VOLUME 16 ISSUE 21

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 16 - NO. 21

Email: sun@suntci.com

Tel: (649) 348-6838

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Fax: (649) 941-3281

www.facebook.com/tcisun

BORDERS NOT REOPENING JUNE 1ST

By Todeline Defralien

T

he Turks and Caicos Islands’ borders will not open on June 1st, 2020, and will remain closed to international and regional flights until certain critical measures are implemented to ensure this country can effectively deal with the coronavirus outbreak, Premier Sharlene Robinson said.

“The June 1st date for the opening of our borders remained a date under review and there will be no reopening of international borders or regional borders on June 1st. Persons will recall that the borders were closed March 24th and saw several date changes which we explained as we shared our regulations and as mentioned earlier all that needs to be put into place, should be in place before we open our international and regional borders,” the Premier said during a national address at her Providenciales office on Wednesday May 20th, 2020.

Robinson added that the opening of the borders is tied, among other things, to the hospital upgrade projects.

She added: “The opening of the borders of course then is tied to the hospital upgrade projects which are progressing very quickly with a short period of construction works. We want to at least have all of our ventilators hooked up... worst case scenario we need to be able to offer that life supporting mechanism and at this juncture I would like to thank Turks and Caicos Collections for the generous donations of ventilators received by the Minister of Health last week and that complements what we have and have already received from public health of England.

PORTS OF CALL PLAZA FIRE

Fire destroyed and damaged five businesses in Ports of Call Plaza during a huge blaze on Monday evening May 18th

These businesses included, Rentals, Spa Tropique and Giggles.

Crackpot Kitchen Restaurant Bar and Pictured here is a photo during Grill, Caya Hico, Island Escapes Turks the blaze and the aftermath. & Caicos, Caicos Wheels Car & Scooter

Continued on page 2

Salons, Barbershops and Spas remain closed for now Robinson stated that for those services to be opened it will require Personal services such as salons, serious protocols, training and barbershops and Spas are to remain policing. closed for services in Turks and “I’ve declared my conflict Caicos Islands. over and over that barbershops

Speaking during a national and beauty salons must be essential address at her Providenciales office services, but let me be realistic, they on Wednesday May 20th, 2020, are in some of the later phases around

By Todeline Defralien

the region simply because they are so personal. You cannot practice social distancing with personal services; you really can’t cut a person’s hair six meters away unless you’re using really long shears.”

Robinson noted that the government is working to include these services in a much earlier

phase than other countries.

“Personal services like barber, beauty shops and spa services, we take them on board. We understand how critical those businesses are and we’re working to include that in a much earlier phase than other countries have but with very strict protocols,” she said.

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Consider using fans, such as ceiling fans, standing fans and box fans, as an alternative to air conditioners. These can cool your home effectively, while using far less energy.

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Page 2

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

BORDERS NOT OPENING JUNE 1ST

Continued from page 1

We have certainly strengthened ourselves in this area.”

The Premier assured the hospitality sector that protocols are being finalized this week.

“A number of you have been contacted in the different sectors, so we’re not just looking at the accommodation; the airline sector as well as the transport sector and that is land, tours, taxi operators, rental cars and watersports all of those are included. The cruise sector will not be in the fourth phase 4 (a) it will be in 4 (b) because that is also governed by outside influence and (Centers for Disease Control) CDC and persons will know the main caller at our port Carnival has already extended its time to August. I assure this sector that protocols will be finalized and I am now leading on the reopening of this sector and will finalize a schedule of public consultations on the proposed protocols required for the opening of the various players in the sector together with the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Health,” she added.

In addition, Robinson said she will be communicating a date for the reopening of the final phase by early June.

The Premier said she is confident that if Turks and Caicos Islands makes too early a step without achieving the strategy set in place, the entire country will be set back.

“If we make too early of a step without achieving wider testing through the availability of incountry testing or without securing the urgent start of the first upgrade to Interhealth Canada to the hospital or at least expand ventilator care or without securing more medical personnel that are due to come in shortly from Cuba and without procuring a great supply of PPE’s, we will be nothing short of reckless with the lives of these people. Whilst we accept that the virus is here and we may have slowed the spread, we equally recognise that we cannot stay locked away forever and must be prepared for the real fact that there could be an outbreak,” she explained.

Robinson said the minute TCI opens its borders she wants to remind everyone that it will be opening up itself to even greater risks and the country must be better prepared.

She continued: “I believe that once testing, which is now available in-country, is widened, we’ll see a spike in numbers and I want us to be prepared for this and do not become relaxed. We must remember that we have to learn to coexist with COVID-19. This is why we continue to move with urgency and understanding the economics, but we do so with care. I acknowledge that a number of you have called and have said that hotels would begin to lay off if we do not open. I say with all sincerity, that while TCIG coffers itself equally suffers, having to take care of critical services for an entire population and while we see a fall in revenues, we cannot reopen phases without a plan to give us the

best chance of building on our early gains, and we will not do so at the peril of our people’s lives.”

Robinson noted that this is not an easy decision but it is necessary and important and it is the right decision.

“We recognise the hardship that many face and are not oblivious to it. There are plans underway across government to stimulate the sectors outside of the hospitality sector that were impacted by the mandatory closure of the economy, but again, persons appreciate that those funds are being supported across government and outside of government as to how we can assist,” she said.

TCIG LOST $26MILLION BECAUSE OF COVID-19

Premier Robinson said the Turks and Caicos Islands economy has suffered an approximate $26 million loss due to the lockdown caused by COVID19 and is projected to lose $22 million a month.

“In the past six weeks I must say to the people of Turks and Caicos that the Turks and Caicos government has lost approximately $26million and we are projected to lose an average of approximately $22milion per month under the strictest measures. Even against foreseeable laws and a deficit budget, my government was able to offer a stimulus package to the sector impacted first and widely by our closure of the boarders on March 24th.”

Meantime, Robinson clarified that travel in-island was not banned, but was restricted to the type of travel.

“Inter-island flights have not been banned. (They) have been restricted to essential services.

Essentially what it did is no airline is going to fly if they don’t have numbers, but in the event that there are critical services to be moved. I know at least one flight that was organised when persons called and said I need to travel and there was a good enough group. Cabinet continues to look at that and there are strict protocols that are going to be put in place. With the in country testing, we will be able to lift that sooner because we do have persons that can tell you of persons who have been sheltered in place in Providenciales who are from Grand Turk from the end of March; because Grand Turk is adamant that they don’t have active cases and I keep saying active because I believe the virus is everywhere, so our testing will reveal that,” she explained.

She continued: “We’ve been very conscious of the ways those communities feel who don’t have no active cases, and so, we have not allowed that travel simply to protect, not just the health of the people from what we consider the epicenter in Turks and Caicos, but also not just the physical but the mental health.

So we will be updating on that soon and with in-country testing there is going to be a whole lot of things that we’re able to do that would allow for

greater movement.”

The Premier also reminded residents of Turks and Caicos Islands about the importance of social distancing and contact tracing.

“It is simply not just about achieving social distancing. It is also about contact tracing; so God forbid, we go to church and when you open up there’s going to be a real different ball game. We go to church and even among the 10 persons, if once person was sick, that’s ten individuals that we have to trace back their steps. It is so important for us to understand how that then overwhelms the same small healthcare team. One time we had one individual that exposed about 30-something persons. So that is what we have to appreciate as well in terms of contact tracing. You may be able to achieve social distancing, but until we have certain health capacity in-built we cannot take the risks of having so many people to manage and not be able to test them in-country and having to wait days to secure the results,” she added.

Premier Robinson said these are challenging times but she promises that decisions are being in the best interest and protecting the health of the TCI community.

“I want to say to the people

Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson of Turks and Caicos that these are challenging and trying times but I promise you that we are in our country’s best interest and protecting the health of our people,” she said.

Over 800 rounds of ammunition recovered

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating after ammunition was found in the Long bay area.

According to reports, a civilian contacted a Senior Police Officer advising that ammunition was seen in bushes along Grand View Close, Long Bay. Upon arrival, officers noticed a green ammunition pan that contained over 800 rounds. Officers of the Forensic Support Unit processed and seized the items for

investigational purposes.

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said, “I would like to express thanks to the person providing us with the tip. This is a true example of members of the community working together with the Police. I am looking forward to seeing more of this in the future. Remember you can always report what you know to 911, a Police Officer you trust or call confidentially through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.”

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

The health and safety of our customers and staff remain our top priority during this time, and we thank you for your patience as we work together to stem the spread of Covid-19.

Please be advised that Provo Water Company's Grace Bay Office on Grace Bay Road will re-open to customers on Monday 11th May from 9.00am to 2.00pm Monday to Friday. The following precautions will be taken:•

Covid-19 Regulations requires every person in a public space to wear a face mask.

•

Each customer must sanitize his/her hands upon entering the payment centre.

•

Only one (1) customer at any time will be allowed to enter our payment centre.

IT IS THE LAW

Our Customer Service Department will continue to serve customers from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Customers seeking to establish a new service, reconnection, account changes or queries can contact Customer Service Department at 649-946-5202 or email customerservice@provowater.tc for assistance.

Staff will remain available for emergency assistance, please call

649-231-0705

to report a fault, broken water line

or outage.

We are encouraging customers to utilize our

My Account Portal

either via our website or at https://provo-

myacct.smartgridcis.net to view water bills, make payments, view water usages and update account details.

Customers can continue to make payments via our payment vendors:•

CIBC First Caribbean, Scotia Bank and RBC Caribbean

•

Graceway IGA stores during their hours of operation.

We appreciate your cooperation with these pro-active measures that will remain in place until further notice.

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 5

LOCAL NEWS

2,700 applications declined for government grant from stimulus package

By Todeline Defralien

The Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade has declined 2,700 employee grant applications, including one person who applied 18 times, according to Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson.

Speaking during a national address at her Providenciales office on Wednesday May 20th, 2020, Robinson explained those who were declined were for reasons such as not working in the tourism/hospitality sector; two or more of the required documents needed were not submitted, not having valid work permits and persons who are not legally employed.

“To date 2,300 payments have gone directly to bank accounts. There are about 200 cheques being processed through our accounting system. In all 11,400 have been submitted to the database for the employee stimulus package. Of that there have been over 2,500 duplications which have now been cleared. We have one person that applied eighteen (18) times. There are approximately 9,000 submissions being vetted. The initial vetting of the submissions has been completed and we have found that approximately 3,000 were approved on the front hand to be paid and of the remaining 6,000 applications some 2,700 have been declined and another 3,300 had to be further reviewed by compliance,” the Premier said.

She added: “There are a number of reasons for a declined application and the main one is that persons did not work on the tourism/hospitality sector. We’ve got hundreds of persons that applied who were not a part of the hospitality sector.

Another reason for a decline (was that) two or more of the required documents needed for validation purposes were not submitted and identification submissions were not valid.”

She also said there were cases of persons who did not have the right to work endorsed on their PRC or persons

who did not have valid work permits.

Robinson stressed that those who are not legally employed are not going to succeed in applying for this grant.

“When an application is sent to compliance it is done so for one of more of these reasons; copies of one of the required documents have not been submitted or payment of National Insurance Board (NIB) contributions could not be verified by one of the various means. What we’ve done in between even though we’ve asked persons to say when the last payment was made, we went back as a Cabinet and approved NIB as an independent verifier. So we didn’t have to go back to the applicant. We just simply went to National Insurance ourselves, so that is now part of the process,” she said.

Robinson added that during the vetting processed it was revealed that scores of applications were submitted by persons who were working in sectors other than hospitality and also proved thousands of duplicated applications.

“In processing of the submissions the vetting revealed that scores of applications were submitted again by persons who are working in sectors other than hospitality. Duplications numbered in the thousands and there was a possible case of the high teens of persons that applied. Persons submitted expired work permits (and) of those who would have provided work permits that expired some did not even supply a copy of paid receipts for renewal. We’ve had to ensure that persons found to be working who are endorsed on a PRC had a work permit to work legally in Turks and Caicos and hundreds of employees did not have a receipt contribution history with the National Insurance Board,” the Premier revealed.

“It is important to mention that although it is not the intention to withhold an employee’s benefit because NIB contributions were not paid on their behalf because of the absent of a record these are the things that took up a lot of the processing time in trying to pay the benefits expeditiously,” Robinson

Windsong Resort Liaison Officer Windsong Resort, Stubbs Road, Providenciales seeks to fill the position of liaison officer to coordinate between our Management company, Strata Owners, Owner’s Representatives, Property Management and Corporate Offices. In this role, you will act as the liaison between all our entities to streamline operations, resolve issues, improve communication, and generally ensure that the relationshipis as beneficial as possible.

Liaison Officer Duties and Responsibilities •Maintain Thorough knowledge of the Managementbusiness, as well as an understanding of how that impacts the other entities of contact.

•Monitor, Coordinate, and Communication strategic objectives of the business.

•Collaborate and communicate successfully with other entities outside of the business •Collect, analyze, and utilize data and feedback to identity opportunities to improve the relationship between the management company and the other entities.

•Compile reports about particular incidents, events, or updates about important issues for the business and thoroughly communicate with all entities.

•Provide detailed explanations of budgetary information and financial statements, including a working knowledge of all financial protocols and systems.

•Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual operating reports and communicate the results to executive teams and owner’s Representatives.

•Promptly respond to incidents and other events as necessary •Transform strategic plans into tactical initiatives.

Liaison Officer Requirements and Qualifications •College Degrees in hospital Management or accounting preferred •5+ Year of experience in a related role in the last 10 years •Effective communicator, ability to offer innovative solutions to high net worth Individuals.

•Ability to establish and nurture beneficial business relationships •Self- motivated with a willingness to take initiative and solve complex problems •Analytically and Mathematically minded toanalyze data and create necessary reports •Proficient at reading, writing and speaking English •Ability to travel to and work within the United States •Notary Public License •Thorough working knowledge of Opera Hospitality Software, Micros Food and beverage software, QuickBooks Accounting Software, and Microsoft Office.

Salary $9.00m per hour plus service charge commensurate with experience. Please send resume via email at hr@windsongresorts.com 649-946-3766 or by fax 649-941-7719 by 21/5/19. All Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. This is currently a vacant position. Prospective and qualified applicants who are Belongers are asked to send copies of your applicants to the Labor Board.

explained.

Furthermore, applicants also submitted applications without the name of the companies they worked for.

Robinson said, “An overwhelming number of applicants filled in the application without the name of the company that employs them, but surprisingly placed their supervisor’s names. Except for enhanced due diligence conducted by calling the applicant directly or referring to NIB records, these applications cannot be processed for payment.”

The Premier stated that despite these constraints there are over twenty (20) persons actively processing benefits and this week the compliance team will be sending out notices for additional information.

She continued: “You will be allowed to load any missing documentation by responding in the database with your own unique identifier and date of birth and this is important.

We’ve secured an out of country contractor and we’ve now got a system in place where you can go in yourself with the reference number and your own unique identifier and see exactly where your application is and what documents that are missing. For those applications that have been declined in the database you will be subsequently advised of the reasons, the processors eventually get back to responding to those persons but a declined application generally means that the applicant was ineligible for benefit in the first place and for many reasons.”

Robinson said that due to the volume of declined applications an inordinate amount of time has already been spent mulling through them to find eligible ones, had it not been the case eligible applications could have been paid.

The Premier thanked the people of Turks and Caicos Islanders for their patience and assured that all eligible applicants will received their payments.

“We thank Turks and Caicos for

your patience which is perhaps stretched thin and waning but we are much closer to paying all eligible applicants,” she said.

Robinson also revealed that the Department of Trade received just over 500 applications for the business assistance grant.

In the case of the coronavirus business assistance grant, she noted that this is one of the many relief measures available under government’s economic stimulus package. This grant is opened to applications from self-employed persons and small businesses categorized as MSME’s and provides cash grants up to $5,000.

To date the Department of Trade is in receipt of a little over 500 applications. Self employed persons and small businesses are therefore encouraged to complete an online application form to receive funding under the coronavirus business case.”

The online application form and related information is available at www. tc/trade/stimulus. Interested persons may also visit the Turks and Caicos Islands Government Facebook page to view an instructional video on how to navigate the online form.

The Premier encouraged persons to not apply by email, but to use the avenues provided and apply through the online application form.

Robinson advised that applications made by self-employed persons or small businesses under any other cash grant program will be deferred and applicants will be redirected to the coronavirus business assistance grant.

“So those of you business persons who applied under the employee stimulus program, that’s the incorrect program. We need you to apply under the business assistance grant. The government has engineered this grant to help your business withstand the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as we work to encourage economic recovery across the Turks and Caicos Islands,” she said.

Windsong Resort Purchasing Manager Windsong Resort, Stubbs Road, Providenciales seek to fill the position of Purchasing for our Management Company, Strata Owners and Strata Corporation. In this role, you will be required to source products and materials, analyze bids coordinate logistics.

Duties and Responsibilities.

•Maintain through knowledge of the purchasing and bidding process.

•Receive, Record and inventory deliveries •Coordinate shipping and delivery to resort •Collect and analysis bids •Develop and Maintain a purchase order system •Offer innovative solutions when products are not readily available •Prepare reports and communicate the results to the Executive Team and Owner’s Representatives.

•Compile takeoffs based on current inventory and blueprints •Evaluate Specifications and recommend alternatives.

Requirements and Qualifications •Minimum 5-year experience in international purchasing and logistic for luxury hotel.

•Experience in the takeoff and bidding process •Must be able to work in South Florida and occasionally on site •College degree helpful •Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.

•Good working knowledge of computer estimating, AutoCAD, QuickBooks & Microsoft.

•Valid driver’s license with clean driving record •Self-motivated with a willingness to make initiative and solve complex problems •Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environment.

Salary $9.00m per hour plus service charge commensurate with experience.

Please send resume via email at hr@windsongresorts.com 649-946-3766 or by fax 649-941-7719 by 21/5/19. All Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. This is currently a vacant position. Prospective and qualified applicants who are Belongers are asked to send copies of your applicants to the Labor Board.

Page 6

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Five businesses damaged in Ports of Call Plaza blaze

By Todeline Defralien

Five businesses received extensive damages when the east wing of Ports of Call Plaza, went up into a huge blaze on the evening of Monday May 18th. ` The fire destroyed restaurants, shops and offices located at the popular tourist spot in the Grace Bay Strip.

These businesses included, Crackpot Kitchen Restaurant Bar and Grill, Caya Hico, Island Escapes Turks & Caicos, Caicos Wheels Car & Scooter Rentals, Spa Tropique and Giggles.

Owner of Ports of Call Plaza, Dale Papke told The SUN, he is thankful that no one was hurt and only the east building was affected.

“Five businesses had extensive damage. At this point in time I have no way to estimate the damage but I may have a better idea in two weeks. Fortunately no one was hurt and only the east building was

affected,” he said.

Papke added that he is appreciative for the incredible support and well wishes he has received from the island.

“My wife Wendy and I are appreciative for the incredible support and well wishing from island friends, suppliers and even strangers, it reminds us why we chose to invest and have residency in TCI. We are also appreciative for the great work of the fire department. It is amazing how they were able to contain the fire to the one wing.”

Papke told The SUN, he is hoping to have the building rebuilt and open before the start of the busy season. The Turks & Caicos Fire & Rescue Service was also praised for their hard work and preventing the spread of the fire.

`In an interview with The SUN, Fire Service Trainer, Mr. Aubrey Felix said a total 16 firefighters were on scene, that’s a combination of paid firefighters, volunteer firefighters

Ports of Call Plaza during the blaze.

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

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

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

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

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

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

•Perform other related tasks as assigned.

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

•Valid driver’s license.

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

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

SALARY: To Be Determined APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 5th, 2020

and airport firefighters.

Felix also added that over 30,000 gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire.

“We received the call shortly after 8pm. We have three (3) fire trucks, two (2) Pumpers, and one (1) Water Tanker, which carry a total of 3,200 gallons of water. We used over 30,000 gallons of water to extinguish the fire, saving the other two buildings which could have been destroyed by the fire, especially with strong winds making our job twice as difficult. Available was a water cistern which is directly under the building, enabling us to use a portable fire pump,” he explained.

He continued: “We used a fire hydrant that was 100 feet away from the building and two other nearby fire hydrants, making it a total of three (3) fire hydrants and a water cistern to deploy over 30,000 gallons of water.

We split up in teams applying water from the front, sides and the rear of that huge complex to stop the fire from spreading and containing it.”

The aftermath of the blaze

Felix said this is the largest structure fire that they responded to in over the past decade.

Up to the time of this report, no official statements were made as to what caused the fire but the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating the incident.

The Shops of Ports of Call is one of the island’s first shopping facilities and is located on the Ports of Call Resort property.

It offers a variety of restaurants, bars, spa, hair salon, ice cream parlor, dive shop, fishing charters, auto, and scooter rental, several gift shops, clothing stores, and a meeting and conference facility further enhancing the Resort’s array of services and amenities comparable to those of larger resorts.

Set within the tropical courtyard of Shops of Ports of Call are life-size pirate statues along with signage explaining their history providing entertainment for all and a perfect photo opportunity.

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 7

LOCAL NEWS

Strict enforcement after construction industry reopening

applications included buildings of dwelling homes, apartments,

There will be strict commercial development, villas, enforcement of rules and regulations hotels and other repairs and to protect against the spread of the renovations. coronavirus in the construction She shared the numbers the industry, says Premier Sharlene numbers from each islands, adding Cartwright-Robinson. that the reopening was extremely

Deputy Premier as Minister successful. of Infrastructure, Housing, Planning There was one application and Development was asked to lead for Parrot Cay, two for Middle Caicos, the reopening of the Construction four for North Caicos, ten for Grand Sector which reopened May 11th, Turk and 97 in Providenciales.

2020. The Premier said the Turks “We continued to police and Caicos Islands Department of (the construction sites). We’ve had Planning received a total of 114 in the first week on occasion to close applications for the reopening down sites not just because they of the construction industry, but weren’t practicing social distancing Government wants to see how this or the protocols by which they were sector performs before moving to set up but also some of them did not phase two. even have planning permission,” The 12-storey Ritz-Carlton construction site is the largest in the country.

The Premier said the the Premier stated.

By Todeline Defralien

Woman arrested on suspicion of murdering daughter

A 42-year-old woman, Najaj Karioka, was arrested late Wednesday, May 20, 2020, on Suspicion of murder her nine-yearold daughter.

Police public relations officer Takara Bain said Police Control Room received the call at 10:07 p.m. and police along with Emergency Medical Personnel

were dispatched to a home in the North Creek area of Grand Turk.

Upon arrival, they found the child unresponsive with head injuries.

The child was pronounced dead at 11:26 p.m.

Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting said, “The death of a child is always a tragedy and

TURKS CAICOS TURKS AND AND CAICOS ISLANDS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION Regulating with Honesty, Integrity and Transparency

Regulating with Honesty, Integrity and Transparency 8 May 2020

NOTICE NOTICE

PHASED RETURN OF IN-OFFICE SERVICES AT THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION

PHASED RETURN OF IN-OFFICE SERVICES AT THE11FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION Effective May 2020, the Financial Services Commission will commence a phased return to work at its offices located at Waterloo Plaza, Grand Turk, and Caribbean Place, Providenciales.

Please check the News/Notices page of the Commission’s website at www.tcifsc.tc or contact the Commission at fsc@tcifsc.tc or (649) 946-5314/946-2550 for details on its protocol for dealing with clients during this phased return to office period.

Effective 11 May 2020, the Financial Services Commission will commence a phased return to work at its offices located at Waterloo Plaza, Grand We thank you for your continued patience, understanding and support as we navigate the new Turk, Caribbean Place, normaland of operating during the COVID-19 pandemi. Providenciales.

Please check the News/Notices page of the Commission’s website at www.tcifsc.tc or contact the Commission at fsc@tcifsc.tc or (649) 946-5314/946-2550 for details on its protocol for dealing with clients during this phased return to office period.

We thank you for your continued patience, understanding and support as we navigate the new normal of operating during the COVID-19 pandemi.

P.O. Box 140 • Caribbean Place • Leeward Highway • Providenciales • Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946 – 5314 / 941 – 8311 • Fax: (649) 941 – 3569 P.O. Box 79 • Waterloo Plaza • Waterloo Road • Grand Turk • Turks and Caicos Islands (649) 946 Place – 2791 / 946 – 2550 • Fax: •(649) 946 – Islands 1714 P.O.Tel: Box 140 • Caribbean • Leeward Highway • Providenciales Turks and Caicos Tel: (649)www.tcifsc.tc 946 – 5314 / 941 – 8311 Email: • Fax: (649) fsc@tcifsc.tc 941 – 3569 Website: P.O. Box 79 • Waterloo Plaza • Waterloo Road • Grand Turk • Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946 – 2791 / 946 – 2550 • Fax: (649) 946 – 1714 Website: www.tcifsc.tc

Email: fsc@tcifsc.tc

the community on Grand Turk and indeed across the TCI will be shocked by this incident. I would like to reiterate my sincere condolences to the family of the child. This is a tragic incident for the family and all those who knew the child. We currently have someone in custody as we try to learn more about the

circumstances surrounding this latest murder. Although many will want immediate answers as to what happened last night, I urge you again not to speculate or share information that is inappropriate or insensitive.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Page 8

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Report from May 20th Cabinet Meeting His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 18th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 20 May 2020 by video conference.

All ministers attended.

At this meeting Cabinet: • Noted a COVID-19 Update from the Hon. Minister of Health.

• Continued their review of the Strategy for the Phased Reopening of COVID-19 Containment Measures presented by the Ministry of Health.

• Noted an Information Paper on the Ministry of Health’s Standard Operating Procedures for COVID-19 and Environmental Health Department Guidelines for the Phased Reopening of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

• Approved the award of a one-off stimulus package to support teachers in private schools.

• Noted: the progress made by the Ministry of Education regarding the quality of on-line schooling in TCI, and the School Base Assessments & Transfers Strategy, and endorsed draft guidelines to be implemented to ensure consistency in learning across the Education Sector.

• Approved a proposed Water Undertaking (Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos) Bill 2020/21 for progression to the House of Assembly.

• Approved COVID-19 quarantine facilities for prisoners, and the designation of the facilities as a prison, and approved COVID testing of remand prisoners and prison officers, where appropriate.

Any other business: • Approved the deadline of 4pm Monday 25 May 2020 for applications for the waiver of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Tax collected during March 2020.

• Approved a deadline of 4pm Monday 25 May 2020 for new applications, and the submission of additional documentation where required, for the COVID-19 Employee Stimulus Grant, and approved its inclusion in the Regulations and publication in the Gazette.

• Approved TCIG’s participation in the Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility, Segregated Portfolio Company for policy year 2020/21, and approved premiums for the same period for Tropical Cyclone and Excess Rainfall coverage.

Regulations for testing of COVID-19 in TCI

The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services announced the coming into effect of the “Public and Environmental Health (Testing of COVID-19) Regulations 2020” as of 30th April, 2020.

According to a Government press release said this regulation was gazetted on May 1st 2020 (vol. 171 no. 30), adding that in the interest of public safety, the Ministry has taken precaution by way of this new regulation to ensure that all persons being tested for COVID-19 in the Turks and Caicos Islands are tested using reliable methods.

The press release said the ministry of Health’s National Public Health Laboratory at the time of this

publication is the only approved facility for testing COVID-19 samples, the laboratory currently utilizes Polymerase Chain Reaction methodology (PCR) which has been recommended by the World Health Organization as well as our regional and international partners.

“PCR is the gold standard for the testing of COVID-19 as it identifies the presence of the virus in patient samples and is highly sensitive and specific. Health facilities wishing to conduct COVID-19 testing must now present an application to the Ministry of Health for review, deliberation and written approval once requirements have been satisfied. Application forms are included in the Gazette,” the press release stated.

BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES POSITIONS AVAILABLE All positions are held by Work Permit Holders Butterfield Gold One (1) Painter Minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a painter Prepare walls and other surfaces for painting by scraping, using sandpaper, removing old paint.

Fill cracks and holes with appropriate material (e.g. plaster) Mix paint and other materials to prepare the right color or texture Paint surfaces according to instructions with various tools Apply varnish and other finishes.

Any other assigned duty Wages: commensurate with experience starting from $9.00 per hour.

One (1) Domestic worker General cleaning the Town Center mall windows and offices Wages: starting from $6.50 per hour One (1) Domestic Worker All aspects of cleaning & other domestic duties including preparing meals for the Owner Applicant must be of excellent character and work ethics.

Be able to work independently Applicant must be willing to work flexible hours Salary from $350.00 per week Location: 23 Parade Ave, Providenciales Coral Quarry Two (2)Mechanics The employee is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all company equipment/machinery, and to ensure minimum downtime

“All health care providers are reminded that COVID-19 has been designated a notifiable disease under the Public and Environmental Health Ordinance and all cases must be reported to the Ministry of Health.”

The Ministry of Health reminded the general public to practice social distancing at all times, practice frequent hand-washing with soap and water, cover your cough or sneeze and if you are experiencing a cough, fever or shortness of breath, please call the Ministry of Health hotlines on 333 0911 or 232 9444.

For more information relating to applying for approval for Laboratory Testing, kindly contact the National Public Health Laboratory on 338 5161.

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.

of same through proper coordination of the preventative maintenance program.

Must have least 10 year’s experiences Must have the ability to lift and move up to 100lbs Must have vision abilities; close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

Applicants must have knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to the trade. Must have the ability to communicate effectively The employee will be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration, moderate to loud noise levels. To be exposed to outside weather conditions.

Applicants will be exposed to hazardous work environments.

Salary: $15.00 per hour One (1) Truck driver Delivering raw/building materialsInspect vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance.Must have clean drivers licence and Police Record with have at least ten years’ experience.

From $12.00 per hour according to experience Location: South Dock Road 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 June 2, 2020 Submit applications to: Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department 23 Parade Ave Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Tel: 649-946-4211 Labour Commissioner, Labour Department Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS AND CAICOS COLLECTION DONATES HEALTH EQUIPMENT TO TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

At a time of unprecedented crisis, the Turks and Caicos Collection, despite an economic collapse that poses an existential threat to its core business and the hotel/tourism industry generally is stepping up to help the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and its community weather the Covid-19 pandemic with a gift of 17 ventilators, fully capable of providing life support to patients suffering respiratory failure.

TCC CEO, Caroline Van Sheltinga, COO, Armando Pizzuti and Public Relations Director, Wayne Garland, during the presentation emphasized “Part of our mission at TCC is to serve the public good and as a company, we feel compelled to do what we can right now, to assist our healthcare providers in whatever

way we can to help safeguard our communities through this pandemic. Our hospitals may not be facing a shortage today or tomorrow, but it’s important to be proactive to ensure our country’s wellbeing.”

Receiving the donation from TCC was the Minister of Health, Hon. Edwin Astwood, accompanied by Health Ministry personnel. The TCIG health contingent comprised: Aldora Robinson, Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, Charlene Higgs, Director of Health Disaster and Florinda Talbot, Director, Ministry of Health Contract Management Unit. The Minister on behalf of TCIG and the people of the TCI, expressed profound thanks.

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Beach House Turks & Caicos beachhousetci.com +1.855.946.5800 +1.649.946.5800

He praised the Turks and Caicos Collection for being a great community partner.

“This truly shows the power of working together for the greater good.” He went on to say, “Globally, this pandemic has created a high demand and in many instances a shortage of much needed medical supplies and equipment. TCIG is grateful to the TCC for its generous donation of life-saving equipment, integral to protecting the health of our citizens and extremely vital in the care for COVID-19 patients.”

The Turks and Caicos Collection believes that creating a strong business and building a better world are not conflicting goals – but that they are both essential ingredients for long-term success.

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Page 10

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Stimulus package is an administrative nightmare, says Opposition Leader

By Todeline Defralien

The Turks and Caicos Islands stimulus package is an administrative nightmare, according to Opposition Leader Hon. Washington Misick.

Described as one of the most generous packages in the Caribbean region by Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, the Opposition Leader is calling it a failure to this country.

“I am compelled again to speak to you again about the stimulus package or perhaps more appropriately the lack of the stimulus package. I do not speak with the benefit of hindsight and I am not being smart after the fact. The truth is the Opposition has pointed out the flaws in the stimulus package since early April. We categorically support relief for our people but we oppose the package on offer on the grounds that it is an administrative nightmare,” Misick said in a zoom press conference on Monday May 11th.

He added: “It lacks fairness and transparency and the one-off payment feature to a single industry betrays an understanding of the breadth of the personal hardships of the working men and women of this country. In a nutshell, it is ill-conceived political grandstanding at its worst and our people are suffering because of it.”

Misick said the hopes and expectations of a desperate people waiting for relief have been dashed by the same person who raised those hopes in the

first place.

“That person is the Premier. The Premier knew or at least should have known on April 28th when she announced that the payments would be released on May 8th that the volume of data needed to be processed meant that it was an impossible target. There was between seven and a half thousand to nine thousand applications submitted with five pieces of information each, all of that needed to be fact checked.

I had asked during the budget debate on April 22nd, how long is it going to take to fact check between 40,000 – 50,000 pieces of information and I asked that because it was clear to me that such an administrative exercise was going to be extremely time consuming,” he explained.

Misick also noted that the Premier gave a false impression that the public would receive monies on May 8th which was disingenuous.

He continued: “Why the Minister of Finance choose not to use the information available on the NIB database in the first place to reduce the processing time, is as with so many of the decisions made by this administration, a mystery. For the Premier to leave people with the false impression that they would get their money on May 8th when she must have known, or should have known, that it was impossible and was disingenuous. Some people may have gotten some money by now, but how many. If 50% of the people who applied need to collect a cheque, then if they all turned up at the Treasury line it would stretch for miles.”

Additionally, Misick also said that for the Premier to stand by as people on social media blame the Civil Service and the Permanent Secretary of Finance in particular is unfair and cowardly.

“For online trolls to blame the hardworking Civil Servants when they were given an impossible timetable by the Premier is totally unacceptable.

Our Civil Servants cannot defend themselves and they do not need this unwarranted criticism, just for this government to save face,” the Opposition Leader continued.

“Ladies and gentlemen, in the world where there is shortage of jobs and money, it is amazing that there is never a shortage of scapegoats in this administration. It is always someone else’s fault, the Civil Servants, people who did not fill out their forms properly, anyone except for the person who actually is responsible. It was for the Premier to take responsibility.

It was her job to explain to the public that it had taken longer than expected and there would be delays. That is taking responsibility, that is leadership and leadership that this country solely needs,” the Opposition Leader explained.

Furthermore, Misick stated that even if the plan had been implemented properly it was not the way to look after Turks and Caicos Islands people.

He added: “I said in my budget speech that this stimulus package would spread suspicion and ill will. So said so, done. The detail of the plan has always been sketchy. For example, who

Hon. Charles Washington Misick Leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP)

is entitled to the package? The initial press statement referred to the hospitality workers although the application form now has a sector called other. It must be clear to this government by now that the financial impacts of this pandemic stretch further than the hospitality industry.”

The Opposition Leader questioned if the people who are not hospitality workers, do they not have to eat.

“Ask yourself, does this make sense? Is this fair? The PNP says not. The unvarnished truth is, as I said in my budget address, this government has no plan to deal with the financial impacts of the pandemic,” he said.

Blue Water Divers, Grand Turk Wanted: Activities Coordinator Applicants must possess; •PADI Rescue Diver or higher qualification •Minimum 2 years experience in a scuba dive operation •Familiarity with scuba dive equipment, PADI Standards, Rules and Regulations •Excellent communication in English both spoken and written •Skilled in Microsoft Excel (budgets, cashflows, etc.), Microsoft Word •Bookkeeping and Accounting experience with Quickbooks •Valid Driver’s License •Proven Multi-tasking, Marketing and Customer Service Skills •Starting Pay $1300/month Three month probationary period applies. Please email resume to info@ grandturkscuba.com Tel: 946-2432 This positions is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 11

LOCAL NEWS

TCIG obtains line of credit from local bank, says Premier

By Todeline Defralien

The Turks and Caicos Government has obtained a line of credit from a local bank to assist with paying its bills as a result of the effects from the coronavirus pandemic, according to Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright- Robinson.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday May 20th, Premier Robinson said in April the government collected $5.1 million, compared to the $32million collected during the same period last year 2019.

When The SUN asked, how much money does it take to run the government each month and how much have you been collecting since the lockdown, she said, “It costs us about $20million a month and you have to remember with that it’s not just salaries but operational expenditure that we will not have because offices are predominately closed. What we took in the first month was $5.1million in taxes.

We’ve collected excess revenue from statutory bodies but we only collected $5.1million in April. Just compare that to last year April we

collected $32million and I want you cuts were made in the budget the to appreciate that.” decision was to take away from local

The Premier added, “What travel due to persons not being able is it costing us each month, I to travel as much anymore. can’t say because you have to “As I said when I presented remember that we’re doing a lot of the budget, we were going to keep preparatory work in terms of health, the budget under review. So by the so when you have (the Ministry first quarter, we perhaps have to of) Health that presented a budget reorganize the budget to see how it is of about $10million for upgrades performing but where else we need to and additional out of the normal top up and where we may realistically expenditure, what we are doing have savings. We know that when now is in our second month in the we did some cuts originally, we cut it fiscal year is having everyone submit from local travel, because nobody is COVID-19 budgets. That takes us going to travel like that anymore; so Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson. outside of the regular operational we wouldn’t need $20million to run. time. It may actually be worse than spend, so not only will be know how We just don’t know what that new that. much COVID-19 has cost us, but figure looks like after the one month, Robinson revealed on the also so that we can prepare.” especially during a lockdown,” she first day of reopening government

She continued: “How are we explained. offices, TCI collected half a million making it? We have secured a facility She added: “Turks and dollars. from a local bank which I would not Caicos had only $140 something “It could be that people didn’t announce as yet. Our strategy was million and I said only because my use the online facility which was the first line is to reduce expenditure. colleagues in the region will think I available.... Everything is fluid and I That has happened naturally with am being ungrateful, so let me not say want us to appreciate that we only the closure of offices, but the second that, but we had $140million and we have $140million so if we continue one was to obtain a line of credit, so were looking at almost $70million of in collecting $5million a month, we have secured an overdraft facility that was a deficit and then we were we’re going to be drawing down very with one of the local banks and that looking at how we’re going to use quickly on that savings and that I will announce in a full update on savings to fund the stimulus and to $140million is unencumbered with the country’s finances.” fund that shortfall and deficit that commitments from projects,” she

Robison stated that when projected at that said.

Regulation passed for overseas residents to return back to Turks and Caicos Islands a Turks and Caicos Islander because reflect residence from Barbados and a British Overseas Territory citizen the Dominican Republic. We have

In the midst of the who lives here does not have to be a about thirty-five (35) persons who coronavirus pandemic worldwide, Turks and Caicos Islander according are in multiple states across the a regulation has recently passed in to the Immigration ordinance and United States; we are seeking how the Turks and Caicos Islands which also a residence permit holder. we can use the services of JetBlue provides for overseas residents to That is the permit that a person who will be taking out residents to return home. who is married to a Turks and bring in Turks and Caicos Islanders

Premier Hon. Sharlene Caicos Islander holds. These are from the United States. We have Cartwright-Robinson made the the restricted categories for persons two (2) Turks and Caicos Islander announcement during a press who are able to return.” as far as Italy, one (1) Turks and conference on Wednesday May In addition, Robinson Caicos Islander in Trinidad, one (1) 20th, adding that there are restricted revealed that 16 residents are who wishes to return from Jamaica categories for persons who are able currently in a government funded and about ninety (90) in the United to return. facility where the cost of meals is Kingdom,” she explained.

She said, “Regulation (48) also met by the government and She continued: “The which recently passed provides individuals there are quarantined Governor’s Office is working closely for the return of Turks and Caicos for fourteen days. with the government of Cayman Islanders in limited category The Premier also stated that residents Islands as to how we can arrange a of residents to the islands. The will be returning from places such trans-Atlantic flight, as the majority returning residents category as Barbados, Dominican Republic, of those persons in the United includes three groups and that is United States, Italy, Trinidad and Kingdom (UK) are students and Turks and Caicos Islanders, citizens the United Kingdom. they are prepared now to come because you can be a citizen and not “The numbers that we have home. That is important for us

By Todeline Defralien

to appreciate, the last regulation allows for Turks and Caicos Islanders to return in limited categories of returning residents.”

Residents who ordinarily reside on any of the other islands who may have been stranded in Providenciales due to the COVID19 lockdown are asked to contact the Ministry of Health via email to register for COVID-19 testing. It is a requirement for these individuals to be tested prior to returning to their home and will be the first persons tested by the National Public Health Laboratory.

All persons who are interested should email the Ministry on the following address covid19testing@gov.tc.

Persons will be contacted and provided with a form for completion and an appointment to get swabbed.

Page 12

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

PICTURES FROM PORTS OF CALL PLAZA FIRE

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

Opposition Leader writes Premier about urgent need for stakeholder engagement on effects of covid-19 on economy May 17, 2020

remain optimistically cautious and will support any common sense Honourable Sharlene Cartwright- decision making action to protect Robinson frontline workers and the general Premier, Turks and Caicos Islands public, but also to restart the Premier’s Office economy and open up our border.

Providenciales

The issue with the economic Turks and Caicos Islands effect of COVID-19 is that, unlike other recessions, this is not simply a Dear Premier: case of the actions of the private sector.

The steps that the private sector will Beyond the Pandemic: take and is taking to protect their businesses are inextricably bound to

I am writing to you out of the decisions that government make concern for the health and wellbeing to protect the health of residents. of the residents, and for the survival I believe that it is vitally of employment entities in the Turks important that a road map is available and Caicos Islands for the duration to the private sector and the country of the COVID-19 pandemic and as to what is the government’s its economic impact on livelihood intention in regards to the opening thereafter. of the borders, the protocols and

I recognise that from a health safety measures that will be imposed. and safety standpoint the Islands Such a road map will provide the have fared relatively well, and that private sector with the information is in large part due to the wise to make informed decisions about decision to close the border at the staffing and the preparation needed end of March and put in place “lock- for reopening their businesses. down” measures and procedures. As Events move fast in a crisis well in recent weeks it appears that and it was clear from the KPMG some progress is being made to beef- report that in the hospitality up healthcare capacity for the care of industry without any clear direction COVID-19 patients. as to when the business will return,

However, there has not been their instinct/practical requirement an update on plans to reopen the is to reduce costs. This has already border. It appears that provided led to job losses and more will likely there is not a major spike in infection follow.

TCI may emerge on the other side The preparation of a road in fairly good shape from a health map will not be easy and especially perspective. This is of course all of as the time frame to produce such our wish, and we in the opposition a map is incredibly short. The

beginning of June is only two weeks away.

So, there is much work to be done and we must start now by convening a high-level virtual conference of major stakeholder groups moderated by an independent world class facilitator.

The stakeholders are financially and emotionally invested in the economic future of these islands.

They would bring ideas and shed light on the practical difficulties of the reopening of the borders.

Marrying up the medical concerns with the economic concerns will be no easy task, but it is a task that must be faced. What we hope would emerge is a consensus as to how we get the TCI back to work and a realistic timetable.

I cannot stress enough the need for speed in addressing Hon. Charles Washington Misick Leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP) these issues, I am aware from my time in office of the pace of to consider new ideas and suggestions most government initiatives. This as the emerging conditions mandate. stakeholder engagement cannot And since ‘politics is the art of afford to be delayed; time is of the compromise’ it is time for us to put essence. I believe we should have the the political sabre rattling aside and conference this week. I will promise co-operate to do what is in the best you my party’s complete support and interest of the Turks and Caicos engagement of your effort to fashion Islands. a strategy to get this country back to work.

Yours sincerely

It is true that to some extent Government and Opposition have C. Washington Misick, OBE a habit of painting themselves into Leader of the Opposition corners. But we are at a juncture where the ends justify the means Distribution: HE Nigel Dakin and must now be sufficiently flexible The Media

Police seek public assistance to identify ‘John Doe’

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Serious Crimes Unit is asking for the public’s help to identify the deceased male person who is currently a ‘John Doe’ at the Government Morgue.

On Saturday, April 18th, 2020 Patrol and Serious Crime Unit Officers responded to the Providenciales Dumpsite in the Blue Hills area to investigate the murder of a male person who was shot to death.

He is believed to be a Haitian National and dark in complexion. No identifying papers were found with him.

Anyone, specifically the Haitian Community with information regarding the

man’s identity are encouraged to call 232-8752. Those with details on the shooting incident are also asked to please come forward or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477(TIPS).

C.B.M.S. Ltd.

131 South Dock Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking to fill the position of Heavy Duty Mechanic

Please Contact: 431-1983 or 941-3400 ___________________________________________

•Hourly rate $15.00 •To work 6 days per week •10 years experience in this field •Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of heavy duty equipment.

Please Contact: 431-1983 and 941-3400 _________________________________________

Is seeking to fill the position of Heavy Equipment Operator

Is seeking to fill the position of Mechanic Assistant •Hourly rate $9.00 •To work 6 days per week •Assists in the repair and upkeep of Heaven Duty equipment.

Please Contact: 431-1983 or 941-3400 __________________________________________ Is seeking to fill the position of Mechanic •Hourly rate $12.00 •To work 6 days per week •10 years experience in this field.

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

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

Please Contact: 431-1983 or 941-3400 ____________________________________________ Is seeking a Labourer •Applicant must be able to do minor repairs around the house, water plants and clean yard • Hourly rate $8.00 •To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 431-1983 or 941-3400 ------------------------------------------------------------------Is seeking Welder

•Duties: Fabricate and assemble metal structures and equipment through the use of welders, cutters, shapers and measuring tools •Salary: $15.00 an hour •To work 5 days a week Please Contact: 431-1983 or 941-3400 -----------------------------------------------------------------Is seeking a Plant & Equipment Maintenance Manager •Able to make sure that the plant is operating in a safe manner and without accidents.

•Be able to communicate effectively with other plant personnel and convey needed information to the Plant Manager such as the status of plant equipment and performance, being able to give suggestions for operating improvements •Salary: $15.00 an hour •To work 5 days a week Please Contact: 431-1983 or 941-3400 These positions are currently held by a Work Permit Holders Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Page 14

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Althea been appointed Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation

The Turks & Caicos Islands “I have had Government is pleased to announce a fulfilling tenure as the appointment of Mrs. Althea Been one of the Deputy as the new Permanent Secretary of PS of the Ministry the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public of Immigration, Utilities and Transportation.

Citizenship, Labour

Commenting on her new and Employment appointment, Ms. Been stated; “It Services and wish to is with great humility and profound take this opportunity gratitude that I assume the role to wish the staff and of Permanent Secretary within management every the civil service. In so doing I am success for the future. joining the highest ranks within As I transition to my the service, a group of proven and new assignment I outstanding professionals that I will am eager to work now have the privilege of calling my along with my colleagues. As the PS of the Ministry team and wish to Mrs. Althea Been of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and assure the Heads Transportation, I will be assuming of Government, the Minister, and oversight for critical areas in the the Management and staff of the country, including that of the Prison, Ministry of Home Affairs of my Energy and Communications. As commitment to continue to give of it relates to the Prison, I am aware my very best in service to you, the that the Minister, along with the entire government, and the people Governor and the Premier, have of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” identified key objectives to promote Commenting on the stability, security and reformation appointment, Her Excellency, within this system, which I will assist Deputy Governor, Anya Williams in delivering.” said: “As the Head of the Public

Service of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I take the opportunity to formally congratulate Mrs. Althea Been on her successful promotion to the role of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation.

Mrs. Been has demonstrated strong leadership, dedication and commitment during her tenure with the Turks and Caicos Government and has led on a number of key initiatives in her previous roles in the Office of the Premier and Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services, which has ably prepared her for this new role. I wish her much success and look forward to working with her in this new capacity as the Head of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation.”

Been holds a Master’s Degree in Service Excellence and has extensive training in Leadership and Management. She began her career at Cable & Wireless now FLOW, where she spent 17 years as the first local Market Research Officer and was later promoted to Dispatcher and then Service Delivery Manager.

She continued to advance her career and in 2007 was promoted to Vice President of Retail Sales and Services and remained in this capacity until 2013.

Been joined the Civil Service in August 2013 as the Senior Press and Protocol Officer in the Office of the Premier and in 2015 was promoted to the role of Executive Director within that same office. In April 2017 she was promoted to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services and served in the capacity of Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services from September 2019 to March 2020.

Growing a garden and growing a community

By Anya Willique

After a just a few weeks during the pandemic a community has flourished.

Throughout this dark time a group of backyard farmers have collectively come together to empower and share tips, seeds and the fruits of their labor. The TCI Backyard Farmers group on Facebook have brought hope and joy not only to the community but also to Facebook as well.

The goal and vision of the collective is that establish community gardens , feed the community and educate on nutrition. Over the past few week webinars and zoom communities meet ups have been held to share information and connect using the world wide web.

Meet the Coordinators: Teresa Andrews,

All Stars Bar & Restaurant Location: Two-Story Building next to Sweet T’s upstairs, Downtown, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Cashier Duties: Welcoming customers, answering their questions, taking orders and ringing up sales To work 5 days a week Salary is $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 344-0775 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

Fay Ninon, Angela Frietes, Anya Willique, and Katherine Hart have given their time and effort to positively impact and be the change.

Growing a garden can bloom eco-resilient, cross-cultural, foodsovereign communities.

We wanted to create a shared virtual space where children and adults could grow their own food and also learn how to create food security in our community. We planned to share what we learned with larger communities with events and meet-ups post lock-down.

The Food and Agriculture (FAO) Organization of the United Nations calls food sovereignty “a basic human right.” It is the right to access healthy food and to control food policy. By

Our community garden plays a significant role in food security and food sovereignty.

Sustainability is our main focus in the long run.

Local, international, immigrant and refugee families can become a particularly vulnerable populations that experience a lack of sustainability for various reasons, including lack of belonging and networks, low income, mental stress and discrimination.

The valuable lessons are that community and backyard gardening not only develops gardening skills but also encourages

B & B Services

Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl

Location: Grace Bay Village Lot #3, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Maintenance Technician Duties: Conducting scheduling repairs, maintaining inventory, and developing preventative maintenance procedures and will be a jack-of-all-trades, maintaining buildings A & B apartments and the office area, cleaning and providing minor repairs on AC units & Laundry machine.

Salary $8.00 per hour To work six days a week Please Contact: 243-8471 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Turks & Caicos Islanders should also send copy of their application to the Labour Board #195230

backyard farmers taking matters in their own hands they are accessing this basic right Sustainablity

Location: Five Cays, next to the Fish Plant, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Kitchen Helper - Able to work flexible shift including weekends and holidays - Able to lift heavy objects, organized and able to work in a fast pace environment To work 5 days a week Salary is $8.00 an hour Please Contact: 332-5646 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders can send copies of their resume to the Labour Board

#195229

the development of other community-based activities.

It enhances cross-cultural networking skills.

Through our cross-cultural activities we have many opportunities: to create food security, to learn informal land-based

EL Construction

education for children, to build networks, to develop community and to learn local importance of native plants and land.

WHERE TO FIND US: FACEBOOK (TCI BACKYARD FARMERS)

Fresh Fish Ltd

Location: Building #58, South Dock Road, Providenciales, 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 be able to work 5 days a week Salary: $7.00 per hour Please Contact: 231-5361 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Sam’s building Downtown, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Supervisor Duties: Positive and disciplined attitude and aptitude toward work in a customer service oriented business. Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills Trustworthy and reliable disposition Salary is $6.50 per hour To work 5 days a week Please Contact: 241-5678 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders can send copies of their resume to the Labour Board #195235

Rejouvenance Spa LTD

Mary Cunningham

Location: 71B Man O War Rd, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Seeking Out Call Spa/Massage Therapist Duties: Available to work 6 days a week including weekends and holidays, must own a vehicle in excellent working order with clean license Requirements: 5 years experience as a therapist with spa rated 4Stars or above with relevant International Beauty and Massage Therapist Degree and certification on IPL laser must have excellent written and verbal communication Salary: $6.75 per hour plus commission Position currently held by work permit holder Qualified candidates should send a resume to: frontdesk@rejouvenance.com or contact 649-432-7546 Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders must submit their application to the Labor Board #195231

Location: Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames.

Cares for garden on a daily basis Willing to work 5 days per week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 241-2123 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Belongers are encouraged to send copy of resume to the Labour Board #195224

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

HOW TO PAY YOUR FORTISTCI BILL

Dear Valued Customer, As the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, FortisTCI wants you to know that we are here for you.

We are following our robust business continuity plans, and our employees are working around the clock to keep the lights on.

For those working to keep their bills as current as possible, we are offering more ways to pay while our customer service centers are closed.

My Online Account

The online customer web portal is accessible 24 hours a day and allows you to monitor your daily consumption, view your account balance, and pay your bill using a credit or debit card.

To register, log onto www.fortistci.com, select the ‘My Online Account’ tab, and click ‘register now’. You will need your meter number and account number.

Pay Online Using a Local Bank

If you bank with FirstCaribbean, ScotiaBank, or RBC, you can pay your bill online using their online bill payment option. You must register through your bank and should speak with a bank representative for more information. Payments are posted within 48 hours.

Payment by Cash or Check

Customers who cannot pay online using a credit card, debit card, or their bank account, can pay their bills by check or cash at the following authorized payment agent locations: • Provo – Any Graceway Supermarket location • North & Middle Caicos – At BETCO (Bernie Handfield), Bottle Creek • South Caicos – At Seaview Market, Stubbs Road • Grand Turk - National Company Services (NCS), Cees Building, Church Folly Road

Payment options for Grand Turk and Salt Cay customers will be announced shortly.

Customers are reminded to adhere to all curfew stipulations as outlined by the government and should only access the above essential service locations at times prescribed in the law. If utilizing an authorized pay agent to make a bill payment, have your bill on hand at the time of payment.

Questions? Email or Call for Account Updates

If you have questions or need account information, you can email us at customerservice@fortistci.com, or call 649-946-4313. Our customer service representatives are available Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Sincerely, FortisTCI

2017 Winner

Allied Member of the Year

BCMS 681102

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

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Turks & Caicos observes National EMS Week

The Turks & Caicos Emergency Medical Services this week observed National EMS Week May 17th – May 23rd 2020.

In 1974 United States President Gerald Ford authorized the very first EMS Week in order to celebrate EMS Practitioners and the essential services they provide to the community. The same is true for the dedicated hard working men and women of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Emergency Medical Services.

They are on the frontline of medicine in the Turks and Caicos community as in many cases when someone becomes suddenly ill or injured they are the first faces seen in their time of need.

Their mission? It is to bring care that’s usually received in the emergency room to wherever they are called to your aid. The work these men and woman do and a daily basis, takes no breaks and arrives to you with no regard for time of day, weather or safety conditions. The profession is such that it exposes them to traumatic scenes, death,

emotionally charged scenes, violent attacks from bystanders, verbal abuse, communicable diseases, as well as putting their mental health at risk.

At the end of the shift they have to work hard to leave all that they saw that day behind as they return home to the wives, husbands and children and care for their own families. The job is tough but they return the next day and do it all over again.

The theme of this year’s EMS Week is “EMS STRONG: Ready Today, Preparing for Tomorrow”.

This theme was developed one year ago, but the current pandemic has added even more meaning to it today. At the risk of their own health, safety and wellbeing, they along with others in the healthcare community have been in the battlefield of this fight against COVID19, providing pre-hospital medical care and transport to the Emergency Department for further are unable to celebrate it as would care.

Because of the COVID19 normally be done. How can you pandemic and the social distancing help? Whenever you see these hard restrictions, EMS personnel here in working men and women in your the Turks & Caicos and worldwide daily travels, just wish them a

happy EMS Week and say thank you for all they do in behalf of the community now and in the future.

Your encouraging expressions of appreciation will go a long way.

Garbage truck fire in Grand Turk

On Sunday 10 May, release said EHD would like to 2020 at approximately 4:30 thank Domestic Fire Services a.m. it was reported that the and other stakeholders who refuse collection truck in assisted to suppress and quickly Grand Turk was on fire. The extinguish the fire. We also flames were extinguished at would like to thank the general 5:28 a.m. by the Domestic Fire public for their assistance.

Services.

“We wish to assure the

As this is the only public that we are committed Government refuse collection to safeguarding public vehicle on the island in Grand health while also creating an Turk, the Environmental environment that is healthy Health Department will be and aesthetically pleasing to seeking quotations from refuse both residents and visitors collection contractors to to enjoy. The Environmental continue collecting refuse in Health Department and Grand Turk to prevent vector Ministry of Health apologizes borne diseases outbreaks. for any inconvenience that this

Residents are also may cause and would like to encouraged to use the drop thank the community for their box available at the Grand patience and cooperation,” the Turk solid waste site. release stated.

A government press

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

Hon. Emily Agusta Saunders – A tribute to one of South Caicos’ great ladies

The purpose of this article is to pay tribute to a lady who rose from humble beginnings to a top political position in our country.

It tells how she used her influence to provide quality assistance and support for many struggling families in her hometown and the country at large.

Despite her quiet disposition, she possesses a heart filled with Christian principles and love as expounded by her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Emily Saunders was born on the island of South Caicos. At the age of 3 years, she entered Miss Joycelyn Lockhart’s Kindergarten School to commence her education.

On reaching the age of 6 years, which was the compulsory school age at the time, she was transferred to the Government All Age Primary School to further her education. At the age of 14 years, she sat and successfully passed her Firstand Third-Year Jamaica Local Examinations which was one of the External Examination Bodies at the time.

After completing Primary School, she entered the teaching profession under the guidance and supervision of veteran educators and mentors Mrs Marjorie Basden and the late Mrs. Iris Saunders/ Stubbs (two of South Caicos’ highly esteemed educators).

She taught for about two years before leaving the island to pursue a Diploma in Laboratory Technology at Manhattan Medical Assistant School.

She also pursued a further Diploma in X-ray Technology at Allen School for Physicians Aides in Queens, New York. After completing her studies, Mrs. Saunders was employed at Rockaway General Hospital obtaining vital practical experience in her field of study.

She later returned home where she worked at the South Caicos Clinic for a short period of time. She was also offered a position as Lab and X-ray Technician at the Grand Turk Hospital which she refused to take up.

In 1964, she started working at the Government Office in South Caicos. This employment stretched over

a period of 18 years where she held various positions including Postmistress, Secretary/Radio Operator, Accounting Officer and Assistant Manager Government Savings Bank.

One of her main duties included training staff so that there could be continuity in the workplace.

Mrs. Saunders retired from the government service in 1983.

Her career took a new turn following her husband’s incarceration in Miami Florida.

Her husband who was Chief Minister at the time, had to resign his position thus leaving the seat in South Caicos North vacant. She contested the byelection on the PNP ticket and won the seat.

Prior to this, she was also very actively involved in politics supporting her husband.

Under her leadership, the party had a strong Women’s Arm which was started in South Caicos and later spread to the other Caicos Islands. This initiative saw her husband gaining huge support from women and which later helped to elevate her.

Following her election to office, she was appointed as Minister of Health and Social Security (obviously because of her academic training).

While serving in this portfolio, she successfully put through legislation for a noncontributory benefits scheme for senior citizens. This was a welcome initiative and a relief for many unfortunate residents.

As her portfolio also encompassed Health, Hon Saunders was instrumental in arranging with the CEO of North Shore General Hospital for babies from the Turks and Caicos Islands to have open heart surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

The contract also allowed Turks and Caicos Islanders to get a 40% discount for procedures at North Shore General Hospital by just having to show their passports.

During her political career, Hon. Saunders served as Deputy Speaker, Speaker of the House of Assembly (becoming the first female to rise to such an esteemed position).

Additionally, she served on many Standing Committees

Emily Augusta Saunders

including The Expenditure and Public Accounts Committees.

Hon. Saunders was also a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands CPA.

While in this position, she was the first to serve as a member of the International Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association for a period of three years as a Regional Representative for the Caribbean, Americas, and Atlantic Region.

She also served on the Commonwealth Affairs Committee and represented both the local and international CPA through her attendance at CPA Seminars and CPA Conferences. These conferences took her to places such as St. Kitts, the B.V.I, Jamaica, Belize, Bermuda, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, South Africa, New Zealand, and Canada representing the TCI and networking with colleagues from these countries.

On the local scene, Hon. Saunders is one of South Caicos’ prominent businesswomen.

She is the owner of Super Value Supermarket which she established over many years ago. She was also a part time employee at British Fidelity Insurance Co., and a former and very active member of the Soroptimist International Club of South Caicos where she served as President for six terms.

One of her greatest desires was to establish a training facility for young ladies who were not fortunate enough to complete high school.

This facility was intended to provide hands on

By Dr. Carlton Mills

training for these young ladies who would eventually lead more productive lives. The intention was to give them a new lease on life through a second chance.

Hon. Saunders was and continues to be a community activist. She served in various capacities in South Caicos including being President of the Marjorie Basden High School Parent Teachers’ Association, President of the South Caicos Regatta Committee, President of the Citizens’ United for the Development and Protection of Our Heritage.

She was also a member of the AIDS Committee, the Drug Support Group, Wellness Centre Committee, Tourism Action Partners Committee, Women in Development Committee, President of the Methodist Church Anniversary Committee, Deputy Chairman of Turks and Caicos Investment Agency, Justice of the Peace, and a local preacher in her Methodist Church in South Caicos.

In 1996, she was awarded Woman of the Year by Soroptimist International of South Caicos.

Hon. Saunders can be described as a humanitarian.

She possesses a deep and genuine passion for young people, particularly the underprivilege.

Her efforts may sometimes go unnoticed because she is not the type who toots her own trumpet.

Hon. Saunders is married to the Hon. N. B. Saunders and the couple has four children.

She will also be remembered as one of South Caicos’ most outstanding and respectable ladies.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Treat all people right no matter who they are (Part 3) The inside of people matters not their status, financial wellbeing, size, looks and colour

This is my final series on treating people right. For too long we have been treating people differently depending on who they are. We treat people who are well known or have a celebrity status better than the people who are unknown.

We treat rich people better than we treat poor people. We treat people differently based on their physical size. People that are slim gets treated better than people that are “big.” We treat people differently also based on the colour of their skin.

Even within the black race, light skinned blacks are treated better than dark skinned blacks unless they are a celebrity or have money.

If we only had an opportunity to look at the inside of people, you will discover that no matter their status, finances, size, or colour, the inside of most of us are the same.

However, the world has created a system that treats people based on who they are while the Bible clearly states that we are all equal. Therefore if we are all equal then we should be treated equally. In Galatians 3:28 it stated that “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Celebrity and the unknown

get so disappointed and hurt when stories about their lifestyles come out. The truth is they are just like you and me except they are more than known than us. Even in our small island, we treat the persons that are well known better than the unknowns. We treat them and sit them in the VIP section but all of us are very important people. Some of our very own “VIP” remind people of who they are. Yes I understand there are protocols but we should not treat people differently because of their status.

Rich and Poor

When you are rich, you are respected and treated so well while the poor is disrespected, overlooked and treated differently. I want you to reflect on this scripture from James 2:2-4. “Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

I know many of us are guilty of this. I have read countless stories of rich people who disguised themselves as poor and it is amazing to see how they were treated because they appeared to be poor.

Believe it or not, one of my favourite musicians is Michael Jackson. In 1988 while in college, some friends and I went to New York City for spring break and we saw Michael Jackson. Oh I was so excited, I rushed through the crowd to get Slim and Big a picture. As I reflect on this there are so many ordinary people who Most slim people are are unknown but have gifts just like considered attractive and most “big” Michael and other celebrities. people are considered unattractive.

However, we put these The slim people are treated so well celebrities on a pedestal and when while the “big” people are looked

down and some of us are even afraid to be seen in public with big people.

When even given description of people, our description would include the words, big and fat, slim and pretty. It is wrong to treat people differently because of their size. Honestly once you get to know people you will realize their size does not determine their inner heart, their intelligence or their personality.

They are all the same. Because of the way we treat “big” people, we have caused some “big” people to experience low self-esteem and don’t want to be seen in public.

Pretty, Handsome and Ugly

By Drexwell Seymour

better too. Some dark skinned people also suffer from inferiority complex and think that white people and light skinned black people are better than them and therefore treat them differently. Somehow we have to face reality and conclude that the colour of one’s skin should not be basis on how they receive preferential treatment. It is wrong and must be condemned.

Pretty women and handsome men are treated better than the not so good looking women and men.

It is shame how we treat persons who society considers “ugly”. God created all of us and we were made in his image despite the fact that we Conclusion look different.

I was called ugly most of It is very sad that we are in my life but if you get to know me, the year 2020 and some of us still the inside of me is so good looking. continue to treat people differently I don’t get treated differently now based on who they are and how they primarily because I am considered look. What is even sadder is that educated and people know me. Had some Christian folks are guilty of I not gone to college or not known this as well. by people, I am quite sure I would I encourage all of us to be treated differently. The outward be conscious of our treatment of appearance should not matter, it is people. We should not practice the heart that matters. discrimination or preferential treatment because I am telling you Black and White things will turn around for good for some of those same people we

I have written about black treated so mean. and white issues in several articles.

In fact, many of us can It is unbelievable how people are perhaps relate to the fact that some treated because of the colour of of the poor people we look down on their skin. It is not just about some in the past are now rich. Some of the “white” people treating black people unknown people have now become differently but some dark-skinned known. This is a small world people people treat light skinned people so let us treat people right.

Phased Reopening of the Attorney General’s Chambers Land Registry

In line with Phase 1B of the Turks and Caicos Islands Phased Reopening Program and in accordance with the directives issued by Her Excellency the Deputy Governor on Thursday 7th May 2020 under Regulation 6(1) of the Emergency Powers (COVID 19) (No.4)(Amendment) Regulations 2020, the Land Registry will re-open on Monday, May 11, 2020. The Land Registry is committed to prioritizing the health and safety of its customers and staff. The following Covid 19 operating procedures will be implemented until further notice: 1) Crowd control Owing to the limited space in the Land Registry’s public reception area and arising from the requirement to follow social and physical distancing restrictions, only one (1) customer will be allowed in the reception area at any time. Queues will be managed by staff and lines have been drawn on the ground to indicate the 6 feet apart distance required under

the Emergency Powers Regulations.

The cooperation of the public is requested and appreciated.

2) Attire Members of the public accessing the Land Registry are required to wear a mask/face covering in accordance with the Emergency Powers Regulations and will also be required to sanitize their hands before entering the Land Registry.

Customers will not be able to access service without complying with these requirements.

Customers will be required to make all payments prior to lodgment and provide a copy of the paid receipt with the documents that are being lodged. ii) All documents must be submitted in a sealed envelope. iii) A numbering system will be implemented to manage priority.

Customers will be given a label/ sticker to be affixed to the packages being dropped-off. The label will bear the package number and the date.

3) Document drop-off and collection A document drop-off and collection protocol will be utilized for ALL applications as follows:-

iv) Drop-off will be designated to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

i) For drop-off service customers will be asked to send scanned images of the documents/applications prior to lodgment to facilitate the creation of payment vouchers. Vouchers will be prepared by the Land Registry Staff and sent to the customer via email.

v) Collection of documents will be designated to Tuesdays and Thursdays. Customers will be notified by way of telephone call and/or email whenever documents are ready to be collected. An appointment will be scheduled for

the collection of documents.

4) Customers will be required to request certified copy registers and instruments via email and are being asked to continue to use online payment services, where possible.

Certified copies will be provided in soft and hard copies. Soft copies will be provided upon completion and hard copies are to be collected on the designated collection days.

5) Face-to-Face meetings will be suspended. All meetings will be done via telephone or through virtual meeting platforms e.g. Skype Business, Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

The Land Registry Team thanks you in advance for your compliance, as we all work together to promote health and safety during this pandemic.

For further information or inquiries please contact us via telephone or email, or visit our website.

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 19

JUDICIARY TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NEW OPENING HOURS & PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

The public is advised that with effect from Monday 11th May, 2020 until further notice, the Registries of the Supreme and Magistrate’s Court in Grand Turk and Providenciales will be open to serve the public between 9:00am and 2:00pm on weekdays.

Please note the following:

2.You must wear a mask. You will not be permitted entry to the building unless you are wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth.

3.You will be required to sanitize your hands before entering the building. A sink has been set up at the Registry in Providenciales, with soap and water for you to wash your hands. Our Court Security, at the Registries in both Grand Turk and Providenciales will also be available to spray your hands with hand sanitisers before entering the building 4.You must speak with the Security before you proceed to any Court Room.

5.Not more than 2 persons will be allowed to enter the Registry office at any one time. A tent has been erected at the front entrance of the building at the Registry in Providenciales. You will be asked to wait in the tent until you are ready to be attended to. Proper social distancing protocol will be observed and must be adhered to.

The Work of the Court Continues Remotely In keeping with Practice Direction No. 3 of 2020 issued on 23rd April, 2020 the work of the Court will continue remotely, as far as is practicable.

All persons are, therefore, encouraged to continue to submit documents for filing by email to the following email addresses: supremecourttci@gov.tc magistratecourttci@gov.tc

Court hearings will continue by video unless the Judge/Magistrate/ Registrar directs otherwise.

Payments Payment of filing fees, fines, maintenance and other payments that are being made into Court are to be made via on-line transfer to the Treasury.

If you cannot make on-line payments, please call the contact numbers provided below for an appointment to attend the Registry.

Contact Information If you wish to make any enquiries about your case, if you have any questions or if you wish to make an appointment please call or send an email to the contact information provided below. Please note, that if you are calling about an existing matter, we recommend that you have your file number and the names of the parties available.

Supreme Court Email: Telephone:

Job Summary: Deputy Finance Manager is responsible for assisting the Finance manager in the planning, development and direction of the financial activities for the Hospital across both sites in Providenciales and Grand Turk. Responsibilities include budgeting, cost accounting, financial planning, financial reporting, annual and special audits. It is the responsibility of this role to develop and maintain systems of internal controls to safeguard the organization’s financial assets and future growth.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. You will only be allowed entry to the Court building if you fall into one of the following categories: a) You are an Attorney at Law or party in a case that is listed and you have been advised to attend Court in person. b) You have a confirmed appointment or have been advised by Court personnel to attend the building. c) You are dropping off documents as directed by the Registrar/Clerk of Court.

Supreme Court: Magistrate’s Court:

Vacant Position: Deputy Finance Manager Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales TCI

supremecourttci@gov.tc Providenciales 338-4203/232-2460 Grand Turk 338-3972/231-7409

Magistrate’s Court Email: magistratecourttci@gov.tc Telephone: Providenciales 338-4201/4205 or 232-7240 Grand Turk 338-3967/232-3949

•Assist in development of overall financial goals and policies of the Hospital, including operating and capital budget expenditures.

•Assist in the preparation of cost reports, financial statements and contracts.

•Assist in recommendation of price changes, implement new contracting models, approve third party settlements.

•Assist in the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements and reports for stakeholders.

•Assist in conducting, interpreting and presenting quantitative and qualitative analysis.

•Develop and implement purchasing practices and monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of the purchasing system.

•Establish and maintain cash controls.

•Assist in implementing and supervising budget plans, assuring departments are held accountable for staffing and monitoring of expenses.

•Collaborate with department managers and patient care leaders to implement financial plans.

•Monitor productivity benchmarks and progress toward financial goals.

•Reconcile general ledger accounts.

•Manage payroll system ensuring staff are paid on time and accurately.

•Work in collaboration with other members of the team to establish the financial parameters of business recommendations.

•Provide the financial basis to assist in leadership decision-making.

•Maintaining cordial and continuous relationships with the Bankers of the Company.

•Ensure internal controls and auditing systems are in place for the purpose of monitoring fiscal compliance with policies, procedures and established regulations.

•Assist with implementation of inventory management practices and monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of the inventory management system.

•Respond to auditor comments concerning finance and operations and oversee required actions to address identified deficiencies.

•Monitor and review the work of assigned department personnel to ensure quality, competency and productivity standards are maintained.

•Maintain current knowledge of relevant government statutes, standards, regulations and contractual obligation requirements.

•Provide mechanisms to solicit feedback on performance, needs and satisfaction with the services in each area of responsibility.

•Manage Finance staff within the department Requirements and experiences desired: •Five to seven years demonstrated progressive hospital accounting experience to include revenue cycle knowledge, financial analysis, cost allocation, reiumbursement and budgeting required.

•Experience with financial management in a capitated care delivery system required.

•Experience in managing complex, large-scale projects and/or multiple departments and establishing detailed work plans and seting priorities.

•Experience in provider pricing including charge master and fee schedule strategy.

•Experience in healthcare operations management in provider-based revenue cycle operations and with knowledge of industry best practices in finance operations,patient financial services, fee scheduling, charge caputure and utilization management preferred.

•Bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, business or a related field required. Master’s degree in business or Post-graduate in relevent field.

•Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.

Salary: $50,000.00 to $54,000.00 per annum Position currently held by a work permit holder.

REGISTRAR 9th May, 2020

JOB DESCRIPTION PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. Submit resumes and references to: Recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc or Lorenzo Seymour, Human Resources Manager, InterHealthCanada, Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. Deadline for applications: Wednesday 31st May 2020.

Page 20

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

PHARMACIST POSITION SUMMARY This is a professional position, which has responsibility for all pharmaceutical matters arising in connection with the administration of the National Health Insurance Plan. The pharmacist is required to manage and implement initiatives to improve a range of aspects related to the management of the pharmaceutical benefit of the National Health Insurance Plan. He/she is deemed to be performing satisfactorily when the outputs for this position are achieved. This includes but is not limited to curtailing the growth of expenditure on pharmaceuticals.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Reports to: Medical Director DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Propose and implement initiatives to rationalize and streamline the current drug benefit policy • Review requests for special approval of non-formulary drugs and make recommendations to the Medical Director in line with the National Health Insurance Ordinance and best practices.

• Assist with relevant questions that arise during the overseas treatment claims verification process.

• Identify and resolve areas of abuse by both providers and clients • Complete the NHIP drug formulary • Continuously review and update the NHIP drug formulary based on principles of cost effectiveness and quality of care.

• Recommend improvements to the current pharmaceutical claims submission system • Make recommendations for policy changes, strategic orientation and operational adjustments with a view towards the long term sustainability and effectiveness of the plan.

• Propose a method for determining the reimbursement for pharmaceuticals.

• Audit pharmacies to ensure adherence to NHIP stipulations • Propose initiatives to curtail fraud, waste, and abuse in the NHIP pharmaceutical benefit • Work with the relevant NHIP personnel to develop public education efforts focused on the appropriate use of pharmaceuticals.

• Hold meetings with local providers to discuss issues arising with the use of pharmaceuticals.

• Recommend ways to improve the use of pharmaceutical data to assist with management of the plan.

• Work closely with the National Pharmacist and other stakeholders to assist with the development and implementation of policies and protocols in a manner that furthers the objectives of the National Health Insurance Plan.

• Collect and analyze data on the trends of prescribing, dispensing and use of pharmaceuticals.

• Performing other related duties as may be required from time to time.

REQUIRED EDUCATION EXPERISE/SKILLS This position requires: • A Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy or equivalent.

• At least four (4) years post qualification experience • Administrative/Management experience is an asset • Must be able to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Power Point etc.).

• Excellent team player with team building skills.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure.

Salary: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. $50,000 to $60,000 per annum SENIOR ACCOUNTANT POSITION SUMMARY-OVERVIEW The Senior Accountant reports to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, and is responsible for providing financial, administrative and clerical services. This includes the supervising of the Accounting officers and ensuring that all functions of the Department are carried out in a timely and accurate manner. Providing these services in an effective and efficient manner will ensure that the Financial Statements are accurately reported.

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

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

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

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

• Assistance with the preparation of the financial statements.

• Preparation of journal entries.

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

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

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

• Excellent writer and oral communication skills.

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

Salary: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. $50,000 to $58,000 per annum PRINCIPAL CLAIMS OFFICER POSITION SUMMARY-OVERVIEW To facilitate and ensure the smooth processing of medical/health-related Claims to ensure the timely, efficient and accurate payment to contracted providers.

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

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

• Suggests improvements to increase efficiency of claims processing.

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

• Reviews claims to ensure compliance with documentation requirements.

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

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

• Produces accurate claims history reports for provider payments.

• Addresses provider and beneficiary queries.

• Performs other related duties assigned.

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

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

• 3 years of relevant job experience.

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

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

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

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

OFFICE ATTENDANT (Providenciales) POSITION SUMMARY: To ensure that the National Health Insurance Board’s offices, bathrooms, and kitchens are kept in a clean and orderly condition. This position requires the constant monitoring of cleanliness to ensure company standards are maintained.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide high-quality cleaning service, which includes tasks such as mopping, dusting, emptying bins, and polishing surfaces, to ensure the level of cleanliness conforms to the environmental health standards are always maintained. Distribute correspondence as required, complete errands on behalf of the office, assist with the preparation of room for meetings, prepare and serve refreshments when required, perform daily cleaning duties to ensure the office is clean and safe for staff and perform any related duties assigned from time to time.

• Dust/polish all surfaces including equipment • Wipe all surfaces • Washes windows • Cleans and disinfects toilets and replenishes supplies such as toilet paper, soap, and paper towels • Responds to urgent situations, such as spills, that require quick action • Maintain appropriate stock of cleaning supplies and equipment • Mixes liquids and solvents from basic materials to create effective cleaning supplies • Operates and maintains equipment such as vacuums and floor cleaners • Collects and removes trash from the building and/or space • Notifies management when major repairs, including structural issues or highly skilled tasks, are required • Maintains a high level of security in a building, such as locking doors, storing keys, and using access codes for restricted areas and rooms • Performs outdoor upkeep as necessary, including maintaining entrances and walkways • Typically works when facilities are closed to the public or during low traffic time periods SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS • Previous experience of cleaning, including the use of chemicals and using cleaning machinery safely • Ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery used in cleaning • Ability to walk, bend, push, pull and lift repetitively during working hours • Knowledge of cleaning chemicals, proper storage and disposal methods • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as a team • Excellent organizational skills a must • Self-motivation and the ability to identify and complete needed tasks without direct supervision SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE JOB: Requires walking and extensive use of hands, pushing, bending, lifting, twisting, standing, reaching, kneeling and carrying heavy items. o Physical Demands • Lifting: Under 20lbs 50% of work time • Carrying: Over 25lbs 10% of work time • Pulling: Over 20lbs 50% of work time • Work Environment: Exposure to chemicals COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED: This position requires knowledge of health and hygiene requirements, ability to understand basic materials, must have an eye for details, maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment, ability to understand and follow simple written instructions and basic time management skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Primary level education, at least (2) years of experience in a similar position.

This position is currently held by an expatriate worker. After submitting application to National Health Insurance Board Human Resource department, Qualified Belongers may also submit a copy of their applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Immigration Board.

SALARY: $9.25 per hour All Applications should be addressed to: Sheena Smith-Yip National Health Insurance Board Salt Mills Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands British West Indies Email: recruitment@tcinhip.tc Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants who applied for any of the above listed positions, do not have to reapply. After submitting application to National Health Insurance Board Human Resource department, Qualified Belongers may also submit a copy of their applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Immigration Board.

Deadline for submission is May 30, 2020

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 21

MANAGE YOUR ENERGY USE AT HOME

The coronavirus pandemic means that many of us will be spending more time at home, and working remotely. And with schools closed and students taking online classes, this extra time at home could mean an increase in energy usage, and added costs to our electricity bills.

But that doesn’t have to be the case. FortisTCI encourages you to practice energy conservation as much as possible.

• When using air conditioning, be sure your home is properly insulated. It will be much more comfortable and energy efficient year-round.

• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees, or as high as comfort permits.

• Turn off the A/C and open the windows, or use a ceiling fan to help circulate air and increase your comfort.

Monitor your daily usage with the My Online Account web portal.

Sign up at www.fortistci.com, where you can also find more energy-saving tips.

THE POWER IS IN YOUR HANDS.

2017 Winner

Allied Member of the Year

BCMS 681102

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

Page 22

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

The position has a salary range of US$15,000-$17,500 per month, and will be commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

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: *GENERAL MANAGER •Possesses a proven track record of successfully managing a luxury hotel’s overall operation.

•Will ideally possess a strong sense of urgency, personal initiative and determination, be able to drive sales and exceed expectations of both team members and guests.

•Represents Aman brand in all leadership actions.

•A strong leader that can create a motivating work environment, develop team members and deliver results while upholding all brand quality standards and maintain budgeted revenues and expenses.

•Functions as the primary strategic business leader of the property with responsibility for all aspects of the operation, including guest and employee satisfaction, human resources, financial performance, sales and revenue generation and delivering a return on investment.

•Portrays the Aman brand service strategy and brand initiatives with the objective of meeting or exceeding guest expectations and increasing profit and market share.

•Active involvement with the local community and building strong relationships with local officials, businesses, and customers is required.

•Remains current with industry trends and monitors strengths and weakness of competition; explores new business opportunities; develops business plans designed to maximize property customer satisfaction, profitability, and market share.

•Executes business plans designed to maximize property customer satisfaction, profitability, and market share; verifies that property business plans and employees are aligned with business strategies.

•Works closely with Sales and Marketing team to develop revenue generating strategies for property; identifies new business leads, develops tailored sales approach, and actively pursues leads with Sales and Marketing team.

•Must possess a solid knowledge of food & beverage, strong wine knowledge and creativity; preferably a minimum of five years’ experience with a diversity of Food and Beverage management positions.

•Creates succession plans for future job openings; actively supports the staffing process; verifies effective work processes, systems and teamwork are in place to maximize individual and overall property performance.

•Serves as a passionate brand advocate and verifies that the intent of the brand is pulled through in the guest experience; communicates a clear and consistent message regarding property and the Aman brand goals to employees, property leadership team, and owners.

•Reviews business related data such as market share, financial performance, inventory, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.; analyzes business information to proactively address changing market conditions; verifies that property operates within budgetary guidelines, and achieves profit margin goals; uses business information to identify indicators of product and service successes and opportunities for improvement; integrates business information into business plans.

•Interacts with guests and other customers on a frequent basis to obtain feedback about their experiences on property; utilizes guest/customer feedback to recognize excellent employee service performance and improve service deliveryinvolving oneself in the local community, and by developing strategic alliances with local officials, businesses, and customers; anticipates needs of large groups or high profile guests in order to deliver flawless service Requirements: •Masters’ degree in Business Management, Hospitality Management or similar.

•Minimum of 10 years’ international resort experience in management roles; including remote locations •Must have experience creating and analyzing budgets, P&L’s, and financial reports •Very strong managerial, leadership, communication and organizational skills •Must be able to handle multiple priorities on a regular basis •Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change •Proven ability to lead and develop a multicultural team •English proficiency in oral and written is a must. Other languages would be a plus.

*RESORT MANAGER Strategic: •Manages the relationship between real estate owners and resort management •Builds and maintains a strong relationship between resort owner, resort management and corporate office •Lives the brand ethos and promotes the philosophy of the brand in all professional interactions •Ensures luxury product positioning is maintained as per corporate brand standards Operations: •Manages a dynamic international team of hospitality individuals to achieve highest standards of service and quality at all times •Analyses and prepares annual long-term budgets, monitors income statements, variance reports, identifies market trends, and control costs •Adheres to internal audit processes and procedures. Ensures effective reservation process which maximizes revenue •Ensures physical operations are maintained to company standards by conducting inspections of grounds and buildings •Maximizes the profitability of the resort •Works endlessly to ensure the hotel exceeds guest and employee satisfaction •Trains, mentors and coaches department heads and employees to ensure a high performance team is maintained •Maintains strong positive relationships with all travel industry partners •Understands and implements requirements from regulatory agencies and service providers •Deputizes for General Manager in his absence Sales & Marketing: •Attracts new residents/guests by marketing resort features. Obtains referrals from current residents/guests or via corporate marketing campaigns •Practice revenue management as per company policy to maximize occupancies and promote growth in ARR •Explains advantages of services and location relative to high end real estate product •Conducts market surveys and analyses within region and competitive set •Travels to promote and sell product when needed and be able to communicate in several languages •Maintains and grows luxury travel trade contacts Requirements: •Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Hospitality Management or Business Administration.

•Minimum of 8 years’ international resort experience in management roles; including remote locations •Must have experience creating and analyzing budgets, P&L’s, and financial reports •Very strong managerial, leadership, communication and organizational skills •Must be able to handle multiple priorities on a regular basis •Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change •Proven ability to lead and develop a multicultural team •English proficiency in oral and written is a must. Other languages would be a plus.

The position has a salary range of US$9,000-US$11,500 per month, and will be commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience. *POND CLEANER Requirements: •Physically fit and ability to perform manual labor •The ability to deliver service aligned with resort standards.

•Must be proficient in English Salary based on experience: $6.25 to $7.50 per hour, plus service charge For further information on the above positions please contact us by using the details below.

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

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

Human Resources Amanyara Resort Northwest Point, Providenciales E: amanyarahrassistant@aman.com Prospective applicants are also asked to send copies to the Labour Board, Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Insight Ltd Location: #5 Eddie Laporte Plaza, Academy Ave. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Server Duties: Take orders, answer question about the menu and take payments Salary is $7.50 per hour Please contact 399-9000 This position is currently held by work permit holder Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders can send copies of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Dockyard, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer Duties: Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames.

To work 5 days a week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact 342-1944 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder

Mary Cunningham

PROVO BODY SHOP

#195224

Location: Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other house work.

Willing to work 5 days per week Salary is $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 241-2123 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Belongers are encouraged to send copy of resume to the Labour Board

#195224

HS LTD.

Island Drywall Finish

#195227

Location: #31 Kew Town, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking three (3) Auto Body repair men Duties: Remove damaged body parts, including bumpers, fenders, hoods, grilles, and trim Must be able to paint a car completely To work 5 days per week Salary is $9.00 per hour Must have more than 5 years experience Please Contact: 243-6492 These positions are held by Work Permit Holders Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board #195228

Page 23

HS Ltd is seeking a suitable applicant for the following position: HOUSEKEEPER Responsibilities: The successful applicant will be responsible for the general cleaning of the company’s property performing such duties as dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, restroom cleaning etc. The applicant will also be responsible for any other duties assigned regarding general cleaning of the property.

Requirements: The successful applicant must be able to work with little to no supervision, must have knowledge of proper cleaning techniques, must be able to speak, read and write in English and understand verbal and written instructions, should be physically fit, hardworking and reliable.

Starting wages: $6.50 per hour Please submit applications to: Veronica Rigby, HS Ltd, P.O. Box 124, Regent House, The Regent Village, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tel: (649) 946-5126; Fax (649) 946-5191; Email: ronnie@habgroup.com Interested Belongers must also submit copies of their application to the Commissioner of Labour& Work Permit Board Zone 2. Position currently held by a work permit holder. Closing date for application is June 8th, 2020.

ROYAL WEST INDIES RESORT, is looking for motivated proactive individuals to join its ‘Resort Team’ and contribute to this growing property and brand.

Candidates MUST want to actively participate in creating an excellent and professional guest experience. _____________________________________________________________________

•Greet and escort guests to room •Daily replenishment of room items and restocking of closets •Daily cleaning of buildings •Must be able to work on weekends and public holidays Wages: $7.50

WASTE WATER MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Gardener •MUST speak English •Water, feed, prune and trim plants and trees •Mowing lawns, weeding gardens and keeping walkways clear of debris and litter.

•Knowledge of landscaping equipment such as mowers, trimmers and leaf blowers •Install, weed and maintain plants and weed shrubs •Apply pesticide/insecticide to plants and trees as necessary •Ability to lift heavy object •Ability to work flexible hours

•Knowledge of Activated Sludge Process WWTP systems and process control.

•Knowledge of lift station grinder pumps, control panel, sensors and float switches.

•General knowledge of hydraulic loading, D.O and settlement testing with the ability to carryout extended rise tests.

•Knowledge of tertiary treatment systems including filters, pumps, automated backwash systems and controls.

•Be able to record and keep excellent log reports as part of a maintenance program.

•Overall general maintenance issues as well as civil engineering.

Salary: $18,304 Per Annum POOL & BEACH ATTENDANT Requirements: •MUST speak, read and write English •Ability to maintain pools and hot tub chemicals and maintenance issues related to same •Provide high customer service at all times as per the resort standard •Arrange pool loungers and tables on pool deck •Clean area of any debris, dirty plates, cups and glasses •Check landscaped areas around the pool for litter and debris •Unload, clean and place lounge chairs on beach •Rake area, pick up debris and trash & place umbrellas in sand near lounge chairs.

•Maintain pool and spa water chemistry by conducting water chemical tests in compliance with health department standards.

•On a daily basis ensure highest water quality, sanitary conditions, optimum pool performance and record all test results and adjustments in a detailed log.

•Must be able to work split shifts, weekends and public holidays Houseman •Must speak English •Must be customer friendly

Labourer Requirements: •Check on a daily basis all general areas of the common property – lights, pathways, walls, floors, railings, woodwork and any other area within the property •Clean, disinfect and touch up paint the public area bathroom by the pool area •Clean and oil external brown room doors & bannisters daily and as required •Touch up paint and any damaged walls within the common area •Keep pathways clear of debris and litter •Ability to lift heavy objects •Ability to work flexible hours Wages $6.50/hr These positions are currently held by work permit holders Prospective & qualified applicants who are Islanders can send copies of their applications and resumes to the email address noted below or to the Labour Board.

All resumes and applications must be forwarded to: Royal West Indies Resort P.O. Box 482, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands You may also fax to: (649)946-5008

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

Celebrating high school N

o prom. No graduation. No award ceremonies. No last school pranks.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced the cancellation of so much, but parents at one Maryland high school were determined to make their children’s senior spring memorable nonetheless.

They scoured the internet to see how other families were celebrating their kids. In the end, the community did it all to send off the graduates of Edgewater’s South River High School in style — a mishmash of car parades and drive-thru award ceremonies, house decorating and an adopt-a-senior program.

Trish Bell couldn’t bear to see her daughter, Chesnie Bell, miss prom.

So she arranged for friends and family to drive by the house, while Chesnie — in a floor-length red gown — waved from the front yard with a friend.

That was just one of several

parades. Others were more formal: Students in cars met at the high school and got a police and fire escort as they wound their way through the town just south of Annapolis, honking their horns while onlookers held up signs and cheered them on.

Families with seniors decorated their homes; teachers handed out awards, caps and gowns and school swag at a drive-thru “ceremony” in the school parking lot; and the seniors got in one last gag, covering the high school with caution tape.

Many students also participated in the county’s “adopt-a-senior” program, in which community members volunteer to buy gifts for a graduating student they don’t know. The families often met when the gifts were given — creating new connections even during a time marked by isolation.

A sign hangs outside the South River High School in Edgewater, Md., Wednesday, May 13, 2020, after a groups of seniors decorated the school in caution tape.

A car is decorated to celebrate the South River High School Class of 2020 during a family parade in Edgewater, Md., Monday, April 20, 2020.

South Rive High School Class of 2020 senior Hogan Cassell, right, puts out his hand in an attempt to catch documents as the wind blows them past South River Senior Class adviser and teacher Marie Livingston in the parking lot of South River High School in Edgewater, Md., Monday, May 11, 2020.

South River High School Class of 2020 senior Isabel McGuire, center, flanked by her parents Mickey McGuire, left, and Catherine McGuire, right, watch former President Barack Obama addressed the high school Class of 2020, in their home in Edgewater, Md., Saturday, May 16, 2020.

South River High School Class of 2020 senior Aly Yates of Edgewater, Md., jumps over caution tape outside the South River High School in Edgewater, Md., Wednesday, May 13, 2020, as park of a senior prank.

South River High School Class of 2020 senior Jackson Pedersen of Crofton, Md., waits for the start of a community-organized parade through Edgewater, Md., Saturday, May 2, 2020.

South River High School seniors Sam Peterson, left, and his cousin Harley Snead, right, both from Edgewater, Md., toss their caps for a photo shoot with a friend outside the South River High School in Edgewater, Thursday, May 14, 2020.

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 25

l seniors amid pandemic

Lisa Sullivan, center, and her son Joey Hartge, left, install balloons along a fence at their Edgewater, Md., home Saturday, April 25, 2020, as their dog Molly keeps them company.

South River High School Class of 2020 seniors take a group photo after decorating their school during a senior prank at South River High School in Edgewater, Md., Wednesday, May 13, 2020.

South River High School Class of 2020 senior Ashley Reed, 17, of Edgewater Md., waits for the start of a community-organized parade that began in the school parking lot in Edgewater, Saturday, April 25, 2020.

South River High School Class of 2020 senior Cheyenne Lustig of Crofton, Md., prepares to drive herself during a community-organized parade through Edgewater, Md., Saturday, April 25, 2020.

South River High School Class of 2020 senior Jocelyn Fillius, 18, of Churchtom, Md., second from right, along with other South River High School senior make their way down a road during a community- South River High School Class of 2020 seniors take a group photo after decorating their school during a senior prank at South River High School in Edgewater, Md., Wednesday, May 13, 2020. organized parade, Saturday, April 25, 2020.

South River High School seniors Sam Peterson, left, and his cousin Harley Snead, right, both from Edgewater, Md., toss their caps for a photo shoot with a friend outside the South River High School in Edgewater, Thursday, May 14, 2020.

South River High School Class of 2020 seniors Chesnie Bell, second from right, and her best friend Meghan Wilborn, right, wear their prom dresses as they wave to family and friends driving by their home in Edgewater, Md., Monday, April 20, 2020.

Page 26

ENTERTAINMENT

Wendy Williams pauses talk show because of health condition

Wendy Williams attends the world premiere of Apple TV+’s “The Morning Show” in New York.

Wendy Williams is taking a break from her daytime talk show to receive treatment for a previously announced health condition.

Williams has has been experiencing fatigue because of symptoms from Graves’ disease, a spokesperson for “The Wendy Williams Show” said Monday.

As a precautionary measure, the spokesperson said, Williams is taking time off from the show that she’s been taping remotely from her home in New York City during the pandemic.

“We look forward to welcoming Wendy back soon and continuing the Wendy@Home shows,” according to a statement from the show. No return date has been announced.

Reruns of Williams’ show will air during her absence.

In 2018, Williams announced that she had Graves’ disease, which leads to the overproduction of thyroid hormones and can cause wide-ranging symptoms and affect overall health.

Her show stopped production for several weeks at that time, and it was on hiatus again early last year as Williams dealt with the disorder and a shoulder injury.

In October 2017, Williams fainted on stage during her show, saying later she became overheated while wearing a bulky Halloween costume.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

Oprah Winfrey gives grants to ‘home’ cities during pandemic

Oprah Winfrey is giving grants to the cities she’s called home through her $12 million coronavirus relief fund.

She announced Wednesday that her Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation will donate money to organizations dedicated to helping underserved communities in Chicago; Baltimore; Nashville, Tennessee; Milwaukee; and Kosciusko, Mississippi, where she was born.

“The reason I’m talking about it is because there is going to be a need for people of means to step up,” Winfrey said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I mean, this thing is not going away. Even when the virus is gone, the devastation left by people not being able to work for months who were holding on paycheck to paycheck, who have used up their savings — people are going to be in need.

So my thing is, look in your own neighborhood, in your own backyard to see how you can serve and where your service is most essential. That is the real essential work, I think, for people of means.”

After speaking with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other leaders, Winfrey decided to give $5 million to Live Healthy Chicago, which provides immediate support to seniors and high-risk residents affected by the coronavirus.

In Nashville, where Winfrey lived with her father and started her media career, she is giving $2 million to NashvilleNurtures, a collaboration with Mount Zion Baptist Church and Tennessee State University, Winfrey’s alma

Michelle Obama joined by Barack for online reading series

Former President Barack Obama, right, and former first lady Michelle Obama appear at the Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago.

Michelle Obama was past several weeks in support of joined by a famous fellow reader families with small children at Monday on her popular online home during the coronavirus series “Mondays With Michelle pandemic. Books she has featured Obama.” include Julia Donaldson’s ”The

The former first lady first Gruffalo” and Eric Carle’s “The read “The Giraffe Problem,” by Jory Hungry Caterpillar.”

John and Lane Smith. Then she Next Monday, she will was joined by Barack Obama, seen bring on a pair of non-readers — over the weekend addressing the the family’s dogs, Bo and Sunny — country’s high school graduating for the canine-appropriate “Can I class, as they took turns — the Be Your Dog?”, by Troy Cummings. former president even barked at one The series can be viewed on point — on Julia Sarcone-Roach’s the Facebook and YouTube pages of “A Bear Ate Your Sandwich.”

PBS Kids and on the Facebook page

Michelle Obama has been of the Obamas’ publisher, Penguin reading midday Monday for the Random House.

mater. They plan to feed 10,000 families in and around the city.

In Milwaukee, where she lived with her mother, Winfrey is assisting those in need of housing and mental health care with a $100,000 donation to SaintA and The Nia Imani Family, Inc. In Baltimore, where Winfrey also built her media career, she’s donating money to Living Classrooms Foundation and Center for Urban Families.

She will also give $115,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi.

“I’m not opposed to big organizations dispersing money, but I always like to do the on-the-ground grassroots stuff myself,” she said. “Look, I want to be able to reach people who have been incarcerated and are coming out of prison. I want to reach mothers of domestic violence. I want to reach people.

I want to feed people. I want to help people get access to testing.”

Winfrey said she’s been homebound since March 11, four days after she wrapped her nine-city wellness tour that visited arenas like Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the Forum in Inglewood, California.

She announced her COVID-19 Relief Fund last month, initially giving $1 million to America’s Food Fund.

She said Wednesday that she will also give grants to advocacy organization Global Citizen, New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago and Minnie’s Food Pantry in Plano, Texas, among other organizations.

Before giving out millions to others, Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey during “Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus” tour in New York. said she first helped the people closest to her.

“The first thing I did was start in my own family, people I knew who were going to be touched and were not going to have jobs. Then I moved out to people who I’ve worked with and known who maybe would be out of work. I started literally here, working my way out, and then into the community. So people who I hadn’t spoken to in years ended up getting checks from me like, ‘What is this?’” she said.

“All the cousins and some aunties — try to help your own family first,” she added. “I didn’t want an announcement about, ‘I’m going out into the world trying to help other people’ and then your own family saying, ‘Hey, I can’t pay my light bill. I can’t pay my rent.’”

Beyoncé to give graduation speech alongside the Obamas

Beyonce at the “Lion King” premiere in London.

Beyoncé has been added to the list of guest speakers for YouTube’s virtual commencement ceremony that will also feature the Obamas.

YouTube announced Tuesday that Beyoncé will deliver an inspirational message to the 2020 class for its “Dear Class of 2020” event, which will take place June 6 at 3 p.m. EDT and will stream on YouTube.

Barack and Michelle Obama will also speak at the virtual

celebration, which will include appearances from Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Bill and Melinda Gates, Jennifer Lopez, Billy Porter, Malala Yousafzai, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Zendaya, Alicia Keys, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Demi Lovato, Hasan Minhaj and more.

“Dear Class of 2020” will include music performances from BTS, Lizzo, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Chloe x Halle, Maluma, CNCO and Camila Cabello.

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 27

ENTERTAINMENT

Jennifer Lopez Says First Dance at Wedding to Alex Rodriguez Will Be a ‘Big Production’

Jennifer Lopez is sharing new details about her wedding plans with Alex Rodriguez.

Ahead of the season 4 premiere of World of Dance, the show’s executive producer spoke with ET about what could possibly go down when she and the former MLB star take the floor for their first dance.

“Well, I know a lot of different styles. Knowing me, it will be a big production of some sort,” Lopez teased to ET’s Keltie Knight, jokingly adding that she’s going to have fellow judges Ne-Yo and Derek Hough come out, too. “I don’t know what it will be yet.”

Like many other couples who got engaged within the last year, the coronavirus pandemic has certainly put a damper on their nuptials.

Rodriguez told ET last month that he and Lopez have been coordinating with their reps to try and figure out how to proceed with their wedding planning over the next few weeks.

“We had a meeting on Zoom with our core [group of people], kind

of just going over what the next 12 months look like and we have three or four different variations of how that can look,” he shared. “Usually when you underwrite a year -- whether [in terms of] scheduling or financially -you never think that it’s going to just stop like this. So we’re having to be very fluid, think on our feet and just think very proactively.”

“At the same time, I think the most important thing for everybody is to practice great discipline and stay at home,” he added. “We have to do this together and every person counts. The way we’re going to beat this thing is together.”

For now, Lopez is just staying focused on season 4 of World of Dance, which returns Tuesday, May 26 at 10 p.m. ET on NBC. The talent continues to impress from season to season, but with $1 million on the line, the judges are looking for top-notch dancers who give it their all and raise the bar to a whole new level.

“Listen, we’re talking about a million dollars. This is for one

million dollars, meaning, I don’t feel bad about telling you that you didn’t hit the mark,” Ne-Yo explained.

“That’s just kinda what it is.”

And that’s why Lopez decided to shake things up this season. For the first time ever on World of Dance, dancers will now have to earn their spot on the main stage!

“This time, we decided that we were going to get in earlier on the process as the judges,” she shared.

“We used to see them on the main stage after they’ve gone through their auditions and they’re even in the quarterfinals.”

“Now, we see them right from the first time they come in.

They didn’t know this, which was a surprise,” she continued. “It made for some really great moments.”

Hough chimed in, telling ET that this is a reminder to all dancers to always “stay ready, no matter Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez. what.”

“It’s earning your right to be on the

“We walk in, they’re stage. We’d always say, just the fact surprised, and they’re a little bit that you’re on this stage is huge, but jolted, but that’s the idea; staying we never saw the part before that. ready at any given moment,” he said. This season, we’re seeing that.”

Reality star spent emergency loan on Rolex, Rolls Royce

A reality TV star in Atlanta used an emergency loan from the federal government to lease a Rolls Royce, make child support payments and purchase $85,000 worth of jewelry, authorities said Wednesday.

Maurice Fayne, who goes by Arkansas Mo on the VH1 show “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” was arrested Monday on a charge of bank fraud, the Department of Justice said in a news release.

Fayne, 37, is the sole owner of transportation business Flame Trucking and in April he applied for a loan that the federal government was offering to small businesses decimated by the coronavirus pandemic, officials said. In his application, Fayne stated

his business employed 107 employees with an an average monthly payroll of $1,490,200, the release said.

Fayne requested a Paycheck Protection Program loan for over $3 million and received a little over $2 million, officials said.

He used more than $1.5 million of the loan to purchase jewelry, including a Rolex Presidential watch and a 5.73 carat diamond ring, the release said. Fayne also leased a 2019 Rolls Royce Wraith and paid $40,000 in child support.

“At a time when small businesses are struggling for survival, we cannot tolerate anyone driven by personal greed, who misdirects federal emergency assistance earmarked for keeping

businesses afloat,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.

When he met with investigators last week, Fayne denied spending the loan on anything besides payroll and business expenses. But on Monday, federal agents searched Fayne’s home and seized the jewelry and around $80,000 in cash, including $9,400 Fayne had in his pockets, the release said.

It’s unclear whether Fayne had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

Fayne appeared on several episodes of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” as the love interest of Karlie Redd, a longtime cast member, news outlets reported.

Britney Spears recalls feeling like ‘an ugly duckling’ growing up, plus more news

Britney Spears opens up about her insecurities on Instagram

For Britney Spears, something as simple as wearing bangs can be a secret weapon to ward off insecurity.

In a long Instagram post on Monday, May 18, the singer reflected on how, growing up, she felt like “an ugly duckling.” Tying her decision to ditch the bangs she wore in grade school to a desire to fit in, Britney, 38, let a few wisps of blonde hair frame her brow in a selfie and mused that she feels more “protected” when her forehead’s less exposed. “I know I need bangs,” she wrote in the caption, adding copious exclamation points and “ick”-face Emojis before pointing out how bangs can “make

you look waaaaay younger.” Looking back, Britney recalled nixing her bangs in 3rd grade. “It was such a big deal to expose my forehead …. only pretty people in the south could do that and I never felt pretty enough to pull it off,” the Louisiana native continued. “All the beauty pageant girls did it but I never felt beauty pageants were my thing … I had bad teeth and felt like an ugly duckling.”

She recalled having “met with a modeling agency” as a kid, but “wasn’t pretty enough” to get signed.

That’s apparently when she decided to lose her bangs and “be like the older girls,” a move she chalked up to wanting to fit in. “I think I knew it didn’t look good but I did it because

I thought it made me cool …. and I’ve pretty much had it like that ever since !!!!” she wrote. “People choose different ways to protect themselves …. when I pull my bangs in front of my head I feel like I’m protected … almost like I’m in 3rd grade again … !!!”

The singer’s used Instagram before to wrestle with other insecurities, telling followers in November that she slouches because she struggles with self-esteem issues.

In January, she posted about adding more acro-yoga to her fitness routine. As a beginner, she shared, “it’s kind of hard to let go …. learning Britney Spears to trust and letting someone else things I keep bottled up so I have to hold your body !!! I have a lot of keep my body moving !!!!”

Page 28

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DIRECTOR OF SECURITY The Director of Security must lead the Security Team in order to provide a safe environment for the hotel and private residence guests, owners, personnel, and property. We are looking for individuals with previous police or security experience. Good communication skills is required. Applicants are required to have physical mobility as lifting, walking, bending and moving objects up to 20 lbs. Speaking, writing and reading English is required. Positive attitude and willing to learn is a must. This position requires an applicant with a flexible schedule and the ability to work all shifts, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities •Manage and supervise the day-to-day security force of the property to ensure the safety and security of all guests, personnel, and property.

•Implement all policies and procedures regarding security and safety.

•Design and implement preventive safety and security programs.

•Prevent situations that could jeopardize the reputation of the hotel.

•Investigate crimes committed against the hotel, guests, and employees.

•Document all incidents occurring in the hotel in connection with crime, subversion, potential liabilities, and insurance requirements.

•Assist hotel staff in handling of unusual guest or employee problems, such as, but not limited to, disorderly conduct, thefts, suicides, bomb threats, employee or guest accidents, fire or safety hazards, robberies, terrorist activities, civil disturbances power of elevator failures, medical assistance, and natural disasters.

•Select, train, schedule, discipline, and direct security personnel in all aspects of security policies and procedures.

•Keep abreast of developments within the hotel and community as they relate to security as well as act as a liaison with local law-enforcement agencies.

•Remain informed of current Federal and local laws and regulations as they relate to the hotel, particularly in areas of guest, patron, and employee rights.

Salary commencing at $38,000.00 per annum based on education and experience Belongers only need apply.

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER & IT SPECIALIST To provide support analysis and management and assist in the planning, developing, installing, configuring, maintaining and supporting hardware, software and communication systems in order to maintain the stable operation of the information systems and networks of our Hospitality Group.

Job Description: •Assist in analysing the IT needs of the Group and determining the immediate and long-range software and hardware requirements.

•Maintain, secure, troubleshoot and administer Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet (Cable/DSL/Wi-Fi connection) and IPTV •Maintain & evaluate computer hardware, communication equipment, networking software, operating system and application software.

•Network administration and management.

•Maintain control records, implement & secure network traffic and optimize server performance.

•Perform and ensure System/Data back-ups and its recovery operations; •Provide problem solving services and assist network users on system & software such as PMS, POS Software and Telephone Billing System.

•Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers and contractors to seek products and services.

•Provide on-call technical support.

•Follow all safety policies Requirements: •Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology •5 plus years Working Experience in IT •Knowledge of VLAN and switch management technology •Strong customer service orientation •Microsoft Server Administrator, Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft SharePoint •Knowledge of Apple Macintosh Operating System •Knowledge of IQWare and/or Visual One would be a distinct advantage •Keen attention to details •Highly self-motivated and directed Salary entry point is $31,000 per annum and will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

MANAGER OF ALL-INCLUSIVE SERVICES Reporting directly to the Director of All-Inclusive Services. The position is to oversee and direct the daily operations of the Front Office, Guests Services, Tour Operations and Diamond Club. Specific duties and responsibilities

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

include, but are not limited to the following: •Execute and/or coordinate all staff schedules and related activities.

•Supervise the operations of all Guests’ Services Departments and Night Audit.

•Management of all financial function and revenue collection.

•Assist in the installation of any new software - document retention, inventory management, payroll, POS. •Preparation of budgets, forecasts and cash flows.

•Maintenance of financial ledgers and daily departmental accounting processes.

•Ensuring that appropriate systems and internal controls are implemented and maintained.

•Overseeing the Payroll process.

Qualification: • 5 years’ experience in all inclusive operations. Multi-Unit resort operations experience is preferred • Proven leadership skills with a strong ability to assess talent and build effective teams.

• Hands on ability to plan, organize, prioritize and effectively manage multiple complex projects concurrently within a fast-paced and growth environment.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization.

Salary for this position begins at $30,000 per annum and will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

FUNPALS To be involved in designing, adapting, improving and producing fun activities and events. Entertainment staff must engage our guests in challenging, safe and exciting day and evening programs. These programs must be done with enthusiasm which fulfills the aims and objectives of high quality recreation.

Staff must be prepared to wear carnival costumes, life size character costumes for shows and events.

Requirements: •Ability to perform in or host live shows (dance, model, sing and act) •Ability to swim to assist with water activities •Must be available to work holidays, weekends and split-shifts •Must be able to stand and conduct fitness programs for extended periods •CPR Certification •Fluent in English/ Additional language is a plus Salary commencing at $7.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply.

KITCHEN HELPERS To maintain the kitchen and restaurant work area, equipment and utensils: Duties also include washing of dishes, pots, pans and trays by hand; sweeping and moping of floors and banquet set up and break down. Salary Scale: $6.50 - $7.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply.

ITALIAN PIZZA CHEF RESPONSIBILITIES To prepare pizza on range and or grill and ensure consistent quality following recipe cards and production standards; must be knowledgeable of food preparation and preparation methods, understand sanitary food handling techniques and knowledge of the safe operation of kitchen equipment. Salary Scale: $8.00 - $10.00 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.

GARDENER Provide support services for the landscaping and maintain cleanliness throughout the grounds. Must be able to, work flexible shifts, holidays and weekends. Must be able to push and pull carts weighing up to 250lbs, must be able to lift 50lbs.

Salary range for the position above begin at $6.50 per hour and will commensurate with experience.

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 May 29th, 2020

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

Dorothy Odena

Location: Behind Enid Capron Primary School, Five Cays, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Duties: Must be able to do general household cleaning, honest and hardworking Is seeking 6 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 348-0477 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Belongers are encouraged to send copies of their resumes to the Labour Board

#195218

Belle Femme Rose

Location: La Vista Azul, Turtle Cove, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Cosmetologist Duties: Performs daily duties that serve customers, including haircuts, manicures, pedicures, and any service the customer requires. Initiates new ideas based on current fashions and trends.

Salary is $6:25 per hour Please Contact: 232 -9275 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 #195217

3 Kings Construction

Location #2 Hampton Lane Bay Road Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking (2) Labourer Duties: Perform tasks involving physical labour and cleaning at work sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types and a variety of other equipment and instruments To work 6 days a week Salary is $250.00 each week Please Contact: 244-3319 This position is new Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board #195219

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Edrice Aristilde Location: South Dock, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Caretaker Duties may include cooking, complete light housekeeping duties Must be able to work 6 days per week Salary: $6.25 per hour This position is currently held by a work permit holder Please Contact: 343-0358 or 244-6666 Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

#195225

Dream Construction Services/Kenard Cruickshank Location: 18 Zinnia Lane, Richmond Commons, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Carpenter Helper Duties include using, supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

To work 5 days a week Salary is $8.00 per hour Please Contact: 232-3866 or email Thewhitehousetci@gmail.com This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders are required to submit their applications to the Labour Board #195221

CHAM-B GROCERIES Location: South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer Duties: to work in store stocking groceries, cleaning the store, and cutting meats To work 6 days per week Salary: $ 6.25 per hour Please contact Sherlock Forbes at 231-2781 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

Page 29

F & R Construction

Rafeeza Seecharan

Habour Transport Ltd.

Location: New Millennium, Back Road, Blue Hills, House #16, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking three (3) Professional Carpenters Duties: Able to construct and repair building frameworks and structures such as stairways, doorframes, partitions, and rafters made from wood and other materials Also capable of installing kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall Salary is $10.00 per hour To work 8 hours per day, five days a week Please Contact: 242-2548 These positions are new Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders can send copies of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Rigby Apartment #10, Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking a Babysitter Duties: To care of a child, clean after the child (clothing, bottles etc) Wages will be paid weekly.

The sitter is expected to work 44 hrs per week at $6.50 per hr with weekends and holidays off Please Contact: 343-7674 or Email Rafeezaseecharan@ yahoo.com This position is new Belongers or permanent residents will be given first priority. Anyone can apply.

Donna Broker of Dizzy Donkey

Gladys + Antoine

T J’S Construction

Location: Sub Division, #52, Five Cays, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Babysitter Duties: To care of a child, clean after the child (clothing, bottles etc) To work 5 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Call Tel: 249-0739 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Belongers or permanent residents will be given first priority. Anyone can apply

Seeks to employ a Labourer In Grand Turk At a salary of 200.00 per 5 day week Successful applicant will assist in the excavation of construction of buildings Applicants are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1 and to Tereze at Tel No. 245-4888 Please note that this position is being held by a Work Permit Holder

In Grand Turk Seeks to employ a Sales Representative At a salary of $250.00 for a six day week Successful applicant will be required to sell goods on behalf of the owners at the Grand Turk store Applicants are required to submit their applications to the Immigration Board Zone 1 and to Donna Broker at Tel No. 239-1439.

Please note that this position is presently being held by a Work Permit Holder

TWANZ CONSTRUCTION Location: South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer To work 5 days per week Duties include cleaning yard and assisting with construction work Salary: $6.25 per hour Please Contact Branford Hall at 243-1051 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

#195220

#195223

Romana Williams

Job Location: Wheeland, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Babysitter •Duties: To care for a child that has difficulties with speaking. To clean after the child (clothing, bottles etc) •Second language is preferred (Spanish) •Must be able to keep the child for days/ week during business travels To work six (6) hours per day / 6 days a week Salary is $6.50 per hour Please send resumes to: rrwilliams7989@gmail.com Belongers need only apply This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

Location: 611 South Dock Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking three (3) Deck Hands $10.00 an hour To work 8 hours a day Duties: Will include Heavy lifting and cleaning the boat To work 6 days a week and be able to live on the boat Is seeking two (2) Welders - $15.00 per hour Duties: Be able to know underwater welding, cutters, shapers and measuring tools and must have at least five (5) years experience To work 6 days a week Please Contact: 331-0221 These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders can send a copy of their applications to the Labour Board

Rochelle Vanalstine

Is seeking a Domestic Worker/Caregiver In Grand Turk Person must be reliable and trustworthy Individual will be required to work from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday and occasionally on Saturdays Salary is $500.00 monthly Please Contact Rochelle Vanalstine on 331-1979 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

WARD’S CONSULTANCY ACTING ON BEHALF OF OUR CLIENT

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION

(SECTION 4(3) OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS ORDINANCE)

TAKE NOTICE THAT I, NIGEL DAKIN, GOVERNOR OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS IN EXERCISE OF THE POWERS CONFERRED IN ME BY SECTION 6(4) OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS ORDINANCE INTEND TO GRANT A CERTIFICATE OF TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS TO MRS. PAULA VALDEZ BALLEJO DE LIGHTBOURNE BY VIRTUE OF MARRIAGE TO A TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER.

Complete Construction, #53, P. O. Box 68, Blue Mountain, Contact 231-0337 Carpenter $8.00 p/h Install structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding.

Hill view boutique Store clerk $6.50 P/H contact 941-4515 providing customer service.

Yoshi sushi bar #20 & 21 Saltmills Plaza Grace Bay Road, 941-3374 2 sushi chef $ p/h Expertly cutting, slicing, and filleting different types of fish.

BLUFIN LTD Queens Court Plaza unit 7, Leeward Hwy 431-8317 Manager $ 500 P/W assisting in preparing all product ordering.

Belonger are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the labour board. These positions is currently held by work permit holder

Page 30

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE

U.S. secures 300 million doses of potential AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

The United States has secured almost a third of the first one billion doses planned for AstraZeneca’s experimental COVID-19 vaccine by pledging up to $1.2 billion, as world powers scramble for medicines to get their economies back to work.

While not proven to be effective against the coronavirus, vaccines are seen by world leaders as the only real way to restart their stalled economies, and even to get an edge over global competitors.

After President Donald Trump demanded a vaccine, the U.S. Department of Health agreed to provide up to $1.2 billion to accelerate AstraZeneca’s vaccine development and secure 300 million doses for the United States.

“This contract with AstraZeneca is a major milestone in Operation Warp Speed’s work toward a safe, effective, widely available vaccine by 2021,” U.S. Health Secretary Alex Azar said.

The vaccine, previously known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and now as AZD1222, was developed by the University of Oxford and licensed to British drugmaker AstraZeneca.

Immunity to the new coronavirus is uncertain and so the use of vaccines unclear.

The U.S. deal allows a latestage - Phase III - clinical trial of the vaccine with 30,000 people in the

United States.

AstraZeneca, based in Cambridge, England, said it had concluded agreements for at least 400 million doses of the vaccine and secured manufacturing capacity for one billion doses, with first deliveries due to begin in September.

Now the most valuable company on Britain’s blue-chip FTSE 100 Index, it has already agreed to deliver 100 million doses to people in Britain, with 30 million as soon as September. Ministers have promised that Britain will get first access to the vaccine.

VACCINE SCRAMBLE

With leaders across the world surveying some of the worst economic destruction since at least World War Two, and the deaths of more than 325,000, many are scrambling for a vaccine.

The U.S. government has already struck deals to support vaccine development with Johnson & Johnson (J&J), Moderna and Sanofi, sparking fears the richest countries will be able to protect their citizens first.

The head of Sanofi angered the French government earlier this month when he said vaccine doses produced in the United States could go to U.S. patients first, given the

Scientists in China believe new drug can stop pandemic ‘without vaccine’

A Chinese laboratory has been developing a drug it believes has the power to bring the coronavirus pandemic to a halt.

The outbreak first emerged in China late last year before spreading across the world, prompting an international race to find treatments and vaccines.

A drug being tested by scientists at China’s prestigious Peking University could not only shorten the recovery time for those infected, but even offer short-term immunity from the virus, researchers say.

Sunney Xie, director of the university’s Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, told AFP that the drug has been successful at the animal testing stage.

“When we injected neutralising antibodies into infected mice, after five days the viral load was reduced by a factor of 2,500,” said Xie.

“That means this potential drug has (a) therapeutic effect.”

The drug uses neutralising antibodies -- produced by the human immune system to prevent the virus infecting cells -- which Xie’s team isolated from the blood of 60 recovered patients.

A study on the team’s research, published Sunday in the scientific journal Cell, suggests that using the antibodies provides a potential “cure” for the disease and shortens recovery time.

Xie said his team had been working “day and night” searching for the antibody.

country had supported the research financially.

AstraZeneca said it was in talks with governments and partners around the world - such as the Serum Institute of India - to increase access and production, and is speaking to various organisations on the fair allocation and distribution of the vaccine.

“We would like to thank the US and UK governments for their substantial support to accelerate the development and production of the vaccine,” AstraZeneca Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said.

The Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest maker of vaccines by volume, has dedicated one of its facilities with a capacity to produce up to 400 million doses annually to producing the Oxford vaccine.

“We are scaling up on a conservative basis of about 4 to 5 million doses a month to begin with,” Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla told Reuters, adding the company was in discussions with AstraZeneca.

COVID-19 PROTECTION?

A Phase I/II clinical trial of AZD1222 began last month to assess safety, immunogenicity and efficacy in over 1,000 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 55 years across several trial centres in southern England.

Small bottles labeled with a “Vaccine COVID-19” sticker and a medical syringe are seen in this illustration taken taken April 10, 2020.

Data from the trial is expected shortly.

There are currently no approved treatments or vaccines for COVID-19.

Governments, drugmakers and researchers are working on around 100 programmes, and experts are predicting a safe and effective means of preventing the disease could take 12 to 18 months to develop.

Only a handful of the vaccines in development have advanced to human trials, an indicator of safety and efficacy, and the stage at which most fail.

Worrying surge in childhood disease linked to COVID-19

Europe and the United States have seen sharp surges in recent weeks of a severe immune disorder in children linked to COVID-19, health authorities reported Friday, sounding an alarm.

At least five children -- three in New York, and one each in France and Britain -have died from the syndrome, and at least two other deaths are suspect.

Up to now, COVID-19 -- with 4.5 million confirmed cases worldwide, and more than 300,000 deaths -- has largely spared small children and teens, though many are thought to have been infected without showing symptoms.

But the new illness, while still very rare by comparison, suggests that no age bracket is safe.

Europe has seen some 230 suspected cases of socalled paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) in children up to 14 years old, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said Friday.

Doctors in Bergamo, northern Italy reported a 30fold increase in the incidence of severe inflammatory disorders among young children, with ten cases from mid-February to mid-April as compared to 19 during the previous five years, according to a study this week in The Lancet.

In the US, where well over 100 cases have been identified in the New York area, health authorities have issued an alert for the mysterious illness.

“Initial reports hypothesise that this syndrome may be related to COVID-19,” World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual briefing Friday, calling on clinicians worldwide to help “better understand this syndrome in children.”

France’s state-run health watchdog described the likelihood of such a link as “very probable.”

Like Kawasaki disease, a rare condition that occurs in very young children, the new disorder can cause persistent

fever, searing abdominal pain, rashes and a swollen tongue.

Also compared to toxic shock syndrome, PIMS leads to inflamed blood vessels and, in some cases, damage to the heart.

A nine-year-old boy who died in the southern French city of Marseille was said to have suffered “a neurological injury related to cardiac arrest” -- in other words, a heart attack.

- A delayed impact Experts speculate that the virus triggers a violent response in the immune system, causing it to turn against, rather than protect, the tissue and organs of affected children.

“They had the virus, the body fought it off earlier,” Sunil Sood, a paediatrician at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New York, told AFP. “But now there’s this delayed, exaggerated immune response.”

PIMS is different, however, from the Kawasaki syndrome in that it seems mainly to affect older children.

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 31

CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Villa market could lead tourism revival in Barbados

Andrew Mallalieu chief executive officer of regional real estate company Terra Caribbean.

Barbados’ luxury villa and condo accommodation may be the island’s golden egg as Government and tourism officials try to revive the tourism sector from decimation by the COVID-19 pandemic.

That’s the view of Andrew Mallalieu chief executive officer of regional real estate company Terra Caribbean during a virtual Press conference today which also included operating officer Hayden Hutton along with British realtor Edward de Mallet Morgan.

Once criticised by some hotel operators as unfairly competing with hotels, it is now predicted that the more than 850 registered upmarket villas and condominiums will be the first to start attracting visitors once Barbados’ air access resumes to international flights. Most villas and condos feature a minimum of two to three bedrooms.

According to Mallalieu: “In the market that we participate in . . . we are lucky because villas are very well capitalized. They are generally owned by wealthy people. It’s usually their second, or third home or even fourth home.

They are trophy properties. The owners pay the expenses and while they rent them, those rents only contribute towards the expenses of the property.

“The other good thing is that guests can quarantine in the properties. You can stay there without mixing like in a hotel. You don’t have to mix with other people. You are in a selfcontained property.”

What was even more important, Mallalieu noted, was the job security many villa employees enjoy as most have retained their jobs. He revealed that villa owners have continued to keep their staff on payroll in order to maintain their real estate investments on the island.

At the same time, the Terra head admitted there was a great uncertainty about the future of tourism and the impact of an extended closure of the sector on the island’s economy.

Stressing how dire the situation could become, Mallalieu told the media: “Forty per cent of our GDP [gross domestic product] comes from tourism and 30 per cent of employment being in the sector, it may even be higher than that. But when there are no flights, there are no guests and there is no revenue. We have seen falloffs of bookings from Canada, from the United States, United Kingdom or Germany; we have never seen cancellations en masse from every market. We [went] from being 100 per cent occupied . . . to having zero.”

The Bahamas eyes July 1st to resume air travel

Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said the government is eyeing July 1 for the resumption of commercial flights to The Bahamas.

“As of now, we are looking at a possible opening date for commercial travel on or before July 1st of this year,” said Minnis in a nationally televised address.

“These dates may change depending on the circumstances.

I want to repeat, however, that this date is not final. It will be adjusted if we see a deterioration in the COVID-19 infection trends or if we determine that the protocols and procedures are not in place sufficiently to warrant an opening.

“Our opening will depend on your cooperation.”

The Bahamian borders were closed on March 27, signaling a dramatic halt to the nation’s tourism industry.

A week earlier, Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar warned that in the foreseeable future, there will be no tourists.

In late March, major hotels as well as smaller properties closed, sending thousands of Bahamians home in the face of widespread uncertainty triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A week ago, the prime minister indicated that unemployment is expected to soar beyond 30 percent as 25,000 people have either been laid off or have lost income as a result of COVID-19 shutting down major sectors of the economy.

The Bahamas has recorded 96 cases of COVID-19 and remains in a state of emergency with a 24-hour curfew and weekend lockdowns.

Minnis’ announcement served as an important signal to many in the tourism industry and in other industries who are looking forward to the

Lynden Pindling International Airport. full opening of the national by emailing covid19travel@ economy. bahamas.gov.bs or calling 511.

Atlantis Paradise Island, Individuals will also the largest private employer be required to submit to an in The Bahamas, has already evaluation by a ministryadvised its thousands of workers authorized physician. who have been temporarily laid “This evaluation will include a risk off that it intends to have a assessment via a questionnaire to phased opening beginning next determine the individual’s level month. of risk for COVID-19 infection plus or minus a physical exam Inter-island travel to determine the presence of any symptoms consistent with

During the emergency COVID-19,” the prime minister period, the prime minister has said. also prohibited inter-island “If deemed low-risk and travel. the physical exam does not reveal

He announced yesterday any symptoms, it is expected that the government is about to that the person will be issued a begin a gradual re-opening in COVID-19 Authorization Travel this area as well.

Card that will allow individuals

“The Ministry of Health to travel to the Family Islands. has developed a policy and “If the individual protocol for the approval and is deemed a higher risk or monitoring of individuals has symptoms that may be traveling to islands that have consistent with COVID-19, the resumed normal commercial individual will be referred for activity,” Minnis said. testing to definitively determine

He said individuals from their COVID-19 status.

Family Islands that have already “However, the been cleared — Mayaguana, healthcare provider may still Long Island, Abaco, Andros, decide that a person who is lowRum Cay, Ragged Island, Inagua, risk may need to be tested for Crooked Island, Acklins, Long COVID-19. Individuals traveling Cay and Cat Island — who are on behalf of their workplace trapped on New Providence or will be subjected to similar Grand Bahama may travel home requirements. To facilitate these after going through the outlined arrangements, the Ministry process. of Health is collaborating

The protocol will require closely with the Civil Aviation those individuals to register Authority.” with the Ministry of Health

Barbados ambassador to UN tests positive for coronavirus on return home from NYC

Barbados’ Ambassador “Thompson arrived condition, she was allowed to to the United Nations, Liz on a private jet and was tested go to her mother’s bedside. The Thompson, tested positive for at Paragon immediately after senior Mrs. Thompson is being novel coronavirus (COVID-19) her arrival. This morning we kept comfortable at her home,” when she returned home from received information that her the statement said.

New York City where is based. test was positive. There was one “Since going to her

A media statement other passenger on the plane on mother’s residence, the from Prime Minister Mia which the Ambassador travelled. Ambassador has had no Mottley’s said Thompson has no That passenger was also tested; contact with the members of symptoms of the disease and is that test is negative. that household other than feeling well.

“Thompson came to her mother. Ms Thompson According to the Barbados to be at the bedside was wearing a mask from the statement, Thompson travelled of her 95-year-old mother who moment she got off the plane to Barbados from New York, became gravely ill with a heart and has been practising physical which is the epicentre of the condition (non-COVID related distancing. She will, from today, COVID-19 outbreak in the condition) on the weekend. go into isolation at Harrison’s United States.

Given the gravity of her mother’s Point.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

St. Lucia to reopen borders on June 4

The St. Lucia the fact that all “18 of our government said it would confirmed cases of COVID-19 begin the gradual re-opening have successfully recovered. of its borders on June 4, after “We have made the indicating that the island had required investment into been able to curb the spread our health infrastructure and of the coronavirus (COVID-19) system by opening the OKEU that had infected at least 18 Hospital, commenced the persons here. conversion of Victoria Hospital

Prime Minister Allen into a dedicated Respiratory Chastanet told the nation Hospital, established five that “as of June 4th 2020 we Respiratory clinics across the will begin to gradually open island,” he said. our borders to regional and He said that St. Lucia international travel’ after health was also able to secure authorities had on Friday shared additional assistance for the “our strategic plan to reopen medical personnel here by Prime Minister of St. Lucia Allen our economy and country in welcoming over 100 Cuban Chastanet phases, after weeks of a partial nurses, doctors and technicians help keep themselves and their shutdown due to COVID-19”. to assist in the COVID-19 battle, families safe”.

Chastanet said that the as well as securing sufficient He said as St. Lucia refive-phased strategic reopening Personal Protective Equipment opens its borders in the coming focused on health, safety and (PPE) and supplies to protect weeks, “we will be increasing the general well-being of the “frontline COVID-19 soldiers, the protocols for anyone who public and had taken into significantly improved our intends to visit our island. account advice from public testing capacity combined with “This would include all health experts and feedback several other vital interventions. travellers having to undergo from various stakeholders.

“Simply put, our health a COVID-19 test before

The strategies also system is much better prepared departing their country for St provided the requirements for than it was three months Lucia, the use of respiratory businesses and organisations ago,” Chastanet said, adding masks, undergoing frequent across each sector to operate that “I also believe that most temperature checks, minimal based on national COVID-19 St Lucians are also now more physical contact with other protocols. familiar and comfortable with persons, consistent sanitation

Chastanet said that he the COVID-19 protocols such and other improved COVID-19 believes St. Lucia is in a “fairly as physical distancing, wearing protocols at ports of entry, good position to do so” based on a mask and are more aware of hotels, in taxis and all other a number of reasons including the best practices which will establishments”.

Over 1,000 Jamaicans on Royal Caribbean cleared to disembark

The government has granted approval for the 1,044 Jamaican ship workers aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship to disembark.

The process will begin tomorrow at noon in Falmouth.

In making the announcement, Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that the Ministry of Health and Wellness will create a sterile zone around the port to conduct COVID-19 testing.

Holness explained that the Jamaicans will disembark in groups of 200 every 4872 hours and taken to Bahia Principe hotel in St Ann.

The time window is to allow for the test results.

Holness said ship workers who test positive will go into state quarantine for 14 days while those who test negative will be allowed to quarantine at home for the same period.

Persons in home

quarantine will have their location tracked and must do a video check-in multiple times a day, Holness said.

“I understand the frustration the ship workers are facing, they are eager to see their families, we well understand but Jamaica is a country of rules. Rules don’t mean we can’t have sympathy and empathy to ensure that suffering is minimised.

“We have learned a tough lesson as a government… we took note of the hardship cases right across the government and we brought them back. In bringing them back, we were not able to give them the good experience that they deserve, we cannot afford that to happen again, we have to ensure that we perfect the arrangements,” Holness said.

Holness said over 9,000 repatriation applications have been received by the

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (left), speaks at a press conference at Jamaica House, on Monday (March 30). With the Prime Minister is Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie government.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that the government is working to bring home nearly 900 additional Jamaican cruise ship workers.

Anguilla House of Assembly dissolved prior to elections

Anguilla’s House of Assembly.

On Friday, May 8th, the House of Assembly was dissolved, paving the way for a general election here within the next two months.

The last sitting of the House included the passing of several bills and motions and then Premier Victor Banks read the proclamation from Governor Tim Foy announcing the dissolution of the House and discharging all elected members and staff of their duties. Banks thanked members for their support and also thanked Speaker Terence Harrigan and the clerks and assistants for the smooth running of the House.

During the sitting, several important bills were passed including a Bill for Labour Relations (Amendment) Act; Anguilla Economic Residence Act; Select Anguilla Agency (Amendment) Act; and a Bill for Businesses, Occupations and Professions Licensing Act. Much discussion was held on the final bill – A Bill for Public Service Salary Reduction Act.

This bill proposed a five per cent cut in salary for public servants and a 15 per cent cut in salary for ministers of government. No date was given for the implementation of this, but the premier noted that the government wants to make sure there is a facility in place if it is necessary for public servants to assist others in the community who are unemployed and businesses that have closed due to COVID-19.

A letter had been received from the public servants objecting to the cut, but several ministers pointed out that the public servants must assist others in the community.

A date for the election has not yet been announced. There are two main parties – the Anguilla United Front (AUF) and the Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) and in addition there are many independent candidates. There are seven districts and eligible voters will vote for a representative in their own district, plus four at-large or island-wide candidates.

Dorothy Odena Location: Behind Enid Capron Primary School, Five Cays, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a CAREGIVER Duties: Providing assistance to an Elderly person, preparing meals, running errands, making beds, buying groceries, bathing, administering treatments, and handling the laundry Is seeking 6 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 348-0477 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Belongers are encouraged to send copies of their resumes to the Labour Board

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

When can we return to the Caribbean?

Tourism is the lifeblood of the Caribbean but the coronavirus pandemic has sealed off the region and it remains off limits to travelers.

The good news is that lockdown in the islands has resulted in relatively few cases of COVID-19.

“The Caribbean islands reacted early and swiftly to the crisis, they are used to hurricanes and I think that helped,” says Thom Dunaway, CEO of WheretoStay.com, which has been renting villas in the Caribbean since 1995. “Consequently islands like Turks &Caicos, St John, USVI, and Anguilla have had less than a dozen cases.”

Reopening is still very much up in the air and dependent on the government restrictions on each island. Even so, Dunaway offers some predictions for summer travel.

“Some people will start arriving on certain islands in June as long as flights carrying leisure travelers are welcome,” Dunaway speculates. “We anticipate more of a surge in July, and by August we fully intend to be quite busy with arriving guests.

Again, this is all dependent on the success of the gradual reopening of the US economy without further spikes in COVID-19 cases resulting in a return to restrictions.”

Indeed on May 18, the island of Saint Lucia announced the first phase of its reopening for tourism, starting June 4. On that day, Phase One of the reopening includes welcoming international flights at Hewanorra International

BOM Villa, St. Barths.

Airport (UVF) from the United States only. Visitors will be required to present certified proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding their flight. Upon arrival in Saint Lucia, all travelers must continue the use of face masks and physical distancing and are subject to screening and temperature checks by port health authorities.

On Saint Lucia, as on other Caribbean islands, villa rentals are likely to be in great demand once travel is allowed to slowly resume.

“We have had requests each day all through April, with many people ready to travel the first day the travel restrictions are lifted, airports reopen and flights are Caribbean bound,” Dunaway says.

“There are many Americans that have the ‘I’m coming unless they stop me’

returned to their home countries,” Dunaway notes. “This makes ramping up hotels a much slower process as they have to entice staff to return. Our villas on every island are essentially ready and waiting.”

Ramping up cleaning and social distancing policies at each property is critical, Dunaway notes.

As an example, he cites the new policies of one of their property managers in St Martin, from maskwearing to cleaning all surfaces with hospital-grade disinfectants. Handles and ramps will be cleaned with disinfecting wipes and automatic hand sanitizing dispensers will be installed in the laundry and the kitchen. The detergents for the attitude.” washing machines and for the

Villas offer space for families, dishwashers will be hospital-grade private grounds and typically come disinfectants. Housekeepers will be with a pool. They offer a controlled equipped with masks and gloves and environment where it’s much easier A/C filters will be regularly cleaned to practice social distancing from and disinfected. A total disinfection neighbors. of the property can be done upon

“The added benefit of private request prior to the guests’ arrival at homes being separate from, let’s face an extra cost. it, other people, makes it the sensible WheretoStay.com has begun choice for many who want to travel rolling out a series of deals and once it’s possible,” Dunaway says. enticements to return, once travelers “We anticipate the flood gates will are given the green light. There are open with many people more than some properties that are discounting ready and willing to head to the their rates up to 30% for the rest of Caribbean.”

2020 and some through 2021. Other

He points out that his villa properties are offering a more flexible management teams on the islands payment plans with final payments are predominantly locals who are closer to time of travel. In addition, still residing on the island. there are other properties that have

“Hotels have had to furlough come up with flexible cancellation many international staff who have and re-scheduling options.

Baha Mar awaiting nod from government to reveal reopening plans The government is considering allowing commercial travel in and out of The Bahamas as early as July and Baha Mar Senior Vice President of Government External Relations Robert Sands said the property stands ready; however, he shied away from giving an exact time frame for when the resort will reopen.

Sands spoke with Guardian Business just hours before Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said in his national address “As of now we are looking at a possible opening date for commercial travel on or before July 1.” However, the prime minister noted that the date may change depending on circumstances.

“We’re working toward the soonest possible time,” said Sands. “In our letter to our staff we spoke about a three-month period. We’re working with the competent authority and as soon as they give us some indication, then we’ll be in a better position to discuss our particular time lines.

“I can assure you that as soon as the government of The Bahamas makes a decision, Baha Mar and many others will be in a position to respond,” Sands noted.

Last week, Guardian Business reported that two of

The Baha Mar resort Baha Mar’s flagship hotels, the Grand Hyatt and Rosewood, had notices posted on their booking web pages that they were accepting reservations beginning July 1.

Asked if those notices indicate that Baha Mar will be prepared to welcome guests at that time, Sands said, “Let me put it to you this way. Our top priority remains the wellbeing of our associates and their families.

“In the interim we’re continuing to work toward an opening date, but those dates are the ones that Rosewood and certainly Grand Hyatt have set as bench marks they are governed by when the government will allow certain things to happen, so yes from that perspective.”

The global tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, as countries around the world closed their borders to

reduce the spread of the deadly virus.

Since the first locally reported case of COVID-19 in March, tourism stakeholders have met regularly with the government to develop a strategy for reopening the country to foreign visitors.

“Baha Mar is involved with the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, the Ministry of Tourism and a committee that we have set up for the methodical opening up of hotels and the putting in place of protocols,” Sands said.

“As soon as the competent authority and certainly the health authorities give the signal, we are satisfied that not only Baha Mar but the industry as a whole would be in a position to address all the issues, safety and health concerns, that would be necessary for a coordinated opening at the time it becomes due.”

St. Kitts election on June 5

Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris named June 5 as the date for fresh general elections in St Kitts-Nevis.

In a radio and television broadcast on Monday, Harris said Nomination Day would be on May 27.

“Election is important and will bring certainty to our Federation, enhance confidence in our country and preserve our democracy,” said Harris, who is expected to lead his coalition Team Unity into the election.

The coalition will face a challenge from the main opposition St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) headed by former prime minister Dr Denzil Douglas.

In the last general election, Team Unity, an amalgam of three political parties, won seven of the 11 seats.

However, this one will be conducted in a different environment, heavily impacted by COVID-19.

The nightly curfew and weekend lockdown will remain in place and some traditional means of communicating will have to be modified. There will also be virtual public meeting and Harris said the Supervisor of Elections would speak on the safety measures.

The Prime Minister touted his government’s handling of COVID-19, noting that of the 15 cases, 14 had recovered, no one was hospitalised and there were no deaths.

In an address later on Monday, Douglas said his party was ready.

“The St Kitts-Nevis Labour party is prepared. It is enthusiastic and it is fully mobilised to contest the election within the rule of the law and in a manner that is free, fair and free from fear to all participating parties,” he said.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS

China tells US to stop ‘unreasonable suppression’ of Huawei

Beijing has urged the United States to stop the “unreasonable suppression of Huawei and Chinese enterprises” after Washington announced new export controls to restrict the tech giant’s access to semiconductor technology.

The latest restrictions on the world’s second-largest smartphone manufacturer, which is at the centre of US spying allegations, are a new escalation in the US-China battle for global technological dominance.

“The Chinese government will firmly uphold Chinese firms’ legitimate and legal rights and interests,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Saturday.

“We urge the US side to immediately stop its unreasonable suppression of Huawei and Chinese enterprises.”

The ministry said the Trump administration’s actions “destroy global manufacturing, supply and value chains”.

The US Commerce Department said Friday the controls would “narrowly and strategically target Huawei’s acquisition of semiconductors that are the direct product of certain US software and technology.”

US officials have repeatedly accused the Chinese technology giant of stealing American trade secrets and aiding China’s espionage efforts, ramping up tensions with the rival superpower while both sides were involved in a long-simmering trade war.

As a result, Huawei has increasingly relied on domestically manufactured technology, but the latest rules will also ban foreign firms that use US technology from shipping semiconductors to Huawei without US permission.

The new restrictions will cut off Huawei’s access to one of its major suppliers, the Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC, which also manufactures chips for Apple and other tech firms.

The US last year banned Huawei from using US-manufactured semiconductors in their products.

China has threatened retaliation against the US for the move, including imposing restrictions on major US firms and putting them on an “unreliable entity list”, according to an anonymous government source quoted in the Communist Party tabloid Global Times on Friday.

Death and destruction after cyclone hits India, Bangladesh

Wide swathes of the coasts of India and Bangladesh were flooded and millions of people remained without power Thursday, after the most powerful cyclone to hit the region in more than decade left dozens dead and a trail of destruction.

In the Indian city of Kolkata, home to more than 14 million people, large portions of the metropolis and its suburbs were underwater, including the city’s main airport. Roads were littered with uprooted trees and lamp posts and electricity and and communication lines were down.

Cyclone Amphan also badly damaged many centuriesold buildings when it tore through the city on Wednesday.

“It feels like a dystopian Jurassic Park of sorts,” said Shuli Ghosh, who runs a cafe in Kolkata. “The roofs of many homes have flown away and the streets are waterlogged.”

When the storm made landfall on Wednesday it lashed coastal areas in both India and Bangladesh with heavy rain, a battering storm surge and sustained winds of 170 kilometers per hour (105 mph) and gusts up to 190 kph (118 mph). It devastated coastal villages in both countries, knocking down mud houses, ripping out electricity poles and uprooting trees.

In Bangladesh, television stations reported 13 deaths, while 72 deaths were reported in India’s West Bengal state.

Officials said two people were killed in India’s Odisha state.

Hundreds of villages in

Commuters move past a tree branch precariously hanging after cyclone Amphan hit the region, in Kolkata, India, Thursday, May 21, 2020.

Bangladesh were flooded by tidal surges and more than a million people were without electricity.

Officials in both countries said the full extent of the damage remained to be seen as communication lines to many places remained down.

India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, said authorities were working on the ground to ensure all possible assistance to the those affected.

“No stone will be left unturned in helping the affected,” Modi tweeted on Thursday.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic and social-distancing measures had made mass evacuations ahead of the storm difficult. Shelters were unable to run at full capacity in many places and some people were too scared of the risk of infection to mass there.

Likewise the pandemic will have and impact on relief efforts and the recovery.

The damage caused by the storm is likely to have lasting repercussions for poor families already stretched to the limit by the economic impact of the pandemic.

In India’s Odisha state, the cyclone destroyed crops of Betel, a leaf used as a wrapper for chewing areca nut or tobacco.

In Bangladesh’s southwestern district of Bagerhat, more than 500 fish farms were flooded.

Debashish Shyamal, who lives in a fishing village along the coast of West Bengal took shelter with his family in a government clinic. He said the wind blew open the windows and doors and for hours they sat huddled inside, drenched by the torrential rain.

On Thursday, he woke up to dangling electricity wires, waterlogged streets and an entirely uprooted forest next to his village.

“There is nothing left,” he said.

020 list of UK’s richest shows first fall in wealth in decade

Britain’s wealthiest people have lost tens of billions of pounds in the coronavirus pandemic as their combined annual wealth fell for the first time in a decade, the Sunday Times reported in its Rich List 2020.

The newspaper, which has produced the respected annual ranking of the country’s 1,000 wealthiest people since 1989, found the past two months had resulted in the super-rich losing £54 billion ($65 billion, 60 billion euros).

More than half of the billionaires in Britain had seen drops in their worth by as much as £6bn, a decrease in their collective wealth unprecedented since 2009 and the financial crisis.

Inventor James Dyson bucked the trend to top the list for the first time, with an estimated wealth of £16.2bn.

The paper credited his rise from fifth place in 2019 to both the strong performance of his businesses and the plummeting fortunes of other

billionaires in the top 10.

The Hinduja brothers, who topped last year’s list with a £22bn fortune, saw among the biggest falls in worth -- £6bn -- and are now ranked jointly second with entrepreneurs David and Simon Reuben.

Jim Ratcliffe, boss of petrochemicals firm Ineos, who topped the rankings in 2018, also saw his worth slide by £6bn to £12.15bn.

Steel baron Lakshmi Mittal was another to see the steepest falls in his fortune -- nearly £4bn -- placing him 19th with a worth of £6.78bn.

In total, the 2020 list calculated the combined wealth of Britain’s super-rich to be £743bn -£29bn less than last year.

- Billionaire capital of the world Its number of billionaires dropped by four to 147 but London remains the billionaire capital of the world, with 89 born, living or with a significant chunk of their assets based

in the city.

“The first detailed analysis of the super-rich’s finances since the COVID-19 outbreak began will heighten concerns that Britain is entering a deep and long-lasting recession,” the Sunday Times said.

The paper noted at least 63 members of the list, including 20 billionaires, have sought to use a government-run furlough scheme which pays staff up to 80 percent of their salaries up to £2,500 a month during the crisis.

They include London-based Sri and Gopi Hinduja, owners of the sprawling Hinduja Group of companies, who have furloughed around 360 employees at Optare, their bus-making firm based in northern England.

Ratcliffe co-owns The Pig hotel chain, which has furloughed most of its staff, while he is also seeking an emergency loan from the government for a joint venture between Ineos and the Chinese state-owned PetroChina.

Carys Roberts, executive director of the Institute for Public Policy Research, told the Sunday Times their use of the taxpayer-funded schemes was highly questionable.

“Why can’t they now dip into their own deep pockets instead of asking ordinary families to do so for them?” she said.

- Rich List 2020 top 10 £16.2bn -- James Dyson and family £16bn -- Sri and Gopi Hinduja and family £16bn -- David and Simon Reuben £15.8bn -- Leonard Blavatnik £12.2bn -- Jim Ratcliffe £12.1bn -- Kirsten and Jorn Rausing £11.7bn -- Alisher Usmanov £10.5bn -- Guy, George and Galen Jr Weston and family £10.3bn -- Charlene de CarvalhoHeineken and Michel de Carvalho £10.3bn -- The Duke of Westminster and the Grosvenor family

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WORLD NEWS

Outside judge named to preside over cases in Arbery slaying

A judge from outside the coastal Georgia community where Ahmaud Arbery was fatally shot has been appointed to preside over trial proceedings of the two men charged with Arbery’s murder, including one defendant with close ties to law enforcement.

Court documents filed in Glynn County show that Superior Court Judge Timothy R. Walmsley was appointed to the case after all five judges in the legal circuit where Arbery was killed recused themselves.

Walmsley is based in Savannah, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) north of where the slaying occurred just outside the port city of Brunswick.

Arbery was killed Feb. 23 after a pursuit by a white father and son who armed themselves and gave chase after seeing the 25-year-old black man running in their subdivision. More than two months passed before Gregory McMichael, 64, and Travis McMichael, 34, were jailed on charges of felony murder and aggravated assault.

Gregory McMichael, a retired investigator for the local district attorney, told police he thought Arbery was a burglar.

He said Arbery attacked his son before he was shot.

Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, has said she

Images provided by the Glynn County Detention Center in Georgia shows Gregory McMichael, left, and his son Travis McMichael. believes her son was merely out been scheduled as of Monday jogging. afternoon.

The delay in criminal charges Gregory McMichael and a cellphone video of the worked as an investigator for shooting leaked shortly before the local district attorney for the May 7 arrests fueled national more than two decades before outrage over Arbery’s death. he retired last year. Attorneys for

Last week, defense Arbery’s family and others have attorneys for the McMichaels blamed the delay in arrests in cautioned against rushing to part on the elder McMichael’s judgment. They said they soon ties to local law enforcement. plan to seek a preliminary The McMichaels weren’t charged hearing from a magistrate judge until after the Georgia Bureau of in Glynn County at which Investigation was brought into new details might be revealed. the case in early May. They also plan to ask that the Meanwhile, three McMichaels be released from district attorneys have passed jail on bond pending trial. on prosecuting the case, which That decision will now fall to now resides with the district Walmsley. attorney of Cobb County in

No court hearings had metro Atlanta.

100-year-old WWII veteran ‘Captain Tom’ to be knighted Hundred-year-old British World War II veteran Captain Tom Moore is to be knighted after raising nearly $40 million for healthcare charities, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling him a “beacon of light” during the coronavirus pandemic.

The knighthood, which brings with it the title of “Sir”, will be formally issued by Queen Elizabeth II.

Moore set himself the goal of walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday in April.

He was hoping to raise £1,000 ($1,200) for National Health Service charities as a thank you for the treatment he received while suffering from cancer and a broken hip.

But the money started pouring in after his effort drew national and then international interest, a rare good news story in the middle of a global health emergency.

“Colonel Tom’s fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus,” Johnson said Tuesday announcing the knighthood.

“On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you. He’s a true national treasure.”

The army had made Moore, who served as an engineer in India and Burma during World War II, an honorary colonel.

Moore’s efforts and humility propelled him to national fame, with a highspeed train named after him and Royal Air Force jets performing a flypast for his birthday on April 30.

Moore became the oldest artist to reach No. 1 in the UK music singles charts, singing a cover of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with British stage star Michael Ball and an NHS choir.

“Arise Captain SIR Tom Moore!!!! I couldn’t be more thrilled and proud,” Ball tweeted.

“A fitting honour for a true British hero. So well deserved and bloody marvellous.

Well done and thank you for everything Sir.” Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer also congratulated Moore.

“In these difficult times for our country, Tom brought inspiration to millions and

Brazil virus deaths surge as pandemic bites in Latin America

Brazil recorded its highest number of coronavirus deaths in a day as Latin America began to feel the full force of the pandemic, while the World Health Organization agreed to investigate its response to the crisis.

With infections rapidly approaching five million, deaths topping 320,000 and the global economy devastated, there are fears that the worst is yet to come for the poorer parts of the world as they desperately try to contain the spread of the virus.

There was an alarming surge on Tuesday in Brazil as daily COVID-19 deaths crossed 1,000 for the first time, but far-right President Jair Bolsonaro remains bitterly opposed to lockdowns, having described them as unnecessary over a “little flu”.

“Our country is going from bad to worse, it is getting worse,” said retiree Gilberto Ferreira in Rio de Janeiro. “We have an inefficient government, and the people also do not obey the rules of the pandemic.”

Infections in Brazil -- already the third-highest globally -- were climbing by the thousands, with the outbreak in the world’s sixth-largest country expected to accelerate until early June.

The coronavirus surge in Latin America has forced some areas to suspend their plans to loosen restrictions, with Argentina’s second city Cordoba rolling back plans to ease a lockdown because of a spike in infections.

There have been warnings about the impact of the pandemic on the least privileged communities, and World Bank chief David Malpass said Tuesday that up to 60 million people could be “pushed into extreme poverty”.

In a worrying illustration of the mounting economic pressure, Chile -- which is also suffering from a sharp rise in cases -- deployed soldiers on the outskirts of its locked-down capital Santiago after clashes with protesters angry about food shortages and job losses.

“They don’t have jobs, they are locked up in their house, they can’t go out to look for work,” said Jorge, an unemployed carpenter.

“They are forcing the Chilean, the worker, to go out and steal.”

On the other side of the world, authorities were scrambling to move people to safety while also trying to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as the fiercest cyclone in decades in the Bay of Bengal bore down on millions of people in eastern India and Bangladesh.

- ‘Permanent damage’ -

WWII veteran Captain Tom Moore helped all of us to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our NHS,” Starmer said in a statement.

“After serving his country during the war, Tom recognised that today’s heroes are our frontline NHS and care workers.

“In his actions, Tom embodied the national solidarity which has grown throughout this crisis, and showed us that everyone can play their part in helping build a better future.”

Moore now holds two world records: raising the most money doing an individual charity walk and as the oldest person to top the UK singles charts.

The grim numbers from Latin America came as the World Health Organization agreed to launch an independent investigation into its handling of the outbreak after scathing attacks from the United States, which is locked in a feud with Beijing over the pandemic.

President Donald Trump has threatened to permanently cut US funding to the WHO, accusing the UN body of being a “puppet of China” and helping Beijing cover up the initial outbreak.

China has furiously denied the allegation, saying the US is making such claims to “shirk responsibility and bargain over its international obligations to the WHO”.

Russia has denounced Trump’s threat, and the European Union has also backed the WHO, saying it was “not the time for finger pointing”.

The row has threatened efforts to coordinate a global response to the pandemic, but the American president has dug in and continued to target China and the WHO as he faces intense domestic pressure to find a way out of the crisis.

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WORLD NEWS

Mexicans dying from adulterated alcohol as beer runs dry

Scores of Mexicans are dying from drinking adulterated liquor, a consequence of the shortage of mainstream alcoholic beverages during the coronavirus pandemic, authorities say.

The first of at least 138 deaths in recent weeks occurred at the end of April in the western state of Jalisco, a month after the government declared a health emergency over the spread of COVID-19.

Much of Mexico has run out of beer after factories were shut down along with other nonessential firms.

Beer stocks were depleted within a month, and in some areas the prices of what was left doubled, according to industry sources.

Many of the 53 deaths in central Puebla province have been linked to a wake where people drank moonshine containing methanol that in non-lethal doses can cause blindness and liver damage.

Twenty-three people died in the hours following the gathering in the town of Chiconcuautla,

according to authorities.

The town’s mayor said the popular “refino” drink, made from sugarcane, had been adulterated.

German Hernandez said his father died after being poisoned by a drink known locally as “tejon” -- a blend of brandy with tejocote fruit (a type of hawthorn), in the Puebla town of Cacaloxuchitl.

“They sell it in the stores, and you can buy it and take it out.

My father began trembling and feeling weak. He told us he felt bad, and we took him to the hospital,” Hernandez told AFP.

“This has never happened before.”

Deaths have also been recorded in the central state of Morelos, and Yucatan and Veracruz in the east.

structured mafias, and some escape the surveillance of the authorities,” Ricardo Cardenas of the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks told AFP.

“We presume that, as a result of this shortage and demand being very high, some people are offering or trying to sell methanol instead of ethyl alcohol,” said Denis de Santiago, head of Sanitary Risks in Jalisco.

Methanol is used in fuel, solvents and antifreeze.

The country’s largest beer producers, Grupo Modelo -- which makes the popular Corona beer -- and Heineken, which makes Sol, halted production in early April.

Alcohol sales have been banned in some states, including Yucatan. In others, alcoholic beverages can only be purchased at - Mafia trade certain times.

Some drinks companies

Gangs specializing in bootleg have switched production to booze are trying to take advantage antibacterial gel that they are of the lack of alternative alcohol donating to the federal government sources during the shutdown. and health workers.

“They usually have very well-

Nigeria impounds British plane for breaking coronavirus flight ban rules: aviation minister

Nigeria impounded a plane operated by a British company for allegedly contravening a flight ban imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the aviation minister said on Sunday.

Passenger flights into the country, with the exception of ones to evacuate people or repatriate Nigerian citizens, have been banned for weeks. The ban will remain in place until at least June 4.

Flights for essential services, such as the delivery of food supplies and items for humanitarian use, are permitted.

Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika said on Twitter on Sunday that a plane had been impounded after the rules were broken.

Sirika said a UK company “was given approval for humanitarian operations but regrettably we caught them conducting commercial flights”.

The message added: “The craft is impounded, crew being interrogated. There shall be maximum penalty.”

James Oduadu, an aviation ministry spokesman, told Reuters later in a telephone interview

Nigeria’s minister of state on aviation, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Abuja, Nigeria, December 20, 2016. that the plane was operated by a company called FlairJet.

FlairJet, a British private charter company that is an affiliate of Flexjet, in a statement said the matter was an “evolving situation”.

“We are continuing to respectfully work with the Nigerian authorities to resolve this situation,” it said.

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

Wages start at $6.50 per hour.

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

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

Closing date for application is June 8th, 2020.

- ‘Who would have thought?’

In Yucatan, where 38 people have died so far, victims unknowingly drank methanol in their usual “pajaretes” -- a common cocktail that includes milk, coffee, vanilla and brand-name sugarcane alcohol.

Humberto Macias, 36, said he saw three of his relatives die within days of each other after drinking a pajarete cocktail, made using a trusted brand of alcohol.

“We had always drunk it, including myself, many people.

Who would have thought it was like this?” Macias said.

In the Yucatan peninsula town of Acanceh, seven people have died from alcohol poisoning.

“It’s the first time I’ve heard of a case like this. I don’t remember anything similar,” the town’s mayor Felipe Medina told AFP.

In Veracruz, Morelos and Yucatan, investigators are still trying to determine what drinks the victims consumed.

Egypt tightens coronavirus restrictions for Eid holiday

Egypt will bring forward the start of its curfew by four hours to 5 p.m. and halt public transport from May 24 for six days during the Eid holiday, as it seeks to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Sunday.

Shops, restaurants, parks and beaches will be closed for the extended holiday at the end of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, and restrictions on citizens’ movements will remain in place for at least two weeks afterwards, An Egyptian police officer wearing a Madbouly said. protective face mask stands guard beside a

Egypt has so far reported statue called “Egypt’s Renaissance” during 12,229 confirmed cases of the novel Ramadan as Egypt ramps up efforts to coronavirus, including 630 deaths. slow the spread of the coronavirus disease The daily tally of cases has been (COVID-19), in Giza, Egypt, May 16, 2020. rising after the government slightly eased a night curfew and other After Eid, the curfew will measures. The number of cases last from 8pm-6am, as it did before rose by 510 on Sunday, the health Ramadan. ministry said.

Anyone entering enclosed

Madbouly suggested there spaces with other citizens or taking could be a gradual reopening of public transport will be required to some venues including sports clubs wear a mask, Madbouly said, adding and restaurants from mid-June. A that the government was working reopening of places of worship on producing washable masks for would also be considered. general use.

Magnolia Restaurant Location: 76 Sunburst Road, Turtle Cove, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands DISHWASHER POSITIONS AVAILABLE -wash pots and pans in a speedy efficient manner during dinner service -dish pit duties including loading/unloading dishwasher. Drying plates and cutlery -garbage runs to skip -general kitchen cleaning duties including after service clean down of all work prep areas & floors -weekly deep clean of kitchen including ovens, grills, extractor hood and refrigeration -Pay $8.00 per hour (up to 60 hours per week) -Must be in good physical health as the work is very demanding -Police clearance required plus 2 professional and 2 personal references PLEASE ONLY BELONGER APPLICANTS Drop your resume or send via email to: magnoliaprovo@live.com and drop a copy at the Employment Services office.

Applications accepted until June 10th, 2020

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 37

GOVERNMENT VACANCIES (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31st MAY 2020) JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB1-20-1 JOB TITLE: Senior Administrative Officer MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services DEPARTMENT: Social Development LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 6 - $33,415.00 JOB SUMMARY: This is a senior administrative position, which has responsibility for the smooth operation of administrative functions in the office and provides support in resource management of finances, human resources, facilities and purchasing.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY:

DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

LWB1-20-2 and CFB1-20-66 Administrative Officer Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services and Ministry of Immigration, Registration, Citizenship, Labor & employment Services Social Development & Ministry of Immigration, Registration, Citizenship, Labor & employment Services Grand Turk Grade 5.1 - $26,650.00

JOB SUMMARY: This is an administrative position, which has responsibility for the smooth operation of administrative functions in the office and for dealing with information that is sensitive and/or confidential.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

LWB1-20-3 Truancy Officer Education, Youth, Culture, Social & Library Services Providenciales GRADE 4.1 -$21,935.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: To ensure that all students between the age of 4 – 16 attend school during school hours, etc.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

LWB1-20-4 Grounds Maintenance Worker Education, Youth, Culture, Social & Library Services Education Department – Iris Stubbs Primary School South Caicos $499.98 bi – weekly

JOB SUMMARY: This is a general support services position, to assist with cleaning and maintenance of assigned facilities and grounds so that they are clean and ready for use.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE:

MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

LWB1-20-5, LWB1-20-6, LWB1-20-7, LWB1-20-8, LWB1-20-9, LWB1-20-10 Graduate Secondary Teacher – Visual Arts, Social Studies, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Integrated Science), Music, Mathematics and Industrial Arts Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services Education Department Providenciales (Long Bay High School) $35,926.25 per annum plus allowances

JOB SUMMARY: This is a specialist position which has unit level responsibility for the teaching of one or more of the school’s curriculum subjects to students.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

LWB1-20-11 Vice Principal Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services Education Department Providenciales (Long Bay Primary School) $43,111.50 per annum plus allowances

JOB SUMMARY: This is a senior professional position which has responsibility for assisting

the Principal with the administration of the daily operations of the primary school.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

LWB1-20-12 Administrative Assistant Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services Education Providenciales (Long Bay Primary School) Grade 4: $21,935.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This is an administrative position, which has responsibility for the smooth operation of administrative functions in the office and for dealing with information that is sensitive and/or confidential.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: DEPARTMENT: MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

LWB1-20-13, LWB1-20-16, LWB1-2019 Graduate Primary Teacher, Music Teacher, Physical Education Teacher Education Department Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services Providenciales (Long Bay Primary School) $35,926.25 per annum plus allowances

JOB SUMMARY: This is a professional position which has responsibility for the instruction and supervision of students in primary schools.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

LWB1-20-14 Assistant Teacher Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services Education Providenciales (Long Bay Primary School) Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum plus allowances

JOB SUMMARY: This is a paraprofessional position which has responsibility for working under a teacher’s supervision to give students additional attention and instruction.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE DEPARTMENT: MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

LWB1-20-15 Guidance Counsellor- Primary School EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services Providenciales (Long Bay Primary School) $35,926.25 per annum plus allowances

JOB SUMMARY: This is a professional position which provides independent and confidential guidance and counselling services to students.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION:

LWB1-20-18 School Warden (Primary School) Education, Youth, Culture, Social & Library Services Education Department Providenciales (Long Bay Primary School)

JOB SUMMARY: This is a supervisory position responsible primarily for the safety of pupils crossing the road at a designated point or points on their journeys to and from school and ensuring that pupils remain in class while school is in session.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

GOVERNMENT VACANCIES (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31st MAY 2020) JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY:

LWB1-20-19 Special Education Needs Teacher Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services DEPARTMENT: Education LOCATION: Providenciales- (Long Bay High and Ianthe Pratt Primary School) SALARY: $35,926.25 per annum plus allowances JOB SUMMARY: This is a professional position which has responsibility for the instruction and supervision of students in primary schools.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

LWB1-20-20 Watchman Education, Youth, Culture & Library Services Education Department – Marjorie Basden High School South Caicos $563.75 bi – weekly

JOB SUMMARY: To ensure the safety and security of the students, staff, and the school buildings during Assigned work hours.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

LWB1-20-21 School Security Officer Education, Youth, Culture, Social & Library Services Education Department Grand Turk (Helena Jones Robinson High School) SALARY: $642.50 bi – weekly

JOB SUMMARY: To ensure that the school operates in an environment which is conducive to students’ learning and that staff and students are safe and secure while school is in session.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

KHB1-20-22 Community Health Aide Health Agriculture and Human Services Primary Health Care Department Salt Cay Grade 4 - $21,935.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This is a practical position, with basic level responsibility for ensuring that culturally diverse populations and underserved communities receive proper medical attention.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: DEPARTMENT:

MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

KHB1-20-23 Clinical Nurse/Midwife Health, Promotion and Advocacy Unit Health, Agriculture and Human Services Providenciales Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY This is a professional nursing position with responsibility for HIV/AIDS/ STI patient health care in the HIV Prevention Unit, Primary Health Care clinics and the community at large.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE:

DEPARTMENT:

MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

KHB1-20-24 Public Health Nurse Primary Health Care Health, Agriculture and Human Services Providenciales and North Caicos Grade 7 - $41,205.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this position will be required to deliver effective comprehensive primary health care services focused on disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance in the clinic, homes and communities through the utilization of the nursing process.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB1-20-25 JOB TITLE: Porter DEPARTMENT: Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU) MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture and Human Services LOCATION: South Caicos SALARY: $499.67 Bi-Weekly JOB SUMMARY To provide support service to the Primary Health Care Department personnel to maintain the cleanliness of buildings, moving of clients, supplies and materials.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB1-20-26 JOB TITLE: Emergency Medical Technician DEPARTMENT: Emergency Medical Services MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture and Human Services LOCATION: Various SALARY: Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this position will respond to emergencies in a safe manner and assist in the extrication, stabilization, care and transportation of the ill and injured as Required.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB1-20-27 JOB TITLE: Medical Technologist DEPARTMENT: National Public Health Laboratory MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture and Human Services LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 6- $33,415.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: Medical technologists, also known as clinical laboratory technologists, perform and analyse the results of complex scientific tests on blood and bodily fluids.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CBB01-20-28 JOB TITLE: Registrar of Lands MINISTRY: Attorney General Chambers DEPARTMENT: Land Registry LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 9 $59,552.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: Organizational management of the Land Registry and more specifically for checking, approving, registration, and safe custody of land title and fulfilling the duties, responsibilities and functions of the Registrar of Land in accordance with the Registered Land Ordinance and Stamp Duties Ordinance.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

CBB01-20-29 Senior Land Compliance Officer Attorney General Chambers Crown Land Unit Grand Turk Grade 6 $33,415.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Land Compliance Officer is a middle level post in the Crown Land Unit. The Senior Land Compliance Officer and subordinate Land Compliance Officer(s) are responsible for monitoring use of all Crown Land in the area to which they are assigned other than protected areas.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CBB01-20-30 JOB TITLE: Senior District Surveyor MINISTRY: Attorney General Chambers DEPARTMENT: Survey and Mapping LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 6 $33,415.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in the effective execution of the Surveying and Mapping operations and functions, within the assigned District, which includes Grand Turk, Salt Cay, North and South Caicos, and neighbouring Cays.

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 39

GOVERNMENT VACANCIES (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31st MAY 2020) JOB REFERENCE NO: CBB1-20-31 JOB TITLE: Assistant Land Registration Officer DEPARTMENT: Land Registry Department MINISTRY: Attorney General Chambers LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 4 $21,935.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: This is an administrative support position for the Lands Division. The job holder will undertake clerical and administrative tasks to support the day-to-day operations of the assigned unit.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CBB01-20-32 JOB TITLE: Chief Valuation Officer DEPARTMENT: Valuation Office MINISTRY: Attorney General’s Chambers LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 9 $59,552.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: This is a senior managerial position with national responsibility for shaping the land development, acquisition, disposal, and valuation policy of the TCI. JOB REFERENCE NO: CBB01-20-33 JOB TITLE: Civil Design Engineer MINISTRY: Infrastructure, Housing, Planning and Development LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 8.1 $ 51,147.50 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The Civil Design Engineer is responsible for the design of all Government Civil works, across the islands, and is required to oversee and monitor their construction, and to conduct regular inspections to ensure quality assurance and quality controls procedures are maintained.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: DEPARTMENT: Ministry: LOCATION: SALARY:

CBB01-20-34 Contracts Coordinator Public Works Infrastructure, Housing and Planning and Development GRAND Turk Grade 7 $41,205.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: The Contracts Coordinator is responsible for preparing and maintaining spreadsheet databases of Public Works Projects, Tenders, Contracts, Contractors and Consultants to ensure the proper management of Contracts by PWD as well as required by Government Financial and Audit regulations.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB1-20-35 JOB TITLE: Deputy Director MINISTRY: Office of the Premier & District Administration LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 9 - $59,552.50 per annum JOB SUMMARY: This is a Senior Management position with responsibility of assisting the Executive Director for the effective and efficient management of the affairs of the Office of the Premier, Local Government, Community Affairs and TCI-London Office and provides the critical interface between the Premier’s Office and the TCIG, TCI Business Organizations, NonGovernment Organizations, Legislative Assembly and Cabinet.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB1-20-38 JOB TITLE: Training Officer DEPARTMENT: Department of Emergencies and Disaster Management MINISTRY: Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Disaster and Gaming LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 6 - $33,415.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: Reporting to the Training and Education Manager (TEM) The Training Officer will assist in identifying training needs, plan, and design and implement training programmes, develop, implement and sustain a vibrant comprehensive disaster management (CDM) public education

outreach programme and conduct evaluation of training programmes.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE:

DEPARTMENT:

MINISTRY:

LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-40 Disaster Operations Manager Disaster Management of Emergencies Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Disaster and Gaming Providenciales Grade 7 – $41,205.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent will be responsible for the administration and management of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies’ policy and Plan Development program.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: DEPARTMENT: MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-41 Public Information and Media Manager Department of Disaster Management of Emergencies Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Disaster and Gaming Providenciales Grade 7 - $41,205.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: To develop Public Relations Campaigns, write press releases, conduct radio interviews, produce television programs, develop and manage social media presence and other related functions to increase public awareness of disaster threats and the measures that should be adopted to cope with them.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB1-20-42 JOB TITLE: Deputy Director MINISTRY: Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Disaster, Maritime and Gaming DEPARTMENT: Disaster Management and Emergencies LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 8 - $51,147.50 per annum JOB SUMMARY The post holder is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, controlling and coordinating the functions of the work and staff of the Department and Emergency Operations. Assists in the effective implementation of measures for the effective management of the operational programme, and operational readiness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) through the integration and collaboration of other sectors.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: DEPARTMENT: MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-43 Policy and Programme Manager Emergencies and Disaster Management Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Disaster and Gaming Providenciales Grade 7 - $41,205.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for the administration and management of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies’ policy and Plan Development program.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB1-20-44 JOB TITLE: Community Preparedness Officer DEPARTMENT: Emergencies and Disaster Management MINISTRY: Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Disaster and Gaming LOCATION: South Caicos & North-Middle Caicos SALARY: Grade 6 - $33,415.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The job holder assists in managing the Department’s Community Preparedness, Shelter and volunteer Management Programmes in collaboration with government departments, private sector and voluntary organizations.

Page 40

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

GOVERNMENT VACANCIES (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31st MAY 2020) JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB1-20-45 JOB TITLE: Director of Gaming MINISTRY: Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Disaster and Gaming DEPARTMENT: Gaming Inspectorate LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: $101,000.00 per annum

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE:

DEPARTMENT:

MINISTRY:

JOB SUMMARY: The job holder is the head of the Gaming Inspectorate and is responsible for its management and for overseeing the performance and service delivery standards in the Department.

JOB SUMMARY: To ensure that all public and private vehicles are in compliance with the Road Safety Ordinance and to assist with the processing of vehicle registration, Driver’s Licenses and Data Entry.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY:

JOB REFERNCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY:

DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-46 Environmental Outreach Coordinator Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Disaster and Gaming Environment and Coastal Resources Grand Turk Grade 6 - $33,415.00 per annum

The post has island-wide and national significance but with emphasis in Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos, mandated to plan, direct, promote and implement DECR’s interpretive and educational programmes in order to achieve the goals of the Department.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-47 Conservation Officer Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Disaster and Gaming Environment and Coastal Resources Grand Turk Grade 5 $26,650.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This is a mid-level post, with national responsibility for the enforcement of all pertinent environmental, fisheries and maritime laws in TCI. JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-48 Energy and Utilities Commissioner Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation Energy and Utilities Grand Turk Grade 10 $73,185.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This senior level management position is responsible for the nationwide multi sector regulatory oversight of the Energy and Electricity, Water and Sewerage and the Petroleum Sectors of the TCI. JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-49 Energy Analyst Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation Energy and Utilities Grand Turk Grade 8 - $51,147.50 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: Provide research and analytical support to the Energy and Utilities Department by conducting effective analysis of conventional and nonconventional energy generation and energy use in the TCI. JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE:

DEPARTMENT:

MINISTRY:

LOCATION:

SALARY:

CFB1-20-50 Fuel Officer Energy and Utilities Department Home Affairs Public Utilities and Transportation Grand Turk Grade 8 - $51,147.50 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This is a statutory post established in the Petroleum Ordinance for the regulation of petroleum and dangerous substances in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-51 Liaison Officer Road Safety Department Home Affairs Public Utilities and Transportation Providenciales Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum

CFB1-20-52 Plumber Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation Water Undertaking Grand Turk $21,935.00 per annum

DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

JOB SUMMARY: The post holder is responsible provide support to the Water Undertaking in dealing with all jobs associated with the pipe distribution network.

JOB REFERENCE: JOB TITLE: DEPARTMENT: MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-53 Senior Immigration Officer Immigration Immigration, Citizenship, Labour & Employment Grand Turk Grade 6 - $33,415.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This is a middle management position which has departmental responsibility for the supervision of junior Staff at the office, airport and field duties JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB1-20-54 JOB TITLE: Intelligence Manager DEPARTMENT: Immigration Department MINISTRY: Immigration, Citizenship, Labour & Employment LOCATION: PROVIDENCIALES SALARY: Grade 7 - $41,205.00 JOB SUMMARY: This position is to support the Department in the key areas of tactical employment, training, administration, personnel management, maintenance, force protection, and sustainment of the Intelligence Team.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE:

CFB1-20-55 Compliance and Enforcement Manager DEPARTMENT: Immigration Department MINISTRY: Immigration, Citizenship, Labour & Employment LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 7 - $41,205.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY To support the Department in the key areas of tactical employment, training, administration, personnel management, maintenance, force protection, and sustainment of the Taskforce Team.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE:

MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-56 Radar Operator Immigration, Citizenship, Labour & Employment Coastal Radar Department Providenciales GRADE 5.1 - $26,650.00 PER ANNUM

JOB SUMMARY: To monitor Radar targets and radio communications.

MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 41

GOVERNMENT VACANCIES (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31st MAY 2020) JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB1-20-58 JOB TITLE: Immigration Officer MINISTRY: Immigration, Citizenship, Labour & Employment DEPARTMENT: Immigration Department LOCATION: Various SALARY: GRADE 5 - $26,650.00 per annum

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

JOB SUMMARY: This is a Law Enforcement position which supports the Senior Immigration officers and by extent the Border control and Enforcement (Immigration Department).

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-59 Network & Wiring Specialist Finance, Trade and Investment CITU Providenciales GRADE 7.1 $41,205.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This position will seek to address the need for permanent IT personnel presence and support on the island of Providenciales to service the IT needs of Government Offices.

JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB1-20-63 JOB TITLE: Clerical Assistant MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services DEPARTMENT: Education Department LOCATION: Providenciales (Enid Capron Primary School) SALARY: Grade 3.1 $16,707.50 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this position will be responsible for clerical and administrative tasks to support the daily functions of the office.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB1-20-64 JOB TITLE: Customer Service Clerks DEPARTMENT: Customer Service Center MINISTRY: Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services LOCATION: Grand Turk and Providenciales SALARY: Grade 4 - $21,935.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: Customer services is an integral part of the Department of an organization, especially one like the Ministry of Border Control Customer Service Department known as the One Stop Shop.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: DEPARTMENT: MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB1-20-65 Citizenship Caseworker Registration and Citizenship Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services Grand Turk & Providenciales Grade 5 $26,650.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This is an administrative support position which has departmental responsibility in assisting the department of Registration and Citizenship in the execution of various documents.

KHB1-20-67 Head of Secretariat Office of the Premier Providenciales Grade 7- $41,205.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This is a senior position responsible for co-ordinating the political and administrative interface between the Minister and Permanent Executive Director in the allocated Ministry.

VACANCIES EXISTING WITHIN STATUTORY AGENGIES JOB REFERENCE NO: HSB1-20-01 JOB TITLE: Clerical Assistant MINISTRY: Health Secretariat LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 3.1 $16,707.50 per annum & Allowances JOB SUMMARY: To assist the work within the office of the Health Secretariat and its efficient administrative responsibilities.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

HSB1-20-02 Board Secretary Health Secretariat Providenciales Grade 6 - $33,415.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this job will attend all meetings of the Board, the three professional Councils, and the Health Appeals Tribunal, prepare the Minutes of all the meetings, and keep a record of the proceedings and the decisions made.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

HSB1-20-03 Health Professions – Investigating & Compliance Officer Health Secretariat Providenciales Grade 8 - $51,147.50 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this job will ensure the efficient investigating and monitoring operations of the Health Secretariat, in support of the role, duties and functions of the Health Registrar.

For full details regarding this position please visit our website at https://www.gov.tc/governmentvacancies Please note: (Applications that are not accompanied by all required supporting documents will not be processed).

(APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31st MAY 2020)

Bugaloos Conch Crawl

Location: Five Cays, next to the Fish Plant, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Is seeking to hire a Handcraft Maker

Is seeking to hire a Cook

- Able to work 6 days per week - Working hours 9am - 6pm - Hourly wage $8 per hour.

- Must have experience in handcraft making - Must be creative

- Able to work Flexible shift including weekends and holidays.

- Organized and able to work in multi cultural environment.

- SALARY $8.00 per hour.

- Able to make creative dishes.

Please contact: 431-1983 ———————————————————————————————— Is seeking to hire (3) Kitchen Helpers - Able to work flexible shift including weekends and holidays - Salary $6.50 per hour - Able to lift heavy objects - organized and able to work in a fast pace environment.

Please contact: 431-1983 —————————————————————————————————

Please contact: 431-1983 Bugaloos Conch Crawl Is seeking to hire (2) Waitresses -Waitresses Salary starts at $6.50 - Split Sifts, hours are between 9am - 8pm - Professional and friendly.

- Effective communication skills with guest and staff.

Please Contact: 431-1983

Bugaloos Conch Crawl Is seeking to hire (2) Dishwashers Salary starts at $6.50 - Able to work flexible shift including weekends and holidays -They are responsible to ensure the dish area is clean and sanitary before, during and after each shift.

-The dishwasher will clean all station equipment and utensils following health code standards.

Please Contact: 431-1983 These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders Applicants who are Turks and Caicos Islanders can send copies of their resume to the Labour Board

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MAY 22ND, 2020 – MAY 29TH, 2020

LIFE STYLE

Pandemic will alter Communion rituals for many US Christians

Holy Communion will have a different look when in-person worship services resume at the end of May in the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee: The wafers signifying the body of Christ will be placed in the hands of parishioners by priests and deacons wearing face masks and safety glasses.

Similarly striking changes in Communion will take place at Catholic and Protestant churches across the United States over coming weeks as restrictions on large gatherings –- imposed because of the coronavirus outbreak –- are gradually eased.

Many churches that formerly encouraged churchgoers to drink wine from a communal cup will halt that practice, at least temporarily. In some cases, clergy will be instructed to use hand sanitizer before commencing with the sacrament.

The Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., Mariann Budde, said she and about 60 of her fellow bishops will meet Wednesday to discuss possible adjustments to Communion and other worship.

“I do think new practices emerge from crises like this,” she said. “They come from communities experimenting, pushing the boundaries. You don’t know how that process will turn out.”

The biggest denomination in the U.S., the Catholic church accounts for the bulk of Holy Communion services nationwide.

Under its governance system, decisions on logistical details of Communion are largely left to individual bishops.

Over the past three weeks, at least two sets of guidelines have been issued to Catholic clergy by high-level bodies. There’s one main difference: the guidelines from

Receiving the wafer on the tongue will still be permitted, but only for churchgoers who insist on it.

“While it is still their option, we would ask them to receive in the hand as a way of offering care and support for the ministers,” Stec said via email.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, long-time churchgoer Mary Anne Hackett, as president of Catholic Citizens of Illinois, has been urging Cardinal Blase Cupich to move more quickly to reopen churches.

She says most Catholic churches in the area served the Communion wafer on the tongue, The Rev. William A. Mentz, pastor of the Scranton, Pa.-based St. Francis and Clare Progressive not to the hand, but she’s open Catholic Church, wears a mask and gloves while distributing prepackaged communion to the to whatever policy might be faithful attending Mass while sitting in their cars in the parking lot of a shopping center in Moosic, implemented, Pa.

“The people will be so happy the Washington-based Thomistic wear face masks throughout the to return to church that they’ll be Institute says communion wafers Mass that they should remove only ready to comply with whatever the could continue to be placed on a for the moment they receive and priest asks,” she said. parishioner’s tongue or be placed consume the wafer.

Among Catholic and in the hand. Guidelines from the At Ste. Rose de Lima Catholic Protestant congregations, there Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Church in Chicopee, Massachusetts, has been lively debate over certain Commissions says there should be pastor William Tourigny is awaiting Communion practices employed a temporary ban on receiving the word from state officials on when while in-person services were wafer on the tongue. in-person services can resume, banned. Some pastors administered

Knoxville Bishop Richard but he’s already made decisions drive-thru Communion to Stika, in his detailed instructions for about Communion. Early in the congregants arriving at outdoor the resumption of in-person services, coronavirus outbreak, he prohibited venues in their cars. Among United was clear on this point. Reception the “on the tongue” option, sticking Methodist Church bishops, there of the wafer on the tongue “is by the decision despite complaints was disagreement as to the propriety strictly prohibited at this time,” his from some congregants. of celebrating Communion during instructions say.

As for parishioners drinking online services.

Churchgoers are instructed Communion wine from a communal The president of the UMC’s to proceed single-file -- and six feet cup, Tourigny says he eliminated Council of Bishops, Cynthia Fierro apart – to a designated distribution that during the H1N1 flu outbreak of Harvey of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, point in their church and then 2009. said Communion practices vary receive the Communion wafer in an Drinking from a communal from church to church. Some serve outstretched palm. There will be no cup was in practice prior to the grape juice in small individual cups wine for them. pandemic at Saint Ambrose Catholic along with a wafer or piece of bread;

The priest or deacon will Church in Brunswick, Ohio, but in other churches worshippers dip wear a face mask and safety glasses that will be halted when in-person their bread into a communal cup in during the sacrament, Stika says. services resume, said the pastor, Rev. a process known as intinction.

Churchgoers will be instructed to Bob Stec.

Unsung heroes? How hoverflies play key pollination role

That bee you see buzzing from flower to flower might actually be an undercover operator: a hoverfly. And a team of scientists wants you to stop taking them for granted.

The decline of bee populations in mass die-offs, sometimes called colony collapse disorder, has made headlines in recent years.

Experts blame mites, viruses and pesticides for the phenomenon, which threatens the global food supply chain because bees fertilise three out of every four crops grown around the world.

Now a team of scientists is hoping the increased attention on the importance of pollination to our natural habitat will cast a light on the often-overlooked role of the hoverfly.

“When people talk about pollinators, they often think of the domesticated honeybee that has been part of our lives for thousands of years,” said Karl Wotton, a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter’s College of Life and Environmental

Sciences. flight pattern that inspires its name “Hoverflies, in contrast, don’t -- exists on every continent except have this history, and bees often Antarctica and a few remote islands. get undue credit from the casual There are around 6,000 species, observer as many hoverfly species which tend to range over much are easily mistaken for bees,” he larger distances than their pollinator told AFP. counterparts, carrying pollen much

Writing in the Proceedings further afield. of the Royal Society B: Biological This means they are capable Sciences journal, Wotton and his of fertilising isolated plants and team argue the insects are sometimes doing so in climates that are even more effective pollinators than unsuitable for bees and other bumblebees and that their role in pollinators. fertilising and protecting crops is And while bee populations often underestimated. have suffered devastating collapses

“Hoverflies show immense in recent years, there has been little potential as alternative managed evidence so far of similar hits to pollinators,” the article argues. populations of hoverflies.

“In addition, hoverflies All of that provides ample provide ecosystem functions not grounds for the insect to be better seen in bees, such as crop protection appreciated and investigated, from pests, recycling of organic Wotton argues. matter and long-distance pollen “We would love to transfer.” encourage more research into the roles of hoverflies in pollination, - ‘We need them both!’ particularly outside of temperate or Mediterranean habitats, but

The humble hoverfly -- also more research looking into frequently confused for a bee or the provision of other ecosystem wasp but exhibiting the levitating services they provide, like biocontrol

Hoverfly. of crop pests and the recycling of organic waste,” he told AFP.

Wotton argues there is a “strong case” for diversifying the pollinators we rely upon for our crops.

“Managed hoverflies may prove to be particularly valuable under conditions where bees do not perform well, such as at extremes of temperature,” he said.

But while he and his team would like to see the humble hoverfly given its due, there is no question of the insect being in line to replace the role of bees.

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BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY

Uber cuts 3,000 jobs as pandemic slashes demand for rides

Uber has cut 3,000 jobs from its workforce, its second major wave of layoffs in two weeks as the coronavirus slashed demand for rides.

The San Francisco company has cut a quarter of its workforce since the year began, eliminating 3,700 people from the payroll earlier this month.

Uber will be re-focusing on its core business, moving people and delivering food and groceries, said CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, in a note to employees Monday.

The ride-hailing giant will be closing or consolidating 45 offices globally, and almost all departments will be affected by layoffs. The company is closing its business for developing products and services for its platform and a unit working on artificial intelligence. It will also pursue strategic alternatives for its job recruiting app, Uber Works, Khosrowshahi said.

“This is a decision I struggled with,” Khosrowshahi said. “Our balance sheet is strong, Eats is doing great, Rides looks a little better, maybe we can wait this damn virus out ....

I wanted there to be a different answer ... but there simply was no good news to hear.”

Uber’s rides business, the company’s main profit

generator, fell 80% in April compared to the same month last year.

“Ultimately, I realized that hoping the world would return to normal within any predictable time frame, so we could pick up where we left off on our path to profitability, was not a viable option,” he said.

Uber lost $2.9 billion in the first quarter as the coronavirus pandemic decimated its overseas investments. Companies that rely on the sharing economy have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, as people stay indoors and shy away from shared services to reduce the virus’ spread.

Lyft, Uber’s main U.S. rival, laid off 982 people last month, or 17% of its workforce because of plummeting demand.

Careem, Uber’s subsidiary in the Middle East, cut its workforce by 31%.

Uber estimates it will incur $175 million to $220 million in charges related to the restructuring, including severance, other benefits and office closing costs, according to a federal filing. Combined with the earlier layoffs, the changes are designed to save $1 billion annually.

Uber’s drivers are

considered freelance or contract workers, not fullfledged employees, so despite the sharp drop in their incomes from obliterated demand, they are not eligible for severance or benefits from the company.

California challenged this recently, suing Uber and Lyft and alleging they misclassified their drivers as independent contractors under the state’s new labor law. The suit seeks restitution for unpaid wages owed to drivers, among other things.

One silver lining to the pandemic is that Uber’s Eats business has become more important to people staying home and restaurants, and delivery is here to stay, Khosrowshahi said.

“We no longer need to look far for the next enormous growth opportunity: we are sitting right on top of one,” Khosrowshahi said.

He cautioned, however, that the growth in Eats does not come close to covering expenses.

“I have every belief that the moves we are making will get Eats to profitability, just as we did with Rides, but it’s not going to happen overnight,” Khosrowshahi said.

Space Plane: Mysterious US military aircraft launches

The US Air Force has successfully launched its Atlas V rocket, carrying a X-37B space plane for a secretive mission.

The rocket launched on Sunday from Cape Canaveral, a day after bad weather halted plans for a Saturday launch.

The aircraft, also known as an Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), will deploy a satellite into orbit and also test power-beaming technology.

It is the plane’s sixth mission in space.

The launch was dedicated to front line workers and those affected by the pandemic. A message including the words “America Strong” was written on the rocket’s payload fairing.

X-37B is a classified programme and United Launch Alliance, which operates the Atlas rocket, was required to end its webcast earlier in the flight than it would normally do.

The Pentagon has revealed very few details about the reusable vehicle’s missions and capabilities in the past, but Secretary of the Air Force, Barbara Barrett, said earlier this month: “This X-37B mission will host more experiments than

The Atlas V rocket launched from Cape Canaveral on Sunday. any other prior mission.”

It’s known that one of the onboard experiments will test the effect of radiation on seeds and other materials.

The X-37B programme started in 1999. The vehicle (the project has two) resembles a smaller version of the crewed space shuttles that were retired by the US space programme in 2011. It can glide back down through the atmosphere to land on a runway, just as the shuttle did.

Built by Boeing, the plane uses solar panels for power in orbit, measures over 29ft (9m) long, has a wingspan of nearly 15ft and a weight of 11,000lbs (5,000kg).

Apple reopening 25 more U.S. stores, will soon top 100 worldwide

Apple Inc will this week reopen more than 25 of its branded stores in the United States, the company said on Sunday, continuing a gradual process that has unlocked doors at nearly a fifth of its worldwide retail outlets.

The iPhone maker in March shut all its stores outside of Greater China in response to the spread of the coronavirus. It started shutting its more than 50 Greater China stores in January and reopened them by mid-March.

“Our commitment is to reopen our stores when we are confident the environment is safe,” Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s head of retail, wrote on Sunday in a note on the company’s website.

The stores will impose social-distancing rules, limit occupancy and some will offer only curbside or storefront service, she said.

Apple does not disclose its retail store revenue. Direct sales, including retail stores, web and corporate sales, accounted for 31% of its $260 billion in 2019 revenue.

Chief Executive Tim Cook declined last month to provide an outlook for the June quarter, citing business uncertainty created by the virus. First-quarter sales in China, reflecting that country’s store closings and lockdown, were $9.46 billion, about $1 billion less than for the same period a year earlier.

Last week, Apple reopened its first five stores in the United States, requiring customers and employees to undergo temperature checks and wear masks before entering the premises.

Apple has 510 stores worldwide and 271 in the United States.

The website 9to5Mac reported that the company would reopen 10 of its stores in Italy beginning on Tuesday.

J&J to stop selling talc-based baby powder in US, Canada

Johnson & Johnson is ending sales of its iconic talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder in the U.S. and Canada, where demand has dwindled amid thousands of lawsuits claiming it has caused cancer.

The world’s biggest maker of health care products said Tuesday the talc-based powder will still be sold outside the U.S. and Canada.

“Demand for talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder in North America has been declining due in large part to changes in consumer habits and fueled by misinformation around the safety of the product and a constant barrage of litigation advertising,” the company said.

J&J faces about 19,400 cases alleging its talcum powder caused users to develop ovarian cancer, through use for feminine hygiene, or mesothelioma, a cancer that strikes the lungs and other organs.

Of the cases that have been tried, J&J has had 12 wins, 15 losses and seven mistrials. All of the losses have either been overturned on appeal or are still being appealed.

The company insists, and the overwhelming majority of medical research on talc indicates,

A bottle of Johnson’s baby powder is displayed that the talc baby powder is safe and doesn’t cause cancer.

“Whether or not the powder actually causes cancer, people became hesitant to use the product,” Erik Gordon, a professor at University of Michigan’s business school, said in an email.

J&J spokeswoman Kimberly Montagnino said the company doesn’t plan to settle any of the lawsuits and “will continue to vigorously defend” the product.

The New Brunswick, New Jersey, company said the baby powder decision came as it moves to discontinue about 100 consumer health products. It said its aim is to prioritize products in high demand during the coronavirus outbreak and allow for social distancing in its manufacturing and distribution facilities.

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WORLD NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY April European car sales see worst drop since records began

Cars are parked at a Fiat Chrysler car dealer in Milan, Italy.

European car sales bottomed out last month as the automotive industry faces its worst crisis in decades.

Strict lockdown measures to contain the coronavirus closed most dealerships across the continent for the full month of April amid a precipitous drop in consumer spending, causing sales to collapse by an unprecedented 76%, the ACEA car manufacturers’ association said Tuesday.

Carmakers across the continent sold just 270,682 vehicles last month, compared with 1.14 million a year earlier, the ’’strongest monthly drop in car demand since records began,” ACEA said.

Southern Europe was the hardest hit with new car registrations down 97.6% in Italy and 96.5% in Spain -- as both countries struggled with some of the highest levels of coronavirus infection in Europe. France saw an 89% contraction while Germany suffered a 61% drop.

European car sales for the first four months of the year were down 39%.

Like March’s 55% drop, the decline was far worse even than during the 2008-9 global financial crisis, which triggered a six-year slump in car purchases. The steepest losses during that financial crisis occurred in January 2009, when sales fell 27%.

The crisis was striking both mass-market and luxury carmakers indiscriminately.

UK engine-maker Rolls-Royce cuts 9,000 jobs

Rolls-Royce, the British maker of plane engines, said Wednesday it will cut at least 9,000 jobs and slash costs elsewhere, as the coronavirus slams the aviation sector.

“This is not a crisis of our making. But it is the crisis that we face and we must deal with it,” chief executive Warren East said in a statement announcing that Rolls would cut nearly one-fifth of its global workforce.

“Our airline customers and airframe partners are having to adapt and so must we.”

Rolls said it expected “the loss of at least 9,000 roles” from a global workforce of 52,000 and would also cut “expenditure across plant and property, capital and other indirect cost areas”.

The measures would hand the company annual savings of more than £1.3 billion ($1.6 billion, 1.4 billion euros).

The restructuring will meanwhile cost Rolls about £800 million.

Rolls said the restructuring would predominantly affect its civil aerospace business.

“Our defence business, based in the UK and US, has been robust during the pandemic, with an unchanged outlook, and does not need to reduce headcount,” it added.

Rolls has already spent the past two years cutting thousands of management roles following weak demand for its power systems used by the marine industry.

“The restructuring announced on 14 June 2018 will transition into this wider proposed reorganisation,” Rolls said Wednesday.

“Focused predominantly on reducing the complexity of our support and management functions, the programme has substantially delivered on its objectives.”

Walmart becomes a pandemic lifeline, online sales surge 74%

Walmart emerged as one of the few lifelines to millions of people as the coronavirus spread, leading to surging profit and sales for the world’s largest retailer.

Online sales in the U.S. jumped 74% for its fiscal first quarter that ended April 30, which captured the brunt of the pandemic’s outbreak.

Same-store sales rose 10% at U.S. Walmart stores on strong sales of food, health and wellness goods.

At a time when a huge swath of stores that sell non-essential merchandise temporarily shut down, Walmart has the natural advantage of carrying the very items that consumers need during a pandemic.

But unlike its online rivals like Amazon, Walmart enjoys an extensive network of nearly 5,000 physical stores and a variety of delivery and pick-up options that it ramped up to meet crushing demand for essential items, from paper towels to canned food. Walmart’s reputation for low prices also helped as the unemployment rate has spiraled to the high level since the Great Depression.

“Having a wide range of fulfillment options, including delivery to home, collection from store — and by using stores for fulfillment — allowed Walmart to ramp up capacity in a way that many other players struggled to do,” said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail. “We also believe that by using stores effectively, Walmart mitigated some of the higher costs associated with the online channel.”

Walmart shoppers did not limit their purchases to just essential items, using their federal stimulus checks to buy clothing, TVs and video games, which helped boost sales in April. Walmart also said it’s seeing gains in new customers from across all income brackets.

At the same time, company, which is based in Bentonville, Arkansa, had trouble keeping its shelves stocked and its inventory fell 6.1%. Costs soared as well, to the tune of $900 million — all of it related to the pandemic.

Cash bonuses were issued to all hourly workers and Walmart upped pay by $2 per hour at its warehouses. It rolled out an emergency leave policy and spent money on shields at checkout lines. Still, it reported a higher operating profit.

Walmart pulled its guidance for the year, citing the chaos of the pandemic. It also pulled the plug on Jet.com, an online startup that it bought for more than $3 billion in 2016 as it sought to ramp up online operations to compete with

A woman pulls groceries from a cart to her vehicle outside of a Walmart store in Pearl, Miss.

Amazon.

Before the pandemic, there was already a broadening gap between big box stores and mallbased chains that had struggled to follow customers online. The crisis has accelerated that trend, pushing clothing chains further into peril.

J. Crew, J.C. Penney, Neiman Marcus and Stage Stores have all sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this month. Pier 1 Imports, Inc., which filed for Chapter 11 in February, said Tuesday that it’s winding down its business after stores are able to reopen and it can conduct liquidation sales.

The earnings picture is looking dismal for the fiscal first quarter.

Ken Perkins, president of research firm Retail Metrics, said he expects earnings will be down 36.6% for the 103 retailers he tracks compared to the year-ago period. Excluding Walmart, that figure would be down 45.5%.

That would mark the worst earnings performance since at least 1998 when he started tracking the figures, and deeper that the 26.6% drop during the fourth quarter of 2008, the trough of the Great Recession.

Home Depot and Kohl’s on Tuesday also joined Walmart to report the full impact of COVID-19 on financial operations, and revealed the vast disparity between those allowed to keep their doors open during the outbreak, and those that were not.

Home Depot, another critical supply line for those sheltering at home and focusing on outdoor and indoor projects, reported strong sales and $850 million in additional costs related to COVID-19, mostly to compensate its workers.

Kohl’s, with it stores temporarily closed, swung to a

$541 million loss and revenue tumbled more than 40%.

Target and Macy’s will release their financial results this week as well.

Online behemoth Amazon reported last month soaring sales in the first three months of the year, but profits slumped 29% because of extra costs related to the pandemic like paying workers overtime to keep up with a surge in orders and disinfecting its vast warehouses where orders are packed and shipped.

Walmart says it has nearly 3,300 locations for grocery pickup and more than 1,850 locations that offer grocery delivery. Last fall, it launched “Delivery Unlimited,” a fee-based program that offers unlimited grocery delivery.

This month, the company launched Express Delivery, which gets orders to a customer’s home in less than two hours. The program has been tested in 100 stores since mid-April and will be expanded to nearly 2,000 stores in the following weeks.

Walmart said that during the quarter it temporarily started using 2,500 stores to fulfill e-commerce orders to address the backlog of its online operations.

Walmart had profit of $1.40 per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring gains, were $1.18 per share. That exceeds the per-share earnings of $1.10 that Wall Street was looking for, according to a survey

by Zacks Investment Research.

Revenue of $134.62 billion in the period, also exceeding Street forecasts by almost $1 billion.

Walmart’s shares fell $2.71, or 2.1%, to close at $124.95 Tuesday. Its stock is up 5% so far this year.

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WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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SPORTS

Athletics chief says sport could rebel against pandemic rules

World athletics chief Sebastian Coe has warned that sports leaders may rebel against pandemic restrictions as they struggle to get major events back on track.

Coe expressed the frustrations felt by many sports chiefs when he said it was crucial to get top events started again even as the coronavirus takes a mounting toll around the world.

“We have to be guided by what governments, the WHO and local authorities are telling us, but we also have to make our own decisions and make sensible compromises,” Coe, 63, told Indian television channel WION.

“There may be a moment when a sport decides that it is ready to stage events even if it is not always with the approval of those authorities.

“We will be respectful, but we have to make decisions in the best interest of our sport and our athletes,” the British former track legend insisted.

Athletics like other key sports has seen its calendar and finances badly hit by the postponement of this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The world athletics championships planned for 2021 have had to be pushed back by a year to allow for a provisional plan to stage the Tokyo Games

next year instead.

Coe said no one could give a cast-iron assurance that the Olympics will be held.

“Speculating about something that is over a year away is unhelpful,” said the former chief of the 2012 London Olympics.

“We are trying to give the athletes some clarity about the calendar and speculation from scientists and medical experts does not help.

“I hope that the pandemic will be contained so that we don’t have to cancel the Games.”

Athletics’ Diamond World athletics chief Sebastian Coe. League may only start in August circumstances.” and finish in October. Coe said In a separate interview competitions will look very with Indian media, Coe said different with athletes battling there would be greater use of each other in empty stadiums. technology to make events

“Meeting directors will “more exciting” for television have to take their own decisions viewers and to adapt to the about how to get athletes to coronavirus threat. competition in a safe and “If you think of relay, secure manner that doesn’t risk the baton exchange could be infection,” he said. another source of infection, but

“Each event will have we are finding ways to organise to decide on a format for it,” the World Athletics chief competition with these safety said. considerations two months in “As a runner I can feel advance. the emotions of the athletes

“Everybody is waiting if there is only training and to return to competition and no competition. Therefore we organisers will have to be want to provide them with an as creative and ingenious as opportunity to compete and possible in the current perform.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s younger brother wants to play in Europe

The younger brother of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo plans to skip US college and play pro ball in Europe because he sees it as a faster route to the NBA. Prospect Alex Antetokounmpo graduated from an American high school in Milwaukee and has received scholarship offers from several colleges, including DePaul University in Chicago.

“I want to become a pro as soon as possible,” he said. “I was born and raised in Europe. I know European basketball and the best thing for me would be to sign a contract with a European club.”

The six-foot-seven (2 meters) Alex was born in Greece and played forward last season for Dominican High School.

“I will have to train and compete against grown men, I will experience strong competition and pressure,” Alex said of the European move.

Alex Antetokounmpo (2L, pictured July 2019) would become the fourth member of his family to get there, joining older brothers Giannis (R), Thanasis (2R) and Kostas (L).

If he reaches the NBA, plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Alex would become the fourth Alex moved to Milwaukee from member of his family to get Greece in 2013 during Giannis’ there, joining older brothers rookie season with the Bucks.

Giannis, the 2018-19 league He averaged 20 points MVP; Thanasis, who also plays and 7.3 rebounds as a high for the Bucks; and Kostas, who school senior.

Michael Jordan: NBA legend’s trainers sell for record $560,000

Jordan won six NBA titles and was a five-time NBA MVP.

Basketball legend Michael Jordan’s autographed trainers from 1985 sold for a record $560,000 (£463,000) in an online auction.

The Nike Air Jordan 1s, worn by Jordan during his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, were expected to fetch between $100,00$150,000 at Sotheby’s.

The previous record was $437,500 for a pair of Nike’s 1972 Moon Shoes.

Jordan wore mismatched trainers, with the left a size 13 and the right a size 13.5.

The Air Jordan 1s were sold by Jordan Geller, who founded the trainer museum Shoezeum in Las Vegas.

The sale coincided with a Netflix documentary - The Last Dance - with behindthe-scenes footage of the Bulls’ hunt for a sixth NBA title in the 1997-98 season.

Sprint legend Bolt and partner welcome baby girl

Jamaica’s Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt.

Jamaica’s Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt has become a father for the first time after welcoming the birth of a baby girl with partner Kasi Bennett, reports said Monday.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness appeared to confirm the birth of Bolt’s daughter in a social media post.

“Congratulations to our sprint legend Usain Bolt and Kasi Bennett on the arrival of their baby girl!” Holness wrote on Twitter.

Local media reports said the couple’s daughter was born on Sunday.

No further details were immediately available.

Bolt, 33, had revealed he was expecting a daughter with Bennett on social media in March, jokingly warning any future suitors to steer clear of his daughter.

“Any man! Any boy! Don’t play with me!” the eight-time Olympic gold medallist quipped.

Bolt, the world record holder at 100m and 200m, retired from athletics in 2017 after a decade of dominance in men’s sprinting.

At the 2016 Olympics, Bolt became the only man to win the 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive Olympics.

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WORLD SPORTS

Lakers’ LeBron eager to get back to basketball

Los Angeles Lakers superstar became the first top European LeBron James said Monday he’s football league to resume after a twoeager for the NBA season to resume, month hiatus at the weekend. as long as the health of players and In North America the popular their families won’t be endangered NASCAR stock car series resumed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. without spectators on Sunday and

James, speaking on the golf stuck a toe in the water with a “WRTS: After Party” programme made-for-TV charity event featuring on the Uninterrupted multi-media Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson. platform, said he hoped the NBA The NBA, along with Major season resumes sooner rather than League Baseball, the National Hockey later.

League and Major League Soccer are

“Definitely not giving up still formulating plans to return, on the season,” said James, whose while the NFL tries to stay on course Lakers led the Western Conference for an on-schedule season opening when the NBA suspended play on in September.

March 11 after Utah Jazz center “Not only myself and my Rudy Gobert tested positive for the teammates, the Lakers organization, coronavirus. we want to play,” James said. “There’s

The virus brought global a lot of players that I know personally sport to a virtual standstill, but as that want to play. And obviously, we lockdowns aimed at preventing its don’t ever want to jeopardize the spread have begun to ease, sport has health of any of our players or any of begun to re-emerge. the players’ families and so on and Germany’s Bundesliga so on.

Serena eager to return after lockdown break

Serena Williams and Venus Williams, seen here playing doubles at the 2013 US Open, teamed up in an Instagram live workout offering keep-fit tips during coronavirus quarantine.

US superstar Serena Williams says she’s ready to play “real tennis” after the enforced rest of coronavirus quarantine.

“I really look forward to getting back on the court,” the 23time Grand Slam champion said in a chat with elder sister Venus during an Instagram live workout on Tuesday.

“It’s what I do best. I absolutely love playing.”

Tennis is on hiatus until at least mid-July thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the French Open postponed until autumn and Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II.

Serena said she’d come to see the break as “a necessary evil.

“I felt like my body needed it, even though I didn’t want it,”

said the 38-year-old, who last won a Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open. “And now I’m feeling better than ever. I’m feeling more relaxed, more fit. Now I can go out and play real tennis.”

Elder sister Venus, a seventime Grand Slam winner, began posting workouts on Instagram eight weeks ago and this week she invited Serena, “the greatest tennis player to ever exist -- my little sister” to share a yoga-inspired stretching session.

Serena said the exercises, which took about half an hour, served as a warm-up for her, even though they were “a little intense.”

“Do not injure yourself doing this,” she admonished during one lunge, while advising at another point: “If you have bad knees, like me, use a pad.”

“This is a pandemic that we have no idea -- we can’t control it,” James said. “We’re going to listen to the people that’s been following this pandemic, following the numbers, following the data.”

The Lakers own the secondbest record in the league behind Eastern Conference leaders the Milwaukee Bucks and were already assured of a spot in the playoffs -which were due to start in April.

Among the uncertainties surrounding an NBA return is whether all of the remaining games of the regular season will be played and whether teams will play in their home arenas or at sites that will better allow the league to limit access for safety reasons.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told players last week that he expected the league to study outbreak and testing developments for another two to four weeks before

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. making a decision about resuming competition.

James has said he doesn’t relish the idea of playing without fans in attendance, but he said Monday he just wants to be back on court.

“You know, I want to get back to playing,” James said. “I love to play the game of basketball.

I know how inspiring the game of basketball is. I know how inspiring sport is, itself.

“As soon as possible, when we can get back out there, we’d love to bring the game of basketball back to our fans.”

Djokovic: ‘I can beat Slam titles and world number one record’

Novak Djokovic said he is confident he will end his career as the greatest Grand Slam title winner of all time and break the record for weeks in the world number one spot.

The Serb has 17 majors, three back from the record of Roger Federer’s 20 and two behind the 19 of Rafael Nadal.

Before the coronavirus brought the 2020 season to a halt, Djokovic had captured an eighth Australian Open and was on an 18-0 winning streak for the year.

“I think that I still have things to do in this sport. I believe that I can win the most Slams and break the record for most weeks at No. 1. Those are definitely my clear goals,” Djokovic told the ‘In Depth with Graham Bensinger’ TV show.

Djokovic has been on top of the rankings for a combined total of 282 weeks.

Federer leads the way on 310 with the long-retired Pete Sampras on 286.

However, time is comfortably on the side of Djokovic who will celebrate his 33rd birthday on May 22.

Federer will be 39 in August while Nadal turns 34 in June.

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic even sees himself still playing at 40.

“I don’t believe in limits. I definitely want to go for a long time,” he said.

“But I’m aware that the amount of tournaments I’m playing is going to decrease very soon.

“I will not be able to play at this intensity, with this many tournaments and this much travelling, for a long time.

“I might be playing at 40, but then there will probably be a focus on the biggest tournaments and the tournaments that mean the most to me.”

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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WORLD SPORTS

Jordan memorabilia soars in value amid ‘Last Dance’ nostalgia

The immense global success of the documentary “The Last Dance” amid the coronavirus lockdown has boosted sales of collectibles related to NBA icon Michael Jordan, some of which are trading in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“Timing is everything,” says Jordan Geller, a collector who on Sunday will be richer by at least $240,000 thanks to the sale at Sotheby’s of a pair of Air Jordan 1 sneakers -- the first model created especially by Nike for Michael Jordan, who made his NBA debut in 1984.

The game-worn pair could set an auction record for sneakers set last year by Nike’s Moon Shoe, a pair of which sold for $437,500.

The various Air Jordans have been popular with collectors for 30 years, along with jerseys and trading cards featuring Jordan -- who won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and is widely considered the greatest player in league history.

Many specialists consider Jordan a key figure in creating the market for collectible sneakers, with only non-sports personalities such as Kanye West or Travis Scott able to compete with him today.

But ESPN’s 10-part documentary “The Last Dance” which weaves details of Jordan’s entire career through the narrative of the Bulls’ pursuit of a sixth NBA title, has ramped up interest in all things Jordan.

“I think this is a gamechanger,” Chris Ivy, director of sports collectibles at Heritage Auctions, said of the documentary series that

NBC Sports announcers taking pay cuts until end of year NBC’s on-air personalities are taking a pay cut through the rest of the year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

NBC Sports Group President Pete Bevacqua said in a statement that the pay cuts are voluntary.

“Our on-air personalities reached out to see how they could contribute to helping our company during this difficult time … It’s another reminder of the truly great team we have at NBC Sports and how we’re all working together to get through this immense challenge,” Bevacqua said.

The pay cuts range from 5% to 10%.

NBCUniversal executives are taking 20% pay cuts and those making more than $100,000 are seeing a 3% salary reduction.

The NBC salary reductions are part of an industry trend. Last month, ESPN and Fox asked much of their top on-air talent to take 15% pay cuts through July.

was carried globally by Netflix.

Ivy predicted the interest fueled by “The Last Dance” will continue.

- ‘Iconic, mythical’ On the StockX shoe resale platform, the Air Jordan 1 Chicago model now sells for up to $1,500, compared to $900 in March.

The first episode of “The Last Dance” aired on April 19.

“That could be largely attributable to the documentary because that’s a sneaker that’s been on the market for years,” says StockX economist Jesse Einhorn.

Likewise, a 1986 Fleer collector’s card sold for $96,000 in early May at Heritage, an item that was worth $20,000 to $30,000 at the beginning of the year.

“A lot of people who had a sports cards collections as a kid have been frantically going through their attics to find those boxes and those binders,” laughs Geoff Wilson, founder of the Sports Card Investor platform.

“I haven’t seen anything like this, where it’s well past his career,” Ivy said, noting Jordan retired in 2003.

The excitement extends beyond Jordan himself.

Sales of Bulls-branded items are up 400% in May compared to last year on the sports merchandise site Fanatics.

“For a lot of people my age between 40 and 50 years old, Michael Jordan was the Babe Ruth of

Michael Jordan our generation,” Ivy said. “People in that age range are starting to get in a point in their lives where they’re starting to collect again.”

Even younger fans, weaned on the exploits of the late Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, are feeling the allure of Jordan.

“The majority of our customers are millennials and Gen Z, many of whom were not necessarily alive when Jordan played,” Einhorn said. “It’s a testament to Jordan’s staying power as an iconic, almost like mythical, cultural figure.”

And the market for basketball shoes is maturing, with support from a new generation of enthusiasts as evidenced by the emergence of trading platforms and the prices realized at auctions over the last three years.

“Sneaker collecting and

reselling used to be underground activities that were enjoyed by a few sneaker heads,” Geller said. “It’s much more mainstream now.”

The change has not escaped the notice of manufacturers, who have adapted their marketing and promotional strategies accordingly.

“Sneaker brands are catering to sneaker collectors by releasing more and more limited edition sneakers, so with smaller quantities demand goes through the roof.”

But in Geller’s opinion, nothing can compare to the original Air Jordans, especially those that can be linked to the great man himself.

“I think the Game Worn Air Jordan 1s are the most iconic sneakers of all time,” Geller said.

“The fact that these shoes were GameWorn by Michael Jordan takes them to a whole other level.”

None more unbeatable than Djokovic at his best, says Martin

There is no one more unbeatable in men’s tennis than Novak Djokovic when the Serb is at his best, former world number four American Todd Martin has said.

Reigning world number one Djokovic has already established himself as one of the best ever to play the game and the Serb’s Grand Slam haul of 17 is just three behind the 20 that Roger Federer has amassed. The Swiss player will be 39 in August.

While Federer is nearing the end of a glittering career, Spanish lefthander Rafa Nadal is just one behind with 19 majors and will be 34 next month. Djokovic is the youngest of the so-called ‘Big Three’ and will be 33 later in May.

The triumvirate have shared the last 13 Grand Slam titles, reenergising the GOAT (greatest of all time) debate.

“Roger is the most aesthetically pleasing I have ever seen,” Martin, who was part of Djokovic’s coaching team briefly in 2009 and 2010, told Tennis365.

“He is pleasing with the serve, he is pleasing with the return, offence, defence ... everything he does really looks beautiful.

“For me though, if Novak

is right, if Novak is confident and comfortable with his physical status and is really focused, I’ve never seen anybody more unbeatable. This guy has played the game better than anyone else ever has, in my opinion.”

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Djokovic was in imperious form before the novel coronavirus pandemic brought the circuit to a halt in early March.

He lifted the ATP Cup with Serbia, won an eighth Australian Open title and then completed a fifth triumph at the Dubai Tennis Championships, extending his unbeaten run to 21.

“His athleticism is from another world,” said Martin, who reached two Grand Slam finals. “His return of serve is way better than any other returner of serve ever and I mean way better.

“Having worked with him, when he is focused he has that ‘I’m going through a brick wall mentality’.

Now he is not always focused, but when he is and we have seen this for long stretches, he doesn’t have to play great. He is that much of a fighter and thrives on it.”

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning the Final match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The virus forced the cancellation of this year’s Wimbledon for the first time since World War Two while the French Open was pushed back from its May start to September, shortly after the scheduled end of the U.S. Open.

Federer, who is currently ranked fourth, last played at the semifinals of the Australian Open, where he lost to Djokovic, before undergoing keyhole surgery on his knee in February.

Martin said Federer was a “natural” and he still expected the Swiss to challenge for Grand Slam titles when the season is able to restart.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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