VOLUME 16 ISSUE 06

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 16 - NO. 06

Email: sun@suntci.com

Tel: (649) 348-6838

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Fax: (649) 941-3281

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CANADIAN HUMAN SMUGGLER CHARGED WITH BRINGING SRI LANKANS TO TCI

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

A

Canadian man who was convicted and jailed for smuggling people into the United States of America, has been charged in connection with the 29 undocumented Sri Lankans who were caught on an overcrowded illegal sloop that arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands from Haiti in October 2019.

The man, whose real name is Sri Kajamukam Chelliah, but who is better known as Mohan, appeared before Acting Magistrate Tony Gruchot on Thursday, February 6th, 2020, charged with assisting illegal entry and unlawful entry.

The convicted human smuggler, who had pleaded not guilty to both charges last week, was represented by attorneys Tim Prudhoe and Willin Belliard of the lawfirm Prudhoe Caribbean, while Deputy Director

of Public Prosecutions Angela Brooks appeared for the Crown.

Chelliah, who was escorted to court by armed policeman in bulletproof vests, is scheduled to reappear in court on February 25th, 2020. Two British police officers, who are assisting with investigations into the matter, were also in court.

He was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prisons in Grand Turk, while the 27 Sri Lankans are being held at the Detention Centre on South Dock Road.

Investigations by The SUN revealed that Chellian and another man called Iqbal Munawar from Pakistian, were arrested at Miami International Airport a few years ago, after they were wanted on a warrant out of New York City, where a federal complaint said they helped a third man, Nathu Babu Dhamelia, bring aliens into the United States for $20,000 each.

Continued on page 2

Accused human smuggler Sri Kajamukam Chelliah, , being escorted from court by police

Grace Bay Resorts: West Bay Club named ‘The Best Resorts in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveller Caption: L–R: Thierry Grandsire - Executive Vice President of Operations, Grace Bay Resorts, Hon. Ralph Higgs - Minister of Tourism, Adelphine Pitter - General Manager, West Bay Club /Chairman of the Tourist Board, Nikheel Advani - COO/principal, Grace Bay Resorts, Beverly Howell - General Manager, Point Grace and Mark Durliat - CEO/principal, Grace Bay Resorts. (See page 2 for story)

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

CANADIAN HUMAN SMUGGLER CHARGED WITH BRINGING SRI LANKANS TO TCI

continued from page 1

The two men were charged with taking part in an international conspiracy to smuggle Middle Eastern immigrants into the United States through Cuba, Jamaica and South America.

According to reports in the international media, including the New York Times, Chelliah, is believed to be responsible for smuggling about 1,700 people into the United States.

He pleaded guilty to knowingly encouraging and inducing immigrants to enter the United States illegally, and was sentenced to five years in prison.

Chellian made international headlines for his role in an organised smuggling operation that involved five

Sri Lankan men who fled a civil war in their country in 2010 and embarked on a months-long human-smuggling journey that spanned seven countries.

According to a New York Times report, they each paid $55,000 for a ride by air and sea to a fresh chance in the Americas. They were captured within hours of their arrival in South Florida and served as witnesses for the F.B.I. in the investigation of their smugglers.

The report quoted a fisherman as saying that after contacting “Mohan” the smuggler, he left his wife and toddler and fled on a five-leg flight: Sri Lanka to Dubai to Moscow to Cuba to Haiti.

In Haiti, he met Mohan, and the other

immigrants who would become his “an investigative keyhole” at a global companions in a years-long court battle. people trafficking ring.

They left Haiti for the Bahamas, then “With international partners we intend to exploit that opportunity,” the embarked for Florida on Dec. 5, 2010.

During the launch of the Governor said. “With this ambition in National Security Strategy, on January mind – going after those profiting from 22nd, 2020, Governor Nigel Dakin the trade rather than just those trafficked revealed that the Turks and Caicos Islands - our intention is to build a secure and has started a “significant investigation” vetted capability on the Islands that into people trafficking, led by local can better collect, assess and then take police and drawing on contracted United action on intelligence we generate - or which is generated by our partners. Like Kingdom (UK) police Officers.

He said this large investigation the Defence Force, the UK are looking is working in tandem with Canadian, US to support us in this and this will have and UK law enforcement, adding that strategic impact on all aspects of national the recent arrest of 29 Sri Lankans has security and serious crime.” allowed local authorities to look through

Grace Bay Resorts: West Bay Club named ‘The Best Resorts in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveller

By Todeline Defralien

West Bay Club in the Turks and Caicos Islands has been named one of the Best Resorts in the World by Condé Nast Traveller: 2019 Readers Choice Awards.

West Bay Club, Point Grace, and Grace Bay Club have been recognized in the top 10 of the top 25 resorts in the Atlantic Islands. Making it one of the most awarded Luxury Brands in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

An official celebration was held at West Bay Club, Lower Bight Road on Wednesday February 5th to celebrate this prestigious accolade and recognition.

Nikheel Advani - COO/principal, Grace Bay Resorts said, “This month we’ve got informed by Condé Nast Traveler which is a premier luxury publication in the hospitality sector globally and one of our Grace Bay Resorts ‘West Bay Club’ was nominated as one of the best resorts in the world, not just in the Caribbean but in the world. For us this was a very special moment and there are three things that had to happen for this to be a reality. We had the West Bay Club team

and the Grace Bay Resorts family together with Adelphine and her team that really has made great improvements in levels of service in the quality of product that we give out and every single thing that we do day and night they breathe this property.”

He added: “The second thing is we couldn’t do it without these beautiful waters and beautiful people of the Turks and Caicos. More and more people want to see the islands, not just the resort so they go out in the community and they want to feel safe and feel so great about it.

The third reason are our partners, it’s the luxury magazines like Condé Nast, Travel Leisure, travel agents and our guests and the residents who buy property here who believe in us and invest in us, that’s who make this happen.”

Mark Durliat - CEO/principal, Grace Bay Resorts said, “I think what’s important for everybody to know is that when we became involved in West Bay Club it was about six years ago and I received a called from the original developer and he asked us if there was a way that we can help and we sat down and said how can we do something that

is really influential in that property. The first things we said was who is are most influential incapables and talented manager to come and take this property to a new level and that was Adelphine Pitter.”

Durliat said he has worked with Adelphine for 20 years and knew right away that she could take an incredibly motivated team at Bay Club to a new level.

“Since 2013 when we went out to market most of the travel agents across the globe didn’t even know West bay Club existed and our job over the next few years was to established awareness to this property that has been very influential. We knew that with spirit and a lot of positivity we could make an incredible success which is now proof of that success,” he said.

Thierry Grandsire - Executive Vice President of Operations, Grace Bay Resorts officially presented Adelphine Pitter - General Manager, West Bay Club with a token of appreciation for a job well done.

Adelphine Pitter - General Manager, West

Bay Club commented, “To be named among the top resorts in the world means more to me than you will ever know and furthermore to receive this recognition from travelers whose lives we have touched is even more touching to me and my team. We’ve inherited a group of special people with hearts of gold and a passion to serve and immediately we hit the ground running as Grace Bay Resorts would do and we’ve decided on a number of things to embark on to improve this property. One of the key things we’ve decided on was to develop and train this group of special people and today I can say that Grace Bay Resorts can boast about the strongest training and development program. I believe that is why we are standing here today celebrating this accolade.”

Minister of Tourism Ralph Higgs congratulated the West Club adding that he is looking forward to strengthening their working relationship moving forward so that TCI can continue to be considered and ranked among the best resorts and destination in the world.

Foreign Office Minister of State for the Overseas Territories Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon visits the Turks and Caicos Islands UK Foreign Office Minister for the Overseas Territories Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon is visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday, February 11th, 2020.

During his visit, the Minister will be meeting with the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, the Chief of Police, members of the Criminal Justice System. He will meet leads from the Police Maritime Unit, Border Force, Radar and Environment to discuss maritime challenges.

The Minister will also be briefed by those investigating and policing serious crime in

the country. These meetings will provide an opportunity to engage on a range of matters relating to the island’s economy and security.

The focus of the visit will be for the Minister to see firsthand the Islands’ response to border security and serious crime.

The visit will inform how the UK can provide further support to the Turks and Caicos Islands to improve national security.

The Minister is also keen to recognise the continued growth of the high-end tourism sector and observe the islands

recovery since his last visited immediately after the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad said: “The UK is committed to continuing our strong and positive partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands.

I look forward to seeing for myself how the islands have recovered since the devastating hurricanes of 2017. I am also keen to focus on how the UK can support the Islands on security and ensuring Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon safety of all islanders.”

Women robbed, assaulted in home invasions

Meantime, Bain said police are investigating an aggravated burglary on James Street, Grand Turk, on Saturday, February 1st, 2020 at 5:00 a.m.

A male entered the home and assaulted a 27-year-old woman who was taken to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre for treatment. Two men are currently assisting Police with this investigation.

Bain added that Providenciales Police are investigating an aggravated burglary which occurred at a house on John Grant Street, Blue Hills around 4:40 a.m. on Saturday, February 2nd, 2020.

Two masked armed men entered the home and demanded money, but there

were no injuries or shots fired in this case, Bain said.

She said that in a second incident, officers responded to an apartment complex along the Millennium Highway, following reports of an aggravated burglary where two mask gunmen entered the apartment rented by a female around 4 a.m. and robbed her of cash. There were no reports of shots fired or injuries.

Bain said the culprits then entered a second apartment at the same complex after 4 a.m. and demanded money from a female victim who was assaulted and later taken to hospital for treatment. There were no shots fired in this incident.

In other news, officers of the

Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are seeking the public’s help with information with the recent Robbery Incidents that took place early morning, February 6th, 2020.

Police and Emergency Medical Personnel were dispatched to the Blue Hills area around 4:07 a.m., following reports of a Robbery and Shooting. A male victim was robbed and shot by gunmen and was later taken to hospital for treatment.

Police are also investigating a second shooting incident at a home in Blue Hills at 4:14 a.m. According to the male victim, two masked men entered his home and demanded money before shooting him. He was taken to hospital

for medical treatment. Three persons occupied the home. No other injuries were reported.

At 4:38 a.m., reports are that two armed men entered a third home along the Millennium Highway and demanded money. The occupants were robbed of personal items. There were no shots fired or injuries reported in this incident.

The public is reminded to utilize Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) if you have any information on the said incidents or any crime that was previously reported. Crime Stoppers is a confidential way of assisting us with information. You can also call 911, The Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901 or 941-8084.

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Most ATMs in Providenciales closing from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m

Commercial banks in Providenciales have closed Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., effective Wednesday February 5th, 2020, according to a statement from Governor Nigel Dakin.

This, the Governor said, will include all drive-throughs and those in bank vestibules.

However, he added: “For the moment this closure will not include those in highly visible public places such as the airport and supermarket locations, but we will keep this under review. It will not impact ATM’s on other islands although we hope the Banks use this opportunity to also look, and if necessary improve, the security around them.”

The Governor said this decision was taken at a meeting held with him, Premier Sharlene Robinson and the three banks on Monday “seeking their active support in removing a criminal methodology that has developed in TCI; forcing bank customers to provide access to their bank accounts, through ATM machines, while being held hostage on

fear of their life”.

Noting that the country “needed more than just a policing response to this”, Governor Dakin added: “This is not time limited; it is subject to review dependent on a survey and recommendations around the security of individual ATM’s conducted by the banks. The Banks and Governor’s Office will remain in close touch during this period and we will collectively keep the public informed of changes.”

In terms of deposits, he noted that they have agreed this will not impact mechanical drop boxes it will remove, temporarily, the ability to deposit money through electronic ATM’s between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

“I am grateful for the Bank’s co-operation on this. I stressed that in making the request I had the support of the Premier, Leader of the Opposition, Police Commissioner and the major employers across the tourist industry. A good example of national unity, and a good example of where small changes in the private sector – in terms of all other

His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin

Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson

changes we are making across the public sector - should make a difference,” he added.

In October 2019, then Acting Governor Anya Williams and then Acting Commissioner Rodney Adams met with the three leading financial institutions in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Scotiabank, First Caribbean International Bank and the Royal Bank of Canada and it was agreed that ATMs will be closed from 7:00 p.m.to 8:00 a.m. in order to ensure

the safety of clients.

This was implemented following a trend of persons being forcibly taken to ATMs by armed bandits to withdraw money.

At that time it was indicated that all drive through ATMS on Providenciales will be affected. However, since that announcement, persons were still able to get funds from ATMs after those promised closing hours.

NEEDED IN SOUTH CAICOS

Is seeking 2 Masons Must be able to alter and repair brick, stone, tile or ceramic structures and surfaces Is seeking 2 Labourers. Duties may include: cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines Seeking 1 CARETAKE Must be able to help the elderly get dressed, eat, bathe and complete light housekeeping duties, such as dishes or folding laundry Seeking 1 House Keeper The Cleaner duties includes: Cleaning, stocking and supplying designated facility areas (dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning ceiling vents, restroom cleaning etc) To work 6 days per week, Salary is negotiable Please Contact E SAUNDERS at 331-4475, All positions are held by a Work Permit Holder Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Immigration Board

PRINCIPAL CLAIMS OFFICER POSITION SUMMARY-OVERVIEW To facilitate and ensure the smooth processing of medical/health-related Claims to ensure the timely, efficient and accurate payment to contracted providers.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT POSITION SUMMARY-OVERVIEW The Senior Accountant reports to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, and is responsible for providing financial, administrative and clerical services. This includes the supervising of the Accounting officers and ensuring that all functions of the Department are carried out in a timely and accurate manner. Providing these services in an effective and efficient manner will ensure that the Financial Statements are accurately reported.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Supervise the AP and AR Accounting Officers to ensure that their functions are carried out accordingly.

• Ensures that payments are applied to specific bills before executing the Mass Apply process and conducts Paid Transaction Removal process • Submits to the Deputy CFO a list of delinquent/non-moving accounts for verification and resolution • Primary contact for Customers to meet and reconcile their Accounts.

• Spot audits on Cash Receipts and the timely Deposits of Receipts.

• Reviews and ensures the accuracy of the Accounts Payable reconciliation • Aid where necessary to the Accounting Officers in carrying out their duties • Leads the conduct of Monthly Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Review • Ensure that all supporting documents are accessible and filed appropriately • Dealing with the banks and auditors of NHIB on various matters.

• Assistance with the preparation of the financial statements.

• Preparation of journal entries.

• Ensure the confidentiality and security of all financial files • Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

REQUIRED EDUCATION EXPERISE/SKILLS • A Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy or equivalent qualification plus five (5) years’ work experience in Accounting/Finance.

• Must be able to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point etc) • Excellent team player with team building skills.

• Excellent writer and oral communication skills.

• Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure • Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP will be an asset.

Salary: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. $50,000 to $58,000 per annum

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Ensures Claims are entered accurately and processed in accordance with established standards.

• Suggests improvements to increase efficiency of claims processing.

• Ensures monthly reports on departmental activities are prepared on time.

• Reviews claims to ensure compliance with documentation requirements.

• Ensures that claims are closed in a timely manner for payments.

• Maximizes the use of the department’s database to track and write the relevant Management reports; accesses the main and sub-systems to accurately achieve this end.

• Produces accurate claims history reports for provider payments.

• Addresses provider and beneficiary queries.

• Performs other related duties assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE • At least an Associate’s Degree in Business, Finance, Health Administration, Accounts from a recognized tertiary institution.

• Bachelor’s Degree in above referenced areas (preferred).

• 3 years of relevant job experience.

• 1+ years of accounting/finance experience (preferred).

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Working knowledge of the use of personal computing software including spreadsheet applications, Microsoft Office/word processing, and operating systems applications.

Salary: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. $35,000 to $45,000 per annum.

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

After submitting application to National Health Insurance Board Human Resource department, Qualified Belongers may also submit a copy of their applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Immigration Board.

Deadline for submission is February 10, 2020

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

530 illegal migrants intercepted in January

A total of 530 illegal migrants were detained by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch in collaboration with the Coastal Radar Station for the month of January 2020, including 453 that were detained within the territorial waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands over the past five days.

This was stated by Police press relations officer Takara Bain who said an additional 20 persons destined for

Providenciales were intercepted by the US Coastguard, 50 miles South of French Cay through collaboration with the Marine Branch, on Friday, January 30th, 2020.

Bain said the latest incident was recorded on Monday, February 3rd, 2020, about 8:15 a.m., when officers of the Marine Branch with assistance of the Coastal Radar Station, intercepted a 36-ft wooden vessel powered by two

outboard engines, about six miles south of Providenciales.

Some 210 persons were detained and handed over to Immigration officials, according to Bain who said it is believed that about three individuals may have escaped detention by jumping overboard in the vicinity of the South Dock.

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: “The successful detection and arrest of 530 subjects is testament

to RTCIPF’s resolve to safeguard our territorial waters, despite many challenges. I would like to thank ASP Ennis Grant and his Marine Branch team for their hard work. We are also grateful for the support from our Immigration and DECR partners, the Radar Station Operators as well as the US Coastguard.

This collective effort makes a positive difference”

John “Brother Will” Williams message to the Governor

by John “Brother Will” Williams

Direct to the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, please it’s time you put a end to this illegal entry in this country.

It’s not acceptable any more. I gave you the benefit of the doubt when you first came because you were new in the country, but the streets are now questioning your leadership of this country, especially in illegal immigrants and day-to-day crime which you are fully responsible for.

It is starting to look like it was your plans from the beginning you come here, to streets and me, is to let the crime and the illegal go sky high. I’m not saying

that; it’s just the word on the streets and my opinion is not gospel.

We know that the country cannot afford to send these people back or stop the crime all at once or anytime soon because of our financial position, but please do something like now, because you are responsible for our security in this country.

We know we have an elected government that can only do so, much but they wouldn’t come out. To the Government who we elected hands down, please go door-to-door and tell the people who elected you, what you can do or can’t do, so finger pointing will not be on you all. And we will hold you accountable. Sir

Governor, if we don’t have the financing in the budget you should know how to move money around from one project to another.

Let us start with SIPT budget. Put the case on hold for a year or more and take that $9.4 million what this country is paying on a yearly basis to prosecute a hand-full of people and use it to save a country full of people. Sir, that is just basic common sense. Or tell us the people what is more important now to bring some stability to our country; our borders, or keep going with the SIPT trial. Anyone who has a plan about how to stop these acts, just share with the Governor or Government. The country needs help.

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Desmond Wilson appointed Permanent Secretary of Border Control and Employment Services

The Turks & Caicos Islands Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Desmond Wilson as the new Permanent Secretary with responsibility for the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment effective February 1st, 2020.

Commenting on his appointment, Wilson stated: “I would like to first give thanks to our great God for his continued blessings on my life, I would also like to thank the panel for their vote of confidence and of course my family for their unwavering support.

I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve and pledge to do my utmost to have a positive impact on the Ministry and by extension, the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services is one of the most important ministries in government and carries out a very vital role on behalf of the people of these islands. I take this role quite seriously and will hard and diligently to do what is necessary to lead and to further develop this key ministry.”

Her Excellency, Deputy Governor, Anya Williams said: “I am pleased to congratulate Mr. Wilson on his recent appointment and would like to wish him every success in his new role.

He is no stranger to the Ministry of Border Control, having spent extensive years in that Ministry and having previously led the Immigration Department. As a Deputy Secretary and often Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Wilson has demonstrated strong leadership, project management, and other key skills

which we are certain he will take with him to this new role. Having already shared his planned outlook, work plan and vision for transformation in the Ministry of Border Control, we wish him well and stand available to provide support and guidance where necessary.

Congratulations Desmond, we wish you well!”

Wilson joined the Public Service in August 1986 as a Radio Announcer with Radio Turks and Caicos and remained with RTC until December of 1990 when he joined the Immigration Department in December 1990 as a Junior Immigration Officer, shortly after being promoted to the post of Senior Immigration Officer and working his way up the ranks eventually becoming the Assistant Director of Immigration and the overall head and Director of Immigration in 2002.

As Director of Immigration, Mr. Wilson achieved many milestones including key input in the discussing and implementation of the Blue Ribbon Commission Report and Border Security laws and policies. Prior to Mr. Wilson’s early departure from the Public Service in 2012, he was promoted to the roles of Under Secretary in January 2008 and Acting Permanent Secretary in September 2010, where he participated in the crafting and implementation of numerous ordinances, regulations and policies, which were all aimed at enhancing government functions, service delivery and broader strategy.

During this time he received qualifications in key areas of Immigration & Border Control as follows:

-International Association of Refugee Law Judges-Americas Chapter workshop, US Embassy, Nassau Bahamas -Certificate in General Law Court Prosecution, Regional Police Training College – Barbados -Certificate of Completion Enforcement Procedures, Immigration Department

in

Law TCIG

-Certificate of Participation, Public Procurement Law; Critical Trends in Caribbean Procurement Law – UWI facility of Law, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados - Certificate of Completion, Public-private partnership: Managing fiscal Costs and Risk- Part 2 – CARTAC FIDIC and JCC training -Certificate in International Disaster Management, Civil Defense Academy -Certificate of Completion-International Immigration Training, US Department of Justice - Nassau Bahamas -Certificate of Completion in Forgery Detection, Canadian Immigration Department -Basic Observational Techniques and Behavior Analysis Training, Rovertech -Certificate in Effective Supervisory Management Skills for the 21st century -Leadership Development Programme, National School of Government.

Desmond Wilson In January 2015, Mr. Wilson returned to the Public Service as Deputy Permanent Secretary within the now office of the Deputy Premier, Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, Planning and Development, where he worked on a number of initiatives in helping the ministry to lead, implement and manage the governments significant infrastructure capital investment programmes and other work.

Starting salary $6.25 per hour not including service charge.

Server As a Server you are responsible forserving food and/or beverage, this includes the order-taking and delivery of any food and/or beverage items. This task is to be handled in a friendly, courteous, helpful, timely and professional manner resulting in a very high providing courteous and professional manner resulting in a very high level of guest satisfaction.

•Check station before, during and after shift for proper set-up and cleanliness.

•Greet the guests in a warm, friendly and courteous manner and explain any specials and/or restaurant promotions for guest awareness.

•Assist guest in choice of menu selections and special requests.

•Exhibit knowledge of menu items, prices, recipes styles of service and preparation.

•Record the details of the order from the guests, repeating the order to the guest to check for accuracy.

•Input the order into the Point of Sale computer to inform the kitchen of the particulars in the order being placed.

•When complete, retrieve order from kitchen, confirm its accuracy, lift and deliver to guest along with appropriate condiments. Abide by all Government regulations pertaining to serving alcoholic beverages to minors and intoxicated guests.

•Replenish beverages as necessary and check with guests for overall satisfaction.

•Market and serve upon request any dessert items or specialty coffees.

•Ascertain guest satisfaction and present check. Process Provide feedback on compliments and/or guest concerns to supervisor.

•Room Service- responsible for preparing orders, setting trays, delivering items to guest rooms in an attentive and efficient manner, and ensuring to provide excellent quality service as per the Hotel standard operating procedures.

•Complete closing duties including restocking items, turning off lights etc.

•Maintain cleanliness of work areas throughout the shift.

•Assist in carrying out scheduled inventories of products and operating equipment.

•Ensure proper appearance and grooming while on duty.

•Ensure minimum wastage and breakage.

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

•Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

•Verbal Communication, Customer Service, Resolving Conflict, Teamwork, Energy level, Thoroughness, Professionalism, client relationships •participate in and support training and staff meetings.

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

•Professionalism, Client relationships •participate in and support training and staff meetings.

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

Room Attendant* As a Room Attendant for The Shore Club Resort, you will be responsible for creating The Shore Club Experience for guests by providing housekeeping services that meet all The Shore Club standards of cleanliness and appearance.

•Make the bed, clean and straighten entire room/suite, including vacuuming, mopping and dusting.

•Display and replace bath amenities and resort information and items.

•Order repairs as appropriate.

•Return articles left in rooms to Lost and Found.

•Ensure the total appearance of the guest room/suite reflects The Shore Club standards of luxury service.

•Maintain supplies necessary to service rooms efficiently.

•Keep supply caddy stocked.

•Keep guest corridors clear of service items.

•Inspect linens for quality and removes soiled, torn or worn item.

•Notify Housekeeping Department of stock shortage and/or malfunctioning equipment.

•Take personal responsibility and show initiative in work planning and problem-solving.

•Show personal attention to guests’ unique needs, interests and expectations.

•Keep informed and demonstrate job knowledge, following all job and service standards •Provide genuine service through actions that display self-confidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues.

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

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

•Able to speak, communicate and understand English.

•High school or equivalent education.

•Must have worked in hotels or other institution in a similar capacity.

•Must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance per standards.

•Perform other duties as requested, such as cleaning unexpected spills and executing special guest requests.

•Ability to work with heavy cleaning machinery.

•Must be able and willing to work all days and shift.

Starting salary $6.25 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 February28th2020. Resumes can also be submitted to the Labor Department directly. The Shore Club HR Office can be contacted at (649) 3398000

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

False reports of passengers with coronavirus on GT cruise ship

Rumors about sick passengers on board a cruise ship bound for Grand Turk are untrue, according to the Environmental Health Department (EHD).

In a press statement, the EHD said that during a meeting with Grand Turk Cruise Center last week and again on Monday February 3rd, 2020 they were informed of the following precautionary measures being taken by the cruise industry: Pre-screening of cruise passengers during check in; increase

surveillance on the cruise ship and cruise ships must notify the use of any illnesses on board.

It was noted that as a part of the Port Health protocol, the Environmental Health Department along with Director of Health Services receives the Maritime Declaration of Health prior to all Cruise Ships arriving in Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Following these standardized procedures, EHD would like to assure the general public, especially the residents of

Grand Turk, that ongoing rumors about sick passengers on board a cruise ship bound for Grand Turk are untrue,” the press statement noted.

“We understand that persons are concerned, however, please note that there are no suspected or confirmed cases of Coronavirus within the TCI. The Ministry of Health remains committed to ensuring that these are Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands remain Coronavirus-free.”

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends 3 things to keep from getting coronavirus, 3 things you should not do

The novel coronavirus — which originated in the city of Wuhan in China’s Hubei province and has spread to 24 other countries — has reportedly killed 362 people in China and one person in the Philippines as of Monday.

At least 11 people have been infected with the virus in the US, but officials there say the risk to Americans is still “low.”

Here are three things the US Centers for Disease Control recommends you do to keep from getting Wuhan coronavirus, and three things you should not do.

The CDC has an entire subsection of its website dedicated to the coronavirus, which it regularly updates with new information. The section also contains helpful pages, like a frequently asked questions page, which answers questions like how the disease spreads.

“It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum,” the FAQ page says. “Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.”

The CDC said to prevent the coronavirus people should stick to the tried-and-true methods they would use to avoid any virus. These suggestions include: •Avoiding close contact with people who are infected.

•If you’re sick, avoid interacting with other people.

•Don’t go to work if you’re sick; stay home.

•When you sneeze, cover your nose and mouth.

•Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.

•Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that could be contaminated with germs (like your phone).

•Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer with 60% alcohol or higher if you can’t get to a sink.

“If you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have traveled to China or were in close contact with someone with 2019-nCoV in the 14 days before you began to feel sick, seek medical care,” the CDC recommends. “Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.”

That way they can prepare the space for a possibly infected person.

The Trump administration on January 31 placed a ban on foreign nationals who had visited China within the past 14 days, with exceptions for immediate family members of US citizens and permanent residents.

US citizens who have recently visited the Hubei province, where the outbreak started, must submit to a 14-

day quarantine when reentering the US. A second plane was headed to Wuhan on Sunday to remove US citizens in the city, which would be the second instance of such an extraction effort, and may not be the last.

Plus, the US State Department increased its travel warning for China to a Level 4 on Sunday, recommending US citizens “do not travel” to the country because of the virus.

“Do not use facemasks,” the CDC said. “CDC does not recommend the use of facemasks for the general public to prevent the spread of 2019-nCoV.”

Experts told Business Insider’s Holly Secon that for the average person wearing a mask is not as effective as everyday measures like hand-washing and avoiding close contact with anyone who might be infected.

“There’s little harm in it,” Eric Toner, a scientist at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said. “But it’s not likely to be very effective in preventing it.”

“Do not show prejudice to people of Asian descent, because of fear of this new virus. Do not assume that someone of Asian descent is more likely to have 2019nCoV,” the CDC wrote.

The spread of the virus has also led to the spread of racism and xenophobia in various venues like colleges, workplaces, and grocery stores. A worker at a Costco in Washington state refused to serve an eight-year-old boy of a mixed ethnic background a food sample over her fear he was from China, Business Insider reported.

Young Turks and Caicos Islander shortlisted for London Book Fair Trailblazer Award

Tatiana Handfield, Author, editor, and owner of Turks and Caicos Islands Independent Publishing Company, Cyril and Dorsie Publishing was recently shortlisted for the London Book Fair Trailblazer Award. ` The Trailblazer Award recognised 31 under 30 professionals who are excelling within the UK publishing industry under the theme “For those roaring through their 20s” and was held in London at the Television Centre, Soho House White City on January 28th 2020.

The event saw publishing professionals from small start up publishing companies, traditional publishing houses and book related businesses such as Blackwells, Harper Collins, Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press and Audible.

Speaking of the event Miss Handfield stated: “It was a great pleasure and surreal moment to be honoured in London at the Trailblazer Award show. As a young professional in the publishing industry it is quite inspiring to see that your work is being

recognised and appreciated, especially at such an early stage since Cyril and Dorsie Publishing is a relatively new publishing company, having only being established in early 2019. I am proud to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands and look forward to the advances we will make. “

Cyril and Dorsie Publishing will make their international debut at the London Book Fair in March (10th-12th 2020). The London Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the world and attracts thousands of visitors, global publishers, authors and other relevant professionals within the publishing and book world. The London Book Fair began in 1971 and in its 4th year will be held in Olympia, London.

The company will showcase their official publication of the Turks and Caicos Islands Word Search Puzzle Book Historical Sites and Attractions at the London Book Fair and look forward to displaying and representing the talents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Tatiana Handfield

Turks and Caicos Sun

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

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

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

$43million development, The Bight by Dream Hotel Group, coming to TCI

By Todeline Defralien

A new $43million boutique hotel ‘The Bight’ will soon commence construction on Providenciales.

Dream Hotel Group recently announced plans to open The Bight

by Dream Hotel Group with 90 guest rooms and suites and multiple food and beverage concepts in the Turks and Caicos in 2022. Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty is representing this new development which is owned by Ryan Jones and Natalie Zaidan of the EA Group.

During an exclusive interview on Thursday February 5th, Ryan Jones, Developer, EA Group told The SUN, construction will begin in the next 12-14 months.

He said, “It will be Dream Hotel Group’s first hotel in the Caribbean and they chose Turks and Caicos Islands.

We’re extremely excited about it and they are also making investment here and I think that it is big news that they have so much interest and confidence in this project in Turks and Caicos. What our buyers want to know is firstly, do I get access to the best beach in Turks & Caicos? Can I trust and align with the operator? What makes this place unique and is this a good investment? To all of those questions we can now tick the boxes and answer yes, this is a great investment in TCI and that is why we are so excited.”

Jones added that this project will also bring permanent new jobs for the community.

“It’s a 90 room hotel so you have full occupancy and 120-140 people and we’re planning for a point five guest ratio which is normal for a four star hotel, so we’re looking at 80 employees. Some of those employees may be outsourced like landscaping, security but I think that it indicates well over 82- 100 permanent new jobs in Turks and Caicos. This is just the start. That’s just the first built project which is the hotel, and then there will be some villas after that and then it will grow from there,” he said.

Asked how The Bight Hotel can benefit the Turks and Caicos Islands, Jones said, “The project was designed to stand out. The Turks and Caicos serves a number of markets very well, it does the five stars, beach front, luxury and family reunion type vacationer and it does an extremely good job at that and it does five star exclusive extremely well also. One way that we think Turks and Caicos could benefit and that’s what this

Front Rendering of the Bight Hotel

project has been designed around is a real boutique beach product, which is a four star boutique beach product which focuses on the environment, culture, good design, customer service and experiences and adventure.”

In addition, Jones stressed that the real estate is not the showcase; it’s the experience that’s the showcase.

He added: “This is going to be approachable for vacationers but also for real estate investors. The units are well priced in order to provide strong returns and the average daily rate is going to be significantly under some of the other five star projects in Turks and Caicos. I think that it is going to address a market that Turks and Caicos currently aren’t doing a great job with, which is someone who is looking for something a little more or a little more adventurous.”

Jones further expressed their reason for choosing The Bight location and keeping its name.

“Natalie and I have the EA Group of companies, the EA Group is a group of 7-8 companies, some of them are hospitality companies and some of them are construction companies and we also do flowers, weddings, have a restaurant and a coffee shop so this is a natural extension of that to build a hotel.

When we looked at Turks and Caicos we wanted to share our own experience with the Turks and Caicos and the world by extension so we wanted it to be authentic and align with what we were doing with our lives with the same passion that someone vacationing in Turks and Caicos would have and to give them that full experience. We live in The Bight, my family is in The Bight, my kids are growing up in The Bight and it was natural for us to be in The Bight.

Boutique hotels in general have kept the names of the place that they are from so that’s why we wanted The Bight Hotel to keep The Bight name. We wanted The Bight Hotel to be in the place and from the place that it was,” he explained to The SUN.

He continued: “We were looking for a property that meets all the criteria.

It had amazing beach access to Grace Bay Beach because all of our buyers want Grace Bay beach. The property has this amazing elevation, an elevated view as everybody who lives here knows, is sometimes even better than a beachfront property. To have a property that has an elevated view with 1,000ft of beach access was rare. We didn’t see any other properties in Turks and Caicos that even came close to that. We also wanted a

property with acreage. We have almost seven (7) acres to play with, and if you compare that to some of the other properties in Turks and Caicos, there are significant hotels that are built here on 2.5 acres or 3 acres.”

Jones added that permaculture and Caribbean experience is very important to them to incorporate on the property.

“In order for us to do the things that we wanted to do and to give them the experience, we want to grow stuff and do some permaculture and that’s all possible and no one has really done that properly here. I think that we can do a really great job of permaculture and a vegetable garden and we’re going to bring a Caribbean coffee selection here and want to provide people with the experiences that are Caribbean.

When people come to Turks and Caicos they also want Caribbean culture. We also have a distillery here where we do hurricane vodka and rum as well and I want to move that rum experience to the property and then there is a whole bunch of other experiences like the garden experience. So we are really focusing on experiences on property but also the experiences off the property,” he explained.

He added: ‘We also looked at the Turks and Caicos market and there are quite a few professionals and local folks here who have made some money and they don’t know what to do with their money because there are so many gas stations we can build and there are no electronic trading platform, so if you’re looking for a good investment that provides you a cash dividend, a good real estate investment in Turks and Caicos is actually a pretty good bet. We wanted to do something that was firstly an amazing investment and something that was approachable for local folks and professionals to invest in.”

BLOCK PARTY IN GRACE BAY TO LAUNCH THE HOTEL

Jones also told The SUN that an official launch ‘block’ party will take place next week between Sand Box and Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty in Grace Bay,

“It took about 8/10 months of negotiations and even longer than that for the relationship and it was a significant amount of work. We’d like to launch by saying that we’re in partnership with Dream Hotel Group and that The Bight Hotel will now be

Ocean View King Suite

Ryan Jones, Developer, EA Group.

The Bight by Dream Hotel Group here in Turks and Caicos. The event is to really invite Turks and Caicos Government, folks locally who are interested in Turks and Caicos Real-estate, Real Estate Agents, Sales Agents and Brokers, Lawyers, Hospitality professionals and people in the community who may be investors.

We’re disclosing this relationship and we’re indicating our new real estate sale and timeline of this new product. We plan to sell enough real-estate to build in the next year and we’re looking to kick that off next week,” he said.

The boutique hotel will feature 66 innovative Suites (89 hotel keys) over 6 levels, with custom designed interiors and furnishings and elevated views over Grace Bay beach:

King Studio (46 Suites) totals 523 sq. ft. prices from $396,000 - $455,000, Two Bedroom Corner Suite (11 Suites) totals 1,014 sq. ft. priced from $820,000, Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite (5 Suites) totals 1,594 sq. ft. priced from $1,085,000, Two Bedroom Penthouse (1 Suite) totals 1,594 sq. ft. priced at $1,315,000 and Three Bedroom Penthouse (3 Suites) totals 2,120 sq. ft. priced at $1,785,000

There are ten reservations already in place since the soft launch of the development just eight months ago in April 2019. The EA Group has plans to keep 14 Suites, and thus there are only 42 Suites available, The Bight by Dream Hotel Group is set for an exciting season ahead.

Amenities will include an onsite perm a-culture vegetable garden and eco-farm for garden-to-table dining, two pools, The Barn event space for cinema nights or private events, beach side café, rum distillery, cross-fit gym, and branded food and beverage facility.

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

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LOCAL NEWS

FortisTCI and TCIFA announce expanded sponsorship of Youth Football, introduce Elite Youth League

FortisTCI and the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) announced this week, a three-year partnership to further develop youth football across the country.

This partnership also facilities a restructuring that will see the introduction of an Elite Youth Football League featuring six Under-14 boys’ teams comprising three teams in Provo and one team each in Grand Turk, North Caicos, and South Caicos. Games will be played on Saturdays in Provo between April 25 and May 30, 2020.

This three-year partnership continues FortisTCI’s sponsorship of the first competitive youth football leagues across the Turks and Caicos Islands, which the company signed on to in 2017.

The FortisTCI Youth Football League began in Providenciales in that year with over 282 players aged nine to 13 years, and in 2018 expanded to Grand Turk, South Caicos and North Caicos. Over three seasons, the league experienced significant growth, with the number of players almost doubling.

Growth was also seen in the number of games played over each season, bringing the youth leagues close to the minimum number of competitive games stipulated by FIFA, the governing body of world football.

For the 2020 season, the FortisTCI Youth Football League will feature co-ed teams of Under-10 and Under-12 players.

The league will commence on May 18 and end on June 26, with games played across the islands of Provo, Grand Turk, North Caicos, and South Caicos.

FortisTCI’s sponsorship

goes beyond financial contributions.

Through staff volunteerism, the company will also maintain its weekly fruit and water stand for players on game days, in all islands, to provide nutritional support. FortisTCI employees look forward to supporting and encouraging the players in this way.

TCIFA President Sonia FulfordMissicksaid, “Once again, the TCIFA extends massive gratitude to our Diamond Sponsor FortisTCI. The relationship between TCIFA and FortisTCI has resulted in the growth of the grassroots and youth programmes and the quality of the players.

The continuance of this relationship allows us to launch an Elite League that will provide regular competitive games for our highly skilled youth players across the islands. This inclusive approach is as a result of FortisTCI’s commitment and dedication to the development of football in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

FortisTCI President and CEO said, “FortisTCI is pleased to again work with the TCIFA, which continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth football development in the positive way it administers the league, and in the strong relationship we have enjoyed over the last three years.

Our support of youth football is in keeping with our corporate social responsibility focused on education, youth sports, heritage and culture, health and wellness, and the environment. We know that the 2020 season promises to be another exciting encounter and we value being a part of the growth and development of youth football in these islands.”

TCIFA President Sonia Fulford-Missick (center) gives remarks after the announcement of FortisTCI’s extended three-year commitment to youth football and the introduction of the Elite League. Pictured(l to r): FortisTCI Senior Vice President of Operations Devon Cox, FortisTCI Senior Vice President of Corporate Services and CFO Ruth Forbes, FortisTCI Vice President of Innovation, Technology and Strategic Planning Rachell Roullet, FortisTCI President and CEO Eddinton Powell, President of the TCIFA Sonia Fulford-Missick, TCIFA General Secretary Oliver Smith, TCIFA Head Goalkeeper CoachAaron Lawrence, TCIFA Director of Women’s Football Yunelsis Rodriguez Baez, Head Coach Senior Men’s National TeamOmar Edwards.

FortisTCI President and CEO Eddinton Powell and TCIFA President Sonia Fulford-Missick with FortisTCI Youth League players.

PNP holds first ever governance seminar for political candidates

The Progressive National Party convened the first ever Governance Seminar for its political candidates, on Friday, January 31st, 2020.

The seminar which took place in the Nation’s Capital, Grand Turk, was an orientation for the PNP candidates to the authority and duties of the senior level functionaries of government, and their relationship to Legislators and Cabinet Ministers.

“I’m hearing every day that voters are becoming disillusioned with uninformed politicians who arrive in the House of Assembly or assigned a ministerial portfolio with no idea of how

government works. This is also reflected in the quality and relevance of the debate in the House of Assembly (HOA). This first of its kind Governance Seminar is to ensure that on winning the Government, all our members of the HOA are ready from day one to contribute to the effective and efficient running of our country in the best interest of its people”, stated PNP Leader and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Washington Misick.

Speaking at the Governance seminar were: His Excellency Governor, Nigel Dakin; Her Excellency Deputy Governor, Anya Williams; Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite;

Permanent Secretary of Finance, Mrs. Athenee Basden; Complaints Commissioner, Paul Harvey; Supervisors of Elections, Mr. Dudley Lewis; Former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Robert Hall; and Deputy Director of the Integrity Commission, Mr. Richard Been.

While in Grand Turk, the PNP candidates met with residents from the island at an informal “Meet and Greet” on the evening of Thursday, January 30th.

On Saturday, February 1st, the candidates met with many residents at their homes, where they were received first-hand accounts of the many issues

plaguing Grand Turk.

Saturday’s activities ended with a grill out in the afternoon and early evening. The visit to Grand Turk was wrapped up with the PNP candidates attending church service at Salem Baptist on Sunday morning.

“The seminar was very informative. We all learned a lot, especially those of us who are running for the first time. I am encouraged by the reception that we got from the people of Grand Turk, who were eager to share their concerns with us, and to hear our plans for reviving the economy of Grand Turk.”, stated Deputy Leader of the PNP, E. Jay Saunders.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Busy winter programme of local, regional and international activities for Invest Turks and Caicos

The month of January saw Invest Turks and Caicos (Invest TCI) kicking off the new year in full force promoting the Turks and Caicos Islands to an international audience while also focusing on local projects.

Invest TCIattended the 2020 Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) which took place in Kingston, Jamaica January 21st - 22nd. CARIF 2020, a twoday conference with the primary focus of accelerating capital to infrastructure markets throughout the region saw the attendence of regional governments, private capital firms, financial institutions, utilities companies and developers who came together to discuss future initiatives for public sector infrastructure projects, financing and the future of regional infrastructure.

Representatives from the Agency attended The Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS).

ALIS, one of the leading hotel investment conferences in the world took place in Los Angeles, California, January 27th29th, which had over 3,000 attendees.

Through networking opportunities Invest TCI discussed important trends and identified new opportunities for the year ahead.

Invest TCI also exhibited at the

3rd Annual STEP Cayman Conference which took place in the Cayman Islands January 23rd- 24th. This conference is a building block for the Agency, providing an avenue for Invest TCI to meet and network with potential investors and international trust experts as TCI grows its financial services industry.

Along with the strides the Agency is making in the financial services sector, the Agency continues to promote hotel and real estate development opportunities in the islands. As part of Invest TCI’s ongoing promotion of inward investment in the islands, under Cabinet instruction, the Agency is pursuing its mandate to grow investment in the family islands and has most recently entered into negotiations with Sea-T Adventures Ltd. to build an open cruise terminal on the island of Salt Cay.

Commenting on the activities for the year thus far, James Bursey, CEO of Invest TCI states; “this year is predicted to be extremely busy for the Agency as we promote the Turks and Caicos Islands regionally and Iinternationally.

Financial services will be a major focus for the Agency as we seek to attract a broader range of businesses to the islands. We will also

Alonzo Higgs, Business Analyst, Invest TCI attends CARIF 2020. seek to grow investment in the family islands with Salt Cay being one of the first to experience growth with a new cruise terminal, which will create much needed jobs and opportunities for the residents of Salt Cay and Grand Turk.”

James Bursey, CEO of Invest TCI and Benjamin Durham, Financial Services Marketing and Promotion Contractor at 2020 STEP Cayman Conference.

For more information on our upcoming events and developments, contact Invest TCI at 6493384772 or visit our website at investturksandcaicos. tc.

TCI celebrates International Women’s Day 2020

The Department of Gender Affairs, within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services joins the rest of the world in observance of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, 2020 under the official theme “EachforEqual; The will to Lead the Foundation to Empower”

An equal world is an enabled world and women throughout the region, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, have shattered many glass ceilings. However, despite the progress made for the advancement of Gender equality, there are still some underlying issues that remain.

The will to lead and the foundation are symbolic of progress, where organizations and individuals remain vigilant in support of gender equality through multitude of initiatives, causes and actions.

International Women’s Day is annual commemoration to celebrate women from all walks of

life throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. This year’s activities will highlight and reflect on women from various spheres of influence, and the work they have contributed to improving conditions of women and girls economically, politically and socially.

As customary, the Department of Gender Affairs, will be hosting activities across the TCI in observance of International Women’s Day 2020. Our goal is to inspire and mentor others to think of ways for reducing gender inequality and to amplify women’s voices as they share their stories, learn from one another, and impact the next generation to take action towards an Each for Equal future.

Among the celebratory activities is an Awards and Honors Banquet, under the Distinguished Patronage of the Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services.

The

TCI CAR RENTAL AND SALES LIMITED Location: Suzie Turn, Lot #75, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, TCI TCI Car Rental and Sales Limited are looking for the following employees: •Two (2) Car Rental and Sales Agents – Salary is $2,000 a month •Two (2) Car Mechanics with at least 10 years experience – Salary is $2,800 a month Rental and Sales Agents duties: Greeting clients as they arrive, answering the telephone, handling client questions or complaints and working to resolve overdue car rentals.

Car Mechanics duties: Inspecting vehicle computer and electronic systems to repair maintain and upgrade. Conducting routine maintenance work aiming to vehicle functionality and longevity.

For further information with regards to the employment, please contact the following persons: Mr. John A. Williams Mobile No: +1(649)344-8644 Email: browill649@gmail.com Mr. FIO FIRAT MAYIL Mobile No: +44775757577 Email: fiomontana@hotmail.co.uk

highlight of this event will be recognizing and honoring women for their outstanding contributions in various categories. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday March, 7, at Yellow Man and Son’s auditorium, commencing at 6:30 p.m. which features a renowned guest speaker and performances by local artists.

On Sunday March 8, 2020, there will be an ecumenical Church Service, schedule to be held 11:00 a.m. simultaneously across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

On Monday, March 9, the celebration will conclude with a Sip and Paint event in South Caicos

The Department of Gender Affairs encourage you to come and join us as we celebrate all women across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The general public is further invited to participate in the nomination process of recipients of awards from ten (10) distinct

The recipient of the award will be selected after the following process: 1.Receive nominations through our nominations platform.

2.Make the shortlist - which is based on a MAXIMUM number of nominations being received.

Chances of winning are increased by the number of nominations.

3. Be selected by our judging panel and put forward as an outright winner for a chosen category or area of expertise 4. Voting closes on February 28, 2020.

Awardees will be honored at the International Women’s Day Awards & Honors Banquet 2020 on Saturday, March 7, 2020.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATOR OF CHESHIRE SQUARE LIMITED (In Voluntary Liquidation)

Registered No:D.006201 The Companies Ordinance 2017 (Incorporated on the 14thday of August, 1996) In accordance with the provisions of Section242(1)(b) of the Companies Ordinance 2017, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ervine M. Quelch wasappointed Voluntary Liquidator of Cheshire Square Limited, by Resolution of the Members of the Company dated 9th April 2019.

Dated this 16th day of December 2019

These positions are new Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

categories. Click the link to nominate your person of interest: https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/D8J8PX8

Ervine M. Quelch Liquidator

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Mark Fulford calls for urgent immediate action to make Turks and Caicos Islands safe again

Attorney Mark Fulford says it is time for people to demand that Governor Nigel Dakin and Premier Sharlene Robinson initiate a clear policy and immediate action to deal with the terrifying crisis of increased crime and staggering rise in illegal immigration.

Fulford says more realistic and urgent measures need to be implemented to make these Beautiful By Nature islands safe again.

“I am calling on the Governor to invite the Overseas Territory Minister Lord Ahmed to visit Turks and Caicos Islands so that he can see and hear first hand from the people about what is now a national crisis, that has put these islands under a climate of fear that threatens its economic model and commit UK War ships to patrol the Haiti TCI passage,” says Fulford.

“As I move across the length and breadth of the TCI this growing climate of fear means people no longer feel safe in their homes, or in their businesses.

The police have proven impotent and the political leadership seems bewildered as Turks and Caicos islanders now await their turn to be robbed or assaulted by armed gunmen operating with free

license. This is the most intensive crime wave and illegal migration in the history of these islands”, Fulford argued.

“This not the TCI that we know, or that that we want for ourselves, our children, our visitors or our businesses,” he said adding, “the British must consider, if our business model collapses, this territory becomes a ward of Britain at a time the British people are facing uncertainty”.

Fulford says the National Security Strategy which was recently announced by the Governor, Premier and Police Commissioner, is extremely vague and does not address the immediate concerns that residents of the this country have about feeling safe.

He added: “Citizens and business are weary because they know the character of the criminal activity and feel the direct cultural and social effects of illegal migration. It is impossible therefore to bamboozle them with empty promises.”

“We have to do what is necessary NOW to make TCI safe again. It has become self-evident that our political leaders are exhausted by these issues and lack the proactive ideas and strategies for

HOUSEKEEPER Exclusive Vacation Rental & Management Ltd is seeking candidates for the above position. Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in housekeeping. Must have your own transportation. Must be able to communicate in English; additional languages are a plus. Must be willing to work long hours, weekends and holidays. Tasks include but are not limited to cleaning of villas, inventory check of household items, reporting to Supervisor when something does not work, submitting meter reading.

Remuneration: $6.50 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

Kindly forward resumes and qualification to oa@ fchamberslaw.com, copying same to the Turks and Caicos Islands Labour Department and Immigration Board.

Bohio Dive Resort Location: Grand Turk Is seeking: HOUSEKEEPER / CHAMBERMAID Duties Include: •cleaning public areas, guest rooms, laundry and kitchen •washing floors, walls, windows, washrooms and toilets •daily cleaning of guest rooms including washing floors, walls, windows, washrooms, dishes, toilets and showers •laundry service for all items including bedding, towels, uniforms and guest laundry •must have pleasant personality and ability to adjust to guests needs •must be able to lift 30 lb laundry bags •English - verbal and written •must be able to start at 6 am , hours based on weekly schedule Wage is $6.25 per hour Interested candidates should apply in writing with a cover letter and resume and references to info@bohioresort.com.

This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Prospective applicants who are Islanders can send copies of their applications to the Labour Board

making TCI safe again,” he stated. “The general consensus amongst Belongers that I hear not matter where I go in these islands, and which I share, is that the obvious cluelessness on immediate options for matters of public safety have been utterly insufficient and represents an astound political failure that puts public safety at risk. We must demand a paradigm shift.”

Fulford adds that nothing has been provided to the public that shows any element of skill or capacity for dealing with the explosion of crime in Turks and Caicos Islands. No one has stepped forward to be held accountable... for a strategy and its execution. No one”!

“We closed out 2019 with 14 murders. The families of these 14 victims deserve leadership, they deserve closure, and they deserve justice. January saw us with two murders so far, and almost daily shots are being fired throughout some of our communities. We have seen prominent TC Islanders robbed at gun point, tied up, ATM cash withdrawals under gunpoint; we have seen a prominent businessman going about his business robbed at gun point and shot!

We saw a few of our guests robbed at

Attorney Mark Fulford gunpoint on the 7th anniversary of the fish fry! Enough is enough,” says Fulford.

“The political leadership of this country cannot continue to ‘bury their heads in the sand’, or brag and boast about being first at launching a national security strategy. Medium to long term plans sound good but where is the plan for NOW? We are dying NOW!

We are suffering NOW! We are living in fear NOW! The time to act and act forcefully is NOW!”

THE GRANDTURK STORE Sales Clerk Main Duties and Qualification Available Position -1 Last Application date : 20th FEBRUARY 2020 • Need minimum 2 years Sales experience in Supermarket field • Good Communication skills • Managing and motivating a team to increase sales and ensure efficiency • Coaching and developing staff to ensure that the store delivers the expected results • Maintain awareness of market trends in the retail industry, understanding forthcoming customer initiatives Working Hours 8 hours /Day - 6 days a week Salary $400 per Week Butcher Main Duties and Qualification Available Position -1 Last Application date: 20th FEBRUARY, 2020 • Need minimum 2 years Butcher experience in Retail Store • Cutting, grinding, and preparing meats for sale.

• Cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment and ensuring displays and signage are accurate and attractive.

• Weighing, packaging, pricing, and displaying products.

Working Hours 9 hours /Day - 6 days a week Salary $450 per Week Store Clerk Main Duties and Qualification Available Position -3 Last Application date : 20th FEBRUARY 2020 • Need Minimum 3 years’ experience in Retails Store • Good Communication Skill • Pack store items onto shelves • Clean the store • Create displays for products • Assist customers when asked Working Hours 44 hours a week Salary $7.00 per hour Interested Applicants are required to submit a formal application in writing, addressed to the company’s General Manger, either via email grandturkstore@outlook.com or by hand, Delivered to The Grand Turk Store, South Back Salina, Grand Turk. Phone Number #946 1269 Interested TCI Islanders are invited to submit a copy of their application to the Commissioner of Labor.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Turks and Caicos Islands must find and create alternate economic sources

By Oswald Skipping

The recent advent of the scary and devastating coronavirus outbreak has the potential to dramatically escalate internationally.

This poses yet another real threat as a depopulation factor as well as a threat to the economy of many countries that depend on tourism as a revenue stream. This is especially true in regards to our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos in both cases.

The fragility of the tourism industry which is the lifeblood of our

economy, clearly and emphatically speaks to the vulnerability of our main economic source and hence our budding economy itself.

This however, is nevertheless another clarion call especially to our national leaders from all political persuasions, to seek and find, as well as create alternate economic sources.

The exploration and viability of any and all mineral resources should be vigorously pursued as well. Additionally, there should be the implementation of extensive and sustainable maricultural, agricultural and animal husbandry

to ensure an adequate, constant and reliable national food supply.

For too long now, we as a country have procrastinated in taking these necessary proactive steps that would establish economic and food security to our country and populace.

This is one of the many national issues that should by no means be politically partisan, but one where politicians, government technocrats and the private sector unite and pool ideological resources for the survival and betterment of us all.

Oswald Skipping

19 recruits to attend the Police Training College in The Bahamas

The largest group of police recruits started their official training on Friday, January 31st, 2020, in The Bahamas, after a successful competencybased interview assessment in late December 2019.

The recruits who will be trained at the Police Training College, located in Grand Bahama, will undergo intense training for six months and gain the skills and attitudes needed to function competently as police constables in general beat and patrol duties, be introduced to the history, mission and organisation of policing, inculcate habits of fitness and safety, develop personal character and mental fitness, to name a few.

Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting said, “I was delighted to swear in 19 recruits to the Royal Turks and Caicos

Islands Police Force on the January 29th, 2020. The swearing-in through taking the oath, marks the start of a career in the public service, serving and protecting the communities of the Turks and Caicos Islands. In spending time with the recruits, I wished them well on their initial training with the Royal Bahamas Police Force and I look forward to their return at the end of their training. I am sure they will represent the Force and themselves with pride”

In October 2019, the Government committed $US500,000.00 for a National Campaign to recruit twenty new Police Constables, following the increase in fire-arm related crimes on the Islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk.

Commissioner Botting said, “All of the Officers I swore in were recruited

NOTICE

from within the Turks and Caicos Islands, some having previous experience as a District Constable with the Force. I am grateful to the Government for their support and commitment to increasing the number of Police Officers for the Force, this will make a real difference as we work to keep the Turks and Caicos safe and secure. The Force is committed to fighting serious crime and dealing

with those who are seeking to cause the most harm to our communities and these officers will assist in that work”.

Sergeant Damien Mitchell of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is one of the instructors assigned to the 19 recruits who will complete their training in August 2020 and return to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force to take up duties.

PRIME VACANT LOT FOR SALE

Liberty Specialty Markets Bermuda Limited (formerly Ironshore Insurance, Ltd.) Liberty Specialty Markets Bermuda Limited is licensed with the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial services Commission (“Commission”) to carry on insurance as a domestic insurer, limited to Domestic General Insurance Business; restricted to Property Business. Pursuant to Section 34 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance, Liberty Specialty Markets Bermuda Limited has made application for the revocation of its insurer’s license and is desirous of having the Commission release its restricted deposit.

The public is invited to advise the Commission in writing whether or not there are any outstanding insurance liabilities including outstanding claims in respect of Liberty Specialty Markets Bermuda Limited.

Information shall be sent to Director of Insurance Financial Services Commission Caribbean Place Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Or can be emailed to: fsc@tciway.tc The Commission remains open to receiving information on the aforesaid until February 24, 2020 after which time the Commission will take necessary steps in this matter.

MILLER SIMONS O’SULLIVAN Attorneys at Law For and on behalf of Liberty Specialty Markets Bermuda Limited 3rd February, 2020

This spectacular hillside property overlooks the soon to be developed Cooper Jack Marina. A perfect elevated island home or vacation villa location with constant cooling tropical breezes and amazing views of beautiful turquoise waters.

This is a gem and with Cooper Jack Bay Road soon to be paved, this property is to be considered when investing in the Turks and Caicos.

Don’t hesitate, make an offer today. All reasonable offers WILL be considered; seller is very motivated.

List price. $210,000.00 Lot size is 1.10 Acre Contact: Takisha Williams Office: 649-946-5383 Cell: 649-242-1870 Email: takisha.williams@evrealestate.com

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

LOCAL NEWS

UK Hydrographic Office presents Turks and Caicos with findings from recent seabed mapping campaign

On the 28th January 2020, the UK Hydrographic Office officially handed over seabed mapping data to the Turks and Caicos Islands to support safe maritime trade and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

Almost all activity in our oceans, from shipping to monitoring delicate marine environments, depend on accurate seabed mapping data that illustrates the shape and movement of natural underwater features. So, for coastal communities like the Turks and Caicos Islands, the collection of this data is vital to supporting the safety of mariners, generating sustainable economic growth and protecting people from the effects of climate change.

As part of the UK government’s Overseas Territories Seabed Mapping Programme, the UKHO led the collection of this data through a series of seabed mapping

surveys covering over 7,200km2 of ocean in 2018. Following successful completion of this work, the data has now been handed over to the government through a series of workshops.

These workshops, which were led by UKHO experts, have been designed to help authorities use these findings to fulfil their international maritime safety obligations under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, as well as support sustainable development initiatives.

As part of the programme, the UKHO will also update nautical charts that support the safe navigation of ships accessing the nation’s trade and tourism hubs of South Dock and Grand Turk.

In addition to this, the UKHO has presented officials with other key data sets, including high resolution imagery and the topography of the islands themselves, which can be

WAYPOINT YACHTS LTD BLUE HAVEN MARINA PROVIDENCIALES TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS WAYPOINT Yachts Ltd is now accepting applications/resumes for the following position.

Only highly self-driven and motivated, personable and professional individuals, who have the desire to serve others, need apply. The successful candidates must meet or exceed all of the requirements of the positions offered.

POSITION: DIVE INSTRUCTOR WITH MECHANICAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS • The successful candidate must be affiliated with PADI • Minimum 35 years of age • Minimum of ten (10) years boating experience on displacement vessels with twin inboard diesel engines and outboard vessels with referees available for contact. Mechanical experience is a must • Have a high level of competency and maturity. The position demands the qualifying candidate to be responsible and self-motivated with an emphasis on safety of the guests onboard and when undertaking the activity of diving and the necessary skill sets and maturity level required of a competent instructor and guide.

• Must speak, read, write and understand English, a second language will be considered a bonus • The successful candidate will have a proven track record in the diving industry but also in the high end service industry and preferably other qualifications that are associated with, and prove competency, maturity and trustworthiness.

• Punctual, articulate, polite and well turned out RESPONSIBILITIES • Day to day duties of a dive instructor and crew member • Successful candidate will have open communication skills for reporting to the owners • Overseeing the general and preventative maintenance of dive equipment and vessels • Diving in Turks and Caicos Islands and assuring guest satisfaction • All practical decision making / planning, for dive locations as required due to environmental conditions.

• Coordination and logistics skills • Overall responsibility for the divers while participating in the activity • Working as a crew member and undertaking the tasks of such when not partaking in diving related work SALARY $3,000.00 PER MONTH EXCLUDING MID SEPTEMBER TO MID OCTOBER EACH YEAR. This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

Interested applicants can forward their resumes electronically to: Email: waypointyachts@gmail.com Attention: Garin Bescoby no later than end of day, Friday February 15th, 2020. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1(649) 232-3000.

used to identify sensitive marine and wetland habitats and reef areas which make up a vital part of the island’s marine environment.

With this insight, government ministries can support marine and land spatial planning activities that contribute to the development of the local economy in a sustainable manner.

All work carried out through this programme is coordinated by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and supported by the UK’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) as part of the UK’s commitment to support Overseas Territories.

The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Maritime, Heritage, Disaster Management & Gaming, and Maritime & Shipping Department is grateful the UKHO for assisting in this milestone achievement as it satisfies a requirement for updating of hydrographic data for nautical

charting, regulation 9 SOLAS Convention.

Hon. Ralph Higgs, stated that the timing of this deliverable is great, as it forms a part of our National Physical Development Planning project, and will not doubt inform this very important exercise. He noted that it would not have been possible, if not through collaborative beneficial relationships developed with UKHO, the Governor’s Office and Mapping & Survey Department.

Permanent Secretary, Cherylann Jones, co-signed the documentation taken ownership of the hydrographic data.

Also on hand to participate in the senior level briefing on the data were TCI Maritime Oversight Steering Committee, Chairs, Michelle Fulford Gardiner, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Henry Wilson, Acting Director, Maritime & Shipping Department, along with Committee Members.

PROVO GOLF CLUB Provo Golf Club is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following opening. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES •Plan and schedule maintenance processes and procedures •Instruct, train and direct staff in golf course maintenance •Oversees fertilizer, chemical and pesticide applications •Run irrigation systems, including daily setup and maintenance •Proven organizational skills to maintain accurate records of all processes •Responsible for the safe operation, storage and effective use of all equipment •Responsible for the proper use, storage and preservation of all associated materials, supplies and assigned equipment

REQUIREMENTS •Must have a Bachelor’s degree or Associate degree in Agronomy or Horticulture plus a minimum of six years experience on a golf course with three years experience as an Assistant Golf Superintendent •Must have at least a Class C Membership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) •Must have advance knowledge of agronomy and turf grass management practices •Require extensive knowledge of golf course maintenance •Requires knowledge of landscape construction and materials •Ability to analyze data and prepare reports •Strong computer skills using Microsoft Word and Excel •Must have a thorough understanding of the game of golf

The remuneration for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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 a work permit holder. Closing date for application is 24th February 2020.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Chemical Peels

By Dr. Marsha Barnett

Do you ever wish that you could simply peel signs of aging from your skin? Or maybe clear those dark spots from your face that were left after your acne cleared? Dermatologists use chemical peels to do just this. A chemical peel can be used to help treat a number of conditions on the face and even the body.

What Is A Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a procedure where fruit acids, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, are applied to the skin in an attempt to remove the outer most layers of the skin and reveal younger, fresher, more vibrant skin. The peel solution used will depend on your individual needs, your skin type, and the expertise of the individual administering the peel. A chemical peel can be superficial, medium or deep and the deeper the peel, the greater the risks and downtime associated with the procedure. This is why it is best to see a professional especially when you want to see substantial results.

Why Do a Chemical Peel?

Dermatologists use chemical peels to treat a number of medical conditions. Acne, melasma, dark spots e.g. from insect bites and the reversal of the signs of aging are probably the most common indications for a peel. But

whether you receive a chemical peel to diminish signs of aging or treat a skin condition, you can see o Fewer lines and wrinkles. o Improvement in dark spots and areas with a more even skin tone. o Brighter complexion. o Smoother skin. o Less signs of sun damage What can I expect during a chemical peel?

It’s important to consult with your skin care professional before getting a peel. A history of your skin condition, any illnesses you may have or medications you might be taking is important when assessing a patient for a peel. Additionally, some patients need to follow a pre-peel skin care plan for 2 to 4 weeks. This plan can improve results and reduce potential side effects.

During consultation, it might be decided that another treatment option or combination of treatments may give you best results and as such, a plan can be tailored for your desired outcome.

On the day of your peel, you will first be prepped for the treatment. This includes cleansing your skin thoroughly.

After you are prepped, the peel will be applied and your dermatologist will watch your skin carefully to remove the peel at just the right time. The peel solution will cause the skin to burn and tingle but is not usually a painful

procedure. After neutralizing the peel, the appropriate topicals will be applied to you skin to replenish moisture and aid the recover process.

What Can I Expect After The Peel?

All peels that a dermatologist performs require some at-home care and there is a downtime of dryness, redness and peeling. The length of time the skin takes to bounce back completely depends on the strength of the peel used and the condition of your skin. To help you get the best results, keep the skin well moisturized, do not lift any scabs that may appear but allow them to strip off naturally and of course, use a sunscreen daily.

Dermatologists have been performing chemical peels for more than 50 years, with an excellent safety record. In the hands of a doctor who has experience with chemical peels, side effects such as redness, temporary darkening or scarring tend not to occur or be mild. For the most part, if you follow the instructions of your skin care specialist after the peel, you should get an entirely positive outcome.

Results!!!

Once your skin heals, you will see the results. Depending on the indication for the peel and the type and strength of the peel solution used, you may only need to peel once to

achieve your goals. This might be true for someone trying to speed up the resolution of a few dark spots. However, for the majority of persons, more than one peel might be required and one may need to peel at intervals to maintain the improved appearance of the skin. This is particularly true when treating ongoing processes such as melasma or aging. *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 - 9464242.

TURKS TELECOM & FIBRE SOLUTIONS LTD. Location: Regent House West, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

FIBRE OPTIC TECHNICIAN

Responsible for installation and maintenance of fiber optic networks in commercial and residential settings.

KEY DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES •Installations, troubleshooting, and maintenance of all fiber optic systems to ensure full functionality.

•Conducting regular inspections of the systems with the aim of locating and repairing any defects detected during the inspections •Ability to work safely on overhead (heights) and underground fibre networks.

•Ability to use hand and power tools competently and safely.

•Ability to maintain and interpret records of daily work logs and fiberoptic network design maps •Ability to operate communication devices and company vehicles in accordance with company policies •Ensure all company health and safety guidelines are adhered.

•Perform other related tasks as assigned.

REQUIREMNETS •1-3 years’ experienced preferred •Certified Fibre Optic Technician •Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

•Valid driver’s license.

•Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications •Ability to work extended hours including evening/weekend (overtime) as needed.

Resumes must be accompanied by a cover letter and two reference letters (One preferably from a former employer). Applications should be address to The Director, Human Resources, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands and sent to TTFSLtd@gmail.com This position is new Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders can send copies of their resume to the Labour Board.

SALARY: To Be Determined APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 21st, 2020

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®.

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

Should convicted criminals get a second chance?

By Drexwell Seymour

By now you would have observed that my last few articles were on crime. I am not a criminologist, but I believe crime will continue to become an issue in our country because we are not addressing the root causes of crime.

If the crime is reduced and criminals are caught and convicted and sentenced to jail, what should we do with those criminals when they are released?

Do they deserve a second chance?

This is really a tough question.

Some may argue that everyone deserves a second chance while others may argue that criminals do not deserve a second chance because they may repeat the same act once they are released from prison.

Personally, I think it depends on the nature of the crime that was committed. As I reflect on this while I write, if someone were to murder any of my friends or family members, I don’t know what I would do. What would you do? Would you give that person a second chance?

Do non-criminals want a second chance?

Some of us do not commit criminal acts but we do commit other

acts and want a second chance. There are some married men and women who have cheated on their spouses and many of them want a second chance with their spouse after they are caught or confessed.

Some employees who were on probationary period but the employers were not satisfied with their work will ask for a second chance. Some employees may even steal from their employer and may want their employer to give them a second chance.

Some students who failed a test will want a second chance from their teacher. Some children may have done some inappropriate things but they want their parents to give them a second chance. Some friends and family members may betray you and when you find out, some will want you to give them a second chance. Every election period, the politicians want you to give them a second chance.

The point I am trying to make is that all of us want a second chance.

God gave Jonah a second chance to go to Nineveh. Do you think then that since we want a second chance, we should give convicted criminals a second chance?

Do convicted criminals deserve a second chance?

Are we hypocrites for wanting

a second chance but yet don’t think the convicted criminals deserve a second chance?

There are some persons in prison for shop-lifting. Do they deserve a second chance?

There are some people who are in prison for drinking and driving. Do they deserve a second chance?

There are some people in prison for murder. Do they deserve a second chance? I think it depends. If someone premeditated to kill someone, I don’t think they deserve a second chance.

If someone kills multiple people, I don’t think they deserve a second chance. If someone kill someone in self-defense or kill someone due to a car accident, I think they deserve a second chance provided they receive counseling.

There are other crimes such as rape, abuse, assault, battery, embezzlement of funds, use of drugs, burglary and robbery.

Do the persons who committed these acts deserve a second chance?

Conclusion

I know the TCIG launched a Chance for Change initiative in July 2019. I think this is a great initiative but there is still concern about given people a second chance especially if there were no programs to transform individuals.

God gave us a second chance when he sent his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. Don’t you think then we should give others a second chance? Of course, it is easy to say this until you are a victim of crime.

I think most people deserve a second chance but if you are given a second chance and you have demonstrated no changes, then it will be very difficult to convince others for a third chance.

AUTOMOTIVE PAINT TECHNICIAN

ASSISTANT MANAGER

TCI Paint & Supply Ltd is seeking suitably qualified candidates for the above position. Duties include but are not limited to mixing all paint, maintaining accurate database for mixed paints and current OEM paint mixing schemes, maintaining up to date database of all standard domestic and international vehicles, care and cleaning of all computer equipment, parts etc. Applicant must have at least 15 years experience with automotive paint mixing.

TCI Paint & Supply Ltd is seeking suitably qualified candidates for the above position. Duties include but are not limited to assisting with sales; dealing with customers and preparing orders as well as receiving and off loading inventory from containers; responding to customer complaints and comments; creating and fostering new relationships with new and perspective clients; general supervision of employees. Successful applicant must be punctual and willing to complete all tasks at hand with a positive and respectful attitude.

Starting Salary $1,550.00 to $1,850.00 per month based on experience and qualifications Kindly forward resumes and qualification to the below address copy to the Turks and Caicos Islands Labour Department and Immigration Board: Employment Department TCI Paint Supply Ltd Leeward Highway Tel: 649-339-6275 Fax 649-941-4777 Email: brenton@tcipaintsupply.com

Starting Salary $1,800.00 to $2,100.00 per month based on experience and qualifications Kindly forward resumes and qualification to the below address copy to the Turks and Caicos Islands Labour Department and Immigration Board: Employment Department TCI Paint Supply Ltd Leeward Highway Tel: 649-339-6275 Fax 649-941-4777 Email: brenton@tcipaintsupply.com

Papa J Tours in Grand Turk

Is in need of two Boat Captains, one Deck Hand and two Beach Attendants

Persons filling these positions must be honest, hard working, customer focused and speaks English They will be responsible for the daily tour operations, where Safety is First! and will also be required to keep accurate records of Guests information and inventory, boat maintenance and to carry out any other duties deemed necessary by management.

Hours of operationPrimarily Cruise Ship schedule and others tasks assigned by management Boat Captain starting salary is $1,200.00, Deck Hand starting salary is $1,000.00 and Beach Attendant starting salary is $800.00.

Please send all written applications with a current Photo ID, legal status, TCI Boat Masters License, STCW Certificate if completed and a character reference letter to:Dwight or Juline Higgs Office Essentials Plus Windmills Plaza Unit #2 Grand Turk Turks and Caicos Islands Contact numbers: 649-2310400 or 649-2316975 Turks and Caicos Islanders, should also forward a copy to The Labour Board.

TURKS & CAICOS CIVIL SERVICE VACANCIES JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB5-20-78 JOB TITLE:

Chief School Inspector

DEPARTMENT:

School Inspectorate Unit

MINISTRY:

Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services

LOCATION: SALARY:

Providenciales Grade 9.1 $59,552.50 Per Annum

JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this position is, to oversee formulation of policies, setting of standards, inspection process, development of the capabilities of staff, development and promotion of programs and targets to increase and improve capacity of the education sector.

Page 18

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Should the Turks and Caicos Islands disconnect from the rest of the Caribbean?

By Oliver Mills

Which traditional Caribbean country can be regarded as rich? Which of these countries has an abundance of skilled persons that even when a sizeable percentage migrates, it does not affect the country’s performance? Why is it that the non-independent Caribbean countries are performing better and collecting more significant numbers of international awards than those that have been around for some time, and regarded as the countries to look up to, but now are rushing towards the “smaller islands” seeking economic and other advantages?

These are important questions, since in the past, and still to an extent currently, geographical size and population were equated with limited capabilities, and so-called smaller islands were placed in the category of less developed countries. In some sense, these less developed countries were seen as dependent on the more developed Caribbean countries particularly for skilled personnel, and in the area of security.

But this idea of dependence on skills and security is not related to a lack of capacity on the part of the nonindependent countries. The point is, that traditionally, the social systems of the nonindependent Caribbean territories did not seriously encourage the development of their indigenous people.

The limited numbers of persons who acquired skills, particularly in the mid-to late 1960’s, and early 1970’s, did so through personal assertiveness, and the development of a national consciousness

that they were just as capable of achieving professional credentials as others throughout the region. As a matter of fact, many of our students in our high schools began to quietly question the competence of those recruited to teach them. And many who were later trained at regional institutions, had grave reservations about what they were exposed to, since they had to study subjects related to the host countries. Information about their own countries was not part of their education.

It was only after the period of the mid-70’s that greater numbers of local persons were awarded scholarships to study abroad, particularly in the Caribbean.

This benefitted them psychologically, and enhanced their self-esteem, because they began to realise that the myth that only persons from other Caribbean islands were bright, and that Caribbean institutions were the place to receive an education was just that.

These local persons began to have deeper reservations about the quality of regional persons being recruited. They were initially socialised to believe that these persons were somewhat superior. They operated that way, and many say they still do.

So what about this falsehood of an abundance of skilled persons in the region?

Where is the evidence? People leave because of minimal opportunities in their own countries, racial disharmony, and social scares which make life unsafe. There is still a very small percentage of regional persons who attend a tertiary level institution, and they go to other countries not because they are sent for, but because they want to

enjoy a higher standard of living. In many instances, apart from a few institutions, there is an issue of accreditation.

The point is that many countries in our region still depend on external sources for skills they themselves still lack.

And there is still a preference for credentials from a developed country’s institutions.

And where is the riches that is supposed to come from having highly skilled persons? Most Caribbean economies are not performing to desired levels, many do not achieve their growth targets, and are only saved in many instances from internal economic collapse because of foreign investment and loans from foreign financial institutions.

One journalist remarked that he could not think of any rich, blackcountry.

Why? He never said.

So why is it that the nonindependent Caribbean countries are performing better than those that have been around for some time? With respect to the Turks and Caicos Islands, many say it is because of our welcoming, nonthreatening culture. Potential investors feel they can trust us and the institutions we manage. They like the fact of reduced bureaucratic practices, and the relative ease with which business is conducted. They therefore develop trust and confidence that they can operate safely with their investment being protected.

Foreign investment also likes the fact that there are no trade unions which could threaten disruption, and most importantly our partnership with the United Kingdom provides and enabling environment where the rule of law is

respected. Also, there is still much room geographically for project expansion, and competition is much welcome. In addition the people of the islands have a positive disposition, and possess an increasingly diverse skills base. This contributes to a growing economy with a competent management based culture, which has attracted international business and cultural events to the island. And as a plus, the visitor gets a first world experience in a local island context, which is why our hospitality sector yearly receives a number of international awards, giving our environment much credibility.

We also have world class facilities which regularly accommodate international conferences on a variety of issues. And we possess a world class health system with hospitals holding international accreditation.

So where are the reasons for having any connection to the wider Caribbean?

Anything that happens through their auspices can be done directly by us. We can deal with all the global institutions directly, rather than through an entity. Is this not then a case for disconnecting from the Caribbean arena?

Let the voice of the people be heard

By Lee Ingham

There is a serious problem in the Turks and Caicos Islands relative to access to information, public discussion on important issues confronting the country and communication between the people and those who are in positions of leadership.

And while I make the claim that the problem is country-wide, I think that it is more acute in Grand Turk, the nation’s capital, because the two local newspapers and the TV stations are headquartered in Providenciales, along with most of the other leadership positions.

Let me take this opportunity to submit an argument for public scrutiny and discussion, for it seems that when the people speak, some politicians DO NOT LISTEN.

I want to draw attention to some aspects of the debate which took place on Monday, January 26th, 2020, in the House of Assembly, on the Constitutional Review Committee’s Report.

While I am convinced, and have argued, that the process of amending the country’s Constitution is inadequate, it is the only fare in town at this time.

Be that as it may, the Committee delivered its report to the House and there was a debate. I listened as some members urged the House that the people have spoken and it would be a good idea to accept the “will of the people.”

However, as the Honorable Premier opined, the legislators, in some cases, have more information than the general public, and, thus, in such cases, it is okay to vote contrary to the wishes of the people.

So, in the case where the people, by a majority, recommended that ALL MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY should be elected, the Premier, along with ALL the members of her Government, except the Honorable Mr. Ewing, voted contrary to the recommendation of the people.

The Opposition, on the other hand, accepted the recommendation of the people and so voted -- except for the Honorable Mr. Lightbourne, who, for

some inconceivable reason, decided to “abstain.” And, I guess not surprisingly, the Honorable Mr. Phillips, a beneficiary of this Constitutional provision, voted against the recommendation of the people.

Now needless to say, I am one of those persons who supported the recommendation that ALL members of the House should be elected. I do not know what additional information the Honorable Madam Premier possesses that would justify her and the other members of her Government to defy the will of the people in this particular case.

The House, however, then went on to support a recommendation which came from the parties -- and consistent with the 2006 Constitution -- that Appointed Members to the House of Assembly be retained, but that the Government should have 2 appointees, the Opposition 1 and the Governor 1. So, the only change is how the 4 Appointed Members are distributed.

Below is the section from our current Constitution relative to Appointed Members of the House: Appointed members 47.—(1) Appointed members of the House of Assembly shall be appointed from among persons qualified under section 48, and so far as possible from among persons representing shades of opinion which would not otherwise be represented in the House, as follows— (a)two shall be appointed by the Governor, acting in his or her discretion; and (b)two shall be appointed by the Governor, acting after consultation with the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition.

(2) No person shall be appointed under this section who has unsuccessfully stood as a candidate for election as an elected member at any election since the last dissolution of the House of Assembly.

Qualifications for appointed membership 48. Subject to section 49, a person shall not be qualified to be appointed as a member of

the House of Assembly unless he or she has attained the age of 21 years and is qualified to be registered as an elector in the Islands

So, as stipulated in this clause of the Constitution, the Appointed Members of the House of Assembly should be “persons representing shades of opinion which would not otherwise be represented in the House.” Are we serious here? Then why wasn’t someone from the PDA appointed?

How do we find these persons representing different shades of opinion? Do we really think that either Party is looking to appoint such a person? How does the Governor go about finding his/her persons of “different shades of opinion”?

There are two prominent political parties in the country and other than the fact that one party will always be guaranteed a seat in the House, I do not understand why either party would support having members appointed to the House of Assembly.

I must admit, however, that in the current government, because of the size of its majority, the current system of Appointed Members is irrelevant. However, in the previous government of the Honorable Dr. Rufus Ewing, the Appointed Members could have frustrated his agenda due to his narrow majority.

Hence, a reason for changing the distribution of Appointed Members. But since there can be no tie in our House of Assembly, the party with the majority of elected members of the House would have one less frustration.

Furthermore, here is why I want to argue for having ALL members of the House of Assembly to be elected: Of the 19 members of the House of Assembly, 15 are elected and 4 are appointed.

The 15 elected members work to get nominated by their respective Parties, go through the rigors of campaigning, withstand the barbs and ad hominem attacks by opponents, the scrutiny of the media and are elected by and responsible to the people who elected them.

If they are or are not representative of the people who elected them, then those members of the House will have to return to their constituents, at least every 4 years or so, to be judged, positively or negatively.

Who judges the Appointed members? On what bases? Additionally, these Appointed Members enjoy the same rights and privileges as the Elected members? Why? So, despite the protestations of the Honorable Mr. Phillips that he has never been instructed by any Governor on how to vote, the Governor is his benefactor. And when “push comes to shove,” altruism aside, you “dance with who brung you.”!!!

I do not know what happens in the other countries which suffer under the hegemony of the neo-colonialism directed by the UK, -- and frankly that is not important to me – but in our little islandcountry, we advocate and value democracy, and democracy demands that the people be represented by persons of their own choosing.

Therefore, given that we the people made a recommendation to the House of Assembly through the Constitutional Review Committee, and given that many members of the House of Assembly chose to reject our recommendation, how do we legitimately respond?

This is exactly the point of my argument. We can make our decision at the ballot box, if we so desire, relative to the elected members of the House. That option is taken away from us in the case of the Appointed Members. It weakens our democracy. We should not stand for it and neither should we continue to support those who do not support us and/ or reject, without good reason, our serious recommendations that would strengthen our democracy.

A luta continua!!!

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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OASIS DIVERS is seeking applications from suitably qualified can-

didates for the following positions. The successful applicants must: CERTIFIED DIVERS / LIFEGUARDS/DIVE MASTER -Hold a valid diving certification of Open Water Diver or higher -Be at least 25 years old -Have a clean criminal record -Have a valid passport -Hold a valid certification in CPR and First Aid -Have at least 3 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Other experience in the tourism industry would be an asset -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/ or reasonable needs of the business.

-Positions are currently held by work permit holders.

-Salaries offered:$400.00 and $375 weekly respectively.

TOUR DISPATCHER -Have at least 3 years’ experience dispatching tours -Possess the ability to remain calm in a high stress environment -Be well spoken with English as primary language -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/ or reasonable needs of the business -Have a valid passport -Be at least 25 years old - Position is currently held by work permit holder -Salary offered $450.00 weekly TOUR GUIDES -Be at least 25 years old -Have a clean criminal record -Have a valid passport -Hold a valid certification in CPR and First Aid -Have at least 3 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Other experience in the tourism industry would be an asset -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/ or reasonable needs of the business -Salary offered : $250.00 weekly CHEF/ RESTAURANT CAPTAIN -Have at least 5 years’ experience in a supervisory position as a chef/cook within a quick pace multiple kitchen operation.

-Experience with Microsoft POS system required -Possess the ability to remain calm in a high stress environment -At least 25 years of age.

-Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/ or reasonable needs of the business - Position is currently held by work permit holder.

-Salary offered $375.00 weekly TOUR DEVELOPMENT TRAINER -Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Tour Development /Safety Standards in a serviceoriented business.

-Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the management, and training of staff and development of safety standards operating procedures for staff.

-Valid Driver’s License -Highly Professional and Ethical standards of Leadership with a passion for nature and the environment.

-Positive and disciplined attitude toward work in a fast pace, multi-tasking customer serviceoriented business, with ability to handle complaints and work under pressure.

-Excellent verbal and written communication, with Networking skills -Excellent analytical, inter-personal and customer service skills.

-Ability to recruit and appraise staff performance as well as have a strong track record of fostering team work and motivating staff with multi-cultural differences.

-Must be willing and able to work outdoors, flexible hours, including on weekends and public holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business - Position is currently held by work permit holder -Salary offered $650 weekly.

SAFETY DIVER -Strong swimmer, life guard training an asset -Be at least 25 years old -Have a clean criminal record -Have a valid passport -Hold a valid certification in CPR and First Aid -Have at least 3 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Other experience in the tourism industry would be an asset -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/ or reasonable needs of the business -Positions is currently held by work permit holder -Salary offered:$400.00 weekly BOAT PAINTER -Have a valid passport -Have at least 5 years’ experience in boat repair, including working with fiberglass and other dangerous chemicals -Positive and disciplined attitude toward work -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/ or reasonable needs of the business - Position is currently held by work permit holder - Salary Offered:$400.00 weekly STEWARD/GUEST SERVICES -Have at least 5 years’ experience in the hospitality and tourism industry.

-Competent in Microsoft Computer software with accounting expertise and

Cee’s Plaza, Suite No. 1 Church Folly PO Box 86 Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands

knowledge in Quickbooks and other accounting software.

-Possess the ability to remain calm in a high stress environment -Be well spoken with English as primary language -Have a valid passport -Be at least 25 years old -Have a clean criminal record -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/ or reasonable needs of the business -Position is currently held by work permit holder -Salary offered : $500.00 weekly BOAT CAPTAIN -Have a proven and unblemished track record of employment -Have a valid passport -Have at least 5 years’ experience as a boat captain working in the tourism industry.

-Possess a valid grade 2 boat masters license.

-Have CPR and first Aid Certification -Basic knowledge of boat engine maintenance and repair -Have a clean criminal record -Positive and disciplined attitude toward work -Excellent verbal and written communication skills -Be at least 25 years old -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/ or reasonable needs of the business -Position is currently held by work permit holder -Salary offered: $300 weekly.

SERVER/ BARTENDER/LABORER/KITCHEN ASSISTANT Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar position -Ability to stand for long periods -Excellent customer service and friendly disposition -Able to lift moderate weights -Speaks good English.

-Positions are currently held by work permit holder.

-Salary offered $250.00 weekly WATERSPORTS OPRTATIONS COORDINATOR -High school diploma/ Bachelors -Dive Instructor or higher professional dive rating from an internationally recognized organization -Five years’ experience in a related position -Hold a valid certification in CPR and First Aid -Extensive knowledge of all standards and procedures with regards to international dive regulations -Ability to repair scuba equipment.

-Basic knowledge of boat engine maintenance/repair -Basic knowledge of compressor maintenance and repair -Detailed knowledge of dive shop and watersports operation, organization and recording/ logging protocol.

-Knowledge of general operation process.

-Be at least 25 years old -Salary offered: $600.00 weekly ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OFFICER -Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies or Biology -Two years’ International experience in a similar position -Teaching / trainer experience -Open water PADI certification or higher -Basic accounting background -Computer literate -Excellent written and verbal communication skills -Second language is an asset -Excellent organizational skills -Possess a valid driver’s license -Salary offered: $550.00 weekly DRIVER -3 years’ experience in a similar position -Basic vehicle maintenance skills an asset -Valid drivers license -Excellent reporting skill -Excellent time management skill -Ability to work on own initiative -Accident free driving record -Clean police record -Excellent verbal communication skills.

-Salary offered: $350.00 weekly MECHANIC -Two years’ experience in a similar position -Knowledgeable in mechanical repair and maintenance of All terrain Vehicles, boat engines, diesel engines, trucks.

-Highly organized and able to work on own initiative -Excellent organizational skills -Literacy -Possess a valid driver’s license -Salary offered:$450 weekly.

All applicants who are Turks Islanders are invited to send their application to the Commissioner and Labor Board.

Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders.

These positions are currently held by work permit holders All applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Written applications only and accompanying CVs/resumes must be addressed to the Manager at the following address:

OASIS DIVING, LTD. c/o EPIC Corporate & Consultancy Services Ltd. Phone: 649-946-1128 Fax: 649-946-1128 Email: oasisdiv@tciway.tc

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

Come and join our winning team at Seven Star Resort & Spa With great benefits such as Life Insurance, Highest paid service charge, Great Employee incentives and Training & Development The following positions are currently available Crystallization Specialist: This individual will be responsible for grinding and leveling of floors with the required machinery. Responsible for all of the following: Travertine Cleaning , Marble Polishing, Marble Cleaning, Granite Polishing, Etch Removal, Stain Removal, Limestone Cleaning, Lippage Removal, Crack & Chip Repair and Marble Floor Maintenance Requirements: •Knowledge of working with chemicals used for floor restoration, polishing, buffing or crystallization on different stone floor types – Limestone/granite/marble •Some math and measuring skills along with an eye for detail.

•Also requires a great deal of lifting, bending and squatting, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is needed.

Salary range: USD12,000 to USD 13,500 per annum Position currently held by a work permit hold Chef de Partie The Chef de Partie is responsible for running a specific section of the kitchen. The chef manages a small team of workers, which are responsible for keeping organized so that meals go out on time and the work area remains clean and orderly.

Requirements: •5 to 15 culinary experiences in a five star hotel/resort •Knowledgeable in international cuisine such as Japanese and other Asian dishes •HACCP knowledge, self-motivated and passion for hospitality and cooking •Excellent palate and attention to detail Duties and Responsibilities: •To work and lead the kitchen team •Execute cooking to the expected high standard quickly and efficiently •To maintain the required level of hygiene standards/HACCP as laid down both legally and by the standards manual •To be responsible for the day to day training of the team Salary range: USD13,200 to USD14,400. Position currently held by a work permit holder Retail and Spa Manager The Retail &Spa Manager will be responsible for overseeing the entire Spa function.

This includes retail, a full-service gym as well as massage therapy. The primary role of the Spa Manager is as follows; •To ensure optimum guest and employee satisfaction.

•Plan or direct spa services, standards and programs •Must be an experienced Spa Therapist Trainer •Assess employee performance and suggest ways to improve work •Check spa equipment to ensure proper functioning •Coordinate facility schedules to maximize usage and efficiency •Develop staff service or retail goals and guide staff in goal achievement •Establish spa budgets and financial goals •Inventory products and order new supplies Skills and Qualifications: Customer Focus, Tracking Budget Expenses, Pricing, Vendor Relationships, Market Knowledge, Staffing, Results Driven, Yoga/ Pilates knowledge, Strategic Planning, Strong Management Proficiency, Client Relationships, Verbal Communication and able to work long hours. Must have international spa and retail experience.

Salary range: USD35,000 to USD44,800 per annum and is based on experience and qualification. Position currently held by a work permit holder.

Woodwork Specialist/tradesman/Carpenter Candidate will be responsible for furniture repairs and rebuilds various objects in wood, cardboard, PVC, etc. Assemble, disassemble and repair hydraulic locking arms, locks, boards, doors, furniture, wooden shelves. Prepare special carving and woodwork on a daily bases for room refurbishment.

Requirements: •At least 5 years of related work experience •Must understand detailed architectural drawings, schematics, shop drawings and blue prints.

•Must have experience operating equipment such as saws, routers, drills and sanders •Must have basic mathematical skills •Ability to determine measurements and attention to detail •Physical ability to lift up to 100lbs, walk, jump and bend Wages: USD6.25 to USD$7.60 per hour.

•Organizing and leadership skills •In depth knowledge of sanitation principles, food preparation and baking techniques and nutrition •Working knowledge of baking with ingredient limitations (pastries that are gluten free, sugarless etc.)

Restaurant Manager: The Restaurant Manager’s main responsibility is to manage the entire restaurant and the staff in the restaurant and ensures all daily duties are done in order to serve our guests efficiently and professionally •Oversee the implementation of service and brand standards in the restaurant •Ensure all staff is trained on the company standards and acts in compliance to the standards •Monitor food & beverage cost in the restaurant and ensure minimum waste occurs •Monitor the POS system and ensure all transactions are properly recorded and settled according to company rules •Ensure daily opening and closing procedures are performed according to standards •Responsible for training, developing and motivating staff •Replenish supplies and inventory in a timely and efficient manner and controlling cost •Ensure that the restaurant and all restaurant equipment is in proper operational condition and is cleaned on a regular basis •Ensure the restaurant is in compliance with the current health and safety standards

at all times •Directly responsible for meeting financial, service and guest satisfaction targets for assigned outlet Skills and Qualifications: •Previous five star restaurant management •Previous experience working with multi-cultural/multi-ethnic groups •Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience •Ability to build, train and maintain teams Salary range: USD24,000 to USD 25,500 per annum.

Housekeeping Turndown Attendant / Labourer Clean, stock, and provide turn down service for guest rooms to ensure cleanliness and guest satisfaction while caring enough to do it well by adhering to the Resort Commitments.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities •Provide turn down service by partially removing and storing bedspread, replenishing amenities, linens, and supplies and filling ice bucket as requested by guest •Wipe down tub and sink area •Sign for room keys and restock cart and visually inspect room for cleanliness •Strip and make beds, change linens and dust all furniture thoroughly •Replenish amenities, linens, and supplies in guest room •Respond in a timely manner to guest requests for items and/or other information Job knowledge/Skills/Abilities •Ability to work conscientiously, meets deadlines, follows instruction and directions, with minimal supervision and detailed oriented •Ability to stand, sit, kneel constantly to handle specific details or demands of quality and speedy guest services •Ability to push, lift and/or pull equipment up to or more than 100 lbs •Ability to scrub and scour surfaces, extend arms over head to perform cleaning tasks, and work in confined spaces •Additional language abilities preferred Salary range: USD12,000 to USD 13,500 per annum. Position currently held by a work permit holder Executive Sous Chef The Executive Sous Chef will be second in command to the Executive Chef assisting with the overall kitchen operation. He or she will be responsible for the consistent preparation of innovative and creative cuisine of the highest quality, presentation and flavor for the dining rooms, banquets and other food facilities, resulting in outstanding guest satisfaction.

•Assist the Executive Chef with planning menus for all food outlets •Schedules and coordinates the work of chefs, cooks and other kitchen employees to assure that food preparationis economical and technically correct and within budgeted labor cost goals •Approves the requisition of products and other necessary food supplies.

•Ensures that high standards of sanitation, cleanliness and safety are maintained throughout all kitchen areas at all times •Establishes controls to minimize food and supply waste and theft •Safeguards all food preparation employees by implementing training to increase their knowledge about safety, sanitation and accident prevention principles •Develops standard recipes and techniques for food preparation and presentation which help to assure consistently high quality and to minimize food costs; exercises portion control for all items served and assists in establishing menu selling prices •Prepares necessary data for applicable parts of the budget; projects annual food, labor and other costs and monitors actual financial results; takes corrective action as necessary to help assure that financial goals are met •Ensures proper staffing for maximum productivity and high standards of quality; controls food and payroll costs to achieve maximum profitability •Evaluates food products to assure that quality standards are consistently attained •Interacts with food and beverage management to assure that food production consistently exceeds the expectations of members and guests •In conjunction with F&B management team, assist in maintaining a high level of service principles in accordance with established standards •Responsible to the entire kitchen in the absence of the Executive Chef Skills and Qualifications: •Previous five star Executive Chef experience or equivalent experience as Executive Sous Chef. Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience •Must contribute to the Community of the Turks & Caicos Islands by carrying out training etc.

•Must have great written and verbal communication skills •Previous experience working with multi-cultural/multi-ethnic groups •Ability to build, train and maintain teams •Must be able to work long hours and all weather conditions Salary range: USD45,000 to USD 50,000 per annum.

OTHER POSITIONS •Cooks •Runner •F&B Servers •Concierge Agent

ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED. Candidates should apply to Seven Stars Resort & Spa, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales via e-mail at hr@sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration or should leave CV’s and a valid police clearance at the security building for the attention of HR. Prospective applicants who are Islanders kindly send copies of your application to the board.

Application deadline: March 1, 2020

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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INTRODUCING: MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH FORTISTCI

Two-way Texting Text us; and we’ll text you back! Our two-way texting system means you can text us to report an outage, and you’ll receive outage updates, and notification once power is restored.

Simply opt in by texting FTCIGO to 1-855-334-9998.

You can opt in all phone numbers associated with your account.

Automated Account Information In English, Spanish and Creole! Just call 649-946-4313 to get your • Account balance • Past due balance • Payment due date and the amount to pay to avoid disconnection

1

Account Notification Receive email, text and voice notifications and reminders: • Past due bills to avoid disconnection • Disconnection notices • Planned outages • Any maintenance work that FortisTCI may carry out in your area.

To access these services, make sure we have your up-to-date contact information. Visit our website at https://www.fortistci.com/ebilling.

Complete the form and submit it to us!

2017 Winner

Allied Member of the Year

BCMS 681102

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

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

10th Annual Chocolate Lover’s Showcase Highlights O

n Saturday February 1st, the lawn at The Palms resort in Grace Bay was transformed into a delightful funfair for foodies in the form of the 10th Annual Chocolate Lovers Showcase.

On offer were bite-sized samples of magnificent dishes by nine restaurants and resorts who generously participated in the Salvation Army TCI’s annual fundraiser including the Amanyara resort, Barbetta House at the Somerset, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, Grace’s Cottage at Point Grace, Infiniti at Grace Bay Club, Parallel 23 at The Palms, Somewhere Café and Lounge, Stelle at the Wymara Resort and SUI-REN at The Shore Club.

“Again this year, we had an amazing showing by the participating

culinary teams,” Salvation Army Turks and Caicos Board member Todd Foss told The SUN. “Not only did the chefs put on an impressive spread for guests, but their on-going commitment represents a tremendous show of support by these local businesses for our community.”

The Chocolate Lovers Showcase is the number one source of fundraising for the Salvation Army TCI’s Hot Lunch program, which currently provides a hot lunch to at-risk students at both the Long Bay and Clement Howell high schools on Providenciales.

Support was also shown in great numbers from the wider community through tickets sales, which combined with auction prize donations from more

than a dozen island businesses, including Ambergris Cay, PRIVÉ Fine Ocean Charters and Royal Jewels, helped to raise over $40,000 for the program.

The Wine Cellar helped to welcome guests with a complimentary glass of champagne before they were sent off to enjoy the tastings provided by the participating restaurants and resorts. The mood was set by D.J. Chin who donated his time to create a party vibe throughout the night.

Winners were selected by public vote with a Gold, Silver and Bronze award being presented in each of two food categories: Sweet and Savory. The only rule: they must include chocolate as one of the ingredients.

Savory winners included: Bronze winner Infiniti at Grace Bay Club, Silver went to Barbetta House at the Somerset and the most beloved entry in the savory category was Stelle at the Wymara Resort who took home the gold.

On the sweet side winners included: Bronze winner Parallel 23 at The Palms, Silver went to Infiniti at Grace Bay Club and for a second year running, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa was awarded Gold for its sweet entry.

The Chocolate Lovers Showcase takes place on the first Saturday in February, so mark your calendars now for next year’s 11th annual event to take place on Saturday, February 6, 2021.

Photos by Caya Hico Media.

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

The Best

RESORTS IN THE WORLD

TO P 25 R E S O R T S I N T H E AT L A N T I C I S L A N DS

GRACE BAY RESORTS: West Bay Club in the Turks and Caicos Islands has been named one of the Best Resorts in the World by Condé Nast Traveller: 2019 Readers Choice Awards.

West Bay Club, Point Grace, and Grace Bay Club have been recognized in the top 10 of the top 25 resorts in the Atlantic Islands.

Making it one of the most awarded Luxury Brands in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Envelop yourself in the beachside serenity of West Bay Club. Our luxurious oceanfront resort provides a relaxed and intimate boutique setting for a family vacation getaway, as well as a serene adult-only pool that beckons couples seeking some R&R. From sunning to sailing to snorkeling, you’ll enjoy the quintessential Turks and Caicos beach experience.

An intimate boutique hotel inspired by West Indian architecture, this idyllic retreat is situated on the pristine twelve-mile Grace Bay beach. This is a picturesque cottage village filled with romance and luxurious Caribbean charm. From languid moments by the pool to delicious outdoor dining, Point Grace is a calming oasis for the privileged few.

The elegance of white sand greeting crystal waters inspires the timeless luxury of the iconic and original Grace Bay Club, situated on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Here, grace extends beyond the resort’s name to infuse breathtaking sunrise strolls and romantic sunset dinners with sophistication. Guests enjoy access to myriad activities, a selection of pools and innovative dining offerings.

WWW.GRACEBAYRESORTS.COM

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

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: TEMPORARY DUTY MANAGER • Proactively directs and supervises front office team members to ensure that day to day operational matters are handled on time and exceed guest expectations.

• Provides guidance to front office supervisory team to assist them in fulfilling their duties and executing their own set goals and objectives.

• Oversees the service standards in all front office areas ensuring that they conform to the department standards and exceed guest’s expectations.

• Ensures the accuracy of information for daily briefings and night audit tasks.

• Consistently monitors and reviews attendance/time forge, and advises the ARDM & RDM accordingly.

• Conducts daily front of the house checks ensuring service procedures, standards of cleanliness and hygiene are met and takes action when appropriate.

• Acts as a liaison between the Rooms Division Manager and front office supervisory staff and the rest of the team, updating him regularly on operational and team matters.

• To handle guest complaints, inquiries, and comments in a professional manner, log them and initiate appropriate action and follow up plans.

• Interacts with guests’; frequently soliciting feedback and taking action for service recovery when needed.

• Assists with Rooms Division projects and initiatives; in conformance with organization’s established policies and objectives.

• Covers night shift when required.

Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Hospitality Management or Business Administration preferred • Minimum of 5 years’ international experience in the luxury hospitality industry and 3 years in the same position • Very strong communication & organizational skills and be able to handle multiple priorities on a regular basis • Previous experience working in various international remote locations • Proven ability to lead a diverse, multicultural team • English proficiency in oral and written is a must. If not a native speaker, the individual would have worked mainly in English throughout their career. Two additional international languages a must.

Salary: $1800.00 per month, plus service charge.

PUBLIC AREA SUPERVISOR • Assists the Housekeeping Manager in the smooth and efficient running of the Housekeeping department, ensuring that all the policies and procedures outlined in the Departmental Operations Manual are strictly adhered to.

• Logs daily events in Supervisor’s Logbook and follows-up on information reported by the other Supervisors daily.

• Schedules regular deep cleaning projects • Prepares Public Area Shift reports • Ensures Public Area/Housekeeping Attendants deliver the brand promises and provides exceptional guest service at all times.

• Handles all guest and internal customer complaints and inquiries in a courteous and efficient manner, following through to make sure problems are resolved satisfactorily.

Requirements: • At minimum a High School education • Good command of English language verbal and written • 5-10 Years of Housekeeping experience; preferably at a supervisory level and at a luxury resort • Proven track record of operating heavy cleaning equipment and handling commercial grade chemicals Salary: $1800.00 per month, plus service charge HOUSEKEEPING ATTENDANT • Cleans, maintains and prepares arrival, departure and stayover guest rooms and bathrooms, tidies up guest belongings in stayover rooms • Maintains and cleans assigned Public Areas • Works on deep cleaning projects in Guest Rooms and Public Area • Cleans and restocks staff locker room facilities and administration offices Requirements: • Minimum of 1 year work experience; preferably in a luxury establishment • High school diploma; housekeeping work experience is a plus • Proficient in English Salary: $6.25 per hour, plus service charge HOUSEMAN • Cleans, maintains and prepares arrival, departure and stayover guest rooms and bathrooms • High level inside & outside cleaning, shifting furniture, using heavy cleaning equipment, ladders, etc.

• Maintains and cleans assigned Public Areas • Works on assigned projects in Guest Rooms and Public Area • Cleans and restocks staff locker room facilities and administration offices Requirements: • Minimum of 1 year work experience; preferably in a luxury establishment • High school diploma; housekeeping work experience is a plus • Proficient in English Salary: $6.25 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.

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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OPEN DAY SUNDAY MARCH 1st 1pm - 3pm

SAILING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM This Could Be YOU!

FULLY FUNDED 10 WEEK SAILING COURSE Program Starts Sunday March 8th, 1.30pm - 4pm, The Bight Park SCHOLARSHIPS ARE OPEN TO PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS, AGE 12+ EVERYTHING INCLUDED!

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS... LEARN TO SAIL! Provo Sailing Academy is presenting the program to students at Long Bay High School & Clement Howell High School

PSA Welcomes Sponsorship For The Children On This Course Please Email provosailingacademy@gmail.com

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

Shakira and Jennifer Lopez

Singer Rihanna poses for photographers upon arrival at the British Fashion Awards in central London.

Rihanna will receive the President’s Award during the 51st NAACP Image Awards this month.

The NAACP announced Tuesday that it had selected the 31-year-old pop star and fashion icon for her “groundbreaking career as an artist and musician, but (someone who) has also distinguished herself as a stellar public servant.”

Rihanna will be given the award during the Feb. 22 ceremony that will be televised for the first time on BET. The show will air live from Pasadena, California.

Previous recipients include Jay-Z, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson and Condoleezza Rice.

Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is a nine-time Grammy winner who launched her own fashion line last year called Fenty with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury group. She also has a lingerie line, Savage X Fenty, that debuted in 2018.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson said Rihanna “epitomizes the type of character, grace and devotion to justice” that the organization seeks to highlight.

Why Jennifer Lopez and Shakira Didn’t Get Paid for Super Bowl 2020 Performance

As the San Francisco 49ers Bowl. They do, however, cover all and Kansas City Chiefs battled it performance-related production out on the field, all eyes were on expenses.

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira during According to the Wall the Pepsi halftime show for Super Street Journal, previous half-time Bowl LIV. The Latin sensations shows have cost the NFL more than wowed crowds with more backup $10 million for a show that lasts dancers than ever seen before. Their less than 15 minutes. This includes combined 14-minute high energy elaborate lighting, stage setup, performance would regularly earn costume changes, pyrotechnics, them millions. The surprising part production crew, union dues, and is that neither Shakira nor Lopez travel. received any money for appearing The NFL has considered at the biggest concert of 2020. charging acts for the opportunity to

Known worldwide, the perform, but as of yet, that has not international superstars saluted come to fruition. their Latin heritage while paying homage to their successful careers.

Why performers agree to not Shakira had everyone at the Hard getting paid Rock Stadium in Miami on their feet as she opened the show with her top Performers put in extensive hit, “She Wolf.” Fireworks exploded rehearsing for the opportunity to as she belted out an electric guitar appear at the Super Bowl. Forbes solo to her 2014 anthem, “Empire.” reported that the halftime show Shakira shook her way across the “is the single biggest promotional stage, collaborating with rapper Bad vehicle for a music star on the Bunny, before bursting into fan- planet.” favorite, “Hips Don’t Lie.”

Artists forgo payment in

At the end of her dynamic exchange for the publicity. The set, Lopez took the stage, much to Super Bowl has a televised audience the delight of the crowd, opening of over 100 million people. There is with her smash hit, “Jenny From no other outlet that can attract so The Block.” She performed a many viewers, and the performers medley of her top songs, one hit know it. after the other, wearing Vegas-style Previous halftime performers have costuming and even bringing out seen huge spikes in their sales her Hustlers stripper pole. following the Super Bowl.

Her daughter, Emme, In 2018, Justin Timberlake joined her on stage for a rousing saw a 214% increase in Spotify rendition of “Let’s Get Loud.” This streams within one hour of the was the first time two women conclusion of his Super Bowl shared the stage for the Super Bowl halftime performance. The previous Halftime Show, and it was the first year, Lady Gaga jumped 60 spots all Latin musical performance. Fans on the Billboard charts to No. 2, in Miami loved every minute of it. within just a week of performing at

The NFL has a long- halftime. After Beyonce performed standing policy of not paying a in 2013, she saw an increase in performance fee to artists that concert ticket sales and a 100% appear during halftime of the Super increase in online searches.

Radio host Rush Limbaugh announces lung cancer diagnosis on air

Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh announced on Monday that he has been diagnosed with “advanced lung cancer” but plans to continue to do his program “as normally and as competently” as he can while he undergoes treatment.

Limbaugh, 69, said on the air he first realized something was wrong over the weekend of his Jan. 12 birthday, after he began experiencing shortness of breath. He said his diagnosis was confirmed on Jan. 20 by two medical institutions.

Otherwise, Limbaugh told his listeners, he was for the moment Rush Limbaugh “experiencing zero symptoms.” voice of the political right and a nemesis

A mainstay of U.S. talk radio of the left since launching his show in and the culture wars for more than 1985 amid the Republican revolution of 30 years, Limbaugh said he would be Ronald Reagan, a man he has called “the absent from the broadcast for “the greatest president of the 20th century.” next couple of days as we figure out the Espousing a provocative, treatment course of action and have populist brand of social and political further testing done.” conservatism, Limbaugh has

“But as I said, I’m going to be commanded a weekly audience of about here as often as I can,” he added. He 20 million listeners - he calls them said he hoped to return to the airwaves “ditto heads” - during a three-hour daily on Thursday. broadcast airing on some 600 radio

The radio host began his stations across the United States. announcement expressing discomfort Detractors such as liberal at talking about himself, then went on former Senator Al Franken - a onetime to say: “I have to tell you something comedian who wrote a book titled today that I wish I didn’t have to tell “Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Liar” - have you.” criticized him as a divisive figure who

“The upshot is that I have been routinely distorts the facts. diagnosed with advanced lung cancer,” Still, Limbaugh’s success he said. The shortness of breath he helped shape the Republican party’s had thought might have been asthma agenda in the media and spawn a wave turned out, he said, to be “a pulmonary of conservative commentators on radio, problem involving malignancy.” He television and the internet, among made no mention of a prognosis. them Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, Glenn

Limbaugh has been a leading Beck and Alex Jones.

Shakira and Jennifer Lopez

Maroon 5 and Travis Scott performed during the halftime show in 2019. Since then, Maroon 5 has increased its per-city tour income from $200,000 to $1.7 million.

Scott doubled his income since performing and is now earning close to $1 million for every stop on his current tour. He tripled his 2018 income, bringing in $58 million last year.

After Katy Perry performed in 2015, her career skyrocketed with countless opportunities for movie, television, and endorsement deals.

It looks like Lopez and Shakira made a good decision to perform at the Super Bowl.

According to Nielsen Music, sales of the songs performed during the halftime performance experienced an astonishing 1,013% increase.

There was a reported 16,000 digital downloads on Sunday, with Shakira receiving the biggest surge on Spotify, with more than a 2,135% jump for her hit single: “Empire.”

In Lopez’s case, she also jumpstarted her daughter’s career by introducing her to the world on a very public platform.

Jay-Z explains why he was seated during Super Bowl LIV national anthem

Jay-z and Beyonce.

Was it too low to start?”

Jay-Z is clearing the air.

The rapper and his wife, The rapper continued, saying that he Beyoncé, drew criticism and praise wanted to make sure that fans at home for staying seated during the national could “really feel the music,” so it was important to him that every aspect of anthem at Super Bowl LIV on Sunday.

TMZ was able to obtain the song was perfect. photos of the couple sitting with their He also noted that he was daughter Blue Ivy during Demi Lovato’s closely watching Yolanda Adams performance. perform “America the Beautiful,”

Now, the outlet has obtained critiquing what shots the cameras were footage of Jay-Z, 50, explaining that he capturing.

“The whole time, we’re wasn’t making a political statement but was actually observing the show. sitting there, we’re talking about the

Jay-Z visited Columbia performance and right after that, Demi University in New York on Tuesday for a comes out and we’re talking about Q&A session, and he was asked whether how beautiful she looked and how she his sitting down was meant to send a sounds and what she’s going through in message. her life for her to be on the stage, we’re “It actually wasn’t,” he stated plainly. so proud of her,” he said.

“Sorry.”

Additionally, Jay-Z said that

He explained that he was busy he and Beyoncé, 38, wouldn’t have observing the show, which he had a put their 8-year-old daughter in that hand in producing thanks to a deal position. between his company Roc Nation and “ It just happened,” he noted. “I the NFL. didn’t have to make a silent protest. If

“We get there and we you look at the stage, the artists that immediately jump into artist mode,” we chose, Colombian [Shakira], Puerto he explained. “...So now I’m just really Rican JLo ... we were making the biggest looking at the show. Did the mics start? loudest protest of all.”

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE

Teen drug use might drop as U.S. youth smoke less

Two studies suggest that young people in the U.S. are smoking less than in the past, and this could be helping to reduce teen drug use as well, researchers say.

One study published in Pediatrics examined survey data on tobacco use among middle school and high school students from 2011 to 2018 and found a drop in the proportion of youth who smoke as well as a decline in the number of daily cigarettes used by those who are current smokers.

A separate study in Tobacco Control tracked teen smoking from 2000 to 2018 and found a surge in the proportion of adolescents who had never even tried cigarettes.

And never-smokers in this study were at least four times less likely to misuse drugs like opioids and amphetamines than teens who had tried smoking.

“Teens who have never smoked a cigarette have near-zero usage of these other drugs,” said Richard Miech of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, who led the Tobacco Control study.

Among high school seniors, the proportion who never smoked surged from 39% in 2001 to 76% in 2018, Miech and colleagues found.

During this period, the proportion of never-smokers who used opioids or amphetamines remained relatively steady at about 1% to 3%.

Over this same time frame, however, drug use was much more common among high school seniors who had tried smoking at least once. Roughly 15% of teens who had tried smoking had also used amphetamines; opioid use in this group varied during the study and ranged from 3% to 18%.

“If the group of neversmokers grows - and they maintain their near-zero levels of use of other drugs - then they could bring down the overall levels of teen use of other drugs,” Miech said by email.

Cigarette butts in an ashtray in Los Angeles, California, May 31, 2012.

There are two main ways reducing cigarette use might also help curb drug use among teens, Miech said.

From a social perspective, kids who smoke are likely to become friends with other smokers, who can then introduce them to use of other drugs, Miech said.

At the same time, teens who get a taste of nicotine might experience changes in the brain that make them more receptive to use of other drugs, Miech added.

Some youth might be reducing cigarette use because they’re vaping, said Sunday Azagba, a researcher at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and lead author of the Pediatrics study.

Azagba and colleagues looked at surveys that asked, among other things, how often teens who were current smokers used cigarettes or e-cigarettes in the previous 30 days.

Overall, the proportion of current smokers who were daily cigarette users dropped from 27% in 2011 to 18% in 2018. The

proportion who smoked at least 10 days a month declined from 50% to 38%, and smoking on at least 20 days in a month fell from about 37% to 26%.

Light smoking - up to five cigarettes daily - became more common during the study period, while moderate smoking - six to ten daily cigarettes - declined.

Age at first cigarette use climbed among females and white students but fell among males.

Vaping, however, became more common. The proportion of youth who vaped daily rose from 9% to 22%.

“Despite overall decreases in cigarette use among youth, some youth, particularly males, continue to smoke heavily,” Azagba said by email.

“Prevention and cessation efforts should continue to target youth,” Azagba added. “Additionally, the high rates of dual-use suggest a need for education on the added risks of dual e-cigarette and cigarette use.”

Trial of promising HIV vaccine halted after failing to show benefit

A clinical trial testing a promising HIV vaccine in more than 5,000 people in South Africa has been halted because it failed to show a benefit, U.S. health officials said on Monday.

The study, known as HVTN 702, built on results from the 2009 RV144 vaccine trial in Thailand, which was the first to show it was possible to prevent HIV infection in humans. In that study, the vaccine cut the rate of HIV infections by 30% compared with people who got a placebo.

“It is very disappointing that this vaccine candidate does not work, but the trial was wellconducted and got an answer as quickly as possible,” Mitchell Warren, executive director of AVAC, an HIV prevention advocacy group, said in a statement.

Despite the discovery of effective treatments that can put the virus in remission, experts say an HIV vaccine is critical to eradicating the virus that causes AIDS, which has infected 75 million people and killed 37.9 million globally as of 2018.

“An HIV vaccine is essential to end the global pandemic, and we hoped this vaccine candidate would work. Regrettably, it does not,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which sponsored the study.

“Research continues on other approaches to a safe and effective HIV vaccine, which I still believe can be achieved,” Fauci said in a statement.

The regimen tested in the HVTN 702 trial was adapted to target the specific subtype of HIV most prevalent in southern Africa, known as Clade C. It consisted of two vaccines - one made from GlaxoSmithKline and one from Sanofi.

The study enrolled 5,407 HIV-negative volunteers at 14 sites across South Africa. Study volunteers were sexually active men and women ages 18 to 35. They were randomly assigned to receive either the experimental vaccine regimen or a placebo. They received six shots over a period of 18 months.

Late last month, a safety board conducted an interim analysis from 2,694 study participants who got the vaccine and 2,689 volunteers who got the placebo, and found the vaccine was not effective at preventing HIV infections. Based on these findings, the NIAID stopped the trial.

The NIAID has two other late-stage HIV vaccine trials underway called Imbokodo and Mosaico. Both are testing a novel vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson. The end of the HVTN 702 trial (also known as Uhambo) does not affect these studies or any other HIV prevention efficacy trials taking place globally, Warren said.

More evidence texting pedestrians are accidents waiting to happen

Smartphone users who text while they walk are more prone to accidents than pedestrians who just listen to music or talk on their phones, a research review suggests.

Compared to people who didn’t text while walking, those who did appeared to look left and right less often before crossing streets, the analysis found. Texting was also associated with higher odds that pedestrians would bump into other people or things in their paths or experience near-misses.

“Smartphone use that takes a pedestrian’s eyes off the traffic environment has a higher potential safety cost than activities that do not curtail scanning,” said study co-author Jeff Caird of the University of Calgary in Canada.

“Turning on ‘do not disturb’ while walking may allow pedestrians to reflect and be aware of their environment,” Caird said by email.

For the analysis, researchers examined data from 14 experimental studies assessing the impact of smartphone use on pedestrian safety.

Altogether, these smaller studies involved 872 pedestrians.

The smaller studies typically included simulations designed to mimic what pedestrians might experience while walking down a sidewalk or crossing a street. Simulations had features such as curb-like platforms and treadmills with projection systems to duplicate what people might see on a street.

Participants were asked to perform a variety of street-crossing tasks multiple times during simulations, repeating the activities without a smartphone and while occupied by a variety of smartphone activities like texting, talking, browsing the web or listening to music.

Texting was associated with

higher rates of near-misses in collision analyses compared with listening to music or talking on the phone, researchers report in Injury Prevention.

Texting and browsing the web on a phone were also tied to slight increases in the time it took to start crossing the street.

Talking on the phone was associated with a small increase in the time taken to start crossing the road and slightly more missed opportunities to cross the road safely.

One limitation of the analysis is that simulation results might not necessarily reflect what happens on city streets. Another drawback is the potential for people to use phones differently in lab settings than they would normally.

Even so, the results add to evidence already suggesting that smartphones can distract pedestrians and contribute to injuries, said David

Schwebel, a researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who wasn’t involved in the study.

“The message for all of us is that we should cross the street undistracted,” Schwebel said by email. “We should treat pedestrian street-crossing just like we treat driving: put the smartphone aside when engaging in traffic.”

If people can’t help using the phone while they’re walking along busy sidewalks, they should still have the good sense to pause what they’re doing and look up from their screens when they need to cross the street, Schwebel said.

“Don’t cross the street while using your smartphone,” Schwebel added. “Put the phone in your pocket or purse or even just in your hand and start using it again when you’re safely on the sidewalk - or better still, sitting on a park bench.”

Page 30

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 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 Entertainment Department requires: 

The Administrative Department requires:

Director of Entertainment (Manager)

Reports to:

  

Managing Director

The presence of the Director of Entertainment is essential in planning various types of resort entertainment and activities. Ensuring that all social and cultural events are well coordinated, the Director of Entertainment also acts as the main source of information for the guests on the resort, ensuring they are having an enjoyable experience.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:    

Minimum 5 years’ experience in related field or hold certification as an Entertainment Specialist; Knowledge and training the following field stage manager, production manager and stage hand positions; Must have minimum 2 -3 years working experience in child care environment; Must have 3 – 5 years senior management experience.

The position of Director of Entertainment is currently held by Work Permit Holder.

The salary for the position indicated above is dependent on skills and experience and is negotiable.

The Spa Department requires:  

Reports to:

Spa Manager

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: Must have a valid License/ Certificate in your field of expertise; Certification in at least two disciplines Experience teaching classes Physically Fit

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;

The Executive Assistant Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder and more than one is required.

The Photoshop Department requires: Photographer Supervisor

Responsible for the photographic experience, including the flow of guests through the photography, selection and purchase process Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: Certifications in field or studio Photography (both required for Lead Photographer) Sales experience and able to meet quotas Two (2) years’ experience in a similar position

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

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

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

Information Technology Manager

Reports to:

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.

  

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 Information Technology Department requires: 

Managing Director

Reports to: Photoshop Manager

The Spa Supervisor is responsible for developing fitness programs for the comfort of the guests. 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:



Fitness Program Coordinator (supervisor) Fitness Coordinator

Executive Assistant Manager(s) Guest Experience Manager Manager on Duty

Senior IT Manager and Director of Information Technology

The Information Technology Manager will be responsible to promote user awareness for the safe and secure management of all equipment and applications and be responsible for all I.T.-related problems, encompassing hardware, software, telecommunications and other infrastructure as assigned by the Department.

Applicants should satisfy the following criteria:  Must demonstrate a high level of Integrity and professionalism.  Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.  Must be able to prepare monthly reports to relevant team members, (i.e. General Manager, IT Regional Manager and Group IT Director).  Must be able to troubleshoot and resolve technical IT related problems.  Must be able to monitor and support hardware maintenance by performing repairs on site or engaging authorized external technicians.  Must be able to maintain and secure timely backups of data systems, ensure backup integrity by performing timely restore testing operations.  Must be able to maintain and perform Software upgrades and testing and advise in a timely manner of their success or failure.  Provide 24 hour on call support whenever this is required by the property.  Must be able to work on shifts including nights, weekends and public holidays whenever this is required by the property.  Must be able to work extended hours on short notice during critical or emergency situations.  Must be willing to relocate, if required to do so.

Qualifications and Experience:  Undergraduate degree in an Information Technology related discipline or an Associate degree with IT certification (e.g. A+, MCSA, and MCSE).  A minimum of 2 years working in an IT business environment; would be an asset.

Knowledge and Skills: The incumbent must be proficient and knowledgeable in the following areas:  Microsoft windows configuration, installation, maintenance, and support.  Computer PC hardware, software systems and programs  PC networks, installation and administration  Troubleshooting PC Network and Network computer Hardware  Computer viruses and security  E-mail, MS Office Suite and Web based programs.

Additionally the following would be an asset in this position:  Experience with Database Administration, MS SQL 2008 and Virtual Environments.  Supporting and troubleshooting of VOIP telephony, TCP/IP and WIFI Networks There is currently an Information Technology Manager with on island status however two are required.

Recruitment to fill this position is underway at this time. Should a suitable local applicant not be found a permit application will be submitted.

The Kitchen Department requires:     

Chief Baker Cook Cook Grade 1,2 and 3 Sous Chef (Manager) Exec Sous Chef

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 The Maintenance Departments require: 

Maintenance Controller

Reports to: Chief Engineer and/ or Properties Manager To work closely with the Rooms Division/and Property management to ensure that the physical appearance in and around the room and premises is as per the company’s established quality and standards; to ensure that the furniture, fixture, A/C’s, plumbing and equipment are properly maintained.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  

Must have a minimum of a high school diploma and/or a certificate in a field of engineering from a recognized Vocational Training Institution Basic computer literacy and internet knowledge is preferred

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

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

The rate for the position listed above is $7.25 to $9.50 an hour.

The salary for this position ranges between $ 30,000.00 and $50,000.00

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 February 7th 2020

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

VACANCY – SCADA NETWORK TECHNICIAN II Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Scada Network Technician, FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Description •Provide assistance in carrying out preventative and corrective repairs to the Plant’s SCADA Control Network and other company assets in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specifications and standard practices and as directed by the Director of Energy Production.

• Under the direction of the Director of Energy Production or the assigned delegate, the SCADA Network Technician II must assist in installation and maintenance duties assigned in a sound technical manner, to ensure reliable operation and functionality of the network as per design specifications.

Main Duties •Respond to infrastructure trouble calls and faults including: LAN switching, network cabling, and PC connectivity issues.

•Perform routine troubleshooting, installation and maintenance on switches, routers, servers, wireless equipment, PCs that are a part of the SCADA network.

•Assist in maintaining SCADA network monitoring software with all device addresses and receive/respond to alerts accordingly.

•Assist with documenting configurations and maintaining files for software documentation.

•Performs regular SCADA workstation PC clean up and maintenance.

•Assist with Administration of SCADA Control Network, which includes performing system data backups, server software upgrades as required.

•Tracks, maintains and updates inventory of hardware and software installations, desktop computers and peripheral equipment to ensure that minimum amount of spares is maintained.

•Ensure compliance to the company’s Environmental, Health and Safety policies and procedures when on the plant site and during the execution of work duties. This includes being properly and

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 31

neatly attired in the uniform provided and ensuring consistent and appropriate use of all personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.

•Attend and actively participate in all training and development programs and show continual improvement over time in ability to properly maintain and repair all areas of plant SCADA control network equipment.

•May be assigned junior plant operator duties from time to time.

•Operate company vehicles (including forklifts) as required in a manner consistent with company policy and TCI traffic regulations.

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

•Perform other job related duties as assigned by the Director of Energy Production.

Academic/Technical/Management Experience & Qualifications: •An Associate’s degree and/or successful completion of a 2-year postsecondary program in Information Technology or the equivalent •Experience with Ethernet network design, maintenance, installation and; Cisco routers and associated software; and network test equipment including analyzers, wire testers and general test equipment.

•Working knowledge of Category 5 cabling, fiber optic cabling, cable termination, and hubs and switches.

•Knowledge of installation, troubleshooting and repair, and training methods related to personal computer systems; able to communicate effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.

•Broad knowledge of principles of network protocols and IP administration; operating systems including Ethernet, TCP/IP, and local and wide area networking technologies.

Abilities & Skills: •Excellent team player and team building skills •Excellent written and oral communication skills in English •Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure •Demonstrate a high level of motivation Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is Friday February 14, 2020: Avi Adams Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: aadams@fortistci.com AND hrapplications@fortistci.com

INTERISLAND AVIATION SERVICES GROUP SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES WHICH ARE: interCaribbean Airways, Provo Air Center, Flight Support Limited, Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services has the following position(s) currently held by work permit holders available for immediate filling: AIRLINE EXECUTIVE:Must have a working knowledge of UK Aviation Regulations for Off-Shore Territories(OTAR),ICAO AND IATA aviation practices and standards,US FAA Federal Aviation Regulations(FAR) and dangerous goods Regulations,Experience and knowledge of ramp and aircraft operations.Must speak,read,write and understand the English Language.Additional requirements include the ability to physically carry out the work scope involved.Providing managerial and administrative responsibility for the domestic and international based operations.Ability to make responsible,strategic and tactical decisions that might affect safety and /or security of ground handling and station operations.Ability to provide proper management of all station managers with respect to supplies,documents,manuals and other equipment that is required for proper station operation.Salary $3500 per month.

PILOTS FOR EMB 12O/145 FLEET: 2-5 years experience,must be current on aircraft type with valid medical and must be able to obtain US crew visa.Salary $60,000 per year.

PILOT FOR DH6: 2-5 years experience must be current on aircraft type with valid medical and must be able to obtain US crew visa. Salary $42,000 per year.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENTS: Must have 1-2 years experience in the aviation industry,computer literate,hardworking,reliable and trustworthy,reliable and trustworthy with a valid police record and passport.Willing and able to work weekends and holidays.Wages $9.00 per hour.

AIRPORT HOST: Must have 1-2 years experience in the aviation industry,computer literate,hardworking,reliable and trustworthy,reliable and trustworthy with a valid police record and passport.Willing and able to work weekends and holidays.Wages $9.00 per hour.

SECURITY OFFICER: 1-2 years experience,excellent command of the English Language,both verbal and written.Must be reliable and trustworthy with a valid TCI drivers license,current police record and valid passport should also be computer literate. Wage $9.00 FLIGHT DISPATCHER: 2 years experience,dispatchers license,computer literate, strong work ethic,must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Salary $36,000 per year.

RAMP AGENT/ATTENDANT:Must have 3-4 years experience in ramp duties, with supporting certification in dangerous goods,weight and balance and security.Must be fluent in the English Language,computer literate hardworking,reliable and willing to work weekends and holidays.Wages $9.00 per hour.

LABOURER: Must be willing to perform manual tasks,hard working, reliable and willing to work weekends and holidays. Wages $7.00 per hour.

BAGGAGE HANDLERS: Must be to lift over 50 lbs,hard working, reliable and willing to work weekends and holidays.Wages $7.00 per hour.

RAMP SUPERVISOR: Must have 3-4 years experience in ramp duties,with supporting certification in dangerous goods,airline security and weight and balance.Proven leadership abilities, computer literate can manager and discipline a team. Wages $11 AIRCRAFT CLEANERS/DOMESTIC WORKER: Must be a thorough cleaner, fluent in the English Language,computer literate,hard working,reliable and willing to work weekends and holidays.

Wages $7.00 per hour.

AIRCRAFT MECHANIC: Certification from an accredited institution,with A&P License,2-3 years or more experience.Dependable,innovative,strong team player,can work independently. Salary $60,000

per year.

GROUND EQUIPMENT MECHANIC: 5 years or more experience with diesel engines and hydraulics.

Wages $24,000 per year.

UPHOLSTERER: 2-3 years experience and the ability to work independently and long hours.Salary $24,000 per year DRIVER: Must have a valid TCI drivers license,2-3 year experience in driving reliable,dependable,team player, be able to work long hours.Wages $8.00 per hour.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT:Great customer service skills, must have excellent command of English Language(oral and written).Willing to work weekends and holidays. Valid passport with US visa required.Wages $1600 per month.

CASHIER: Must have 1-2 years experience in the aviation industry,computer literate,hardworking,reliable and trustworthy,reliable and trustworthy with a valid police record and passport.Willing and able to work weekends and holidays.Wages $9.00 per hour.

CONCIERGE:Must have 1-2 years experience in the aviation industry,computer literate,hardworking,reliable and trustworthy,reliable and trustworthy with a valid police record and passport.Willing and able to work weekends and holidays.Wages $9.00 per hour.

RAMP AGENT/ATTENDANT: Must have 3-4 years experience in ramp duties, with supporting certification in dangerous goods, weight and balance and security. Must be fluent in the English Language,computer literate, hard working, reliable and willing to work weekends and holidays.

Wages $9.00 per hour RAMP COORDINATOR: Must have 3-4 years experience in ramp duties, with supporting certification in dangerous goods, weight and balance and security. Must be knowledgeable with ICAO and IATA aviation practices and Standards, fluent in the English Language,computer literate, hard working, reliable and willing to work weekends and holidays. Wages $11.00 per hour STORE CLERK: Must have 3-4 years experience in the purchasing of aviation parts, be knowledgeable with different parts for aircraft types,fluent in English Language,computer literate, hardworking,reliable and willing to work weekends and holidays. Wages $10.00 per hour.

HEAVY DUTY DRIVER: Must have a valid TCI drivers license 2-3 years experience in driving heavy duty truck, reliable, dependable, team player, be able to work long hours.Wages $11.00 per hour.

CONCIERGE: Must have 1-2 years experience in the aviation industry,computer literate,hardworking,reliable and trustworthy,reliable and trustworthy with a valid police record and passport.Willing and able to work weekends and holidays.Wages $9.00 per hour.

Aviation Technical Record Administrator: 5 or more years experience with the knowledge and experience to perform QC data checks of the various information which is managed by the technical office and resolve ambiguities technical or other problems from engineering,operations and crew.

Maintain and manage any records associated with the maintenance management or operations. In depth knowledge of aircraft computerized tracking software and program.Assemble and issue daily work packages with accurate continuous airworthiness data.Provide general and administrative support to the Engineering department. Wages $36,000 per annum.

Gardener: 2-3 years experience knowledge and experience to maintain the beauty of plants,outdoor grounds and trees,must be able to perform a range of general maintenance tasks.Wages $7.00 per hour.

Interested persons please send resume to HR@interCaribbean.com.

Belongers and PRC holders need only apply

Page 32

NOTICE

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

The Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) for Vista Development Ltd. PR13533 has been finalized and is available online for review at the following link. http://online.fliphtml5.com/pejq/xulh/ Physical copies are also available at the Department of planning offices in Providenciales and Grand Turk for review.

The Environmental Impact Assessment was submitted in accordance with condition 25 of the Outline Development Permission PR 13533 for Vista Development Ltd Hotel Development granted on August 3 2018.

Comments on the EIA can be sent to the Department of Planning at planningconsultation@gov.tc or to the Department of planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales or at South Base, Grand Turk by or before Wednesday, March 4th 2020.

A public consultation meeting on the EIA will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales.

Absolute Construction

MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL

Location: #70 Bay Road, Wheeland, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking one (1) Carpenter Duties: Able to construct and repair building frameworks and structures such as stairways, doorframes, partitions, and rafters made from wood and other materials Also capable of installing kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall Salary $8.00 an hour To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 345-9876 This position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Island Escape (TCI) Ltd Is seeking candidates for the above position Tasks include but are not limited to plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs and heating and air conditioning system maintenance Remuneration: $6.50 per hour based on experience and qualifications Kindly forward resumes and qualification to oa@ fchamberslaw.com, copying same to the Turks and Caicos Islands Labour Department and Immigration Board

#603794

Paulet Hall

M & S Construction

CHRISTOPHER HALL

In South Caicos Is seeking to employ a caregiver for an elderly lady Duties include assisting with personal care, cooking, laundry, and house cleaning Salary: $6.25 per hour To work 6 days per week Please contact 331-6050 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

Location Santos Building #2, Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islanders Is seeking one (1) Labourer Salary is $7.00 an hour Duties include general cleaning and keeping the yard clean and using a variety of tools and machines Must be able to work at height and carry heavy load 30+ ft. above ground Must be able to work 6 days per week Please Contact: 241-5144 or 333-0888 This position is new Applicants who are Turks & Caicos Islanders should also copies of their application to the Labour Board #603798

South Caicos Is seeking a labourer to work 6 days per week Duties include maintenance and cleaning of house and property Must be able to use a variety of tools Salary: $6.25 per hour Please contact 341-0120 This position is currently held by a work permit holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders should send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

LABOURER

Lori Mills

Luxury Cuts & Braids Barbershop & Salon

Island Escape (TCI) Ltd Is seeking candidates for the above position Remuneration: $6.50 per hour based on experience and qualifications Kindly forward resumes and qualification to oa@fchamberslaw. com, copying same to the Turks and Caicos Islands Labour Department and Immigration Board

Location: Grace Bay Gardens, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Seeking: Housekeeper Duties: Attend to kids basic needs; household chores.

Salary: $250/wk Position currently held by a work permit holder.

Closing date for applications is February 14, 2019 Applications can be dropped off at Immigration Board, and/ or emailed to lsmcase@ tciway.tc

Location: Upstairs Grants Gas Station, Door # 5, Downtown, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking One (1) Hairstylist Duties include: Experience in washing, hair treatments, perms, braids, and sew-ins To work 6 days per week Salary $7.25 per hour Please Contact: 241-2550 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders can send a copy of their applications to the Labour Board #603796

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 7 FEBRUARY 2020 INSURANCE ANALYST I Department: Insurance Department Location: Providenciales Annual Salary: $37,467.00-$45,165.00 JOB SUMMARY This is a technical analyst position which reports to the Supervisor, Insurance Department. The post holder will be responsible for undertaking assessments of the financial soundness and compliance of assigned banks and trust companies licensed of assigned insurers and insurance intermediaries licensed by the Commission. The analyst will also be required to conduct analysis of assigned sectors and prepare and present reports on finds.

ASSISTANT REGISTRATION OFFICER Department: Registry Location: Providenciales Annual Salary: $16,707.50- $19,372.50

JOB SUMMARY This position reports to the Registration Officer I The post holder will be responsible for assisting with processing of application and renewals, removing business names approved for striking, scanning and indexing of documents on the Kregistry database, copying and certifying documents for signature, creating, maintaining and retrieving business names files and relieving the Receptionist as required.

REGISTRATION OFFICER I Department: Registry Location: Grand Turk Annual Salary: $21,932.00-$24,600.00 JOB SUMMARY This position reports to the Assistant Registrar I. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that the registration of companies and limited partnerships are recorded in an accurate and timely manner in accordance with the requirements and function of the Registrar under the various Ordinances. Processing of annual returns, name reservation request and assisting with processing of notices; ensuring that customers receive prompt and efficient customer service.

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 7 February 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.

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 33

CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Second Caribbean port denies cruise ship with sick passengers

The AIDAperla cruise ship has been denied for a second time by a Caribbean port due to having sick guests onboard.

The AIDAperla cruise ship which is operated by German-based Aida Cruises has been refused port entry for the second time during its current 14day Caribbean voyage. The large vessel with over 3,000 passengers onboard was not allowed to enter the port at Dominica and the reason was apparently due to many guests who have caught a respiratory tract infection.

The ship has already been denied to call at St. Lucia on February 1 and authorities there did state the reason was not due to the Coronavirus.

“This decision was taken out of an abundance of caution for human health and safety,” Saint Lucia’s Department of Health & Wellness said in a statement. “It is noteworthy that the health authorities at no time suspected that there were any cases of the novel coronavirus on board the vessel and therefore would like to categorically dismiss any false claims that maybe in circulated.”

AIDAperla cruise ship

Saint Lucia’s Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon BelmarGeorge said the island has activated its coronavirus response plan by increasing surveillance at high health risk areas, such as cruise ports and airports.

The good news is that there is a medical facility onboard with doctors and nurses and no doubt passengers

First-ever overwater cabanas in The Bahamas now open

Coco Beach Club

In a first, there now are floating cabanas for rent in the Bahamas — and super pricey ones at that. But not just anyone can book them.

Costing more than $1,500 per day during peak times, the 20 new overwater hideaways only are accessible to vacationers arriving on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

The swanky digs are part of Royal Caribbean’s just-opened Coco Beach Club, an exclusive new area at the line’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Unveiled on Friday, the area also offers a ritzy private beach, infinity pool, upscale restaurant and al fresco bar.

Royal Caribbean passengers can buy a day pass to the Coco Beach Club starting at $54 per person. But a stay in one of the overwater cabanas is going to set you back at least a grand.

Pricing starts at $999 and rises during busy periods.

That’s quite a chunk of change, given that you won’t even be spending the night. Royal Caribbean ships typically arrive at Perfect Day at CocoCay around 7 a.m. and leave by 5 p.m.

On the positive side, the cabana pricing includes access for up to eight people.

The cabanas also come with some cool perks, including a dedicated attendant who’s there to tend to your every whim, and complimentary access to the Coco Beach Club restaurant. It serves up the sort of fancy cuisine you rarely find at a cruise line’s private island (fresh lobster is on the menu, as is grouper and steak).

Each of the cabanas boasts a slide that will whisk you into the crystal-clear Bahamian water. Or just take a leap off the cabana’s edge.

A sofa, lounge chairs, wet bar, freshwater shower and overwater hammock round out the amenities you’ll find at the units. There’s also complimentary snorkel gear.

In addition to the overwater cabanas, the new Coco Beach Club area also has 10 beach cabanas. Travelers with tight budgets, take note: They are less expensive than the overwater cabanas.

Well, OK, somewhat less expensive — they still start at a cool $699.

As with the overwater cabanas, the beach cabana pricing includes access for up to eight people.

For those who don’t splurge on a cabana, the day pass to the Coco Beach Club gets you access to the beach area, chairs and umbrellas.

Plus, you can take a dip in the infinity pool. It measures 2,600 square feet and features in-pool loungers, day beds and poolside service.

The pool is backed by a stylish, open-air clubhouse.

The opening of Coco Beach Club marks the completion of a $250 million transformation of Perfect Day at CocoCay that began more than a year ago. The overhaul included the addition of a waterpark with 13 slides, the most of any waterpark in the Bahamas or Caribbean. Other additions included the region’s biggest wave pool and the region’s largest freshwater pool.

On top of opening Coco Beach Club, Royal Caribbean in recent days also has officially reopened the South Beach area at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Open to all passengers at no extra charge, it now offers 10 new beachfront cabanas in addition to complimentary beach chairs, a floating bar and a sports court for volleyball and basketball.

are being well cared for. Ships as large as the AIDAperla are well prepared for outbreaks such as the Norovirus.

The vessel was originally scheduled to arrive in Roseau, Dominica at around 8:00 AM but the ship was not allowed to enter the port. The cruise line would have to refund any pre-booked tours through them but at the moment

no specific details have been released.

The cruise ship was allowed to dock in Guadeloupe and guests have been able to enjoy some time on land for the first time since January 31 in Saint Vincent. The next scheduled port of call will be at Antigua tomorrow and after that call, there are still five more before arriving back in Barbados on February 13.

AIDAperla is just one of several at the moment having issues with ports.

Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and P&O Cruises are all currently having problems in Asia due to the Coronavirus.

Also recently the Costa Smeralda was held in Italy with potential infections and cruise lines have increased restrictions for those guests who have traveled to China.

At the moment the deadly Coronavirus has infected more than 19,000 people around the world and killed 426. China is in lockdown along with limited travel to other countries.

AIDAperla is more than 124,000 gross tons with a passenger capacity of 3,200 at double occupancy.

Punta Cana Airport, the Caribbean’s busiest air hub, is making changes

The runway-facing pool at the airport’s VIP lounge, the only of its kind in the Caribbean

The Caribbean’s busiest airport is planning major improvements to its customer experience this year, headlined by the implementation of U.S. Customs and Immigration PreClearance.

Punta Cana, which is the most popular destination in the Dominican Republic and the wider Caribbean region, is also making changes to its inbound immigration experience, with the implementation of Auto Gates for passengers with biometric passports.

That means travelers from countries like the United States, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom and France can move through passport control in less than 10 seconds – a major improvement upon what has long been one of the weak points in the Caribbean travel experience regionally.

The launch of PreClearance means U.S. immigration, customs, agriculture inspection and TSA screenings occur before a traveler boards his or her flight — meaning that when you arrive in the United States, you don’t have to go through customs.

It makes Punta Cana one of just a handful of airports in the region with U.S. PreClearance, along with Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport and Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau.

“Over the years, we have continued to add and adapt the systems at the Punta Cana International Airport to make the airport experience for

travelers as seamless and comfortable as possible,” said Rafael Alberto Smith, Director of Operations at Punta Cana International Airport. “We are continuing to enhance the time travelers’ spend in our airport with the additions of the new Auto Passport Control for all arrivals, Pre-Clearance for all direct departing flights to the US and our silent policy in our terminals.”

The new Auto Gates will launch in the first quarter of this year, according to airport officials, joined by other new amenities like a “peaceful nursing room for mothers.”

The airport, which has continued to expand over the years since its launch in 1983, has regularly been at the forefront of regional airport design, most notably with the recent debut of the Caribbean’s only VIP lounge with a pool.

The airport, which is set within the 15,000-square-foot Puntacana Resort and Club campus, is the biggest in the Caribbean by passenger volume, eclipsing 8 million passengers each year.

It’s part of a broader plan to increase traffic at the airport, with a goal of 10 million passengers served this year.

The airport handles almost 70 percent of the Dominican Republic’s international passenger traffic.

Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts have long set the standard in the Caribbean’s, and the destination continues to be a significant hub for hotel investment.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Jamaican MP calls police ‘party poopers’ for shutting down wakes, entertainment events

Declaring that the leadership of the Old Harbour police subdivision was only effective at shutting down “birthday parties and set-ups”, controversial St. Catherine South West Member of Parliament (MP) Everald Warmington criticised the operational effectiveness of his Government’s security crackdown that has echoed the concerns of entertainment promoters.

States of emergency and zones of special operations have been imposed in almost half the country’s police divisions, but their utility continues to be hotly debated, as murders shot up more than three per cent in 2019 over the prior year. Killings have risen eight per cent this year.

Just last night, five persons were shot in Ackee Walk, St Andrew. At least three were reportedly killed.

Warmington told his parliamentary colleagues he withstood law enforcers recently after they came to lock down a nine-night in the area.

“The only thing that the police in Old Harbour do effectively is to shut down birthday parties and set-up.

“I have been to two set-up recently and the police arrive at 10:15 p.m. to lock down the set-up, and I made it clear that the set-up naw lock down, dem have to lock me up first,” Warmington charged, during his

contribution to a debate on motions to extend the Kingston East state of emergency (SOE) and the zones of special operations in Denham Town, Kingston, and Mount Salem, St James.

According to Warmington, the police need to pursue criminals and gangsters and “leave the parties and setup alone”.

Popular event promoter and artiste manager Romeich Major, of Romeich Entertainment, told The Gleaner yesterday that parties and ninenights were no more the drivers of crime than other commercial activity.

Noting that promoters required police endorsement to host parties, Romeich argued that if security conditions were tenuous, organisers would be willing to hire law enforcers or private guards.

He cautioned that a shutdown of these events could deprive ordinary Jamaicans of their livelihoods, noting that the absence of economic activity in low-income communities might fuel antisocial behaviour and organised crime.

“When you a talk about from a party to a dance, you talk about the jerk man and the little man who is selling his nuts, so cutting out the entertainment is only going to leave more people hungry and make the country worse,” he said,

Connecticut banker Scott Hapgood sues Anguilla resort over failing to ensure ‘safety and protection’

emphasising the knock-on effect.

INTELLIGENCE DRIVEN Opposition lawmakers cheered Warmington at the start of his contribution to the debate after he poured cold water on checkpoints manned by the police and army as part of efforts to catch criminals in SOE zones.

He said that states of emergency should be driven by intelligence with the targeted use of cordons and curfews.

“I believe we need to go back to the days when we have curfews and shut down areas from 6 a.m. to 6 pm., for an entire week. Go inside there and search the area and you will find the guns, so by having roadblocks and checkpoints to me it is not effective because the criminals know where the checkpoints are,” he said.

Warmington suggested that the leadership of the Old Harbour police had lost the support of rank-and-file members of the force.

Warmington used police data to indicate that major crimes in the area had spiked. He said that in 2018, there were 25 murders in Old Harbour and its environs. This increased to 35 last year.

He said that the 26 shootings in 2018 jumped to 33 in 2019. Robberies also increased from 21 in 2018 to 24 last

Jamaican Member of Parliament (MP) Everald Warmington year.

However, Opposition MP Dayton Campbell rebuked Warmington for interfering with the police as they carried out their duties.

Campbell noted that while Warmington made some relevant points during his contribution, the St Catherine South West MP was setting a dangerous precedent.

“I do not believe that that is something that the House should countenance and I believe that it runs the risk of interfering in that arm of the Government.”

The motions were passed without dissent.

Cayman Islands earthquake was one of biggest in Caribbean history

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Cayman last Tuesday afternoon was one of the largest quakes ever recorded in the Caribbean. But what caused the tremor and what elements protected Cayman from more severe impacts?

The Cayman Compass talked to experts in earthquakes and tsunami research to break down the science behind the shockwaves.

Where and when did the A photo of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands earthquake strike? impacts. The Haiti quake was inland,

The Connecticut man accused of killing an

The earthquake struck less than 7 miles from the town of Was there a tsunami?

Anguilla hotel worker while vacationing with his family at 2:10pm in the Caribbean Sea, Léogâne.

When people think of on the Caribbean island last April is now suing the around 80 miles north east of

Though buildings shook in tsunamis, they immediately conjure resort for negligence, claiming it “failed to ensure the George Town and equidistant from Cayman and as far away as Miami up images of the catastrophic walls safety and protection of its hotel guests” by employing the coasts of Jamaica and Cuba. The during Tuesday’s quake, there were of water that struck Indonesia and Kenny Mitchel in the first place. earthquake originated at a depth of no reported injuries or serious Thailand in 2004 and Japan in 2011.

Scott Hapgood, a 44-year-old banker from around 6.2 miles, according to the damage.

But a tsunami is technically any wave Darien, filed a lawsuit against Auberge Resorts in US Geological Survey.

According to Blakeman, action caused by an earthquake. In Califonia Monday, accusing the Mill Valley-based the nature of the plate tectonics in that sense, Cayman did experience company of negligence in the hiring and supervision Historically, how big an the Caribbean region meant that a very minor tsunami on Tuesday. of the 27-year-old worker who died on April 13 after a earthquake was this? this was a ‘strike-slip’ event, which A radar measuring system violent encounter with Hapgood.

According to Simon Boxall, typically causes less damage than in George Town Harbour, part of the

The lawsuit alleges that the company continued at Hazard Management Cayman subduction or ‘thrust’ impacts.

Caribbean Tsunami Watch System, to employ Mitchel at the upscale Malliouhana resort Islands, this was the sixth strongest recorded a definite spike in sea-level even thought he had been arrested on a rape charge Caribbean earthquake on record Strike-slip event? shortly after the earthquake. Data three weeks prior to his death. The arrest should have and the second strongest event in

Almost all of the seismic from the system shows a wave of made him ineligible to continue to work on Anguilla, a the past 176 years, eclipsed only by a activity around Cayman is caused just over half-a-metre (1.5 feet) as a British territory.

Dominican Republic 8.1 magnitude by the movement of the Caribbean result of the earthquake.

“Auberge Resorts failed to ensure the safety event on 4 Aug. 1946. and North American tectonic plates. and protection of its hotel guests, the Hapgood family,” Don Blakeman, a

The Oriente fault, which Could it have been worse? said Juliya Arbisman, a lawyer for Hapgood. “As a result, geophysicist at the US National separates the two plates, runs Again, Cayman appears Auberge Resorts should be held responsible for the harm Earthquake Information Center, south of Cuba and curves westward to have been protected from more that the Hapgood family has suffered.” told the Compass, “This is easily one between Jamaica and the Cayman severe impacts by the dynamics of

Auberge Resorts did not immediately respond of the largest earthquakes recorded Islands. the plate tectonics in the region. to Fox News’ request for comment. in the Caribbean. A 7.7 magnitude

According to Blakeman, According to Diego Melgar,

Hapgood claims Mitchel showed up at his event is pretty rare.” the plate tectonics in this area are a tsunami expert at the University family’s room unannounced and demanded money

For comparison, the characterised by lateral movement. of Oregon, lateral strike-slip impacts before attacking them. A brief struggle ensued before earthquake that devastated Haiti “The plates slide against one just don’t generate the same type of Mitchel died. A spokesperson for the family said a in 2010, killing more than 200,000 another,” he said. wave effects as subduction impacts. toxicology report showed the hotel worker had cocaine people, was a magnitude 7.0 event.

“Even though that releases If that sounds frighteningly and other drugs in his system at the time of death. a high blast of energy, it is different complex, he recommends a simple Hapgood was charged with manslaughter.

So why was the damage so direction and type of release than home science experiment. Stand

An autopsy determined the cause of death to limited in this case? a subduction or thrust earthquake in your swimming pool and move be positional asphyxia. It also revealed Mitchel suffered

The fact that the epicentre when a plate goes beneath another your hand swiftly from side to side blunt force trauma to the torso and other areas. of the earthquake was so far from one.” just beneath the water’s surface.

Hapgood was freed on a $74,000 bond and land (more than 70 miles from the

Damage is typically less Now try moving your hand up and returned to Connecticut. He has since refused to return closest point in Jamaica) shielded severe from lateral or strike-slip down. Which creates the greater to the British territory for additional court hearings over communities from the worst quakes. water movement? concerns for his safety. He is considered a fugitive there.

Scott Hapgood with his wife and children

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 35

CARIBBEAN NEWS

All homes in The Bahamas must have insurance: Leading insurer warns mandatory cover has to be on agenda after Hurricane Dorian

Bahamas First’s chief executive said laws making it mandatory for all business and residential property owners to have full catastrophic insurance cover “must be on the table for discussion”.

Patrick Ward told Tribune Business he would personally seek to ensure it was on the industry’s agenda after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) called for The Bahamas to develop “new approaches” to increasing insurance penetration and prevent the “dire straits” suffered by any homeowners postHurricane Dorian.

The Fund, in a statement on its team’s visit to The Bahamas last The destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian is seen from the air, in Marsh Harbour, Abaco in September last week, said yesterday: “The financial year sector appears to have weathered the hurricane well, with limited exposures to Turnquest said. “The Ministry of Finance repairs - than they would otherwise uninsured assets. Adequate reinsurance is investigating options to incentivise have been had the owners “done the of domestic insurance companies abroad more insurance uptake in the private responsible thing” and properly insured.

Suggesting that a repeat of this cushioned the impact of the hurricane sector, and has some initiatives that it will discuss with the insurance sector situation would be unsustainable for an on the domestic insurance sector. already cash-strapped government, Mr “However, insurance once finalised.” He provided no details.

However, Ward argued that The Ward said the level of non-insurance and penetration, in particular in the residential segment, remains low, Bahamas needed to explore making it a under-insurance uncovered post-Dorian leaving many homeowners in dire straits. legal requirement for all property owners would likely have been even higher but New approaches to extend insurance - business or residential - to have full for the presence of Abaco’s large second coverage as part of a broader disaster risk catastrophe coverage in much the same homeowner community.

Noting that these investors were management strategy would increase way that the Road Traffic Act stipulates that all motorists have adequate more inclined to insure, he added that resilience.” legally mandating - and enforcing - the

K Peter Turnquest, deputy insurance for their vehicles.

Emphasising that he was voicing requirement for all property owners to prime minister, told Tribune Business a personal view yet to be discussed with purchase insurance could help reduce via messaged replies that the Ministry of Finance has “some initiatives” for the wider Bahamian insurance industry, premium rates as more properties would increasing catastrophic coverage among the Bahamas First chief said Dorian “participate in the risk pool”.

“That’s one of the ideas that Bahamian homeowners and businesses had exposed that just 40-50 percent of properties in the two devastated islands has to be on the table for discussion,” that it will soon discuss with the had proper insurance.

Mr Ward told Tribune Business of such insurance industry.

This, he added, meant that a proposal. “I’m not being dogmatic in

“The Government recognises Bahamian taxpayers were being burdened saying it has to be, but it definitely has the national exposure to climate risk posed by significant exposed and with greater recovery costs - especially to be one of the ideas on the table for under-insured private sector risk,” Mr related to private home and business discussion. I don’t know if it will be an

This unassuming island is the Caribbean’s next billionaire playground

When Princess Margaret famously fled her unhappy marriage for Mustique in the 1970s, she turned it into the blue-chip, blue-blood hideaway we know today, attracting a Studio 54 crowd that spanned everyone from Mick and Bianca Jagger to Bryan Ferry and David Bowie. But 50 years after the royal arguably created the first bona fide, A-list destination in the Caribbean, an unassuming, neighboring island is aiming to displace Mustique as the jet set getaway of the 2020s.

A small, barely five-squaremile nation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Canouan island has seen a recent flurry of luxury hotel activity.

Last year, the Mandarin Oriental made its Caribbean debut on the eastern reaches, commandeering what was once the Pink Sands Club and rebooting the property to feel more Portofino than Port of Spain, expanding its 14, infinity pool–equipped villas by a further dozen.

Its larger sibling property, the Canouan Estate, has tennis courts and water sports, and even a 17th-century church. Both resorts, which sit together on the 1,200acre Grenadine Estate, are owned by Italian developer Andrea Pignataro, whose clout has allegedly attracted Soho House to also open on the island: Multiple reports allege the member’s club is taking over the former Tamarind Beach Hotel later this year. Those three hotels will later be joined by a fourth, the ultra-luxury chain Aman, which has earmarked another plot nearby and will begin construction soon.

The Mandarin Oriental.

It’s easy to understand Canouan’s appeal. The island’s natural assets are almost unmatched in the Caribbean.

Small and easily navigated—golf carts replace cars here—the island’s name derives from a local word for land turtle, and the animals are so ubiquitous that you can take a short boat journey to the nearby cluster of Tobago Cays to observe them in a marine park preserve.

Hummingbirds flit between the lush foliage, while rays, eels, and fishes teem through the reefs. One noteworthy coral outcrop runs for a mile and a half along the Atlantic side of the island, cushioning golden beaches like Mahault from harsh waves and creating clear, pool-like waters close to the coast.

The best perch to observe it all is on Mount Royal, the highest point of the island, which overlooks the rest of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Mustique included).

Canouan’s size and self containment also add to its appeal for paparazzi-shy celebrities. “You sometimes see photos of Simon Cowell, perhaps, sunbathing at

industry initiative, but to the extent I can influence the position I would like to see that on the table for discussion.

“We have a precedent for it in place. Everyone driving a motor vehicle has to have insurance by law. There’s an acceptance that it’s in the public’s interest as well as the individual driver’s to have insurance in place as it protects the driver of the vehicle as well as innocent third parties. And if everybody has to buy it, it results in a lower cost per person.

“If you have more people buying insurance, it reduces the cost for every taxpayer and results in lower premiums as you have more persons participating in the pool.”

Mr Ward said other countries had also made it a legal mandate for property owners to have insurance coverage against natural disasters, pointing to the case of Chile in dealing with earthquakes.

Suggesting that The Bahamas now faced similar risks from everstronger and more frequent hurricanes, he added that Chile’s move had spread insurance costs over a wider population base while reducing the disaster recovery burden on government.

The Bahamas currently has no all-encompassing legal requirement that property owners must have catastrophe coverage. Banks and other lenders, though, require such insurance to be in place for commercial and residential properties on which mortgages are secured, and will pay the premium themselves if the borrower fails to do so, adding it to the latter’s repayment costs with interest.

Deadly weapons, drugs, phones infiltrated into BVI prisons

In series of searches of British Virgin Islands prisons throughout 2019, authorities uncovered dozens of contraband — several of which are so dangerous, they could be used to inflict potentially fatal chop and stab wounds.

Among those weapons were a machete with a blade 10 to 12 inches long, multiple knives, several pairs of scissors and a variety of what prison officials described as cell-made shanks.

The shanks at the prison are typically made from nails found around the property. Inmates then sharpen these nails and affix them to makeshift handles made from wood, cloth, and in at least one case — a rollon deodorant bottle.

Cellphones, drugs, and alcohol

The list of contraband recovered was not Sandy Lane in Barbados, but we’re limited to weapons and also include several dozen extremely private,” says Duarte cellular phones and cellphone charges, cigarette lighters, Correia, general manager at the drugs, alcohol, wrapping paper, among other things.

“The type of contraband is varying. We Mandarin Oriental. “It’s one of our key differentiators, that whatever would sometimes find weapons made in the facility … celebrity or high net worth visitor Sometimes we find jail-brewed alcohol because the comes, they know nobody will inmates do make alcohol while in jail. We do get drugs be here.” Some are less press-shy, of varying kinds, but the more predominant one is though: Amy Schumer posted about marijuana. We would get cigarettes, telephones and her babymoon here, and Robert explicit magazines and other items,” Superintendent of Downey Jr’s yacht has been spotted Prison Vern Garde told BVI News. moored nearby.

So why is it only just Some items smuggled by prison officers, prison emerging as a destination? Turns mules The head of the Balsam Ghut-based facility also out, Pignataro isn’t the first person told BVI News that these types of contraband are not to try and make over Canouan unique to BVI prison. But, a major question that weighs island in Mustique’s image.

A Trump casino, a Raffles- on the mind is how were they smuggled into the BVI’s branded resort, and a Jim Fazio- penitentiary in the first place.

“Some means are through body cavities and designed 18-hole golf course straddling Mount Royal, all that is why when inmates come into the prison on the appeared on the island in the early first occasion, we do a strip and body search,” Garde 2000s, but a lack of infrastructure on explained.

“In some cases, the items come over the prison the island ultimately set each one up to fail. The casino has since been walls, in some cases, we do have officers who are not repurposed as a hurricane shelter, of the moral fabric that we expect them to be of and the Raffles resort was bulldozed, and would traffic items into the prison. We would also have while the golf course has survived, it visitors operating as mules and bring in items into the prison, items being trafficked in with the garbage and is largely bereft of players. other things,” he added.

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NEWS

Not guilty: Senate acquits Trump of impeachment charges

President Donald Trump won impeachment acquittal in the U.S. Senate, bringing to a close only the third presidential trial in American history with votes that split the country, tested civic norms and fed the tumultuous 2020 race for the White House.

With Chief Justice John Roberts presiding, senators sworn to do “impartial justice” stood and stated their votes for the roll call — “guilty” or “not guilty” — in a swift tally almost exclusively along party lines. Trump, the chief justice then declared, shall “be, and is hereby, acquitted of the charges.”

The outcome Wednesday followed months of remarkable impeachment proceedings, from Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s House to Mitch McConnell’s Senate, reflecting the nation’s unrelenting partisan divide three years into the Trump presidency.

What started as Trump’s request for Ukraine to “do us a favor” spun into a far-reaching, 28,000-page report compiled by House investigators accusing an American president of engaging in shadow diplomacy that threatened U.S. foreign relations for personal, political gain as he pressured the ally to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden ahead of the next election.

No president has ever been removed by the Senate.

A politically emboldened Trump had eagerly predicted vindication, deploying the verdict as a political anthem in his reelection bid. The president claims he did nothing wrong, decrying the “witch hunt” as an extension of special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into Russian 2016 campaign interference by those out to get him from the start of his presidency.

Trump’s political campaign tweeted videos, statements and a cartoon dance celebration, while the Republican president himself tweeted that he would speak Thursday from the White House about “our Country’s VICTORY on

In this image from video, the vote total, 52-48 for not guilty, on the first article of impeachment, abuse of power, is displayed on screen during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. the Impeachment Hoax.”

However, the Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said there will always be “a giant asterisk next to the president’s acquittal” because of the Senate’s quick trial and Republicans’ unprecedented rejection of witnesses.

A majority of senators expressed unease with Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine that resulted in the two articles of impeachment. But two-thirds of them would have had to vote “guilty” to reach the Constitution’s bar of high crimes and misdemeanors to convict and remove Trump from office. The final tallies in the GOPheld Senate fell far short.

On the first article of impeachment, abuse of power, the vote was 52-48 favoring acquittal.

The second, obstruction of Congress, also produced a not guilty verdict, 53-47.

Only one Republican, Mitt Romney of Utah, the party’s defeated 2012 presidential nominee, broke with the GOP.

Romney choked up as he said he drew on his faith and “oath before God” to vote guilty on the first charge, abuse of power. He voted to acquit on the second.

All Democrats found the

president guilty on the two charges.

Both Bill Clinton in 1999 and Andrew Johnson in 1868 drew cross-party support when they were left in office after impeachment trials. Richard Nixon resigned rather than face sure impeachment, expecting members of his own party to vote to remove him.

Ahead of Wednesday’s voting, some of the most closely watched senators took to the Senate floor to tell their constituents, and the nation, what they had decided.

Most Democrats, though, echoed the House managers’ warnings that Trump, if left unchecked, would continue to abuse the power of his office for personal political gain and try to cheat again ahead of the the 2020 election.

Even key Democrats from states where Trump is popular — Doug Jones in Alabama and Joe Manchin in West Virginia — risked backlash and voted to convict.

“Senators are elected to make tough choices,” Jones said.

Several senators trying to win the Democratic Party’s nomination to face Trump — Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar — dashed back from early primary state New Hampshire to vote.

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

Bernard Madoff is dying, seeks early release from prison

Bernard Madoff is dying of kidney failure and has fewer than 18 months to live, and is seeking to end his 150-year prison sentence for masterminding what prosecutors have called the largest Ponzi scheme ever.

In a court filing on Wednesday, Madoff’s lawyer said the 81-year-old is confined to a wheelchair, often requires oxygen, and suffers from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, insomnia and other chronic and serious medical conditions.

Madoff, who has served 10-1/2 years of his term, is perhaps the most prominent federal prisoner to seek “compassionate release” under the First Step Act, a bipartisan law signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 that lets some older prisoners end their sentences early, often for health reasons.

He had previously asked Trump to commute his sentence, but Trump had yet to act.

A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman in Manhattan, whose office prosecuted Madoff, said that office will respond to the filing.

Madoff’s request will be considered by Circuit Judge Denny Chin, who called his crimes “extraordinarily evil” when he imposed the 150-year sentence in June 2009, three months after Madoff pleaded guilty to 11 criminal counts.

Prosecutors said Madoff used his firm Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC to swindle thousands of individuals, charities, pension funds and hedge funds in a $64.8 billion fraud.

Many victims came from the Jewish community, where Madoff had been a major philanthropist.

Madoff has been living at the federal prison in Butner, North Carolina, and moved recently to a medical facility there.

His lawyer, Brandon Sample, said in an interview that other prisoners referred Madoff to him, and that he visited Madoff at Butner last summer.

“Bernard Madoff is a broken man, and had a lot of personal loss,” Sample said.

“That’s not to diminish the impact of his crimes on his victims, but there are larger ideals at work when we consider whether to show compassion on someone in their final days.”

Madoff has lost both his sons since being imprisoned. His older son, Mark Madoff, hanged himself with a dog leash in 2010, while Andrew Madoff died of cancer four years later.

Sample said Madoff would likely live with a friend if released, and spend his remaining time “with the few people left in this world who care about him.”

Pelosi shreds Trump’s speech. Right there on the podium.

WASHINGTON — And then she tore up the speech.

No sooner had President Donald Trump finished his State of the Union address than House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped the paper it was printed on in two.

Right there, on camera, behind Trump’s back. As he stepped down, she ripped again. Then a third time. And a fourth. If Trump knew about the American carnage going on behind him, he didn’t react as he left. But Pelosi was on her turf, with a deep understanding of her audience — and she wasn’t finished.

In case any confusion remained, Pelosi held up what remained of the address to her family in the gallery, in full view of reporters.

“It was a manifesto of mistruths,” Pelosi told reporters as she left the Capitol.

The ripping was not planned, according to a person close to the Democratic speaker who was unauthorized to speak publicly.

Even as Republican criticism piled up on

Wednesday, Pelosi dug in on the speechshredding.

“I felt very liberated last night,” Pelosi told House Democrats in their private caucus meeting, according to a Democrat aide in the room, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the remarks.

Republicans dismissed her display, on the eve of Trump’s acquittal in the Senate impeachment trial, as a tantrum.

Vice President Mike Pence, who sat to Pelosi’s right during the speech, said Wednesday that he did not see when she tore up the speech. He joined fellow Republicans in criticizing her behavior.

“I found out just a few moments later, and I think it was a new low,” he said Wednesday on “Fox & Friends.” “I wasn’t sure if she was ripping up the speech or ripping up the Constitution.”

Pence accused Pelosi of trying to make the evening “about her and I think the American people see through it.”

Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said Tuesday night that Pelosi “might as well rip up any plans for attracting independent voters.”

Tearing the speech gave Pelosi the last visual word over Trump, who had spoken to the House from a position of strength. He arrived in the chamber with the full force of the Republican Party behind him. She is leading a party in the throes of a divisive presidential nomination fight that had botched the kickoff Iowa caucuses only the night before. The House had impeached Trump on her watch. But the Senate was poised to acquit him.

From the start, the event was awkward because the history between those two was so icy. They had not spoken since October, when Pelosi pointed at Trump over a White House conference table, suggested that Russia controls him and walked out.

Now, Trump was returning to the very chamber where he was

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tearing up her copy of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. impeached, standing before the same Democrats who have called him unfit for office and sought to oust him. He stepped to the podium and handed navy blue folders containing his speech to Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence. Photos show that Trump mistakenly handed Pence’s copy to Pelosi. The outside reads in gold letters: “The President of the Senate of the United States.” That’s Pence’s title.

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Built in 10 days, China’s virus hospital takes 1st patients

What we know about the new coronavirus in China

The rapid spread of a new coronavirus in China is alarming health experts. Here is what we know - and do not know - about the virus: HOW DANGEROUS IS THE VIRUS?

About half of the two-story, 60,000-square meter (600,000-square foot) building is isolation wards. It has 30 intensive care units.

The first patients arrived Monday at a 1,000-bed hospital built in 10 days as part of China’s sweeping efforts to fight a new virus that is causing global alarm.

Huoshenshan Hospital and a second 1,500-bed facility due to open this week were built by construction crews who are working around the clock in Wuhan, the central city where the outbreak was first detected in December. Some 50 million people are barred from leaving Wuhan and surrounding cities.

The Wuhan treatment centers mark the second time Chinese leaders have responded to a new disease by building specialized hospitals almost overnight. As severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, spread in 2003, a facility in Beijing for patients with that viral disease was constructed in a week.

The first patients arrived at Huoshenshan Hospital at 10 a.m. on Monday, according to state media. They gave no details of the patients’ identities or conditions.

The ruling Communist Party’s military wing, the People’s Liberation Army, sent 1,400 doctors, nurses and other personnel to staff the Wuhan hospital, the official Xinhua News Agency said. The government said earlier that some have experience fighting SARS and other outbreaks.

The state newspaper Beijing Daily applauded construction workers and suppliers who cut short their Lunar New Year holiday. It hailed the rapid construction as a political triumph, despite complaints leaders in Wuhan endangered the public by failing to respond fast enough to reports of a dangerous new disease.

“Today’s Chinese people are more deeply aware: where I stand is my China,” the newspaper said. “When this national sense of ownership is awakened, our mentality in the face of disasters becomes more mature.”

Authorities have cut most road, rail and air access to Wuhan and surrounding cities, isolating some 50 million people, in efforts to contain the viral outbreak that has sickened more than 17,000 people and killed more than 360.

Before this week’s addition of 2,500 new beds, Wuhan had 6,754 in hospitals designated for virus patients, according to the website TMTpost. com. It said authorities were considering assigning another 2,183 beds to virus cases at the city’s other hospitals.

The Huoshenshan Hospital was built by a 7,000-member crew of carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other specialists, according to Xinhua.

About half of the two-story, 60,000-square meter (600,000-square foot) building is isolation wards, according to the government newspaper Yangtze Daily. It has 30 intensive care units.

The name Huoshenshan means God of Fire Mountain. The second hospital, Leishenshan, means God of Thunder Mountain.

Newspapers published day-by-day accounts of crews clearing a riverside plot, laying the foundation, installing sewage and electrical equipment and assembling prefabricated rooms that were shipped to the site.

Photos in state media showed workers in winter clothing, safety helmets and the surgicalstyle masks worn by millions of Chinese in an attempt to avoid contracting the virus. Trucks were shown arriving in the middle of the night carrying rolls of insulation and other materials.

Doctors can talk with outside experts over a video system that links them to Beijing’s PLA General Hospital, according to the Yangtze Daily. It said the system was installed in less than 12 hours by a 20-member “commando team” from Wuhan Telecom Ltd.

The new virus, identified by scientists as 2019-nCoV, is a coronavirus, a family of viruses that include the common cold and more serious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Coronavirus infections have a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.

Statistics from China indicate that just over 2% of people infected with the virus have died, suggesting that it may be deadlier than the seasonal flu but less deadly than the coronaviruses behind SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

The SARS virus killed about 10% of all infected individuals, while the MERS outbreak in 2012 had a fatality rate of around35%.

Many of those who have died had pre-existing medical conditions or were elderly, those with weakened immune systems.

HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED AND HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

The virus can be transmitted via droplets when an infected person breathes out, coughs or sneezes. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces such as door handles or railings.

Experts have said that it is more easily transmitted than the SARS virus. The incubation period is up to 14 days and people may be able to infect others before symptoms appear.

In order to reduce the likelihood of transmission, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people frequently wash their hands, cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and avoid close contact with those who are sick.

DO FACE MASKS HELP?

Millions of people worldwide have taken to wearing face masks in public since the outbreak began. But how useful are they?

“We recommend the use of masks for people who have symptoms ...because the virus transmits through droplets,” says medical expert Sylvie Briand.

But they do not guarantee protection against infection.

“For people who don’t have symptoms, the mask in fact is not useful,” Briand adds.

“The mask itself doesn’t protect completely, and that is why you need to continue to wash hands regularly, because of the risk without realising it people touch infected surfaces and then touch eyes or the mask. So there the masks represent a false security.”

The American Centers for Disease Control’s advice is that that face masks are not required for the general public.

IS THERE ANY TREATMENT? There is no vaccine.

Chinese scientists were able to quickly identify the genetic sequence of the new coronavirus and shared it publicly. Scientists in Australia have developed a labgrown version of the virus, a major step toward creating a vaccine.

Drugmakers around the globe expect to begin testing experimental vaccines on humans in about three months.

The Chinese government suggests taking two lopinavir/ ritonavir pills, antiviral drugs used to treat HIV, and inhaling a dose of nebulized alpha-interferon twice a day.

Drugmaker AbbVie Inc (ABBV.N) says China is testing the HIV drug Aluvia, which is also known as Kaletra, on patients. It is a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir.

Gilead Sciences Inc (GILD.O) is testing an experimental Ebola antiviral therapy on patients

People wear protective masks during rush hour inside the BTS skytrain in Bangkok, Thailand February 5, 2020. with the coronavirus.

WHERE HAS IT SPREAD?

About 99% of the over 20,000 cases have been reported in China. Another 176 cases have been reported in 24 other countries and regions, according to the WHO.

At least 490 people have died in China, one person has died in Hong Kong and one person has died in the Philippines.

Singapore confirmed four more coronavirus cases on Feb. 5, including a six-month-old baby, taking its tally to 28. Thailand has 25 cases.

It took the new coronavirus 48 days to infect the first1,000 people. It took SARS 130 days to infect 1,000 people. It took MERS 2.5 years to infect 1,000 people.

WHAT ARE AUTHORITIES DOING?

The Chinese government has virtually locked down the central province of Hubei, home to 60 million people and its capital city of Wuhan at the centre of the outbreak.

China is facing mounting isolation as airlines suspend flights to its mainland cities.

The United States and Australia have banned entry to foreign nationals who have recently traveled to China. The United States has not taken more drastic actions like banning all flights from China.

Many countries have evacuated their citizens from Hubei and are putting them in quarantine or isolation upon return.

Greek police fire teargas at protesting migrants, refugees on Lesbos

Greek police fired teargas to disperse migrants and refugees protesting on Monday about conditions in migrant camps on the island of Lesbos and the slow pace of processing asylum requests.

Violence broke out near the Kara Tepe camp, a police official said, after hundreds of people marched from the island’s congested migrant camps to the city of Mytilene.

Aid groups have described living conditions in some of Greece’s island camps as appalling.

A Reuters witness said the protesters were mainly women and children. They held signs reading “Freedom”.

Some evaded a police cordon and crossed a slope to reach Mytilene, where a group tried to set up tents.

Lesbos has been one of the main gateways into Europe for migrants fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and beyond.

Hundreds of thousands of people

Riot police use tear gas during a demonstration of refugees and migrants outside the Kara Tepe camp, on the island of Lesbos, Greece, February 3, 2020 passed through Greece at the peak of Europe’s migrant crisis in 2015 and 2016.

Last year, more than 74,000 refugees and migrants arrived in Greece, among them 3,500 children, according to the United Nations refugees agency UNHCR. Most of them arrived on the islands Lesbos, Chios and Samos, crossing from Turkey.

The conservative government elected in July has announced plans to “decongest” the islands, shut down existing camps

and replace them with holding centers that will process new arrivals and people whose asylum applications have been rejected.

The centers that will close include the Moria camp on Lesbos, which was set up to accommodate 2,850 people but hosts at least five times that number.

Last week, the government said it wants to install a floating barrier in the Aegean Sea, off Lesbos, to deter migrants arriving at its shores.

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WORLD NEWS

Key hurdles blocking way to post-Brexit deal

London and Brussels are already sparring over the terms of their future relationship, just days after Britain’s historic departure from the European Union.

rejected this because, it says, the EU court would not be a neutral arbiter.

IRISH BORDER

TIME

Britain will continue to obey the EU’s laws during a transition period until the end of December.

Given taking back control was a key part of the pro-Brexit campaign, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled out any extension of that period, but the EU says that leaves too little time to seal more than a “bare bones” trade deal.

Negotiations will not start until March and they will need to reach an agreement by mid-October to leave time needed to translate it from English into the EU’s other 22 official languages and secure parliamentary approval.

Otherwise, a “cliff edge” scenario would leave trade between Britain and the EU based from 2021 on World Trade Organization (WTO) terms that would lead to import duties and controls.

ZERO DUMPING

Both sides want a “zero tariffs, zero quotas” deal, but the EU says it requires a guarantee of “zero dumping”.

Brussels says Britain would have to align with the EU on state aid, environment, tax, labor and social policies to protect EU consumers and shield EU businesses from unfair competition.

Britain insists it will diverge but its standards will not necessarily

Workers remove the British flag outside the European Parliament building, as Britain leaves the European Union, in Brussels, Belgium January 31, 2020. be weaker: for example, it says it has rich fishing waters was a totemic issue resorted to state aid far less than some for many Brexit campaigners.

EU states.

The EU has some leverage.

Britain has said it would be open Many British fishing to a trade deal similar to the agreement communities rely heavily on selling to the EU has with Canada. The EU-Canada EU markets, particularly for shellfish. deal will remove 99% of tariffs and The EU also insists a fish deal limited quotas, but Ottawa has not had must be an integral part of an EU-UK to align its rules with the EU. trade deal. This is an extension of its

Brussels counters that Britain’s overall stance that the negotiations geographical proximity and UK-EU cannot be broken into smaller parts on economic interdependence make which it might be easier for Britain to alignment necessary to protect EU win concessions. consumers and businesses.

Accordingly, Brussels has linked

Johnson has suggested an - though not explicitly - the fish spat to alternative Australia-style arrangement. access to EU markets for Britain’s giant But most EU-Australia trade runs along financial sector. basic WTO rules, so this would effectively be a no deal. Australia itself also wants a THE EU COURT OF JUSTICE trade deal with the EU.

The EU wants a partnership with FISH & FINANCE arrangements for dispute settlement, including a role for the Court of Justice

One of the biggest challenges of the European Union to make binding will be fishing rights. rulings.

Regaining control of Britain’s The British government has

Iowa caucuses: Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders take lead

Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders are leading in the first vote to choose the Democratic candidate to run against President Donald Trump in November’s election.

The vote in Iowa has been chaotic, beset by technical problems and delays in reporting results.

Iowa’s Democratic Party said data from 71% of precincts showed Mr Buttigieg on 26.8%, with Mr Sanders on 25.2%.

Elizabeth Warren was third on 18.4% and Joe Biden fourth on 15.4%.

Amy Klobuchar was on 12.6%, and Andrew Yang on 1%, according to the other preliminary results released on Tuesday evening from all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Tom Steyer and Tulsi Gabbard were on less than 1%.

But the state party has still not declared a winner from Monday’s vote.

Democrats have blamed the delay on a coding error with an app being used for the first time to report the votes.

Iowa was the first contest in a string of nationwide state-by-state votes, known as primaries and caucuses, that will culminate in the crowning of a Democratic nominee at the party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July.

Eleven candidates remain in a Democratic field that has already been whittled down from more than two dozen.

The results represent the share of delegates needed to clinch the party nomination under America’s quirky political system. Iowa awards only 41 of the 1,991 delegates required to become the Democratic White House nominee.

In the popular vote count, partial results showed Mr Sanders leading with 32,673 ballots, while Mr Buttigieg was second at 31,353.

However, Mr Buttigieg came top in certain rural areas with smaller populations, and so far has more

Pete Buttigieg delegates.

Ms Warren was third with 25,692, followed by Mr Biden at 16,447 and Ms Klobuchar at 15,470.

Where did it all go wrong?

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Troy Price told a news conference on Tuesday evening the fiasco had been “simply unacceptable”.

“I apologise deeply for this,” he added of the turmoil, which has provoked calls for Iowa to lose its coveted spot atop the presidential voting calendar.

“This was a coding error,” he said, while insisting the data was secure and promising a thorough review.

State party officials earlier said the problem was not the result of “a hack or an intrusion”.

Officials were being dispatched across the Hawkeye state to retrieve hardcopy results.

They were matching those numbers against results reported via a mobile app that many precinct captains said had crashed.

The app was developed by tech firm Shadow Inc., run by veterans of Hillary Clinton’s failed 2016 presidential campaign.

Under the withdrawal agreement reached in October, Northern Ireland will leave the EU’s customs union but remain aligned with single market rules for trade in animals, animal products, food and manufactured goods.

This arrangement maintains the frictionless border between EU member state Ireland and the UK province of Northern Ireland that was a key part of the 1998 agreement to end 30 years of violence.

However, it will require customs and regulatory checks at ports to ensure that goods coming from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland conform to EU standards.

Johnson has said there would only be such checks if Britain fails to secure a zero tariff-zero quota deal with the EU, which officials in Brussels say is untrue.

GIBRALTAR

Johnson said on Monday that London will be negotiating on behalf of the UK family, which includes Gibraltar, a rocky British enclave on Spain’s southern tip.

However, the EU’s position is that it will not be included in the negotiations, and any separate agreements on Gibraltar - over which Spain has territorial claims - would require approval from Madrid.

Russia says alarmed by U.S. deployment of low-yield nuclear missiles

Russia is alarmed by the U.S. Navy’s decision to deploy low-yield nuclear missiles on submarines since they heighten the risk of a limited nuclear war, a Russian official said on Wednesday.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the deployment of the W76-2 warhead in the name of strengthening deterrence had caused Russia great concern over U.S. nuclear strategy, Russian news agencies reported.

The U.S. Defense Department said on Tuesday the Navy had fielded a low-yield, submarine-launched ballistic missile warhead, something the Pentagon says is needed to deter adversaries like Russia.

Ryabkov said Russian rearmament and “promising models of military equipment” meant the U.S. warheads were not a direct threat to Russian security but were concerning nevertheless.

“The appearance on strategic carriers of low-power warheads means arguments previously voiced by the American side about the possible use of such a device are now being realized in metal form, as products.

“This reflects the fact that the United States is actually lowering the nuclear threshold and that they are conceding the possibility of them waging a limited nuclear war and winning this war. This is extremely alarming.”

Russia’s misgivings over U.S. nuclear policy have grown since Washington pulled out of a landmark strategic arms accord, the IntermediateRange Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), in August, citing violations by Russia that Moscow denies.

It means the New START accord, signed in 2010, is the last major nuclear arms control treaty between the world’s two biggest nuclear powers. It limits the number of long-range nuclear warheads they can deploy.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov speaks during a news conference in Moscow, Russia “MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE” Low-yield nuclear weapons, while still devastating, have a strength of less than 20 kilotons. The atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, in August 1945, had about the same explosive power.

The argument for these weapons is that larger nuclear bombs are so catastrophic that they would never be used, meaning they are not an effective deterrent. With less destructive power, the low-yield option would potentially be more likely to be used, serving as an effective deterrent, U.S. military officials have said.

On Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin held a ceremony at the Kremlin to welcome 23 new foreign ambassadors to Moscow, including Washington’s new envoy, John Sullivan.

Putin said peace and security on the planet largely depended on the stability and predictability of relations between Russia and the United States based on equality, mutual respect of sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s affairs.

“We are ready for meaningful dialogue with the American side, including in the sphere of arms control and strategic stability,” Putin said.

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Ukraine: Recordings show Iran knew jetliner hit by a missile

A leaked recording of an exchange between an Iranian airtraffic controller and an Iranian pilot purports to show that authorities immediately knew a missile had downed a Ukrainian jetliner after takeoff from Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard, despite days of denials by the Islamic Republic.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged the recording’s authenticity in a report aired by a Ukrainian television channel on Sunday night.

In Tehran on Monday, the head of the Iranian investigation team, Hassan Rezaeifar, acknowledged the recording was legitimate and said that it was handed over to Ukrainian officials.

After the Jan. 8 disaster, Iran’s civilian government maintained for days that it didn’t know the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, answerable only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had shot down the aircraft. The downing of the jetliner came just hours after the Guard launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. forces in retaliation for an earlier American drone strike that killed the Guard’s top general, Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad.

A transcript of the recording, published by Ukrainian 1+1 TV channel, contains a conversation in Farsi between an air-traffic controller and a pilot reportedly flying a Fokker 100 jet for Iran’s Aseman Airlines from Iran’s southern city of Shiraz to Tehran.

“A series of lights like ... yes, it is a missile, is there something?” the pilot calls out to the controller.

“No, how many miles? Where?” the controller asks.

The pilot responds that he

Rescue workers search the scene where a Ukrainian plane crashed in Shahedshahr, southwest of Tehran, Iran saw the light by the Payam airport, and Zelenskiy told 1+1 that “the near where the Guard’s Tor M-1 recording, indeed, shows that the anti-aircraft missile was launched Iranian side knew from the start from. The controller says nothing that our plane was shot down by a has been reported to them, but the missile, they were aware of this at pilot remains insistent. the moment of the shooting.”

“It is the light of a missile,” Ukraine’s president the pilot says. repeated his demands to decode

“Don’t you see anything the plane’s flight recorders in anymore?” the controller asks.

Kyiv — something Iranian officials

“Dear engineer, it was an had promised last month but explosion. We saw a very big light later backtracked on. On Monday, there, I don’t really know what it Ukrainian investigators were to was,” the pilot responds. travel to Tehran to participate in

The controller then tries to the decoding effort, but Zelenskiy contract the Ukrainian jetliner, but insisted on bringing the so-called unsuccessfully. “black boxes” back to Kyiv.

Publicly accessible flight- “It is very important for us,” tracking radar information suggests he said. the Aseman Airlines aircraft, flight Iranian authorities, No. 3768, was close enough to however, condemned the Tehran to see the blast. publication of the recording as

Iranian civil aviation “unprofessional,” saying it was part authorities for days insisted it wasn’t of a confidential report. a missile that brought down the “This action by the plane, even after Canadian Prime Ukrainians makes us not want to Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. give them any more evidence,” said officials began saying they believed Rezaifar, the head of the Iranian it had been shot down. investigators, according to a report

Iranian officials should by the semiofficial Mehr news have immediately had access to agency. the air-traffic control recordings

Manchester suicide bomber’s brother just as guilty as he was, UK court hears

The brother of the bomber who carried out a suicide attack on an Ariana Grande concert in the English city of Manchester three years ago was just as guilty of murdering the 22 victims as his sibling, prosecutors told London’s Old Bailey court on Tuesday.

Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old Briton born to Libyan parents, blew himself up at Manchester Arena at the close of a show by the Grammywinning U.S. pop singer. Among the dead were seven children, the youngest aged just eight. More than 500 people were injured.

On Tuesday, his brother Hashem Abedi, 22, went on trial A police officer wears a heart on sleeve as she stands at the entrance to Manchester Cathedral accused of helping his brother to ahead of a memorial service on the first anniversary of the Manchester Arena bombing, in carry out the bombing. He denies Manchester, Britain, May 22, 2017.

They stored and made responsible for the attack in any involvement in the attack, including charges of murder, the device at a separate address in the immediate aftermath of the attempted murder and conspiracy Manchester and, shortly before they bombing, but security services returned to Libya in mid-April 2017, have always treated that claim with to cause an explosion.

“Hashem Abedi is just as they bought a car to be used to store scepticism.

In 2018, British lawmakers responsible for this atrocity and for the bomb-making equipment.

“This explosion was the concluded that the MI5 security the offences which are identified in the indictment ... just as surely culmination of months of planning, service had missed potential as if he had selected the target experimentation and preparation opportunities to prevent the and detonated the bomb himself,” by the two of them,” Penny said. bombing.

“The bomb which was detonated was The Abedi family prosecutor Duncan Penny said.

Penny said Hashem self-evidently designed to kill and to emigrated to Britain during the rule of late Libyan leader Muammar Abedi helped his brother to get maim as many people as possible.”

Hashem Abedi was Gaddafi, moving from London the ingredients for making the homemade bomb and together they extradited to Britain from Libya to the Fallowfield area of south experimented with its construction, in July last year after the Libyan Manchester. The brothers’ parents buying items such as screws and authorities agreed to hand him over. returned to Libya after Gaddafi was

Islamic State said it was toppled in 2011. nails to be used as shrapnel.

First Lady of African country Lesotho charged with murdering prime minister’s ex-wife

First Lady Maesaiah Thabane pictured with Prime Minister Thomas Thabane at his inauguration.

The wife of the prime minister of Lesotho, an enclaved country within the border of South Africa, has been formally charged in court with murdering his previous wife.

First Lady Maesaiah Thabane has not yet been asked to plead. She surrendered to police on Tuesday for questioning.

Prime Minister Thomas Thabane has also been questioned. His estranged wife, Lipolelo Thabane, was shot dead outside her home in the capital Maseru two days before his inauguration in 2017.

The couple were involved in bitter divorce proceedings at the time.

Maesaiah Thabane has also been charged with the attempted murder of Thato Sibolla - a family friend who had been travelling with the deceased at the time.

The case was postponed to 28 February and Mrs Thabane was remanded in police custody. She is expected to apply for bail.

What is the background of the case?

The attack was originally blamed on unknown armed men, but recent court papers filed by the country’s police commissioner, Holomo Molibeli, raised further questions.

An arrest warrant was issued for 42-year-old Maesaiah Thabane on 10 January after she disappeared.

She was “picked from the border” with South Africa on Tuesday after an arrangement between her lawyers and police, police spokesman Mpiti Mopeli told AFP news agency.

Lipolelo Thabane, 58, had been living apart from her husband since 2012. One evening in June 2017 while returning home, she was ambushed, shot several times at close range and died on the side of a road.

The murder shocked the nation. Mr Thabane described it as a “senseless killing” in his inauguration speech.

Wearing a bright orange dress, the first lady cast a lonely figure in the dock as the magistrate read out the charges against her.

After nearly a month on the run - the law finally caught up with Maesaiah Thabane.

She is accused of masterminding the assassination of the prime minister’s estranged wife, Lipolelo Thabane, and the attempted murder of a family friend Thato Sibolla.

They were ambushed in the outskirts of Maseru, a stones-throw away from Lipolelo Thabane’s home. The two were shot several times. Lipolelo Thabane died on the scene, but Ms Sibolla survived the shooting and is expected to play a pivotal role in the state’s case against the first lady.

For years, there was mystery around the attack but last month the police revealed they suspected that the prime minister and his wife were involved.

The prime minister was also taken in for questioning after police linked a call made at the crime scene to his mobile. He has not been charged.

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FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY

Dubai airport sees first-ever annual drop in passenger traffic in 2019

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international travelers, handled 86.4 million passengers in 2019, dropping 3.1% from the previous year to post its first annual fall in traffic.

Chief Executive Paul Griffiths said factors behind the drop included a temporary runway closure, the collapse of India’s Jet Airways (JET.NS), and the worldwide grounding of the Boeing (BA.N) 737 MAX. The airport lost an estimated potential 3.2 million passengers as a consequence, he said.

Dubai is a popular destination for Indian airlines such as Jet, while flydubai, based at the airport, is a major MAX customer.

Passenger traffic had also disappointed in 2018, when a return to double digit growth had been expected, but instead it grew

A general view of Dubai International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates February 15, 2019. just 1%, its slowest pace in 15 years.

Aircraft landings and takeoffs fell 8.6% to 373,261 during 2019, while the average number of passengers per flight increased 5.8% to 239.

Passenger traffic increased by 1.3% in the fourth quarter to 21.9 million, with the airport handling on average 7.2 million passengers each month throughout the year.

First quarter passenger

traffic is likely to be impacted by the coronavirus outbreak in China, which has led to travel curbs and suspension of flights to and from the world’s biggest economy.

The United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is a part, is suspending all passenger flights to and from mainland China, except Beijing, from Feb. 5.

Apple Patent Reveals Radical New iPhone Design

Apple’s 2020 iPhones will deliver some of the range’s best technological upgrades in years.

That said, their external designs won’t change much. Why? Because it appears the company is focused on something truly radical to replace it.

In an exciting new patent (via AppleInsider), Apple has published detailed designs showing a potentially game-changing new folding iPhone design. Unlike any folding smartphone to date, Apple’s patent shows how the display can fold without a crease and even potentially use glass rather than plastic.

The secret is a remarkable new hinge mechanism which allows the middle of the display to bow outwards before folding over. This creates a much softer bend inside the hinge to maintain structural integrity while stopping the crease from forming and opening the door for Apple to use less flexible glass panels. The softer bend should also result in less pressure being applied at the point of the curve, a crucial improvement given how (infamously) fragile folding smartphone displays have been so far.

But perhaps the most exciting element of this patent is its context. Apple has filed multiple patents for a folding iPhone design over the last year, including flexible control circuitry, a flexible chassis and - yep - advanced techniques

Folding iPhone concept to bend glass displays. And this makes sense. While Apple is famed for its secrecy, it knows that rivals are stepping up folding smartphone releases this year and, by leaving a clear breadcrumb trail, fans and investors are reassured that Apple is on the case.

When will this folding iPhone arrive? Certainly not this year, but 2021 will bring a third generation of folding Android phones and I’d expect Apple not to want to be much further behind than that, even if it is famed for entering new markets fashionably late.

In the meantime, Apple’s game-plan of focusing its 2020 smartphone efforts on the iPhone

12’s internals seems like a shrewd one. Booming sales of the iPhone 11 show fans are still happy with the look of the phones and when you combine this with 2020 upgrades that include new screen sizes, 120Hz OLED ProMotion displays, a longrange 3D camera, 5G connectivity across the range and an Apple A14 chip tipped to be as fast as a MacBook Pro, it’s no surprise that analysts are again tipping new sales records despite further price increases.

So what will happen when Apple releases its first folding iPhone? Time will tell, but it’s probably a wise move to be a shareholder.

Instagram Brings In More Than a Quarter of Facebook Sales

Instagram, the photo-sharing app Facebook Inc. acquired for $715 million in 2012, generated more than a quarter of the social-media company’s revenue last year, according to people familiar with the matter.

The app brought in about $20 billion in advertising revenue in 2019, said the people, who asked to remain anonymous because the figures aren’t public. That beats Google video unit YouTube, which recorded $15.1 billion in ad sales -- a number parent company Alphabet Inc. revealed Monday for the first time. Facebook declined to comment.

Instagram has become increasingly central to Facebook’s future, with users and advertisers flocking to the app even as sales growth slows at the main social network. Still, Facebook doesn’t disclose revenue for Instagram separately in earnings reports, instead preferring to highlight the integration of its properties, branding them as a “family of apps.” The team in charge of direct messaging on Instagram, for example, now reports to the Facebook Messenger team, and the company is changing Instagram’s branding to “Instagram from Facebook.” Instagram has more than 1 billion users, a figure Facebook hasn’t updated since 2018.

Instagram had no model for bringing in revenue when it was acquired by Facebook. Now, the app makes money the same way Facebook does: by selling advertisements that look like regular posts in the app’s main feed and in disappearing “stories” posts. Facebook has increased the frequency of ads on Instagram in the past couple of years, to help bolster the company’s sales as Facebook’s news feed becomes more saturated with marketing posts.

Menlo Park, California-based Facebook, the world’s largest social-media company, is currently under antitrust investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and attorneys general across the country. Instagram’s sizable contribution to the company’s overall sales may help explain why Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has objected to calls to break up Facebook, which have been raised by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democratic candidate for president, and others.

Some critics, including Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, have said Zuckerberg’s plan to more closely unite the company’s different apps, which also include WhatsApp and Messenger, could make it harder to break up from a technical standpoint.

Alphabet’s YouTube ad sales report yesterday added clarity on the business after years of speculation, but the number was ultimately disappointing for analysts who expected greater rewards for Google from consumers’ shift to watching videos online. Google didn’t disclose YouTube’s costs, though the unit has said it shares more than half its advertising revenue with video creators and spends heavily on video bandwidth.

Unlike YouTube, Instagram doesn’t share its ad sales with users who post content on its app.

WhatsApp bug lets crooks see your PRIVATE files – update the app right now

A SERIOUS flaw in WhatsApp’s design made it possible for crooks to rifle through your computer files.

WhatsApp users who own an iPhone are being urged to update their apps immediately to defend against the attack.

The bug made it possible for hackers to perform a series of clever manoeuvres to read files on your PC or Mac.

It was discovered by PerimeterX cyber-expert Gal Weizman, who revealed the attack in a blog post.

The bug affects iPhone owners who connect their handsets to a computer using WhatsApp Desktop.

This hugely popular app lets you chat with pals or colleagues on a PC or Mac linked to your phone.

Cyber-whizz Weizman found that he could use JavaScript to access your computer’s private files.

This would include sensitive documents, photos or videos.

The attack involved forge malicious links that look like genuine, safe websites inside WhatsApp.

But if you clicked one of these links, it would allow the hacker to “read” files from your computer.

Facebook, which owns WhatsApp, hails the messaging app as being very safe and secure – but this latest bug casts doubt on the claim.

In a statement, a WhatsApp spokesperson said: “We regularly work with leading security researchers to stay ahead of potential threats to our users.

“In this case, we fixed an issue that in theory could have impacted iPhone users that clicked on a malicious

link while using WhatsApp on their desktop.

“The bug was promptly fixed and has been applied since mid-December.”

How to avoid this WhatsApp hack

WhatsApp fixed the bug in December, so it’s important to update your apps to the latest version.

Update the WhatsApp app on your iPhone as well as WhatsApp Desktop on your computer.

It’s also worth being savvy about the links you click inside WhatsApp.

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 41

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY WORLD NEWS U.S. government experts, industry spar over asbestos testing in talc

A bottle of Johnson and Johnson Baby Powder is seen in a photo illustration taken in New York, February 24, 2016.

For the first time in nearly 50 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration examined asbestos testing for talc powders and cosmetics at a hearing on Tuesday, after traces of the known carcinogen were found in several such products, including Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder.

Citing those FDA findings, some U.S. lawmakers and consumer advocates have called for stricter safety regulations to protect public health.

J&J, the market leader in talc powders, has defended the safety of its talc. The company said tests by labs it hired found no asbestos in samples from the same bottle the FDA examined - except for some the company attributed to contamination from a laboratory air conditioner.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company said it looks forward to the FDA’s “thorough review of the most effective and reliable ways to test for asbestos in cosmetic talc.”

The hearing on asbestos testing in talc, the FDA’s first since 1971, focused on testing standards recommended by a panel of government experts. The recommendations, published last month, embrace positions held by public health authorities and experts for plaintiffs who in lawsuits allege that contaminated talc products caused their cancers.

An industry trade group criticized the recommendations, saying they would not improve product safety.

For decades, the cosmetic talc industry has largely been allowed to police itself with little FDA oversight. Although talc and asbestos are similar minerals often found together in the ground, the FDA has never required manufacturers to test for the carcinogen.

One of the most significant recommendations from the expert panel is that mineral particles found in talc products small enough to be drawn into the lungs, even those the industry would not technically categorize as asbestos, should be counted as potentially harmful.

In its report, the panel said both asbestos and look-alike minerals are suspected of causing “similar pathological outcomes,” so the “distinction is irrelevant.”

At Tuesday’s hearing, a government toxicologist said a wide range of spear-shaped mineral particles including but not limited to asbestos - can trigger the development of cancer and should be part of any new testing regime.

‘THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE’

Christopher Weis, a senior advisor with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, said research has shown that conventional testing methods have failed to detect the full range of hazardous fibers, known as elongated mineral particles, or EMPs. The process of milling talc for powders and cosmetics is known to break down any contaminants into small EMPs.

“All EMPs have the ability to trigger” development of cancer and other diseases, Weis said at the FDA hearing. “Short EMPs are not conventionally counted or included in lab reports. As a toxicologist, this is unacceptable.”

Mark Pollak, chief operating officer for the Personal Care Products Council, said the recommendation for counting more mineral particles as potentially harmful is not supported by science. The cosmetics trade group represents about 600 companies.

“Counting all (elongated mineral particles) would provide misleading reports, suggesting the presence of asbestos when none exists,” Pollak said at the hearing. “The key to effective testing is identification of asbestos, not harmless minerals.”

Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, urged the FDA to endorse the more rigorous testing methods and said the agency should add a warning label to talc products so consumers are aware they may contain asbestos.

“It’s time to end the honor system which has failed consumers for so long,” Faber said at the hearing.

“Let’s not wait another 50 years to finally protect consumers.”

Intel bets on smart buildings in Israel to attract tech talent

Intel Corp (INTC.O) is investing heavily in “smart buildings” in Israel that will be full of perks to keep employees happy, helping the U.S. chipmaker compete for the country’s top professionals.

Intel, one of the biggest employers and exporters in Israel, plans to invest $11 billion to build a manufacturing facility in the country, where some of its most advanced technologies have been hatched.

Home to more startups per capita than any other nation thanks to its advanced military and government support, Israel is suffering from a shortage of talent.

While multinationals like Intel, Apple and Google have snapped up local startups and set up research centers, competition is making it tough to find skilled workers.

Tech companies in Israel were unable to fill about 17,000 positions in 2018, according to StartUp National Central, a nonprofit research organization, and that figure continues to climb.

To address this gap and lure talent, Intel has upped the ante at its new development center in the Tel Aviv suburb of Petah Tikva. Replete with environmentally friendly systems, a smart gym, massage parlor, the structure also has 14,000 sensors that monitor motion, light and air to make sure workers are comfortable.

If these efforts give Intel an edge in hiring, rival companies are expected to follow suit.

“Anything you offer as a perk, whether it’s a gym membership or a paperless work environment or additional days for maternity leave or a go-green policy, all of these things are going to help you,” said David Gantshar, chief executive of California-based Shepherd Search Group.

Intel’s box-shaped, 10-story building is covered in glass and will accommodate up to 2,700 of its local 13,000 workforce.

The company declined to comment on how much it spent on the development center. Israeli media reported a cost of 650 million shekels ($188 million).

David Hareli, deputy CEO of Afcon Holdings (AFHL.TA), which constructed the building, said it was a challenge to finish the project

Cars drive past U.S. chipmaker Intel Corp’s “smart building” in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, Israel December 15, 2019. within Intel’s three-year timetable.

Originally designed to be seven stories high, Intel asked to add three floors. Once the contract was signed, Intel asked for LEED Platinum certification, the highest standard of green construction, rather than the lesser gold level.

This required a double-skin facade to improve ventilation and prevent the building from heating up under the strong Middle Eastern sun.

Architect Dagan Mochli, who designed the building, said he was working on a new development center for Intel in the northern city of Haifa that will also be smart and LEED Platinum.

He called Intel’s building a “breakthrough,” with demand growing among clients for similar structures. He is planning a smart 15,000-square-meter banking campus in Israel as well as a 240,000-square-meter smart biotech park in China.

SMART TRAVEL

The building has an openspace format. An atrium in the center is roofed by skylights, and caps the five top floors. Healthconscious employees often use the internal stairs in the atrium instead of the elevator.

For those seeking seclusion, there are small soundproof rooms and noise-insulated armchairs near the windows.

The 14,000 sensors - twice

the number found in similar buildings, according to company officials - detect when someone enters a room and adjust the lighting and air conditioning.

For example, when carbon dioxide levels rise, fresh air is introduced to keep people energetic.

The sensors and corresponding app can also help employees find the best way to travel to and from work and let them know which of the building’s three restaurants has room during lunch. The app lets workers alert other staff as to their whereabouts.

Not everybody was excited about the new workspace.

Some employees anonymously complained on an Israeli news website about a lack of privacy.

Intel Israel CEO Yaniv Garty said the tracking and collection of data is on an opt-in basis.

“We don’t ask people to clock in or clock out. We believe in a relationship which is based on output,” Garty said.

Ido Melamed, a hardware engineer who has worked at Intel for 16 years, moved to the new building from an office with cubicles. He said the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

“We see each other, we can talk more openly and collaborate more effectively,” Melamed said.

“There is real trust between the company and employees that the data (collected) is used for the right purposes.”

YouTuber tricks Google Maps into reporting traffic jam with trolley and 99 phones

You may think Google knows all but a Youtuber has come up with a prank which has fooled the global giant.

The trick resulted in Google Maps diverting drivers away from ‘congestion’.

Simon Weckert took a trolley filled with 99 mobile phones and this resulted in Google Maps reporting there was a lot of traffic in an empty street.

The app then started offering alternative routes to motorists, Mirror Online reports.

In his video description, Mr Weckert said: “99 smartphones are transported in a handcart to generate virtual traffic jam in Google Maps.”

Mr Weckert was exploiting the fact Google Maps’ collects data

from lots of users.

The trick was pulled off by making sure Google Maps was active on all 99 phones.

Mr Weckert said: “Through this activity, it is possible to turn a green street red which has an impact in the physical world by navigating cars on another route to avoid being stuck in traffic. #googlemapshacks.”

His video has now gone viral boasting more than 1.7 million likes, and 642 comments, with Simon Weckert created a fake traffic jam many viewers surprised at how easy live in a place like this where you it was to trick the app. could walk through the streets

One fan wrote: “Just goes with a wheelbarrow full of phones to show how we are the source of all without getting robbed.” their information,” while another A Google spokesman said: added: “Can I hire you to walk up “Whether via car or cart or camel, we and down my street so cars stop love seeing creative uses of Google cutting through?”

Maps as it helps us make maps work

Another said: “I want to better over time.”

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Pool & Beach Attendant As a Pool and Beach Attendant for The Shore Club Resort, youwill be responsible forthe set-up, maintaining and breakdown of Pool/Beach chairs, umbrellas, cushions, floater’s cabana’s, non-motorized sports equipment, water, cold towels, heat and towels huts for guests, courteously and efficiently in accordance with departmental quality standards and specifications.

Roles and Responsibilities: •Smile, greet and welcome every guest.

• Offer each guest a cold bottle of water and ensure guests are provided cold bottles of water every hour.

• Provide towels to guests and anticipate guests needs by providing towels before being asked.

• Offer guests frozen treat at designated times each day.

• Offer guests chilled towel at the designated times each day.

• Provide guests with safety rules of Pool and Beach.

• Assist guests with obtaining pods, chaise/beach chairs, cabanaswhen asked.

• Assist guest with non-motorized sports equipment and provide safety rules, and waiver release forms.

• Assist guests with food orders by signaling server.

• Assist guests by offering suggestions of excursions.

• Assist in providing employees with the orientation and training needed to understand expectations and perform job responsibilities.

• Provide environment needed to deliver superior guest service.

• Ensure that standards are met.

• Ensure standards are maintained.

• Perform, and certified in First-Aid. • Is able to perform swimming for life-saving in pool and ocean.

• Follow all safety rules, and ensure guests follow safety rules.

• Is knowledgeable of inherent risks of working outdoors and takes the necessary precautions to heat, water, and weather.

• Ensure guest information is not in open area.

• Is observant of guest needs and responds to them.

• Responsible for moving bins of dirty linen, and trash.

• Ensure P&B chaise and Pods are set and ready at designated hour of 8am – 7pm in summer season, 7am-6pm in winter season. All covers in place, with rolled towels on all chairs.

• Take personal responsibility and show initiative in work planning and problem-solving.

• Show personal attention to guests’ unique needs, interests and expectations.

• Keep informed and demonstrate job knowledge, following all job and service standards.

• Provide genuine service through actions that display self-confidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues.

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

Starting salary $6.75 per hour not including service charge.

Bellman As a Bellman for The Shore Club Resort, you will be responsible for ensuring a warm and courteous arrival for all guests, grreeting/ welcoming immediately upon entrance; smooth delivery of luggage to and from guest rooms and assist with guest transportation efficiently and courteously.

• Maximize revenue and cash flow by promoting resort services and adhering to credit and inventory control processes.

• Offer guests updated rooms and promotes resort amenities, food & beverage outlets and services.

• Make reservations in accordance with resort’s yield management practices.

• Process guest credit at check-in in accordance with resort policy.

• Identify and record special billing instructions and notify Accounting.

• Obtain appropriate approvals and signatures.

• Follow resort policy on posting and cash banks.

• Take personal responsibility and shows initiative in work planning and problem-solving.

• Show personal attention to guests’ unique needs, interests and expectations.

• Keep informed and demonstrates job knowledge, following all job and service standards.

• Provide genuine service through actions that display self-confidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues.

Roles and Responsibilities: • Ensure all guests are greeted with a warm welcome and by name, always projecting a positive personal presence with appearance, demeanor and body language.

• Tag all guest luggage clearly and accurately; ensure timely and correct delivery of packages and luggage to and from guest rooms and public areas or storage areas.

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

• Respond eagerly and accurately to guest inquiries for information.

• Arrange taxis or coordinate smooth transfer to transportation arranged, clearly communicating to guest local arrangements and costs.

• Deliver messages and amenities to guest rooms, ensuring timeliness and accuracy and completing any recordkeeping required.

• Use guest knowledge to ensure a high level of guest recognition and personalized service, greeting guests by name every time they enter lobby.

• Maximize revenue through knowledgeable cross-selling of resort services and amenities.

• Maintain updated knowledge of all systems and procedures used within department.

• Maintain all areas in a clean and organized manner and ensure main entrance is always clean and tidy.

• Clean the bell carts and windows. Ensure that all trash bins and ash trays within the proximity of the Front Office area are properly emptied and maintained.

• Deliver packages and faxes to guests.

• Promote the resort and area services and attractions • Ensure effective handover is done, gaining information from earlier shift. Ensure that an effective handover is made to the night shift in conjunction with the early Shift Leader • Forward all guest complaints or problems to the manager on duty.

• Establish, promote and maintain good public relations while meeting or exceeding guest expectations.

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

Key skills and Requirements: • Excellent attention to detail.

• Good Communication Skills • Pleasant attitude and demeanour • Passion for service • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record Starting salary $6.25 per hour not including service charge.

Front Desk Agent As a Front Desk Agent for The Shore Club Resort, you will be Responsible for ensuring all guests and customers are checked-in, Checked-out and served promptly, courteously and knowledgeable in accordance with all resort standards; handles guest requests and queries politely, efficiently and accurately.

Roles and Responsibilities: • Provide guests with assistance at the front desk during the checkin and check-out processes and throughout their stay.

• Greet guest and processes resort orientation and in-room registration.

• Keep current on resort accommodations, services and area attractions.

• Respond to guest inquiries for information.

• Arrange for services requested by the guest by working with other departments as appropriate.

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

• Identify and record special billing instructions and notify Accounting.

• Obtain appropriate approvals and signatures.

• Follow resort policy on posting and cash banks.

• Take personal responsibility and shows initiative in work planning and problem-solving.

• Show personal attention to guests’ unique needs, interests and expectations.

• Keep informed and demonstrates job knowledge, following all job and service standards.

• Provide genuine service through actions that display selfconfidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues.

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

Key skills and Requirements: • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.

• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process.

• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Must possess basic computational ability.

• Must possess basic computer skills.

Starting salary $7.25 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 February28th2020.

Resumes can also be submitted to the Labor Department directly. The Shore Club HR Office can be contacted at (649) 339-8000

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020 A & L TRUCKING/Lofton Morley Location: 121 South Dock Road, Apt # 6, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands SEEKS TRUCK DRIVERS Must have 8 years experience driving a tractor trailer Must be able to work on weekends & some nights when needed Must have a clean police record Salary $10.00 per hour Please Contact 331-4719 or 246-5644 Two of these positions are new and two are currently held by Work Permit Holders Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Jonathan L. Roberts

MBA Construction

Location: #58 Tumpa Ave, Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking One (1) Mason - $10.00 an hour Successful applicants will be required to lay and plaster cement blocks during construction in accordance with approved plans Is seeking One (1) Plumber - $7.00 an hour Duties Include: Installs pipes and fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, for water, gas, steam, air, or other liquids Is seeking One (1) Carpenter -$10.00 an hour Duties: Building items such as shelves, doors, windows, counters, and other carpentry projects, to the correct scale and dimensions Is seeking Three (3) Tile Man- $10.00 an hour Duties include: cutting tiles, using wet saws, tilescribes, or handheld tile cutters to create even edges Must be able to work 6 days per week Please Contact: 242-3450 These positions are currently held by work permit holders Applicants who are Turks & Caicos Islanders should also copies of their application to the Labour Board

Maguerite Altidor Taylor Shop

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Minou Hair Braiding Styles Located in Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking One (1) Hairstylist Typical duties include shampooing, cutting, and styling hair, though they may also provide hair treatments, including deep conditioning, permanents, hair coloring, and weaving To work 5 days per week Salary: $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 332-1581 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 #970777

Mervin Forbes

Norman Parker

Bugaloos Conch Crawl

Location: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Must be able to read and write English, honest and trustworthy and do general cleaning To work 6 days per week Salary - $6.50 per hour Please contact: 241-7244 This position is held by a Work Permit Holder Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labour Board

Located: Next to Sunny’s Fish Plant in Five Cays, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Waitress Duties: Take orders and serve food and beverages, check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals and take action to correct any problems To work 6 days a week Salary is $8.00 hourly Please Contact: 332-5646 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Maids on Demand

Location: #11 A Leeward Palms, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Work Duties: Must be able to do general household cleaning To work 5 days a week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 241-3881 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

Location: Governor’s Road, Grace Bay, Atrium Resort, Providenciales & South Caicos East Bay Resorts Is seeking Spa Therapist - should have minimum 5 years experience in resort spa.

Should be able to perform Massages- such as Hot stone, Thai massage , Balinese massage ,Ayurvedic treatments- Abyanga massage, Shirodhara, Indian head massage, Yoga , Facials , Eye brow threading, Body treatments ,waxing, Mani and pedi etc.

Salary - $ 6.25 per hour/commission To work 6 days in a week This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Please email resumes to -relax@spatci.com Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Labour Board.

JANET WILLIAMS

Location: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Seamstress Duties Include: Sewing garments, using needles and thread or sewing machines Must be able to fit and study garments on customers to determine required alterations To work 6 days a week Salary - $6.50 per hour Please contact: 341-0322 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

Claudina Jennings

Mercedes Beauty Salon

Marie Forbes

Wayne Williams Jr.

Location: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking Two (2) Cosmetologist Duties: Providing various beauty services, such as hair styling, manicures, pedicures, scalp and facial treatments, or make-up application To work 6 day per week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 246-5104 Both of these positions are new Interested Applicants who Turks and Caicos Islanders should submit Copies of their application to the Labour Board

Location: Near Enid Capron Primary School, Five Cays, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Helper Duties: Assist construction various tasks; clean and prepare sites, machinery and equipment To work 6 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 241-7913 This positions is currently held by a work permit holder Interested TC Islanders are invited to also send copies of their applications to the Labour Board

In Grand Turk Is seeking: One (1) Domestic Worker Duties: Must be able to do general cleaning To work 3-5 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Please Contact 241-8410 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested TC Islanders are invited to also send copies of their applications to the Labour Board

NOTICE Schedule 2 Regulation 8 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations 2018 An Application, REGISTERED PR 14395, by Prince Albert Alexander Musgrove, for the rezoning parcel 60806/6, The Bight & Thomas Stubbs on Providenciales which is currently zoned for Low Density Residential Class C 3 Units Per Acre to C1 Commercial. The application as submitted seeks planning consideration for a Two (2) Story Building containing Ten (10) Rental units.

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

Date Posted:__________________________

Ayur Spa Ltd

Location: 496 Millennium Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking to employ One Janitor - $6.25 per hour Is seeking to employ One Housekeeper/Maid $6.25per hour Duties: Cleaning offices, buildings, homes, sweeping, picking up waste, cleaning windows, dorrs and other Please Contact: Ray Harris at 246-8711 These positions are new Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to apply directly and submit a copy of their application to the Labour Board #970780

Location: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking One (1) Domestic Worker Duties: Must be able to do general household cleaning To work 5 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact 244-0110 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

Location: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Duties: Must be able to do general cleaning, speak English and trustworthy Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 241-1954 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

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#603792

OMARI’S RENTAL Location: Airport Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a LAUNDERER Duties: Washes, dries, and irons articles in hand-laundries and Laundromats, using equipment such as hand iron, and small washing and drying machines.

Sort articles on worktable or in baskets on floor to separate special washes such as fugitives and starch work.

Must be willing to work 5 days a week This position is a first time work permit holder Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 241-1429 Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Is seeking to employ a Cleaner For its Technical Staff Office Location in Grand Turk Must be Reliable, Hard-Working and Trustworthy Salary is $7.25 per hour 4 Hours Daily with Weekly Pay For more information: Contact 649-941-8085 Email: awilliams.caa@tciway.tc Closing Date is 7th February, 2020 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks & Caicos Islanders are invited to also send copies of their applications to the Labour Board

LABOURER GRAND TURK Duties may include cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Contact: info@bohioresort.com This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

DANIEL MALCOLM In South Caicos Is seeking acaregiver/ helper to care for an elderly individual Duties include cleaning, washing and cooking Must work 6 days per week Salary: $ 6.25 per hour Please contact 345-9709 This is a new position Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

#603790

In Grand Turk is seeking : 1 LABOURER/MAINTENCE MAN To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour 1 Domestic Worker To work 3-5 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Please Contact 241-8410 These positions are currently held by work permit holders Interested TC Islanders are invited to also send copies of their applications to the Labour Board

STAGE BAR

Location: Building #14, William’s Plaza, Lower Bight, Providenciales, TCI Is looking for the following: Four (4) Barmaids -$1,000 a month One (1) Janitor - $6. 50 per hour Janitor duties includes perform general clean up of all areas of the building as directed Manage routine upkeep of exterior areas Barmaids duties includes preparing alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages for bar and patrons and interacting with customers, taking orders and serving drinks.

•Must have experience at least 3-4 years Please Contact 344-8644 or email: browill649@gmail.com Two of the Barmaid positions are held by Work Permit Holders and the other two positions are new The Janitor position is new Applicants who are Turks & Caicos Islanders should also send copies of their application to the Labour board

MBA Construction

Location: #58 Tumpa Ave, Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking Two (2) Carpenters Duties: Able to construct and repair building frameworks and structures such as stairways, doorframes, partitions, and rafters made from wood and other materials Also capable of installing kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall Salary is $10.00 per hour Must be able to work 6 days per week Please Contact: 242-3450 These positions is currently held by work permit holders Applicants who are Turks & Caicos Islanders should also copies of their application to the Labour Board

603795

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FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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WORLD

SPORTS Serena needs fresh approach to surpass Court, says coach

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

Emergency 911 phone calls on Kobe Bryant crash show witnesses concerned about fog

Recently released emergency 911 phone calls about the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant showed witnesses were concerned about the poor visibility due to fog and revive the tragic moment that rocked the basketball and entertainment worlds nine days ago.

The twin-engine Sikorsky S-76B slammed into a hillside and killed all nine people on board in an accident that still has many of the basketball great’s fans grieving, with more public memorials to come.

“It went over my head. It’s Serena Williams of the U.S. in action during the match against China’s thick in clouds. And then I heard Qiang Wang

Former world number one Serena Williams a pop and it immediately stopped,” must rethink her approach to Grand Slams after her one of the witnesses called into latest bid to win a record-equalling 24th major prize the 911 emergency services lines, came unstuck at Melbourne Park, her coach Patrick according to audio released by the Los Angeles County Fire Department Mouratoglou has said.

The 38-year-old American, who is looking to on Monday.

“If this guy doesn’t have match Australian great Margaret Court’s record, has reached four Grand Slam finals since giving birth to night vision, I mean, he was, he’s daughter Olympia in 2017 but failed to win any of them. completely IFR,” the caller said,

She arrived at this year’s Australian Open referring to instrument flight rules.

The pilot, Ara Zobayan, was having won the Auckland Classic title but was beaten certified to fly by IFR and a flight

by China’s Wang Qiang in the third round.

“We have to accept the fact that it’s not instructor with more than 8,200 hours of flight time, officials said. working,” Mouratoglou told the BBC. Zobayan had tried to

“We have to face reality, but she’s positive that she can make it, otherwise she probably wouldn’t be climb out of a cloud layer when the on a tennis court anymore. She believes she can and I aircraft banked sharply and dropped believe it too. She’s not that far, but we have to change toward the ground with a speed of more than 2,000 feet (610 meters) a few things. per minute at impact, the National

“Maybe come back with a different angle, strategy and goals so she can make it. She does feel Transportation Safety Board said.

Audio recordings of air positive, she feels negative too because it’s a failure traffic control revealed the pilot when she doesn’t win a Grand Slam.” requested flight following, a type

Mouratoglou said time was not on Williams’ side in the pursuit of the record.

“She had everything to retire, 23 Grand Slam titles ... it’s difficult to know how many chances she’ll have, I don’t know how long she’s going to be able to play, but being able to reach four Grand Slam finals says a lot about her level.

“Her level is good enough but we have to Sunday’s Super Bowl understand what’s going on, why she’s not able to win.

There’s a big difference between reaching a final and broadcast on Fox attracted an average TV audience of 99.9 million winning one.” people, a 1.7% increase from last year’s U.S. football championship, according to preliminary Nielsen data released on Monday.

Fox, owned by Fox Corp,

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James had said the average viewership reached a choice for the NBA All-Star Game later this month in 102 million when the network added people watching a SpanishChicago.

He could choose to have his team wear No. 24 language simulcast and streaming to honor Kobe Bryant, who died Jan. 26 in a helicopter the game on Fox, NFL and Verizon crash. Or he could opt for his team to wear No. 2 to platforms.

Although the TV ratings honor Bryant’s daughter, Gianna, a budding basketball star who died with her famous father and seven others rebounded from the 98.4 million Super Bowl viewers in 2019, the on a foggy morning in Southern California.

James, who has a 5-year-old daughter of his audience ranked as one of the lowest in a decade, the Nielsen data own, quickly chose No. 2 to honor Gianna. showed.

TV viewership for the game

“It felt like these last three years were the happiest I’ve ever seen him,” James told reporters of his peaked at 114.4 million in 2015.

In Miami on Sunday the mentor and Lakers predecessor. “I think we all can say that. It was the happiest I’ve ever seen him, being able Kansas City Chiefs’ 24-year-old quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, led to just be with his daughters, be with his family. ...

“To see him these last three years just being his team to a stunning 31-20 win ... y’all see ‘GirlDad,’ the hashtag. I’m a girl dad. My over the San Francisco 49ers - the Chiefs’ first championship since the brother right here (Anthony Davis) is a girl dad.”

James told reporters that he thought of his 1969 season.

Mahomes was one of the daughter, Zhuri, as he chose No. 2. draws for this year’s viewers, as were

Monday was another day of tributes to Kobe Bryant, who died with Gianna and seven others in the commercials and a halftime the crash in the hills of Calabasas, Calif. University of show featuring performances by Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.

“The viewership of the wore Bryant’s Lakers jersey under his jacket and over his shirt and tie during his team’s home game against Super Bowl averages about 53% male and 47% female - this year it Oregon.

The Huskies honored Gianna last week by might have even been closer,” said placing a No. 2 jersey on its bench. Gianna had said she Dennis Deninger, a professor who teaches sports communication at wanted to one day play at UConn.

Syracuse University. “During the

A portrait of Kobe Bryant stands outside Staples Center before a Los Angeles Lakers home game as mourners paid respects to the late retired basketball star and his daughter Gianna, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 31, 2020. of constant monitoring, due to concerns about visibility, but controllers said he was flying too low to be tracked.

The 911 recordings showed witnesses also had visibility on their minds.

“I’m walking in the trail, I could hear the plane, I think it was in the clouds but couldn’t see it.

Then we just heard a ‘boom’ and a dead sound and then I could see the flames,” one caller said.

Another summed up events more succinctly.

“A helicopter crashed into a mountain. We heard it, and now I’m looking at the flames,” the witness said.

Bryant won five championships in his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, retiring as the third leading scorer in the history of the National Basketball Association. He also won an Oscar for his short animated film “Dear Basketball.”

Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna, one of her teammates, another young friend, three of their parents and coach also died on their way to a girls’ basketball game.

The remains of all the victims were released to their families on Monday, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said.

Super Bowl TV audience rises slightly to 99.9 million viewers

Lakers’ James picks No. 2 for All-Star Game as tribute

Football fans react while watching the televised Super Bowl LIV from Miami as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20, at SoMa StrEat Food Park in San Francisco, California, U.S. February 2, 2020. regular season those percentages are to Fox Corp - included Planters’ a bit off. For the Super Bowl there mascot Mr. Peanut, who died and are so many other reasons to tune was reborn, and football star Tom in. Most people in any society want Brady’s appearance in an ad for to be part of what’s happening.” streaming service Hulu.

Ads during the Super Bowl “The Super Bowl is a featured another national rivalry: cultural event more so than it is that between two competing a sporting event,” said Brandon presidential candidates. Republican Brown, a clinical assistant professor President Donald Trump and of sport management at New York Democratic presidential hopeful University’s School of Professional Michael Bloomberg spent up to $11 Studies. “So you’ll have people million each to appeal directly to who are not sports fans whatsoever voters, which was unprecedented in tuning into the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl history.

NFL has done a really good job

Other notable ads - which embedding itself into the American averaged up $5.6 million for a culture.”

30-second slot this year, according

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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WORLD SPORTS

Novak Djokovic beats Dominic Thiem to win 17th Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic defended his Australian Open crown and won a 17th Grand Slam after digging deep into his physical and mental reserves to beat Dominic Thiem in a gripping five-set final.

The Serbian second seed won 6-4 4-6 2-6 6-3 6-4 for a recordextending eighth title at Melbourne Park.

Djokovic, 32, twice called the doctor while trailing before fighting back.

Austrian fifth seed Thiem, 26, still awaits his first major title after losing a third Grand Slam final.

Djokovic, who fluctuated from steely brilliance to being emotionally erratic and back again, took the first of two championship points when Thiem pulled a forehand wide.

With Thiem getting plenty of support throughout in the Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic celebrated by putting a finger to his lip to shush some of the crowd, then breaking out in a grin before pointing to his box

Djokovic, who said he had been “on the brink of losing” when dehydration affected his energy levels, solemnly watched as he was lauded as the ‘King of Melbourne’ before being presented with his trophy.

He then gave an emotional winning speech where he talked about the “devastating” Australian bushfires, world conflicts and the death of American basketball great, and his “mentor”, Kobe Bryant.

“I would like to say this is a reminder that we should stick together more than ever,” Djokovic told the 15,000 crowd.

“Stay close to the people who love you. There are more important things in life.”

His latest triumph moves him within three of Swiss Roger Federer’s all-time leading tally of 20 men’s singles titles, and only two behind Spain’s Rafael Nadal, who is on 19.

The Serb’s fightback ensured the wait continues for somebody to break the stranglehold of the old guard, with Djokovic, Nadal and Federer having won the past 13 Grand Slam titles.

No other player has won a men’s major title since Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka won the US Open title in

September 2016.

Djokovic will also return to the top of the world rankings, replacing Nadal, when they are published on Monday.

Fitting final to a dramatic tournament - but Djokovic provides a familiar ending

After an opening Grand Slam of the 2020 season which had pretty much everything, it was fitting that the tournament finished with another thrilling match.

Starting negatively amid a backdrop of devastating bushfires across Australia and players complaining about poor air quality, the mood was lifted across the fortnight by shock wins, incredible fightbacks and another star emerging in the women’s game.

When 21-year-old American Sofia Kenin beat Spain’s Garbine Muguruza on Saturday she became the eighth woman to win their first Grand Slam in the past 12 majors.

Thiem, having been a fixture in the top 10 for a number of years and winning 16 ATP titles, is far from being a new kid on the block.

But such has been the dominance of the ‘Big Three’, the Austrian remains a relative novice in the biggest finals as the younger players struggle to end their supremacy at the Slams.

Djokovic is the first man to win a Grand Slam title in three different decades since the Open era began in 1968.

Now the task of the younger generation is to stop Nadal and Federer doing the same.

Third time unlucky for Thiem

Thiem has long been considered one of the younger players most likely to end the dominance of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal, although many expected that to come on his favoured clay surface at the French Open, where he has lost the past two finals to Nadal.

His game - based on crushing groundstrokes and athleticism - always had the potential to be successful on hard courts, and winning his biggest title on the surface at Indian Wells last March appeared to give him added belief.

Knicks part ways with team president Mills

Novak Djokovic

With the men’s semi-finals split across Thursday and Friday, Thiem had 24 hours less to recover than Djokovic and had spent almost six hours more on court over the fortnight.

That did not look to be a major factor, however, when Thiem moved one set away from finally getting his hands on a Grand Slam trophy at the third attempt.

Perhaps, ultimately, there was an element of fatigue - mental as well as physical - as Djokovic dug deep and Thiem hit 16 unforced errors in the fifth set.

Nevertheless, it appears only a matter of time before Thiem becomes only the second Austrian after 1995 French Open champion Thomas Muster - to win a major singles title.

“You were very close to winning it and you definitely have a lot more time in your career. I am sure you will get a Grand Slam trophy, more than one,” Djokovic told him.

Djokovic recovers from mid-match slump

Djokovic had eased through the draw with the concession of just one set, with a dominant service game that opponents had rarely broken.

He had raced to a 3-0 lead after a high-quality start but was then unable to sustain that level, mainly down to physical issues that flared up in the second set and continued through the third.

Team president Steve Mills

The New York Knicks parted ways with team president Steve Mills on Tuesday February 4th, 2020.

The team said in a news release that general manager Scott Perry will oversee basketball operations while the organization undertakes “an immediate search” to replace Mills.

“Steve and I have come to the decision that it would be best for him to leave his role as president of the New York Knicks,” owner James Dolan said in the release. “We thank Steve for his many years of service to our organization and look forward to continuing our relationship with him as part of our board.”

Mills, 60, has been with the Knicks since 2013, serving as executive vice president and general manager before taking over as president in July 2017.

“It has been a great honor to represent the Knicks,” Mills said. “I will always be grateful to Jim for giving me the chance to represent this franchise and I’m disappointed we were unable to achieve success for New York. I would like to thank the staff and the players for their hard work during my tenure. I will always be a Knicks fan.”

The Knicks fired head coach David Fizdale in December after a 4-18 start to the current season.

They are 11-18 under interim coach Mike Miller and 15-36 overall, the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference.

New York has not been to the playoffs since the 2012-13 season.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Dolan will target Toronto Raptors president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri to replace Mills.

After leading Chiefs to Super Bowl win, the future belongs to Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs ended a 50-year Super Bowl drought with a dramatic 31-20 comeback win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in a breathtaking finish to the NFL’s 100th season that may have also revealed a new star to kickoff the next century.

The Chiefs’ young quarterback Patrick Mahomes stepped onto America’s biggest sporting stage and produced an enthralling fourth-quarter rally that even the 49ers grudgingly applauded.

The 24-year-old’s performance underscored why he is being called the heir apparent to six-time Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer Tom Brady of the Patriots.

With the Chiefs trailing 2010, Mahomes engineered three scoring drives in just over five minutes, hitting Travis Kelce and Damien Williams with short touchdown passes to give Kansas City the lead.

Williams then raced 38 yards for the clinching score, sparking wild celebration for long-suffering Chiefs fans who had not seen their team hoist the

Lombardi trophy since their victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. If Chiefs supporters were over-the-moon about the long overdue Super Bowl win at Hard Rock Stadium they will be doubly excited about what the future might hold with Mahomes calling plays for years to come.

With an aging cast of quarterbacking greats marching towards retirement the NFL is searching for the new face of the league and after Sunday’s display Mahomes looks to be the man.

Mahomes, who completed 26 of 42 attempts for 286 yards and threw two touchdown passes, appeared out of sorts for nearly three quarters of the game but took charge when it mattered to earn the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors.

He becomes the secondyoungest quarterback to win a Super Bowl and the youngest to claim both NFL and Super Bowl MVP awards.

CHIEFS DYNASTY?

But while Mahomes has been more than willing to take on the responsibilities as a team leader he is not quite as prepared to assume the job of the NFL’s frontman.

“There’s several guys that could be the face of the NFL,” he said. “Just how good the quarterback play is now, guys come in here year in and year out and play great football.

“Lamar (Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens) won the league MVP last night and he was a unanimous choice and had one of the best season of all-time at the quarterback position so there’s guys like that it seems every year.

“A lot of young quarterbacks and still a lot of veteran guys are playing at a very high level.

“I’m just try to be the best Patrick Mahomes I can be and win football games.”

Very few quarterbacks, veterans or newcomers, have demonstrated the Houdini-like ability to escape defeat.

During the postseason, with Mahomes leading Kansas City’s explosive

Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after winning Super Bowl LIV. attack, no lead has been safe.

In the divisional playoffs, the Chiefs fought back from 24-0 down to beat the Houston Texans and then erased a 10-0 Tennessee Titans advantage in the AFC championship.

The strong armed, charismatic leader has become a one-man highlight reel with his no0look passes and scrambling wizardry.

In just his second year as a starter, statistically few have been better.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2020 – FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 348 6838 | Fax: 649 941 3281