VOLUME 16 ISSUE 11

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 16 - NO. 11

Email: sun@suntci.com

Tel: (649) 348-6838

$1.00

Fax: (649) 941-3281

www.facebook.com/tcisun

TCI IMPOSES FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

W

ith two suspected cases of coronavirus and six persons under quarantine, the Turks and Caicos Islands has imposed flight restrictions on seven countries and will add more to the list if and when the spread of the coronavirus widens, says Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams.

The list of restricted countries are: China, Iran, South Korea, Italy, Singapore, Macau, and Japan.

“Under the current provisions, visitors that have travelled to, from or through the infected countries listed will be denied entry and residents will be subject to quarantine. These restrictions apply to both air and sea ports. These regulations are subject to continuous review and will be amended to include additional countries if and when the spread widens,” the Acting Governor told The SUN.

She also gave the assurance that Turks and Caicos Islands is actively pursuing acquiring the equipment that can test for the coronavirus.

“The Ministry of Health has received technical advice from Public Health England on the evaluation of commercially available tests for COVID-19.

Women in TCI celebrated during International Women’s Day Award Banquet The Department of Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services hosted its International Women’s Day Awards and Honors Banquet on Saturday, March 7, 2020.

International Women’s Day Awards and Honors Banquet Awardees and Honorees share

photo with Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson, Director of Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Dr. Lillian Boyce, Ms. Gender Affairs and Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister Angela Freites, Mrs. Ruth Forbes) all pose with their of Education, Youth, Culture, Social & Library ‘Equal’ signs which symbolizes their commitment to Services. (Top L-R- Mrs. Candesha Mills, Mrs. being “each for equal” and to help forge women’s Juanita Skippings, Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson, Hon. equality.

Karen Malcolm, Ms. Zaria Ingham) (Bottom L-RMrs. Cathrice Williams, Mrs. Georgina Been, Dr. (See page 22 & 23 for more photographs).

Continued on page 2

Immigration Officer suspended for allowing passengers off Carnival ship in GT

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief An immigration officer has been suspended for allowing passengers to disembark the Carnival Magic cruise ship which was denied entry to the Grand Turk Cruse Center last Friday, March 5th, 2020.

This was revealed by Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, who is also head of the Civil Service.

“This matter is a serious breach and is now the subject of an active internal investigation which resulted

in the immediate suspension of the Immigration officer on duty that day with a view to further disciplinary action being taken,” the Acting Governor said during a national press conference on Tuesday, March 10th, 2020.

“We have written to Carnival Corporation to highlight the need for compliance with established protocols and to understand the status of those persons removed from the ship so that we can mitigate against potential risks, which we take very seriously. We await their response.”

According to a government press

statement, the Carnival Magic cruise ship called at the Grand Turk cruise port, and as per the protocols already in place, the ship was met, but not boarded, by officials from the Environmental Health Department (EHD).

It was immediately issued an official notice of refusal for docking by the EHD, and no passengers or crew were allowed to disembark.

This refusal was as a result of the mandatory Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) document, issued by the ship to health officials in TCI, which showed cases of influenza-like symptoms

Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams on board. Senior government leadership, including the Minister of Health, was then made aware of the refusal.

Continued on page 2

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH FORTISTCI Two-way texting • •

For outage notifications and service restoration updates.

To opt in, text FTCIGO to 1-855-334-9998. www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

TCI IMPOSES FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Continued from page 1

The National Public Health Laboratory has been rapidly reviewing this guidance with the view to procuring recommended equipment.

The laboratory has already sought quotes for the equipment and reagents (chemicals) required and are awaiting feedback on same from multiple vendors. We are actively in dialogue with Public Health England about the implementation of local testing quickly in order to support the development of local testing capacity,” Williams said.

In the meantime, she said, the TCI is able to test samples with the assistance of the Ministry of Health Bahamas or the Caribbean Public Health Agency through established mechanisms.

“The Ministry of Health will continue to update the general public on the progress with this important initiative,” she added.

Although there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Turks and Caicos Islands, there are currently two suspected cases whose samples have been sent for testing.

Results are expected within a week.

Government spokesman Damian Wilson said the suspected cases have been quarantined in their residences and the recent travel history of both are being reviewed.

Wilson said six persons are currently under quarantine in Providenciales: The suspected cases

(2), relatives of a suspected case (2), persons travelling from a highly affected country—Italy (2). Relatives of a suspected case and the persons from Italy are all not exhibiting any symptoms but are being continuously monitored by the public health team.

He said one person is under self quarantine—a contact of one of the suspected cases. This person is also not displaying any symptoms.

NATIONAL THREAT

During a national press conference, the Acting Governor said this disease is being treated as a “national threat”.

She stated: “(It is) a national threat which requires the leadership, coordination and cooperation of all Government Departments and Agencies across not only the public sector, but also the support of the general public in adhering to the travel restrictions, advice and recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the partnership of the private sector leaders. I express our thanks to the Ministry of Health in particular the Director of Health Services, for their work in leading the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Response Team. We hope and pray that the Turks and Caicos Islands’ remains coronavirus free, but we must equally prepare as well for possible impact and the resulting actions that must take place

thereafter.”

Meantime, Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson said that over the past few months, there has been “nothing short of fear and frenzy” worldwide which in the end may be contributing to what we as leaders and citizens wish to not see, a people feeling hopeless and helpless.

“While this virus is new and there is much we do not know, there is much we do know about the spread.

This issue is a worldwide health matter that requires a steady head and hand.

I want to congratulate our Health Team led by the Hon Edwin Astwood, Minister of Health, Dr Nadia Astwood, the Permanent Secretary and Deputy Permanent Secretary of Health, on the leadership shown since the first announcement of this virus,” she stated.

“The Health Team with full government support has been working around the clock on this issue and I ask only that we appreciate and respect in this time, the Ministry of Health as the official voice of the government and for these Islands.

It is in times like these, this must be identified for what it is: an issue of grave national and international importance that cannot and must not be ignored. We require a partnership with leaders opposite and to see a divide along party lines is to fail our people in what can be a life and death issue.”

She acknowledged the

Hospital statement on recent gunshot cases

On March 10th 2020, three gunshot wound victims presented to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre – Emergency Department.

A 24-year-old male arrived at 6:53 p.m. via private vehicle with a history of sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to the head and hand. The patient received immediate medical attention and underwent diagnostic imaging to determine the extent of the injuries. The patient was admitted to the general ward in stable condition and received surgical interventions.

A second 24-year-old male arrived at 6:55 p.m. via ambulance services with a history of sustaining

multiple gunshot wounds to the head. The patient received immediate medical attention and underwent advanced diagnostic imaging to determine the extent of the injuries. The patient was admitted to the high dependency unit in critical condition and was later transferred to an overseas tertiary level medical facility.

A 22-year-old male then arrived at 9:40 p.m. via private vehicle with a history of sustaining a single gunshot wound to the hand. The patient received immediate medical attention and underwent diagnostic imaging to determine the extent of the injuries. The patient is currently admitted to the general ward in

stable condition and received surgical interventions.

On March 11th 2020 at 11:45 a.m., another gunshot wound victim presented to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre – Emergency Department. A 21-year-old male arrived via private vehicle with a history of sustaining multiple gunshot wounds about the upper body.

The patient received immediate medical attention and underwent advanced diagnostic imaging to determine the extent of the injuries. The patient was admitted to the high dependency unit and later succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced dead at 4:40 a.m. on March 12th 2020.

Immigration Officer suspended for allowing passengers off Carnival ship in GT Continued from page 1

As per their MDH, Williams said she empathizes with Carnival Magic also notified the persons that day that required officials that they were medical treatment overseas, but requesting further medical “out of abundance of caution” care for two passengers in the and due to the inability of the form of a medical evacuation. ship and the Turks and Caicos Ministry of Health officials Islands to immediately test for reviewed this request, taking the Coronavirus; a decision was into consideration the risk to made by Immigration and Health the public health of Grand Turk Officials following the established residents and the wider TCI and protocols and supported by the declaration from the World senior Government officials to Health Organization (WHO) deny entry to that vessel. indicating that the global risk In a media statement, posed by COVID-19 Coronavirus Carnival Cruise Lines said it was is very high, this request was also “enormously frustrated” by what transpired in Grand Turk. refused.

“The ship has several

Passengers were removed subsequently off the ship and guests on board experiencing placed on an aircraft. routine cold and flu symptoms, Acting Governor but these individuals do not meet

the criteria of having COVID-19 based on the guidelines set by health experts including the CDC and WHO and would not even be required to be tested in the United States and most places around the world,” said the press release.

“We also have two other guests with medical emergencies that are not related to this matter.

We have spent the day trying to appeal the decision to not allow all our guests off the ship, as well as to get the two guests who need urgent medical care to an air ambulance we have chartered.

We are enormously frustrated by the unwarranted decision by local officials and the delay in getting our guests medical attention.”

leadership at the regional and global levels: CARICOM, PAHO with support from our representative in the Bahamas, WHO which attended a virtual CARICOM Leaders’ Meeting last Sunday and Public Health England who was present and whose team leader attended TCI’s first National Security Council meeting on this issue.

“We do draw on the expertise of these bodies and are united with our region in standards and basic protocols.

Given our size and capacity challenges, decisions must be home grown in many aspects and they will be taken in the best interest of our people under the guidance of the Ministry of Health,” she said. “As the Minister of Finance, I wish to say that we are at the final stages of the country’s budget preparation, and we have certainly factored in the possible economic fall-out from the CO VID 19/ Coronavirus outbreak. We are cognizant that fear and travel advisories are preventing travel and we are anticipating but cannot say what the future impact can be given the uncertainty of the duration of this current crisis. We are and will be prudent in our financial plans and will revise and amend as necessary.

Likewise, rest assured we continue to fund the requests of the Ministry of Health in this fight.”

Hospital statement on message circulating with false information InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is aware of a post in circulation across social media platforms, which suggests that there is a group of incoming US-based doctors that will be conducting tests for Coronavirus this afternoon at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

Nikira John, public relations officer for the hospital, said that unfortunately, the growing circulation of such false information has caused a surge in calls and inquiries to our emergency department.

“As a result, we felt compelled to publicly clarify and confirm that this information is untrue,” said John. “Persons should desist from the creation and publication of mischievous and misleading statements during a period of such heightened sensitivity within the community and globally related to Coronavirus. Members of the general public are also encouraged to seek and share information from validated sources.”

To proactively reduce the risk and spread of Covid-19, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, Ministry of Health has advised the general public to contact the emergency hotline numbers for guidance. The Ministry of Health Emergency hotline numbers are +1-649-333-0911 and +1-649-232-9444.

LODIE N. BROOKS In South Caicos Is seeking a Labourer To assist with construction work Must work 6 days per week Salary: $ 6.25 per hour Please contact 241-4356 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

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

COMPLIMENTARY PRACTICE FACILITIES The Club has a short-range warm-up net for golfers to help focus on the long game, and pitching area and putting green. All the practice facilities are maintained to the same high standard as the golf course, essential when honing short game skills.

PGC has recently purchased a fleet of E-Z-GO® Freedom® golf carts. Unique features include GPS navigation providing yardages, an enhanced ride experience, and an automatic parking brake for added safety on slopes.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

PGC is committed to the maintenance and preservation of the course for future generations in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

It’s taken 2 years of hard work, but the beautiful new playing surfaces are ready for the season.

Platinum Paspalum turf, known throughout the industry for its dark green grass, excellent lies and smooth fast greens, should not only provide an improved player experience, but this salt tolerant grass should reduce irrigation volumes by over 50% reducing water demand by over 25 million gallons per year, over the next 5 years.

FEHERTY SPECIAL PACKAGE Includes •

18 holes of golf

•

Titleist Rental Clubs

•

Complimentary Practice Facilities

•

Use of shared golf cart

•

Sleeve of Titleist golf balls

•

$20.00 Fairways F&B voucher

Available after 11.00am daily

PRO-SHOP & RENTAL CLUBS Whether you are looking for the latest rental-clubs or fashion item or would like to buy a locally made souvenir, the Pro Shop is the place to start. Find a wide selection of golf clothing and equipment and excellent leisure attire that includes Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren and Under Armour.

PGA Pros are on hand for advice and lessons, and golfers can test-drive the latest that Titleist has to offer in one of the many sets of both ladies and gentlemen’s rental clubs available in left and right handed and variety of flexes.

Titleist Clubs start at $40 for 9 holes Open from 7.00am daily

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

South Caicos Airport terminal fire is a “sad turn of events”, says Premier

The fire which destroyed the terminal building at the South Caicos Airport on Sunday March 8th, 2020, has been described by Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinso as a “sad turn of events”.

“It is really a sad turn of events, having only in the past few weeks carried out enhancement works to the building.

We ask residents for your patience as we progress the works for the new terminal,” the Premier said in a media statement after she visited the site. “An investigation team also travelled to South Caicos. The site will be cleared immediately once investigations have concluded and cleared by the Investigators. I await the official report on the cause of the fire.”

The Premier said that on Sunday, March 8th, she was informed by the District Commissioner of South Caicos that the airport terminal was engulfed in flames and would likely result in the complete loss of the building.

She added that during the course of the morning, she reached out to representatives of the TCI Airports Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority to agree quick measures to ensure that flight operations were not interrupted for an extended period.

“I am thankful to both authorities for the quick solution which saw no impact to flight operations. I also reached out to hoteliers on the island to ensure that the needs of guests were known and consequently addressed. I spoke with an airline operator on possible interim measures which allowed guests to meet their international connecting flights,” the Premier said.

“I am pleased to say that the tender for the South Caicos Terminal closed some weeks ago and a preferred bidder has been identified. While the tender process for a new terminal on South Caicos is advancing, there remains additional steps in the process before an award of contract. We expect this process to be completed before end of the month. We will identify a temporary space to facilitate travellers while this process is ongoing.”

On Monday 9th March, the Premier travelled to South Caicos along with Acting Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Trevor Botting, CEO of TCI Airports Authority, Mr John Sm`ith, Director of Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies Dr. Virginia Clerveaux and Civil Aviation Authority Inspector Mr. Onward Hamilton. An alternative facility has been identified and critical works are under consideration.

In a separate press statement, Lavern Skippings Reynolds, Executive Manager, Terminal & Marketing, at the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) said although the South Caicos Airport Terminal was destroyed by fire, however flights have not been suspended.

“The TCIAA has advised it’s regulators, (Civil Aviation) that we will continue operations into South Caicos in order to serve the traveling public. Tower, runway and staff are all still able to function in this challenging situation. The TCIAA remains committed to operating in a safe and secure environment and to be in compliance with all safety standards and procedures as set by the regulators,” she said.

GREAT HOUSE MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED [SAILROCK] is seeking qualified candidates for the positions below

and average rate using standard rate quoting scenario at all times. Up sell rooms when possible.

•Enter reservations into the computer according to standard operating procedures.

•Communicate and work closely with the Sales Department to build group blocks and enter group bookings.

•Maintain availability calendar and communicate all relevant information to the Front Desk staff.

•Maintain accurate files and reports.

•Handle all special reservations, to include V.I.P. reservations, packages and discounts.

•Monitor daily sales activity and alert front office team of sold out nights, group status and possible problem situations.

•Post no-show revenue daily, if required at property.

•Communicate availability to wholesalers •Review Reservations logbook and Guest Request log on a daily basis.

•Send confirmations with accurate details of reservation

Reservations Supervisor This person supervises the reservation functions for the hotel ensuring all reservations are processed in a pleasant, professional and efficient manner. Manages and coordinates activities of reservation team members providing reservations and customer services skills.

Achieving customer satisfaction and room revenue goals while taking guests through the booking process. Assist the Reservation Manager or Front OfficeManager with budgeting, forecasting, and hiring, retaining and developing reservations and customer service employees. This person must reside in South Caicos.

Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to: •Responsible for recording Company/Travel Agent Rates both in system and correspondence file.

•Maintaining Partnership relationships with Travel Agents and Wholesalers •Maintaining cordial relations with Commercial clients •Knowledgeable in hotel and guest room facilities/services and ensures reservations agents are equally knowledgeable •Answer all incoming calls promptly, in an attentive, courteous and efficient manner.

•Answer guest inquiries about hotel services, facilities and hours of operation.

•Book room reservations while focusing on maximizing room revenue

Qualified Candidates will have/be: •Minimum of 3-5 years experience at a similar level ata 5* star resort •Fluent in English •Must be knowledgeable of Synexis and Channel Management Extranets •Must Have Strong Verbal and Written Communication skills •Ability to work effectively in an innovative fast-paced 5* resort environment and multi tasked environment •Passionate about delivering outstanding customer service •Able to use RDP, PMS & Squirrel POS systems or equivalent •Able to effectively exercise high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy •Passionate about delivering outstanding 5* customer service Salary Range •USD $24,000yearly Please submit applications to Human Resources Department: •Drop off: W104 Venture House, Grace Bay, Providenciales •Email: humanresources@southcaicos.com/swharton@southcaicos.com This is anew position. Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders must also submit copies of their application to the TCI Labour Board.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Two murders in two days; Police Commissioner condemns killings

Two men were shot and killed will not want to put their lives at risk, in separate shootings on the island of feeling that if you come forward that it Providenciales, March 10th and 11th, as would be disclosed, but we are asking the Turks and Caicos Islands recorded its you to call Crimestoppers. The RTCIPF is independent of Crimestoppers; you can fourth murder for the year.

Shane Dean was killed in the first call anonymously with your tips for my shooting which was reported on Tuesday detectives to investigate. We need our evening at 6:43 p.m. along Bay Road, community to work with us, to tell us Blue Hills Providenciales. The details of what they know. Together we can make this incident are still under investigation, a difference and deal with the serious and violent crime that is blighting our said police spokesperson Takara Bain.

Two injured men were taken to neighborhoods”. hospital for treatment and their status is Commissioner Botting added “We will be responding to the recent gun unknown at this time.

Twenty one -year-old Godly crime incidents. The public will see an Petiote was shot off Cherokee Road increase in visible patrols and policing Providenciales on March 11th, 2020 died activity. To those who are causing such on March 12th. fear and harm I say this, we will not relent

Commissioner of Police Trevor in seeking justice for those who have lost Botting in expressing condolences their lives, their family and their friends. said, “I would like to extend deepest We will take whatever measures required sympathies to the family and friends to bring peace to our Islands. In the near of the young man who was shot and future, additional armed officers who are subsequently succumbed to his injuries. currently being recruited, will be here We cannot stress enough the importance to support the men and woman of the of passing on any information you Force who are working so hard to dealing may have to us that could lead to the with the current levels of crime. I will arrest of the culpable individuals. I release further details in the near future. understand that there are those who This violent crime must stop and I call

Godly Petiote. upon all sections of the communities to show restraint and calm and to tell us what they know.”

Police are aso investigating two murders which occurred within four days in Providenciales during the month of January.

The two victims are popular DJ, Horace “Spookie” Wignal, who was shot during a home invasion on January 13th,

Shane Dean 2020, and Fritz Gerald Mossoul who was shot at restaurant and bar on Airport Road, Providenciales, on January 17th.

Wignal, 22, who was flown overseas for medical treatment, died on January 21st, while 29-year-old Mossoul died at the Cheshire Hall Hospital where he was taken by four males who arrived on the scene shortly after the shooting.

SIPT trial adjourned because of Coronavirus The Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) corruption has been adjourned until April 20th, 2020, at which time it will be reviewed to determine when it will continue.

The decision to put back the case, which is now into its fifth year, was made on Thursday, March 12th, after concerns were expressed about the coronavirus.

Requirements: •Background in housekeeping and F&B with a certificate in hospitality preferred •2-5 years of international, luxury resort experience •Proficiency in English Salary based on experience: $6.25 to $7.00 per hour, plus service charge

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

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

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

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

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

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

•Good people management, leadership, and employee development skills •Proficient in English, with effective communication skills Salary: $1800 per month, plus service charge VILLA HOST •Manages the smooth running of the villa along with the Villa Chef •Ensures that all areas of the Villa are cleaned and maintained to the highest standard including: - Bedroom Pavilions, Living Sala, Kitchen & Dining Sala, including the pool area, ponds & gardens •Provides Food and Beverage service according to Aman standards •Sets up the villa prior to Guest’s arrival, ensuring all equipment is in good working order •Organizes special requests for Villa Owners or Villa Rentals; such as Honeymoon turndowns, personal laundry etc. and ensuring Guest History Record is updated after Guest’s departure •Reports any damage or breakage immediately; follows up with repairs •Prepares Annual Villa Maintenance Requirements along with Supervisor

PLUMBER •To support day to day operation by troubleshooting and fixing the assigned task to minimize breakdowns, forced outages, and guest inconvenience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•Ability to perform under pressure and maintain a pleasant personality •Proficiency in English Salary: $8.60 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.

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Challenge to illegal detention of Sri Lankans ongoing

Attorney Tim Prudhoe

Proceedings in the Supreme Court challenging the legality of ongoing detention of a Sri Lankan alleged to have entered the TCI illegally as long ago as October 10th, 2019 were heard before Acting Justice Carlos Simons, QC, on Tuesday and Thursday of this week.

They were further adjourned to 19th March as a result of last-minute court filings on behalf of the Director of Immigration and the Attorney General.

The proceedings are brought in the name of detained Sri Lankan national Ariyaputhuran Ravikkumar

by Tim Prudhoe of Prudhoe Caribbean, who was assisted by junior attorney Yuri Saunders.

Principal Crown Counsel Clemar Hippolyte of the Attorney General’s Chambers is representing the Crown, while Kwasi Ingham, Complaints Investigating Officer for the Human Rights Commission, was in court on behalf of the Commission.

The proceedings, known as a “Writ of Habeas Corpus,” are a process of testing the legality of detention that evolved in England many hundreds of years ago.

Asked in court whether this was a test case for others, Tim Prudhoe said that if his firm needed to work down the list of the other Sri Lankan’s detained by

One of the detained Sri Lankans Ariyaputhuran, Ravikkumar. the Immigration Department since 10th October, then this will be done.

The writ was served on the Director of Immigration (as having custody of Ariyaputhuran Ravikkumar) on the afternoon of 5th March.

Presenting his arguments to the Court, Prudhoe stated that sadly it was little surprise that only two days after service of the writ on Mr. Derek Been, the Director of Immigration,16 other Sri Lankan detainee are all said to executed a voluntary waiver of legal representation and all of those identical forms were witnessed at exactly the same time.

In the hearings, the lawyer appearing for the Director of Immigration and the Attorney General, Clemar Hippolyte, argued that the continued detention is reasonable in the unprecedented circumstances.

As a possible way to avoid a finding of illegal detention and also in which provide the further time for repatriation sought by the Director of Immigration, Mr. Prudhoe renewed in court on Thursday, his prior written offer to the Director of Immigration, to agree the future date of Saturday, March21st, 2020 as the date by which any further detention was agreed to be illegal.

Asked to comment, Mr. Prudhoe said “I had warned well (and many

JOB ADVERTISEMENT EMP Development Ltd located PMB 2, Caribbean Place, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands is seeking a Financial Controller.

Financial Controller To be responsible for directing the accounting and financial management functions. To provide timely and meaningful information to the management team regarding financial performance. To proactively lead cost containment efforts, revenue enhancement, profit improvement opportunities and safeguarding of the company’s assets.

Essential Duties: •Plan, develop, implement, direct and regularly evaluate the resort’s financial functions and performance.

•Participate in short- and long-range strategic financial planning and regularly evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of plans.

•Prepare, analyze, interpret and communicate financial results to the management team.

•Maintain proper and complete financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, ensuring that resort accounts, records and transactions are always accurate and correct.

•Safeguard the resort’s assets by establishing, monitoring and enforcing internal controls.

•Provide financial management tools that assist management with planning, forecasting and maximizing financial performance.

•Compile budgets, forecasts, financial reports and financial trends.

Requirements •Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.

•10 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment with minimum 5 years managing accounting functions within a luxury resort/hotel environment.

•Thorough knowledge of condo resort accounting, strata management, payroll and Human resources.

•Minimum of 5+ years related experience in hospitality and senior management level accounting •Candidate must possess an MBA, CPA or ACA designation qualification.

•Ability to perform implementation and migration of new systems.

•Excellent communication skills, both oral and written •Ability to work well independently as well as in a team environment •Excellent analytical and problem identification/solving skills Compensation: $50k - $60k per annum Interested applicants can contact 232-3196 for more information.

His Lordship, Carlos Simons, QC times) before these legal proceedings were started that if the illegal detention was not solved then question of illegality would have to be decided by the court.

There are entire months unaccounted for in the timeline of the steps allegedly taken on the repatriation planning. The legal arguments on behalf of the Director of Immigration started on the basis of this all being merely my personal views on protections guaranteed for all under the TCI Constitution.”

He added: “Perhaps the intention was somehow to intimidate or scare me and my firm off these issues. From the volume of materials as just served on me, it would appear that the issues – and these legal proceedings - are at least now being treated seriously”. Prudhoe stated in the hearing that he would likely be applying to cross-examine at least Peter Parker, Deputy Director of Immigration, on the contents of his recent affidavit at the next hearing. A ruling of illegal detention could potentially impact 28 other Sri Lankans currently detained at the Immigration Detention Centre on Provo. “Swallow your pride, agree the future date on illegality – then beat that date with planned releases from detention - and that way avoid an adverse ruling.”

Ravikkumar is one of the 28 Sri Lankans who were caught on an overcrowded illegal sloop that arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands from Haiti in October 2019.

Sri Kajamukam Chelliah, better known as Mohan, a Canadian who was convicted and jailed for smuggling people into the United States of America, was charged with assisting illegal entry and unlawful entry in connection with the undocumented Sri Lankans.

When contacted by The SUN, Hippolyte said the circumstances surrounding this particular sloop were “somewhat unique for the Turks and Caicos Islands and therefore presented a number of complex and challenging issues”.

She stated: “As part of the Immigration Boarder Control protocols, officers are required to interview illegal entrants to ascertain the circumstances of their illegal entry and to determine whether they were victims of human trafficking. The initial detention was limited to that which was reasonably necessary for that purpose of the interview in ascertaining the identity of the detainees, the circumstances of their arrival and whether they were in fact victims of human trafficking or human smuggling. Once ascertained the sole purpose of their continued detention was to facilitate their removal from the Turks and Caicos Islands and that purpose continues even up to current day.”

She noted that initially there was much difficulty in procuring interpreters, as the detainees spoke Tamil and indicated that they did not speak any English and there were interpreters who spoke Sinhala (also known as Sinhalese) but did not speak Tamil.

“We were able to secure assistance from our United Kingdom counterparts and on 25th November 2019, the Tamil Interpreters arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The full contingent of Special Crimes Investigators arrived in the Turks and Caicos on 3rd December 2019. This is the

Principal Crown Counsel Clemar Hippolyte day the official interviews commenced.

The interviews were lengthy, challenging and highly complex but were a necessity.

Some of the detainees left their home over two years ago and their accounts are long, detailed and in some instances harrowing. The interviews lasted up to six hours in some instances,” the Principal Crown Counsel continued.

“It is fully accepted that this has been a complex case and as such delays are inevitable. However significant resources have been allocated to this investigation. In essence all persons currently detained would appear to have entered the country illegally and at least one is suspected of having assisted others. It is therefore due to the nature of this incident that this has created understandable delays.”

She explained that on 3rd February, 2020 the interviews had been completed and removal efforts immediately commenced in respect of 23 of the 28 Sri Lankans currently being detained. The Sri Lankan detainee, Mr Ariyaputhuran Ravikkumar, holder of Passport Number N3427338 born 02/07 1993 is part of the list of persons to be repatriated.

“With that information in hand, the TCIG team began immediately investigating possible routes to repatriate these detainees to Sri Lanka. One of the challenges experienced with repatriating was that Sri Lanka is a country which does not enjoy visa free access to approximately 153 countries. Therefore most of the possible routes required us to secure urgent visa travel documents for these detainees. We have therefore made contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as various Consular offices with a view to securing mass travel visas within the shortest possible time frames. Visas would also be required for Immigration Personnel as well as IOM officials who would be accompanying these detainees to ensure a safe return to Sri Lanka.”

Hippolyte said the possible routes explored included PLS/Antigua/ London (Gatwick)/Qatar/Columbo PLS/Nasau/London/Columbo; PLS/ Canada/India/Columbo.

“We have investigated the cost of securing a Charter flight as well as the comparative costs of securing ordinary commercial flights in order to facilitate this. International protocol demands that negotiations be entered into with the various transit countries to secure their agreement to transit those detainees through their airports. It is anticipated that removal will be achievable by 24th March 2020 . The IOM officials are currently on the ground and have completed the medical screening and other administrative tasks to facilitate the smooth repatriation of the sri lankan detainees. Given the complexity of this matter, and the challenges faced thus far the Permanent Secretary, The Director of Immigration the Deputy Director and other high level government officials considered alternatives to detention as a possible means of address the current situation, while the process of removal was in train. However those less coercive measures were insufficient to safeguard the private or public interests underlying the detention of these immigrants,” she added.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Report from March 11th Cabinet meeting Her Excellency Acting Governor, Anya Williams, chaired the 6th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 11 March 2020, at the Premier’s Office, Grand Turk.

the Bight, Providenciales.

Software & Training

•Approved amendments to the fee schedules of the Land Survey (Amendment) Regulations 2020.

•Approved the Registered Land (Amendment) Bill 2020 and for its onward submission to the House of Assembly.

•Noted the recommendations of the Procurement Board on the award of the following contracts:

• Noted the appointment of Ms Pamela Ewing as Director of Tourism.

All ministers were present.

At this meeting Cabinet: •Had a presentation on options for the implementation of a TCI Public Service Pension and/or a Terminal Benefit Plan (Gratuity) and agreed next steps.

•Approved an application for a restricted business licence by Taylor (TCI) Farm Products.

•Approved amendments to the Residential and Commercial Development Standards (Setbacks and Heights Requirements) subject to agreed changes.

• Noted the Education Digest (2017-2018) and approved its publication.

I.PN 005335, TR 19/64, Domestic Port Restoration and Enhancement – Heaving Down Rock II. PN 005486, TR 19/25, Refurbishment of Ministry of Infrastructure •Lot 1: Gustavus Complex

Lightbourne

Sports

•Approved a license for limited scope dredging of navigation channels on North Caicos to Llewellyn Handfield.

• Lot 2: Downtown Ballpark III.PN 005496, TR/13, Repairs for all stations

Police

• Approved the Electricity (Rates and Charges) (Amendment) Regulations (Grand Turk and Salt Cay) 2020; the Electricity (Rates and Charges) (Amendment) Regulations (South Caicos) 2020; and the Electricity (Rates and Charges) (Amendment) Regulations (Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos) 2020.

Building

• Lot 1: South Caicos Police Station

•Was updated on the loss of South Caicos airport to fire and ongoing police investigation.

•Approved the revised composition of the National Council of External Examinations and approved revised Operational Guidelines for the National Council of External Examinations.

• Lot 2: Grand Turk Marine Branch Office IV. PN 005501, TR 19/51, Conversion of PWD Building into Specialist Classroom for Adelaide Oemler Primary School

•Was updated on the governments continued efforts in response to the threat of the Coronavirus which has now been declared by the World Health Organization as a Pandemic.

•Approved amendments to the Tourism Ordinance and Tourist Accommodation (Licensing), the introduction of the Tourism Accommodation (Licensing) Regulations and a public consultation of two weeks.

V. PN 005510, TR 19/67, Rehabilitation of Salt Shed, Salt Cay

•Noted the visit to our shores of HMS Medway.

•Approved an application by the US Federal Aviation Authority for the lease of a portion of Parcel 60601/49 to house a Remote Centre Air Ground (RCAG) Facility on Providenciales.

•Approved an application for the long term lease of Crown Land Parcel 60804/134 for a period of 99 years to Mrs Amanda Missick for the development of a boutique hotel at

VI.PN 005515, TR 19/57, Replacement Vehicle Phase 3 – Customs (K9 Vehicle)

•Cabinet discussed the recent incidents of crimes and there was a commitment by members of the NSC to discuss in fuller VII. PN 005544, TR 19/48, New Block, details the current plans to address this issue Helena Jones Robinson High School and those in train during the next Meeting of the NSC. VIII. PN 005545, TR 19/49, New Block, Enid Capron Primary School •Noted the work of the Ministry of Immigration and International Organisation IX.PN 005547, TR 19/53, Boat Ramps for Migration, currently in TCI, for the prompt repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals X.TCIPA 11/19, TR 19/37, Port Security currently being held in the detention centre.

Enhancement Project – Container Tracking

Premier Contracting Services is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill the following positions:

Landscape Laborer Required Premier Contracting Services is seeking to recruit a landscape laborer to join our team. The successful candidate must have the following experience and skill set.

• Min 3 years’ experience in landscape maintenance • Responsible for weeding, pruning, trimming all plants on property • Must have good knowledge of gardening techniques and ability to apply pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers properly • Responsible for the upkeep and general maintenance of properties • Ability to maintain and repair irrigation systems • Willingness to perform laborious tasks • Self-motivated and industrious applicants need only apply • Ability to follow directions and accomplish everyday jobs promptly Hourly wage $7.00 per hour to $8.50 per hour depending on experience. There are no other benefits provided Deadline for submission of application is March17th, 2020 Please submit applications with references and relative experience to: Ms. Edith Cox Suite 200 ‘Graceway IGA Main Office Complex Leeward Highway or by emailing to maintenance@khcapital.com Please Note: This Position is currently held by a Work Permit holder. Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board.

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.

Funtastic Tours, Funtastic Bus Tours and Funtastic Water Sports Company Limited areseeking to fill the following posts: Assistant Manager / Gateway and Shorex Tour Guides Life Guards Dispatchers Sales Persons Mechanics&Assistant Mechanics Automotive Electricians&Assistant Automotive Electricians Boat Captains Deckhands Bus Drivers with Public Service Licenses Maintenance Officers / Labourers Maids / Cleaners All candidates must have a minimum of at least five (5) years experience in their specialist area in the tourism industry.

•Must have a valid driver’s license with a minimum of five (5) years driving experience. Bus Drivers must have a Public Service License.

•Tour Guides must have sufficient knowledge to troubleshoot vehicles on tours.

•Boat Captains and Tour Guides in the aqua field must have a Captain’s License, CPR and PADI certification or equivalent. Persons must be well versed in the natural habitat of various sea creatures.

•Deckhands are responsible for ensuring safety on the boat and in cleaning and maintaining the boat.

•Mechanics must be well versed in their specialized areas of repairing All-Terrain Vehicles, Electric Vehicles, Boats and Buses. Mechanics in their specialist field must have five (5) years experience. Assistant Mechanics must have (3) years experience in their specialized field. The company has a fleet of over seventy vehicles and climbing and requires several persons in the various mechanical areas.

•Sales persons must have at least five (5) years experience handling online and direct sales.

•Dispatchers must be able to effectively communicate with Shorex and persons of varying nationalities as well as produce sales reports and projections.

•Maintenance Officers / Labourers must be able to maintain various trails, clean the Workshop and assist the Tour Guides where necessary.

•Sales persons must have a positive and disciplined attitude towards work in a customer service environment.

•Proven and unblemished employment record.

•Have a good command of English and excellent communication skills.

•Must be able to work flexible hours and extended overtime schedules, including weekends and public holidays to meet the demands of the industry.

•Able to undergo intensive training to meet the requirements of the industry.

Remuneration package would be discussed at the interview process. All applicants should submit their resumes to Funtastic Tours Company Ltd atfuntastic.tours@yahoo. com. All applicants are required to submit a Police Record, three reference (3) letters (one from their last employer) and undergo a medical once successful at the interview process. Belongers will be given first preference.

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

now serving authentic neapolitan pizza

tues - sun | 5 - 10 pm take aways available

blue haven marina

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

FortisTCI and Police Force continue partnership for more CCTV Cameras

FortisTCI has extended a formal who said, “The Royal Turks and Caicos partnership with the Turks and Caicos Police Force appreciates the continued Islands Government (TCIG) for the support from various stakeholders installation of closed-circuit television throughout the TCI like the partnership (CCTV) camera equipment on utility with FortisTCI in helping to combat poles in Grand Turk, signing the joint crime. The installation of CCTV agreement on Wednesday, March 4th, cameras aids the force in higher levels of monitoring in our communities and 2020.

In line with an earlier agreement with solving criminal activity.”

FortisTCI President & CEO said, signed for Provo, FortisTCI will waive all pole attachment fees over the next three “FortisTCI is again pleased to partner years, and the TCIG will pay for the with the TCI Government and The Royal energy usage of the cameras. This is the Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force second phase of the Government’s CCTV to increase the installation of CCTV camera project with future installations cameras across our islands. We all have a to come for other islands. A police vested interest in making the Turks and inspector and 911 support staff maintain Caicos Islands as crime free as possible.

24-7 monitoring in their control room.

The company believes in publicprivate

On hand for the signing was partnerships like this and are pleased the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands that our utility infrastructure can be used Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting, to help keep our communities safe.

At the signing of a three-year agreement for the installation of CCTV cameras in Grand Turk on FortisTCI utility poles is (L to r) FortisTCI Director of Legal Services Alexandria Missick, FortisTCI Senior VP of Corporate Services Ruth Forbes, FortisTCI President and CEO Eddinton Powell, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Commissioner Trevor Botting, and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Head of Operational Support Phil Branch.

Craig Oliver joins Wessex Fairchild Attorneys

Wessex Fairchild Attorneys, established by Neale Coleman and Arnelle Taylor in 2019, are delighted to welcome their newest attorney to join the team.

Craig Oliver started his career as a solicitor in the UK in the early 1990s, having worked in the South West of England, and in London’s West End and the City, before finding his true home in the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2016.

Craig has settled well into the TCI way of life, and when he is not working as a lawyer he enjoys his

volunteering work at the TCI Sailing Association and Friends of the Arts.

‘There is not a day goes by when I do not appreciate how blessed I am to live and work here in the TCI,” Oliver said. “Socially and personally, I have made friends that I will cherish for life. Professionally, from the judiciary, court staff and fellow attorneys that I regularly come into contact with, I am looking forward to continuing my work as a civil, commercial, and criminal litigator, and now corporate and real estate transactions as well.”

Neale Coleman, Craig Oliver and Arnelle Taylor Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Person Specification

JOB DESCRIPTION

Required

Interpersonal skills

X

Team player

X

Flexible

X

Providenciales and Grand Turk

Creative

X

8 weeks (short-term, part-time position) 20 hours per week

Confident

X

Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to tasks

X

Self-starter

X

Commitment to the Principals and Values of the Red Cross

X

Job title

EVCA Field Officer

Reporting to

Disaster Risk Officer (Eastern Islands)

Responsible for

EVCA Field Work

Location Contract length

General

CONTEXT: The Turks & Caicos Islands Red Cross is the premier voluntary provider of humanitarian services to people of most need in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Our mission is to mobilise the power of humanity so that individuals and communities have the capacity to prepare for, deal with and recover from crisis.

The Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (EVCA) is an approach of the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement. It is a participatory process developed to enable communities to become more resilient through the assessment and analysis of the risks they are facing and the identification of solutions to address these risks. It enables communities to explore where these risks come from, which members of the community will be the worst affected, what capacities and resources are available to reduce and manage risks, and what initiatives can be undertaken to strengthen the capacities of people at risk and minimise impact.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: The EVCA Field Officer’s position is a temporary, part-time paid project position. The successful candidate will work with the TCI Red Cross Staff and Community-based Organizations to support data collection for the Enhanced Vulnerability Capacity Assessment (EVCA).

1. Research. Conducts evidence-based research to inform and validate community profile data 2. Collaboration. Collaborates with community members, Red Cross colleagues and national stakeholders 3. Data Collection. Collects data pertaining to community vulnerabilities and capacities utilizing various tools e.g. Community mapping & transect walk, Historical profile, Seasonal calendar, and using the following methodologies; Focus group discussions, Surveys or Interviews.

4. Data Analysis. Analyses and discusses findings with communities and assists communities to interpret, draws conclusion, and support formulation of mitigation plans 5. Record Keeping. Keeps hard and electronic record of information obtained during the assessment 6. Report Preparation. Prepares EVCA report with each community containing descriptive, analytical, and evaluative content that may be submitted for publication.

7. Material Presentation. Presents feedback and final report to community members and other stakeholders to ensure ownership and endorsement.

8. As Needed. Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position with ability to be flexible.

REQUIREMENTS: Submit a Covering Letter (2 page max) providing details of relevant experience, skills and competencies and an up-to-date CV to director@redcross.org.tc

Preferred

Ability to speak Spanish and/or Creole

X

Education/experience

Mastery of excel, word, basic data collection software

X

Knowledge of data collection software Educated to A Level’s at a minimum

X X

Experience of Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (EVCA)

X

Demonstrates awareness of challenges facing communities in the Turks & Caicos Islands

X

Worked or volunteered with Red Cross or other community-based organizations

X

Management competencies (if applicable)

Able to manage time efficiently

X

Able to manage resources (people, financial, physical)

X

Analytical skills

X

Risk management skills

X

Planning skills

X

At the Turks & Caicos Islands Red Cross we are looking for the best people to help us provide support to people affected by crisis. We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities and a fair recruitment process to everyone, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.

Diversity is something we celebrate and we want you to be able to bring your authenticself to the Red Cross and feel that you are in an inclusive environment. In the Turks & Caicos Islands Red Cross we will not tolerate any form of misconduct, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse. We have a code of conduct in place, and are committed to creating a culture of integrity in the organisation where misconduct is not tolerated, situations of abuse are quickly investigated and perpetrators are dealt with effectively.

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Turks & Caicos Islands Ambergris & Cay Oceanfront Lots Auction: May 7th, 2020

Page 11

LOT LOT Ambergris Cay Ambergris Cay (also known as Big Ambergris Cay) is an exquisite private Island located on the remote south-eastern edge of the Caicos Islands archipelago in the Turks and Caicos.

The island has a land mass of about 1000 acres (404 hectares).

The closest populated island to Ambergris Cay is South Caicos, which is found about 14 miles to the north.

Ambergris Cay is lightly developed, and supports luxury vacation homes, an airport, and the all-inclusive and upscale Ambergris Cay Resort, which offers beautiful villa accommodations with impeccable service, dining, and amenities.

The resort features a low-density design, with the restaurant, spa, and other facilities hidden across the flowing coastline on the west side of the island. Small roads connect the island, and silent golf carts are the main means of transport.

The Ambergris Cays are named after the valuable deposits of whale ambergris that would wash up on the beaches. This waxy substance is regurgitated by sperm whales and is prized as a fixative for perfume and cosmetic products.

Little Ambergris Cay A counterpart to Ambergris Cay is the nearby wetland island of Little Ambergris Cay, which is part of the Little Ambergris Cay and Fish Cays Nature Reserve.

The uninhabited cay is found a mile (I6km) to the west of its inhabited namesake, and is the largest completely protected island or cay in the Turks and Caicos.

Little Ambergris Cay is a unique and important habitat for a spectrum of bird and

marine life. The cay is roughly the same size as Greater Ambergris Cay, yet consists of very low elevation sand bars, beaches, and mangrove estuaries. Little Ambergris Cay is located on the lee side of the larger island, and is surrounded by very shallow water and sand banks.

History of Ambergris Cay Prior to its recent development as a luxury island retreat. Ambergris Cay has never really had much going on.

The island was privately owned since 1811, and didn't see much permanent settlement past a few sisal plantations and some stations that catered to the whaling and ambergris industries.

As was the case with many agricultural and industry attempts in the Turks and Caicos, sisal planting never was a significant success and eventually died out, and the island was largely abandoned for much of the 1900s.

Turks and Caicos Sporting Club Starting in 1995, the Turks and Caicos Sporting Club had plans to develop Grater Ambergris Cay into an exclusive private luxury residential island.

Included in the plans were 600 residential home sites, an airstrip, seaport, restaurant and a spa.

Much of the infrastructure had been put in place by the mid-2000s.

Auction Schedule Auction Date – May 7, 2020 Or anytime prior to the auction date if you intend to purchase the properties prior to auction. Pre-Auction offers may include any buyer contingency. Buyer must remove all contingencies 72 hours prior to the auction date or close escrow 72 hours prior to the auction date. Non-Contingent Auction Day bids are due no later than May 7th Noon PT PREMIERE ESTATES GLOBAL BESPOKE MARKETING Rdoherty@PremiereEstates.com 877-337-8283

with your $20,000 Registration deposit (fully refundable if you are not the buyer) and proof of funds.

Tour properties now by appointment only. For private viewing, please contact our agent and partner Phillip Misick at 649-342-7693.

Offer Submission This auction will be held via “sealed bid.” All interested bidders and their representatives must submit their bid on the designated sealed bid form and broker registration forms (if represented) as well as $20,000 registration deposit. Both forms are available at PremiereEstates.com. Print, complete, sign and email to PremiereEstates.com.

Bidders must submit their highest and best bids prior to or on May 7th at Noon PT. Optionally you may call us and we will email you the form. The winning bid is required to execute the purchase contract and provide a deposit 10% of the contract price (including $20,000 registration deposit) within 24 hours of receipt of the seller executed purchase contract.

Getting to Ambergris Cay The Turks and Caicos Collection operates two aircraft to shuttle guests from a private FBO on Providenciales to Ambergris Cay. The island has an airport (ICAO:MBAC) with a 5700 foot surfaced runway, and one of the nicest airport terminals in the country.

At this time, Turks and Caicos Collection only arranges transport for guests and owners staying on the island, or those interested in purchasing real estate.

Ever dreamed of escaping to a privately-owned island in the Caribbean?

Incredibly, there's a widely unknown, hidden gem in the southeastern portion of the Turks & Caicos island chain. Ambergris Cay, it is a private island that offers such an exclusive and private experience for its guests that few people even know it exists.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS Flow/C&W Enhances Learning with $100K in ICT Equipment to Oseta Jolly Primary

The Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation (CWCF) in collaboration with Flow and the Ministry of Education has officially handed over $100K of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) equipment to the Oseta Jolly Primary School towards the outfitting of a new computer lab.

The new lab equipment includes a total of seventy two (72) Full HD Lenovo LED Desktops, twenty (20) Epson Powerlite projectors, ten (10) Elite Project Screens, three (3) HP Laserjet Multifunctional Printers, one (1) HP Laserjet Enterprise Printer, and associated servers, processors and fixtures.

The generous gift comes as a result of a decision taken by the Foundation in April 2018, support the refurbishment of the Oseta Jolly Primary computer and math lab, which were destroyed along with the entire facility after the passing of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, leaving the entire school displaced.

Joanne Missick, Acting Country Manager, Flow Turks & Caicos, said: “Oseta Jolly is an instution that has been a part of the Flow family for over ten years. As we continue to worktogether with the Ministry of Education to further inspire learning and the advancement of education, we are happy to make this US$100,000 contribution to the rebuilding of the computer lab.

During the handover ceremony which was held on February 11, 2020 students from the Oseta Jolly Primary performed a special tribute to say thank you . Principal of Oseta Jolly Primary, Mrs.

Rachel Handfield, along with Minister of Education, Hon. Karen Malcolm, joined in saying thank you to Flow for their investment towards educational advancement in TCI, and for setting the bar higher as a corporate citizen.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Social & Library Services I say a heartfelt thank you to Flow/C&W for this generous donation and contribution towards our children’s education and their future success as the next generation of leaders in our country,” stated Minister of Education, Hon. Karen Malcolm.

Principal, Rachel Handfield added FLOW Senior Leadership pictures with Officials of the Ministry of Education, Faculty of OJPS and Minister that: “Even though we lost a lot, we gained of Education a whole lot more through the support of responsibility in protecting themselves by our generous sponsors like Flow/C&W. Marketing Communications Executive stated: “It is very apt that this handover being more aware of what they put onto Our IT Department has suffered numerous challenges over the years due to the ceremony is happening on the same to the internet, and we as teachers have a shortage of the necessary computers and day that we observe Safer Internet Day responsibility in helping to shape the way equipment to aid in their ICT learning across our businesses. This year’s theme, students engage with technology. With this new equipment, we are in a much better experience. Today, therefore is an occasion “Together For a Better Internet” invokes a position to do just that.” of celebration because that struggle is now necessary reminder that, parents, teachers and caregivers play a crucial role in Other disintingushed guests in over.” attendance at the handover ceremony

The Cable & Wireless Charitable empowering and supporting children to Foundation was set up by C&W use technology responsibly, respectfully, were Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Amin McCartney, Director Communications initially as a response critically and creatively. We are happy to to the humanitarian crisis caused during know that students at Oseta Jolly will now of Education, Mr. Edgar Howell, Director the devastating hurricane season of have access to the resources of the wider of Culture, Ms. Ludwina Fulford, Director internet where these safer practices can be of Gender Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Dickenson, 2017. Since then, the Foundation has implemented.” and Education Officers and Staff of the expanded its mission to not only helping Kadijah Cartwright, ICT Teacher, Ministry of Education. to build more resilient communities but To find out more about the Cable to also focus on enabling progress through Oseta Jolly Primary in wishing teacher technology and entrepreneurial and other and students around the TCI a Happy & Wireless Charitable Foundation, visit Safer Internet Day said:“The internet is a cwc.com, or follow C&W Communications training programs.

Speaking on behalf of the C&W very powerful tool but it can also be used on Twitter.

Charitable Foundation, Darron Hilaire, for the wrong purposes. Students have a

• Ensure consultants and contractors comply with the Company’s policies and procedures on EHS. • Any other duties assigned by the Director EHS and Senior Vice President of Operations from time to time.

MANAGER OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH & SAFETY

Description Plan, direct and oversees the activities of the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) management programmes of FortisTCI; to create a safe working environment focusing on reducing loss and liability towards its human resources and the environment.

Main Duties Key Responsibilities: • Provide strategic leadership and direction of the department by administering environment, health and safety initiatives and policies.

• Assure the continued improvement in implementing EHS programmes while maintaining compliance with all corporate and statutory regulations.

• Chair and provide staff support to assigned internal committees that help develop the EHS mission, policies and goals/ objectives.

Specific Duties: • Oversee the department’s daily operations, work plan; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.

• Responsible for seeking vendors EHS supplies and authorizing procurement.

• Examine the company’s sick loss reports through Human Resources Department to ensure loss are not due to non-compliance.

• Monitor relevant international associations, attend and participate in related professional meetings, and workshops keeping abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Environmental, Health and Safety services.

• Develop an effective crisis management communication plan with readiness and response capabilities consistent with company disaster manual.

• Prepare and submit EHS related monthly and quarterly reports to the Director EHS. • In the event of incidents, conduct thorough investigations and timely reporting to management.

• Conduct periodic Safety Audits and Inspections to ensure compliance with EHS related regulations, industry best practices and corporate policies and procedures.

• Implement control measures to minimize Safety and Occupational Health hazards and Environmental risks.

• Establish policies, procedures, programmes and activities geared towards attaining ISO 18001 and 14001 compliance by March 31, 2018; ensure proper training, roll-out and valuation is conducted.

• Ensure that proper documentation of incidents; establish proper record keeping and maintenance of EHS files.

• Promote EHS awareness through the Company’s newsletters, website and other modes of communication.

Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications: • 4 yrs. BSc and Master’s degree in the field of engineering, safety or environmental or a related science; or • Five or more years’ experience in safety or environmental areas with certification; and, • Experience in the management of ISO 14001 and/or ISO 18001 systems and programs.

• Computer literate, including Microsoft Office Suite program.

• Current and valid Turks & Caicos driver’s license.

Abilities; Skills; Experience; Aptitude and Judgement: • Manage and direct a diverse and comprehensive environmental service program • Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of staff.

• Delegate authority and responsibility.

• Analyze and assess programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate changes. Applies practical and technical knowledge to complex issues and solves problems.

• Ability to effectively communicate with management and staff to coordinate, implement, and maintain safety, training and environmental programs and procedures.

• Ability to interpret technical standards and legal requirements for safety, training and environmental matters to ensure company compliance at all times.

• Ability to meet strict deadlines without compromising quality.

Salary range: $79,000-118,500.

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

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is Monday March 16, 2020 to: Avi Adams Manager Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com AND aadams@fortistci.com Ms. Desireka Glinton Secretary Immigration Board Zone 2 Airport Road, Providenciales Email address: jobregistration@gov.tc

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

Senior Government Leaders meet on novel Coronavirus preparedness

Following on from the National Security Council on Monday, March 2nd, 2020, Her Excellency the Acting Governor, Anya Williams, and the Hon. Premier, cochaired a follow-up meeting of Ministers and senior government officials on Friday, March 6th, to discuss additional preparedness measures for the threat of Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In attendance were the Her Excellency the Acting Governor, the Hon. Premier, Attorney General, Hon. Minister of Health, Hon. Minister of Tourism, officials from Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism, and the National Security Secretariat.

At this meeting, the group:

• Were updated by the Ministry of Health on the current COVID-19 infection and transmission picture across the world, with a specific focus on the Caribbean region and the risk to the Turks and Caicos Islands;

•Were updated on the Ministry of Health’s arrangements for testing for

the COVID-19 virus, including plans for establishing a testing facility within Turks and Caicos Islands. The group were updated on the progress made by the Ministry in procuring the required hardware to undertake local testing;

•Were advised of the temporary recruitment of the former Health Disaster Coordinator and Senior Public Health Nurse back into Ministry of Health to support the COVID-19 preparedness coordination team;

•Noted the meeting of the Public and Environmental Health Board on Thursday 5th March, in particular their endorsement of the plans implemented by the Health team as well as recommendations to Cabinet concerning the amendments of the Public Environmental Health Ordinance in response to the threat of COVID-19;

•Noted the intention to hold a special Cabinet meeting to review and approve a Special Order relating to COVID-19;

•Received an end-to-end overview of the protocol to be followed in the event of a suspected COVID-19 case, from

Ministry of Health colleagues;

•Were advised of the Ministry of Health’s work across government to scope out additional needs for the prevention of and response to COVID-19, and the formulation of the associated additional budget bid;

• Were advised of the Ministry of Health’s plans around increasing capacity for the medical treatment of COVID-19 patients;

• Were updated on the recruitment

of additional staff for surveillance and screening at Providenciales Airport.

Whilst the meeting was in session, the group were advised of the docking of a cruise vessel in Grand Turk which had medical concerns resulting in a decision

by Ministry of Health officials to deny clearance, which members supported;

Finally, and as with previous meetings to discuss preparedness for Coronavirus COVID-19, the group agreed a series of actions for attendees to undertake and report back on.

TCI National Security Council Meeting

His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, and the Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, co-chaired a meeting of the TCI National Security Council (NSC) on Monday 2nd March 2020, at the Governor’s Office, Providenciales.

In attendance as members of the NSC were the Hon. Deputy Governor, Hon. Deputy Premier, Attorney General and Commissioner of Police. Also in attendance as invited guest were the Hon. Minister of Health, Hon. Minister of Tourism, the National Security Strategy lead, officials from Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism, Inter-Health Canada and Public Health England.

At this meeting the NSC were:

•Updated from the Ministry of Health that there are currently no suspected and/or confirmed cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

•Updated on the global statistics for COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) including confirmed cases in the Caribbean region, specifically the Dominican Republic, St. Bart’s and St. Martin as well as confirmed cases in Florida.

•Updated on the Ministry of Health’s effort to identify a swiftest route for laboratory testing.

•Updated on specific advice from

SENIOR MECHANICAL TECHNICIANS Description • Responsible for carrying out effective preventative and corrective repairs to plant mechanical equipment and other company assets in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specification and standard mechanical tradesman practices and as directed by the Mechanical Supervisor and/or Plant Production Manager.

Main Duties • Conduct competent and effective preventative and corrective maintenance on all generating prime movers units owned and operated by Fortis TCI in a cost effective manner consistent with manufacturer’s operating and maintenance guidelines in a manner that ensures the highest reliability and fuel efficiency from these units.

• Must be thoroughly familiar with all engine manuals and be able to competently perform all levels of preventative maintenance up to and including major overhauls without supervision on generating units owned and operated by the company.

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

• Effectively and competently diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic problems related to the effective operations of generation plant equipment.

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

• Prepare comprehensive job reports and failure analysis report.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications:

Public Health England and the Ministry of Health as set out in recent public notices.

•Updated on the current reporting requirement by cruise ships prior to arrival in TCI and took a decision to deny entry to any cruise ship that has a suspected case of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).

•Updated on plans to streamline the current screening process at the Providenciales International Airport (including Fixed Based Operators).

•Updated on Cabinet approval for Contingency Funding for the Ministry of Health, and agreed to fast track the recruitment of additional staff for surveillance and screening.

•Updated by the Ministry of Health and Inter-Health Canada on the protocols in place to prevent and/or reduce community transmission of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) including quarantine.

•Updated on plans to engage the National Security Advisory Group and other critical key stakeholders in the public and private sector.

Finally, the NSC agreed a series of key actions for officials to report back in the coming days and for the NSC to meet weekly on the issue of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) for the foreseeable future.

• Successfully complete all the units of module in NCCER Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 (or equivalent) and have at least 10 years industrial experience in the operations, maintenance and repair of diesel generating stations. An Associate’s degree (or equivalent) in the mechanical engineering trades will be an accepted equivalent academic qualification.

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

• A high degree of familiarity and competence in diesel engine theory and operations, trouble shooting of mechanical and rotary equipment, and mechanical repair tooling.

• Must be thoroughly familiar with all engine manuals and be able to competently perform all levels of preventative maintenance up to and including major overhauls without supervision on generating units owned and operated by the company.

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

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

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

Abilities; Skills; Experience; Aptitude and Judgement: • Excellent team player and team building skills • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure • Goal-oriented • Self- motivated Salary range: $58,420-87,640.

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

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is Monday March 16, 2020 to: Avi Adams Manager Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com AND aadams@fortistci. com Ms. Desireka Glinton Secretary Immigration Board Zone 2 Airport Road, Providenciales Email address: jobregistration@gov.tc

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Organisers of the annual Wine Cellar Golf & Fishing Tournament host cocktail reception to honour sponsors T

he Wine Cellar Golf & Fishing Tournament Committee on Wednesday 4th March, 2020 hosted a cocktail reception at The Palms to show appreciation to their annual sponsors.

The cocktail reception was in honour of sponsors who made the WCGFT a great success over the years through their unwavering generosity and

support. During the evening, pioneers in the Golf & Fishing industry in Turks & Caicos were honored. Mr. Sean Wilson received the Golf award and the Fishing award went to Mr. Lionel Talbot,

The annual event is a fun-filled, family oriented 3-day weekend event. All proceeds will be donated to local charities. This year’s recipients are the

Edward Gartland Youth Centre and The Turks & Caicos Amateur Athletic Association (TCAAA).

The 10th Annual Wine Cellar Golf & Fishing Tournament (WCGFT) took place on 5th March – 8thMarch, 2020 and was a rousing success.

Photo Credit: Earlson Robinson

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Provo Roadrunners February Challenge I

n February the Provo Roadrunners (PRRs) took to the roads of Providenciales and at National Stadium to walk/run 150, 100, and 50 mile challenge in 29 days. More than twelve women registered for the challenge.

The winner of the Challenge in the 150 mile category was Shaudley Gardiner who walked 164.75 miles before the end of the month.

In the 100 mile category, Karen Deveaux emerged the winner with 151.01 miles, Gillian Delancy in 2nd place with $115.19 and Barbara Ambrister in 3rd place with 107.35 miles. Leanne Higgs took the overall spot in the 50 mile category with 87.53 miles and Gertrude Forbes 2nd with 50 miles

A prize giving and social was held at the Palms Resort on March 5th 2020, Hon. Edwin Astwood Minister of Health and Sports, commended the group for such an important initiative.

He noted that even though he had Interisland Sports and heightening matters with Coronavirus he felt that the PRRs was an important movement of which his Ministry should partnering.

“It was always my ministry’s intention to get older persons involved in sports, not just young people,” he said.

It is for this reason, he felt it fitting to bring Health and Sports together. He encouraged the PRRs to think on the health aspects of the running and walking first, and the competition second, for the simple reason that more persons die from lifestyle disorders than all the infectious diseases, murders and road traffic accidents combined.

“The simple things you guys are doing like just moving, can make a difference in your health. Instead of just adding years to life, add life to your years,” he added.

The PRRs, is a non-for profit organization registered under the Companies Ordinance. The NPO is established primarily (i) promote healthy lifestyles through walking and running. Other purposes include:- (ii) promote and conduct races or other walking and running activities (iii)disseminate information and advice on walking and running through various media, including Facebook, Instagram, fliers, meetings

and other activities (iv) encourage walking and running and better physical fitness for all individuals of all ages and abilities (v) organize and encourage participation as a group in local, national and international activities, including walk-a-thons, marathons, triathlons (vi) promote health and fitness challenges and healthy life styles (vii) promote and encourage holistic health care, including regular exercise, good nutrition, meditation, and organize informal socializing for members

The President of the PRRs is Judith Garland and is supported by an executive team. Renose Oeeste – Vice President, Corine Bolton – Secretary, Karen Deveaux – Treasure and Joan Hagan and Paula Virgil, Asst Secretary and Asst Public Relations Officer, respectively

The PRRs, has established walking/running groups in Turtle Cove and Leeward that convene daily walks. They hope to mobilise groups in Chalk Sound and Blue Hills in the coming weeks.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

South Bank Resort and Marina partner with Turks & Caicos Reef Fund

The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) is pleased to announce a new sponsorship partnership with the developers of South Bank Resort and Marina, providing the TCRF with a dedicated office and training facility located at the marina facilities.

“We are very pleased to have the support of this marina and resort developmentand to be located in an area that is in the process of becoming a vibrant part of Providenciales,” said Don Stark, Co-Founder and Chairman of the TCRF. “This office space provides us with an excellent venue in which to conduct training sessions and educational workshops.

We’ve already used the facility to train our first eight Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease volunteers.”

Ingo Reckhorn, Director of Windward Long Bay - the development firm behind South Bank - stated: “South Bank has been crafted as a destination for lovers of the marine environment surrounding our islands. Protecting the wonders above and below the surface of our beautiful waters is tremendously important to us and our buyers.

We cannot think of a more fitting organization to align ourselves with than the TC Reef Fund, especially given their most recent mission to take on safeguarding our coral reefs.”

The facility is located on the second floor of the recently renovated South Bank Marina buildings and overlooks the marina.

South Bank is a residential resort and marina development located on 2,200 linear feet of Providenciales’

southern shoreline.

It consists of distinct neighborhood each featuring a unique relationship with the water garnering a vibrant community for lovers of the ocean, contemporary architecture and outstanding service.

Three neighborhoods were released for sale in 2019 offering a variety of home options:

•The Boathouses: a community of 1 - 3 bedroom townhouses each with a dedicated boat dock on the rear terrace ranging in size from 1,464 – 2,336 sq. ft. of covered living space and prices starting at USD 795,000.

•The Lagoon: a collection of 3 5 bedroom villas located on a generous beachfront swimming lagoon. With lot sizes from 0.24 – 0.55 acres and about 3,000 sq. ft. of covered living space, the Lagoon Villas start from USD 1.85m.

•The Ocean Estate: positioned directly on Long Bay beach or along the striking iron shore, the Ocean Estate Villas offer a contemporary setting that embraces the ocean access and views.

The Villas come in three different ‘Ocean Estate’ layouts ranging from 4,500 to 7,700 sq. ft. of covered living space, with the option of four to seven bedrooms.

Dedicated boat docks are available and prices starting from USD 4.45m.

Windward, the visionaries behind the development, are specialists in residential waterfront developments, their most recent success being Blue Cay

The Marina at South Bank Estate, a 16 home residential waterfront development in Leeward, Providenciales.

Turks and Caicos-based studio Blee Halligan Architects designed South Bank.

The Marina at South Bank

With the new development comes a significant upgrade of the Caicos Marina and Shipyard as this south side yachting destination transitions to become The Marina at South Bank.

The improved facility will increasingly focus on customer service for residents and transient boats that dock for short, medium or long-term. Boat fueling, a new sundry shop, renovated buildings and parking areas will soon be accompanied by a new main dock and floating docks.

Founded in 2010, the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund is the only active environmental advocacy organization

in the TCI. It is an all volunteer-run organization that provides funding for education, research and conservation programs to individuals, organizations and agencies that help to preserve and protect the environment of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Our goal is to have at least 85% of all funds raised through voluntary contributions from divers and snorkelers visiting the Turks & Caicos Islands directed to the Fund’s programs.

Anyone wishing to donate or assist the TCRF in any way can contact them through their website, www.

TCReef.org. Scuba divers visiting the islands are encouraged to make a $10 donation through the purchase of a dive tag that can be attached to their dive gear to show their support. Snorkelers visiting the islands can show their support through the $5 purchase of a pink or blue silicone wristband.

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MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

The coronavirus – A wake up call

The outburst of coronavirus has resulted in a multifaceted impact.

The stock market crumbled; lives were lost through death, lives were disrupted through travel plans; Businesses experience loss in revenue; and there is panic and fear among people.

This coronavirus is a wake-up call for many of us. We are dependent on other countries for our products but a virus can interfere with our main supplier which in turn can impact our food supply. In the Caribbean, many of the countries have one industry namely tourism and if this virus is not controlled or eliminated, it can pose a threat to the livelihood of many as the travel plans for tourists will be reduced.

of our local agriculture industry and possibly check other Caribbean countries for fruits and vegetables.

One case can impact all of us

If a virus such as coronavirus hits our shores, it can easily spread to all of us in a heartbeat simply because of our small size and we interact with each other very frequently either in the grocery store, in the work place and school. This is same with crime. It takes one criminal activity to negatively impact us. Other large countries, one case may not be impactful like it would impact us.

Be consistent with basic hygiene

Economic diversification

The coronavirus is a wakeup call for countries to diversify its economy. A country that is based on one industry is a high risk and with the increase in robberies and now the coronavirus it can destroy the very industry that we work so hard to maintain.

Therefore it is important that we diversity our economy and in the event (God forbid) our main industry is impacted, we will have other industries to maintain our livelihood. Let us use this opportunity explore the expansion

For years, we were taught basic hygiene, wash your hands, cover your mouth but somehow we took many things for granted that we diverted from the basic hygiene practices. For instance, money transfers to and from our hands and we eat our food with our hands soon thereafter without washing our hands.

Let us go back to the basis hygiene and stop taking short cuts.

Always seek God

Sometimes it takes a crisis for us

to seek God. We should always seek God during the bad times and good times.

Should we seek God more often, confess our sins, pray, turn from our wicked ways, God will heal our land. Don’t wait until the storm comes.

Everyone has a role

In times of crises, the blame game kicks in but everyone has a role.

The Government has to be proactive, ensuring that the public is fully aware of the crisis, provide tips, have a place set aside for individuals, ensure that we have the human and equipment resources on hand to deal with the crisis. Individuals must ensure they are responsible by adhering to the tips provided. They must also be responsible citizens by not spreading malicious and misleading information in the public domain causing people to panic.

Conclusion

The Coronavirus is indeed a wakeup call for all of us. We must be consistent in our actions. When the AIDS epidemic was brought to light, people were very cautious at first, however, it appears that we all have forgotten about AIDS.

When crime hits the streets, you

By Drexwell Seymour may see police officers in the area for a while and when it wears off, you don’t see them. Now we have the coronavirus.

Will we remain consistent in our hygienic behavior?

Will we now focus on contingency plans because it takes one incident to impact our fragile economy?

Already we have seen tourists wanting to cancel their trips to Turks and Caicos even though there are no cases. Imagine if there were cases of the Coronavirus.

skills.

• Provide support and assistance to external and Fortis Inc. Internal audit activities as needed.

• Responsible for using project management tools in the execution of the audit programs.

• Pursues professional development opportunities, including external and internal training and professional association memberships, and shares information gained with co-workers.

• Performing other duties as assigned by the Manager of Internal Audit

VACANCY – INTERNAL AUDITOR Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Internal Auditor, FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Description •This job will focus primarily on conducting performance, financial, and compliance audit projects; providing consulting services to the organization’s management and staff; and coordinating the development of the annual audit plan.

Key Responsibilities: • Performs responsibilities as stated in the Internal Audit Charter.

• Assists in the establishment of the Internal Audit department.

• Assists in the development of annual internal audit plans using an appropriate risk based methodology.

• Assists in determining whether the organization’s network of risk management, control, and governance processes within the organization are functioning in accordance to management’s intentions and objectives.

• Responsible for executing complex audits and special projects while performing critical project management duties including planning, scheduling, coordinating, and reporting of audit engagements.

• Responsible for execution of procedures, schedules and programs for achieving audit objectives and goals.

• Responsible for documentation and monitoring of internal control processes.

• Assists the Internal Audit team and management in the formulation of remediation plans and determination of compensating controls in accordance to guidelines (e.g. SOX).

• Responsible for coordination and tracking of internal/external testing of controls as well as tracking of status of gaps and remediation actions.

• Performs validation of all remediation efforts as relates to control deficiencies identified either by the Internal Audit department or the external auditors.

• Makes recommendations that add value ensuring maximum payback to the entity or process under review.

• Serves as business process consultant to standardize operation and financial areas and processes in specific risk accounts or as may be assigned.

• Researches new and technical subjects (when required) and regulations to support the audits.

• Assists in conducting self-assessments in the organization.

• Responsible for preparing complex audit reports using advanced writing

Academic/Technical/Management Experience & Qualifications: Required: •Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Computer Science/Management Information Systems, Business or equivalent combination of related work experience and education • 5 - 7+ years of internal or external auditing experience at a publicly traded company’s internal audit department or at a public accounting firm.

• Must be a CPA, CIA or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) Preferred: • Certification in fields of project management, governance, risk and compliance a plus • Proficiency with computer applications and tools such as: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Visio, etc. is a plus • Must have experience with Sarbanes-Oxley methodologies and requirements • Degree in Accounting and Computer Science/Management Information Systems or equivalent education.

Abilities & Skills: • Knowledge of ERP system-based control design and optimization • Strong understanding of corporate accounting processes • Must continuously learn and monitor advancements in technology.

• Proficient in using computer software (e.g., ACL, SQL, Excel) and application systems • Working knowledge of auditing processes/procedures • Must possess excellent team playing and leadership abilities • Comfortable with leading edge risk assessment methodologies.

• Must possess strong inter-personal, organizational, multi-tasking and written and oral communication skills.

• Skill in negotiating issues and resolving problems.

• Strong interpersonal skills able to build excellent working relationships with Finance management, and third party contractors • High degree of initiative, dependability and ability to work with minimum supervision Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is Monday, March 16, 2020: Avi Adams Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: aadams@fortistci.com AND hrapplications@fortistci.com

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

We Must Diversify!!

As COVID-19 aka the Coronavirus having now been classified as a worldwide pandemic, it has brought into sharp focus in my mind just how vulnerable our Tourism based economy happens to be. In Italy, the government has decided on a country wide lock down.

Across Europe, Football games (Soccer) are being cancelled. In the USA, the NBA has now suspended its season and the famed March Madness Tournament is going forward without any fans in attendance at the stadium.

Universities are requiring students to do classes online off campus. All of these measures are in an effort to slow, stop, or avoid the spread of the Coronavirus within these countries by reducing events or gatherings of large crowds.

All the while, worldwide travel is continually being reduced, manufacturing being affected, and economies are taking big hits. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the USA has advised US citizens to avoid taking cruise ship vacations. Hotel bookings are being cancelled across the

TCI.

Tour operators are battling cancellations in Grand Turk due to concerned cruise passengers related to TCIG’s preparedness. In response to the confusion of whether a sick passenger could be medically evacuated from Grand Turk, Carnival has diverted several of its ship calls to the Grand Turk Cruise Center. All of this is happening and the Turks and Caicos presently does not have one confirmed or suspected Coronavirus case.

As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. It’s clear that it has become necessary that we as a people answer the question, what will we do economically if our Tourism Industry is significantly reduced or collapses altogether.

While in the midst of a crisis, it might not seem ideal to focus efforts on long term solutions but rather to focus on the crisis at hand. However, Dr. Myles Munroe has said “In the middle of a crisis is when your mind is at its sharpest”.

In the short-term TCIG must

consider or at the very least find out the cost if they need to provide Business interruption financial assistance for Turks and Caicos Islander Business and Personnel if there is a significant and extended economic disruption due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We have over $200 Million in cash reserves. We simply need to know the cost and how such a program could be implemented if deemed necessary.

In the long-term, we must unleash the pent up potential of young Turks and Caicos Islanders both near and far in an effort to genuinely find out the next industry to pair with tourism, if not surpass it, in order to truly diversify

By Jamell Robinson our economy. It must be both robust no doubt result in the ideas we need to and sustainable.

The vehicle to encourage this diversify our economy! innovation must be Invest TC with Right now it feels like we are a revamped MSME Ordinance, such sitting ducks waiting on the inevitable. that all categories are waved and the No need to waste a crisis, as in every $10,000 grant is increased to a $50,000 crisis there is opportunity! grant paired with a $50,000 loan facility, Stay Safe TCI. which would result in up to $100,000 in startup capital. These paired with the * Jamell Robinson is a PNP All development of Business Incubators will Island Candidate

The strange psychology of Turks and Caicos Islanders

Our country has experienced a history of being settled by Taino Indians, who no one is sure what actually happened to them after the so-called explorers came, followed by the buccaneers and pirates. It is said that Columbus spoke of their honesty, and after they could not provide more food because of excessive Spanish greed, waged war against them, where many were wiped out.

These original inhabitants survived off marine products and small scale farming. They also had various festivals based around the celebration of different seasons. This is where our love of marine products and farming came from as well as the idea of celebrating cultural events to honour different aspects of our heritage.

These are the positive aspects of our psychology as a people, which underwent drastic changes, as later, new and different cultures and races imposed themselves on our country. This resulted from initiatives taken by some of our own people, because of the way they were processed and shaped by the society.

Strangely, many of our people saw, and do see persons from other cultures as being exceptional, having better skills and knowledge than they possess, and being more generally competent.

Different accents and ways of behaving by these persons of varied background cultures, as well as their apparent assertiveness, also suggested to many of us, from a more inviting and receptive culture that they had something we lacked, which gave them authority and sway. Strangely, a certain percentage of us still see it this way

From this way of thinking emerged a most strange psychology, or way of relating, understanding, and perceiving fellow citizens, particularly by many in authority, who filtered these sentiments down to the wider society.

We assessed our own people using the prejudices others practiced against us.

Our heritage was impacted by persons who came here by official means to assume job responsibilities, by friend knowing friend or relative, and arranging with official society to hire them.

These persons brought their cultural values, and the feeling of a sense of being better than the local inhabitants of the Turks and Caicos. It created a situation where locals began to feel they were being pushed aside, while preference was given to non-citizens.

And those in relevant positions of authority were seen as encouraging this situation.

From the early period of our history because of local attitudes towards each other including efforts to block and stop promising young persons from opportunities to study abroad, many bright local persons walked around the islands without opportunities to upgrade themselves.

It was felt that if any skills were needed, they could be gotten from abroad. Local persons were therefore kept down and kept back. Even some elected local politicians held this view of their own people, and the society which gave them birth.

This is evidence of the strange psychology that took possession of the minds and behaviour of Turks and Caicos Islanders, irrespective of social

and economic background. This strange psychology was, and still is characterised by the way we gossip negatively about each other. Spread falsehoods to get recognition and attention.

And actively seek to dishonour each other. Some of us try to use our position to influence decisions affecting the promotion of others, dissuade others from benefitting from opportunities to better their situation, and show outright jealousy of the accomplishments of fellow members of our community.

When we check our various institutions, public and private, we are seeing less local faces in positions that matter. Even our educational institutions show an under representation of indigenous persons. And we have a situation where if we want a particular service, or something to sign off on, a non-indigenous person is the individual we have to go to.

This is the outcome of the strange psychology we have where we still feel non-indigenous others are more capable than “born here” TCI’s.

The theory of the case here, and the themes dealt with, present a situation where because of our heritage, and being influenced by others with a false sense of being better than indigenous persons are, the state of play is that all this has fostered a strange psychology with respect to the way we think and behave.

Our history and tradition of having non-indigenous persons in critical local posts has resulted in us having a psychology of dependence, mistrusting the capabilities of our own people, showing a preference for nonlocal individuals in posts despite having

By Oliver Mills qualified locals, a feeling others are better, even though we have superior qualifications and a more enriched exposure than these individuals.

Fairly recently a non-local person held an appointment in one of our organisations. In a short time this person concluded no local person was qualified to work in the office, and, as usual persons from this individual’s country were soon working in the same office.

In instances like the above, and others, it could be so. But is it?

The issue is, that our very own, because of our strange psychology, anchored in our history, heritage, and traditions, enable undesirable situations to repeat themselves to the detriment of the country’s future and that of its youth.

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 19

We hire smiles!!!

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

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

The House Keeping Department requires:

The Accounts Department requires:  

Financial Controller Finance Manager



Reports to:

  

Reports to:

General Manager and Financial Controller

The Assistant Financial Controller and Finance Managers are primarily responsible to ensure viability and ultimately profitability. This is only achieved through managing of controls by implementing accountability over the company’s resources in a consistent, systematic and effective manner.

Standard Specifications:

 

A. Qualifications and Experience: A minimum first degree in Finance or Economics Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in hospitality management in five star hotels containing 200 or more rooms CPA or CA with three years post qualification experience Previous experience as a Senior Audit Manager / Finance Manager/ Finance Controller is an advantage.

Must be knowledgeable of computer skills, i.e. Windows XP, Stock Control System, MS Outlook and WinZip. Experience in managing diverse teams.

MSA with three years post qualification experience

                 

B. Specific Knowledge & Skills Required: Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook); Knowledge of company policies and procedures; General understanding of accounting practices and principles; Knowledge of financial and banking regulations; Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in preparing and entering financial information; Knowledge of finance, budgeting, and cost control principles; In-depth knowledge of all accounting functions; Auditing skills Team leading abilities; Payroll management; Experience with automated accounting systems; Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning financial files; Bookkeeping skills that show high levels of attention to detail; Professional disposition; Analytical and problem solving skills; Effective written and verbal communication skills; Time and stress management skills; Have an ability to demonstrate sound work ethics.

    

One of these positions is currently held by a Work Permit Holder and one is vacant. Recruitment to fill this position is underway at this time.

The salaries for these positions are dependent on experience and can ranges between $ 40,000.00 and $80,000.00 The Spa Department requires: 

Spa Therapist

Reports to:

Houseman Room Attendant Public Area Cleaner/Attendant

Spa Manager

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

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

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

Executive Housekeeper

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

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

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

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

Linen Room Attendant

Reports to:

Executive Housekeeper

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

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

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- $7.00 per hour The Bar Department requires:   

Bartender Bar Porter Cocktail Server/ Pool and Beach Server

Reports to:

Bar/Beverage Manager

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

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

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

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

The range for these positions are $6.25- $6.50 per hour The Photoshop Department requires:

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.



Wedding Videographer

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

Reports to: Photoshop Manager

The Concierge Department requires:

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



Junior Concierge (formally Mini-Bar Stocker)

Reports to:

Concierge Manager

To maintain an effective and detailed control on the movement of beverage items/guest supplies, from ordering to placement in rooms. Maintains standards of quality and presentation and assists with guest services. To work closely with Concierge and Housekeeping to ensure that Guests receive friendly, efficient service from the point of arrival until departure in regards to stocking and restocking of rooms, assistance with luggage, location of amenities, delivery of WOWs, and TLC calls, to assist in the Concierge when needed.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  High School diploma / certificate  Knowledgeable about inventory / accounting  Understand ordering and receiving processes

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Certification in Videography  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 this position is underway at this time.

The range for this position is $6.25 to $7.00 per hour plus commissions

This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder however more than one is required recruitment is ongoing to fill these positions.

The range for these positions is $6.25 to $6.75 per hour.

Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or placed in the secure drop box at the service gate or Fax to: 9414870 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 March 31st 2020

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE Reporting to the General Manager, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Responsibilities: •Contact vendors, receive visitors for the General Manager and directs visitors to the appropriate dept. head.

•Schedule appointments for the General Manager, and all dept. heads.

•Maintains General Managers’ agenda and responses to email inquiries.

•Researches products needed for entire resort; reviews quotes; creates PO’s for signature and follows up with the purchasing process.

•Create Training Manuals and update SOP’s for all departments, Presents and trains on new SOP’s as they are created.

Requirements: •Knowledge of Opera (preferred but not required) •Extensive computer skills, Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) •Strong communication skills are required and control of the English language, written and spoken •Ability to transcribe meeting minutes, Strong organizational skills •Strong Record keeping ability •Advanced knowledge of HR practices •Advanced knowledge of Hotel Operations (i.e. Housekeeping, Maintenance, Front Office, F&B).

Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Entry point is at $32,000.00 per annum including the benefit of service charge.

NIGHT AUDITOR RESPONSIBILITIES •Ensuring that all charges and credits are posted accurately to guest accounts; that the telephone call accounting system reporting has been completed and system is functional •Balancing all credit card charges to cashiers reports and hard and soft copies are balanced with credit card folios •Organizing the night audit work in an orderly manner for distribution to the accounts department •Closing out of accounts and resetting the system for the next day’s operation •Conducts analytical review of all daily Front Office and Room transactions reports and to rectify and discrepancies.

•Acting as Manager on Duty and maintain an open line of communication between guests, team members and management.

•Performing Front Office duties, processing express checkouts and assisting guests as needed during the shift REQUIREMENTS •Must have 3 or more years previous experience as a Night Auditor in a resort or condominium environment •Proficient in Microsoft office and Visual one is a MUST •Clear communications skills (written and oral) •Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays Salary commencing at $10.00 an hour and is based on experience.

Belongers only need apply Reporting to the Corporate Director, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Responsibilities: The successful applicant will be responsible for the Management of computer and information systems operations of the department including but not limited to the; •Manage backup, security and user help systems.

•Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to assess computing needs and system requirements, and stay abreast of advances in technology.

•Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic computing, and disaster recovery.

•Evaluate the organization’s technology use and needs and recommend improvements, such as hardware and software upgrades •Control operational budget and expenditures and develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.

•Review projects in order to plan and coordinate activities and evaluate data processing proposals to assess project feasibility and requirements.

Requirements: •Have a first degree in Computer or Information Systems from a recognized University/College or equivalent.

•At least 4-5 years’ experience in computer and information systems management at a four-star resort

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

•Knowledge of PMS IS A MUST •Clear communications skills (written and oral) •Must be fluent in the English language •A proven track record in managing an efficient diversified work force

Salary commencing at $50,000.00 and is based on experience.

Belongers only need apply.

ASSISTANT GROUP PASTRY CHEF Reporting directly to the Group Executive Pastry Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day preparation of quality pastry items such as breakfast items, desserts, breads, displays and special request items. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: •Maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment; use equipment and tools only as intended, properly and safely •Inspect the cleanliness and working conditions of all tool, equipment and supplies •Establish priority items for the day •Prepare all menu items following recipes and yield guides, according to departmental standards.

•Understand sanity food handling techniques •Direct hands on preparation •Daily recording and monitoring of kitchen inventory •Any other assigned duties REQUIREMENTS •Minimum of 3 years of experience within field.

•Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities •Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment Salary for this position begins at $10.50 per hour and will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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

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

•Willing to work outside of normal working hours.

Salary Scale: $9.00 - $11.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply.

CARPENTERS Responsible for maintaining all furniture and buildings. Inspect municipal buildings and facilities for needed services and repairs. Maintain inventory of spare and repair parts and tools. Ensure work site is left in usable and safe condition. At least 4 years work experience.

Salary Scale: $9.00 - $11.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply.

WATERSPORTS SUPERVISOR Reporting to the Water Sport Manager, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging guest services. Will be responsible for supervising all watersports staff. Assist with the cleanliness and the daily upkeep of the beach.

Ensure an adequate supply of towels are available to guest. Knowledge about water sport activities. Motor boat license is a plus.

Salary Scale: 8.00 - $10.00 per hour. Belongers need only apply.

Interested persons may contact out Corporate HR department office or by submitting your resume with qualifications and experience to: hr@wihl.com Please also submit a copy of your completed application to our labour department.

Closing date March 27th, 2020

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Women in TCI celebrated during International Women’s Day Award Banquet T he Department of Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services hosted its International Women’s Day Awards and Honors banquet on Saturday, March 7th, 2020.

The event was held under the distinguished patronage of the Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services at the Yellow Man and Sons Auditorium under the National Theme: Each For Equal “The Will to Lead, the Foundation to Empower”.

Guest speaker for the event was Ms. Xernona Clayton, CEO, Founder and President of the Trumpet Awards. Her Excellency Anya Williams,

Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos, Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, Premier, Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles and the Hon. Karen Malcolm all attended this auspicious event.

Remarks and greetings were brought by Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson, Director of the Department of Gender Affairs and the Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson.

This year’s Awardees and Honorees were: Mrs. Candesha Mills, Mrs. Juanita Skippings, Ms. Zaria Ingham, Mrs. Cathrice Williams, Mrs. Georgina Been, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Dr. Lillian Boyce, Ms. Angela Freites and Mrs. Ruth Forbes.

In addition, an International Women’s Day Church Service was also held in Providenciales and North Caicos.

Gender Officer, Mrs. Cutella TalbotBailey and Ms. Sabrina Green, Human Rights Commissioner presented the Gender Affairs Awards to Mrs. Stephanie Duncanson at International Women’s Day Church Service held at the Abundant Life Ministries in Providenciales. Deputy Director of the Department of Gender Affairs, Ms. Barbara Handfield presented the Gender Affairs award to Mrs. Kadra Been- Handfield International Women’s Day Church Service held at the Providence Baptist Church in Whitby, North Caicos.

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 25

SCIENCE FAIR 2020: CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU!

Clement Howell High School - 1st place high school quiz and 1st place creative arts.

Holy Family Academy - President’s Award, 2nd place high school project, 2nd place graphic arts and 3rd place high school quiz.

International School of TCI - 2nd place primary school project and 3rd place primary school quiz.

Champions for Christ International 3rd place high school project and 3rd place creative arts.

Providence International Academy 1st place primary school project.

Eliza Simons Primary School - 1st place primary school quiz and 3rd place primary school project.

H.J. Robinson High School - First place winners of the high school project competition and third place winners of the graphic arts competition.

FortisTCI salutes all the winners of the 2020 National Science and Technology Fair for their outstanding presentations and displays in the science project category, and excellent performances in the Science Quiz.

We also take this opportunity to thank our Science Fair partners, the Department of Education, schools, teachers, parents, judges, quiz masters, participating NGOs and everyone who worked to make Science Fair 2020 a great success.

“I am proud that the Science Fair – now in its 10th year - is serving as a springboard for our students’ creativity and scientific pursuit. I am encouraged that through the Science Fair, our students across the TCI can access and put into practice the teaching and learning of STEM – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – which is reflected in the quality of the projects that they have presented.

FortisTCI President and CEO Eddinton Powell

PRESIDENT’S AWARD Holy Family Academy - VOC Pre-screening Device Primary School Quiz

1.

2.

3.

Eliza Simons Primary School Shining Stars Preparatory School International School of TCI

High School Quiz

1.

2.

3.

Clement Howell High School British West Indies Collegiate Holy Family Academy

Creative Arts

1.

2.

3.

Clement Howell High School Raymond Gardiner High School Champions for Christ International

Primary School Projects

1.

2.

3.

Providence International Academy International School of TCI Eliza Simons Primary School

High School Project

1.

2.

3.

H.J. Robinson High School Holy Family Academy Champions for Christ International

Raymond Gardiner High School 1st place graphic arts and 2nd place creative arts.

British West Indies Collegiate 2nd place high school quiz

2017 Winner

Graphic Arts

1.

2.

3.

Shining Stars Preparatory School 2nd place primary school quiz.

Raymond Gardiner High School Holy Family Academy H.J. Robinson High School

Allied Member of the Year

BCMS 681102

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

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Sister Sister 3rd annual Prayer, Praise & Worship breakfast

By Lillian Boyce, CEO Founder of Sister Sister TCI

I

just want to say a big thank you to the lovely Sisters of North Caicos for their support as always for the 3rd annual Prayer, Praise & Worship breakfast.

A special thank you to Pastor Rupert and team of Church of God of Prophecy for the song

service.

We thank, Madam DC of North Caicos Ms. Cynclair Musgrove.......President Of The North Caicos Chapter Of Sister Sister TCI for the welcome remarks.

We also thank Mrs. Kadra Handfield for reading the scripture. At such a time as this in our country it was good to have the praying women on

hand to pray, so we thank Pastor Oleta Deaconess Handfield and Pastor Dr. Kim Matthew for praying.

We thank Pastor Karen and Sister Selina for Praise and worship and our Guest Speaker, Apostle Dr. Elva Talbot for the word. It was an awesome time worshiping our God. Photo Credit: Earlson Robinson.

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

MANAGING DIRECTOR Job Grade: A84 Annual Salary: $88,500 – $140,500

The Managing Director develops and implements local business strategy for the Turks & Caicos Islands in alignment with the Bank’s strategies, the approved risk appetite and in compliance with all government and regulatory laws.

Key Accountabilities

Finance Analyst Graceway Supermarkets is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill a newly created position within the company. A key focus of the role will be developing the analytical skill set of the Finance Analyst to provide in depth knowledge of the company’s systems and databases, enabling data to be extracted, interpreted and presented to key stakeholders. As such, the successful candidate must be prepared to be trained and work closely with other members of the Finance team.

Requirements •ACA/ACMA/ACCA/CPA professional qualification.

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

•Training in SQL (Structured Query Language) will be provided but prior experience would be beneficial.

•Strong data analytics skills and a desire to further enhance analytical abilities.

•Strong written and verbal communication skills.

•Attention to detail and flexibility to simultaneously manage multiple tasks.



Leads and drives a customer focused culture throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands to deepen client relationships and leverage broader Bank relationships, systems and knowledge;



Leads the local management team, and in collaboration with partners in International Banking, in bringing business plans and solutions to the customer that integrates and reflect the Country’s unique business and regulatory environments and including: - Implements appropriate market strategies to increase market share - improves productivity while optimizing sales and operational effectiveness; and - operationalizes appropriate governance to ensure compliance with local regulatory requirements;



Application Deadline: April 15, 2020 Submit to: Graceway Supermarkets’ Corporate Office, upstairs the IGA store or email: hr@gracewaysupermarkets.com Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

-

Assesses and manages the impact of key business initiatives/priorities on stakeholder groups (e.g. shareholder, customer, and employee); and

-

Influences and involves relevant parties across the Bank to gain their commitment for execution;



Directs the day-to-day activities in a manner consistent with the Bank’s risk culture and the relevant risk appetite statement and limits. Communicates the Bank’s risk culture and risk appetite statement throughout their teams;



Creates an environment in which his/her team pursues effective and efficient operations of his/her respective areas, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational risk, regulatory compliance risk, AML/ATF risk and conduct risk, including but not limited to responsibilities under the Operational Risk Management Framework, AML/ATF Global Handbook and the Guidelines for Business Conduct;



Builds a high performance environment and implements a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops and motivates the local team by fostering an inclusive work environment, communicating vision/values/business strategy and managing succession and development planning for the team.

Requirements 

Job Responsibilities •Provide analytical support to the Retail and Food Service operations teams.

•Investigate pricing and inventory movement anomalies.

•Responsible for the preparation of Accounts for the Maintenance Division, allocating and rebilling costs as appropriate and reporting of KPIs to stakeholders.

•Working in coordination with other members of the Finance team to contribute towards the preparation of the monthly management report for the board of directors.

•Assisting with semi-annual inventory counts across all stores.

•Extensive training will be provided on the company’s pricing and inventory management systems in order to develop the skill set to analyse and interpret the data within these systems, representing a significant portion of the role.

•Reporting directly into the Group Financial Controller and performing adhoc tasks as directed.

Leads the implementation of tactical strategies and initiatives by successfully communicating the appropriate vision and plans and bringing others to share it.

          

Excellent knowledge of Banking products and services, including working knowledge of the systems, routines and operating procedures; Excellent credit skills and sound judgement, as demonstrated through his/her previous track record and experience; Excellent risk assessment and analytical skills; Excellent accounting and financial analysis skills, good lleadership and supervisory skills; Knowledge of completion and registration/renewal policies and procedures for security documents, and of procedures and standards for correspondence and credit returns; Excellent coaching skills and knowledge of training resources made available by the Bank for use by self and subordinates; Superior industry knowledge with areas of specialization where required; Superior communication skills (oral and written); Good understanding of commercial management systems; Knowledge and understanding of the commercial and retail products used or of potential use to commercial customers and prospects; Ability to develop and maintain mutually beneficial banking relationship with clients; Graduate Degree and/or work equivalency.

Scotiabank offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package with tremendous opportunities for personal and professional growth to the successful candidates.

Please submit applications no later than April 10th, 2019 to: Pamela Taylor – Human Resource Officer pamela.taylor@scotiabank.com Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. P.O. Box 15, 88 Cherokee Road, Leeward Highway Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

This position is currently held by a work permit holder. Interested Belongers must also submit copies of their application to the Work Permit Board Zone 2 Jobregistration@gov.tc

We’re changing the way you bank online.

We’re upgrading our authentication process to improve your security.

Scotia Online customers will now be asked to set up a One Time Password (OTP) to confirm their accounts.

A validation code will be sent to your registered email address once you log into Scotia Online. This code will be used to authenticate and register your selected computer or mobile device. Once you register your device, you will not need to verify it again.

For added security, OTP will also be required for: • Self-Enrollment untrusted/new device • Sign-in on u • Reset/Change Password

Coming soon to a phone near you: The NEW Scotia AppTM

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

PEAK PROFESSIONAL TCI LTD. Annex A Reporting to: Location:

Executive Director Salt Mills Plaza, Grace Bay. Providenciales

Job Title: Trainer Duties and Responsibilities 1.Plan, direct and deliver training and professional development programmes 2. Provide feedback on programs implemented to organization 3.To establish and maintain contacts and good relationships with potential clients.

Education & Experience 1.BSc in relevant discipline 2.Prior experience with designing and implementing training programs successfully 3.Familiarity with traditional and modern training methods (mentoring and coaching on the job or in the classroom training, e-learning, workshops, simulations etc.)

Skills & Qualities 1.Good written and verbal communication skills 2.Ability to deliver programmes to a high quality 3.Strong leadership and management kills 4.Ability to devise solutions to complex problems 5.Energy and enthusiasm to motivate and engage others 6.Personally credible and strong interpersonal skills 7.Integrity and approachability Competencies 1.Technical capacity 2.Communication proficiency 3.Leadership 4.Initiative 5.Learning orientation 6.Flexibility 7.Time management skills 8.Presentation skills 9.Fluent English Email CVs to admin@peakprofessionaltci.com

Page 29

COX MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED Cox Plaza, 15 Five Cays Road Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Tel: 649-941-3650 Fax: 649-946-4283 bac@tciway.tc SEEKS TO RECRUIT TWO BELONGER TRAINEE HVAC TECHNICIAN (ONE MALE & ONE FEMALE) To train with qualified HVAC Technician with all heating, ventilation, air conditioning and Refrigeration equipment and is responsible for high level of customer service standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Willing to assist with performing preventive maintenance procedures 2. Willing to assist with HVAC installations 3. Willing to learn with maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing HVAC systems 4 .Keep daily records 5. Must be willing to work weekends and holiday if required KNOWLEDGE AND CERTIFICATION, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge and Certification required: 1. High School Diploma/GED or equivalent experience Skills required: 1. Highly organized and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities 2. Strong mechanical aptitude Abilities required: 1. Ability to learn and work fast and efficiently 2. Ability to learn how to troubleshoot, maintain and repair specialized equipment 3.Ability to interact with customers, coworkers and management in a professional and courteous manner 4. Ability to follow established dress code policies and practice good personal hygiene Salary –Negotiable Applicant MUST have a valid driver’s license and a recent police record.

Only Interested Turks & Caicos Islanders need to apply.

NOT FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31st, 2020

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

Graceway Supermarketsinvites applications from qualified individuals to fill the post of Software Developer. The position is responsible for the development, design and implementation of new or modified software products and the implementation of functional and efficient programs to solve current and future business needs.

Qualifications/Experience •A minimum 5years’ experience as a designer and developer on largescale heterogeneous computer systems.

•Degree or higher in field related to job requirements (Comp Sci, Mathematics, Data Analysis, Economics).

•Proven fluency in development languages, with a focus on Python, Java, SQL, SQL Server and shell scripting.

•Database design and modeling experience across multiple database systems.

•Experience in data processing: computer information systems, data communications, networking, systems analysis.

•Proven capability for systems architectural design, identifying dataflows and designing improved workflows and of leading those projects through to completion.

•Experience with virtualization software (vSphere, ESXi, Docker) and Windows, Linux/BSD OS’s.

•Capable of supporting all hardware related issues and reviewing all new hardware capabilities as required for front end and back office systems.

•Assist in resolving any software issues, triage and resolve support tickets and schedule longer term projects.

•Maintaining good documentation and development logs relating to all IT and business processes.

•Providing adhoc and regular reports using SQL tools, in-house reporting or creating custom solutions to deliver on required information.

Pay commensurate with Experience.

Application Deadline: March 30, 2020 Submit to: Graceway Supermarket’s main office at the IGA Store Or email: hr@gracewaysupermarkets.com Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

Butterfield Gold One (1) Carpenter

All aspects of carpentry, including both rough-in and finish carpentry.

Applicant must have general knowledge in construction including roof construction, erection, maintenance and repair.

Must be able to work with others and direct workflow with helpers for maximum productivity.

Be able to read and work from architectural drawings

Have ability to work with minimum supervision.

Minimum of eight (8) years working experience based on above criteria.

Wages: Commensurate with experience starting from $12.00 per hour Rosie’s Delight Restaurant One (1) Domestic Worker All aspects of cleaning & other domestic duties pertaining to the restaurant Be able to work independently Wages: starting from $6.50 per hour One (1) Cook Assist the chef by prepare the breakfast and lunch for hot counter.

Assist the chef by preparing various kinds of Native and Caribbean dishes.

Must be able work independently and may be called from time to time to help serve the customers Staff must comply with the cleanliness of kitchen environment, in compliance with food safety handling procedures.

Wages: starting from $8.00 per hour Only Belongers apply for these positions. Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified. Submit applications to by March 12, 2020

Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211 Labour Commissioner, Labour Department Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JOB DESCRIPTION Job title

AdministrativeAssistant

Reporting to

Branch Director

Direct reports

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

compliance.

Duties applicable to all staff •Complete the IFRC Code of Conduct and Stay Safe Personal Online Courses •(www.ifrc.org/learinplatform) •Sign the Red Cross Code of Conduct •Work towards the achievement of Red Cross objectives in the country •Adhere to the 7 principles throughout daily responsibilities and in all relations with stakeholders involved to reach the most vulnerable •Any other duties necessary to support the well-running of the office as considered necessary by the Branch Director Accountability

Responsible for

Day-to-day administration of the TCI RC

Location

Providenciales

Contract length

1 year (Part-time)

•Work within the larger strategic approaches of the British Red Cross •Maintain open and good relationships with all partners involved Submit an updated CV to director@redcross.org.tc

Person Specification The Turks & Caicos Islands Red Cross is the premier voluntary service provider of humanitarian services to people of most need in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Our mission is to mobilise the power of humanity so that individuals and communities have the capacity to prepare for, deal with and recover from crisis.

JOB PURPOSE The Administrative Assistant will assist the Director in the to the assessment of communities through the collection of data in the field.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OFFICE ADMINISTRATION •Prepare and Manage Cheque request on weekly basis •To liaise with suppliers, vendors and contractors and to ensure that all payments are accurate, timely, and in line with TCI RC procurement policies and procedures.

•Provide Administrative support to Director as requested.

•Maintain and update database of volunteers and members on a monthly basis •Manage the processes for safeguarding all assets owned by TCI RC and maintain and update the Asset Register on a monthly basis •Maintain and update Stock Control Reports on a monthly basis •Maintain the Hard copy and Electronic Filing on a monthly basis •Maintain sufficient stocks of office stationery and other supplies necessary for programmes and serviceson a monthly basis •Arrange flights and accommodation for staff, volunteers and visitors, as required.

•Maintain and update Contract Files as required.

•Take minutes of meetingsand distribute as requested by the Branch Director or Governing Board •Oversea the Office Cleaning and General Maintenanceon a monthly basis.

PROGRAMMESUPPORT •Provide Administrative supportto Programme Coordinatorsas requested •Arrange and organize Volunteers for Event First Aid as requested •Arrange and organizeCommercial First Aid Training •To assist financial management of TCI RC’s projects and emergency response activities including preparation of budgets, financial monitoring and reporting, and donor

Graceway Smart, Grand Turk invites applications from suitably qualified individuals to join our team.

Retail Store Manager Level 1 Duties/Responsibilities •Developing, managing, and assigning tasks appropriately to ensure that the store is adequately stocked, organized, clean and well-maintained.

•Be able to analyze daily sales and expense information and taking appropriate action to maximize sales and net profits.

•Ensure that store merchandise is consistently rotated for freshness and date codes are regularly reviewed for quality assurance.

•Accurately completing daily paperwork and receiving and verifying vendor deliveries.

Create and monitor staff’s work schedules to ensure adequate coverage of duties.

•Carefully follow Graceway’s safety policies and procedures and encourage compliance among associates.

•Reaching desired objectives by evaluating and developing specific action plans that address the needs of the store.

•Excellent people skills, including the ability to teach and train staff.

•Must have computer knowledge in areas such as Microsoft Excel and Inventory Management programs.

•Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and knowledge of Supermarket facility management.

•Must have previous supermarket retail experience.

•Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends and Holidays.

Retail Merchandiser / Stocker Duties/Responsibilities

General

Required

Deal well with stress

x

Team player

x

Flexible

x

Preferred

Creative

x

Good leadership

x

Education/experience Mastery of excel, word and other basic soft-ware

x

Relevant education, or 7+ years of relevant experience in finance

x

3+ years of experience in basic administration

x

Experience in Red Cross or humanitarian aid

x

Management competencies (if applicable) Able to lead/direct people and programmes

x

Able to manage resources (people, financial, physical)

x

Strategic thinking skills

x

Risk management skills

x

Able to develop security plans/guidelines

x

•Checks and verifies that merchandise receiving, count, quality and condition follow company’s stock in-take procedures.

•Place merchandise on shelves, ends of aisles, cases, racks and other locations as directed by supervisor or manager •Unpack shipments and compare quantities and type of product with invoice or shipment paperwork •Report any defects in products, such as breaks, leaks and tears in containers, deficiencies in quantities, or incorrectly shipped products.

•Place price information next to products or on shelves or racks where products are displayed.

•Organize and clean stockroom.

•Assist customers with retrieving certain items and guide them to particular products when requested.

•Keep store floors including aisles, clean and free of obstructions or other hazards.

•Answer customer questions about availability and location of merchandise.

•Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays •Must be able to lift product boxes and equipment 60 lbs. or more.

All applicants must be able to read, speak and understand the English Language and will be expected to sit and pass an in-house Math and English Test.

These positions are currently held by work permit holders.

Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Retail Floor Vacancies •Deli/Bakery Clerk [2] •Stocker [2] •Cleaner / Trolley Assistance [ 2 ] Salary range: $7.00- $8.50 Application Deadline: March 30, 2020 Submit to: Graceway Supermarket’s main office at the IGA Store |Any Graceway Store in Grand Turk, or email: hr@gracewaysupermarkets.com Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

The Sands is now accepting applications/résumé for the following positions.

Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply: MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY & SKILLED POSITIONS IT TECHNICIAN Provides end user support for guests, management and employees: •Responds quickly and effectively to diagnose and resolve hardware and software problems for all systems (including computers, networks, telephones, office equipment, point of sale equipment cctv and fiber optic music systems). Documents, tracks and reports on deficiencies, progress and follow-up.

Provides routine maintenance of hardware, software and systems: • Installs/configures new computers/telephones and point of sales equipment.

• Installs/maintains/repairs cctv system • Repairs/upgrades hardware and software.

• Troubleshoots printers/scanners/copiers.

• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies.

• Maintains server room(s) and ensures proper security for such.

• Completes system backups according to required schedule.

Provides infrastructure support: • Installs cabling • Researches, learns and evaluates new software and hardware • Documents and maintains recordkeeping for all systems Creates The Sands Resort Experience through performance that demonstrates the standards of: • Ownership – Takes personal responsibility and shows initiative in work planning and problem-solving.

• Personalized Service – Shows personal attention to guests’ unique needs, interests and expectations.

• Expertise – Keeps informed and demonstrates job knowledge, following all job and service standards.

• Natural Approach – Provides genuine service through actions that display self-confidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues.

Salary start at $44,000.00 commensurate with qualifications and experience FRONT OFFICE MANAGER The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace to facilitate the communication process.

• Requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Must possess above average computational ability.

• Must have previously held position as AFOM in at least 2 other hotel or resort.

• Bachelor Degree or equivalent Hotel Lodging experience required.

• Required certificate of successful completion of FOM AHLA Educational Institute Courseline.

• Experienced on PMS systems and is MICROSOFT PC literate.

• Second language a plus.

• PMS Systems Manager knowledge and certification a plus.

• Must possess a high level of hospitality skills including highly effective body language.

• Has effective written and oral communication skills to communicate with guests, owners, VIP’s, employees, and senior management.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS/PREREQUISITES: Education Completion of High School or equivalent education.

Bachelor Degree or equivalent Hotel Lodging experience required.

Required certificate of successful completion of FOM AHLA Educational Institute Courseline.

Experience A minimum of 5-8 years previous front office management experience.

Must have been in the role and job title of Front Office Manager at least one time prior, and for at least 3 or more years at the same resort.

Grooming Must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance per The Sands at Grace Bay standards.

Physical Demands

Page 31

• Most work tasks are performed indoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems.

• Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 3 hours in length.

• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis.

• Must be able to push and pull equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.

• Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space.

• Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill tasks.

• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.

• Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and other employees.

• Vision occurs continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near vision and depth perception.

• Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience HVAC\MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN Responsibilities: • To skillfully and professionally perform all scheduled maintenance related jobs.

• Account for time spent on individual work requests/orders and actively seek further tasks when assigned tasks are completed.

• To advise the Engineering Administrator when parts or supplies need to be reordered.

• Perform weekly and monthly physical counts of all inventory stock and tooling and requirements.

• Any other duties assigned and/or as deemed necessary by the Engineering Administrator.

• Reassembling and testing equipment following repairs • Repairing and replacing defective equipment, components in addition to wiring • Laying out and connecting electrical wiring between controls and equipment • Obtaining and maintaining required certifications • Maintain machinery, equipment, and tools • Upkeep, installation, and maintenance of hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, mechanical and electrical systems on all production machines • Performs preventive maintenance and makes repairs to heating, ventilating, air conditioning equipment according to instructions such as replacing belts on motors, changing filters, bearings, etc.

• Lays out, assembles, installs, and maintains pipe systems and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, and repairs and replaces gauges, valves, pressure regulators, and related equipment Requirements: • As a HVAC Technician, you must comply with all applicable standards, policies and procedures, including safety procedures and the maintenance of a clean work area. We are seeking a detail-oriented mechanic with experience in both commercial and residential installation and services.

• Refrigeration experience.

• Must meet minimum professional qualification/certification in Plumbing/ Electrical/ Mechanical and A/C related trades.

• Follows proper safety practices and procedures as required of the position.

• Must have minimum of two years hands-on experience working on minor electrical, painting, plumbing and A/C. • Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace.

• Must work weekends and holidays.

• Must work AM and PM shifts as business demands according to the operations policy.

• Must have reliable transportation to get to and from work.

Salary $8.00 per hour commensurate with qualifications and experience LINE POSITIONS HOUSEKEEPING ROOM ATTENDANT* HOUSEMAN* LABOURER* GROUNDSMEN* COMMON AREA ATTENDANT* FRONT DESK AGENTS POOL AND BEACH ATTENDANT Positions marked by asterisks are currently held by work permit persons. For the above line staff positions, Caribbean resort experience is an asset but not a requirement. Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude, must be willing to work holidays and weekends as standard in the hospitality industry. Salary will commensurate with experience.

Turks Island citizen’s only need to apply in person to Kitchandra McDonald, Assistant Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Labour Department, or e-mail: careers@thesandstc.com contact number 649-946-5199 ext. 30147. Resumes/CV’s must be in

by March 13th, 2020

Page 32

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

The School for Field Studies, South Caicos We are seeking 2 experienced Butchers to join our newly opened Wholesale Division.

Duties and responsibilities include: •Cutting and trimming meats; preparing related products in the variety, size and quality for sale as prescribed by the store.

•Must have experience and knowledge in using professional cutting tools including, saws, grinders, etc.

•Maintains clean, well-stocked, fresh and dry cases at all times.

•Keeps merchandise fresh in compliance with all health code regulations and company standards.

•Handling and cutting a variety of the department’s specialty meats and seafood throughout the day per customer’s requests and maintain quality product levels and outstanding service to our customers •Must be able to work in cold temperature and freezer-like work environment.

•Must be able to work varied hours/day, including nights, weekends and holidays as needed.

•Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Department Manager and or General Manager.

Pay rate: $14.00 - $17.00 per hour Application Deadline: March 30, 2020 Submit to: Graceway Supermarket’s Corporate Office, upstairs the IGA store or email: hr@gracewaysupermarkets.com Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

Several Openings: Resource Manager Lecturer, Waterfront Assistants, Program Assistant Job Summaries and Qualifications: Lecturers – PhD required (45K per year, currently held by work permit holder); Assistants (5 positions available) – BS degree minimum, experience with managing groups, safety supervision on land and water, program administration (10K per year, new positions). All positions required to live on-site, minimum Open Water Scuba Diver unless otherwise stated, prior experience living/working at a field station and boat handling is preferred.

To Apply: Please send your CV to HHERTLER@ FIELDSTUDIES.ORG Start Date: Immediately until all position filled

Hotel & Restaurant Supply AIB Hotel and Restaurant Supply is now accepting applications/résumé for the following position. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply: LABOURER Responsibilities:  To perform and conduct physical inventory  To carry out all tasks in a timely manner  To keep warehouse and all work areas clean and neat  Off load containers and assist with deliveries Requirements:  Must be able to work long hours  Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) (English) used in the workplace.  Must work weekends and holidays as needed  Must be physically fit for heavy lifting

Whereas, EDMUND ALEXANDER RIGBY of Lighthouse Road, Grand Turk, has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number (s) registered in the name of EDMUND ALEXANDER RIGBY was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found.

 Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 3 hours in length.  Must be able to lift up to 100lbs or more on a regular and continual basis.  Must be able to push and/or pull carts and equipment weighing up to 200 lbs. on a regular and continual basis.  Must have a valid driver’s license

For the above position, applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work holidays and weekends. They should also enjoy working with people and be willing to learn. Minimum experience in the areas of interest required. Interested persons can email resumes to sales@aib.tc or drop off all resumes to AIB office located in Queens Plaza, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Application deadline is Friday March 13 th, 2020.

Clamentina Smith

Peter Quelch

Location: Millennium Highway, #129 Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Is Is seeking a Babysitter Duties: To care of a child, clean after the child (clothing, bottles etc) To work 6 days a week Salary is 6.25 per hour Please Contact: 345-4136 This position is new Belongers are encouraged to apply and send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: North Backsalina Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands Is looking to employ a Domestic Worker Duties include: Mopping, cleaning, dusting and caring for an individual Must be willing to work 6 days a week Salary is $6.50 per hour Interested persons can contact 332-1728 Belongers are encouraged to send copies of their applications to the Labour Board

Belmont Car Rental & Tour

LANDSCAPING LABOURER

#975641

Location: Bottle Creek, North Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking for the following position: Sales & Marketing Applicants must have the following: •Minimum of 10 years marketing experience with resorts and large companies •Extensive experience with multiple types Tourism and Sales •Merchandising Experience •Be familiar with CSS Code, E- Commerce Websites •Able to design/draw original artwork for marketing purpose •Knowledge in both Microsoft Office and Pages •Work independently with minimal supervision Must be willing to work at all hours, day and night/weekends when necessary for international conference calls in other time zones Salary Allocate Monthly- $2,000.00 ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY Applicants whom are eligible for an interview will be contacted. Please email resumes to belmontcarrental@gmail.com attention to Charles Handfield and attach the Labour Board #469531

Island Escape (TCI) Ltd is seeking candidates for the above position.

Tasks include but are not limited to trimming trees and bushes, spreading fertilizer and digging holes Also, installation of sprinklers and lighting systems 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

Elite Gaming

CACTUS CAFE

Location: Old Airport Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking four (4) Armed Security Officers Duties: Prevent theft, Protect property, Prevent or deter criminal activities and Protect people around the premises and Patrol and safeguard businesses Salary $4,000.00 monthly Must be able to work 6 days a week Please Number 231-3739 These positions are new Belongers are encouraged to apply and send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Gracebay, providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a (2) Kitchen Helper Must be able to work (6) days per week Duties include cooking, wash work tables, meat blocks, cupboards, walls and appliances and clean kitchen work areas, equipment, utensils and dishes. ... unpack and store supplies in refrigerators, cupboards and storage areas. help to wash, peel and prepare basic food items.

Salary $6.25 per week Contact: 649-332-4271 This is a new position Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders must send copy of their esume to the Labour Board

Turks Wave Café

PENN CONSTRUCTION

Location: Turks Wave Cafe Bridge RD, The Bight Settlement, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking One (1) Cook Duties: Must be able to cook a variety of foods, setting up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment Must be friendly and respectful Salary is $10.00 per hour Please Contact: 347-4782 This position is new Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: #18 Old Airport Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Seeks to employ a Carpenter at a rate of $6.25 per hour during 6-day week including holidays and weekends.

Hours will need to be flexible in order to flex for evening service when required.

Applicants must have previous experience as a Carpenter.

For the above position, applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as they should also enjoy working with people and be willing to learn.

Minimum experience in the areas of interest required.

For more information call 244-0564 This position is a for a work permit renewal however interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

Ivette Delhomme

Seeks to employ a Domestic Worker To work 5 days a week At salary of $200.00 per week Successful applicants will be required to perform homely duties by cleaning and looking after the home during the owner’s absence.

Applicants are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1 and to Vette at Tel no. 341-7366 Please note that this application is a new position

Franclin Dossou

Location: #9 South Dock Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Duties: To do general cleaning also include cooking and washing Must be able to work 6 days a week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 346-7379 This position is new Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

#975635

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 33

CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Boris Johnson ‘to be investigated’ over £15,000 post-election Caribbean break

An official investigation is to be launched into Boris Johnson’s £15,000 post-election holiday to the Caribbean, reports have said.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone is said to be pursuing the inquiry following conflicting reports about where the donation for the winter break came from, according to The Observer.

He could face a penalty if found to have broken the MPs’ code of conduct after a review of the evidence from the Committee on Standards.

It comes after Mr Johnson cited businessman David Ross in the register of MPs’ interests as the provider of the private accommodation - valued at £15,000 - despite a spokesperson for Mr Ross later saying no such money was handed over.

The same spokesperson for the Conservative Party donor later clarified it was a “benefit in kind” to the prime minister and his nowfiance Carrie Symonds.

Amid the confusion, the Labour Party called for a probe last month into how the prime minister

Boris Johnson and his partner Carrie Symonds went on the Caribbean break over the festive period. came to have a stay at the pricey villa in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett highlighted in a letter to Ms Stone that the code of conduct “requires members to provide the name of the person or organisation that actually funded a donation”.

He added: “The evidence now suggests it was not David Ross. The entry made by the prime minister therefore appears to be incorrect.”

The five-figure villa on

the island of Mustique served as a celebratory break for Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds after the Conservative party won its first election landslide since the 1980s.

Mr Johnson, who recently confirmed his engagement to Ms Symonds and revealed the two are expecting a baby, was criticised for not bringing his holiday to an earlier end in the wake of the US killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in January.

Downing Street has declined to comment.

Five Cayman cases tested for possible coronavirus

Five people in the Cayman Islands are being tested for coronavirus, health officials revealed Monday.

Four have been isolated at home, while the fifth – a visitor to the island – is in an isolation room at Health City Cayman Islands.

The Public Health Department is sending five samples to the Caribbean Public Health Agency to be tested for the virus.

Results are expected within six days.

The five potential cases involve people “who are feeling unwell and have recently travelled to countries that are experiencing an outbreak”, according to a government press release.

The inpatient at Health City was admitted for a “cardiac event”, but has subsequently developed respiratory symptoms. Officials say this is typical for recovering heart patients but the patient is being isolated and tested “out of an abundance of caution”.

Cayman’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel WilliamsRodriguez said all the impacted people were in isolation and were being monitored by health professionals. He said there was no risk of onward transmission.

“The Public Health Department is in daily contact with all persons who have agreed to comply with best procedures for self-isolation while they wait for the results from CARPHA,” the release stated.

The tests are being carried out as a precaution, in line with regional guidelines, and the fact that samples are being sent for analysis does not mean that Cayman has

One patient has been placed in isolation at Health City Cayman Islands and has been tested for possible coronavirus. its first case. Globally, Williams- responsibility in mitigating the Rodriguez said, the number of impact of COVID-19 is to ‘Catch negative test results is exponentially ‘em. Trash ‘em. Contain ‘em’.” higher than positive results. In the Chief Medical Officer Dr. UK, for example, more than 20,000 John Lee urged members of the people have been tested, but only public with flu-like symptoms who 163 have been confirmed positive. feel there is a risk that they may

He said residents and have the disease, to email the Health visitors should continue to Services Authority at flu@hsa.ky or practise preventive hygiene, call the flu hotline at 1-800-534including regularly washing hands, 8600. covering coughs and sneezes, and Two public meetings are maintaining a social distance of being held in Grand Cayman this three to six feet from others. week to discuss coronavirus – on

“These things may seem Tuesday, 10 March, at 7pm, at Mary insignificant, but they have been Miller Hall in Red Bay; and on proven to prevent infection,” Thursday, 12 March, at 7pm, at the Williams-Rodriguez said. “A simple Bodden Town Civic Centre. way to remember your personal

Jamaica confirms first imported case of Coronavirus

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica on Tuesday confirmed its first imported case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Kingston.

The patient is a Jamaican female who had travelled from the United Kingdom, which has cases of COVID-19. She arrived in the island on March 4, presented to the public health system on March 9, and has been in isolation since then.

Based on the patient’s travel history and symptoms, health professionals suspected COVID-19. A clinical sample was collected and sent to the National Influenza Centre, where laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis today at approximately 11:00 am. The patient and family members have been informed.

The patient’s infection was travel-related.

However, steps are being taken to prevent the risk of community spread.

These measures include: The dispatch of a health team to the home of the patient for assessment and initiation of public health measures; the identification and contact tracing for all possible exposed persons; meeting of ministry officials with members of staff at the hospital and the necessary interventions put in place.

Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, said imposed travel restrictions remain in place, and three countries have been added to the list of five (China, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, and Iran) that was previously made public. They are Spain, France and Germany.

He also said that public gatherings and non-essential travel is discouraged and that Jamaica will continue to patrol irregular border crossings.

“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the public to remain calm and to implement all the advisories relating to personal hygiene, social distancing, and overall infection prevention control. The Government of Jamaica will continue to keep the public informed as we manage this public health challenge.” he added.

Meantime, following the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in Jamaica, J Wray & Nephew Limited has confirmed that a contractor based at its Spanish Town Road operations was in close contact with ‘patient zero’, and as such operations have been suspended at its 234 Spanish Town Road facility in Kingston.

“The contractor has since been quarantined for testing and monitoring by the Ministry of Health,” J Wray and Nephew said in a news release.

“We are in ongoing dialogue with Government officials to assess and track the situation.”

The company said suspension of operations will be pending the results of the contractor’s test.

“We will keep our stakeholders and the public updated accordingly. J Wray & Nephew Limited has also activated its ‘Smart Working Policy’. As a result, all staff members who are able to work remotely have been asked to do so.”

The company said the activation of the Smart Working Policy is another precautionary measure intended to safeguard the welfare of employees, customers and the wider community.

“The public can be assured of J Wray & Nephew’s strict adherence to stringent, international manufacturing and quality standards, which means that our products can be consumed safely.

Page 34

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Barbados tourism ‘under attack’ as bookings take hit

The COVID-19 respiratory disease has started to rip into Barbados’ bread-and-butter industry, tourism, resulting in more than a million dollar in revenue loss to some hoteliers as a result of cancellations.

This was revealed on Tuesday following a more than five-hour meeting of tourism industry figures at the Hilton Resort on the new strain of coronavirus.

According to Barbados Today, preliminary checks with some Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association members showed a significant decline in business as a result of the virus, said BHTA chairman Stephen Austin.

The novel strain of human coronavirus first appeared in China and has since spread to 118 countries and territories, the nearest including Martinique and Jamaica.

Austin said the BHTA was still in the process of polling hotel members to find out the true impact of cancellations and forward bookings.

But so far, 41 out of 81 hoteliers have reported that for March alone there has been a $1.2 million loss in revenue,

contraction and is season and not at the front end”. due to cancellation The Prime Minister added: of 2,853 rooms, he already asking us disclosed. to work with them “Nevertheless, it is likely to have severe A u s t i n with respect to some consequences. of the cost that they “We have already seen some said: “It is quite face.” of our hotels start to face a contraction significant and we So far, through cancellation. are working now on “I anticipate that will have an an emergency plan several airlines have reported impact on workers. We are committed through the BHTA cancellations to that in this country we carry one another to try to help our members through several destinations and we do not leave people at the side of that have been the road. this time.

She said it was against that

“The next impacted by the three to six months BHTA chairman Stephen Austin virus, which has so background that Government would far killed more than introduce a mild stimulus in the will determine if this continues we will have to find ways to 4,500 people and infected more than economy in a bid to help those who would be most affected. cope and to help our members mitigate 118,900 up to Tuesday.

Cruise tourism has also been She announced: “ Therefore, the with staffing levels and training and helping the industry get through this affected, as several trips that were already Government has taken a firm decision mess.” booked have been cancelled and people that we will undertake counter-cyclical

Prime Minister Mia Mottley also are limiting any new trips for the time policies… [this means] we need to spend money in order to make sure that if a disclosed that a major airline has been being.

Mottley said she was conscious man or woman can’t work fully within seeking assistance from the Government as it reports a drastic reduction in that it was “still too early” for the BHTA the tourism sector that there will be business. to give a full picture of the impact that other areas of economic activities in

Mottley opted not to give the COVID-19 disease was having on the country that we will now trigger or details but said: “One of our prime tourism, but said “we are lucky that this expedite in order to keep as many people airline partners has, I said, indicated a is coming at the backend of our winter working as possible.”

Guyana President promises to uphold the constitution

President of Guyana David Granger has promised to “uphold the Constitution and keep our citizens safe.”

In a statement late Monday, Granger called for calm among citizens while promising to do all to ensure that law and order are maintained.

“… I will not allow political malefactors to hijack our democracy and compromise public order and human safety,” he said.

Granger’s video statement comes one day before the High Court is to hear the matter in an injunction against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) filed by the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) seeking a verification of the elections results in Region Four, which had indicated that the ruling coalition — a Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) — had won Monday’s regional and general elections.

“Justice Claudette Singh, Chairman of GECOM, has indicated that she will await the outcome of that matter. The entire nation, indeed, must await the ruling of the Supreme Court.”

Granger called for the Guyanese people to refrain from engaging in activities that can heighten tensions in the South

American country, adding that they should allow the judicial system to perform its function.

“ I urge you to go about your business in a peaceful manner. Some damage has already been done to social relations in our communities. We must repair that damage.”

Granger accused the opposition PPP of “disseminating a narrative that is no more than a falsification of reality” adding that it “is completely at variance with the official declarations of the elections commission for the ten electoral districts.”

“Guyanese, we have all witnessed the lawlessness and violence that have been unleashed on innocent school children, citizens and police officers in several districts of our country, Granger said.

Weekend protests on the streets of Guyana left one person dead and inflamed decades-old racial tensions between black Guyanese, who broadly support Granger’s APNU-AFC coalition, and Indo-Guyanese, who largely backed Irfaan Ali of opposition party PPP.

“Our security forces have been working to quell disorder and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

We must not allow ourselves to be provoked into taking any action

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie

President of Guyana David Granger. which will engender hate or disharmony.

“I am confident that there will be a peaceful and lawful resolution to this issue in a short period of time. I appeal to you to join me in allowing the judicial system to perform its functions.

I appeal to you to allow the elections commission to execute its mandate to deliver credible elections to the Guyanese people,” Granger said.

Eleven political parties were slated to contest the general elections in 10 administrative regions with over 661,000 people registered to vote.

The elections took place on March 2.

Insufficient space in Saint Lucia for major coronavirus outbreak says PM Chastanet

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has said there is insufficient space in Saint Lucia in case of a major outbreak of the now infamous coronavirus.

However, he said his administration have taken action to delay and if possible prevent the virus from reaching the island’s shores.

Chastanet also said the government is working to find a solution for a worst-case scenario.

“As a Government, we know that our population is particularly vulnerable, partly due to the large number of persons with Diabetes and hypertension

and other chronic illnesses which are susceptible to the coronavirus,” he said. “We have also recognized that there is currently insufficient space available to support a major outbreak in Saint Lucia.”

He added that some initial efforts have been made and a significant amount of financial resources have been made available in the face of the virus.

“As we continue to look at alternatives and make adjustments, we will continue to update the population on the specifics of our approach,” the prime minister stated.

He added, “I assure you

Perry Christie denies reports of running in next election

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet that we are working aggressively to find a solution for a worst-case scenario.”

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday denied rumors that he intends to run in the next general election.

Christie said his focus is on supporting the current leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

“If Perry Christie was running, you would know,” Christie said following an address to students at Mount Carmel Preparatory Academy.

“If Perry Christie ever runs again, you will know.”

He added, “Right now, I am in retirement.

“I am supporting my leader, Philip Brave Davis.

“I am very hopeful that one day he will become prime minister. It really rests with our democracy and what the people will decide when the time is here.”

Christie, who was the Centreville MP, lost his seat in the 2017 election, which saw the Free National Movement (FNM) win in a landslide victory. Christie, 76, held that seat for 40 consecutive years. He lost to political newcomer Reece Chipman by four votes.

He later admitted that he did not campaign in his constituency and had stayed in politics too long.

“When I apply retroactive thinking to it, objectively, I could have made the judgment that I have been in too long,” he said in 2018.

The loss sent Christie into retirement.

However, rumors have spread that he may run in the upcoming election.

Under his leadership, the Christie administration was plagued with scandals and missteps in its five-year term.

As noted, the party suffered a wholesale and brutal defeat at the polls on May 10, 2017, winning only four of the 39 seats in the House of Assembly.

In a post-election report by Jamaican social development practitioner Maureen Webber, Christie’s decision to remain as PLP leader and his failure to demonstrate “forceful and effective” management of his Cabinet, among other things, led to the party’s defeat.

Along with “Christie fatigue”, the report found that voters rejected the PLP because of persistent corruption perceptions, the constitutional and gaming referenda, the handling of the Rubis oil spill, unnecessary spending on carnival and poor response in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

WORLD

NEWS

Weinstein sentenced to 23 years prison, taken to NY hospital for chest pains

Former movie producer Harvey Weinstein was sentenced on Wednesday to 23 years in prison for sexual assault and rape after giving a rambling court statement sympathizing with men accused of sexual misconduct during the #MeToo era.

The sentence was handed down in Manhattan criminal court by Justice James Burke, with Weinstein’s lawyer Donna Rotunno afterward denouncing the prison term as “obscene” and “cowardly” and saying the judge and jury “caved” under the pressure of the #MeToo movement against sexual abuse and harassment.

Weinstein was taken to New York’s Rikers Island jail following the sentencing. Hours later, he was transported to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan for “ongoing heart problems and chest pains,” Juda Engelmayer, a spokesman for Weinstein, said in an email. Weinstein underwent surgery at Bellevue to clear a heart blockage last week.

Engelmayer said “we are hopeful he will be held overnight for observation given his recent heart procedure less than a week ago and his ongoing medical issues.”

A jury on Feb. 24 found Weinstein once one of Hollywood’s most influential men - guilty of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi and raping former aspiring actress Jessica Mann. The length of the sentence means Weinstein may spend the rest of his life incarcerated, considering he is 67 and has health issues. Defense lawyers had recommended the minimum possible five years in prison.

Weinstein, Haleyi and Mann all addressed the court during the sentencing hearing. The two women spoke of the trauma they have endured since Weinstein attacked them, with Haleyi saying, “It scarred me deeply, mentally and emotionally, perhaps irreparably, perhaps forever.”

Mann added, “I am forced to carry that experience until I die.”

Addressing the court from a wheelchair behind the defense table, Weinstein said, “I’m totally confused.”

Prosecutors portrayed Weinstein as a serial predator who had manipulated women with promises of career advancement in Hollywood, coaxing them to hotel rooms or private apartments and then overpowering and violently attacking them.

“The young struggling dreamers were not even people to him. He could take what he wanted knowing there was very little anyone could do about it,” Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi told the court.

Weinstein said he was worried about the “thousands of men who are losing due process” during the #MeToo movement just as people in the past had their careers destroyed when they were accused of being communists.

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Trump curbs travel from Europe as coronavirus disrupts schools, sports

President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered travel from Europe to the United States restricted for 30 days, responding to mounting pressure to take action against a rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak disrupting nearly all corners of U.S. daily life.

Trump, whose administration has come under sharp criticism for its response to a public health crisis that he has previously downplayed, also announced several steps aimed at blunting economic fallout posed by coronavirus.

The travel order, which starts on midnight Friday, does not apply to Britain, or to Americans undergoing “appropriate screenings,” Trump said.

“We are marshaling the full power of the federal government and the private sector to protect the American people,” Trump said in a prime-time televised address from the Oval Office. “This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history.”

Soon after, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled a broad package of proposals to help Americans affected by the coronavirus outbreak, including paid sick leave, family leave and medical leave.

Trump, whose re-election bid on Nov. 3 could hinge on how well he responds to the crisis, stopped short of declaring a national emergency as the number of coronavirus infections continued to mount.

He did not address a shortage of diagnostic test kits, which according to experts has made it difficult to gauge the full scale of outbreaks in the United States and curtail transmission of the virus.

After triggering confusion by suggesting that “trade and cargo” from Europe would also be suspended, Trump clarified that “trade will in no way be affected” by the travel restriction.

“The restriction stops people not goods,” he said in a tweet moments after his speech.

Amid the confusion,

Members of a Servpro cleanup crew wearing hazardous material suits prepare to enter Life Care Center of Kirkland, the Seattle-area nursing home at the epicenter of one of the biggest coronavirus outbreaks in the United States, in Kirkland, Washington, U.S. March 11, 2020.

Washington, D.C., resident Michelle Cravez, 30, who is visiting her brother in Prague, noticed her phone exploding with notifications after a night out. Cravez, who planned to travel home next week, quickly rebooked a ticket leaving early on Friday morning.

“It quickly became apparent that demand was pushing costs up and seats were going fast,” she said in a Twitter conversation with a Reuters reporter. “Shortly after, we find out that this ruling may not apply to citizens. Still, with everything so fluid - who knows whether flights start getting canceled - we decided to bite the bullet and book a new itinerary that got us home before the deadline.”

Trump’s travel order, which applies to 26 European countries, capped a day of mounting upheavals on the domestic front from a highly contagious respiratory illness, also known as COVID-19.

UPHEAVALS AT HOME

In the hard-hit Seattle area, the largest public school district in Washington state announced an unprecedented two-week suspension of all instruction as Governor Inslee banned public gatherings of more than 250 people in three surrounding counties.

The greater Seattle area is the epicenter of the deadliest, and one of the largest, clusters of coronavirus infections in the United States, accounting for the bulk of

at least 38 U.S. fatalities from the disease.

Washington state has documented 373 coronavirus cases, including 30 deaths, most of them concentrated around a long-term care facility in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland. There were 1,311 cases in total in the United States, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally.

The outbreak took a major toll on U.S. sports on Wednesday as the National Basketball Association said it was suspending the season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus.

Earlier in the day, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) said its wildly popular “March Madness” basketball tournament games would be played in arenas without fans.

Late-night television was taking a hit as well, with at least two shows produced in New York City - NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” planning to begin taping without a live studio audience for the first time, Hollywood trade publication Variety reported.

The outbreak even touched one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, as Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks announced on Twitter that he and his wife, Rita Wilson, had tested positive for coronavirus in Australia, where he was on a film shoot.

New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade canceled on coronavirus concern

The centuries-old St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City has been canceled this year, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday, one of the most high-profile U.S. public events to be felled by the global coronavirus pandemic.

Organizers plan to hold what would have been the 259th annual parade at a later date, Cuomo said in a statement.

The news came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a month-long ban on travel to the United States from European countries besides the United Kingdom and the National Basketball Association said it was suspending the rest of the season after a player tested positive.

The parade is usually held on March 17th, attracting millions of spectators who line up along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue to celebrate the patron

saint of Ireland.

“While I know the parade organizers did not make this decision lightly, public health experts agree that one of the most effective ways to contain the spread of the virus is to limit large gatherings and close contacts, and I applaud the parade’s leadership for working cooperatively with us,” Cuomo’s statement said.

The new coronavirus emerged in China last year and causes a sometimes deadly respiratory illness called COVID-19, which has infected more than 1,200 people in the country and killed at least 37.

The custom of celebrating the Feast of St. Patrick with a parade originated in North America in the 18th century, historians says.

The parade in New York City dates back to 1762 and was convened

by Irish members of the British Army

Marchers carry the New York State, Irish and America flags during the 258th St Patrick’s Day Parade on 5th Avenue in Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S., March 16, 2019 posted to the colonies, according to organizers, making it one of the oldest such celebrations in the world.

Now, according to estimates by city officials, more than 2 million spectators, many dressed in green, some

drinking Guinness, gather to watch military bands.

On Monday, Ireland canceled St. Patrick’s Day parades across the country as the new coronavirus continued to spread around the world.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

WORLD NEWS

Ban on European travel to U.S. will batter airlines, already roiled by coronavirus

The new U.S. ban on foreign citizens entering the country if they have traveled to Europe in recent weeks will heap more pressure on airlines already reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, hitting European carriers the hardest, analysts said.

The 30-day restrictions from Friday, which exclude Britain, are similar to those that went into effect targeting China on Feb. 1, and come after the outbreak’s rapid spread across the European continent and in the United States.

Industry watchers warned the move could also create chaos at dozens of airports across Europe as passengers attempt a last-minute rush to fly to the United States before the ban takes effect.

Flights from Europe can still operate to a limited number of U.S. airports with enhanced screening under measures announced on Wednesday evening. But only U.S. citizens, permanent residents and immediate family members will be allowed in, severely denting the passenger base and hurting the U.S. tourism industry.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the ban was needed because the country was entering a “critical time” in the fight against the virus, which has spread across the United States and killed at least 37 people and infected 1,281.

“We made a lifesaving move with early action on China.

Airplanes of German airline Lufthansa and U.S. carrier United Airlines land and take off at Frankfurt Airport, Germany March 2, 2020 Now we must take the same action “The ban on flights on with Europe,” Trump said in an Europe will really zap foreign address to the nation. “We will not carriers,” said independent aviation delay.” analyst Mike Boyd of Boyd Group

The ban stops movement of International. people, not goods, he later clarified He said the U.S. embargo on Twitter. makes sense, because European

U.S. airlines had already Union countries and carriers did slashed flight schedules to Italy, not sufficiently restrict China access, facing the largest European which allowed the virus to spread. outbreak, and will take another hit “We have to close the door,” Boyd from lower demand for flights from said. major destinations like France and “This is not a drill – the Oil field workers prepare a swabbing rig in a cotton field in Seminole, TX, Germany. epidemic is real – and unprecedented.

U.S. September 19, 2019.

But the new restrictions will It is the type of hard decisions the particularly batter foreign carriers U.S. needs to make ... the EU has

Oil prices sank again on Thursday along like Germany’s Lufthansa and Air not moved aggressively to limit the with the broader market after the United States France KLM SA that dominate the spread of this ... virus,” he said. banned travel from Europe following a World Health market for flights between mainland Lufthansa and Air France Organization declaration that the coronavirus Europe and the United States and KLM did not respond immediately outbreak is now a pandemic. had already grounded dozens of to a request for comment.

Market worries were compounded by the planes, analysts said. threat of a flood of cheap supply as Saudi Arabia promised to raise oil output to a record high in its standoff with Russia.

Brent crude LCOc1 was trading down $1.91, or 5.3%, at $33.88 by around 0339 GMT, slightly above earlier lows. The contract fell nearly 4% on Thursday.

U.S. crude CLc1 was down $1.74, or 5.3%, at $31.24 after dropping 4% in the previous session.

Oil is down around 50% from highs reached coronavirus outbreak a What will this mean for in January. pandemic? the outbreak?

Global shares also crumbled after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States

Speaking to media on Following the will suspend all travel from Europe as he unveiled Wednesday, Tedros Adhanom announcement, several countries measures to contain the coronavirus epidemic.

Ghebreyesus, WHO Director- scaled up their responses and put

The travel ban, which excludes Britain, will General, said he was “deeply in place even stricter controls. hit U.S. airlines “extremely hard,” their industry concerned” by the “alarming Denmark, which has association said. levels of inaction” as the reported a 10-fold jump in cases

The surprise move is likely to mean a further outbreak shows no signs of since Monday, said it was closing drop in demand for jet and other fuels in an already slowing down. all schools and universities from battered oil market though, for now, just how much

“In the past two weeks, Friday. Non-critical public sector is hard to quantify. the number of cases of COVID-19 employees will also be sent

“A WHO declaration of global emergency and outside China has increased 13- home.

U.S.-EU traffic ban is dampening the global energy fold, and the number of affected Saudi Arabia suspended demand outlook, in conjunction with an intensified countries has tripled,” Tedros travel and flights to the price war between Saudi and Russia,” said Margaret said.

European Union and several Yang, market analyst at CMC Markets in Singapore.

According to the other countries following the

“Bears are dominating the oil market and WHO, more than 90 percent of announcement. there might be more downside before a bottom can cases are in just four countries The US State Department be reached,” she added.

- China, Italy, Iran and South also urged citizens to reconsider

The United Arab Emirates followed Saudi Korea. However, the number travel overseas with President Arabia in announcing plans to boost oil output after of cases in China and South Donald Trump suspending all the collapse last week of an agreement between OPEC, Korea is declining significantly, flights from Europe, except the Russia and other producers, a grouping known as according to the WHO. UK. The ban will be in place for OPEC+, to withhold supply and buttress prices.

Many countries at least a month, Trump said.

UAE’s national oil company, ADNOC, said continue to face an uphill battle Declaration of a it plans to raise crude sales to more than 4 million when it comes to combating the pandemic often leads to barrels per day (bpd) and accelerate a push to boost spread. governments spending more on capacity by a quarter to 5 million bpd.

“Some countries are preventive measures and funding

“Without OPEC+, the global oil market has struggling with a lack of capacity. for vaccination programmes. lost its regulator and now only market mechanisms Some countries are struggling That was the case can dictate the balance between supply and demand,” with a lack of resources,” Tedros the last time WHO declared a said Espen Erlingsen, head of upstream research at added. pandemic in 2009 during H1N1 Rystad Energy, which estimates that oil will need to “swine flu” outbreak. fall to the low $20s to achieve equilibrium.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have slashed forecasts for oil demand because of the coronavirus outbreak and now expect demand to contract this quarter.

Still, weekly data on U.S. inventories showed minimal effects from the coronavirus pandemic.

Crude stocks increased by 7.7 million barrels, but inventories of gasoline and diesel fell sharply, as refining runs remain at seasonally low levels.

Coronavirus: What is a pandemic and how will things change?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic as the virus continued to spread across the world.

More than 124,000 people in at least 114 countries have been infected with COVID-19, the medical term for the virus, according to WHO. Of those, more than 68,000 have recovered, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus.

What is a pandemic?

The WHO defines the word pandemic loosely - “the worldwide spread of a new disease”.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a pandemic is a disease that has spread in multiple countries around the world, usually affecting a large number of people.

The word comes from the Greek word “pan” meaning all and “demos” meaning people.

Why did WHO label

Oil slumps as U.S. bans travel from Europe over pandemic

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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WORLD NEWS

Latest on the spread of coronavirus around the world The number of people infected with the coronavirus topped 119,000 across the world as the outbreak spread to more countries, causing greater economic damage.

to the White House. new imported cases from neighboring - The Democratic presidential contenders Indonesia. were left to reassess how to campaign, - Weeks after Vietnam declared that all its after cancelling rallies.

16 cases had recovered, the number of - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration infections is on the rise following a flight and Federal Trade Commission issued from Britain.

DEATHS/INFECTIONS warning letters to firms selling products - Thailand temporarily suspended issuing claiming to prevent, treat or cure visas on arrival to 19 countries and territories.

- More than 119,100 people have been COVID-19. infected globally and nearly 4,300 have - Jamaica confirmed on Tuesday its first ADVERTISEMENT died, according to a Reuters tally of imported case, in its capital city Kingston.

- Panama said on Tuesday it has confirmed MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA government announcements.

- Mainland China had 24 new cases by the country’s first death and seven new Tuesday, up from 19 cases a day earlier, people have been infected.

- Bahrain’s health ministry said on bringing the total to 80,778. The death - Around 100 cases have been reported Wednesday 77 new coronavirus cases had toll reached 3,158, up by 22 from the in Latin America since Brazil announced been recorded among citizens evacuated the first case on Feb. 26. previous day. from Iran on Tuesday.

- The U.N. called on Iran to free all ASIA EUROPE prisoners temporarily on Tuesday, a day after Iran’s judiciary chief said it had - Italy’s death toll jumped by 168 to 631, - China’s Hubei province said public temporarily freed about 70,000. the largest rise in absolute numbers since transport workers in Wuhan, and - Algeria suspended economic, cultural the contagion came to light on Feb. 21. workers making medical supplies and and political gatherings to slow the The total number of cases in Italy rose daily necessities, would be allowed to spread of the virus. return to work as well as some industries - Israel, with 42 cases, will require anyone to 10,149. arriving from overseas to self-quarantine - Britain’s junior health minister has that impact major supply chains.

- India closed its border with Myanmar for 14 days. tested positive and is self-isolating.

- Poland, which has confirmed 26 cases, and stopped issuing visas to France, - Lebanon reported its first death on Tuesday and Congo its first case, bringing will close all schools starting on Monday. Spain and Germany.

- Bosnia, Serbia, Denmark and Moldova - Kazakhstan cut natural gas supplies to the number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa hit by the epidemic to seven. have closed air travel from virus-hit China by 20-25% on Wednesday. countries. Moldova and Bosnia’s Serb - Total infections in Japan rose to 1,278, region have also shut schools and including 696 from a cruise ship and 14 AUSTRALIA returnees on charter flights from China. universities.

- Austria will deny entry to people arriving One new infection was reported early on - Australia announced a A$2.4 billion from Italy and has banned indoor events Wednesday, when the death toll stood at ($1.56 billion) health package that of more than 100 people, along with 19. proposes setting up fever clinics and the Czech Republic which is also closing - South Korea reported a jump in new offering cost-free facilities for people to cases on Wednesday as authorities tested consult doctors over video calls. schools and universities.

- Ukraine’s capital Kiev said it would hundreds of staff at a call center where restrict mass events and close schools the disease appeared this week, reversing ECONOMIC FALLOUT 11 days of slowing infections. and universities.

- Turkey reported its first case on - Chinese manufacturers and sellers of Wednesday.

AMERICAS drug ingredients say logistical hurdles - Hong Kong will quarantine all visitors and labor shortages are delaying some - U.S. President Donald Trump will meet from Italy and parts of France, Germany production and shipments, adding to with heads of some of the largest U.S. and Japan for two weeks from March 13. concerns about the potential for global banks on Wednesday to discuss the - Singapore started charging visitors for drug shortages. financial industry’s response, according coronavirus treatment after it reported - China’s central bank said it will take

British Health minister Dorries diagnosed with coronavirus

British Conservative MP Nadine Dorries speaks in the Parliament during a debate on alternatives to Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit Deal, in London, Britain April 3, 2019, in this screen grab taken from video

British junior health minister Nadine Dorries has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating, she said on Tuesday.

Dorries said she took “all the advised precautions” as soon as she was told of her diagnosis.

“Public Health England has started detailed contact tracing and the department and my parliamentary office are closely following their advice,” she said in a statement issued through the UK’s health department.

The Times reported that Dorries met hundreds of people in Parliament in the past week and attended a reception with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Britain’s health minister, Matt Hancock, tweeted that he was “really sorry” to hear of Dorries’ diagnosis. “She has done the right thing by self isolating at home,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the death toll in the United Kingdom from the coronavirus outbreak rose to six, British health officials said.

The health ministry also said the number of people who had tested positive for the virus had risen to 373 from 319.

A man wearing protective face mask following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is pictured in Tokyo, Japan March 11, 2020. effective measures with the stock regulator to improve the financing function of the bond market in an attempt to support the economy.

- Italy will ramp up spending to help the economy, earmarking 25 billion euros ($28.3 billion) to tackle the growing crisis, its Prime Minister said on Wednesday.

MARKETS - European stocks rose on Wednesday after the Bank of England joined other central banks in cutting interest rates, raising hopes for more co-ordinated monetary and fiscal stimulus to counter the economic shock from the coronavirus outbreak.

EVENT CANCELED, POSTPONED, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS - A meeting of G20 Agriculture and Water ministers scheduled for March 17-19 in Saudi Arabia has been postponed.

The International Weightlifting Federation postponed the European championship from April to June.

- Arsenal isolated some players and the Premier League postponed its Manchester City match on Wednesday.

Italian premier locks down entire country to stop virus

Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte put his entire country on lockdown Monday to combat the coronavirus, banning all but the most important travel and putting the final kibosh on social gatherings after Italians failed to take previous warnings to heart amid skyrocketing infections.

Two days after imposing the same strict measures on a quarter of the country, in the hard-hit north, Conte urged all 60 million Italians to stay home.

The only travel allowed will be for proven work reasons, for health conditions or other cases of necessity.

“Our habits must be changed, changed now. We all have to give up something for the good of Italy. When I speak of Italy, I speak of our dear ones, of our grandparents and of our parents,” Conte said. “We will succeed only if we all collaborate and we adapt right away to these more stringent norms.”

The nationwide restrictions take effect Tuesday until April 3 and include extending the closures of schools and universities and closing pubs, eateries and cafes at dusk.

Conte took to task young people who continued to gather socially as the virus spread, saying “this night life ... we can’t allow this any more.”

Italy registered 1,807 more confirmed cases as of Monday evening, for a national total of 9,172. The number of dead in Italy also increased by 97 to 463 — most of them elderly with previous

Police officers and soldiers check passengers leaving from Milan main train station, Italy, Monday, March 9, 2020. ailments.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. In mainland China, where the virus first exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered.”

Despite registering the largest number of cases outside

of China, Italy has seen only superficial compliance with measures aimed at reducing social contact, including closing cinemas and theaters and banning fans from soccer games. The government gradually expand the so-called red zones.

Restrictions on movement initially applied to 11 towns in northern Italy with a total population of around 50,000 people before being expanded Sunday to all of Lombardy and 14 provinces in the neighboring regions of Veneto, Piedmont and Emilia Romagna.

On the first business day since the government locked down a broad swath of the north, confusion reigned over who could go where and under what circumstances Monday.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

WORLD NEWS

Putin backs term limit freeze allowing him to stay in office Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed his tightly guarded political plans Tuesday and supported a constitutional amendment that would allow him to seek reelection in 2024 by restarting the term count.

The constitutional change would pave the way for the 67-yearold Putin to stay in office until 2036, if he desires.

A lawmaker who is revered in Russia as the first woman to fly in space proposed either scrapping Russia’s two-term limit for presidents or stopping the clock so the law wouldn’t apply to Putin’s time in office.

The Russian leader and the lower house of parliament quickly endorsed the proposal put forward by 83-year-old former Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova.

Kremlin critics denounced the move as cynical manipulation and called for protests.

Lawmakers also passed a set of constitutional amendments proposed by Putin that include defining marriage as a heterosexual union and language pledging homage to “ancestors who bequeathed to us their ideals and a belief in God.”

In a speech to lawmakers debating the package of amendments, Putin opposed doing away with the presidential term limit but backed stopping the count and restarting it in 2024, if the Russian Constitution is revised.

Putin’s second consecutive six-year term ends in 2024.

A nationwide vote on the amendments is scheduled for next month.

Putin has been in power for more than 20 years, and he is Russia’s longest-serving leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. After serving two presidential terms in 2000-2008, he shifted to the Russian prime minister’s office while protege Dmitry Medvedev served as a placeholder president.

After the length of a presidential term was extended to

six years under Medvedev, Putin reclaimed the presidency in 2012 and won another term in 2018.

Observers had speculated that to retain the presidency, Putin could use constitutional amendments he unveiled in January to scrap term limits; move into the prime minister’s seat with strengthened powers; or continue calling the shots as the head of the State Council.

However, Putin had dismissed those suggestions, and it wasn’t clear until Tuesday what option he might use to keep power. The Russian leader finally revealed his cards after Tereshkova, a legendary figure glorified for her pioneering 1963 space flight, offered her ideas.

“I propose to either lift the presidential term limit or add a clause that after the revised constitution enters force, the incumbent president, just like any other citizen, has the right to seek the presidency,” she said to raucous applause in the State Duma.

After Tereshkova unveiled her proposal in an apparently choreographed move, Putin quickly arrived in parliament to address lawmakers.

He said he was aware of public calls for him to stay on as president and emphasized that Russia needs stability above all.

“The president is a guarantor of security of our state, its internal stability and evolutionary development,” Putin said. “We have had enough revolutions.”

However, he said that since the constitution is a long-term document, scrapping the term limit wasn’t a good idea.

“In the long-term perspective, society must have guarantees of regular government rotation,” he said. “We need to think about future generations.”

And only then did Putin drop the bombshell, saying he positively viewed Tereshkova’s alternate proposal to restart the term count when the revamped

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a session prior to voting for constitutional amendments at the State Duma, the Lower House of the Russian Parliament in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. constitution enters into force.

“As for the proposal to lift restrictions for any person, any citizen, including the incumbent president, to allow running in Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends future elections ... this option is a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Jeddah, possible,” Putin said.

Saudi Arabia, September 18, 2019.

He added that the

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince meant to send Constitutional Court would need a strong message to critics within the royal family to judge if the move would be legal, by detaining senior princes this weekend: Don’t you although the court’s assent is all but dare oppose my succession to the throne. guaranteed.

The main target in the crackdown, sources

At the same time, Putin said, is King Salman’s brother, Prince Ahmed quashed speculation that the bin Abdulaziz, one of only three members of the Kremlin might call an early Allegiance Council, the royal body that endorses the parliamentary election for the fall, line of succession, to oppose Mohammed bin Salman saying he considered it unnecessary. becoming crown prince in 2017 in a palace coup.

Moments later, the Duma’s speaker

Four sources with royal connections said the could be heard directing his deputy move aimed to ensure compliance within the ruling to ask the lawmaker who proposed Al Saud family, in which there have been rumblings holding the early vote to withdraw of discontent, ahead of an eventual succession upon his motion. the king’s death or abdication.

Putin’s statement came as

One of the sources described the detentions lawmakers were considering the as a preemptive effort to ensure Prince Mohammed’s amendments in a crucial second “ascent will be rubber stamped by the Allegiance reading when changes in the Council when the time comes”. document are made.

Ahmed, 78, was detained on Friday along

The Kremlin-controlled lower house, the State Duma, with Mohammed bin Nayef, who was crown prince until he was ousted in 2017 and replaced by quickly endorsed the proposed Mohammed bin Salman. Ahmed’s son Nayef and amendments by a 382-0 vote with Mohammed’s brother Nawaf were also detained, said 44 abstentions. A vote on a third two other sources with royal connections. reading will be a quick formality. A

The princes have been held at royal villas in nationwide vote on the proposed the capital Riyadh and some were allowed to contact amendments is set for April 22. their families, those sources said.

Crown Prince Mohammed, who has moved ruthlessly to tighten his grip on power, feared disaffected princes might rally around Ahmed and the Atlantic coast. Juan Orlando Mohammed bin Nayef as potential alternatives to Hernández expressed interest in take the throne, said two of the sources with royal access to the lab because it was connections, and a senior foreign diplomat. so close to the port, according to

“This is a preparation for transferring power,” court documents, which did not said one of those sources. “It is a clear message to the explain why he was interested. family that no one can say ‘No’ or dare challenge

The documents say Juan him.”

Orlando Hernández and Fuentes

Saudi authorities have not confirmed or agreed “to facilitate the use of commented on the detentions, which have not been Honduran armed forces personnel covered by Saudi media. The media ministry has not as security” for Fuentes’ drugresponded to detailed requests for comment. trafficking activities. It also said

If Mohammed bin Salman, 34, succeeds that Hernández instructed Fuentes his father, it will be Saudi Arabia’s first generational that his brother, Hernández transfer of power since the death of state founder Alvarado, “was managing drugAbdulaziz Ibn Saud in 1953, who was followed by six Honduran President Juan Orlando trafficking activities in Honduras of his sons in succession.

Hernandez answers questions from the and that Fuentes should report

The Allegiance Council, made up of one Associated Press, as he leaves a meeting directly to Hernández Alvarado for member from each house of 34 sons of Abdulaziz, is at the Organization of American States, in purposes of drug trafficking.” designed to ensure that the hundreds of princes that Washington

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey make up the royal family’s next generation unite allegations of connections to Berman said in the statement that behind the new king. traffickers.

“Fuentes Ramirez paved the way for

The senior foreign diplomat said the

U.S. prosecutors arrested unimpeded shipment of multi-ton detentions were another blow to the country’s image Geovanny Daniel Fuentes Ramires loads of cocaine by bribing police abroad just as it appeared to be recovering from at Miami International Airport on and a high-ranking Honduran the furor over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Sunday on charges of conspiring politician, and reporting directly Khashoggi and criticism of the Yemen war. to import cocaine into the U.S. and to Tony Hernandez, another

Crown Prince Mohammed previously related weapons charges. co-conspirator in the scheme detained senior royals and prominent Saudi

They say Fuentes met and himself a former Honduran businessmen in 2017 at Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton hotel, with Juan Orlando Hernández on congressman.” unnerving investors at home and abroad. More several occasions and spoke of a It’s not the first time U.S. recently, it seemed those days of unpredictability cocaine laboratory that Fuentes prosecutors have linked President had been put to rest as Riyadh assumed this year’s was running near Puerto Cortes on Hernández to the drug trade. presidency of the Group of 20 major economies.

US prosecutors tie Honduras president to drug trafficker

U.S. prosecutors said Tuesday that Honduras’ president met a drug trafficker around 2013 and took $25,000 in exchange for protecting the trafficker from law enforcement.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York issued a statement referring to President Juan Orlando Hernández only as a “high-ranking Honduran official” or as “CC4,” a co-conspirator. But in court documents, it identified “CC4” as president of Honduras and brother of former congressman Juan Antonio Hernández Alvarado, who was convicted on drug charges last year. In previous filing, U.S. prosecutors have described “CC-4” as the winner of the 2013 presidential elections.

It was not clear if the alleged incident involving the trafficker occurred before or after federal congressman Juan Orlando Hernández won the 2013 presidential election. He took office in January 2014.

He has not been charged and did not immediately comment on the allegations, but he has repeatedly denied earlier

Saudi princes’ detentions sent a message: don’t block my path to the throne

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 39

WORLD NEWS

Partly false claim: a 1981 book predicted the coronavirus 2019 outbreak

A theory widely shared on developed by labs outside of the city of Meanwhile COVID-19 infections have published his novel under his real name social media claims that American Wuhan. a wide range of symptoms, including instead of using his pseudonym “Leigh author Dean Koontz predicted the There is no proof that the new fever, coughing, shortness of breath and Nichols”.

2019-2020 Coronavirus outbreak in coronavirus was created in a lab. The breathing difficulties. Mild cases can Reuters tried to contact the 1981. Posts featuring the cover of “The virus is believed to have originated late cause cold-like symptoms, while severe author and the publisher but is yet to Eyes of Darkness” book and a page in last year in a food market in Wuhan cases can cause pneumonia, severe acute receive an answer. which Koontz allegedly describes the that was illegally selling wildlife. Health respiratory illness, kidney failure and Some of the posts on social coronavirus in his novel have at least experts think it may have originated in death. media also share a third image of a 39,000 and at least 2,000 retweets on bats and then passed to humans, possibly In the novel, “Wuhan-400” is book page without any attribution, Twitter as of February 27, 2020. via another species. described to be “infinitely worse” than wrongly suggesting it is part of the same

Most of the claims circulating Reuters looked at further Ebola (EVD), but COVID-19 is less book. This page reads: “In around 2020 on social media show the book’s cover references of “Wuhan-400” in Koontz’s threatening than EVD. According to the a severe pneumonia-like illness will and a page in the book mentioning a book.

WHO, the average EVD case fatality rate spread throughout the globe, attacking virus called “Wuhan-400”. The widely The symptoms and behavior of is around 50%, while case fatality rates the lungs and the bronchial tubes and circulated photo of Koontz’s book page Koontz’s “Wuhan-400” are very different have varied from 25% to 90% in past resisting all known treatments”. includes some highlighted text reading: to COVID-19. In the novel, the virus outbreaks. The new coronavirus death- This page does not belong to “They call the stuff ‘Wuhan-400’ because has an incubation period of “only four rate is between 2% and 4% in Wuhan “The Eyes of Darkness”. It comes from it was developed at their RDNA labs hours”. COVID-19’s incubation period is and 0.7% outside Wuhan. the 2008 book “End Of Days: Predictions outside of the city of Wuhan, and It was between 1-14 days. According to World It is worth noting that in the and prophecies about the end of the the four-hundredth viable strain of man- Health Organization, the most common first edition of “The Eyes of Darkness” in world” by Sylvia Browne, an American made microorganisms created at that incubation time is around five days.

1981, the fictional virus was not named author who claimed to be a psychic. research center”.

Koontz also describes after the Chinese city, but after a Russian This claim is therefore partly

Some claims circulating also “Wuhan-400” as a disease with a “kill-rate” locality named “Gorki” (Gorki-400). In false. Dean Koontz did write about a include an additional page that mentions of a 100%. “Once infected, no one lives the original version of the novel, the fictional virus called “Wuhan-400” in the year 2020 and the outbreak of a more than twenty-four hours. Most die virus was developed outside of “Gorki” the 1989 re-release of his 1981 novel “severe pneumonia-like illness”. in twelve”, he writes. COVID-19’s death and it was meant to be the “Soviet’s most “The Eyes of Darkness”, but symptoms

This is partly false. While it is rate is far from this, according to the important, dangerous new biological and effects of the disease do not match true that Koontz wrote about a fictional WHO, the case-fatality rate is between weapon in the decade”. This is confirmed the official description of COVID-19. virus in his novel and that its name 2% and 4% in Wuhan and 0.7% outside by a Google Books’ search of the word The additional page present in some “Wuhan-400” refers the Chinese city in Wuhan.

“Wuhan” in the 1981 edition. In this claims suggesting an outbreak “around which the 2019 Coronavirus outbreak The symptoms described by edition “Wuhan-400” brings no results.

2020” is from a different book.

(COVID-19) actually started, the illness Koontz are different to COVID-19. In his According to the South China in his book doesn’t share more traits novel, “Wuhan-400” causes the secretion Morning Post, the name of the virus was VERDICT with COVID-19. of a “toxin that literally eats away brain changed on the re-release of the book

In his novel, Koontz described tissue” causing loss of control of bodily in 1989, toward the end of the Cold Partly false: Dean Kootz “Wuhan-400” as “China’s most important function. “The victim simply ceases War. Their article includes photographs wrote about a fictional virus called and dangerous: new biological weapon to have a pulse, functioning organs, or of the previous edition that references “Wuhan-400”, but its description has in a decade”. He also wrote it was any urge to breathe”, writes Koontz. “Gorki-400”). In this edition, Koontz also nothing to do with the new coronavirus.

Royal farewell: UK’s Harry and Meghan bow out from official roles

Britain’s top royals came together on Monday at Westminster Abbey in their last public family gathering before Prince Harry and his wife Meghan set off on a new career path devoid of official duties.

The annual Commonwealth Service was also the first time Harry and Meghan had been seen with Queen Elizabeth, his elder brother William and wife Kate, and father Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, since the couple thrashed out an exit deal from their royal roles in January.

Harry and Meghan smiled and she waved at William and Kate as they arrived at the abbey. The couple chatted and laughed with his uncle, Prince Edward, who was sitting next to them.

“I imagine everybody will be on absolutely best behavior,” royal biographer Penny Junor told Reuters. “But goodness knows what they will all be thinking privately.”

The January agreement, which comes into force at the end of the month, will see the couple - the Duke and Duchess of Sussex seek to carve out “a progressive new role”, mainly in North America, that they aim to finance themselves.

Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, will stop using their HRH titles His or Her Royal Highness, will not use “royal” in their branding and Harry, who remains a prince, will relinquish his military titles.

Their announcement that they wished to step back from some royal duties sent shockwaves through the monarchy. It led to a crisis meeting involving the 93-year-old queen, her heir Charles, William and Harry that concluded he and Meghan would have to give up all their royal duties.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London, Britain March 9, 2020.

The couple have since spent most of their time in Canada, but returned this month for a farewell round of engagements.

Their baby son Archie has remained in Canada.

Monday’s event was their last official royal appearance and came less than two years after they married in a dazzling ceremony watched by millions.

“Our hope was to continue serving the queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations without public funding.

Sadly that wasn’t possible,” the prince, sixth-in-line to the throne, said in January.

‘GIVING UP EVERYTHING’

Polls show Harry, whose mother was the late Princess Diana, is one of the most popular royals and the couple were greeted with a standing ovation at an event on Saturday.

Junor said his leaving

would be a huge loss for the family and the monarchy.

“I thought that he had absolutely embraced his destiny as a member of the royal family,” she said. “He recognized what he could do with his position, the power he had to change things for good.

I think he will miss that ability to make people’s lives better.”

However, Harry, who served in the army for 10 years, has never hidden his discomfort with his royal role and the attention of the media. He has spoken candidly about his mental health struggles following his mother’s death.

He has also been angered by the treatment his American wife, a former actress, has received from some British tabloids. She has also said how difficult she found it.

Junor said Harry might find it difficult living in the United States and Canada away from his family, friends and former life.

“He is giving up everything he’s known, a huge family that he’s very close to, and his work, to go and live in Canada where he actually knows nobody and he has no job,” she said.

Last weekend, Harry met the queen at Windsor Castle to discuss his future. A royal source confirmed a report in the Sun newspaper that the queen told Harry he would always be welcome to rejoin the royal fold.

“I could imagine Harry coming back,” Junor said.

“I hope that they will not wake up one day and think ‘what on earth have we done and what does life hold for us? We’re sitting in paradise ... but what else do we have in life?’ I hope that doesn’t happen to them.”

Mom, son safe after 52 hours trapped in China hotel rubble

A 10-year-old boy and his mother have been rescued 52 hours after being trapped in the collapse of a virus quarantine site in southeastern China where 20 people have died.

Video released by rescuers showed the two being pulled from the debris of the hotel that collapsed on Saturday. The woman and boy were discovered late Monday night and they were freed around midnight after three hours of painstaking digging.

The hotel in the city of Quanzhou had been a quarantine site for people exposed to the new coronavirus, which for most people causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The death toll in the collapse rose to 20 on Tuesday, with 10 people missing. A total of 71 people had been inside the hotel when it crumbled in mere seconds.

The building had been illegally reconstructed several times, the official Xinhua News Agency quoted an unidentified senior official saying Tuesday. Shang Yong, deputy head of the Ministry of Emergency Management, told reporters a comprehensive accident investigation will be launched to identify the cause of the collapse, and any official found responsible would be held to account.

Construction of the building began in 2013 and it was converted into an express hotel in 2018.

Two supermarkets on the first floor were being remodeled, and a pillar reportedly deformed a few minutes before the collapse, Xinhua said Sunday, quoting a district official.

Rescuers have been issued protective gear and disinfectant to minimize exposure to the virus.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.

In mainland China, where the virus first exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and nearly 60,000 have so far recovered.

Most parts of China are quarantining people from high-risk areas or even those who traveled abroad or simply outside their home regions areas for 14 days.

Page 40

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 41

BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY Australia sues Facebook, alleges breach of user data

The Australian privacy regulator filed a lawsuit against Facebook Inc (FB.O), accusing the social media giant of sharing the personal details of more than 300,000 people with political consultant Cambridge Analytica without their knowledge.

In the Federal Court lawsuit, the Australian Information Commissioner accused Facebook of breaching privacy law by disclosing 311,127 users’ information for political profiling via a survey product, ‘This Is Your Digital Life’, on its website.

“The design of the Facebook platform meant that users were unable to exercise reasonable choice and control about how their personal information was disclosed,” Information Commissioner Angelene Falk said in a statement.

The suit sought unspecified damages, adding that each breach of privacy law could draw a maximum penalty of A$1.7 million ($1.1 million).

The fine would amount to A$529 billion if the court awarded the maximum for each of the 311,127 instances.

A Facebook spokeswoman said the company had engaged “actively” with the Office of the Information Commissioner over the past two years as part of the investigation.

“We’ve made major changes to our platforms, in consultation with international regulators, to restrict the information available to app developers, implement new governance protocols and build industry-leading controls to help people protect and manage their data,” she said in a statement.

“We’re unable to comment further as this is now before the Federal Court.”

PERSONALITY QUIZ

Last July, Facebook was fined a record $5 billion by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission after a probe triggered by the same user personality quiz from 2014 to 2015.

In all, Facebook was accused of inappropriately sharing information belonging to 87 million users globally with the survey tool of now-defunct British firm Cambridge Analytica.

The consultancy’s clients included U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2016 election campaign.

In the months after Trump’s election, Cambridge Analytica registered a business in Australia but never went to work for an Australian political party.

In the Australian lawsuit, the Information Commissioner said Facebook did not know the exact nature of the data it shared with Cambridge Analytica’s ‘This Is Your Digital Life’ program, but that it failed to take reasonable steps to protect users’ personal information.

“As a result, the Affected Australian Individuals’ personal information was exposed to the risk of disclosure, monetisation and use for political profiling purposes,” the court filing said.

“These breaches amounted to serious and/ or repeated interferences with the privacy of the Australian Affected Individuals,” it added.

T & W Auto Location: #23 South Dock Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Mechanic Duties: High skill in Mechanic Auto, gasoline diesel, excellent knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic components of vehicles To work 5 days a week From 8:00am – 5:00pm, eight hours a day Salary is $9.00 per hour Please Contact: 247-7796 This position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

#975643

Coronavirus, oil collapse erase $5 trillion from U.S. stocks

Fears about the rapidly spreading coronavirus and its impact on the global economy, which deepened on Monday with the collapse of oil prices, have evaporated over $5 trillion of the S&P 500’s market value in recent weeks.

The U.S. stock benchmark’s .SPX 7.6% drop on Monday, which triggered a temporary trading halt in its biggest one-day decline since 2011, came after Saudi Arabia and Russia began a price war that threatens to overwhelm global oil markets with supply, causing crude prices to tumble 20% in their deepest daily rout since the 1991 Gulf War.

That price war broke out after major oil producing countries failed to reach an agreement to cut output to make up for lower demand related to the coronavirus.

“It’s a perfect storm. You’ve got a lot of uncertainty in terms of how far the virus will spread in the U.S. You layer onto this the oil price cut. The third thing is financial instability, in the sense that with yields falling as far and as fast as they’re falling,” said Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer at Independent Advisors Alliance.

On the New York Stock Exchange, the number of shares

hitting 52-week lows reached more than 3,500 on Monday, the biggest number of new lows since 2008.

Since hitting a record high on S&P 500, the index has lost over $5 trillion in value. The S&P 500’s largest 10 companies by market capitalization have seen their combined values drop by more than $1.4 trillion.

About $250 billion has been erased from the stock market value of Microsoft (MSFT.O) since Feb. 19, more than any other U.S. company. Apple (AAPL.O) and Alphabet (GOOGL.O) have seen their values shrink by over $200 billion each, while Amazon (AMZN.O) has lost $170 billion in market capitalization.

The S&P 500 energy .SPNY index on Monday plunged 20% to its lowest level since August 2004 as investors reacted to the slump in oil prices. [O/R]

That left the energy index down 50% from its 52-week high, far worse than any other sector.

With the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury US10YT=RR declining to another record low on Monday, the S&P 500 financials index .SPSY tumbled 11%, leaving it down 27% from its record high last month.

“The lower oil price is going to decimate oil stocks, the

A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., March 9, 2020. oil industry, the shale producers, and the record low interest rates are going to decimate the banks.

Those are the stocks posting the biggest declines today,” said Donald Selkin, chief marketing strategist at Newbridge Securities in New York.

Wall Street’s meltdown has also hurt shares of companies that made highly anticipated debuts on Wall Street last year, adding to losses for companies including Peloton Interactive (PTON.O) and Uber Technologies (UBER.N) , while cutting into the gains of investor favorites, including Beyond Meat (BYND.O).

New Galaxy Note 20 Renders Detail Samsung’s Stunning Design

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 20 looks set to be the company’s best smartphone this year. And now we have our first stunning look which helps to explain why.

Working with LetsGoDigital, acclaimed render artist Jermaine Smit (aka Concept Creator) has put all the leaks together to give us our first good look at Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Note 20 and it’s a real headturner.

03/11 Update: an important update on Samsung’s new Galaxy S20 series with multiple reports that the phones are less durable than they should be.

It begins with a new SquareTrade video where the site’s famously thorough testing discovered the Galaxy S20 is noticeably more fragile than its stablemates shattering on the first drop.

Despite this, Business Insider has found the Galaxy S20 Ultra to also be similarly delicate, shattering with its first drop in a damning article that notes the Ultra “is too fragile for a $1,400 smartphone”.

A key factor in this information is that Samsung currently has no official repair services in place for these phones and the spread of the Coronavirus (which has already

seen Apple warn Apple store staff about impacted repair stock) is unlikely to help this any time soon.

So if you just purchases a new Galaxy S20 model, be very careful with it.

While the front of the Galaxy Note 20 looks similar to the Galaxy S20 (and Note 10 before it), the bezels have become even thinner and the productivity powerhouse also carries the crown jewel of the S20 range: it’s all-new camera hardware. The bad news, however, is it also reflects what all the leaks are saying, there is no headphone jack.

That said, the real attractions of the Galaxy Note 20 can’t be seen just by looking at the design. Dubbed ‘Project Canvas’ inside Samsung, the Galaxy Note 20 will have a radically upgraded S Pen to live up to that codename along with enhanced OLED displays and new memory upgrades which are a step beyond those found in the brand new Galaxy S20 range.

In addition to this, microSD is understood to be making a welcome return to all Note 20 models along with Qualcomm’s seriously upgraded 3D Sonic Max fingerprint reader

which was bizarrely left out of the Galaxy S20 range, despite being ready many months before Samsung’s launch.

Combine this with the S20’s seriously buggy launch and their inevitable (and heavy) price reductions and waiting for the Galaxy Note 20 looks like a nobrainer.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 render based on multiple leaks.

Page 42

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEER CONSULTANT Description • Responsible for the efficient, effective and safe construction, installation and major maintenance/repairs of production assets of Fortis TCI. • As a member of the Management Team, to understand the corporate vision and successfully gain support for the implementation of that vision Main Duties Key Responsibilities: • Responsible to see that all assigned projects related to the construction, installation and/or major maintenance/repairs of production assets and associated auxiliary equipment are completed in a safe, efficient and effective manner.

• Provide assistance/guidance to the newly promoted Director of Energy Production during his transition period (12 to 18 months) to the new position.

• To provide detailed supervision of contractors involved in the construction and installation of large generation assets as determined by and normally under the general direction of the VP of Energy Production &Delivery.

• Responsible to see that all construction of civil, mechanical and electrical assets at the Company’s energy production facilities is completed in a safe, efficient and effective manner.

• Responsible to see that assigned projects are brought in on budget and on time.

• Responsible to see that in all situations all construction activity is performed consistent with best practice concerning safety, environment, quality, budgetary control and reporting standards.

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

• Responsible to ensure that statistical records required by the Company are kept with respect to the assigned projects as well as maintain reports that will keep senior management updated with the progress of these projects.

• Operate Company vehicles as required.

• Ensure that all work undertaken falls under the Company’s established safety and environmental policies and guidelines and are adhered to consistently.

• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications: • Degree in (Electrical or Mechanical) Engineering – Power option (4 year program), or an accredited equivalent.

• A diploma or equivalent qualification and/or certification in project

SENIOR REVENUE PROTECTION INVESTIGATING OFFICER

Description •To investigate tampering and illegal use of electricity services.

•To initiate and participate in programs to reduce non-technical losses in the Company Main Duties Key Responsibilities: • Responsible for investigating and reporting cases involving power diversion and billing fraud.

• Regularly examine meters for evidence of tampering.

• Examine wiring connecting meter to outside power lines and building circuits.

• Receive, report and respond to information and intelligence regarding fraud and suspected power diversion.

• Prepare power theft reports and analysis as requested.

• Work closely with the T&D Team to ensure that confirmed cases of power diversion is disconnected from the service line.

• Work closely with the Administrative staff to investigate accounts with suspicious decreases in consumption.

• Work closely with the Royal TCI Police Force during the investigation and prosecution of power diversion.

• Assist with conducting meter audits throughout all service territories.

• Recommend service connection upgrades where the service is susceptible to power diversion or inaccurate billing.

• Recommend and participate in efforts to reduce non-technical losses.

• Seek various means of gathering evidence in order to build case files.

• Collect and preserve evidence including statements, photos and test results which may be used in court.

• Effectively represent the Company in Court in power theft related cases and provide technical evidence.

• Assist with informational presentations for both internal and external customers on power diversion.

• Conduct Home Energy Audits in accordance with the Company’s policy and procedures.

• Any other duties as may be assigned.

Additional Responsibilities: • Responsible for Quality Control Review of all Home Energy Audits.

• Conduct and review investigations on property damage claims.

• Supervise and plan regular single and three phase meter audits throughout all service territories.

• Oversee all fieldwork to ensure timely response to internal and external customers

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

management will be an asset.

• Mid-level management experience is required (or equivalent).

• Minimum of 15 years post graduate working experience in Power Plant operation and construction (with emphasis on diesel generation environment).

• Multi-disciplinary industry experience in the areas of power plants, construction and project management required.

• Proven track record in successfully leading and managing projects particularly in the power plant environment.

• The Language of work will be English. The ability to write comprehensive reports as well as the ability to make verbal presentations in English is required.

• Computer literacy is required (familiarity with Excel, Word).

Abilities; Skills; Experience; Aptitude and Judgement: • Excellent team player and team building skills • Good analytical skills • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure • Ability to build strong trust relationships and maintain positive relationships internally and externally • Strong project management and time management skills • Must be goal oriented and self-motivated • Must have a solid working knowledge of MS Office software programs, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and various databases.

Salary range: $101,380-152,060.

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

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is Monday March 16, 2020 to: Avi Adams Manager Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com AND aadams@fortistci. com Ms. Desireka Glinton Secretary Immigration Board Zone 2 Airport Road, Providenciales Email address: jobregistration@gov.tc

– this includes disconnections, reconnections, service checks, meter readings.

• Approve inventory issuances.

• Review inventory min/max levels for all pertinent materials to ensure that adequate levels are always maintained.

• Provide technical leadership and oversight of the metering and revenue protection staff.

• Identify, recommend and administer policies and procedures to ensure overall efficiency and productivity within the Department.

• Approve timesheets and leave submissions.

Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Engineering Technology • Working knowledge of metering systems • At least 6 years’ experience in utility services or related field • A minimum of 3 years investigative experience Abilities; Skills; Experience; Aptitude and Judgement: • High level of direct customer contact requiring excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Must possess high ethical standards.

• Police Record should be in good standing.

• Knowledge of country laws and company policies and procedures applicable to illegal use of electricity.

• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.

• Familiar with GPS and Mapping systems.

• Goal-oriented and self-motivated to apply needed initiative.

• Ability to work under pressure and in environments that may be adverse.

• Ability to speak multiple languages would be an asset.

• Valid Driver’s License is required.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word & Excel.

Salary range: $51,420-77,120.

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

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is Monday March 16, 2020 to: Avi Adams Manager Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com AND aadams@fortistci.com Ms. Desireka Glinton Secretary Immigration Board Zone 2 Airport Road, Providenciales Email address: jobregistration@gov.tc

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

ISLAND VIBES TOURS

Claudette Gibson

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

Location: #90 Paradise Road, Cheshire Hall, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Seeks to fill the position of General Maintenance for apartment complex Duties: Must have general construction knowledge of carpentry, electrical and plumbing Wages: $8.00 per hour Please Contact: 232-7950 please no calls after 5:00pm or on Sundays Position is currently held by a Work permit Holder Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

S & Y Cafeteria

The Outliner Barbershop & Beauty Salon

Location: Building #19 Kew Town, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Cleaner/ Dishwasher To wash and clean all plates, pots and other kitchen utensils Must be able to work 6 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 345-7918 This position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

#975635

Trevina Saunders Location: Five Cays, Fisherman Road, Providenciales, Turk & Caicos Islands Is seeking one Babysitter Duties: To care of a child, clean after the child (clothing, bottles etc) To work 6 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 241-4894 This position is new Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board #975634

Betthune Jennings Location: South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer Duties: Perform tasks involving physical labor and cleaning at work sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types and a variety of other equipment and instruments To work 5 days a week Salary is $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 341-2264 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

#975637

Location: OJ Caicos Glass Building Unit #7, Industrial Park, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking one (1) Barber Duties: Utilize clippers, combs, scissors and blow-out guns to style and cut hair Must be able to work 6 days a week Salary is $7.00 an hour Please Contact: 332-9606 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board #975630

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

EL Construction

South Dock Road, Providenciales, Building #58, Turks & Caicos Islands Is Seeking: 1 Painter Duties Include: Preparing painting surfaces by washing walls, repairing holes, or removing old paint. Mixing, matching, and applying paints and other finishes to various surfaces. Providing decorative and faux finishes as the project requires. Handling planning and prep work in an efficient manner.

Must Beable to work 5 days a week Salary: $7 per hour Please Contact: 231-5361 Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Mervin Ingham Seeks to employ a Labourer In Grand Turk At a salary of $250.00 per 5 day week Successful applicants will be required to trim trees clean and maintain the yard Applicants are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1 and to Mervin Ingham at Tel No. 241-2401.

Please note that this position is new

Silly Creek Water Sports

JaMalCo Ltd.

Location: Sapodilla Bay, Chalk Sound, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is looking for an Assistant Manager The qualifications include: -boat captain license and experience captaining private excursions - qualified wake board/waterski instructor -book keeping experience, excel/word, excellent written and verbal communication skills, booking/coordinating -experienced lifeguard - CPR and First Aid qualifications Salary $10.00 per hour This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

Please forward CV to the Labor Department and to info@sillycreekwatersports.com Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: F202 Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Seeking: (12) Construction Helpers Duties: Assist construction craft workers with various tasks; clean and prepare sites, machinery and equipment.

Salary: $6.25/hr; 42 hrs/wk Positions currently held by work permit holders Closing date for applications is March 20th, 2020 Applications can be dropped off at the office, Immigration Board, and/or emailed to jmc@tciway.tc

Jodeka Simmons

Clyde Holiday

#975631

Location: #225, Long Bay Hills, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer Duties: Perform tasks involving physical labor and cleaning at work sites.

May operate hand and power tools of all types and a variety of other equipment and instruments Must be able to work 5 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 232-1626 This positon is new Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board #975647

Location: South Backsalina, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Caretaker Duties: Taking care of an elderly person, completing light housekeeping, such as dishes or folding laundry, plan, prepare and monitor meals Salary is $6.75 per hour 40hours - 5 days a week Please Contact: 946-1269 This position is new Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Page 43

Jocelyne Osma-John

BLUE HEAVEN SERICES

Location: #74 Five Cays, Fishy Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Duties: Must be able to do general cleaning which includes cleaning, washing and cooking To work 5 days a week Salary is $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 344-2636 This position is new Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

Location: Sotheby’s Plaza, Suite 204 Lower Bight Plaza Is seeking a Live In Housekeeper/Butler Must be able to live on property full time and be available 24/7 All housekeeping/cleaning and laundry duties Some garden and pool maintenance Work weekends and holidays if Owners are in house and cooking three meals a day Salary is $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 241-5926 This is a new position BELONGERS NEED ONLY to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

Anthony Forbes Seeks to employ a Domestic Worker In Grand Turk At a salary of $200.00 per 5 day week Successful applicant will be required to clean the home and prepare meals for the children on a saily basis Applicants are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1.

Please note that this position is new Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

#975640

S and J contracting

is seeking three (3) Cashiers to work on the beach.

Hours from 7:00 am - 3:00 pm, 4 days a week @ $6.25 per hour. This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

Onward Hamilton is seeking a Housekeeper/Domestic Worker to work 6 days per week.

Duties: Washing, cooking, cleaning and babysitting. From 7:00 am - 5:00 pm @ $6.25 per hour.

Interested persons please contact 3465647 Tuesday - Thursday, at 42 Cooper jack bay road.

Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

Sandy Talbot

The Classic Snack & Bar

Location: Behind Lemonts, Unit #9, Downtown, Providenciales, TCI Is seeking a Bar Maid Duties: Serving customers drinks and snacks, clean the bar and restaurant Must be able to work 6 days a week Please Contact Arthur Joaquin Dean at: 347-4949 or 241-8730 This position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

#975646

Location: #60 Marble Drive, Millennium Heights, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Duties include all housekeeping related duties such as washing, ironing, cleaning, mopping etc Must be able to work 5 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 232-1626 This positon is new Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board #975647

J looking for (2) Construction Helper to take care of clearing job sites on a beach. Working days are five days per week, 6:00 am - 3 pm at $6.50 per hour.

Is seeking One (1) Helper, Gardiner, Carpenter Helper, Two (2) Masons and One (1) Handyman to remove and fix stuff on the job site. One (1) renewal of Labourer to keep materials secure, stock material, etc @ 7:00 am - 3 pm. 5 days per week. @ $6.25 per hour.

Charmaine Elliott is seeking to One (1) Handyman, renewal of two (2) Nanny and two (2) Labourers to work 5 days a week 7:00am -3:00pm @ $6.50 per hour, clean the beach.

Pelican Entertainment is seeking one Technician to do work on special machines. Contract basis, salary upon qualification basis, work as needed.

Unlimited construction and Kendall Higgs seeking one Steelman and one carpenter, $6.25 per hour, Monday - Saturday, Fraternity Plaza is seeking 1 plumber, 1 helper to work 5 days a week @ $6.50 per day. From 8:30 am - 5 pm.

Interested persons can contact 346-5647 Tuesday Thursday, 10:00am – 12:00 noon or visit 42 Cooper Jack Bay Road, Providenciales.

Page 44

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 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 Kitchen Department requires:    

The Dining Room Department requires:

Executive Sous Chef Sous Chef Pastry Cook Chef Assistant Pastry Chef

Reports to:

    

Executive Chef

Under the guidance and supervision of the Executive Chef and within the limits of established Sandals Resorts policies and 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 preferred  Three to five years’ experience as a manager/supervisor in an international first-class hotel/resort.

Server/ Waiter/ Waitress Banquet Server Cleaner Labourer Restaurant Manager

Reports to:

Food and Beverage Manager

To provide prompt, courteous and professional service to all patrons; monitoring service standards and assisting where possible, ensuring the smooth flow of the restaurant operation and enhancing the guests’ experience.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Two years’ experience within a casual restaurant setting preferred  Physically fit  No food allergies

These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

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 salary for these positions ranges between $23,000.00 and $38,000.00

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

The Maintenance Department requires:

The Offsite Department requires:



Room Technician

  

Reports to: Chief Engineer To work closely with the Rooms Division to ensure that the physical appearance in and around the room is as per the Resort’s established quality and standards; to ensure that the furniture, fixture, A/C’s, plumbing and equipment are properly maintained, and to provide a prompt and efficient response to all guest service requests in a timely and courteous manner.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Must have a minimum of a high school diploma and/or a certificate in a field of engineering from a recognized Vocational Training Institution  Basic computer literacy and internet knowledge is preferred This position is currently held by Work Permit Holder (note however more than one is required).

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time. 

Carpenter

Reports to: Chief Engineer

Caretaker Groundskeeper Labourer

Reports to:

Properties Manager

To work closely with the Properties to ensure that the physical appearance in and around the staff accommodation and other holdings are maintained as per the established quality and standards.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Physically fit with the ability to lift over 30 lbs.  Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position.

These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders.

The range for these positions is $7.25 to $10.00 per hour The Stewarding Department requires:

To work closely with the Rooms Division to ensure that the physical appearance in and around the room is as per the Resort’s established quality and standards.

 

Steward Labourer

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Physically fit with the ability to lift and bend.  Knowledge of pool chemicals and required levels (Pool Operator)  Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position.

Reports to:

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

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Physically fit with the ability to lift over 30 lbs.  No allergies to chemicals  Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Stewarding Manager and Stewarding Supervisors within the scope of established Sandals Resort & Spa policies, the Steward will ensure that all aspects the stewarding operation are performed accordingly.

The range for these positions is $7.25 to $10.00 per hour The Watersports and Catamaran Departments require:   

Stewarding Manager

These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders and persons with on-island status (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time. Should a suitable local applicant not be found a permit application will be submitted.

Boat Captain Dive Instructor Dive Technician

The range for this position is $6.25-$6.50 per hour

Reports to: Watersports Manager The main function of the Boat Captain is to supervise all activities of the dive boat while in operation. The Dive Instructors and Technician take care of the guest and equipment.

The Front Office Department requires: 

Bellman

Reports to:

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Certified PADI/NAUI Instructor;  Basic Compressor Certification (an asset) (MAKO);

Front Office Manager

Provide personalized guest services by providing luggage services between the lobby and guestroom.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience:  Physically fit with the ability to lift over 30 lbs.  Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position.

These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders.

The ranges for these positions are $7.25 to $13.00 per hour

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

Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

The rate for this position is $6.25 to $6.50per hour

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

and

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

and should reach not later than March 31st 2020

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

LOCAL SPORTS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 45

The Fourth Annual Commonwealth Day Race The Fourth Annual Commonwealth Day Race was held on Sunday March 8th, 20120. This was the second race of the 2020 Cycling Season.

The day consisted of six criterium races between Hevan Down Rock and the Tropicana Roundabout, with races starting and ending at the Long Bay Express Gas Station. The Elite and Masters 1 categories completed five laps (30 miles), Masters 2 and Females 4 laps (24 miles), cadets 1 2 laps (10 miles) and cadets 2, 3miles.

Sister and brother Pari and

Yash Ochani placed first and second respectively in the cadets 2 category with David Gardiner coming in third. This was the first race for all three.

Cadets 1 saw a strong showing, with Sean Walters claiming the top spot followed closely by Ethan Gardiner and Lenin Hamilton.

Kenneth Grant once again took first place in the Masters 2 category with Gabriella Hegedus taking first place in the Female category.

Tyrone Bishop bested Sean Rodgers to win first place in the Elite

All participants

category with Omard

Gardiner in third. Daniel Redmond, Shanwell Gardiner and Kavin Ewing made podium in Masters 1 placing first, second and third respectively.

Despite the punishing winds of up to 32 mph, the cyclists were still able to perform at their highest level and setting an all time highest average speed for the TCCF at 22.8 mph. Completing the race at such a high speed so early in the season sets the stage for an exciting 2020 season.

Next up for the Turks and Caicos

Cycling Federation is the Breath Taker Time Trial which takes place on March 21st, 2020.

The Turks and Caicos Cycling Federation wishes to thank the event participants, the management of Long Bay Express Gas Station for allowing us the use of their grounds, the public who came out to support the event, the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force who kept us safe during the event. A special thank you also to all of our volunteers who assisted in making this event a success.

Kids Starting line

Cadets 1 winners (1st Sean Walters, 2nd Ethan Gardiner, 3rd Lenin Hamilton)

Cadets 2 winners (Pari and Yash Ochani had left already, David Gardiner on the podium)

Elite - (1st Tyrone Bishop, 2nd Sean Rodgers, 3rd Omard Gardiner)

Female Winner (Gabriella Hegedus)

Masters 1 (1st Daniel Redmond, 2nd Shanwell Gardiner, 3rd Kavin Ewing)

Masters 2 Winner Kenneth Grant

Page 46

WORLD

SPORTS LeBron James says he understands safety comes first if NBA plays without fans

LeBron James

LeBron James has softened his stance on the idea of playing games without fans.

The Los Angeles Lakers star was asked Tuesday about the NBA potentially deciding to play games in empty stadiums out of concern about the coronavirus:

“Obviously I would be very disappointed not having the fans with us...but at the same time, you gotta listen to the people that are keeping track of what’s going on,” James said. “If they feel like it’s best for the safety of the players, safety of the franchise, safety of the league to mandate that, then we all listen to it.”

The NBA had circulated a memo Friday preparing teams about the possibility of playing games without fans or media, and James did not take the news well.

“We play games without the fans? Nah, that’s impossible,” he said. “I ain’t playing if I ain’t got the fans in the crowd. That’s who I play for. I play for my teammates, and I play for the fans. That’s what it’s all about. So if I show up to an arena and there ain’t no fans in there, I ain’t playing. They can do what they want to do.”

The Division III men’s basketball NCAA Tournament held games without fans out of concern for COVID-19, while the Ivy League canceled its tournament altogether.

According to CNN, there have been 732 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States as of Tuesday, leading to 26 total deaths.

In a memo sent to the league’s 30 teams this week, the NBA said it was closely monitoring the situation and had advised players to fist-bump with fans instead of high-fiving them and avoid taking items to autograph.

The NBA has been exploring options to keep its fans and players safe, requiring several contingency plans from each team, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

NBA suspends season after Jazz player tests positive for coronavirus

The National Basketball Association (NBA) said on Wednesday it was suspending the season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus.

The test result was reported shortly before the Jazz were due to play the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game was then scrapped.

The league said the affected player, reportedly Jazz center Rudy Gobert, was not in the arena.

“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” the league said.

“The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Players from teams that Jazz has played in the past 10 days were told to self-quarantine, ESPN reported, citing sources.

Those teams are the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors, the

ESPN report added.

Erik Spoelstra said his team were

More than 126,000 people “stunned.” have been infected globally by “This is a very serious time the flu-like virus and more than right now. I think the league moved 4,600 have died, according to appropriately and prudently,” he a Reuters tally based on official said. announcements. In the United Dallas Mavericks owner States, about 1,280 people have Mark Cuban said the situation was been infected with 38 deaths. “crazy”.

The pandemic rocked the “This can’t be true,” he told North American sports calendar ESPN as his team played the Denver on Wednesday, leading to the Nuggets. cancellation of the figure-skating “This is not in the realm of world championships and the possibilities. This seems more like announcement that college out of a movie than reality.” basketball’s annual ‘March Madness’ A game between the tournament would take place New Orleans Pelicans and the without fans in attendance.

Sacramento Kings was also called

Los Angeles Lakers off at the last minute, leading to forward LeBron James tweeted bit. tears from at least one young fan in ly/2IF2noL: “Man we cancelling attendance. sporting events, school, office work, The NBA playoffs were etc etc. scheduled to tip off on April 18 with

“What we really need to the finals set to begin on June 4. cancel is 2020! Damn it’s been a Following the NBA’s rough 3 months. God bless and stay announcement, the National safe,” he wrote, likely alluding to Hockey League said it was consulting the death of NBA great Kobe Bryant with medical experts and would in a helicopter crash in January. have a further update on Thursday.

Miami Heat head coach

Suggestion Olympic Games delay is ‘feasible’ dismissed as ‘outrageous’

A delay of one or two years would be the “most feasible” option if the Tokyo Olympics cannot be held this summer due to the global outbreak of the coronavirus, a member of the organizing committee’s executive board told Reuters.

But the head of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee quickly dismissed any suggestion of a delay, saying his team was not considering any change in plan and Haruyuki Takahashi, the official who raised the possibility of a postponement, had apologized for the “outrageous” suggestion.

Takahashi, one of more A woman poses for a photo through The Olympic rings in front of the Japan Olympics Museum in than two dozen members of the Tokyo, Japan March 8, 2020 Tokyo 2020 executive board, said a safe and secure Olympics,” Mori “He said he was very sorry, earlier the board had just started told reporters at a hastily arranged that it was a slip of the tongue, and looking at scenarios for how the evening briefing. that he wanted to apologize for virus could affect the Games, and a “Therefore we are not at all causing trouble.” delay was one possibility. thinking about changing courses or Experts say a one-year

Organizers have been plans.” postponement, to the same time pushing a consistent message that Japan has had nearly 1,300 next year, would pose major the Games would not be canceled or cases of the coronavirus, including logistical problems but was doable postponed but sponsors who have about 700 from a cruise ship that for broadcasters because it fit into pumped in billions of dollars have was quarantined near Tokyo last their generally open summer grown increasingly nervous about month. schedule. how the coronavirus outbreak will On Tuesday, it saw the With every new spike in impact the event. biggest number of infections in a coronavirus cases, speculation swirls

Takahashi told Reuters single day, of 59 cases, according to that the Games could be canceled, that the financial damage from public broadcaster NHK. delayed, or held without spectators, cancelling the Games or holding like many pre-Olympic qualifiers them without spectators would be ‘VERY SORRY’ and other sports events. too great, while a delay of less than

The topic was a top a year would clash with other major Mori, asked what made him trending topic on Japanese professional sports schedules. confident that the Games would Twitter on Wednesday with

“We need to start preparing not be affected by the coronavirus many commentators saying a for any possibility. If the Games outbreak, said he thought an impact postponement was likely inevitable can’t be held in the summer, a delay was unavoidable but he did not give given the spread of the coronavirus. of one or two years would be most details.

Some people felt sorry for the feasible,” Takahashi said.

“Specialists in each field are athletes.

But organizing committee looking into what to do,” he said. “Doesn’t anybody head Yoshiro Mori later said there “I believe the WHO (World Health understand the conditions and was no thought of changing the Organization) will soon announce thinking of top athletes who have plan for the Games and that they its basic stance.” been training to be at their best this would open as scheduled on July 24.

He said he had been summer? And you say ‘delay by one

“It is our basic stance that surprised by Takahashi’s comments, or two years’?” wrote one user called we press ahead with preparation for which he termed “outrageous”.

“Ksktsupoine1.”

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 47

WORLD SPORTS

Virus impact on US sports grows; more restrictions in Europe

The novel coronavirus outbreak, which has already reshaped the professional sports landscape in Europe, prompted new restrictions to restrict fan access in the U.S. on Tuesday, with major decisions looming about baseball’s opening day and college basketball’s NCAA Tournament.

College games will be played without fans in Ohio and California, and given restrictions on large gatherings there and elsewhere, more disruptions to the sports calendar appear inevitable.

The NCAA said it would “make A view of the empty Juventus stadium, as a measure against coronavirus contagion, prior to the decisions in the coming days” Serie A soccer match between Juventus and Inter, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, March 8, 2020. about its men’s and women’s made. in a major sports league. basketball tournaments after two Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos Scores of top-tier soccer conferences banned fans from said Tuesday he is concerned about games in Spain, France and Portugal, their championships and another traveling to Seattle. as well as some in Germany and a canceled its tournament altogether.

“I know the season starts in European Championship qualifying The baseball season begins in just Seattle, and we know how Seattle is match in Slovakia, will be played in over two weeks and includes games right now,” Chirinos said. “That’s empty stadiums in coming days. in Seattle, which so far has been hit 2½ weeks from now, so I think we’re The Spanish league said harder by the virus than any U.S. going to hear some news when matches in its first and second city. The Mariners are set to host we’re getting close to opening day.” divisions will be played without the Texas Rangers on March 26 in None of North America’s fans for at least two weeks. The the first of seven consecutive home major sports leagues has postponed league said it was “prioritizing games to start the season. games or barred fans in a bid to keep the health of fans, players, club

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee them safe, but there was a flurry of employees, journalists, etc., due to plans to ban gatherings and events activity as college conferences and the COVID-19 health crisis.” of more than 250 people in virtually schools began making those moves.

The French league said the entire Seattle area, a person The Ivy League became the first soccer matches in its top two familiar with the decision told The Division I conference to cancel its divisions will be played without Associated Press on Tuesday night. basketball tournaments. fans until April 15 and Portugal The person was not authorized to California Gov. Gavin announced similar measures. Italy disclose the decision and spoke on Newsom questioned why leagues earlier this week said all sports events, condition of anonymity. weren’t moving more aggressively. including Serie A soccer games and

Inslee scheduled a news “I find it quite curious that preparatory events for the Tokyo conference for late Wednesday the four major organizations — Olympics, were suspended until morning. The Mariners and Major NHL, MLS, MLB and NBA — put out April 3. The Italian ski team decided League Baseball had no immediate guidelines to protect their athletes not to send competitors to Slovenia comment, but the decision would but not their fans,” said Newsom, a for the last World Cup races of the seemingly force MLB to move the Democrat, referring to the leagues’ season. games or bar fans from the Mariners’ new restrictions on locker room For most people, the new stadium. access. coronavirus causes only mild or

Of the 29 known deaths in Discussions about next moderate symptoms, such as fever the U.S., 24 have been in the Seattle steps have been ongoing for and cough. For some, especially area, with 19 tied to a single nursing weeks as postponements and fan older adults and people with home. restrictions have become common existing health problems, it can

If MLB can’t play in front of elsewhere.

Early Wednesday, cause more severe illness, including fans at a team’s home ballpark, the London-based football club Arsenal pneumonia. sport’s first preference likely would announced that its players would The vast majority of be to switch games to the visiting be self-isolating because of possible people recover from the new virus. team’s stadium if possible, a person exposure to the virus, forcing the According to the World Health familiar with the deliberations told postponement of its Premier League Organization, people with mild The Associated Press. game at Manchester City. It was the illness recover in about two weeks.

The person spoke on first Premier League game called off Those with more severe illness may condition of anonymity Tuesday because of the virus and the first take three to six weeks to recover. because no decisions have been possible exposure involving players

Clippers sign two-time All-Star C Noah

Memphis Grizzlies center Joakim Noah (55) runs across the court during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.

The Los Angeles Clippers signed free-agent center Joakim Noah to a contract on Monday.

While the Clippers did not divulge the terms of the deal, ESPN reported Friday that the plan was for Noah to join the club on a 10-day contract.

“Joakim is a relentless competitor and a proven winner,” Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said. “His experience, acumen and toughness fit well in our locker room.”

Noah, 35, hasn’t played in the NBA this season. He played in 42 games for the Memphis Grizzlies last season and averaged 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

The 6-foot-11, 230-pound Noah spent his first nine seasons (2007-16) with the Chicago Bulls. He was a two-time All-Star as well as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the 2013-14 season.

Noah also spent part of two seasons with the New York Knicks during his 12 NBA seasons.

He has averages of 8.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocked shots in 667 career games (512 starts) since being selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.

Rambo Construction 95

Location: Blue Hills Bay Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Seeking 12 – Masons - $12.00 per hour 8 Carpenters - $12.00 per hour 6- Semi Carpenters - $ 9.00 per hour 10 Labourers - $ 7.00 per hour 6 Cleaning Ladies/Domestic Workers - $ 6.50 per hour Carpenters must be able to cut, or shape wood, plastic, and other materials Labourer’s duties include cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials, and using a variety of tools and machines Duties include keeping the work place tidy: sweeping, mopping or washing of the floors, sinks, toilets, tubs, garage entry way, and counters To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 346-6455 Some of these positions are new 8 of these position are renewals (Cleaning Ladies/Domestic Workers/Carpenters and Mason) Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS closing locker rooms amid virus scare

The NBA, NHL, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer are closing access to locker rooms and clubhouses to all nonessential personnel, including media, in response to the coronavirus crisis, the leagues announced in a joint statement Monday night.

They said they made the decision “after consultation with infectious disease and public health experts.” The NBA, in a call with teams earlier Monday, stressed that the move is not to ban reporters but to ensure the safety of players and staff in those areas.

The statement, in part, read: “Given the issues that can be associated with close contact in pre- and postgame settings, all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice. Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting.”

The changes, which the leagues say are temporary, will begin Tuesday — though some NHL teams began putting them into use this past weekend and the

Buffalo Sabres did the same on Monday night. The NBA said interviews with players would continue in different settings, stressing a gap of 6-to-8 feet between reporters and interview subjects.

“I don’t know that we have our arms around how significant of an issue this is at this point, so if the league is recommending or their policy is we want to take step by step type precautions, then we want to go along with that,” Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said.

It is unclear how long the new policies will last.

“No disrespect, but that’s the last thing I’m worried about,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said prior to Denver’s NBA game against Milwaukee on Monday night.

“I think it’s dangerous for everybody,” Rangers pitcher Edinson Volquez said. “Somebody could have it, you talk to a guy, you go home, maybe you transfer that to your kids and wife and family. So I think it’s a good idea for now. Probably later, hopefully we can get together again. But for now, we have to

take care of that.”

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. In mainland China, where the virus first exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered.

“Roses are red, Violets are blue, Wash your hands! WASH YOUR HANDS!” Enes Kanter of the Boston Celtics wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, there is already a clear sense of the new normal in the U.S. The Miami Heat held their annual gala at a theater in Miami Beach on Monday night, albeit a bit differently than usual.

The team’s three NBA championship

trophies were near the entrance — with someone standing by with a bottle of hand sanitizer. And guests, when they arrived, were offered champagne by some attendants, more hand sanitizer by others.

“Until the league says something else, we are business as usual with a tremendous amount of caution and prevention to make sure everybody’s safe,” Heat President Pat Riley said Monday night. “But also, educating them that they’ve got to do the same thing.”

The NBA held a call with team medical staffs later Monday night and scheduled a Wednesday call between league officials and team owners to discuss next steps. The NBA told teams last week to prepare for the possibility of playing games in empty arenas, something the game’s biggest star — Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James — insists he does not want to see.

“I doubt that that’s going to happen,” Riley said. “But you have to be prepared.”

Page 48

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 13TH, 2020 – MARCH 20TH, 2020

Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 348 6838 | Fax: 649 941 3281