties with the maximum efficiency.

Requirements: •A certificate/diploma in F&B or at least 2 years’ experience in a luxury resort.

•Good people management, leadership, and employee development skills •Proficient in English, with effective communication skills Salary based on experience: $1200-$1850 per month, plus service charge. *WAIT STAFF •Serves food and beverage to guest according to Aman standards and follows the service sequence •Follows all safety policies to ensure a safe work area •Develops a complete knowledge of menus, dish and glassware service and utilizes this knowledge in the service of the guests •Handles guest enquiries in an efficient manner and provides courteous and professional service at all times •Communicates promptly any challenges or guest comments to the supervisor Requirements: •At least 2-3 years of experience in a luxury resort •Ability to perform under pressure and maintain a pleasant personality •Proficiency in English Salary based on experience: $6.25-$7.50 per hour/$1100-$1320 per month, plus service charge PAVILION HOST •Achieves, maximizes and exceeds Guest’s satisfaction by providing ultraluxury, personalized Pavilion Service.

•Ensures highest professional service in conjunction with other departments in accordance with Aman’s standards.

•Leads his/her section and organizes all aspects of the Pavilion service including the daily housekeeping servicing.

•Organizes activities and special requests such as Honeymoon turndowns, personal laundry etc. and ensures Guest History Record is updated after Guest’s departure Requirements: •A minimum of 2 years of experience as Housekeeper/F&B Attendant •Fluent in English, and additional languages such as Spanish, French, Italian or German are a plus.

•Ability to focus attention on guest needs, and remain calm, courteous and professional at all times.

Salary based on experience: $1200-$1650.00 per month, plus service charge *CHEF DE PARTIE •Prepares dishes for guests and associates efficiently, economically, and hygienically as per the standard recipes following the standards and procedures set by the Executive Chef & Executive Sous Chef •Participates in product development and in controlling the smooth operation of the kitchen •Prepares and cooks food in all areas of the kitchen and checks the mis-enplace needed for the day •Ensures that high standards of sanitation and cleanliness are maintained throughout the Kitchen areas at all times and consistently maintains standards of quality, cost, presentation, and flavours of foods.

•Participates in the control of food quality,food taste,food presentationand requisition.

Candidates must be available to work 6 days a week, weekends, and holidays.

Positions marked with * are currently held by a work permit holder. However, qualified belongers are encouraged to send a cover letter & resume with the following attachments: Valid Police Record, Passport Bio Page, Proof of TCI status i.e. PRC, Belonger Status Card or Naturalization Certificate.

Human Resources Amanyara Resort Northwest Point, Providenciales E: amanyarahrassistant@aman.com Prospective applicants are also asked to send copies to the Labour Board.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview

Page 24

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 25

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO CREATE A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE?

. 1MW distributed solar generation installed . 1MW utility-scale solar project . Solar plus battery storage project . Electric vehicle and charging station project

A well-developed strategic plan that expands the energy generation mix, and guides the integration of innovative renewable energy solutions. Like the Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (R-NETS), the blueprint for energy delivery through 2040.

At FortisTCI, we make strategic investments, deliver innovative solutions and build prudently to meet your energy needs. Today and tomorrow.

2017 Winner

Allied Member of the Year

BCMS 681102

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

Page 26

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

Requirements: •Background in Culinary Arts, with a certificate in hospitality preferred •2-5 years of international, luxury resort experience •Proficiency in English Requirements: •Must possess a Culinary diploma, knowledge of HACCP, and 5 years industry experience •Must be able to work in a high pressure environment and demonstrate calm and effective leadership Salary based on experience: $1,100-$2,000 monthly, plus service charge. *COOK •Prepares food as per the recipes, for guests efficiently, economically, and hygienically and follows the standards and procedures.

•Always maintains high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and tidiness in the kitchen, storage, fridges/freezers and wash up areas.

•Works flexibly within the hot kitchen and barbeque area Requirements: •Minimum of 1 year work experience; preferably in a 5 star or luxury establishment •A High school diploma; international work experience is a plus •Must be willing to work night shifts •Proficient in English Salary based on experience: $6.25-$11.00 per hour, plus service charge *COMMIS CHEF •Prepares food as per the recipes, for guests efficiently, economically, and hygienically and follow the standards and procedures •Always maintains high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and tidiness in the kitchen, storage, fridges/freezers and wash up areas Requirements: •Minimum of 1 year work experience; preferably in a luxury establishment •High school diploma; international work experience is a plus •Proficient in English Salary based on experience: $7.00- $8.50 per hour, plus service charge *SOUS CHEF •Assists the Executive chef with inventories, pricing, cost controls, requisitioning, and issuing supplies and equipment for food production.

•Assumes oversight of food production and kitchen personnel in the absence of the Executive chef.

•Assists Executive chef with supervision of employees, sanitation and safety, menu planning, and related production activities.

•Ensures proper staffing for maximum productivity and high standards of quality; controls food and payroll costs to achieve maximum profitability.

•Makes recommendations for maintenance, repair and upkeep of the kitchen, its equipment, and other areas as appropriate.

•Prepares reports, costs menus, makes schedules, and performs administrative duties as assigned.

•Attends to day-to-day problems and needs concerning equipment and food supplies; detects and ensures disposition of spoiled or unattractive food, defective supplies/equipment, and/or other unusual conditions.

•Consistently maintains standards of quality, cost, presentation, and flavours of foods.

Requirements: •Must possess a Culinary diploma, knowledge of HACCP, and 10 years industry experience •Must be able to work in a high pressure environment and demonstrate calm and effective leadership Salary based on experience: $2000-$3500 monthly, plus service charge *SPA THERAPIST •Provides consistent, professional spa treatments compliant to Amanyara spa menu, standards, and outlined protocols •Proactively promotes treatment bookings, and upsells services to guestsoptimizes the guest experience with treatment and journey recommendations •Makes products recommendations and meets the retail goals established by the spa Requirements: •At least 2-3 years’ experience as a Spa therapist at a luxury resort •Must be proficient in English •Certified in different massage modalities (includes Thai massage) and beauty treatments (facials, hair, nails, waxing) •Handles guests queries and concerns efficiently and politely, providing exact, suitable and instant responses to all requests Salary range from $6.25 to $6.50 per hour or between $1,100.00 and $ 1, 144.00 per month plus service charge. *VILLA CHEF •Prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and any other culinary requests from guests •Is pro-active in creating and serving specials to upsell meals in the villas •Manages stocks, orders and charges for consumed goods •Provides guests with “the Amanyara” experience •Manages the smooth running of the villa along with the Villa Host.

•Ensures that all areas of the Villa are cleaned and maintained to the highest standards including: Kitchen hygiene, Living Sala, Kitchen, Dining Sala & Office, Villa Areas including pool area, ponds & gardens, pathways & walkways and Buggies.

Salary: $6.50 per hour, plus service charge *VILLA ASSISTANT F&B MANAGER •To direct and guide the Villa Divisions in providing the highest of comfort and personalized service to Guests and ensure impeccable standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all Villas as per Amanyara standards.

•Participates in the service of any special functions or events organized in the Villas or at the Resort.

•Assists with monitoring the performance of the villa team such as the Villa Hosts, Villa Coordinator, Villa Hosts, Villa Chefs, Villa Housemen, F&B Runner & Villa Seasonal Staff (Housekeeping Attendants) in the Villa Operations.

•Assist in developing new concept of service to achieve organizational objectives.

•Provides prompt, courteous and efficient service to all Guests, so as to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction •Ensures that all mise- en - place is correctly prepared prior to commencing service.

•Organizes and coordinates special functions and events while ensuring that the set up and layout of any F&B events are flawless and reflect the image of Amanyara.

Requirements: •At least 3-5 years’ experiencein a similar position with evidenced tracked record of achievements.

•Fluent in English; ability to speak additional languages such as Spanish, French, Italian or German preferred.

•Certified hospitality management graduate with general international F&B knowledge •Previous international/Resort experience with multicultural environment.

•Excellent knowledge of international and Asian cuisine, cocktails and wines •Ability to communicate tactfully with high-end Guests, Department Heads and any other Colleagues to resolve problems and negotiate resolutions.

•Computer literate and proficiencies in the following computer applications: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint and Opera System.

Salary: $2000 per month, plus service charge PILATE’S INSTRUCTOR •Provide professional personalized specialty treatments/services in accordance with the Pilates method, specifically as delineated by Erika Bloom Pilates – the highest industry standard, andagreed by management •Support the therapist team by providing complimentary classes and information when required and requested by management •Integrate and support the Spa team with a holistic and fundamental understanding of how all offerings can support and complement each other enabling guests wellbeing and memorable wellness experience •Actively support the growth of the Spa through leading trainings (approved by management) based on your specialties and skills (such as pilates, yoga, movement, anatomy, injury rehabilitation, pre-natal) •Uphold the standards of hygiene and sterilization as directed by law and the spa’s policies and procedures •Perform prep work, correctly clean and restock the fitness area and spa as necessary •Properly care for and maintenance of equipment, tools, equipment, reformer, Cadillac, other props, and use proper amounts of manufactured goods to assist with cost controls •Handle guests’ queries and concerns efficiently and politely, providing exact, suitable and instant responses to all requests by guests •Actively support and assist in all areas of the spa operation (treatments, customer service, retailing and reception) •Liaise and assist with Spa reception to ensure total guest satisfaction •Have a complete knowledge of all services and products available; be knowledgeable of benefits and outcome in all practiced techniques and treatments.

Requirements: •Holds a 500-hour certification from a recognized certifying body such as Erika Bloom, the Kane School, the Pilates Method Alliance, or Balanced Body.

•Certified Pilates Instructor and holds a certification of Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology.

•Maintain current certifications and qualifications in the Pilates method and supplementary practices •Graduate of a four years course in medical field is an advantage.

Salary based on experience: $3000-$3700 per month, plus service charge *LABOURER/*WOODWORKER/LABOURER-HOTEL SUPERVISOR/VILLA LABOURER/KITCHEN HELPER/STEWARD/ROOM ATTENDANT Requirements: •Must be proficient in English •Physically fit and ability to perform manual labor •Possess the ability to deliver service aligned with resort standards.

Salary based on experience: $6.25 to $10.00 per hour, plus service charge Candidates must be available to work 6 days a week, weekends, and holidays.

Positions marked with * are currently held by a work permit holder. However, qualified belongers are encouraged to send a cover letter & resume with the following attachments: Valid Police Record, Passport Bio Page, Proof of TCI status i.e. PRC, Belonger Status Card or Naturalization Certificate.

Human Resources Amanyara Resort Northwest Point, Providenciales E: amanyarahrassistant@aman.com Prospective applicants are also asked to send copies to the Labour Board.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

vendors.

• May coordinate the work of interns, drafters, technicians, and/or others and provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers. Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills and competencies.

• Perform activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.

• Support the enterprise in all areas of electrical engineering and design on sister islands.

• Be familiar with all Company policies and procedures (including those established by past practice) relating to the position and to observe and enforce compliance with these policies and procedures.

• Responsible for ensuring that the Company’s health, safety, and environmental standards are maintained as they relate to generation production, substation and electrical maintenance, and fuel and lube handling.

• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

VACANCY- TECHNICAL CONSULTANT ENGINEERING, TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION STANDARDS & SISTER ISLAND OPERATIONS Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Technical Consultant Engineering, Transmission & Distribution standards & Sister Island Operations, FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Description • Leads the development and updates of FTCI Transmission & Distribution Standards (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.)

• According to FTCI’s strategic and operational imperatives, demonstrates complete understanding & wide application of engineering technical principle, theories, & concepts in the field.

• Provides and receives technical guidance on complex problems; completed work reviewed for adequacy in meeting objectives.

• Lead small-medium non-critical projects or critical projects occasionally in Providenciales and more frequently in the Sister Islands (North and Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay).

• May provide work direction to other professionals &/or staff.

• Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Frequent inter-organizational & outside customer contact.

• Evaluates data in scientific journals, suppliers’ catalogs, government standards documents, and other sources of information on materials, processes, and parts to update knowledge of available resources.

• Ensure that the T&D systems on all Sister Islands are designed and maintained in a safe and efficient manner to meet current and future customer needs.

• To ensure that the policies and engineering practice of FortisTCI are efficiently and effectively implemented on all Sister Island Operations via communication with the leadership of the respective Sister Island Operations.

• To understand the corporate vision and successfully gain support for and implementation of that vision.

Main Duties include: • Uses and applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to perform activities/assignments.

• Reviews standards prepared with other departmental specialists to assure consistency with existing standards and those in other specialized disciplines.

• Utilizes and may assist with the development of procedures.

• Provides ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics, Regulatory, etc. May provide field engineering oversight for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections etc.

• Coordinates/leads projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement support, installation and commissioning).

• Supports bid/evaluation processes by performing analysis and calculations on existing documentation and materials that support the preparation of bid documents. In completing segments of technical evaluations for proposals may need to effectively communicate with other business areas of the company following appropriate processes.

• Effectively exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance and complexity both inter-organizationally and with outside customer/

Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications: • A Degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical and 10 years post qualification experience at senior engineering and/or management level in an electric utility environment.

• Minimum of 15 years in the utility business with at least 5 years in a management role • Experience in substation and transmission design and configurations.

• Experience in all aspects of the electricity utility operations including generation, T&D, protection systems, relays, and SCADA Development.

• Self-motivated, solution oriented and positive in outlook • Team player Abilities; Skills; Experience; Aptitude and Judgment: • Excellent team player and team building skills • Good analytical skills • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure • Goal-oriented • Self-motivated Salary range $67,830-101,750 per annum. Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.

This position is currently held by a work permit holder. Qualified individuals should apply to the addresses below. Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is January 20, 2020 to: Avi Adams Manager Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com AND aadams@fortistci.com Ms. Desireka Glinton Secretary Immigration Board Zone 2 Airport Road, Providenciales Email address: jobregistration@gov.tc

2, Level 3 and Level 4 (or equivalent) and have at least 10 years industrial experience in the operations, maintenance and repair of diesel generating stations. An Associate’s degree (or equivalent) in the electrical engineering trades will be an accepted equivalent academic qualification.

• Successfully complete NCCER Crew Leadership Program (or equivalent supervisory/leadership training).

• Significant experience in failure diagnostics, trouble shooting and carrying out all levels of preventative and corrective electrical maintenance/repair of large generation units and in particular Wärtsilä 20V32 generating units and Caterpillar 3600 Series units is required.

• Significant experience with and competency in the use of computers, PLCs and standard computing software programs.

• Significant experience in high voltage installation, maintenance, and repairs.

• Above average analytical skills in math and principles of diesel engine machines • Excellence in interpretation of engineering drawings and manuals.

• Professional competency in written and oral communication skills in English.

• Must display a high competency in the use of computers and standard engineering and office computing software programs utilized in maintenance activities, reporting and record keeping.

SENIOR ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN Description Responsible for carrying out effective preventive and corrective repairs to plant control and electrical equipment and other company assets in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specification and standard electrical practices and as directed by the Plant Production Manager or his designate Main Duties • Conduct competent and effective preventative and corrective electrical maintenance on all rotating and stationary electrical equipment owned and operated by Fortis TCI in a cost effective manner consistent with manufacturer’s operating and maintenance guidelines in a manner that ensures the highest reliability and efficiency from these units.

• Responsible for performing all levels of electrical preventative maintenance without supervision on all generating units and plant auxiliary equipment in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s guidelines.

• To be highly knowledgeable of and competent in the electrical spares parts required by the generation units and supporting electrical systems at the power plants owned and operated by Fortis TCI and to identify and recommend to the management staff of the Division the spares parts that are needed for maintenance.

• Display a profound knowledge of underlying theoretical and operating principles of all electrical equipment used in diesel fired operation and to utilize this knowledge in developing the Technical competence and capacity of assigned junior maintenance personnel.

• Prepare comprehensive job reports and failure analysis report.

• Competently use proper tooling during equipment repair and safeguard and maintain tools and other electrical repair equipment.

• Operate shop tools as needed to fabricate, repair, weld, solder, cut, drill, etc.

• Maintain records and reports as required (including inventory of necessary parts).

• Demonstrate leadership and commitment in ensuring that maintenance activities are performed by self and team members in full compliance with the company’s Environmental, Health and Safety policies and procedures when on the plant site and during the execution of work duties.

• Make recommendations (supported by data) to management staff in the Division of new techniques, tooling and processes to improve maintenance activities and increase overall plant efficiency.

• Be available to respond to emergencies at all times outside of regular working hours, as may be required by plant contingency.

Minimum Requirements • Successfully complete all the units of module in NCCER Level 1, Level

Page 27

Abilities, Skills, Experience, Aptitude & Judgement Excellent team player and team building skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure Goal-oriented Self- motivated

• • • • •

Salary range: $58,420- $87,640 Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications This position is currently held by a work permit holder. Qualified individuals should apply to the addresses below. Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is January 20 2020 to: Avi Adams Manager Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com AND aadams@fortistci. com Ms. Desireka Glinton Secretary Immigration Board Zone 2 Airport Road, Providenciales Email address: jobregistration@gov.tc

Page 28

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT Harvey Weinstein threatened with jail by judge as rape trial begins on heels of new charges

Harvey Weinstein’s.

Harvey Weinstein’s texting in court almost landed him in jail at the start of jury selection Tuesday as a judge rejected a defense request for a “cooling-off period” because of the burst of publicity over the filing of new charges against the Hollywood mogul in Los Angeles.

Weinstein’s lawyers suggested that the timing of the new sex crime charges, announced on Monday, was deliberate on the part of prosecutors, and they asked for a delay to let the publicity subside.

“For a prosecutor, this is Christmas morning — the morning of jury selection to have him smeared everywhere,” defense attorney Arthur Aidala said.

Judge James Burke refused a postponement, saying he is confident the jury will understand Weinstein is presumed innocent, and the first 120 potential jurors were brought into the courtroom to fill out a questionnaire, the first step in a process that is expected to take weeks, given heavy news coverage of the case and the way the once-powerful studio boss has been cast as the archvillain of the #MeToo movement.

Among the questions on the form: “If you have seen, read, or heard anything about the case, does that information affect your ability to be a fair and impartial juror?”

The day began with the 67-year-old Weinstein hobbling into court with a walker following recent back surgery, and the session soon erupted in legal fireworks, with the judge denying a request from prosecutors to revoke the defendant’s bail and jail him until the trial is over. Prosecutor Joan Illuzzi argued that the new case in Los Angeles increased Weinstein’s incentive to flee.

“There is a grave risk that this defendant will realize at some point that the evidence is overwhelming,” she said.

While turning prosecutors down, Burke ripped into Weinstein and threatened to jail him for texting on his cellphone in the courtroom, a violation of a previous court order.

“Mr. Weinstein, is this really the way you want to end up in jail for the rest of your life by texting and violating a court order?” he said, cutting off the defendant before he could answer. This was not the first time the Hollywood producer had been admonished for so much as taking his phone out.

In a statement to Fox News, Weinstein’s spokesman, Juda Engelmayer, said: “Mr. Weinstein never had any intention of upsetting the court. The use of his phone prior to the start of the proceeding, before the judge walked in, and from the gallery, was due to the misunderstand of the Judge’s requirement by Mr. Weinstein’s team. This whole scene could have been avoided had the bailiff, who saw his attorneys handing Mr. Weinstein his phones and reported it to the judge prior to his walking in, would have simply advised him then not to use it.”

Weinstein is charged in New York with raping a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performing a sex act on another woman in the city in 2006. He has said any sexual activity was consensual.

The most serious charges against him carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

On Monday, prosecutors in Los Angeles charged him with sexually assaulting two women on successive nights at hotels in L.A. and Beverly Hills during Oscar week in 2013. Those charges could bring up to 28 years in prison.

As jury selection was about to begin, Weinstein attorney Donna Rotunno questioned the timing of the new charges, saying if anyone believes it was a coincidence, as the district attorney in Los Angeles insisted, “I’d like to sell them the Brooklyn Bridge.”

The judge estimated jury selection will take at least two weeks, with opening statements sometime after Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 20.

Once one of Hollywood’s mightiest and most feared producers, Weinstein has been accused of rape, sexual assault, harassment or other misconduct by scores of women, from famous actresses to assistants at his company.

Diddy supposedly comes out of the closet in this song

The founder of Bad Boy as sexually fluid in 2018. A $ AP Records talks about his deepest fear was also plagued by rumors of and hopes to someday overcome it homosexuality over the years, but in the Blood Orange song featuring insisted he is heterosexual. a cameo by Tyler, the Creator in the As the Internet music video. conversations about Diddy’s

P Diddy supposedly it was sexuality warmed up, a 2017 video clear about his sexuality in Orange showing a drunk Diddy calling bloodThe song called “Hope.” Near another man “Dad” resurfaced. the end of the video, when two During the interview, the founder boys were hugged while walking of Bad Boy Records also insisted that with a group of men, Diddy said: “never really” celebrated Fabulous.

“Sometimes I wonder, as / You know, “We celebrated for my birthday what it will take for me not to be before. You came to my party,” said fearful.” a confused Fab.

“Being loved that way, like, The alcohol-fed interview do I really want to be loved? / But then triggered 50 cents cast shadows I know how I really want to be on Diddy. “He tells Fabolous, & loved / But I am, but I’m afraid of # 39; you and I, we have to party really, really feeling that / You know, & # 39;”. What are you talking it’s like you want something / But about? When people tell me that I you don’t know if you can handle feel a little uncomfortable, “Fiddy it, “continued the music mogul. explained later in an interview at” “Maybe one day I will overcome my The Breakfast Club. “ fears and receive.”

“He told me something a

As Diddy had his serious long time ago, in Chris LightyMe’s moment in the study apparently wedding said he would take me referring to his sexuality, Tyler shopping, “the Unit G star added. the creator Y A $ AP Rocky They “I looked at him like, & # 39; What were seen fooling around in the did you just say? Let me move, man, background. Tyler is openly gay, before you do something. You’re while Blood Orange came out going to make me ruin the wedding.

P Diddy # No. That’s something a boy says to a girl.” .

Meanwhile, in 2009, the rapper Xzibit He remembered the only time Diddy took him to a gay club. I was so surprised when he discovered what kind of club it was that he immediately left. “We left the club directly. I didn’t say peace to anyone. It was suspicious,” he said.

Diddy himself once accidentally admitted that he was sleeping with Usher.

However, he never directly addressed the rumors surrounding his sexuality.

Michael Jackson’s ‘Leaving Neverland’ Accusers Win Appeal, Can Sue for Negligence

Wade Robson and James Safechuck, two men who accuse late pop star Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them as children in the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland,” won an appeal allowing their claims against two of Jackson’s corporations to stand in light of a recently extended statute of limitations for victims of childhood sexual abuse.

In a decision handed down from California appellate court Friday, a previous decision in favor of the corporations was reversed in Robson and Safechuck’s favor, allowing the men to move forward with claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and breach of fiduciary duty against MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures.

Robson and Safechuck’s claims against the two companies had originally been deemed untimely due to a requirement in California’s Civil Code of Procedure that victims of childhood sexual abuse must make claims against third party nonperpetrators before their 26th birthday. As of Jan. 1 2020, the code was amended to extend the deadline to the victims’ 40th birthday. Both Robson, 37, and Safechuck, 41, filed claims before that amended deadline.

Michael Jackson, Wade Robson and James Safechuck.

“We are pleased that the Court has recognized the strong protections California has put into place for sexual abuse victims under the state’s new law extending the statute of limitations. We look forward to sharing the facts of the terrible abuse of James Safechuck and Wade Robson with a jury,” Robson and Safechuck’s lawyer, Vince Finaldi, said in a statement.

“The Court of Appeal’s ruling merely revived lawsuits against Michael Jackson’s

companies, which absurdly claim that Michael’s employees are somehow responsible for sexual abuse,” a representative for the Jackson Estate said in a statement to TheWrap. “The Court of Appeal specifically did not address the truth of these false allegations, and we are confident that both lawsuits will be dismissed and that Michael Jackson will be vindicated once again.”

Jackson died in 2009. He consistently denied all sexual abuse accusations while he was alive.

Fox adding ‘The Masked Dancer’ to ‘The Masked Singer’

“The Masked Singer” has referring to a style of street dancing, been such a hit for Fox that the “and I cannot wait!” network is doubling down on Meanwhile, Jamie Foxx will join “The Masked Singer” as a hidden entertainers.

Fox said Tuesday that it is guest panelist along with regulars joining with Ellen DeGeneres to Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Nicole produce “The Masked Dancer,” a Scherzinger and Robin Thicke and celebrity competition show based on host Nick Cannon for the show’s “The Masked Singer” and a segment third season premiere on Feb. 2 after that DeGeneres originated on her the Super Bowl.

The show will take its talk show. Contestants will perform unique dances while covered from regular time slot on Feb. 5. head to toe in elaborate costumes This season, 18 disguised and face masks, leaving audiences celebrities will be split into three groups of six, and immediately be to guess their identities.

“This is gonna be just as whittled down to three singers in fun and suspenseful as ‘The Masked each group. The final nine from all Singer,’ with a lot more krumping,” three groups will compete for the DeGeneres said in a statement, trophy.

Ellen DeGeneres, winner of the Carol Burnett award, poses in the press room at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 29

HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE Cannabis edibles may present unanticipated dangers

With cannabis edibles becoming legal and available in more and more places, experts warn there could be unexpected health risks.

In a commentary in the medical journal CMAJ, researchers explored the possible dangers associated with foods containing cannabis.

Risks include inadvertent overdose, because it takes much longer for edible cannabis to take effect, accidental consumption by children and unexpected potency in the elderly.

“What we really want the public to know is that legal doesn’t mean safe,” said study coauthor Dr. Lawrence Loh, an adjunct professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto.

“People need to know that how they react will depend on the manner cannabis is consumed, the amount that is consumed and the person’s own metabolism and biokinetics.

That’s why we advise they be cautious when using edibles.”

One issue, Loh said, is that it can take hours for the cannabis high to hit if the drug is taken in an edible form rather than inhaled. So there might be a temptation to take more in the meantime, which could lead to an overdose.

While a cannabis overdose won’t kill you, it can be unpleasant, Loh said. “Basically people can experience a racing heart, sweatiness, delusions and hallucinations,” he added.

“We suggest people start with a low dose and go slow,” Loh said.

Loh and his coauthor also recommend seniors be extra careful with edible cannabis because older adults, especially those who are not

Samples of edible cannabis-based products are displayed during the Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition in New York City, New York, U.S., June 16, 2016. familiar with the drug, could be at greater risk for falls and injury.

Another warning: adults should be aware that edible cannabis products may appeal to children who don’t know what they are. So these products should be stored away carefully “to make sure kids can’t get into it,” Loh said.

The authors also suggest that physicians add questions about cannabis to those they routinely ask a patient so they can offer education and advice.

An alert such as this one, “is really important,” said Dr. Michael Lynch, medical director of the Pittsburgh Poison Center and assistant professor in the division of medical toxicology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania.

The delayed onset of THC effects can throw some people off, Lynch said. “The delay can be a benefit for some if they are not looking for a rapid, significant high, but instead are looking for a more drawn out and deliberate experience.

But people need to understand that they should avoid taking more because the effect is delayed.”

And while the risk of dying from an overdose is low, Lynch said, “the potential risk for medical complications or injury is very real.

The greatest risk is to the young and the old.”

Those who overdose would be at risk for “intoxication, impairment, inability to coordinate movement, falls, nausea and vomiting,” Lynch said. “For some there would be a risk for psychotic types of events.”

A speeded-up heart rate and a spike in blood pressure could also be more of a problem for older people, Lynch said.

Another issue with edibles, due to the fact that onset is slow and drawn out, is that people could still be impaired when they show up at work in the morning, Lynch said.

“People need to be educated about the risk so these outcomes can be avoided,” Lynch said.

Largest study yet offers no clear talc link to ovarian cancer

U.S. researchers who conducted the largest study yet into whether applying powder to the genitals increases a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer were unable to definitively put to rest the issue that has prompted thousands of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and other companies.

Overall, the study did not find a significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer, but there appeared to be a heightened risk among certain women who used the products.

The data found that women with an intact reproductive tract - those who never had a hysterectomy or their tubes tied - who reported using baby powder had a 13% higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to women who never used the product. That risk rose to 19% among women who used baby powders at least once a week.

The U.S.-funded study published in the medical journal JAMA on Tuesday pooled data on 252,745 women from four government studies that asked women whether they had ever used powder on their genitals. The study did not consider individual brands.

The data, compiled by a team at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), set out to provide a clear answer to whether use of such powders could cause ovarian cancer when applied near the genitals.

Instead, “we got an ambiguous answer,” said Katie O’Brien, an NIEHS epidemiologist who led the study.

“This was the largest study ever done, but because ovarian cancer is such a rare disease, it was still not big enough to detect a very small change in risk,” O’Brien said.

Prior studies have largely relied on asking women who had already developed ovarian cancer if they remember ever using baby powder on their genitals.

Such retrospective studies “can sometimes find links that do not exist,” Susan Gapstur, senior vice president of Behavioral and Epidemiology Research at the American Cancer Society, said in an email.

“The analysis by O’Brien and colleagues provides incremental insight into the link between genital powder use and ovarian cancer risk but does not provide the definitive evidence,” Gapstur said.

Teen drinking, drug use tied to other risky behaviors

Teens who binge drink or abuse Bhatia said by email. prescription opioids may be more likely For the opioid study, Bhatia to engage in other risky behaviors, too, and colleagues examined survey two new studies suggest. data collected from a nationally Adolescents who binge drink representative sample of almost are more likely to drive drunk or ride 15,000 U.S. high school students in with drivers who are under the influence 2017. Overall, 14% reported misusing in early adulthood, and they’re also prescription opioids at least once. more apt to become extreme binge With any history of drinkers who experience blackouts, one prescription opioid misuse, teens were of the studies suggests.

23 times more likely to have used

Teens are also more apt to heroin, almost 19 times more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors when have tried methamphetamines, over 16 they misuse prescription opioids, a times more likely to have tried cocaine, second study suggests. When teens and more than 10 times as likely to have abuse opioids, they’re more likely tried marijuana, researchers report in as well to misuse alcohol and other Pediatrics. drugs, engage in risky sexual behaviors, A history of prescription opioid experience violence and attempt suicide. misuse was also associated with five to

“Substance use such as six times greater odds that teens would prescription opioid misuse may alter a try smoking or vaping, as well as a more misuser’s judgment and cognition, thus than quadrupled chance they would potentially increasing likelihood for have at least four previous sex partners engagement in other risky behaviors,” and intercourse without condoms. said Dr. Devika Bhatia, lead author of In addition, prescription opioid the opioid study and a researcher at misuse was tied to more than six times the University of Colorado School of the odds of drunk driving.

Medicine in Aurora.

The second study looked in

“Additionally, engaging in depth at driving outcomes associated prescription opioid misuse may have with binge drinking. Researchers an impact on peer groups that are more followed more than 2,000 teens for likely to engage in other risky behaviors,” about four years starting in their senior

year of high school, when 27% of participants reported binge drinking.

To assess binge drinking, researchers asked how many times teen girls had four or more drinks in a row within two hours, and how often teen boys had five or more drinks in two hours.

Compared to teens who didn’t binge drink during their senior year, those who did were more than five times as likely to drive while intoxicated during the next two years. Four years after high school, young adults who were teen binge drinkers were still more than twice as likely to drive drunk, researchers report in Pediatrics.

Teen binge drinkers were also two to four times more likely to ride in cars with drunk drivers or experience blackouts in early adulthood. And young adults who were binge drinkers during adolescence were also twice as likely to become extreme binge drinkers.

Researchers also looked at whether parents’ awareness of teen drinking or parents’ efforts to discourage drinking might impact risky drinking and driving behaviors in early adulthood. Generally, young adults were less likely to engage in risky drinking or driving behaviors when they knew

Men toast with their glasses of wine at a restaurant in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, October 18, 2018. their parents were aware of any binge drinking during adolescence and when their parents discouraged drinking.

“Parental practices may have enduring effects protecting emerging adults against driving while intoxicated, riding while intoxicated, and blackouts several years after high school,” said lead study author Dr. Federico Vaca of Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut.

When parents actively discourage risky behaviors, and pay attention when teens get into trouble, it may also impact the chances that young people will engage in other dangerous activities, Vaca said by email.

Page 30

FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 31

Page 32

Felix Browne

Jai’s

Location: #54 Airport Road, Douglas Misick Apartment, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer Duties may include cleaning and preparing job sit, loading and delivering materials and using a variety of tools and machines To work 6 days a week Salary $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 341-4929 This position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

Location: Grace Bay Road, The Regent Village Unit 106, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Sales Clerk Responsibilities include greeting customers, presenting and selling merchandise to customers, counting inventory, and using the POS system.

The successful applicant must: 1.Have a minimum of 3 years sales experience in a retail environment.

2.Be honest, hard-working and selfmotivated.

3.Be available to work Monday through Saturday, with flexibility to attend training sessions outside work hours.

Salary Range: $8.00 - $10.00 per hour, dependent upon experience.

Kindly send applications to info@ jais.tc.

Please Contact: 649-941-4374 Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Divine Favor Construction Location: Millennium Heights, Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer Duties: Onsite Clean up person Salary: $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 242-8177 This position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

#603777

Pastor Malcolm

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

Allison Ingham

In South Caicos Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work 5 days per week Duties include house cleaning, ironing, and cooking Salary: $6.25 per hour Please Contact 243-1275 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

Show’s Bar

Blanche Forbes

Sharper Image

Desiree Lewis

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

Location: Building #83, Airport Hotel Plaza, Providenciales Is seeking one (1) Barber Utilize clippers, combs, rushes, scissors, and blow-out guns to style and cut hair To work 6 days per week Salary $7.00 per hour Please Contact: 232-6695 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales

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

Michael Basden

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

Executive Tours Ltd. Location: Airport Road, Providenciales Is seeking the following position: Bus Drivers Required to drive buses in order to transport passengers from one place to another Needed to work (6) six days a week Salary: $7.00 per hour Interested persons may contact Executive Tours Ltd. 941-7974 Belongers only need apply Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the 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

GREEN ACRES FARM

EXECUTIVE TOURS LTD.

Joab Germain

Bottle Creek North Caicos, Providenciales Is seeking Farmers Must be able to cultivate, plan, harvest and other farm maintenance duties To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 231-3898 or missickrolle@hotmail.com These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

HANSA Air Conditioning Refrigeration Location: Provo Plaza Unit 9, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Technician Salary is $15.00 an hour Duties include: Repair refrigerators and air conditionings. Duties: Diagnose, repair and maintain hardware and software components to ensure the smooth running of computer systems To work 6 days a week and flexible hours Salary is $15.00 an hour Please Contact: 331-0220 This positions is new Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders can send a copy of their applications to the Labour Board

Blue Water Divers

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

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

#603779

Althea Requel Basden

Location: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Helper Duties: Taking care of disable daughter Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as they should also enjoy working with people and be willing to learn Salary $600 monthly To work 5 days a week Please Contact: 241-1556 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to apply directly and submit a copy of their application to the Labour Board

Is seeking the following position: (1) Labourer Duties may include cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines Needed to work six days a week Salary: $6.50 per hour Interested persons may contact Executive Tours Ltd. 941-7974 Belongers only need apply This position is new Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Immigration Board on Airport Road in Providenciales

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

I & J Grocery Store

Jhonny Pierre

Location: House #15, Five Cays, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islanders Is seeking a Cleaner To do general cleaning work Must be able honest, trustworthy and speaks English To work 6 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 345-1179 This position is new Interested Applicants who Turks and Caicos Islands should submit copies of their application to the Labour Board #603780

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

Absolute Construction Location: #70 Bay Road, Wheeland, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking one (1) Painter - $7.00 per hour Duties: Prepare paint surfaces, mix, match, and apply paints and other finishes to various surfaces Is seeking one (1) Tile Layer - $7.00 per hour Duties: Applies tile to walls, floors, ceilings, and promenade roof decks, following design specifications.

Measures and cuts metal lath to size for walls and ceilings with tin snips.

To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 345-9876 The Painter position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder and the Tile Layer position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

#603774

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

Sandeep Jagger Location: La Vista Azul, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer To work 5 days per week 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

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 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 33

CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

More than 500 earthquakes have rattled the Puerto Rico region in 10 days

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake that killed one person in Puerto Rico on Tuesday is one of hundreds of tremors that have rattled the island for more than a week. And experts say the shaking is not over yet.

The latest earthquake struck during the predawn hours, flattening homes, knocking out power in some areas and jolting awake terrified residents.

Just a day earlier, a magnitude 5.8 quake hit off the island’s southwestern coast.

Since December 28, more than 500 earthquakes of magnitude 2 or greater have rattled the area, according to the US Geological Survey. Many of them were relatively shallow, which means they were likely felt on land.

Of the hundreds of earthquakes, 32 were magnitude 4 and above, including the ones Monday and Tuesday.

“Over the past several weeks, hundreds of small earthquakes have occurred in this same region, beginning in earnest with a magnitude 4.7 earthquake late on December 28 and a magnitude 5.0 event a few hours later,”

One of the many damaged structures in Puerto Rico the USGS said.

“With the exception of the latest two earthquakes ... none are likely to have caused significant damage,” it added.

Puerto Rico sits on an unusual spot, which makes its vulnerable to earthquakes.

“Tectonics in Puerto Rico are dominated by the convergence between

the North America and Caribbean plates, with the island being squeezed between the two,” the USGS said. “To the north of Puerto Rico, North America subducts beneath the Caribbean plate along the Puerto Rico trench. To the south of the island, ... Caribbean plate upper crust subducts beneath Puerto Rico at the Muertos Trough.”

And the USGS said the latest

earthquake could be part of a sequence, which could mean larger and potentially damaging earthquakes in the future.

“Over the next one week, there is a 7% chance of one or more aftershocks that are larger than magnitude 6.4. It is likely that there will be many smaller earthquakes over the next one week,” the USGS said. “Magnitude 3 and above events are large enough to be felt near the epicenter.”

USGS Director Jim Reilly said the federal government has improved its process of predicting aftershocks, and provides more reliable information.

“After the devastating Hurricane Maria occurred in Puerto Rico, the federal government invested in rebuilding damaged seismic stations in the region,” Reilly said. “These stations have made it possible for the USGS and our partners at the Puerto Rico Seismic Network to provide more accurate and rapid information about the earthquakes and their possible impacts along with better forecasts of potentially damaging aftershocks.”

Security alert issued for US citizens in Barbados and Eastern Caribbean over “heightened Mideast tensions”

The United States (US) Embassy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean has put US citizens on alert as a result of “heightened tensions in the Middle East”.

The tensions refer to the assassination of Iran’s military commander Qassem Soleimani, carried out on the order of US President Donald Trump. Soleimani, who was arguably the second most powerful man in Iran and was well-loved by his people, was killed along with nine others in a U.S. drone strike in Iraq several days ago.

Iran has vowed to take revenge for his death.

As a result, the US Embassy, based in Barbados, and which also has responsibility for the Eastern Caribbean, issued a security alert on Monday, January 6, 2020, warning its citizens. The alert

was also posted on the Embassy’s official Facebook page on Tuesday, January 7.

“There is heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad,” the alert states. “The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed.

The alert advises US citizens to take a number of precautions including: – Keep a low profile.

– Be aware of your surroundings.

– Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists – Review your personal security plans.

– Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.

assistance.

The Embassy also encourages its citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

The funeral for the slain military leaders has attracted hundreds of thousands of mourners.

An Iranian military advisor said Iran will surely respond militarily.

Iran has often said it would choose the time and place of any retaliation in past standoffs with Washington, according to Burning Flag CNN. In the alert, the Embassy also posted The daughter of the slain Iranian phone numbers for their Bridgetown, commander has warned the US and Barbados and State Department – Isreal that they face a “dark day” for her Consular Affairs offices, email address, father’s death, calling the US president and website in the event citizens require “crazy”.

Barbados to add more cruise berths, northern port amid record visits

2019 was a record year for Barbados’ cruise tourism as arrivals topped 800,000-plus visitors in a slight rise over the previous year, the Barbados Port Inc (BPI) reported Tuesday.

And boosted by the news, Minister of Maritime Affairs Kirk Humphrey has touted a raft of planned improvements for the industry, including a second cruise port, a mega ship cruise centre and marina.

Cruise ship passenger arrivals totalled 853,200 from 422 cruise ship calls, representing a three per cent rise in arrivals at the Port of Bridgetown over 2018 when the country welcomed 826,267 passengers from 437 berths.

The island benefitted from the redeployment of ships from other destinations ravaged by hurricanes.

According to the BPI, Barbados also recorded significant growth in its homeporting operations. Some 227,192 homeporting arrivals were registered at the Port of Bridgetown in 2019, a 15.6 per cent increase over 2018 when 197,185 homeporting passengers passed through the port.

Barbados’ cruise port

Homeporting calls declined slightly from 157 in 2018 to 153 last year, but the visitor growth was achieved with the Marella, AIDA and TUI cruise lines all deploying larger capacity ships.

On the Barbados itinerary, AIDA exchanged its 2,030 passenger capacity AIDA Diva, for the AIDA Perla, which carries 3,286 passengers. TUI similarly exchanged its Mein Schiff 5 with a capacity of 2,500, for the 2,894 passenger Mein Schiff 2. The number of calls from

dispatch facilities and new services such as a quay-to-terminal tram.

He noted that BPI has also been actively engaging cruise lines, in partnership with key industry stakeholders including Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI).

Looking to the future, Humphrey said: “With the trend towards mega ships and the projected increase in cruise tourism passengers, BPI also has to respond to the growing numbers of smaller vessel operations, who desire a more geographically segmented product for their passengers, physically separated from the large vessel cruise Marella also increased from 31 in 2018 to tourism typically handled at the Port of Bridgetown.”

45 in 2019.

BPI has also shifted attention

Humphrey linked the port’s improved performance to several to establishing a second cruise port at upgrades to its cruise operations to Speightstown through a public-private benefit passengers as recommended partnership.

It has invited potential partners by the National Cruise Development to express interest in a joint venture to Commission Report.

The improvements included design, build, operate and manage a enhanced wayfinding and guest cruise ship pier and ancillary facilities in experiences through the installation the northern town. of signage, the renovation of the taxi

Page 34

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Bahamasair planes blocked from entering U.S. due to failure to meet equipment requirements

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Three of Bahamasair’s nine-fleet planes have had to be rerouted from the United States because they currently do not comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) equipment standards, Bahamasair Chairman Tommy Turnquest confirmed.

As a result, the airline will have to wet lease flights on Saturday to meet the holiday demand residue and prearranged agreements.

A wet lease is an arrangement for one airline (the lessor) to provide an aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, A Bahamasair Jet and insurance to another airline or other type of business acting as a broker were able to get the kits for,” Turnquest of air travel (the lessee). said.

Turnquest explained that as “So those six planes are able to go to the of January 1, 2020, the FAA requires United States of America. all aircraft flying into the U.S. to have “The three 737-500s, the the Automatic Dependent Surveillance- supplier was unable to provide the kit Broadcast (ADS-B) Out equipment in time, despite all the assurances they installed. gave the maintenance management at

He noted however, that Bahamasair.

Bahamasair’s supplier was unable to “As a result, starting today, we provide the navigation kit for three of have taken those three jets off of the its 737-500 planes.

South Florida and Orlando routes. ` “The 737-700 series we were “We have put on the 737able to get the kit for and the 5 ATRs we 700 and the ATRs on those routes into

Trinidad pastor charged with kidnapping worshippers

A pastor is due to return to court on January 10 after he was granted TT$900 000 (One TT dollar=USS$0.16 cents) bail on Wednesday on charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment and trafficking in persons after law enforcement officials had raised his Transformed Life Ministry Church last October and “rescued” more than 69 people.

Pastor Glen Awong and one of his employees, Indra Jaggernath, appeared before Magistrate Cheron Raphael in the Arima Magistrate’s First Court, east of here. Jaggernath has been granted TT$300 000 bail and will also return to court on January 10.

They have been jointly charged with keeping people under exploitative conditions, contrary to the Trafficking against Persons Act.

Awong was also charged with kidnapping and false imprisonment. All charges were laid indictable.

During the court session, attorney Wayne Sturge, who is representing Jaggernath, asked reporter Mark Bassant to leave a court saying that the journalist, who was reporting on the hearing was privy to information that could be used as evidence, and called on him to leave.

“I am also asking on him to not report on anything he would have heard while sitting in the court,” Sturge said, adding that his client had no prior convictions and had been taken to hospital for treatment on two occasions since her arrest on Tuesday.

Awong’s attorney Darren

Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm beach.

“And we are using the three jets to do routes in Freeport, George Town Exuma, Turks and Caicos, Havana, Cuba, and the two destinations in Haiti – Portau-Prince and Cap-Haitien.

“So none of our planes our grounded, they just are unable to go to the United States of America.”

Asked how long it will take for the company to acquire the equipment, Turnquest continued, “We have been trying to find an alternate supplier.

And because these 737-500s are so old, we’ve had a great difficulty in finding a supplier.

“We believe we found one and they gave us a quote today and said that we should have it in about three weeks, if we agree.“It should cost around $195,000 per aircraft.”

Pressed on whether whether Bahamasair will have to wet lease in the meantime, Turnquest said “On Saturday, we do have a peak demand because we have a prearranged arrangement with Club Med in San Salvador as an example; and the load presumably from the New Year’s holiday weekend going back.

“On Saturday, we will wet lease a flight into South Florida and one into Central Florida in Orlando. But other than those two legs, no there’s no need to wet lease.”

In May 2010, the FAA issued Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations which requires ADS-B Out performance when operating in designated classes of airspace within the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS) after January 1, 2020, unless authorized by air traffic control (ATC).

Antiguans to be fined if caught using cellphones while driving

Motorists who have been offence for driving and using handheld “observed and caught” by police using a device. Contrary regulation 4 of Vehicles cell phone while driving will have to pay and Road Traffic (Mobile Devices) a fine of EC$500 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 Regulations of 2019 permits police cents) immediately, the Ministry of Legal officers to issue a ticket (fixed penalty Affairs has said. of 500) if you are observed holding and

In a statement, it said that using mobile device while driving,” the the amendment to the Vehicles and statement said.

Road Traffic Amendment Act 2018 has It said that the legislation makes gone into effect making it an offence it and offence for “individuals to view, of careless driving holding and using a send or compose and electronic message” hand-held mobile device. and that police are permitted to issue a

“The Vehicle and Road Traffic ticket with a fixed penalty of EC$500 (Enforcement and Administration) “if you are observed holding and using (Amendment) Order 2019 makes it an mobile device while driving”.

Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith (right) on the scene at the church where the people were freed.

Mitchell said his client had no pending matters before the court and had strong ties to his community through his rehabilitation work as a pastor.

Awong and his wife had surrendered to police on Monday. The wife was released without any charges being laid against here.

On October 8 last year, the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) headed by Police Commissioner Gary Griffith went to Awong’s “rehab centre,” where police said they said they rescued 69 people, some naked and locked in cages. Those “rescued” were between the ages 19 to 70 years old.

Awong was charged with kidnapping a man, as well as false im­ prisonment and trafficking of persons between January 30 to July 2019.

No glass bottles for Trinidad Carnival

The Ministry of National Security says that it will be implementing a ban on glass bottles during the upcoming Carnival season.

Officials from the Ministry said talks surrounding the proposed ban progressed positively during discussions with key Carnival stakeholders.

The meeting focused on a flexible enforcement ap¬proach as well as implementation considerations.

“All participants in the Trinidad Carnival consultation process expressed their full Carnival Monday February 24, 2020 to support for the intended ban on glass midnight on Carnival Tuesday February bottles on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, 25, 2020. agreeing that the thrust will create a The National Security Ministry safer and cleaner environment,” said a added that a public education drive on the collaborative initiative entitled statement from the Ministry.

The ban on glass bottles is “Clean Scene, Safe Scene” will be launched in the com-ing days. expected to take effect from 4 a.m. on

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 35

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Caribbean urged to prepare for major earthquake

The Caribbean region is long overdue for a massive earthquake.

Over the past month, the Caribbean has been shaken with a series of earthquakes.

Puerto Rico has been struck over the past two weeks, most recently with a magnitude of 5.7 on Monday followed by a magnitude of 6.4 on Tuesday.

On December 24, 2019, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake was recorded near Dominica, Martinique and St Lucia.

On December 25, 2019, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake was recorded near Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Guadeloupe.

Following that, on December 26, 2019, another 4.2 magnitude earthquake was felt in Dominica.

Speaking with Loop News on Tuesday, Dr Joan Latchman of the University of the West Indies Seismic

Research Center provided a breakdown which would be decades-long, where of the situation. larger magnitude earthquakes occur, for

“The Seismic Research Center example, a magnitude 7 every 20-30 continues to say for several years, the years.

Eastern Caribbean is a seismically active “We are not to sit and be area and we can expect to have small concerned, we are to recognize that this earthquakes on a daily basis and as the is the reality of the Eastern Caribbean magnitudes of these earthquakes gets and that we must put our measures larger, the intervals between them is in place to prepare for when the larger magnitude earthquakes occur,” she longer.”

She went on to say that over the stated.

“Depending on when these last few days, the earthquakes of the size occurring in the Antigua Barbuda area earthquakes occur they may or may not are consistent with what is called normal cause damage or disruption to our way of life, but we can’t say when and where background activity.

She further explained that in those events will occur and therefore we the region more than 2000 earthquakes need to put our measures in place. So greater than magnitude two are expected being concerned must be the first step in to be recorded every year, which gives putting the measures in place.” an idea of the number of earthquakes Is the Caribbean prepared for a “big one?” expected within the region.

However, there are periods, Latchman said that each

Dr Joan Latchman of the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Center Caribbean territory has agencies responsible for disaster preparedness and that question should be posed to them as they would better understand the situations within their territories.

Caribbean hoteliers predict ‘exciting and fruitful’ 2020

The President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Patricia Affonso-Dass is predicting that 2020 will be an exciting and fruitful year for the sector.

“As we look ahead through the crystal ball to 2020, data received from CHTA members indicate we may have more to celebrate. While there are challenges and there is always the unknown, most indicators point to continued steady economic conditions in our key source markets and robust visitor expenditures,” she said in an end of year message.

Affonso-Dass said that Caribbean hoteliers have much to be proud of in 2019 after taking up the challenges of the past 12 months “and successfully folded them into an optimistic canvas for the New Year”.

She said that the destinations hardest hit by the 2017 hurricanes have made impressive progress to prehurricane levels and are back on track with new and improved product.

‘Their fortitude has encouraged many of our members who were spared the wrath of the storms to reassess their product, spurring many of them to greater heights. The silver lining on the dark clouds of hurricane devastation was the fact we were not only able to rebuild but we also were able to bolster

our structures to withstand the wrath of future storms.”

The CHTA official said that arrivals throughout the region, in fact, are very high and on pace for a record year in 2019.

“The vast majority of destinations recorded marked increases and the Caribbean is on pace to reach its highest annual RevPAR in history by year-end,” she said, noting that “while external factors like the global economy are key to our success, it would not be possible without the aggressive efforts by the region’s public and private sectors over the past decade to expand and modernize airports and attract significant hotel investments – both in new and refurbished properties.

“We continue to see arrivals growth fuelled by accommodation disruptors in the form of vacation home rentals; this will continue to be an important part of the accommodations sector – it is ever more important therefore to ensure that it is better regulated, taxed and integrated into the collaborative efforts of all tourism industry stakeholders.”

In her message, Affonso-Dass singled out the Bahamas, still recovering from the passage of Hurricane Dorian on September 1 that killed nearly 70 people and left damage estimated at US$3.4

billion.

“Our sincere thanks also goes out to all those who supported our efforts to ease the suffering of the islanders by giving generously to our recovery fundraising initiatives.

“Through one of our support initiatives, the Caribbean Tourism Job Bank, we were pleased to see the number of organisations from areas unaffected by the storm, offering jobs to some 2,500 Bahamian hotel workers who were displaced by Dorian. We are working collaboratively with our partners in The Bahamas to support their recovery with the funds which were raised.”

She said she was also pleased that the CHTA Education Foundation has been organising and offering scholarships and special assistance for the education and training of Caribbean tourism industry personnel and students pursuing tourism and hospitality careers.

“Over the past year the foundation and its partners have made special efforts for students from hurricane-afflicted islands as well as focused on the critically important issue of diversity to better equip our team members to warmly welcome, respect and embrace the world.

“We are committed to being leaders in this space and are happy that our efforts have begun to open doors for

Patricia Affonso-Dass. discussions on issues that urgently need to be addressed so that all people living in and visiting our beautiful region – irrespective of gender, sexual or religious preference – feel safe, welcomed and truly part of our Caribbean community.”

She urged participation at the January 21-23 Caribbean Travel Marketplace to be held in the Bahamas as well as the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) and Taste of the Caribbean to be held in Miami in June.

Former Barbados PM Owen Arthur is new LIAT chairman importance of a

The head of the Leeward be a new chairman. regional carrier,” he Islands Airline Pilots Association In fact, former prime said. He expressed (LIALPA) Captain Patterson Thompson, minister of Barbados the hope that Arthur has welcomed the appointment of Owen Arthur, he will would also be a former Barbados Prime Minister Owen take over as the new person who would Arthur as chairman of the financially chairman of LIAT,” further debate strapped airline, but says he wants him Browne said, adding the importance to pay more attention to the unions “I don’t think there of the Caricom could be any better representing workers.

Single Market and

“I hope he will give all the candidate”.

Economy (CSME) unions… a fair hearing, listen to them Arthur will his fellow Former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur that allows for the and understand the issues from both replace free movement of Barbadian, Holder, who sides,” said Thompson.

“There are always three sides retired late last year after being in the goods, skills, labour and services across the to any story. So he has to hear all three post for 16 years. sides and I hope former Prime Minister Thompson described Arthur’s 15-member grouping.

Thompson said also that all the Arthur does that,” Thompson told appointment “as an interesting one”, listeners to OBSERVER Radio here, saying noting Arthur is a very successful prime stakeholders should not expect Arthur to his organisation has not been officially minister of Barbados…after 14 years he act as a “magician”, adding “I am hoping when he comes in he does not drink the made aware of Arthur’s appointment to did very well, and he is a regionalist.

“He believes in the region. I proverbial Kool-Aid …and give all the the post.

Last weekend, Prime Minister think that it is an interesting pick and unions... a fair hearing”.

Speaking on his radio station Gaston Browne said Arthur would replace he is a person that can sit down in any Jean Holder as the new chairman of the prime minister’s office and relate to them, over the weekend, Browne said that having been a prime minister himself, he believes that Arthur is the right cash-strapped regional airline, LIAT.

“You would recognise there will and he should be able to expound the person for the job, given his history of

fighting for the Antigua-based airline, whose major shareholders are the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.

“Owen Arthur would have spent a large amount of his prime ministerial equity ensuring the survival of LIAT, and now that it is at the crossroads again, I think that Owen is the right person to lead LIAT out of these difficulties,” Browne said, noting that there will also be personnel and other changes at the Antigua-based airline.

“We have come to a consensus on the way forward, so a lot of the differences that existed we’ve been able to resolve them, and I believe LIAT has a very bright future ahead of it,” Browne said, adding that LIAT will be capitalised with the US$15-million loan Antigua and Barbuda obtained from the ALBA Bank as well as $5 million from Dominica.

Browne said that the plan is to raise at least US$30 million to recapitalise the airline.

Page 36

WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

NEWS

Trump pulls back from more military action in Iran crisis, promises new sanctions

President Donald Trump has stepped back from new military action against Iran after its missile strikes on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops caused no casualties but he told Iran he would tighten already crippling U.S. sanctions.

Trump and Iranian officials looked to defuse a crisis that on Wednesday had threatened to spiral into open conflict after the killing of a prominent Iranian general in Iraq on Jan. 3 in a U.S drone strike was followed by Iran’s retaliatory attack.

The tit-for-tat military action, after months of rising tension since the United States withdrew in 2018 from Iran’s nuclear pact with world powers, had stoked global concerns that the Middle East was heading towards another war.

But both sides drew back from the brink, while Arab and other international leaders called for restraint.

In Iraq, Muslim Shi’ite groups, opposed to the U.S. presence in Iraq, also sought to cool passions.

“The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it,” Trump told the nation after saying Iranian ballistic missiles fired in the early hours of Wednesday caused

no casualties and limited damage. indications Tehran was telling its allies

He said Iran “appears to be to refrain from new action against U.S. standing down, which is a good thing troops. for all parties concerned” but he said the United States would impose additional CALLS FOR PATIENCE sanctions on Iran, adding to measures that have slashed its oil exports and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence crippled its economy. told CBS News the United States was

Trump, who faces re-election receiving “encouraging intelligence that this year and who accused predecessors Iran is sending messages” to its allied of dragging the United States into militias not to attack U.S. targets. unnecessary regional wars, did not say Arab states, which lie across the what new sanctions would involve.

Gulf from Iran and feared their region

His comments came hours was being dragged into another conflict, after Iran’s foreign minister said Iranian also called for cooler heads to prevail in missile strikes “concluded” its response Iraq and beyond. to the killing of Qassem Soleimani, a “The brotherly Arab nation of powerful general who masterminded Iraq today is in need of solidarity among Iran’s drive to build up proxy armies its people to avoid war and becoming abroad. the site of a battle in which it would lose

The minister, Javad Zarif, said on most,” Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Twitter that Iran did not “seek escalation Prince Faisal bin Farhan wrote on Twitter. or war, but will defend ourselves against In Trump’s address on any aggression”.

Wednesday, he repeated his promise not

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon had called Iran’s missile attack a “slap on - an ambition it denies ever having the face” for the United States and said and called for world powers to quit the Iran remained determined to drive U.S. 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that he forces out of the region, a policy that abandoned.

Trump said world powers should analysts say it has pursued via its proxy forces. negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran to

But Washington said it had replace the one set in place under Barack

Prince Harry and Meghan to ‘step back’ as senior UK royals

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, say they plan “to step back” as senior members of Britain’s royal family, a stunning announcement that underscores the couple’s wish to forge a new path for royals in the modern world.

A statement issued Wednesday evening by Buckingham Palace, described as “a personal message from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” said Harry and Meghan intend to become financially independent” and to “balance” their time between the U.K. and North America.

“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” the statement said. “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the royal family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support her majesty the queen.”

The 35-year-old Harry, the youngest son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, is Queen Elizabeth II’s grandson and sixth in line to the British throne. With his ginger hair and beard, he has become one of the royal family’s most popular members.

Before marrying the prince in a royal wedding watched around the world in 2018, the 38-year-old Duchess of Sussex was an American actress known as Meghan Markle and a star of the TV show “Suits.”

The couple’s first child, Archie, was born in May 2019.

In their statement, the couple did not reveal where in

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex pose for a group photo at the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London.

North America they plan to make it read. a second home, but they cited their Harry and his family baby as a reason why they decided skipped the queen’s traditional to live part of their time outside Christmas gathering at her Britain.

Sandringham country estate last

“This geographic balance month to visit Canada and to will enable us to raise our son see Markle’s mother, who lives in with an appreciation for the royal California. Meghan grew up in Los tradition into which he was born, Angeles and lived in Toronto while while also providing our family filming “Suits.” with the space to focus on the next The message about the chapter, including the launch of couple’s plans also appeared on our new charitable entity,” it read. their official Instagram feed, along

Hours later, Buckingham with a link to a website, sussexroyal.

Palace issued a second statement, com, where followers could find hinting that the first had caught more information. some in the royal household The website elaborated by surprise. The statement said on why they are seeking financial discussions with the Duke and independence from the monarchy’s Duchess of Sussex were “at an early funding mechanism, known as the stage.

“Sovereign Grant.” A page on the site

“We understand their states the grant they are forsaking desire to take a different approach, covers just 5% of the costs for the but these are complicated issues duke and duchess and is used for that will take time to work through,” their official office expenses.

President Donald Trump delivers a statement about Iran flanked by U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Army Chief of Staff General James McConville and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Mark Milley in the Grand Foyer at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 8, 2020.

Obama.

An Iranian army spokesman denied “foreign media reports” suggesting there was some kind of coordination between Iran and the United States before the attack to evacuate bases.

Iran investigation says airliner caught fire before crash, Ukraine outlines theories

Ukraine outlined four potential scenarios on Thursday to explain the deadly crash of one of its airliners in Iran, including a missile strike and terrorism, as Iranian investigators said the plane was on fire before it fell to the ground.

Kiev said its investigators wanted to search the site of Wednesday’s crash southwest of Tehran for possible debris of a Russian-made missile used

by Iran’s military. An initial report by Iran’s civil aviation organization said the plane had experienced an unspecified technical problem.

The Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737-800, flying to Kiev and carrying mostly Iranians and Iranian-Canadians, crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini airport, killing all 176 people on board.

The Iranian report cited witnesses on the ground and in a passing aircraft flying at high altitude as saying the plane was on fire while still aloft.

It said the three-year-old airliner, which had its last scheduled maintenance on Monday, encountered a technical problem shortly after takeoff and started to head toward a nearby airport before it crashed. The report said there was no radio communication from the pilot and that the aircraft disappeared from radar at 8,000 feet (2,440 m).

It is so far unclear if any technical issue could be related to a maintenance fault or defective part.

The Iranian report referred to the crash as an accident.

Investigations into airliner crashes are complex, requiring regulators, experts and companies across several international jurisdictions to work together. It can take months to fully determine the cause and issuing an initial report within 24 hours is rare.

The crash happened hours after Iran launched missile attacks on U.S.-led forces in Iraq, leading some to speculate that the plane may have been hit.

The initial assessment of Western intelligence agencies was that the plane had suffered a technical malfunction and had not been brought down by a missile, five security sources — three Americans, one European and the Canadian — who asked not to be named, told Reuters.

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 37

WORLD NEWS

Soleimani was Iran’s celebrity soldier, spearhead in Middle East

Iranian Major-General Qassem the Revolutionary Guards a foreign Soleimani, the top commander of the elite terrorist organization in 2019, part of a Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards, campaign of maximum pressure to force helped Iran fight proxy wars across the Iran to negotiate on its ballistic missile Middle East by inspiring militias on the program and nuclear policy. battlefield and negotiating with political Soleimani had a pointed reply: leaders. any negotiation with the U.S. would be

His death last Friday in a U.S. air “complete surrender.” strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport Soleimani’s Quds Force shored marked the end of a man who was a up support for Syrian President Bashir alcelebrity at home and closely watched Assad when he looked close to defeat in by the United States, Israel and Tehran’s the civil war raging since 2011 and also regional rival Saudi Arabia. helped militiamen defeat Islamic State in

The Pentagon said the strike was Iraq. aimed at deterring future Iranian attack Its successes have made plans.

Soleimani instrumental to the steady

Soleimani was responsible for spreading of Iran’s clout in the Middle clandestine overseas operations and was East, which the United States and often seen on battlefields guiding Iraqi Tehran’s regional foes Saudi Arabia and Shi’ite groups in the war against Islamic Israel have struggled to keep in check.

State.

Khamenei made Soleimani

He was killed along with top head of the Quds Force in 1998, a Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi position in which he kept a low profile al-Muhandis. Both men were seen as for years while he strengthened Iran’s heroes in Iran’s fight against its enemies ties with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Assad’s and state television heaped them with government, and Shi’ite militia groups praise shortly after their deaths were in Iraq. announced.

In the past few years, he has

The television showed footage acquired a more public standing, with of him with Iran’s Supreme Leader fighters and commanders in Iraq and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and in war zones Syria posting images on social media of in military garb, including as a young him on the battlefield, his beard and hair high-school graduate commanding a always impeccably trimmed. unit in Iran’s war with Iraq in the 1980s.

After that, he rose rapidly “WE ARE CLOSE TO YOU” through the ranks of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to become chief of the Quds Force, Soleimani’s growing authority a post in which he helped Iran form within Iran’s military establishment alliances in the Middle East as it came was apparent in 2019 when Khamenei under pressure from U.S. sanctions that awarded him the Order of Zolfiqar medal, have devastated the Islamic Republic’s Iran’s highest military honor. It was the economy. first time any commander had received

The United States designated the medal since the Islamic Republic was

Britain condemns attack on military bases in Iraq

LONDON - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned on Wednesday the attack by Iran on military bases in Iraq housing western troops in retaliation for the U.S. killing of an Iranian general.

Iranian forces fired missiles at military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation for the death of Qassem Soleimani, raising the stakes in its conflict with Washington amid concern of a wider war in the Middle East.

“We of course condemn the attack on Iraqi military bases hosting coalition forces,” Johnson told parliament, speaking in public on the crisis for the first time. “Iran should not repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks but must instead pursue urgent de-escalation.”

Johnson said “as far we can tell” there were no U.S. casualties in the attack, and no British personnel were injured.

Asked by opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn what evidence he had to suggest the U.S. drone strike on Soleimani was not illegal, Johnson said it was not up to Britain to determine the legality of the operation.

“Most reasonable people would accept that the United States has a right to protect its bases and its personnel,” Johnson said, adding that Soleimani had supplied improvised explosive devices which had been used against the British military.

“That man had the blood of British troops on his hands,” he added.

established in 1979.

In a statement after Soleimani’s death, Khamenei said harsh revenge awaited the “criminals” who killed him.

His death, though bitter, would double the motivation of the resistance against the United States and Israel, the Iranian leader said.

“Soleimani is ... not a man working in an office. He goes to the front to inspect the troops and see the fighting,” a former senior Iraqi official, who asked not to be identified, said in an interview in 2014.

“His chain of command is only the Supreme Leader. He needs money, gets money. Needs munitions, gets munitions. Needs material, gets material,” the former Iraqi official said.

Soleimani was also in charge of intelligence gathering and covert military operations carried out by the Quds Force and in 2018 he publicly challenged U.S. President Donald Trump.

“I’m telling you Mr. Trump the gambler, I’m telling you, know that we are close to you in that place you don’t think we are,” said Soleimani, seen wagging an admonishing finger in a video clip distributed online.

“You will start the war but we will end it,” he said, with a checkered keffiya draped across the shoulders of his olive uniform.

Softly-spoken, Soleimani came from humble beginnings, born into an agricultural family in the town of Rabor in southeast Iran on March 11, 1957.

At 13, he traveled to the town of Kerman and got a construction job to help his father pay back loans, according to a first person account from Soleimani posted by Defa Press, a site focused on

Soleimani’s growing authority within Iran’s military establishment was apparent in 2019 when he was awarded the Order of Zolfiqar medal, Iran’s highest military honor the history of Iran’s eight year war with Iraq.

When the revolution to oust the Shah began in 1978, Soleimani was working for the municipal water department in Kerman and organized demonstrations against the monarch.

He volunteered for the Revolutionary Guards and, after war with Iraq broke out in 1980, quickly rose through the ranks and went on to battle drug smugglers on the border with Afghanistan.

“Soleimani is a great listener.

He does not impose himself. But he always gets what he wants,” said another Iraqi official, adding that he can be intimidating.

At the height of the civil war between Sunni and Shi’ite militants in Iraq in 2007, the U.S. military accused the Quds Force of supplying improvised explosive devices to Shi’ite militants which led to the death of many American soldiers.

China calls for restraint after Iran retaliates against U.S. forces

Netanyahu says anyone attacking Israel will be dealt ‘strongest blow’

China urged the United States and Iran to exercise restraint and resolve their dispute via dialogue, after Tehran launched missile strikes against U.S.-led forces in Iraq in retaliation for a U.S. drone attack that killed a senior Iranian general.

Iranian state television said Iran had fired 15 missiles at U.S. targets, a response to Friday’s killing of Qassem Soleimani. The U.S. military said at least two Iraqi facilities hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel were targeted.

“The worsening of the situation in the Middle East region is not in any side’s interests,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said during a daily briefing on Wednesday, reiterating a call for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

China has criticized the United States for aggravating tension in the Middle East through its use of force in the standoff between Washington and Tehran. An editorial on Tuesday in the government-run China Daily blamed the U.S. for creating a “cauldron of tensions” in the region.

Asked on Wednesday what China was doing to help resolve the conflict, Geng told reporters China is in close contact with relevant parties in the United Nations Security Council.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday, after an Iranian missile strike on U.S.-led forces in Iraq, that Israel would hit back hard against anyone who attacked his country.

Netanyahu reiterated his praise for U.S. President Donald Trump for the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani last week, calling it a bold move.

The Israeli leader said Soleimani had tried to destabilize the region for decades and was “planning much worse.”

Without directly referencing Iran’s missile strikes overnight, in what Tehran called retaliation for the general’s death in Baghdad, Netanyahu said in a speech in Jerusalem that Israel stood beside the United States.

“Whoever tries to attack us will be dealt the strongest blow,” Netanyahu said, accusing Iran of leading a campaign to “strangle and destroy” Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Page 38

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

WORLD NEWS World cannot afford war’: U.S. Democrats respond to Iran missile strike

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi leaves a house democratic leadership meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington

Democrats in the U.S. Congress and some of the party’s presidential contenders warned on Tuesday about escalating conflict in the Middle East after Iran launched a retaliatory missile strike against U.S. forces in Iraq.

The news that Tehran had fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel broke during a meeting of Democratic lawmakers in the House of Representatives.

The attack was in retaliation for last week’s U.S. drone strike killing elite Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, according to a statement from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on state TV.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was handed a note about the attack during the meeting and left soon thereafter, according to people present.

“Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war,” Pelosi said on Twitter.

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the attack on Soleimani on the grounds that the Iranian general was planning to attack Americans, without providing evidence.

Democrats have been critical of the decision, saying it would escalate tensions with Iran. They have called for Trump to seek approval from Congress before taking further military action, although the Republicanled Senate is unlikely to support any measure that would tie the president’s hands.

“At this moment, my heart and my prayers are with our military and their families in Iraq and around the world,” Democratic presidential contender Elizabeth Warren said at an event in New York.

“But this is a reminder why we need to deescalate tension in the Middle East. The American people do not want a war with Iran,” she added.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, another candidate for the Democratic nomination to take on Trump in November’s presidential election, said at an event outside Philadelphia that the attack was predictable and faulted Trump’s handling of the situation.

“I just pray to God as he goes through what’s happening, as we speak, that he’s listening to his military commanders for the first time because so far that has not been the case,” he added.

On news of the attack, “there was not surprise in the room,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who attended the meeting with Pelosi.

‘A more dangerous world’: US killing triggers global alarm

Global powers warned Friday that the American airstrike responsible for killing Iran’s top general made the world more dangerous and that escalation could set the entire Mideast aflame. Some U.S. allies suggested Iran shared in the blame by provoking the attack.

The deaths of Gen. Qassem Soleimani and several associates drew immediate cries for revenge from Tehran and a chorus of appeals from other countries seeking reduced tensions between Iran and the United States. As U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called world capitals to defend the attack, diplomats tried to chart a way forward.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned A boy carries a portrait of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in that a “harsh retaliation is waiting” a U.S. airstrike in Iraq, prior to the Friday prayers in Tehran, Iran, Friday Jan. 3, 2020 for the U.S. He moved quickly to a war.” strongly condemned what it called appoint Soleimani’s deputy, Maj. Oil prices surged as “treacherous American criminal Gen. Esmail Ghaani, as the new investors fretted about Mideast aggression.” It said the attack commander of the Revolutionary stability. Social media flooded with reaffirmed U.S. responsibility for Guard’s Quds Force, which alarm. Twitter users morbidly turned the instability in Iraq as part of its undertakes the country’s foreign “WWIII” into the top trending term policy to “create tensions and fuel campaigns, including in Syria and worldwide. conflicts in the countries of the Yemen.

“We are waking up in a region.”

U.N. Secretary-General more dangerous world. Military The top leader of Yemen’s Antonio Guterres urged leaders escalation is always dangerous,” Houthi rebels, who are Shiite and to “exercise maximum restraint,” France’s deputy minister for foreign closely allied with Iran, offered his stressing in a statement that “the affairs, Amelie de Montchalin, told condolences to the Iranian people. world cannot afford another war” RTL radio.

Abdul-Malek al-Houthi, whose forces in the Persian Gulf.

Russia’s Foreign Minister are fighting the internationally

German Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Soleimani’s killing recognized government, said that Heiko Maas echoed the U.N. chief “grossly violates international law Soleimani’s “pure”’ blood has not saying, “A further escalation that and should be condemned.” been shed in vain. sets the whole region on fire needs He told Pompeo in a phone Afghan President Ashraf to be prevented.” Maas also noted conversation late Friday that “the Ghani expressed concern in a that the assault “followed a series of move by the U.S. is fraught with statement that the death could dangerous Iranian provocations.” severe consequences for the peace mean more violence in the region.

In the United Arab Emirates, of stability in the region and doesn’t He said Afghanistan, despite the which sits across the Gulf from Iran, help resolve complicated problems presence of 13,000 U.S. troops on the minister of state for foreign in the Middle East,” according to its soil, does not want to be drawn affairs, Anwar Gargash, called in a a ministry statement. Lavrov also into any confrontation between tweet for rational engagement and urged Washington to “stop using Washington and Tehran. Former a “calm approach, free of emotion.” unlawful methods of force” in trying Afghan President Hamed Karzai Qatar, which shares a massive to achieve its foreign policy goals condemned the airstrike and said it underwater gas field with Iran, also and instead bring “any problems to violated international law. called for restraint in a Foreign the negotiating table.”

U.S. allies Britain, Germany Ministry statement.

Foreign Ministry and Canada suggested that Iran bore

Saudi Arabia, Iran’s top spokeswoman Maria Zakharova some responsibility for the strike regional rival, added its own voice suggested earlier that Trump ordered near Baghdad’s airport. Iranian state of caution against “all acts that may it with one eye on his reelection TV said 10 people were killed. lead to aggravating the situation campaign.

German government with unbearable consequences.”

“The U.S. military were spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer

The White House sought acting on orders of U.S. politicians. described the strike as “a reaction to justify the killings with a tweet Everyone should remember and to a whole series of military alleging that Soleimani “was understand that U.S. politicians provocations.” She pointed to actively developing plans to attack have their interests, considering attacks on tankers and a Saudi oil American diplomats and service that this year is an election year,” facility, among other events. members in Iraq and throughout Zakharova said in a TV interview.

“We are at a dangerous the region.”

Trump’s election opponents escalation point,” she said.

“He should have been characterized him as reckless.

The British foreign taken out many years ago!” U.S. Democratic presidential candidate secretary, Dominic Raab, said his President Donald Trump tweeted. Joe Biden said the president “tossed government had “always recognized But the president also told reporters: a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox.” the aggressive threat” posed by the “We took action last night to stop a Iran’s allies rallied to its side.

Quds force. war. We did not take action to start Syria’s Foreign Ministry

Americans increasingly critical of Trump’s record on Iran, most expect war

The American public is increasingly critical of President Donald Trump’s handling of Iran after he ordered the U.S. military to kill a powerful Iranian military commander, and a majority of U.S. adults now expect the countries to be at war in the near future, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling released on Tuesday.

The national opinion poll found that 53% of adults in the U.S. disapprove of Trump’s handling of Iran, which is an increase of about 9 percentage points from a similar poll that ran in the middle of December.

The number of adults who “strongly disapprove” of Trump’s actions in Iran - 39% - is up 10 points from the December poll.

The response was largely split

along party lines, with disapproval up over the past month among Democrats and independents, while it did not change among Republicans.

About nine in 10 Democrats and five in 10 independents disapprove of Trump’s actions in Iran. Among Republicans, one in 10 disapprove. One in 10 Democrats, four in 10 independents and eight in 10 Republicans approve of Trump’s handling of Iran.

The survey ran Jan. 6-7, shortly after Trump ordered the drone strike in Iraq that hit Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and escalated tensions in the region. Iraq’s parliament called for American troops to withdraw from the country, and mourners in Iran crowded onto the streets, chanting “Death to America!”

Trump, who said that Soleimani had been planning to attack Americans, argued that the strike was meant to stop a war with Iran. The president threatened to attack Iranian cultural sites if Iran retaliated.

According to the poll, Trump’s overall popularity remained stable following his strike on Soleimani, with 41% approving of his performance in office and 54% disapproving.

Americans also appeared to be much more concerned now about the risk of war with Iran.

A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll that ran Jan. 3-6 found that 41% consider Iran to be an “imminent threat” to the United States, up 17 points from a similar poll that ran in May 2019.

It also found that 71% of

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, U.S., January 7, 2020 Americans believe that the U.S. will be at war with Iran within the next few years, up 20 points from May’s poll.

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 39

WORLD NEWS

Australia bushfires might burn for months, Morrison warns

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned that the devastating bushfires raging in the country might go on for months.

At least 24 people have died since the fires began in September.

Air quality in the capital Canberra was this weekend rated the worst in the world.

Morrison announced the creation of a recovery agency to help those who have lost homes and businesses in the fires.

He has faced fierce criticism over the speed of his response to the crisis.

The weekend saw some of the worst days of the crisis so far, with hundreds more properties destroyed. Rural towns and major cities saw red skies, falling ash and smoke that clogged the air.

Conditions eased in Victoria and New South Wales on Sunday after temperatures and wind speeds dropped and some light rain fell. But authorities warned that the danger was far from over.

“We’re in uncharted territory,” said the New South Wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian. “We can’t pretend that this is something that we have experienced before.

It’s not.”

John Steele, 73, who was evacuated with his wife from their rural property north of Eden late on Saturday, told the AFP news agency: “Visibility was down to about 50 metres, if that, and we had lots of debris falling out of the sky and a lot of white ash.

“The sky is still red. We’re not out of the woods yet.”

Prime Minister Morrison on Saturday announced the largest military call-up in the country’s recent history, mobilising up to 3,000 reservists to assist exhausted volunteer firefighters.

Many New South Wales residents have turned to evacuation centres after fleeing their homes.

Mr Morrison, who cancelled a planned visit to India because of the crisis, faced further condemnation on Sunday, after the head of the NSW Rural Fire Service revealed the service had only learned of the plan to call up reserve troops through the media.

In an indication of the long road ahead, Mr Morrison warned that the fires might burn for many months, and said that the newlycreated recovery agency would run for at least two years. The body will help bushfire-hit communities recover, media reports said, through work ranging from rebuilding infrastructure to providing mental health support.

Queen Elizabeth on Sunday said she was “deeply saddened” by the fires, and thanked the emergency services “who put their own lives in danger” to help communities.

A fundraiser for fire services launched by the Australian comedian Celeste Barber on Friday raised more than A$20 million (£10.6m; $13m) in just 48 hours

“Please help any way you can. This is terrifying,” Ms Celeste wrote in a Facebook appeal.

She called the rush of donations “incredible”, and said the proceeds would go to NSW Rural Fire Service - a government-funded agency staffed by volunteers - and the Brigades Donations Fund, which channels charitable donations directly to fire brigades.

Members of the comedian’s family were evacuated from the town of Eden in New South Wales, where officials told residents to leave immediately and head north if they did not have a bushfire response plan.

A number of celebrities have also donated money to support the firefighting effort in recent days among them the US singer Pink and Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman, who pledged $500,000. “Our family’s support, thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires all over Australia,” she wrote on Instagram.

News of the donations was praised by Australians on social media, but some lamented that private citizens were raising funds they said should have been put in place by the government.

Nearly 200 fires are still burning across the country, with every state and territory affected.

More than 1,200 homes have been destroyed and millions of hectares of land scorched.

Tens of thousands of homes in NSW were left without power and thousands of people have been evacuated from coastal towns over the past week. The town of Cooma suffered a further blow on Saturday night when a large tower carrying millions of litres of water exploded, flooding homes and sweeping away vehicles.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro told ABC News the incident was a “massive disaster”.

Tens of thousands strike in India as slowdown hits jobs

Supporters of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) block a passenger train during an anti-government protest rally, organised as part of a nationwide strike by various trade unions in Kolkata, India, January 8, 2020.

Tens of thousands of workers affiliated to trade unions led a strike in parts of India on Wednesday, disrupting transport and banking services in a protest against privatization and the growing impact of an economic slowdown on jobs.

More than 10 national trade unions affiliated to left-wing parties, including the main opposition Congress, have called for a nationwide protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s labor reforms. Those include the privatization of state run companies Air India and oil major BPCL (BPCL.NS), as well as a merger of public-sector banks.

In the eastern state of West Bengal, workers disrupted train services in Kolkata and other towns while shops and banks were shut at various places.

Buses, taxis and auto rickshaws stayed off the road in West Bengal, Kerala and some other states though the national capital Delhi and the financial hub Mumbai remained largely unaffected.

C.H. Venkatachalam, general secretary of the All India Bank Employees’ Association, said the proposed merger of 10 state banks into four banks would affect jobs and could hit the recovery of bad loans amounting to near $140 billion.

“Modi government’s policies have led to a severe economic slowdown and have created bad loans for banks,” Venkatachalam told Reuters by phone, adding the government should take steps to help boost consumer demand by offering incentives to workers.

The government has warned its employees that participation in the strike in any form would lead to deduction of wages and “appropriate disciplinary action”.

DR Congo measles: More than 6,000 dead in world’s worst outbreak

The number of people killed by a measles epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has passed 6,000, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

The WHO says the epidemic is the world’s largest and fastest moving.

Around 310,000 suspected measles cases have been reported since the start of 2019, the WHO says.

The Congolese government and the WHO launched an emergency vaccination programme last September.

More than 18 million children under five were vaccinated across the country in 2019, the WHO says.

But poor infrastructure, attacks

on health centres and a lack of access to routine healthcare have all hindered efforts to stop the spread of the disease.

Every one of the country’s 26 provinces has reported cases of measles since the outbreak was declared in June last year.

DR Congo is also experiencing the second most deadly outbreak of Ebola the world has ever seen but this has killed less than half as many people as measles in the country.

“We are doing our utmost to bring this epidemic under control,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

“Yet to be truly successful we must ensure that no child faces the

‘Child stowaway’ found dead in plane’s undercarriage in Paris

The body of a child aged about 10 has been found in the undercarriage of a plane that had arrived in Paris from Abidjan, sources close to the investigation have told French media.

Air France confirmed that “the lifeless body of a stowaway” was discovered at Charles de Gaulle Airport early in the morning.

The body was found in the well of the landing gear of the aircraft that flew in from Ivory Coast, it said.

An investigation is under way.

“The airline expresses their

condolences and deplores this human tragedy,” Air France said in a tweet, without specifying the age of person found.

The National Gendarmerie confirmed to the BBC that the body discovered at 06:40 local time (05:40 GMT) was of “African origin”.

The Air France Boeing 777 had taken off from Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s main city, on Tuesday evening.

An Ivorian security source told the AFP news agency: “Aside from the human drama, this shows a major failing of security at Abidjan airport.”

unnecessary risk of death from a disease that is easily preventable by a vaccine.

We urge our donor partners to urgently step up their assistance.”

The WHO says an extra $40m (£30m) is required to extend the vaccination to children between six and 14 years and strengthen outbreak response.

What is measles?

Measles is a virus that initially causes a runny nose, sneezing and fever.

A few days later it leads to a blotchy rash that starts off on the face and spreads across the body.

Most people will recover, but measles can cause life-long disability.

The disease has ravaged DR Congo, which declared an epidemic in June 2019.

It can be deadly, especially if it causes pneumonia in the lungs or encephalitis (swelling in the brain).

It is estimated that a global total of 110,000 people die from measles each year.

Page 40

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY Apple News users reach 100 million, App Store sales rise

The Apple logo is shown atop an Apple store at a shopping mall in La Jolla, California, U.S., December 17, 2019, 2019.

Apple Inc’s (AAPL.O) news service has reached 100 million monthly active users and customers spent more than $1.4 billion in the App Store between Christmas and New Year, the latest signs of growing revenue from the iPhone maker’s services business.

With demand for smart phones and other hardware peaking, Apple has been striving to boost sales from purchases of apps and subscription services like its newly launched Apple TV+ streaming service or Apple Care maintenance packages.

The company said apple.co/37WG48P1.42 that between Dec. 24, 2019, and Jan. 1, 2020, its customers spent $1.42 billion in the App Store, a 16% increase over the previous year, and $386 million on Jan. 1 alone, a 20% increase.

The number of users of the News app rose nearly 18% from a year ago, although the company did not break out subscriber numbers for the Apple News+ service, which costs $9.99 per month.

The numbers also point to a big shift in spending in the Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday season in the United States, with consumers splurging on apps and online shopping rather than in brickand-mortar stores.

Mastercard Inc’s (MA.N) data tracking retail sales from Nov. 1 through Christmas Eve showed U.S. shoppers spent almost a fifth more online during this year’s holiday shopping season than a year ago, accounting for 15% of all retail sales.

The App Store growth numbers were roughly in line with the overall trend for Apple’s services segment revenue, which rose 16% to $46.3 billion in its most recent fiscal year ended in September. In comparison, iPhone sales fell 14% to $142.4 billion in the same period.

Apple keeps between 15% and 30% of the sales through its App Store, depending on whether users buy software as a one-time purchase or recurring subscription.

The company launched several new services in 2019, including the streaming service, a video game service and a credit card.

Shares of the company were marginally down in early trading.

Macy’s holiday season sales fall less than feared, to close 29 stores

Macy’s Inc (M.N) reported a small decline in holiday samestore sales on Wednesday, surprising investors who were bracing for a sharper drop following an earlier profit warning.

The company, which cut its annual profit forecast in November blaming weak international tourism and sluggish mall traffic, reported a 0.6% decline in holiday sales during November and December.

Macy’s is among the first major corporate names to report sales for the holiday season, which is seen as a barometer for the health of U.S. consumer spending.

The retailer also plans to shutter 28 Macy’s locations and one Bloomingdale’s store in the coming weeks, a Macy’s spokeswoman said.

She said the closures were part of a routine review of the company’s store portfolio. Macy’s operates about 860 stores in the United States.

For the full quarter, analysts were expecting a 1.8% decline in same-store sales, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

“It’s bit of a relief for investors, as they were concerned sales were going to be down more than that,” Ken Perkins, founder of research firm Retail Metrics told Reuters.

People carry shopping bags from Macy’s Herald Square during early opening for the Black Friday sales in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., November 28, 2019

Given the traffic at stores did not look particularly great during the holidays, the sales number looks good, Perkins said.

He cautioned, however, that heavy discounting during the season could dent the company’s margins.

Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gennette said Macy’s holiday sales benefited from online purchases and demand for gift products, as well as a complete revamp of about 150 stores with fresh interiors and better merchandise.

U.S. consumers are increasingly spending more money online rather than queuing up at physical stores during the holiday

season, forcing traditional brickand-mortar retailers to invest in more shopping and delivery options.

U.S. e-commerce sales in the period from Nov. 1 through Christmas Eve rose 18.8%, according to a Dec. 25 report by Mastercard Inc (MA.N), while overall holiday retail sales, excluding autos, rose just 3.4%.

Consumer spending in the country is benefiting from wage growth and the lowest unemployment rate in nearly half a century.

Shares of the company, which rose as much as 5%, were marginally up at $17.78.

Samsung’s ‘invisible keyboard’ lets you type on a cafe table

In the realm of smartphone, tablet or laptop. traditional technology, CES 2020 Samsung also continues to deliver gadgets both demonstrated “Ballie,” a softballsized gizmo that follows you revolutionary and bizarre.

Samsung unveiled a around the house and keeps new, experimental smartphone you company. The pint-sized feature that can create an AI- butler, which has built-in smart powered “invisible keyboard” assistant capabilities, roams the on the surface of any desk or house investigating messes and spills and communicating with tabletop.

The South Korean tech appliances like Roombas to clean giant’s “SelfieType” keyboard app them up. Ballie can also allow uses a phone’s front-facing selfie users to play with their dog or cat camera to track the movements while away from home.

Charmin of a user’s fingers as they tap out TP-maker words and sentences on any flat came to CES with the RollBot surface. An artificial-intelligence — designed to bring you toilet engine analyzes the movements paper from across the room when and converts them into text on a you’re stranded on the toilet

with an empty roll. SmellSense, meanwhile, is a sensor that tells you how the bathroom smells before you step inside. The sensors detect carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide responsible for bathroom stink, and let you know if it’s safe to go in.

A real folding computer display: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold is a $2,500 folding touchscreen. The laptop-sized screen is expected to ship at some point this year, and represents a four-year collaboration between the PC maker and LG, which created the display. The display folds into a neat, notebook-sized form when not in use.

More Bad News For Apple As New iPhone Design Exposed

Apple’s 2020 ambitions know no boundaries.

The company plans to release up to seven new iPhone models and, internally, they will make the biggest generational leap in years. The problem for Apple is the designs keep leaking and, having already been disappointed once, a major new iPhone design leak means we are likely to be disappointed all over again.

Following up his leak of the iPhone 12 design, famously reliable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka OnLeaks) has teamed up with iGeeksBlog to reveal what may well be Apple’s biggest selling phone of the year: the long-awaited iPhone SE2 (also dubbed the iPhone 9).

And, externally at least, it couldn’t be more underwhelming.

What OnLeaks’ renders show is a phone which is virtually identical to the iPhone 6, 6S, 7 and 8. That means the same 4.7-inch display surrounded by thick top and bottom bezels and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor (which is expected to make a more ambitious return on the iPhone 12), as well as a single rear camera. In fact, where the iPhone SE2 does differentiate is it’s actually

slightly bigger and thicker than the last iPhone to sport this form factor: •iPhone SE2 - 138.5 x 67.4 x 7.8mm •iPhone 8 - 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm Gordon’s Top Apple Daily Deals: •AirPods with Charging Case - (typically $159.99) - Amazon: $139 / B&H: $144.99 / Best Buy: $144.99 / Costco: $139.99 / Sam’s Club: $144.98 / Staples: $139 / Target: $144.99 / Walmart: $139 •AirPods with Wireless Charging Case - (typically $199.99) - Amazon: $169 / B&H - $174.95 / Best Buy: $199.99 / Sam’s Club: $169.98 / Staples: $199 / Target: $169.99 / Walmart: $169 •10.2-inch iPad (Latest Model) 32GB - (typically $329.99) - Amazon: $279.99 / B&H: $299 / Best Buy: $279.99 / Staples: $329 / Target: $329.99 The Good News

Get past this, however, and things do improve.

OnLeaks says the thicker chassis is expected to house a

significantly larger battery to match the impressive stamina of its stablemates. The back will be frosted glass (like the iPhone 11 range) to support wireless charging and the primary camera is expected to match the primary lens of the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.

In addition to this, the iPhone SE2 will feature Apple’s barnstorming A13 chipset which - in conjunction with the smaller, lower-resolution display - means this could actually be the fastest iPhone on the market until the iPhone 12 launches in Q3. As for its arrival, Q1 is pegged. So soon.

As such, if you can get past the antiquated looks (a budget-friendly price tag should help) there’s actually a lot to like about this new iPhone, especially for Apple fans looking for a more pocketable device. That said, it’s still disappointing to see Apple opt for a design first introduced in 2014. The iPhone X design is already 3 years old and I’m sure many would’ve preferred Apple to cut corners elsewhere, such as using the A12 chipset in the iPhone XS.

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 41

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY WORLD NEWS

Kraft Heinz names Campbell exec to head U.S. business

Kraft Heinz Co (KHC.O) on Wednesday named Campbell Soup Co (CPB.N) executive Carlos Abrams-Rivera as the leader of its U.S. business, the Heinz ketchup maker’s latest executive hire as it aims to revitalize its business after a troubling year.

New Kraft Heinz CEO Miguel Patricio had been managing the Chicago-based company’s U.S. business since he took over in July.

The unit, which makes Oscar Mayer bacon and Velveeta cheese, is Kraft Heinz’s biggest contributor to sales.

Abrams-Rivera, 52, has previously worked at Kraft Heinz and Mondelez International Inc (MDLZ.O) and will start his new role at Kraft Heinz in February. Most recently, AbramsRivera managed Campbell’s snacks division.

Over the past year, Kraft Heinz has withdrawn its full-year outlook, written down the value of several key brands and assets by more than $15 billion and struggled to overcome competition from retailers’ private-label brands. It also disclosed in February that it had been subpoenaed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over an investigation into the company’s accounting practices.

Aiming to revitalize Kraft Heinz, Patricio, a veteran marketing executive, was brought in from Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI.BR). Since Patricio’s move was announced in April, Kraft Heinz’s Chief Marketing Officer Eduardo Luz has stepped down and is yet to be replaced. The company’s head of finance David Knopf has also left

Oil falls on waning Middle East wories, surprise U.S. crude build

A Heinz Ketchup bottle sits between a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese and a bottle of Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce on a grocery store shelf in New York March 25, 2015. and earlier this week, Kraft Heinz named Flavio Torres its new head of global operations.

Shares of the company, down 36% since it announced a major writedown and the SEC Pump jacks operate at sunset in Midland, Texas, U.S., February 11, investigation in February, were 2019. down about 1% in morning trading.

Brent oil futures fell on Wednesday from a near four-month peak hit early after an Iranian rocket attack on U.S. forces in Iraq did not damage oil infrastructure, and on a report showing a surprise build in U.S. stockpiles.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said crude inventories rose by 1.2 million barrels provide any specifics on the results during the week ended Jan. 3. That surprised a market that had expected a 2.6 million barrel decrease, and of the Canada test. contradicted preliminary industry data showing a 5.9

Beyond Meat told Reuters that talks with McDonald’s are million barrel decline. [API/S] Tweets by U.S. President Donald Trump and going “very well” and that its new Iran’s foreign minister signaled at least temporary calm. and upcoming facilities around the Trump was due to make further statements. world are guaranteed to help it keep Analysts said prices fell sharply after news that up with demand - not just in the the attacks targeted military, rather than oil industry United States, but globally. facilities.

“We would have to work Brent futures were down $1.20, or 1.8%, to with them (McDonald’s) on timing but, yes, we would be able to meet $67.07 a barrel by 10:51 a.m. EST (1551 GMT). In early their demand globally,” Beyond trade, the contract hit its highest since mid-September Meat’s chief growth officer, Chuck at $71.75.

The global benchmark has been trending Muth, said last month in an higher since hitting an October low of $56.15 per barrel, interview at the Los Angeles-based and the session high was 28% above that level. company’s office.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was

McDonald’s typically works with multiple suppliers to provide down $1.41, or 2.3%, to $61.29 a barrel. The session components for major menu items high of $65.65 was the highest since late April.

“The Iranian missile strike overnight did not like burgers and French fries. Other fast-food companies - including have a negative impact on the region’s oil supply, so Yum! Brands’ (YUM.N) KFC and those that covered early in the morning may have reDunkin Brands – have tested and instated their short positions, or those who went long rolled out plant-based versions started to liquidate,” Tamas Varga of PVM Oil Associates of items on their menus, made by said.

Iran’s missile attack on U.S.-led forces in Iraq dominant suppliers Beyond Meat or came hours after the funeral of Qassem Soleimani, Impossible Foods.

Impossible Foods declined commander of the country’s elite Quds Force who was to comment on when it believes killed in a U.S. drone stroke on Jan. 3.

Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles it might have enough supply or manufacturing capacity to partner against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel, the U.S. military said. The attacks with McDonald’s.

“When we are ready to do also roiled stock, currency and gold markets.

“All is well!” Trump said on Twitter. He said an it, we would certainly like them assessment of casualties and damage was underway and to be a customer,” Impossible’s he would make a statement on Wednesday morning.

CEO, Brown, said. “Right now, if

Impossible Foods has stopped McDonald’s burger talks, shares of Beyond Meat jump

Impossible Foods is no longer trying to win a coveted deal to supply McDonald’s Corp (MCD.N) with plant-based burgers, telling Reuters it cannot produce enough of its imitation meat to partner with the world’s No. 1 fastfood chain.

It is the latest twist in the battle of imitation-meat makers hoping to convince more restaurants to offer their patties.

But it was unclear how far talks had progressed with McDonald’s, which declined to comment on the discussions.

Shares of Impossible rival Beyond Meat (BYND.O) surged on Tuesday, closing 12.5% higher, after Reuters reported that Impossible was no longer in talks with McDonald’s.

The stock had risen earlier in the day on Impossible’s unveiling of its plant-based pork products at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Monday, spurring further optimism about the sector.

Referring to McDonald’s, Impossible Foods CEO Pat Brown told Reuters in an interview that “it would be stupid for us to be vying for them right now ... Having more big customers right now doesn’t do us any good until we scale up production.”

Impossible Foods and its rivals are duking it out over partnerships with fast-food chains to cash in on the roughly $3,500 per person average that Americans spend each year on food away from home.

The privately held, Silicon Valley-based Impossible Foods teamed up with Burger King last year to launch its soy-based Impossible

A McDonald’s “PLT” burger with a Beyond Meat plant-based patty at one of 28 test restaurant locations in London, Ontario, Canada October 2, 2019.

Whopper in the United States.

Impossible Foods is now working to more than double production instead of trying to win a deal the size of McDonald’s, Brown said.

“I wish we had vastly more capacity than we do right now because the demand is high,” he said. Impossible Foods said it had previously met with McDonald’s but declined to disclose details about when it decided it would be unable to support a potential deal.

In late September, McDonald’s launched a 12-week test of a P.L.T. burger in Canada, using patties made by Beyond Meat. But McDonald’s has yet to offer a plantbased burger as a regular feature on its menu at any of its roughly 14,000 U.S. outlets.

“The P.L.T. is a craveable plant-based burger with a patty recipe that is made by McDonald’s, for McDonald’s,” the fast-food chain said in a statement. It declined to

McDonald’s said they wanted us to be in all the restaurants, we’d have to say ‘Sorry, we can’t do it.’”

Impossible Foods has had capacity issues that have hurt customers in the past. In June, hamburger chain White Castle suffered a month-long shortage of Impossible Slider patties, for instance.

TEMPORARY PHENOMENON

Early indications suggested no U.S. casualties, one source told Reuters; other officials declined to comment. Iranian state television said 80 “American terrorists” had been killed and U.S. helicopters and military equipment damaged.

Iraq, Germany, Denmark and Norway said none of their troops were killed or injured.

“Now the price move will depend on what the red line will be for Trump. After the initial reaction, gains have been taken back,” Olivier Jakob of consultancy Petromatrix said. He added that “the risk on supply cannot be fully discounted.”

Saudi Arabia’s state tanker operator Bahri temporarily suspended transits through the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will respond to any possible oil shortages if necessary, but it also has “limitations”, the United Arab Emirates energy minister said.

Suhail al-Mazrouei said he sees no immediate risk of supplies through the Strait of Hormuz being blocked.

“Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defense,” Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif said on Twitter. “We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.”

Page 42

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 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 Account Department requires: 

The Grounds Department requires:

Assistant Accountant

Reports to:

 

Director of Finance

To ensure that all revenues have been properly accounted for; daily review of Night Audit to ensure that all departments are balanced and any discrepancies are recorded and addressed so as the financial integrity of the hotel is maintained.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Associates Degree or higher preferred.  Three years minimum Audit experience:  Relevant Certifications:

The range for this position is $8.00 to $13.00 per hour

Reports to:

Managing Director

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Associates Degree or higher preferred;  Minimum three years’ work experience managing a Front Office team;  Certification in Customer Service The Assistant Concierge Manger r position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

The salary for this positions ranges from $28,000.00 to $35,000.00 Concierge Supervisor

Reports to:

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping activities. Overall, ensure that the hotel grounds are kept in immaculate condition and that all plants are free from disease.

 Grounds Man

Assistant Concierge Manager

Supervises and ensures the smooth operation of the Front Office. Ensure personnel are executing their duties in an efficient, effective, professional and courteous manner.

Directs and coordinates the activities of the Front Desk, Reservations, Bell Desk, PBX, and Airport Operation.



Regional Grounds Manager

The salary for this position ranges between $29,000.00 and $30,000.00

The Concierge Department requires:

Reports to:

Reports to:

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Diploma or Associates degree in Horticulture or other Landscaping related discipline;  Four (4) years’ experience in a similar position;  Knowledge of landscaping.  Ability to travel frequently throughout the northern region

This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.



Landscaping Manager Senior Landscaping Supervisor

Grounds Manager

Grow and propagate plants; cultivating, and harvesting horticultural specialties, such as trees, shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and other plants.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Supervisory certification and experience leading a grounds team (Supervisor only)  Physically fit with the ability to lift over 30 lbs.  No allergies to chemicals  Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related 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.

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

Concierge Manager

Supervises the Concierge operation and ensures personnel are executing their duties in accordance to SRI SOP’s. Directs and coordinates the activities and daily functions of the Concierge department according to standards of Sandals Resorts International.

Creatively and innovatively foster, mentor and develop team members.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  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;

The Bar Department requires: 

Bar Supervisor

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 range for this position is $8.25 to $11.25 per hour

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 Departure Lounge Department requires:

The range for these positions are $10.25- $11.50 per hour

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.



VIP Drivers

Reports to:

The Cost Control Department requires:

Departure Lounge Manager



Provide personalized guest services by providing VIP services from the Airport to the Resort, able to provides baggage service and greet guest as they arrive at the to the beaches counter .

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Physically fit with the ability to lift over 30 lbs.  Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position.

This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

The rate for this position is $6.25 to $6.50per hour

Assistant Store Keeper

Qualifications and Experience:  Ability to meet deadlines  Knowledge of Accounting procedures  Computer Literate  Physically Fit; Reports to:

Logistic Manager

The Housekeeping Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

The range for this position $6.25 to $9.00 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 24th 2020

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 43

• Directs the selection and implementation of suitable technology to streamline all internal operations and help optimize their strategic benefits.

• Leads process standardization, improvements and benchmarking.

Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications:

VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC PLANNING, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Vice President of Strategic Planning, Innovation and Technology, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Description •Provide high quality executive expertise and visionary leadership in the areas of strategic planning; business innovation and developments; and information and communication technology.

• Drive business and technological innovation and developments.

• Responsible for formalizing the company’s strategic-planning processes, and leading the development of the strategy, translating it for people across functions and business units, and drive organizational change forging new working relationships and synergies across the organization.

• Provides leadership and strategy for the continued development of an innovative, robust, and secure information and communication technology environment throughout the Company. Facilitate integration and alignment of technology and business objectives.

Main Duties • Leads the development of the strategic plan/framework for the organization, and business plan, while adhering to direction set by the CEO and Board of Directors. This includes formalizing and leading the strategic planning process, focusing on long term trends and outlook, and competitive intelligence.

• Facilitates the execution of the strategy by working collaboratively with the other Executive Team members and ensuring that the strategy is communicated and easily understood by all throughout the organization. Ensures that strategic actions are completed at various levels to achieve desired results.

• Ensures that appropriate metrics are in place to measure performance and progress towards strategic goals.

• Responsible for developing, facilitating and monitoring the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process and reporting. Ensuring organization’s adherence to the approved IRP program and action plans.

• Engages external business and industry experts to learn and influence business strategies, constantly remaining alert and forward-thinking about opportunities and risks in the utility industry.

• Keep abreast of business trends and industry disruptive challenges. Obtain and evaluate information about industry and market trends, competitive threats and possible business opportunities.

• Provides guidance on risk management and business continuity management program. Understand and mitigate key elements of the enterprise-wide risk profile and provide status report to the CEO and Board of Directors.

• Identify strategies, business opportunities and new technologies in order to develop new capabilities and architectures. Coordinate development of feasibility study, research and development of relevant technologies and resources.

• Develop and execute robust high-impact innovation strategy and roadmap that are aligned with strategic business goals and priorities.

• Drive enterprise-wide projects that incorporate a proactive and innovative solution to addressing business challenges and achieving organizational goals and objectives.

• Directs development of strategic services or programs such as renewable energy program.

• Provides an effective, comprehensive and secure technology infrastructure to deliver the highest quality and sustainable information technology services in support of the Company’s mission through responsive leadership, innovative exploration, sound guidance, and open collaboration.

• Responsible for reporting information technology developments to the CEO and the Board of Directors in a timely and accurate manner.

• Provide strategic planning, including fostering innovation, planning projects, and organizing and negotiating the allocation of ICT resources.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Computer Science, or other related field; • MBA or Professional certification is an advantage i.e. PMP, CIA, CPA, CISA, CFE, Six Sigma; • Seasoned professional, with a strong strategy orientation, who has previously held several business or operational roles in an electric utility company; • At least ten years of leadership responsibility managing team and cross functional teams; • Proven track record in managing projects and enterprise-wide initiatives; • Profound understanding of electric utility business, emerging trends, and regulations; • Sound knowledge of information and communication technology, cyber security and ICT governance; • Experienced and knowledgeable in energy resource planning process and program monitoring; • Business and organizational development experience; • Transformational leader with a talent for building collaborative teams spanning both business and technology; Abilities and Skills: • Ability to apply a variety of strategic frameworks to analyze problems and to guide and develop solutions; • Ability to drive collaboration with executives, business and technical teams to achieve effective solutions; • Leadership qualities including the ability to motivate, inspire, influence, counsel and facilitate individuals and teams to take responsibility and accountability for the goals; • Comfortable building cross-functional relationships; • Strong analytical and problem solving skills; • Comprehensive understanding of business processes and practices; • Conflict resolution and negotiations skills to resolve disagreements quickly and effectively, bringing a problem-solving attitude to conflicting approaches and priorities involving others; • Demonstrate experience in driving business transformation (including mastery of a broad range of service model / strategy / transformational / process improvement tools and approaches); • Dynamic, creative, and unconventional approach to innovation and problem solving; • Ability to adapt and adjust quickly to change; • Demonstrated ability to develop new ideas from conception to implementation; Core competencies & full details of job description- Must be obtained upon request to apply.

Salary range: $120,00-180,000 per annum Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications This position is currently held by a work permit holder. Qualified individuals should apply to the addresses below. Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is January 20, 2020 to: Avi Adams Manager Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com AND aadams@fortistci. com Ms. Desireka Glinton Secretary Immigration Board Zone 2 Airport Road, Providenciales Email address: jobregistration@gov.tc

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

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

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

This Position is currently held by a Work Permit holder. Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board.

Salary rate: 8hr Deadline for Submission of application January 20th, 2020

Page 44

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 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 Offsite Department requires:  

The Administrative Department requires:

Caretaker Groundskeeper

Reports to:

  

Properties Manager

To work closely with the Properties to ensure that the physical appearance in and around the staff accommodation and other holdings are maintained as per the established quality and standards.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  

The range for these positions is $7.25 to $10.00 per hour

Managing Director

The Executive Assistant Manager is responsible for the daily operation of a villages, departments and Guest to improve and maintain a high quality of service. He/she is expected to give direction to all management and staff within the portfolio assigned and to ensure that this direction being in line with that of the company.

The Executive Assistant Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder and more than one is required.

The House Keeping Department requires: Housekeeping Supervisor

Reports to:

Reports to:

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Minimum Bsc. Preferably in Hospitality from a recognized institution;  Minimum eight (8) years’ work experience in the Hotel Industry;  Experience managing in a 400 room or more hotel;  Experience managing a team of minimum 1000 employees;

Physically fit with the ability to lift over 30 lbs.

Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position.

These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders.



Executive Assistant Manager(s) Guest Experience Manager Manager on Duty

The Stewarding Department requires:

Executive Housekeeper



Steward Supervisor

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.

Reports to:

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:

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.

  

Physically fit with the ability to lift and bend.

No allergies to chemicals or dust Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position

Stewarding Manager

Under the guidance and supervision of the Stewarding Manager within the scope of established Sandals Resort & Spa policies, the Steward will ensure that all aspects the stewarding operation are performed accordingly.

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.

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 Spa Department requires:

The range for this position is $8.25-$10.50 per hour



Spa Attendant

Reports to:

The Photoshop Department requires:

Spa Manager



Photographer

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.

Reports to: Photoshop Manager

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:

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



Must have a valid License/Certificate in your field of expertise;

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

The Kitchen Department requires:

Watersports/ Pool/ Beach Attendant Pool Technician

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: 

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.

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

The Watersports and Catamaran Departments require:  

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

First Aid & CPR Certified;

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

   

Chef Cook Cook Grade 1,2 and 3 Sous Chef (Manager)

Reports to: Executive Chef 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.

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

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 24th 2020

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 45

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 46

WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

SPORTS

Lakers’ Davis declines $146 million extension

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis declined a four-year, $146 million max extension on Tuesday and intends to become an unrestricted free agent in July, Yahoo Sports reported.

Yahoo reported that Rich Paul, who is Davis’ agent, informed the team that Davis wants to focus on this season.

Davis has a player option of $28.7 million for next season but is expected to decline it to become a free agent. He will be eligible to sign a five-year, $202 million max deal in the summer. According to the Yahoo report, Davis is expected to remain with the Lakers beyond this season.

The Lakers acquired Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans in the offseason for a package that included forward Brandon Ingram, point guard Lonzo Ball and combo guard Josh Hart.

Davis waived his no-trade clause so the deal with the Lakers could be completed. Tuesday was the first day in which he was eligible to sign an extension with the Lakers.

Davis, a six-time All-Star, is averaging 27.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.6 blocked shots in 34 games.

Also, forward LeBron James is ill and was sent home from the team’s

Warriors’ Steph Curry, Klay Thompson ‘dying to play,’ Steve Kerr says

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson

San Francisco – For weeks you’ve been hearing that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, both dealing with supervised rehabilitation, are getting restless. That they really, really miss the game.

It’s true, Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged on Saturday.

“They’re definitely restless,” he said before tipoff against the Pistons at Chase Center. “They’ve been restless for this whole season.”

Thompson has been out of action since last June, when he sustained a torn left ACL in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. He underwent surgery three weeks later.

Curry has been out since Oct. 30, when he sustained a fracture to his left hand that required surgery and the insertion of pins. The pins were removed four weeks ago.

There is hope both can return this season, but no timeline has been established. Curry is scheduled to be re-

evaluated the first week of February.

Kerr believes both have benefited from the time away. Reaching the NBA Finals five consecutive seasons takes a toll on the body and mind.

“The five-year run, for those two guys in particular, was exhausting,” Kerr said. “In an ironic way, this has been probably a good chance for them to blow off some stream and whatever metaphor you want to use.

“But that can only last for so long. They’re both dying to play. And we’re dying to have them back.”

Though Thompson regularly participates in individual drills focused mostly on shooting and dribbling, Curry has advanced far enough to reintroduce his left hand to the feel of the ball.

Curry and Thompson have experienced no setbacks in rehab, according to Kerr. Both are allowed to accompany the team on road trips, if they wish, but only with the approval of the training staff.

Boxing: Former heavyweight champ Spinks battling prostate cancer, says wife

Former heavyweight boxing champion Leon Spinks, who was hospitalized last month in a serious condition, is suffering from prostate cancer, his wife Brenda said on Thursday.

Spinks, 66, an Olympic Gold medalist in 1976 best known for a memorable upset victory over Muhammad Ali two years later in a world heavyweight title fight, was battling for his life in a Las Vegas

hospital last month.

“It’s going to be a long road and a lot of work,” Brenda said in a statement to USA Today. “But we are bound and determined for the champ to make a comeback.”

The report says the cancer has spread to Spinks’ bladder. Brenda said that he has returned home and will undergo cancer treatment on an outpatient basis.

morning shootaround in hopes he will feel well enough to play for Tuesday night’s home game against the New York Knicks.

“Not feeling good at all,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel told reporters. “But still hopeful he’ll play tonight, but we wanted to get him out of here as quickly as we could so he can rest up.”

James has missed just one game this game.

Guard Avery Bradley (ankle) is expected to play. He was injured during Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons but X-rays and an MRI exam both ruled out significant damage.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) dribbles the ball during the first quarter at Amway Center

Former champion Sharapova to get Australian Open wildcard

Former world number one Maria Sharapova will be awarded a world card to play in this month’s Australian Open, the organizers of the year’s first Grand Slam said on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Russian is currently ranked 147th in the world after a season in which a long-standing shoulder injury restricted her to eight tournaments.

Sharapova played her first match since losing in the first round of last year’s U.S. Open at the Brisbane International on Tuesday but was defeated 3-6 6-1 7-6(3) by American qualifier Jennifer Brady.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed on Wednesday that the 2008 champion will receive a wildcard entry into the main singles draw for the tournament, which starts in Melbourne on Jan. 20.

She responded with a “Thank you!!” to a post from the official Australian Open Twitter which read: “We’ll see you at #AO2020 @ MariaSharapova...”

The five-times Grand Slam champion has been troubled by shoulder problems throughout her career and underwent surgery early

Russia’s Maria Sharapova in action during her match against Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic last year, with lingering problems hampering her throughout the 2019 season.

“I’ve been fighting virus for a couple weeks and ended up in the hospital the other day, so that wasn’t fun,” Sharapova said after her loss in Brisbane.

“I just couldn’t keep anything in (but) that’s the extent that I’m going to share with you.”

Sharapova lost to Ash Barty in the fourth round of last year’s Australian Open.

Cowboys hire McCarthy as head coach

Mike McCarthy is the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

McCarthy confirmed to NFL Network on Monday he signed a contract and will officially be introduced as the replacement for Jason Garrett, who was officially informed his contract would not be renewed on Sunday.

McCarthy, 56, had also met with the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.

He was fired by the Packers on Dec. 2, 2018, after the team dropped to 4-7-1 during his 13th season at the helm in Green Bay. He finished with a 125-77-2 regular-season record while going 10-8 in the postseason, including a victory in Super Bowl XLV in the 2010 season.

McCarthy’s Packers twice knocked Garrett’s Cowboys out of the playoffs, winning divisional-round games on Jan. 11, 2015 (26-21 at Lambeau Field) and Jan. 15, 2017 (3431 at AT&T Stadium).

Garrett, 53, was head coach of the Cowboys for nine seasons and interim head coach for part of another season. He was 85-67 as head coach.

Garrett, whose contract would have expired on Jan. 14, was not expected to return after failing to reach

Mike McCarthy the playoffs despite a 3-0 start and a 6-3 record through nine games.

“His tenure of leadership will be characterized by his ability to produce teams that always played with great effort, emotion and passion, and he represented our organization with great pride, loyalty and respect,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in the statement.

Multiple outlets previously reported that the Cowboys would prefer to let Garrett’s contract run out rather than fire the coach, who had been on the Dallas coaching staff since 2007 and spent seven years on their roster as a backup quarterback in the 1990s.

McCarthy interviewed with the Cowboys on Saturday and reportedly could consider former Bengals coach Marvin Lewis as defensive coordinator.

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 47

WORLD SPORTS NBA roundup: Anthony, Blazers rally past Raptors

Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony (00) scores the winning basket during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena

Carmelo Anthony made a tiebreaking shot with 4.1 seconds remaining, and the visiting Portland Trail Blazers rallied to defeat the Toronto Raptors 101-99 on Tuesday night.

Damian Lillard, who tied the game for Portland on a 3-pointer with 38.5 seconds to play, had 20 points — 18 in the second half — and nine assists. Anthony finished with a game-high 28 points.

After the Raptors failed to score, the Trail Blazers took possession with 13.6 seconds to play and set up Anthony’s shot from the top of the key. Kyle Lowry, who missed the final shot of the game, had 24 points and 10 assists for Toronto.

The Raptors were without Fred VanVleet (hamstring), who joined Pascal Siakam (groin), Marc Gasol (hamstring) and Norman Powell (shoulder) on the sidelines. Toronto, which led by as many as 14 points in the third quarter, took a nine-point lead into the fourth.

Los Angeles Lakers 117 — New York Knicks 87

LeBron James scored 31 points as host Los Angeles, which lost Anthony Davis to a back injury, crushed New York.

Davis left the game with 2:45 remaining in the third quarter when he landed hard on the floor after losing his balance in a collision with the Knicks’ Julius Randle under the basket. X-rays on Davis’ lower back were negative, but he was to undergo more testing.

Rookie guard RJ Barrett scored 19 points to top the Knicks, who were without leading scorer Marcus Morris Sr. with a sore neck. Randle, a former Laker, had 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Elfrid Payton contributed 12 points.

Detroit Pistons 115 — Cleveland Cavaliers 113

Derrick Rose capped a 24-point performance by making the go-ahead shot with 26 seconds remaining as Detroit topped host Cleveland for just its third win in 12 games.

Detroit’s Andre Drummond recorded 23 points and 20 rebounds, including 11 and 10, respectively, in the first quarter. Tony Snell made four 3-pointers to highlight his 18-point performance for the Pistons. The Pistons announced earlier Tuesday that forward Blake Griffin was out indefinitely after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

Cleveland’s Kevin Love collected 30 points and nine rebounds, hours after calling his recent behavior “childish” in referring to recent outbursts in showing up his teammates and coaches. Collin Sexton had 20 points, and Cedi Osman scored 17 points for the Cavaliers, who have dropped five in a row.

Oklahoma City Thunder 111 — Brooklyn Nets 103 (OT) Chris Paul scored 28 points and hit two clutch shots in overtime as surging Oklahoma City outlasted slumping host Brooklyn in the second night of a backto-back for both teams.

The Thunder won for the 10th time in their last 12 games. Paul came within two of his season-high for points and shot 9 of 15 from the floor, including 4 of 8 from 3-point range.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 22 points and hit four free throws in the final minute to ice Oklahoma City’s win and send Brooklyn to its seventh consecutive loss. Taurean Prince scored 21 points to lead the Nets.

Memphis Grizzlies 119 — Minnesota Timberwolves 112 Dillon Brooks scored 28 points to help host Memphis sweep the three-game season series over Minnesota.

Ja Morant added 25 points and seven assists as the Grizzlies matched a season best with their third consecutive win. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 21 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots, and Jae Crowder recorded 14 points, eight rebounds and matched his career high of five steals for Memphis. ` Rookie Jarrett Culver scored a season-high 24 points and Jeff Teague added 18 off the bench for Minnesota. Robert Covington tallied 17 points, Andrew Wiggins scored 15, Gorgui Dieng added 11 and reserve Naz Reid scored 10 for the Timberwolves. Minnesota center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) missed his 11th straight contest.

Patriots quarterback Brady says ‘unlikely’ to retire

Tom Brady said he was “unlikely” to retire following New England’s defeat by the Tennessee Titans in a National Football League wild card playoff game on Saturday.

The 42-year-old quarterback, winner of six Super Bowls with the Patriots, is a free agent and speculation has been rife as to whether he will play next year and, if so, where.

Brady did not want to get drawn too much into speculation, but when pressed repeatedly at a post-game press conference offered at least a clue as to his future.

“I would say it’s pretty unlikely,” he said of the possibility of retiring.

“I don’t want to get too much into the future. I don’t know what’s going to happen.

No one needs to make choices at this point. I love playing football, love playing for this team. I don’t know what it looks like moving forward.”

If it turns out to have been Brady’s final game for the Patriots, it could hardly have ended in a worse way, as his final pass was intercepted by former team mate Logan Ryan for a victoryclinching Titans touchdown.

As Tennessee players celebrated wildly, Brady strode glumly off the field amid nearsilence as shocked New England fans contemplated perhaps the almost unthinkable end of a dynasty.

Asked whether this 20-13 defeat particularly hurt considering his age, Brady philosophized.

“We’re all running out of

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with the media after a loss to the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. time and chances every year that go by. I don’t think I’m the only one in that category.”

Giants name Judge as head coach

After missing out on Matt Rhule as their new head coach, the New York Giants acted quickly Tuesday, naming New England Patriots special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach Joe Judge to the position, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.

Judge interviewed for the job on Monday. He will replace Pat Shurmur, who was fired by the Giants on Dec. 30 after two seasons and a 9-23 record.

The Giants reportedly had a meeting scheduled with Rhule on Tuesday, but the Baylor head man instead accepted the Carolina Panthers’ head coaching position, according to reports.

NFL Network reported that Rhule gave the Giants an opportunity to match the Panthers’ six-year deal, but the team declined.

Judge, 38, began his coaching career as a Mississippi State graduate assistant from

2005-07. He then served three years as an analyst for head coach Nick Saban at Alabama from 2009-11, joining the Patriots in 2012 as an assistant special teams coach.

In 2015, he was promoted by the Patriots to special teams coach and received his most recent title in 2019. The Patriots’ season ended Saturday in a home loss to the Tennessee Titans in an AFC wild-card playoff game.

One reason the Giants moved so quickly on Judge after Rhule went to the Panthers, according to a Sports Illustrated report Tuesday, was that Judge had emerged as the top candidate to become the head coach at Mississippi State.

The Giants already had interviewed a number of candidates, including Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, Dallas

Cowboys defensive passing game coordinator Kris Richard and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

The club also reportedly was set to meet with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels this week, and the Giants also interviewed Mike McCarthy, who was named the Cowboys’ new head coach on Monday.

ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that the Giants requested permission from the Dallas Cowboys to interview for the offensive coordinator position.

Garrett, dismissed Sunday as the Cowboys’ coach, could provide an experienced ear for a rookie head coach.

The Giants need permission to talk to Garrett because he remains under contract in Dallas for another week.

Former NFL running back Ajayi joins MLS esports team

Former National Football League player Jay Ajayi traded in his helmet for a video game controller as the London-born running back was named this week as the official esports player for Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union.

Ajayi, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, is the first NFL player to become a professional gamer and will represent the Union for the 2020 eMLS Cup campaign starting on Friday.

“Philadelphia will always hold a special place in my heart. I am blessed to be able to represent the city through esports and to be one of the first pro athletes to become a professional gamer,” Ajayi said in a statement.

“Representing the Philadelphia Union for eMLS combines two of my greatest passions outside of football, soccer and gaming. I’m a competitor, so you’re going to see me give my all for the Union at every eMLS event this year.”

Miami Dolphins’ Jay Ajayi shakes hands with New Orleans Saints’ Adrian Peterson at the end of the match Action

The 26-year-old Ajayi, a lifelong soccer fan and an avid FIFA videogame player, was released by the Eagles last month after appearing in three games for them during the 2019 season.

Ajayi began his NFL

career with the Miami Dolphins in 2015 and in his second season was selected to the Pro Bowl. He was traded to Philadelphia midway through the 2017 campaign and helped the team to their first Super Bowl title.

Page 48

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 10TH, 2020 – JANUARY 17TH, 2020

Turks & Caicos’ most exciting new development, brought to you by award-winning Grace Bay Resorts.

For real estate sales inquiries, call 1.649.946.4474 | 1.649.231.0707 email info@rockhouseresort.com or visit us online at RockHouseResort.com Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 348 6838 | Fax: 649 941 3281