TCWN August 31- Sept 6 by TC Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 34| August 31 - September 6, 2013

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Gov’t proposes ‘fresh start’ with private sector – Announcement comes ahead of $15m EU grant

A European Union grant of $15 million has been offered to the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands for budgetary support as it seeks to enhance and promote better business relations within the territory. PAGE  5

Premier and Ministers to move into official Provo offices soon

THE SPECIAL Investigations and Prosecutions Team (SIPT) has finally vacated the Hilly Ewing building, making way for the Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing and his Ministers to occupy the premises as of September. The SIPT was asked to remove its operations from the building, which is the official office of the Premier on Providenciales, in January this year. Dr. Ewing said the team left the building early in August, making way for extensive renovations to be carried out. In a previous interview with the Weekly News, the Premier contended that the SIPT’s occupation of the building is “hampering” the work of his Government. While on Providenciales, the Premier and his Ministers were forced to operate out of alternate locations.

Debate on constitutional reform motion this week PAGE  5

Two new constitutional appointments PAGE 

Public beach walk to keep dolphins free PAGE 

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

Gov’t proposes ‘fresh start’ with private sector – Announcement comes ahead of $15m EU grant A EUROPEAN Union grant of $15 million has been offered to the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands for budgetary support as it seeks to enhance and promote better business relations within the territory. “I would want to work without delay, full speed ahead with the private sector to put a reform strategy in place that focuses on improving business regulations, focuses on business development and improving job and career opportunities.” Minister of Finance Washington Misick made this statement on Tuesday (August 27) at a press conference in the Department of Disaster and Emergency Management building, Providenciales. During the meeting he announced the EU’s intention to grant the money to the TCI, providing the country can fix weaknesses in the system that were found during an analysis it conducted. Misick noted that the reform strategy has to be detailed and agreed during the remainder of this year so that Cabinet can consider it and present it to the EU at the beginning of 2014. Former Chief Economist, Dr. Richard Stoneman, has been appointed as Business Transformation Consultant to Government in this process. He will be working along with the Minister and the Government’s

Minister of Finance, Washington Misick flanked by Chief Economist Dr Ubazdus Raymond (l) and Business Transformation Consultant Dr Richard Stoneman

Chief Economist, Dr Ubazdus Raymond and the team put together by the Minister. Dr Stoneman will serve until next spring. The money is intended as budgetary support for the Government, and the first tranche of approximately $4 million is expected before the end of March 2014. It will be put into the consolidated fund. It is payable on agreed policies being successfully implemented. To prequalify for the money, the EU conducted their research which highlighted a number of weaknesses. The main weakness identified was the length of time for the processing of work permits and business licenses.

It was recommended that these two areas should be made more efficient. “The process that exists today is time consuming and it adds cost, not only to Government, but it adds cost to the business community,” the Minister stated. As a result, he added, the Government has developed policies to streamline the process and to change to a computerised system. “The EU is particularly concerned with the regulations governing business activities or restrictive and damaging to the economic performance prospects for economic recovery. “As part of its support for the Turks and Caicos islands, the EU has insisted that the burden of

these regulations be made lighter and that they be made to work more efficiently.” Misick observed that it is the consensus throughout the islands that some of the regulations tend to slow down the business process. He added that the EU has done its research and as such, the evidence is on their side as to what happens in other countries. “Our primary goal is to get the economy moving again, current businesses prosper, new investments occur, and new well paying jobs created. We need to make the Turks and Caicos Islands a fast growing economy.” He added that the focus has to be on partnership and moving

forward together with the business community. “We cannot duck or play down the challenge placed to us by the EU in order for us to receive the $15 million they are offering to us… after the problems of recent years, Government needs every penny it can get if it is to play its part in rekindling economic growth… we cannot risk delays.” As such, the Minister called on the business community to come to the table and work together with Government to get the economy moving again. “In our circumstances… our business community is expatriate continued 

Debate on constitutional reform motion this week THE HOUSE of Assembly is set to debate a motion to review provisions in the 2011 Constitution when it meets next Thursday (September 5). Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing at the August 22 post Cabinet briefing advised that Cabinet had approved a paper for the submission of a Government motion for the establishment of a Parliamentary Select Committee, when it met last August 21. In July, the Premier signalled his intention to form a House committee to look at areas within the Constitution he believes need to be changed.

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing

While speaking at a town hall meeting, he stated that he will go

beyond the 2006 Constitution as there are things within that one that are not in the present Constitution. These, he said, are things he does not like or under which he believes he will not be able to operate. Both the Government and the Opposition have objected to some provisions made in the legislative framework shortly after the new Constitution came into effect. In spite of their criticisms, the Attorney General has maintained in the past that the document is a joint product of the UK government and the political and civic leaders of the TCI.

Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day

AG'S CONTRACT RENEWAL The Government and the Opposition have both expressed displeasure over the renewal of Attorney General, Huw Shepheard’s contract. However, Governor Ric Todd in his announcement said the AG’s three-year extension provides stability and continuity of investor confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands. What are your thoughts?

Continuity Really???

confidence????

A weak success rate

Now’s the time!

Both the government and the opposition have been talking about independence; they are being presented with more reasons to support their claims for independence. They are in position to call a referendum. What are they

Attorney General Huw Shepeard

people subscribing to the scheme you are looking at around $100 million to $200 million worth of new investments.” The Minister stated that this creates an engine, which will create a tremendous amount of potential, some of which could help in the revival of some the less developed islands. He clarified that anyone, whether they invest in a home or business and is prepared to commit that amount of money to it, will be eligible. “It will be applicable to persons, the value of whose construction will meet the minimum requirement after the law takes effect,” Gardiner said. He added that even for projects that have begun, if the investment

investor

The AG's history of success is rather weak, therefore; both parties would like to see him go. The PNP because of what he has done and might yet do to their members and the PDM because he has failed to do more. The only possible reason for the Governor to support him is that Shepheard has done a significant amount of work on coming prosecutions. It appears he is truly a left over civil servant from the UK. If Sheapheard is sent back home we cannot have Rhondalee Braithwrite-Knowles. For the Premier to suggest her shows he is too political.

AG considering limited offer of PRCs DURING the last Cabinet meeting on August 21, Minister of Border Control and Labour, Don-Hue Gardiner, made a proposal for a re-introduction of the Permanent Residency Certificates to be provided as a means of encouraging economic development and stimulating the construction sector in the TCI. The Attorney General is now consideration the Minister’s proposal for the necessary amendments to be made to the Immigration Regulations to facilitate this. The issue is expected to come up for further discussion at the next meeting of Cabinet, slated for September 4. The PRCs will be made available based on investments above a certain level in a home or a business. “In the less developed islands for new investments it will be $500,000 and in the island of Providenciales and the developed cays around Providenciales that will be $1.5 million,” Minister Gardiner told the media at a recent press briefing. He explained that if someone were to enter the country and buy an existing house this would not count as a new investment, rather, they would have to invest a half million dollars in North or Middle Caicos towards building a new house. “What that does potentially is create jobs, even at a $500,000 in North Caicos, if you have 100 or 200

What?

after the law takes effect is a $500,000 in North or Middle Caicos they would be eligible. As it relates to promoting the Islands, Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing noted that the offer of limited PRCs is something his government will be marketing as they expect many people to be interested. Adding to the Premier’s statement, Minister Gardiner said: “When we go out there to market the country, especially the less developed islands, we need to be able to provide investors with something else. “Because when people make those kinds of investments they want the surety that they are able to come to TCI without the hassle and they can stay for as long as they like.”

waiting for? If ever they stood a chance of getting widespread support it is now. We seem to be professionals at missing opportunities. Or is it that it is easier to collect big salaries and have others to blame then it is to be paid to govern.

A flawed justice system

I suppose they can’t let anyone new into the fold as they may uncover the corruption of the AG Chambers and the Governor. The justice system here is flawed and by allowing longevity, it only seeks to further prejudice the system.

 Become a contributor Want to become a contributor or have a suggestion for a Talk Back topic for us? What questions do you think we should be putting to the public? And what are your thoughts on it? Call our news team on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com

TCI signs int’l convention on tax transparency THE TURKS and Caicos Islands will sign the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters on December 1, the Council of Europe confirmed on Thursday (August 29). The TCI committed to joining the convention in the run-up to this year’s G8 meeting, chaired by the UK, which focused on improving tax transparency internationally. In doing so TCI joined other UK Overseas Territories in being jointly determined to shake off their out of date and inaccurate tax haven reputation. Acting Attorney General, Ms Rhondalee Knowles, said in a release from the Governor’s office: “As the lead on the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Global Forum issues in the Islands, I am very pleased with this development which once again demonstrates the Turks and Caicos Islands’ commitment to working with the international community to apply international standard of financial transparency.” She added: “Becoming a signatory to the convention will enhance the attractiveness of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a fully compliant, well-respected and regulated jurisdiction in which to conduct financial business.”

Commenting on the news, Premier Dr Rufus Ewing, noted: “As Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I am pleased that we are to be a part of the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, an OECD and Council of Europe initiative that was once only restricted to its members. “This demonstrates our continuing commitment to achieving the highest international standards of tax transparency.” The convention sets standards for the exchange of tax information between signatory states that will make it easier for illegal tax evasion to be detected and prevented. It is a joint venture between the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Council of Europe. The news on the extension of the convention comes less than a week after Cabinet agreed the text of an ‘Action Plan to prevent the Misuse of Companies and Legal Arrangements.’ The action plan, another G8 commitment, details how TCI will join the international community in making it easier to identify the beneficial owners of companies in an effort to achieve greater tax transparency in all jurisdictions.

August 31 - September 6, 2013

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Two new constitutional appointments DR. BEATRICE Fulford is now the new chairman of the TCI Public Service Commission (PSC), while Cynthia Astwood has been appointed TCI Complaints Commissioner, both with effect from Monday (September 2). Governor Ric Todd, on Friday (August 30) swore in the two appointees in accordance with the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution: section 89 relating to the PSC; section 99 relating to the Complaints Commissioner. Their appointments are for a period of three years. “These are two very important public offices which play important constitutional roles here in the TCI,” said Governor Todd. “I am grateful to Dr Fulford and Mrs Astwood for their public service to date and I am confident that they will serve TCI and its people very well in their new roles too.”

He added that both are exceptionally qualified for the positions, and there can be no doubt as to their integrity and commitment to the public service over many years. “They are both respected figures, who bring a wealth of experience to these challenging roles; in Dr Fulford’s case including serving as a previous Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Mrs Astwood is a former chief secretary and chairman of the PSC. “I am sure everyone will join me in extending thanks, congratulations and best wishes to Dr Fulford and Mrs Astwood.” The Governor made these appointments having carried out not only the consultation set out in the Constitution but also taking account of more informal consultations and after carefully considering other appropriate candidates, a press

TCI Complaints Commissioner, Cynthia Astwood

New chairman of the Public Service Commission, Dr Beatrice Fulford

release from his office stated. The role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) is to uphold the principles of merit, neutrality and

integrity in the public service; help to build an effective Public Service with high standards and effectiveness; and monitor and provide advice on standards of conduct and ethics in the public service. The PSC has been substantially reformed since the enactment of the

Gov’t proposes ‘fresh start’ with ... continued from 

based and the labour force to a more or less extent, locals and so we tend to see different objectives. “Part of what I plan to do is narrow that gap so that everyone, regardless of how they got here and what part they are playing in this economy can see themselves together in one boat, and that is important if we are going to grow.” He named small business development as another important objective. “Basically we face the same issues that most developing countries face where access to capital market and to funding for business creation is extremely limited.” He added that Government is keen on finding ways of correcting that by supporting small and medium size enterprises. There needs to a modern framework to help people develop more fulfilling jobs, careers and businesses, Misick said, adding that education and vocational training are only the beginnings of such a process. “We need a system of career support where members of the community can find apprenticeship, internship, training programmes and where they can be confident that there is a career level at which they can advance with the right attitude, aptitude and performance, no ambition is out of reach.” He said this is Government's intention. According to him, people need to think larger than the minimum wage being raised and focus on becoming entrepreneurs, and he added that it is his job to create the enabling environment where this

can be achieved. “We now need to develop a more formalised system so that a focus on providing small business and job opportunities becomes the top priority throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.” In these areas, he added, the private sector has far more expertise than Government. PRIVATE SECTOR CONCERNS Later the same day, at a meeting with the business community put together by the Chamber of Commerce, the Minister along with Drs Stoneman and Raymond, urged the support of the private sector. They were joined by Minister of Labour and Border Control, Don-Hue Gardiner. Although the private sector signalled its support, there were a number of concerns raised. Some of these dealt with the liberalisation of the labour force to bring in more professionals, reduction in the cost of work permits, the educational level of the workers available to the business community, proper remuneration of immigration officers so as to stamp out corruption in the public service, among numerous others. Minister Gardiner informed the gathering that the Government has been on a path of review of the immigration rules since March of this year. As a result of this, consultations on a number of bills the Attorney General's Chamber is drafting will be conducted over the next several weeks. He added that the ministry will soon be starting on a regime

of regularising the status of those whose work permits have lapsed. “Certainly, it is my view that persons who have come here, lived here and invested here... and have spent a reasonable amount of time here deserve to have their status regularised and updated... this is something that we will do going forward.” Addressing the computerisation of the entire system, the Minister said this will allow people who have been granted work permits free and efficiently movement through the immigration check point. He said the goal is to make the immigration system as user friendly as they can possibly can. Responding to some of the suggestions put forward by the businesspersons, the Minister warned that the Government cannot move forward in as bold a fashion as they would like without proper consultations with the electorate. “There has to be wide and deep consultation so any move that we make must be in keeping with, or at least after, those consultations. “But it is certainly my vision that whatever steps we take be bold and brave so as to attract and keep the investors we have in Turks and Caicos Islands, in the TCI and to facilitate their transition from being mere resident to an investor or businessperson who has a real interest in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” He added that many of the steps to be taken may not be what some people want, but the country has to be bold and decisive, and make them in the best interest of business. (DI)

Public Service Ordinance (2012). The new legislation places greater emphasis on the PSC’s ‘oversight’ responsibility for the recruitment, promotion and discipline of civil servants, rather than PSC’s previous micro-managing role. The Complaints Commissioner is an office set out in the Constitution as one of the institutions protecting good governance. The Commissioner is independent and has the significant role of investigating complaints of maladministration in the Government of the TCI. Meanwhile, of the four other positions on the board, one remains vacant. Alpheus Gardiner held this post until August 15. The Governor also appoints the other three members after proposals by the Premier, Leader of the Opposition, the Civil Servants Association and one joint nomination by all three. These persons are Jamell Robinson, Pastor Bradley Handfield and Wendy Saunders.

AG to draft amendments to the National Parks Ordinance THE ATTORNEY General’s Chambers has been tasked with drafting legislation that will see the addition of new protected areas and amendments to existing national parks laws. The instruction was given during the August 21 sitting of Cabinet, at which time it also advised amendments to the confirmation of existing navigation channels and provision for the creation new ones; permitting appropriate low and no impact use of protected areas such as eco-tourism; and ticketing powers for enforcement officers in protected areas. Minister for Home Affairs and Environment, Amanda Missick, presented the paper for consideration and approval to Cabinet. The draft legislation, when agreed by Cabinet, will be subject to public consultation before a final Cabinet decision, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing said. “This initiative is significant as it allows us in the Turks and Caicos to go forward with environmental protection and to put in place a balanced development, in harmony with the environment.”

He added that it also creates opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to engage in eco-tourism activities by building eco-friendly developments in national parks for the benefit of tourists and the enjoyment of TCI residents. “As it stands now, the national parks nature reserve, even though we would like to have eco-tourism, in order camping lodges or lending sites for kayaks in the park, we cannot do it because you are not supposed to remove a stone or vegetation or light a fire in the park.” The change to the legislation will allow these things to happen to encourage eco-tourism development. The intention, he added, is to make licences, not leases, available to TC Islanders to create campsites in the park. He explained that each of the parks would have its conditions to what zones can be developed. “In Frenchman’s Creek there is land… there is south of North and Middle Caicos, lots of those can be eco-friendly camp site zones or launching areas for exploration of wetlands through kayaking etc.”

CLARIFICATION

THE WEEKLY News wishes to apologise to our advertisers and readership for the error in the date printed on the front page of our last publication. This should have read ‘Volume 27 / No. 33 / August 24 - 30, 2013’.

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Public beach walk to keep dolphins free SEPTEMBER 1 is ‘Japan Dolphin Day’ which marks the beginning of the capture and slaughter of hundreds of dolphins in Taiji, Japan. Dolphin rights protectors in over 100 locations around the world are organising concurrent events to support the efforts to stop the killing and capture of these highly intelligent marine mammals for food and display. The Turks and Caicos Dolphin Day will also be held on Sunday (September 1). The supporters of free dolphins plan to walk on the beach from Ocean Club to Coral Gardens in Providenciales. The event is being held in part to support the efforts to stop the killing and capture of dolphins in Japan, but also to protest the proposed development of captive dolphin facilities on Grand Turk and Providenciales. Event organiser Alex Skye said: “We are encouraging as many people as possible to join us for this peaceful demonstration. “We want everyone to wear red as a sign of unity. We will meet at 2pm on September 1 on the beach in front of Ocean Club East and quietly march down the beach to the Coral Gardens Resort.” Dolphin Cove, a Jamaican company, has proposed building a captive dolphin facility on Grand Turk at the mouth of North Creek and on Providenciales on a canal off Cooper Jack. Although planning documents have been submitted for the

Providenciales site, no planning documents have yet been submitted for the Grand Turk location. This is because the change in the Fisheries Protection Ordinance made by the TCI Governor in October 2012 is under a legal challenge by four local non-profit groups (Turks and Caicos Reef Fund, Turks and Caicos SPCA, PRIDE and the Provo Chamber of Commerce). The trial date for the judicial review brought by these groups is scheduled for September 16 and 17. Don Stark, chairman of the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund, said: “Dolphins are highly intelligent, social animals who live in family groups, communicate with each other. “Placing these animals in sea pens is cruel and unusual punishment. “It stresses the animals, causing health issues such as ulcers, much as stress induces ulcers in humans. “They have more gray matter in their brains than humans and this is the part of the brain responsible for language, thought, memory, and consciousness. “And nearly all captive dolphins come from the wild and are not from captive breeding programmes.” Susan Blehr, executive director of the TCSPCA, added: “Wild capture of dolphins is a very cruel activity. “The animals are essentially chased until they are nearly exhausted and then swimmers dive into the water to grab them and wrestle them to the capture boat.

“It is very stressful for both the captured and un-captured animals. “In fact, the mortality rate for a newly captured dolphin is six times normal in the first five days after capture and this mortality risk increase happens every time they are transported, such as from Jamaica to the TCI.” Anyone interested in additional information about the walk on September 1 can contact Alex Skye at Making Waves Studio in the Regent Grand Plaza on Grace Bay Road or Don Stark at the TCRF (cell phone 347 8455 or email donstark@ tcreef.org). Donations are needed to continue to fund the legal challenge in the TCI. Cash or checque and credit cards can be accepted at the TCSPCA office located in Suzie Turn Plaza or at Making Waves Studio.

Lavardo Smith guilty of murder A TWELVE-member jury on Tuesday (August 27) handed down a life sentence to 20-yearold Lavardo Smith for the murder of Dominican Republic national Santa Suarez Ramirez in 2011. Smith was also sentenced to 12 years concurrent for robbery, five years concurrent for possession of firearm with intent, and five years for discharging firearm. The jury found his coaccused, Collin Delancy Jnr., 29, guilty of manslaughter, robbery, conspiracy to rob and possession of firearm with intent. He received a 12-year sentence for manslaughter and robbery - to run concurrently - and five years for possession of firearm with intent, to run concurrently. Ronego Missick and Jasario

Life imprisonment for murder accused, Lavardo Smith

Robinson, who were jointly charged with Smith and Delancy for murder earlier in the case, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of firearm with intent. The trial commenced on Monday, August 19, this year. It was reported that on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 around 9.15pm, three men dressed in hooded jackets, one armed with a handgun and one with a cutlass entered the Sailing Paradise restaurant in Blue Hills where Ramirez was working as a bartender. The man armed with the handgun shot the defenceless female bartender in the head at point blank range and robbed the establishment of a quantity of cash before escaping.

PayPal donations can also be accepted at www.tcreef.org/donate. html. The case against captive dolphins 1. Dolphins are highly intelligent creatures. They have more brain gray matter than humans do – this is the part of the brain responsible for memory, thought, consciousness and language. The size of a dolphin’s brain relative to its body size is only slightly smaller than that of a human – unlike the great apes is which much smaller. Dolphins can understand combinations of complex instructions. They are self-aware, an ability that does not develop in humans until age two. They have highly developed communication skills, including having unique signature whistles to identify themselves to others (like our names). Dolphins experience emotions. 2. Nearly all captive dolphins are caught in the wild and do not come from captive breeding programmes. Captive breeding programmes have had limited success and cannot sustain the demand for captive dolphins. Dolphinaria create demand for more wild captures and wild capture methods are cruel and inhumane – they traumatise the animals, separate family groups and lead to high mortality rates among both captured and those not captured. If the TCI believes in protecting marine mammals in our waters, we should not support the unregulated and inhumane capture of them in other countries. Many countries, such as the US, Mexico, Brazil and many others have banned the capture of wild dolphins in their waters – Japan and Cuba are the most common locations for wild capture today.

There is a six-fold increase in mortality of a dolphin that is captured during the first five days after capture – and this mortality risk increase occurs every time a dolphin is transported (for example, from Jamaica to Grand Turk). 3. Public opinion is growing in opposition to captive dolphin programmes. A 2007 survey of US citizens found only 30 per cent believed there was a scientific benefit to keeping dolphins in captivity. A 2003 survey of Canadian citizens found that only 14 per cent believed that viewing dolphins in captivity was educational; 74 per cent thought the best way to learn about them was to view them in the wild. Many countries, the latest being India and including the new target for tourism to the TCI, Brazil, have banned captive dolphin facilities. Regulation 18 of the TCI Fisheries Protection Ordinance was enacted to protect JoJo and other marine mammals from the activities promoted by swim with the dolphin programmes. 4. Keeping dolphins in sea pens, as proposed here has the following adverse effects: significantly reduced physical activity – wild dolphins swim as much as 100 miles/day. Dolphins are not scavengers – they must be taught to eat dead, imported fish, which lack adequate nutritional value requiring them to be also given vitamins and other nutritional supplements. Unlike other animals kept in captivity, there is no increase in life expectancy for captive dolphins despite the purported benefits of reduced predation, abundance of food and good medical care. Monitoring the health of captive dolphins is challenging which often means that by the time a problem is observed, it is frequently too late for successful treatment.

August 31 - September 6, 2013

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Finance minister disputes World Bank report TCI Governor, Ric Todd heads to Cyprus

Governor appointed British High Commissioner to Cyprus TURKS and Caicos Governor, Ric Todd will take up the post of British High Commissioner to Cyprus in April 2014, a statement from the Governor’s office said. He will succeed Matthew Kidd, who will be transferring to another diplomatic service appointment. Commenting on his appointment, the Governor said: “I am delighted to be appointed British High Commissioner to Cyprus. As a history student, I am fascinated by Cyprus’s rich history. “Relations between the UK and Cyprus are not only deep rooted and strong but also full of potential. “I look forward to working

together with all the communities in Cyprus to achieve our shared objectives.” Todd, whose FCO career started in 1980, has mainly covered a range of jobs dealing with economics, finance and EU issues in London and in diplomatic posts, including five years in Her Majesty’s Treasury and three years on the FCO board as finance director. He is a former Ambassador to Poland and to Slovakia and UK Member on the EU Economic Policy Committee. He departs the TCI in September, with Peter Beckingham becoming Governor of TCI in October this year.

IN ITS 2013 report the World Bank has not ranked any Caribbean country in its top 50 and many have been rated as well below this number. The global report looks at the business environment within countries, job creation and small business development to reach its ranking. Minister of Finance, Washington Misick, recently stated: “Personally I don’t like the rating that Turks and Caicos was given in some of the more recent reports, because I am of the opinion that the regulatory regime – even though it has a lot to be desired – is not as bad as some of the reports are trying to make out.” He was, at the time, informing the media of the TCI’s intention to put measures in place to ensure better business operations ahead of a significant grant from the European Union. However, he added that perception is reality and whether or not he believes the reports, the country has to react to the international perception as is. He said although he disputes these analyses, they are the views of the World Bank and others. The Minister also pointed out that the recent Turks and Caicos development strategy which was done locally suggests that the Turks and Caicos Islands will perform poorly compared to most of the

Murder trials next year for Howell and Simmons MURDER accused Romano Giovanni Howell will face a judge and jury on July 14, 2014 for the June murder of Dominican national, Damaris Martinez. Howell pleaded not guilty to the capital offence when he appeared before Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough on Friday, August 23, for the plea and direction hearing in the Grand Turk Supreme Court. He remains on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk. The 34-year-old Kew Town resident stands accused of the June 16 murder of Martinez whose body was found along Millennium Highway on Providenciales. Martinez went missing on June 10. A friend reportedly last saw her at an establishment in the Grace Bay area, at about 10pm that night. A week later, (June 16), a jogger stumbled upon her remains, concealed in a box, after investigating a foul odour emanating from bushes along the highway. Meanwhile, another murder accused, Cortez Simmons will appear in the Grand Turk court for

Minister of Finance Washington Misick

Caribbean. This assessment was done by Steve Pollard and submitted in a

report called ‘Turks and Caicos Islands Development Strategy’. Based on that report TCI has the same entry to business rating as some of the poorest and undemocratic countries within the region, the Minister said. He acknowledged that whether the report is right or not, the Government accepts that the business environment in the TCI presents certain difficulties, which remain even though efforts have been made to correct them. “It is also true that everyone would like to see the Islands growing again at a rapid and sustainable rate and that cannot happen where the regulations are cumbersome and slow.”

Debt refinancing initiatives to be developed MINISTER of Finance, Washington Misick will soon chair a debt refinancing team which is expected to set out how the Turks and Caicos Islands will ensure that it can refinance its debt as of 2016 in an effective, independent and sustainable manner. Cabinet, at its August 21 meeting, agreed to the paper, which the Minister presented. Updating the media following the meeting, Premier, Dr Rufus Ewing stated that the Minister would hold the responsibility for the coordination of refinancing preparations and subsequent reports to Cabinet and the United Kingdom government. “The team will also draw on expert advice as appropriate from the private sector and other sectors,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cabinet also agreed to another proposal from Minister Misick. This one relates to the establishment of an infrastructureworking group, expected to include representatives of the private sector and non-government experts to consider TCI’s long-term infrastructure needs and funding routes. “This initiative of funding major infrastructure projects by way of public private partnerships (PPP) is a necessary way forward given the Government’s financial position and its borrowing restrictions,” Dr Ewing said. He added that the group’s initial report to Cabinet would be made before the end of November this year.

Private Finance

Available Romano Giovanni Howell

his trial on June 16, 2014, which is set for two weeks. The 29-year-old man is accused of the April 13 murder of Kaziah Burke, 25, who was shot multiple

times near the New Era gas station on Airport Road in Providenciales. Simmons remains on remand after the Chief Justice refused his bail application on July 26. (DI)

For Purchase of Vacant Lots and Homes Call (649) 245-1314

10 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

1 World Foundation lends assistance to TCI once again GOVERNOR Ric Todd on Wednesday (August 28) welcomed the 1 World Foundation (1WF) to the Turks and Caicos Islands for yet another visit to the territory as it continues its work to assist people living with special needs. “People with special needs deserve being part of the community, having access to education, being employed and being respected,” the Governor stated at an official welcome ceremony held at The Sands resort. He observed that everyone needs to remember and abide by the concept of equality for all and called on people to do their part in

accepting these individuals. The foundation conducted a series of therapy evaluations for special needs children and adults on Providenciales during their weeklong visit during August 25 to 31. The sessions were conducted in conjunction with Rotary Club of Providenciales, Rotary Club of Watertown NY, Rotary International, The Sands resort, the Ministry of Health and the Cheshire Medical Centre. The 1 World Foundation team consists of eight people including occupational and speech/language therapists, a psychologist, administrators and a film crew.

President of the Rotary Club of Providenciales, Raymond Cushnie, Governor Ric Todd, one of the foundation team members, and Stephen Stubbs at The Sands resort

The team also conducted training for special education teachers while the video crew filmed material to produce television announcements in support of people with special needs, focusing on the importance of the respect and dignity they deserve.

DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

PUBLIC NOTICE DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys are pleased to announce the re-opening of our Leeward Highway Office for ongoing legal services to the public. We are located in our own building across the street from the Supreme Court complex, next door to the offices of TC Weekly News and between that and the St. Monica's Anglican Church. We specialize in: • Civil Litigation (Particular competencies: Judicial Review and other claims against TCI Government/Departments, Mareva and other Injunctions, Land, Trust & Bank disputes) • Property Matters, Planning Department & Development Issues • Business Law • Immigration

The foundation is comprised of representatives from various health related facilities in the United States and Canada, with an aim of assisting people with special needs to live more fulfilling and productive lives. 1WF representatives last visited the islands in 2012 and in the past had participated in an island wide needs assessment survey with the information obtained provided to Government. Observing the immediate need of those people seen during the assessments, the 1WF in conjunction with the Samaritan Medical Centre in Watertown, New York has in the past provided to Turks and Caicos Islanders various assistive devices including wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, among other things. The group has also provided training opportunities to Turks and Caicos caregivers both in the islands as well as in New York and Ontario. One individual, a visually impaired young man by the name of Stephen Stubbs, through the assistance of 1 World Foundation, was successfully enrolled in the W Ross MacDonald School for the Blind in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Commenting on his experience Stephen said he feels privileged to have received the opportunity. He said he started in school in 2006 and was accepted with wideopen arms. “I was fortunate to have met a great foster family that took me

home on the weekends and even up to the day I graduated I contact them and talk to them. “I’ve learned a lot from W Ross, like the basic life training, how to take care of myself and dress and conduct myself properly in the community.” Stephen is appealing to parents and guardians with children with disabilities to show them the love they deserve. “If you have a child with disability you cannot expect them to learn if you are keeping them in a closet. “Me, personally I always wanted to learn something, I always wanted to learn things in life, and I don’t like to depend on people all the time to do things for me.” He thanked the RTC team in Grand Turk - where he worked briefly - for welcoming him warmly after he came back from Canada. Stephen says he is now on the hunt for a job doing what he loves best; being a DJ. He said he sometimes works at the youth centre at the end of the months as a DJ, but he is now looking for something to sustain him on a permanent basis. “I love DJing, it’s what I do… but unfortunately the talent I have I can’t really use because there are no opportunities for me.” However, Stephen said he is willing to accept any job, even that of a receptionist at any of the resorts, should anyone be willing to employ him.

Telephone: (649) 941-4444 Telefax: (649) 941-4235 Cellphone: (649) 245-1314 email: berynd@yahoo.com DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

PO Box 52, Cheshire House East 1315A Leeward Highway, Providenciales

Stephen Stubbs and his friend and mentor George Pratt, education psychologist within the Department of Education.

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.

Why challenge the Conch Farm case? Dear Editor, I am sure by now most Turks and Caicos Islanders and residents of the TCI are scratching their heads wondering why the Governor is fighting the Conch Farm’s project, blocking new investment, simply fighting a case that they will lose where the people of the TCI will end up facing serious and new liability. Normally when an investor, developer, etc applies to develop land or a project there is a serious raft of questions such as how many jobs the project will generate, what is the expected volume of revenue and what will be the benefit to the TCIG’s economy? All of these questions are answered in the affirmative in the case of the Conch Farm as they have been here in the TCI for over 20 years. From the beginning, serious policy issues are addressed and after all these years, the Conch Farm surpassed those issues and is in the area where they need to be welcomed and not blocked by an illegitimate source. It does sound like British government games again. No other

reason can apply to this context. Most recently, the Minister of Finance, C Washington Misick expressed clear public support for that project. That alone should and must end the lawsuit. Yet the Governor and Attorney General, as the ‘Government of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ have decided for their own reasons that they do not want that project. Why? What are their reasons? Our taxes are going up and they are insisting on fighting a lawsuit that the developers of the Conch Farm want to settle. While you are doing that, we are learning that you are “slapping elected ministers around”! Why is the elected Government so silent on this? This cannot stand! Still alarming is this report that “when challenged by the Conch Farm’s lawyers on his authority to appoint an arbitrator despite the elected Government’s opposition to doing so, Attorney General Huw Shepheard responded in writing by stating: ‘As you should be well aware, I am authorised to act and give such instructions on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Government as its legal adviser in accordance with section 41 of the Constitution. ‘I am not subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority.’” Yet where are the serious, substantive, legitimate policy objections on the part of the Governor and the AG to block the Conch Farm’s project? Has any Minister or elected official demanded these kinds of answers? Is the TCI a nation governed by laws and a constitution where governments honour their agreements and are allowed to do so? Is this the message and image that we want to send to the world and the international investing community? Do we want the world to know that we have an elected government but the Governor and AG are functioning as if they are the Government? Is this the case? Why are we not hearing from elected officials? This issue affects us all. Are we now to regret the British ever coming in here to undo the mess they created in 2003 to 2009? Members of Parliament must now

ask is this the kind of image we want for our Islands where the Governor breaks laws, Ministers are kicked to the curb while the Governor gets to do what he likes? After this can we be trusted in the investment community and is this a means to grow the Islands? It would seem not. Furthermore, it is going a bit far and a bit too much when the AG and the Governor will chastise duly elected ministers of the TCI Government for talking to the Conch Farm to settle the case. It is recorded that “Attorney General Huw Shepheard advised the elected TCI Government in the strongest terms ‘not to interfere in the process by continuing dialogue with Trade Winds’.” Interfere? Mr AG? Isn’t development and finance the policy realm of Ministers? What process Mr AG? Is attempting to insult ministers, embarrass ministers, delve into their affairs, expose the islands to $100m debt, etc a process or proper process for ministers to remain silent on? Anybody reading the emails between the Government and the Conch Farm, unless there is more,

all realise the Governor’s position is ridiculous, weak, unfounded and a childish reaction to that fact that the Governor’s office was caught lying. All he really needs to do is to resign and leave. Stop playing games, silly games with the future of these islands and its people. Apart from all of this we all face a $100m lawsuit, more taxes to fund these games. The Government of the TCI, duly elected and self-appointed, must state what it is: what is Government’s policy in light of the Governor’s refusal to be sensible and explain the truth about this project. Who is the Government and why is this project being blocked? What is wrong with this project especially after it has the support of the elected arm of the Government? As we have it the project is innovative, it can and has helped the environment, it is ‘green’, it is clean, it has created jobs, has generated export revenue and one of the few such marine farms in the world. Governor and AG, with all of these positives what then are your policy objections to this project? Thomas Wilson

Systemic weakness COMMENTARY

THE term systemic weakness is often used to describe a condition wherein the persons responsible do not want to admit they goofed. The 2009 Commission of Inquiry has resulted so far in less than comprehensive ramifications based on what was found. Corruption is what was looked for and what was found. Did Britain feel they had made a mistake giving Mike Misick and the PNP the 2006 constitution? They have failed to admit Britain failed at oversight, which made the Misick government nearly untouchable for too long. Instead, Commissioner Robin Auld called it systemic weakness. However, he was unwittingly right! The Westminster system of

By David Tapfer government by itself has a lot to be desired for tiny overseas territories. It seems to assume a large electorate in a big country with many seats and diluted nepotism. The UK has 65 million people and 46 million registered voters. They have 650 seats in parliament. Sure, there are

SPACE IS LIMITED!

some related folks in government, but that is the exception. In TCI, it is the rule. TCI has 30,000 people and only 7,000 voters. We have 15 elected seats. Some seats are represented by as few as 350 voters. The normal is only 750 voters. Very tiny voting blocks. The 7,000 taken in total is a much more homogenous group and less tainted by family-party loyalty. God help us if independence ever comes with the present system. Our people will have to search for jobs in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Britain and the USA! Why not look for a system that can provide a balance in political power. Why not create a system where at large voters select the people who will serve as Ministers. Did the three corners of Provo think they were selecting ministers or

district representatives? We believe it was the latter. Voters wanted help for their district but instead got ministers on trips. We cannot help but wonder if the large losers Royal, Wayne, Sam or Skip could have won in a district race. In fact, the at large voters picked three out of five candidates, which due to the system could not be ministers. The voters gave a large majority of the votes to the PDM and specific targeted district wins and the government to the PNP. That, my friends is systemic weakness! Now we live with the result. A government paralyzed by its own history and own record. Haunted by oversight which must be overboard. Given the previous PNP history could you really trust the folks we

now have as ministers? Ministers selected by a majority of 11 or 17 voters. Systemic weakness! We will now have to wait out the failures to watch the pendulum swing the other way. If Premier Ewing is more patriot than PNP, he will join with the opposition and work out compromises. This has yet to happen. We would like to see some thinking into a better system where all 7,000 voters have the right to select the ministers, not just little more than half of the voters in five districts. We would like to see a government where power has to be shared and balance prevails. We fear this will never happen as long as the present government exists.

Please keep your letters to a maximum of 450 words or we may not be able publish it.

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

continued

The absurdity continues Dear Editor, AG Huw Shepheard is using the UK law firm Edwards Wildman (EW) to write hundreds of letters to Turks and Caicos property owners and law firms on matters that have nothing to do with Sir Robin Auld’s Commission of Inquiry recommendations. The letters are being sent via Federal Express from London, at an enormous expense to taxpayers, with the London firm in some instances surreptitiously writing to the property owner and also to the law firm that represented the owner, asking questions about payment of stamp duty, etc. If the millions of dollars the AG is paying this law firm - while TCIG scrounges around trying to raise taxes to pay debts - was not a sufficient travesty, what takes the matter to new heights of absurdity is that EW are investigating dozens of ordinary transactions simply because they lack knowledge of basic TCI land law and practice. Yet many qualified and knowledgeable TCI attorneys cannot get paid by Government for the valuable work they perform on legal aid, nor are some local and knowledgeable attorneys able to find work in sufficient abundance to pay their ordinary expenses. Yet this firm is charging TCI taxpayers a premium to scare the bejesus out of property owners, by accusing them of underpaying stamp duty, and to secure a basic education in TCI land law. EW does not know, for instance, that on a sale under an Extended Payment Agreement stamp duty is paid on registration of the agreement, and that on eventual transfer of title no stamp duty is paid. They are however harassing dozens of purchasers under Extended Payment Agreements. They do not seem to know that the stamp rates have fluctuated over the last decade, that there was a very recent regime where a ten per cent discount was applied for early payment of stamp duty, etc. Most local attorneys with more than a year of property law experience know these facts and could answer the enquiries that EW has without the enormous expense to TCI taxpayers, and most of that money would be reinvested in the local economy, unlike the tens of millions that we are currently paying them. The absurdity goes well beyond this, however, as while EW is being paid a premium the persons who

have to answer their basic questions in most cases cannot do so without first retrieving very old archived files from storage, and then once they do so they can’t charge their clients for the work. This exercise is therefore imposing a huge expense and burden on property owners and local practitioners, while a British law firm is being handsomely rewarded. Again, the absurdity does not even end there. EW is a London based law firm, without a TCI business licence, who are writing letters from the UK, couriering them to the TCI, giving local press conferences, charging tens of millions, all without a TCI business licence, which is required for anyone engaged in business in the TCI. EW’s activities are therefore unlawful, yet this foreign law firm is investing and prosecuting local impropriety, as experts in local law, all at the direction of our AG, who until recently wore the hat of head prosecutor. Again, the absurdity does not even end there. EW is writing to attorneys and simultaneously writing to the attorney’s clients directly, a clear breach of professional ethics and conduct in England and Wales and the Turks and Caicos Islands, but again while apparently being instructed, and hopefully supervised by the AG. When does this absurdity end, and does anyone have control of what are clear abuses of power, and squandering of the TCI’s resources? The Governor just recently extended the AG’s contract because he said it would signal to investors that we are “well governed”. The AG’s responded by saying he is very happy to stay on in the Island to promote “sustainable development” and a “continuity of good governance”. When the AG was recently advised that neither the Leader of the Opposition or the Premier, both of whom he must advise in his capacities as Counsel to Government and the House of Assembly under Article 41 (2) of the new Constitution, wish to see the renewal of his contract, he is quoted as saying “they are entitled to their opinions”. Yet another clear breach of the code of professional conduct for attorneys, which obligates attorneys to give their clients the freedom to select counsel of their choice…and yes, yet another absurdity. Only in the TCI. A TCI resident

Who did the TCI people elect? Governor or Premier? Dear Editor, As a Turks and Caicos Islander who voted in the general election to elect a local government I am asking myself if, we the people elected a local government, or a British government. Why am I asking myself this question? Because reading the newspaper every week and listening to the Turks and Caicos Islands News I realise that the Governor Hon Ric Todd has more say them the Government and we the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The people of these Islands have elected this present Government to represent us. The Hon Premier Rufus Ewing asked the British many time to recall the Attorney General. The Opposition Leader the Hon Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson also asked for the AG to be recalled, but the Governor Hon Ric Todd still renewed the AG contract for three more years. That is a total disrespect for the people of these Islands. It’s clear as a crystal that the local government who we the people of the TCI elected, have no voice in our country.

Is that democracy? It is also disrespectful of the Governor Hon Ric Todd who is soon handing over to the new Governor Hon Peter Beckingham for renewing the AG’s contract for three years when his term as the Governor is due. He should leave that decision up to the new Governor and the elected government. I could understand if the Governor gave an extension of six months to the AG until he concluded with the appeal judgment in Hon McAllister Hanchell’s case; an appeal that doesn’t make sense and that will only cost the Government a lot of money and time just like the case of Mr Mervin Cox. It is also clear as a crystal that the AG just wants to stay here in the TCI and make money out of us and to keep the doors open for his SIPT to also benefit. Corruption can never be any clearer than what is happening to us with regard to the SIPT. For example the SIPT collected $19 million and gave us the people $6 million. What a shame that we have to endure so much abuse by our socalled mother country, and that is

why he is looking for a reason to stay. It is also clear as a crystal that he also has intentions to poison the mind of the new Governor, if the new Governor has good intentions for the people of the TCI. I cannot understand how the British Government called the PNP administration corrupt when under the Hon Michael Misick as the Premier, because they and the Governor have always had the final say. Who really is the corrupted one? It seems as if the Governor never listened to the opinion of the people of the TCI. The entire TCI should vouch for the Governor to step aside and allow us to have a voice in our own country. How would he feel if he was in the position of Dr Rufus and the other elected officials? I am sure the British would not allow anyone to come in to Britain and do such acts as he is currently doing. Hon. Governor, please give us an opportunity to be a people with a voice in our homeland. Edwin Hernandez

Foreign exchange disaster Dear Editor, The purpose of hosting foreign exchange students in one’s country and sending your students to theirs is the experience of learning about a new culture in the host countries of the participating students. It is my understanding that the Minister of Education on a return trip from neighbouring Haiti, is suggesting that we incorporate an exchange student programme with that country. To me this is not productive for several reasons: 1) The Haitian population outnumbers us here in the Turks and Caicos and we already have a good sense of Haitian culture and they already have an understanding of ours. In other words what new is there to learn from each other? 2) Exchange students have to live with a host family for a period of six months to one year. Are we are Turks and Caicos comfortable enough to send our children to live with people we have never met? Or are they to be comfortable doing the same? Although in the case of the Haitians, the population here out numbers us,

so they may find relatives signing up to live with family members here which could end up being another potential immigration nightmare. 3) Language barriers are also a factor considering that the majority of our children do not speak Creole. 4) There are so many diseases we have not been exposed to or are vaccinated against in the Turks and Caicos that exist in Haiti. Cholera, malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever and rabies are just a few that the CDC warns against. A simple drink of water could cause our loved ones extreme anguish if contaminated. 5) There is always unrest in Haiti, political or otherwise, and crime and violence that are at levels our children are not used to, creating quite a dangerous environment. As a matter of fact their domestic violence cases and child abuse crimes are number one in the Caribbean. 6) Haiti is known as the poorest country in the western hemisphere, our children would be exposed to extreme poverty, which could adversely affect them mentally,

psychologically and physically. These are just a few reasons that came to mind when I heard of the idea. If we were going to do an exchange student programme, I would hope that it is with a new culture that we have not experienced, that our children can truly learn from and which would expose them to fewer dangers. Some of the above could be stated of other countries as well, but these facts are true of Haiti. If the TCIG is hell bent on not going outside of the Caribbean for the programme (which would be limited in comparison to being able to explore the world), we can still make wiser decisions in this light. For example, they can visit places like Dominica or Costa Rica for natural wonders and scenic views unlike our own, Bermuda or Barbados, which are impeccably tidy or any of the other 40 plus countries making up the Caribbean. I have visited Haiti for a weekend and personally would not send my children there on this programme. Would you? Euwonka Selver

16 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Edward C Gartland Summer Bash deemed a success

BY DAISY HANDFIELD

AFTER eight weeks of summer camps and small initiatives, the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre ended summer with their annual Summer Bash at the centre on Saturday (August 24) which also debuted their first ever pageant. Throughout the day there were a number of activities such as dance, hula-hoop, trivia questions, prize giveaways and basketball games to keep the audience entertained. For many the highlight of the night was the pageant where nine beautiful young girls vied for the title of Miss Edward C Gartland Youth Centre 2013. The guest judges, the First Lady Dawn Perry-Ewing, Kazz Forbes of Saint George Fashion House, Tremmaine Swann-Harvey of Tremm Jocale, Stacy Cox the executive director of TCHTA and Miss Turks and Caicos Universe who assisted in crowning the winner and giving out the prizes, Snwazna Adams, judged the girls on their poise, stage presence and question and answer. Placing in first and also winning Best Talent was Salena Guerrier, followed by Frankisha Guerrier as first runner up with Best Interview

and Elena Auguste as second runner up with Best Gown. Uxslene Andre took home the award for Best Smile. Director of the centre Roxann Wake-Forbes noted how thrilled she was with the turnout of the event. She said: “Being able to end the summer on such a high note was especially gratifying. “It is also great to be able to provide positive activities for the young people to engage in when they are out of school and particularly over the summer holidays.” Programme manager Johnna Messam told the Weekly News that they will definitely consider making this an annual event seeing that the girls have demonstrated their dedication. “We are all really delighted with the hard work and dedication of the girls in the pageant, they all did exceptionally well. “Summer Bash is an annual event so it will definitely be back next year. “As for the pageant, we are always striving to make every event grander than the previous year; if there is enough interest shown we will do our best to make it happen again, if not, we will come up with some element of surprise to blow everyone away.”

Miss Edward C Gartland Youth Centre 2013 - Salene Guerrier

Principal of Clement Howell- Gerald Persaud

Clement Howell to receive assistance from local businesses ALTHOUGH it was mentioned in the budget that there would be some $350,000 set aside for school maintenance in the new financial year, on Thursday (August 29) Principal of the Clement Howell High school, Gerald Persaud confirmed that a few local establishments have shown interest in assisting the school with repairs. He noted that a bank, two contractors and a small group of individuals in the community recently approached him willing

to help painting the school and other kind deeds. Persaud made mention that a school sign was even donated by Beaches Turks and Caicos. The Weekly News attempted to get a comment from these entities, but unfortunately the principal was unable to give out their information just as yet. The Weekly News would follow-up on this story in next week’s edition. (BY DAISY HANDFIELD)

Daryl Baxter and Ariella Castillo serve food at the event

August 31 - September 6, 2013

NEWS 17

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Temporary stop signs receive negative feedback from residents BY DAISY HANDFIELD GOVERNMENT officials along with the Road Safety Department implemented the temporary use of ‘stop’ signs at the Suzie Turn roundabout to bring awareness to motorists when approaching that intersection on Leeward Highway. With less than a week of implementation there has already been a lot of negative feedback from residents stating that people still drive straight pass without adhering to the stop signs. One resident said: “I think they need to publish on the front page of

every newspaper, so that people can know about it. “Perhaps the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force could hand out warning tickets for one month and then start handing out tickets. “I also think that more stop signs should be installed at other roundabouts.” Another complained that stop signs are insufficient to stop persons from speeding past the roundabout. She said: “I may be wrong on this, but it is evident that the roundabout by Suzie Turn does not work.

Double signs, on the right and left on each lane going north

“Maybe, TCIG needs to invest in traffic lights at this particular intersection. The only way people will stop is if a traffic light turns red.” Police Sergeant in charge of Traffic Department for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police

Force (RTCIPF), Winston Diamond reiterated that the signs are not permanent, but are just a quick tactic to help prevent an accident. “This is not a permanent initiative, but only just a way to make the public more aware.” Diamond noted that there will be

meetings with other stakeholders to discuss the feasibility of roundabouts and traffic lights. He said: “We are also trying to increase public awareness by educating persons on the correct use of these signs, so you can tune into Radio Turks and Caicos (RTC).”

Dominican vessel with seven lost at sea for nearly two days BY DAISY HANDFIELD A NUMBER of Dominican nationals in the Turks and Caicos Islands were worried sick after a Dominican vessel (Summer Isle) bringing fruit from the Dominican Republic went missing at sea for almost two days. Many breathed a sigh of relief when the vessel with seven crew members that was scheduled to arrive in Grand Turk on Wednesday (August 21) arrived safely in Providenciales late on Friday night (August 23). Summer Isle was unable to go straight to Grand Turk because the vessel did not have sufficient gas to make it that far so they had to dock on Providenciales. The Weekly News spoke to one of the crew members onboard Rodale Rojas who explained that the reason they were lost was because of the newly appointed captain who did not have much knowledge in navigating a boat. “The captain that we had was not a certified captain, he made it seem as though he had done this a number of times, but later on in the journey we realised that he hadn’t. “Usually when we leave the Dominican Republic in the evenings we would see signs of Grand Turk soil the following day around mid-morning, but this time we were still at sea so

we found it really strange.” Rojas said that he started to question the captain as to why they still were unable to see land and the captain began to get nervous then made changes to their routing on the GPS. “It finally struck the crew and I that we were lost at sea,” he said. Usually when lost at sea it would be normal for people to start panicking, but Rojas explained the contrary stating that he had been doing this for so many years that he had built a high patience level. He said: “The only person who actually panicked and was uneasy was the captain because he was feeling the pressure and it made it worse on him not knowing where to go.” The crew used the radio on the boat to contact US Coast Guards who came out and rescued them. He said: “We explained to the US Coast Guards that the captain made a mistake when putting in the coordinates for our route. “They explained the route to us about 15 times until we learned it and then we were on our way to Providenciales.” Rojas mentioned that he has been bringing fruit to Providenciales for two years now and Grand Turk and South Caicos for seven years.

‘Stop’ sign as motorists head out of Suzie Turn

Double signs, on the right and left on each lane going south

Lifestyle... 18

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The Dentist and you  Mark Osmond BDS (Lond) LDS RCS (Eng). Mark Osmond Dental Clinic - (649) 432 3777, drmosmond@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Dr Mark Osmond

Over the next few months, under the title of ‘What Causes…’, Dr Osmond’s column is going to be addressing specific dental or oral problems. If you have a problem that you would like to be addressed in the column, please contact Dr Osmond on drmosmond@gmail.com, www.markosmonddentalclinic.com or 432 3777 and he will be happy to address it.

What Causes…. Bad Breath THERE are several reasons why you might experience bad breath, or halitosis, with the most common cause being poor oral hygiene. When teeth are not brushed and flossed regularly or well enough, food debris will remain in the mouth and plaque will accumulate which leads to calculus build up. Calculus is the hard, chalk-like material that cannot be removed by brushing alone. When this is allowed to build up, it

can lead to gum disease and one of the symptoms of gum disease is bad breath. To get rid of bad breath, it may be as simple as changing your routine to ensure you are brushing your teeth twice a day (morning and last thing at night) with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. This will ensure that all food particles and plaque is removed regularly. A mouthwash may also help. A regular

Lychee orange drop doughnuts

professional cleaning at the dentist is recommended particularly if you have any signs of gum disease such as bleeding, inflamed gums or pain, as well as the bad odour. Another cause of bad breath is infection. You are likely to experience other symptoms as well, such as pain or swelling. Again a visit to the dentist is necessary which might result in you being prescribed a course of antibiotics or having an extraction. Transitory bad breath can be caused by consuming strong smelling or tasting food for example, garlic, raw onion or blue cheese. Alcoholespecially the morning after drinking the previous evening- can also cause bad breath. These should all require nothing more than brushing, flossing

DIRECTIONS • For cooking: Pulse sugar and zest in food processor until blended, about 5 - 7 pulses. Transfer to medium bowl. • For the doughnuts: Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in 4-quart saucepan until temperature

reaches 350 degrees. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl. Whisk eggs, sugar, and orange zest in a large bowl. Whisk in lychee syrup, then butter, until well blended. Stir in the flour mixture until evenly moistened. • Preparation: Using two dinner teaspoons, carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry (3 to 6 minutes), maintaining temperature between 325 and 350 degrees, until doughnuts are crisp and deeply browned on all sides. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the doughnuts to a plate lined with paper towels. Drain for 5 minutes. Add doughnuts to the bowl with orange sugar and toss until well coated. Place on a serving plate and repeat with the remaining batter, regulating oil temperature as necessary.

Respiratory tract infections, such as colds, tonsillitis, sore throats, can cause bad breath. This will disappear once the infections have passed. There are also systemic diseases that can cause bad breath such as stomach problems, reflux and lung infections. People with uncontrolled diabetes can suffer with ketoacidosis, which can have associated bad breath. In the case of any of these illnesses, the root problem should be treated and you should consult your treating doctor.

health Tip 

Lychee Lychee is a small fruit with a sweet smell and taste, which is available in the summer. It is a small fruit packed with healthy nutrients. It has rough

INGREDIENTS • 2 quarts vegetable oil (approx) • 2 cups all purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 2 large eggs • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest • 2 ounces lychee syrup • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted • 3 oranges for zest • Orange Sugar coating • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

and rinsing to resolve. I am often asked by parents of young children why they can sometimes have bad breath. In the absence of gum disease or infection, this may be due to ‘morning breath’. This is simply caused by mouth breathing through the night which causes saliva to dry in the mouth and which leads to the smell. This is nothing to be concerned about and will fade soon after waking and certainly once the child’s teeth have been brushed in the morning.

skin outside with a juicy flesh inside. It is used as medicine in China. It is very rich in nutrients. It contains a high amount of soluble

fiber known as pectin, which protects against colon cancer. It also contains a good amount of antioxidants that protect the body from carcinogens. Lychee is also effective in protecting the body in the ageing process, arthritis and degenerative diseases. In addition, it is a great source of potassium, which is important for maintaining blood pressure. Along with these, it contains a high amount of other nutrients that promotes health.

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Lifestyle... GARDENING 

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Tamika graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida. Email Tamika via tcweeklynews@gmail.com or tamikahandfield@yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.

Sugar ants I hate sugar ants, don’t you? Getting rid of ants is never a simple proposition, despite their simple nature. Luckily, for you, you are trying to get rid of sugar ants, and they are probably the most simple-minded ant species. Therefore, the real Sugar Ant is a native of the Australian continent, and exclusive to that part of the world. Pavement ants and Pharaoh ants are most mistakenly referred to as sugar ants, and they happen to be the most abundant ants here. For the purposes of maintaining simplicity in this article, I will refer to both Pharaoh and Pavement ants as sugar ants. After all, both ants are controlled and killed the same way. Sugar ants are mostly a problem during the months of March through October, particularly in the kitchen and the bathroom. Wipe down kitchen counter tops with bleach each night to get rid of sugar ants. Sugar ants love a dirty countertop almost as much as they love a dirty sink. I can't count the number of times I've spilled a few crystals of sugar (for my morning coffee) from the sugar cup on the counter, only to find I've fed an entire colony of ants the next morning. Wiping your countertops with bleach will not only help sanitize your kitchen, but bleach breaks down the pheromones that ants use to follow each other to sources of food. The Boric acid, less commonly known as boracic acid, is an acid used as a flame retardant, a fission rate regulator, an antiseptic and an insecticide. It often comes in the form of a white powder (available

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in some pharmacies), and is highly effective and widely used as a means of household pest control. However, experienced boric acid users know that in order to draw in the ants, the boric acid needs to be combined with foods that are tempting to insects. A good overall approach to making an effective boric acid ant trap is to remember that ants love sweet substances. Mixing a sufficient amount of anything sweet into boric acid will make it irresistible to household pests. Perhaps the simplest recipe for a boric acid ant trap is sugar syrup, made of two parts sugar to one part water, with 2 tablespoons of boric acid mixed in. Another popular formulation is to mix 1 tablespoon of peanut butter with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon boric acid. Yet another sugar-based boric acid recipe for ants involves 1 cup of corn syrup mixed with 1/4 cup hot water and 2 teaspoons of boric acid. Just remember that anything sweet and preferably sticky such as sugar syrup, molasses or corn syrup will make the boric acid tempting enough that ants will instinctively be drawn to the poison. It is very important to remember that while boric acid is considered a

weak acid, it is still poisonous, and must be kept away from children and animals. The best way to house your boric acid trap is to place it in some sort of jar or container with a secure lid. Remember to punch holes in the metal or plastic lid, so the ants can crawl inside, while still managing to keep pets at bay. To further childproof the boric acid traps, keep them in areas hard for small children to reach, such as on top of a kitchen cabinet or behind a refrigerator. The containers should be clearly labeled as poisonous, to eliminate any ambiguity about the contents. It is worth bearing in mind that the goal of your boric acid recipe is not only to kill the ants that feed on it, but also to kill as many of the other ants in the ant colony as possible. When ants crawl into the container in which you've placed your boric acid concoction, they will feed, and then return to their colony and share. This, in turn, spreads the poison exponentially, and further kills off the ant population in your home. A successful boric acid recipe will devastate an ant colony within a week or two, though in order for an ant colony to be completely and permanently annihilated, the poison must reach the queen.

Back to school Nutrition

It’s been a long hot summer, and now it’s time for a new school year to begin. Some children may be excited to see their old friends and make new ones, others may be a little afraid of what to expect since it’s their first time and others still may be a little bummed out because they can no longer stay up late and watch television. Parents, on the other hand, are super excited because they no longer have to go to the grocery stores 2 or 3 times per week! Whatever the emotion, you have to be fully prepared for the first day of school so here are some tips for you and your child that will help you start the year off right: 1. Do not take unwanted guests to school. The first step in packing a healthy lunch is to ensure your hands and all food surfaces are washed with soap and water. Bacteria can multiply very quickly when the conditions are right. Ensure that your child’s lunch box is cleaned and dried properly before packing the lunch. It is also important to keep food at the right temperature so you may want to purchase an ice pack that can be frozen or an insulated thermos that can be packed with the lunch if needed. 2. Be prepared for the snack attack. It is expected that children will come home famished after being at school all day, but if the house is stocked with good healthy snacks, such as fruits, vegetables, low sugar, high fiber cereals and low fat milk, they don’t fill up on the wrong kinds of foods. You can also pack a larger than usual lunch that they can have after school if they have extra-curricular activities. Fight the bulge. Childhood obesity is an epidemic and most times it is fueled by the poor food choices of the parents. A child does not need to have 2 or 3 juices included in his lunch box nor does he need a soda, chips and Little Debbie snack cakes. These foods are calorically dense and offer very little, if any, nutrients to growing children. 3. Get physical. Of course you have heard the recommendations of ensuring your child gets at least 60 minutes of physical activity everyday, but this sometimes proves to be easier said than done. Provide plenty of opportunities for your child to be active; enroll him in soccer or karate and while you wait you can run around the track a few times or go to the gym. Only buy video games that involve being active such as zumba. Try to be active with your child as this teaches him healthy habits as well as helps you stay fit. Nutrition In Demand A non profit organization helping you to: "Eat Healthy Today... Living, Longer, Better Tomorrow" Cell: (649) 242-3978 or (649) 442-3978

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Cuban detainee says he was almost beaten to death in the Bahamas A CUBAN man claiming to have been in custody at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre says he was one of a group of detainees beaten so severely “that they almost killed us”. Alexander Vazquez, 27, phoned into the radio show Desafio on 670AM - a Miami station, where he recalled a “brutal” assault which he claimed resulted in two broken ribs – one of which punctured his lung. That incident, he told the show’s host and Miami-based activist Ramon Sanchez on August 19, landed him in hospital for six days, after an operation. Vazquez has since been repatriated to Cuba where he lives at H Street, Colon and Maceo, number 9, Reparto Villa Josefa. “A day and a half after getting to the Bahamas, we were sleeping at around 3am, and the guards went crazy. They told everyone to wake up and separate, and go outside,” Vazquez said. “Myself, and two others were held in the room. They tied us up took us outside and beat us so bad, they almost killed us.” “While the beating was taking place, a senior officer was firing shots in the air. “It was very, very brutal, I tell you that from the heart. I believe one of us would have died that night. What saved us was that the sun was starting to come up by then, if not...” According to the Democracy Movement, Vazquez was sent back to Cuba on Friday, August 16, with the first group of Cubans. Vazquez went on to explain to Sanchez that he believed the officers at the Detention Centre did not want to take them to hospital for fear of the incident going public. “It seems that it was the immigration officers who took us to the hospital and when we got there.

Another small quake hits Caribbean – UWI officials warn region to prepare for bigger one

The Cubans were held in the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

In my case, I had two broken ribs and one of them had punctured my lung. “We were first taken to a clinic, and they didn’t want us to go to the hospital, but the doctors they insisted. I had to have an operation and spent five or six days in the hospital. “It seemed that they wanted to get me out of there, I guess because of the press was going to come there or something like that.” Sanchez said that while the beating was taking place, other officers came over. But when they realised what was going on, they left. When these officers first approached, one of the other Cubans said to the victims: “Look they are coming over here, they are going to stop them beating you.” Those officers instead got into their cars and left. The guards continued their abuse, Vazquez said. Speaking about the conditions at the Detention Centre, he said that children housed at the facility were forced to live in a climate of fear all the time. This was the case because they believed that at any moment a guard might fire shots in the air, and were always brandishing rifles and batons, he said.

US suspends aid to St Lucia police ST. LUCIA’S prime minister says the United States has suspended all aid to its police force over concerns about alleged unlawful police killings. According to the Associated Press, Prime Minister Kenny Anthony said in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday that the US has already blocked officers from participating in USfinanced training programmes and recently prevented the police commissioner from attending a

August 31 - September 6, 2013

conference. Anthony says the action is based on a US law that mandates the State Department to stop assistance to a foreign security force if there is credible information that a gross violation of human rights has occurred. AP said that there were 12 police killings in 2011, including five men who were fatally shot during an operation in the southern town of Vieux Fort. (Stabroek News)

Asked to comment on claims of female detainee sexual abuse, Vazquez said he saw no firsthand evidence of this, but that such incidents were common knowledge among those housed there. He said he was informed that male officers went into the female quarters at night and raped the women. Vazquez said he also heard about terrible beatings of Haitians some months before he got there. Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, who is currently travelling, would only answer to e-mail requests for comment by saying: “You have the government’s statement on all allegations.” (Tribune242.com)

Bahamian Tourism Minister keeps positive vibes AMID international scrutiny over abuse allegations at the detention centre, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said he will continue to promote a “positive image of our country.” It was following lengthy protests in Miami and continued discussion – both here and abroad, that the government announced they are investigating allegations of abuse to Cuban detainees.?When asked what he is doing regarding the country’s image in the aftermath of the allegations and subsequent publicity, Mr Wilchcombe said his ministry is continuing to promote the Bahamas as “a country of peace and love.”?“(We are) continuing to press on with our positive image of our country and to show the world that, notwithstanding what some have said, we are a country of peace and love and we welcome visitors from all over the world,” he said.?“I believe that’s been effective because we’ve not had any negative pushback in reference to this matter and we’ll continue to carry the message about the Bahamas.” (Tribune242. com)

THE Seismic Unit of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Tuesday confirmed that an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 had rattled several parts of Trinidad, the second tremor to be felt in the Caribbean within a one week period. It said that the quake was felt at 7.59 am (local time) and was located at 10.76 degrees North, 61.79 degrees west and at a depth of 57 km. The quake was felt mainly on the outskirts of the capital Portof-Spain. Last weekend, residents in

Antigua and Barbuda were jolted by a quake with a magnitude of 5.1. The Seismic Unit said that the quake, the second in the past seven days, had a depth of 30 km and was located east of Barbuda. The first quake, on August 17, had a magnitude of 3.8. There were no reports of deaths or injuries as a result of the earthquakes, but UWI officials have been warning Caribbean countries to be prepared for a major quake that could hit the region. (CMC)

84-year-old mauled to death by family pitbull in T&T AN 84-year-old great grandmother was Sunday mauled to death by a family pitbull in Trinidad. Lillian Bunsee had never ventured close to the dogs as she had been attacked in the past, but yesterday morning one of the dogs escaped from its kennel and again attacked her, this time killing her. Neighbours said the dog was one of approximately ten which were bred and being given aggression training in preparation for sale by two of the woman’s relatives. Never once did the residents hear Bunsee scream for help but only noticed she was being attacked as they walked along the roadway close to her home on La Seiva Road, Maraval. Police said it was shortly after 9 a.m. that the residents saw the woman on the ground with the dog tearing away at her body. They tried throwing boulders at the animal in an attempt to stop it but their efforts were unsuccessful, said officers. Investigators said several police officers who were on patrol nearby went to the scene after receiving a report and was only able to have the dog stop biting the woman after opening fire on the animal, shooting it six times. Residents in the area said the officers had no other option but to kill the dog. The other dogs were all locked away in their kennels, they said. “After the first two shots the dog was still biting the woman, like the shots did nothing to it. The police had to shoot it four more times before it stopped,” said one man. The resident, who asked that his name not be published, said

The great grandmother was attacked in the past by the dogs.

regardless of the type, he was always opposed to people giving aggression training to dogs within their own household which is shared with other family members. He said he was also knowledgeable when it came to the training of dogs and disagreed with the decision of the dog’s owner to carry out the training at the house. “Aggression training within your own environment and training of dogs within your own household where you have ageable people or family members in your house is a no no. Aggression is not the type of training to do within that environment. High potency dog food and aggression training in the home environment is creating a time bomb and it is just a matter of time before tragedy strikes,” he said.

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Regional News

Cayman new governor set to arrive on September 6 THE Cayman Islands new governor, Helen Kilpatrick, is scheduled to arrive in the country on the morning of Friday 6 September. The first British bureaucrat from outside the Foreign Office and the first women to take up the post, Kilpatrick is a finance expert and is expected to focus heavily on the public purse during her tenure. Kilpatrick will be sworn into office at the Legislative Assembly at 2:00 on the afternoon of her arrival, before she settles into the Seven Mile Beach house where she will live for the next three years. Kilpatrick, who is taking up her first overseas posting on behalf of the UK government, has said that she does not believe that her lack of FCO experience will be a hindrance in her new job. She said the position as governor would build on her previous experience in local government, in the Home Office, in policing and prisons. “Although working in the Foreign Office is new to me, the areas of responsibility I will have here are not new,” she told the press during a brief familiarization visit in July. She said her financial experience would be a great help, as it was an “important aspect of government and an import aspect of business life in Cayman.” Kilpatrick said her first impressions of the Cayman Islands were “absolutely fantastic”, as she described the welcome as friendly and said everyone had been very open with her. She arrives in Cayman directly from her former Home Office job.

As well as helping to get the public purse back in semblance of order, Helen Kilpatrick will need to focus on what many believe is the islands’ costly and over bloated civil service, but without cutting local jobs.

Her predecessor, Duncan Taylor, said the job of governor is different from other diplomatic roles and comes with significant powers and responsibilities. He said Kilpatrick’s experience managing local government budgets and overseeing the administration of police forces and other such jobs at the Home Office would be beneficial. As well as helping to get the public purse back in semblance of order, Kilpatrick will need to focus on what many believe is the islands’ costly and over bloated civil service, but without cutting local jobs. Before he left, Taylor said that he was disappointed that he had not been able to advance issues of accountability and transparency in the service and noted that this remained a pressing issue. (Caymannewsservice.com)

Study ranks Jamaica as the worst place for female entrepreneurs in the region JAMAICA has been ranked as possibly the worst place for women to do business in Latin America and the Caribbean. A study of 20 of the approximately 40 countries in Latin American and the Caribbean put Jamaica at the bottom of the list of best places for female entrepreneurs. (Guyana was not part of this survey.) The study was conducted by the Women’s Entrepreneu-rial Venture Scope, and was funded by the Multilateral Investment Fund, a member of the Inter-American Deve-lopment Bank Group. According to the index, Chile, Peru, and Colombia are among the best environments for female entrepreneurs, with El Salvador, Venezuela, Paraguay, and Jamaica at the bottom of the table. The index examined and scored

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

the 20 countries in five areas that either benefit or affect women in running small or medium enterprises. According to the report, female entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean are potentially one of the greatest underutilised resources in the region. The report said while Jamaica is a particularly challenging place for anyone to do business, the challenge is greater for women as the country has few formal institutions or programmes to support micro, small and mediumsize enterprises (MSMEs). Jamaica ranks last for the overall environment for female entrepreneurs. Social services, the entrepreneurial business environment, and high business operating risks are listed as the areas with the greatest need for improvement.

‘Dudus’ vs Massop war heats up in Jamaica RELATIVES and forces loyal to two of West Kingston’s notorious gangsters have been waging a deadly battle for turf in that section of Kingston, but the police are adamant that the area will not again be controlled by criminals. Incidents of violence in West Kingston, including Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town, have left 11 people dead in recent weeks, raised the level of tension in the area, and have even resulted in death threats being issued to member of parliament Desmond McKenzie. The battle over turf has escalated to a point that has seen a deterioration of relations among those close to imprisoned former Tivoli Gardens enforcer, Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, and the late gunman Claudius ‘Claudie’ Massop. Coke, who ran Tivoli Gardens like a fiefdom for several years, following the death of his father, Lester Lloyd ‘Jim Brown’ Coke under mysterious circumstances in 1991, was captured by local authorities in 2010 and extradited to the United States where he is serving a 23-year sentence in a federal prison after pleading guilty to racketeering. Massop, a feared bad man during the 1960s and 1970s, was shot dead by a large group of heavily armed policemen in 1979 at the Marcus Garvey Drive/Industrial Terrace intersection, close to Tivoli Gardens as he returned from one of his regular visits to horse racing track Caymanas Park in St Catherine. Also shot dead in that incident were Massop’s friends, Trevor ‘Hindu’ Tinson, who lived in Canada, and racehorse trainer Lloyd

With Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke (in photo) and Claudius Massop locked up and dead respectively, their families and former associates have taken up the fight for turf control in Jamaica.

‘Nolan’ Fraser, 21. Police said that they signalled the vehicle in which the men were travelling to stop and Massop jumped from it and fired two shots at them. The law enforcers said that when they fired back, Massop and his friends were killed. Two other men who were travelling in the vehicle escaped, police said. Both Coke and Massop commanded respect from all and sundry in the community that has remained fiercely loyal to the Jamaica Labour Party. They were also accused of heading underworld organisations that controlled drugs and guns inside and outside the area, along with managing an exorbitant extortion

scheme whereby vendors, merchants and traders in particular would have to pay them fees to do business in the area. Now, the fight over who should “run things” in West Kingston has forced police to redouble their efforts at keeping things calm and maintaining stability in the business district. Two members of Coke’s family are at the head of one faction, while the other includes some of Massop’s relatives and former associates. Two West Kingston residents told the Sunday Observer during a Friday afternoon visit to the community that they were on the edge of pessimism that the community could be “normal” again.

Barbados government asks Facebook for data on specific users BARBADOS is the only Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to have made a request of the social networking website, Facebook, for information regarding how its nationals use the facility. Facebook has for the first time published data on how often governments around the world request data on its users, and according to the social network, Barbados made three requests on three individual users in the last six months. Facebook does not specify the nature or type request but said it set “a very high legal bar with each individual request in order to receive any information about any of our users”. There has been no official comment from Bridgetown but Facebook has outlined the conditions

under which requests are accepted from governments. “As we have made clear in recent weeks, we have stringent processes in place to handle all government data requests. We believe this process protects the data of the people who use our service, and requires governments to meet a very high legal bar with each individual request in order to receive any information about any of our users. “We scrutinise each request for legal sufficiency under our terms and the strict letter of the law, and require a detailed description of the legal and factual bases for each request. We fight many of these requests, pushing back when we find legal deficiencies and narrowing the scope of overly broad or vague requests.

“When we are required to comply with a particular request, we frequently share only basic user information, such as name,” Facebook said. It said that it hopes the report published at https://www.facebook. com/safety/groups/law/guidelines/ will be “useful to our users in the ongoing debate about the proper standards for government requests for user information in official investigations. “And while we view this compilation as an important first report, it will not be our last. In coming reports, we hope to be able to provide even more information about the requests we receive from law enforcement authorities,” Facebook added. (CMC)

22 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Behavioural workshop to protect TCI’s youths BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE NATIONAL HIV Prevention Unit conducted a Knowledge Attitudes Practices and Behaviour (KAPB) survey recently which indicated that sexual behaviour among the country’s young people often begins as early as nine-yearsold. As a way of addressing the issue, a two day workshop commenced at the Airport Inn conference room on Wednesday (August 28). It was geared toward giving guidance counsellors and other stakeholders the skills to identify problems at an early stage. Coordinator for the HIV unit, Aldora Robinson, explained that a number of children are forced into becoming prematurely sexually active. “Some children below the age of 10 are not only sexually active because they want to, sometimes they are assaulted, and it can also be

incest or a number of other issues. “We need to address this; we need to give them the tools that they need in order to develop into healthy productive citizens within the Turks and Caicos Islands, not only physically but emotionally so therefore we want to instil key values and attitudes.” Robinson added that they have developed a directory that youths and families will be able to turn to for the correct source of help when these incidents occur. During the workshop, Government delegates were educated on decision making processes, conflict and conflict resolution, growth and development, self esteem and other important topics. Behaviour change specialist Salorne McDonald flew to the TCI from Trinidad and Tobago to assist with the sessions. McDonald noted that his objective was to instil the concept of change in the minds of people because

often times many focus more on the negative aspects of their lives as opposed to giving thanks for the positive. He said: “Don’t give in to what negatives you hear, for as long as there are people alive there will be negativity. “It’s easy to see what’s not working and how bad it is; it’s harder to see what’s positive and what we’re going to do to continue to make it positive. “I encourage you not to take the easy route.” Once an individual becomes sexually active, there is always a risk of extracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the negative labels that come from that. Director of Youth Angela Musgrove congratulated the HIV unit on moving a step closer to getting to a zero HIV and AIDS tolerance here in the TCI by educating as many people as possible. “Our first step has to be to correct

the misunderstandings about HIV and AIDS,” she said. “Indeed where misinformation and taboos are prevalent we find that fundamental human rights are being abused and violated and our young people who are the vulnerable ones often times go exposed.”

She hopes that young people will continue to engage in discussions that will allow them to be equipped with information that will motivate and inspire them to undertake creative, daring and crucial actions that are needed to respect the human rights of every person.

Salvation Army is open for donations THE SALVATION Army family store is advising interested people that its drop off location is at the Graceway Shopping Centre, on Leeward Highway, Providenciales. Donations can be received during store hours or if contacted for pick-ups.

Pick-ups can be arranged by calling 431-9711 or 431-6802 between 10am and 2pm from Monday to Wednesday, and 10am to 5pm on Fridays. A school uniform sale is now on at the store, which will be open on Saturday (August 31) from 9am to 12noon.

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Entertainment

Officials appeal for more interest in Caribbean cultural festival THE 11th Caribbean Festival of Arts and Culture (CARIFESTA) closed on Sunday in Suriname with concerns from high officials over the lack of participation. Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Culture Eleston Adams expressed his disappointment to the indifference shown by most of his Caribbean colleagues for the event. “I regret to say that I am disappointed about the absence and indifference of the culture ministers in the Caribbean states for the CARIFESTA,” Adams said. Apart from Adams, only cultural ministers from Barbados, Jamaica and Curacao attended the event, which took place on Aug. 1625 in Paramaribo, Suriname. The minister emphasized the benefits of attending the CARIFESTA in the long

Forest Whitaker plays a long-standing butler to a host of US presidents.

The Butler holds firm at top of US box office Carifesta XI is supposed to be the region’s top cultural event.

term, particularly the business opportunities, which “will surely prove their value in economic terms.” He also reminded that the region needs to recognize the

important role of culture. “Culture should be more prominent. If we want to reap the benefits, especially the tourist industry, each country should have a ministry of

culture,” he said. Meanwhile, Haiti’s President Michel Martelly arrived in Suriname for the closing ceremony, which made him the only Caribbean Community leader that participates in the event. Haiti will host the 12th CARIFESTA in 2015. The CARIFESTA was initiated by leaders of the Caribbean Community in 1972 to celebrate the arts and foster a vision of Caribbean unity, aimed at promoting Caribbean culture regionally and internationally. Art exhibitions and workshops, film screenings, book fairs, food markets, and other activities are showcased during the festival.

THE Butler, a star-studded historical drama set in the White House, has topped the North American box office for a second week, taking $17m (£11m). Officially titled Lee Daniel’s The Butler, because of a legal tussle, it tells the story of a long-serving servant in the home of the president. Jennifer Aniston’s We’re The Millers remained second with $13.5 (£8.6m), taking its total to $90m (£58.4m). The World’s End from British director Edgar Wright opened in fourth place. The film, the final in the trilogy from Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, took $8.9m (£5.7m), following an extensive promotional tour from the director and cast. Its predecessor, Hot Fuzz, took $5.8m (£3.7m) when it open in 2007. The producers of Mortal

Instruments: City of Bones which debuted in third spot with $9.3m (£5.9m) - are hoping to have hit upon the next big teen franchise in the mould of Twilight or The Hunger Games. Based on young adult fantasy book series, Sony Screen Gems has already committed to a sequel. The top five is completed by Disney’s Planes, a spinoff of Cars, which took $8.6m (£5.5m) The global box office chart, which excludes the US and Canada, was dominated by Jurassic Park, which has been re-released in 3D. Its strong showing, with $30m (£19.2m), bodes well for the franchise restarting next year with Jurassic Park 4. Second in the global chart was Matt Damon’s Elysium, followed by Monster’s University and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. (BBC)

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Hospital welcomes first acupuncturist BY DAISY HANDFIELD ON MONDAY (August 26) the Weekly News caught up with German acupuncturist Peter Waltz who is the first to introduce his practices at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. Waltz said that he had amassed 20 years of training and work experience in Germany, America and even China. The doctor explained that acupuncture therapy is an alternative medicine, but it works more efficiently with regular medicine. “Acupuncture is basically an ancient Asian healing art where you insert little tiny needles into the skin. “The needles are tinier then a syringe and are rounded at the top so it doesn’t cut through the skin like a syringe.” He added that it was not pain free. He said: “Just imagine you have a switch board and something is wrong with the body, you have a

disease so the flow of energy in the switch board is not right. “What you do with an acupuncture needle is like controlling the switch and getting enough electricity flow in the right direction again.” When asked how he felt establishing his business here in the TCI he expressed excitement towards this new experience. Aside from acupuncture therapy, Waltz will also offer therapy for pain, weight management, addiction, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and any type of depression. The doctor concluded with a useful tip in coping with the summer heat - people who may be working outdoors should eat a lot of watermelon to prevent heat strokes, he said. This is usually given to Chinese workers in the factories to replenish the fluids and electrolytes. Acupuncture appointments can be booked through the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

Peter Waltz – Hospital’s new acupuncturist

NEWS 25

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Entertainment

Damon is not playing Robin to Ben Affleck’s Batman MATT Damon and Ben Affleck are a dynamic duo, but their bromance isn’t going to make it into “Man of Steel 2.” At least, that’s what Damon told The Times Of India on a recent trip. Given his age - Damon’s turning 43 in October, whereas Affleck just turned 41 - the “Elysium” star can’t see himself playing the sidekick to his friend’s superhero. “I am a little older than Ben,” Damon told the paper, laughing off the speculation. “I never saw Robin as older than Batman.” And although there’s a popular photo going around showing Damon’s face Photoshopped onto Robin’s body, “it’s safe to say I won’t be Robin,” the actor said. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t support his pal’s latest job. The rest of the Internet may be up in arms, but Damon thinks the criticism is being overblown. “I think it will be great. It will be terrific,” he said of Affleck’s new role as the Caped Crusader. “I know there are a lot of people grousing on the Internet. I just think

Forbes said it was the most money Madonna had made in a single year since it began tracking earnings in 1999.

Ben Affleck (left) and Matt Damon have been friends for years.

it’s kind of funny. You know, he’s not playing King Lear. It’s Batman!” Damon continued.”Certainly within his skill set. If anybody saw ‘Argo’ or ‘The Town,’ and all the work he’s been doing lately, it’s way more nuanced and interesting and way more difficult than Batman! Batman just sits there with his cowl over his head and whispers in a kinda gruff voice at people. Bruce Wayne is the more challenging part of the role, and Ben will be great at that.”

One actor who might actually be joining the “Man of Steel” sequel, which will see Batman and Superman share the big screen for the first time, is Bryan Cranston. With “Breaking Bad” wrapping up, rumor has it the 57-year-old has lined up a job to play Lex Luthor in Zack Snyder’s film. Warner Bros. isn’t commenting on the gossip, but we’ll know for sure soon enough “Man of Steel 2” is scheduled to land in theaters July 17, 2015. (CNN)

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones ‘take break’ HOLLYWOOD actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones “are taking time apart” after 13 years of marriage, it has been confirmed. The actress’s publicist told the BBC the couple had taken the decision in order to “evaluate and work on their marriage”. Douglas, 68, and Swanseaborn Zeta Jones, 43, married in 2000 after meeting in France two years earlier. They have two children Dylan, 13, and Carys, 10. The pair have both struggled with health problems in recent years. Douglas was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2010, while Zeta Jones sought treatment for bipolar disorder in 2011 and again earlier this year. At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Douglas claimed his condition - which is now in remission - had been caused by oral sex. The couple share the same birthday, 25 September, and met at the Deauville Film Festival in France in 1998. They had their first child in August 2000, and married three months later in a lavish

Madonna is highestearning celebrity POP star Madonna was the world’s top-earning celebrity over the past year, trumping the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg. The 55-year-old Material Girl made an estimated $125m (£80m) thanks to her MDNA tour, clothing and fragrance lines, according to Forbes. The magazine said it was the most money Madonna had made in a single year since it began tracking earnings in 1999. Director Steven Spielberg was at number two with $100m (£64m). Most of his earnings came from his back catalogue of film hits such as ET and Jurassic Park - which has just been released in 3D to mark its 20th anniversary - as well as last

year’s Oscar winning Lincoln. The director also takes a cut of all ticket sales at Universal Studios theme parks. Third place was a three-way tie between 50 Shades of Grey author EL James, Simon Cowell and shock jock Howard Stern, with earnings of $95m (£61m). Thriller writer James Patterson follows with $91m (£58.5m), while TV and radio host Glenn Beck earned $90m (£57.8m). Others in the top 10 included Transformers director Michael Bay ($82m, £52.7m) producer Jerry Bruckheimer ($80m, £51.4m) and pop star Lady Gaga ($80m).

The Parents Television Council said the performance was ‘unacceptable’. The now “on a break” couple share the same birth date, though 25 years apart.

ceremony at New York’s Plaza hotel, where guests included Goldie Hawn, Christopher Reeve, Jack Nicholson and Brad Pitt. OK! magazine paid £1m for exclusive access to photographs of the day, but rival magazine Hello! spoiled the scoop by publishing pictures taken by somebody pretending to be a guest or a waiter. A long legal battle followed in the UK, with the couple arguing that Hello! had invaded their privacy. The case was eventually resolved in 2007, when the House Of Lords ruled Hello! had breached OK!’s confidentiality.

Prior to the wedding, the couple reportedly signed a prenuptial agreement, which entitles Zeta Jones to £1m for every year of their marriage in the event of the relationship coming to an end. Douglas insisted on the contract after his first wife, Diandra, was awarded £44m in their divorce. Speaking to the Mirror earlier this month, the actor said his biggest regret was not ending his first marriage sooner. He had married Diandra in 1977 and they separated in 1995, but did not file for divorce until 2000.

Miley Cyrus MTV performance draws complaints

MILEY Cyrus’s risqué performance at the MTV VMAs has drawn complaints from a parenting pressure group in the US. The Parents Television Council (PTC) issued a complaint against the channel over the 20-year-old’s routine, which saw her dance suggestively in a nude bikini with singer Robin Thicke. It argued the show should not have been rated as suitable for 14 year olds, adding: “Heads should roll at MTV.” Miley’s father Billy Ray Cyrus is among those on the PTC’s advisory board.

However, he is unlikely to have been party to the complaint, which also criticised MTV for airing a condom advert during the show. “This much is absolutely clear: MTV marketed adults-only material to children while falsely manipulating the content rating to make parents think the content was safe for their children,” Dan Isett, the PTC’s director of public policy said. “MTV continues to sexually exploit young women by promoting acts that incorporate ‘twerking’ [a sexually-suggestive dance] in a nude-coloured bikini.

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment

AEG expert: Michael Jackson was a drug addict

Baby North is the daughter of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian.

Kanye West shows off baby North KANYE West has been called many things, but these days the best description -- according to him -- is family man. The 36-year-old rapper appeared on Kris Jenner’s daytime talk show “Kris” on Friday to discuss his relationship with Jenner’s daughter, Kim Kardashian, and their new addition, North. But if Kanye was smart, he’d hire Jenner as part of his PR team. The reality TV momager, who has extended her family’s brand from E! to Fox with this test run of her talk show, reiterated several times that the stone-faced and difficult Kanye portrayed in

the media is not the man she’s come to know. (Kanye, after all, is now living in her home.) “I’m so excited that I’ve gotten to know you like I have,” Jenner said. “There are a lot of things that people don’t know about you that are so interesting to me that I want other people to hear.” Kanye spoke about the effect of the birth on his outlook. “To me it’s such a blessing, and I feel like it’s going to give me the stability that I need to really create and really do God’s work in the way I should,” Kanye, wearing a “what would Jesus do” bracelet, told Jenner.

Chris Brown suffered a seizure earlier this month.

Brown’s Canadian concerts cancelled after court case and seizure STEPHEN Tobin, the promoter of American R&B star Chris Brown’s concerts in Canada scheduled for this summer says all four events have been cancelled. Tobin, owner of Drop Entertainment Group, said the decision was made after consulting with Brown and in light of his recent personal and health-related issues. Brown suffered a seizure earlier

this month, which was said to have been brought on by intense fatigue and extreme emotional stress. The 24-year-old star’s publicist Nicole Perna said Brown suffered a non-epileptic seizure while he was working in a Los Angeles studio. A doctor subsequently examined the “Look At Me Now” singer, but he was not hospitalised.

A DRUG addiction expert who testified that Michael Jackson suffered a “quite extensive” drug addiction acknowledged there was no evidence the singer used more painkillers than medically necessary. Dr. Petros Levounis testified Tuesday and Wednesday for AEG Live in its defense of the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jackson’s mother and children. Lawyers for the concert promoter want to convince jurors that the singer was a secretive addict responsible for his own death from an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol. Their executives had no way of knowing the singer was in danger when he was preparing for his comeback concerts in 2009, they contend. Jackson lawyers contend AEG Live executives are liable because they negligently hired, retained or supervised the doctor who used propofol to treat Jackson’s insomnia as he prepared for his comeback concerts during the last two months of his life. The conclusion that Jackson was dependent on painkillers was not a revelation, considering Jackson himself announced it when he cut his “Dangerous” tour short to enter a rehab program in 1993. “If he announced it to the world it’s not very private, is it?” Jackson lawyer Michael Koskoff asked Levounis. “At that moment, he was not secretive,” Levounis replied. Jackson’s drugs of choice were opioids, painkillers given to him by doctors repairing scalp injuries suffered in a fire and during cosmetic procedures to make him look younger, Levounis testified. Labelling Jackson an addict

Katherine Jackson: Michael’s mother, 82, was deposed for nine hours over three days by AEG Live lawyers. As the guardian of her son’s three children, she is a plaintiff in the wrongful death lawsuit against the company that promoted Michael Jackson’s comeback concerts.

could tarnish the singer’s image among jurors, but its relevance to AEG Live’s liability is questionable. Opioids played no role in Jackson’s death, according to the Los Angeles County coroner. His June 25, 2009, death was ruled a result of an overdose of propofol. Dr. Conrad Murray told investigators he infused the singer with propofol for 60 consecutive nights to treat his insomnia so he could rest for rehearsals. The judge would not allow Levounis to testify if he thought Jackson was addicted to propofol. Levounis said addiction happens when a chemical “hijacks the pleasure-reward pathways” in your brain. “You remain addicted for the rest of your life,” Levounis testified. “Michael Jackson’s addiction

was quite extensive and I have very little doubt that his pleasure-reward pathways had been hijacked and he suffered from addiction,” he said. Levounis conceded he saw no evidence that Jackson used painkillers after he left rehab in 1993 until 2001 or between July 2003 and late 2008. He said it is not inconsistent for an addiction to go into remission. Under cross examination Wednesday morning, Levounis conceded that he never saw evidence that Jackson injected himself with narcotics, ever sought or used illegal drugs such as cocaine, meth or heroin, or abused drugs to produce euphoria or get high. There was also no evidence Jackson used more painkillers than doctors prescribed, he said.

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Martin Luther King Jr. 1963 March on Washington anniversary:

Obama: Economic equality is our great unfinished business US PRESIDENT Barack Obama has linked the ongoing struggle for economic equality in America with the goals of the 1963 March on Washington, in a speech marking its 50th anniversary. Mr Obama, the first black US president, said ensuring economic opportunity was “our great unfinished business”. He also linked his own rise to the White House with the efforts of the civil rights protesters decades ago. Members of Martin Luther King’s family and veterans of the march also spoke. Mr Obama gave his address at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington DC almost 50 years to the minute after Martin Luther King Jr culminated the march with his celebrated I Have a Dream speech The time - 15:00 local time (19:00 GMT) - was marked by ringing bells. Mr Obama began by honouring King, as well as the many AfricanAmerican and white marchers who descended on Washington to protest for equal rights for black citizens 50 years ago. “They assembled here, in our nation’s capital, under the shadow of the great emancipator, to offer testimony of injustice, to petition their government for redress and to awaken America’s long-slumbering conscience,” Mr Obama said. “Because they marched, city councils changed and state legislators changed and Congress changed, and yes, eventually the White House changed,” Mr Obama said to great cheers. “Because they marched, America became more free and fair.” He praised “those maids, those labourers, those porters, those secretaries” who had transformed the US into the nation “our children

The US had said it would not take action alone.

President Obama ‘sure Syria behind chemical attack’ – International response possible The civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., delivered his legendary address to some 250,000 protesters at the Lincoln Memorial in America’s capital city 50 years ago.

now take for granted”, in which individuals of different races mix freely in public and private life. “To dismiss the magnitude of this progress,” he said, “to suggest, as some sometimes do, that little has changed - that dishonours the courage and the sacrifice of those who paid the price to march in those years.” But Mr Obama argued “the very significance of these victories may have obscured a second goal of the march” - jobs and the promise of equal economic opportunity. “They were there seeking jobs as well as justice,” he said. “We must remind ourselves that the measure of progress for those who marched 50 years ago was not merely how many blacks had joined the ranks of millionaires,” Mr Obama said. “It was whether this country would admit all people who were willing to work hard, regardless of race, into the ranks of a middle-class life.

“To win that battle, to answer that call - this remains our great unfinished business.” The US president, who has clashed with Republicans in Congress over his economic policies, criticised “entrenched interests” and “elected officials who found it useful to practice the old politics of division”. But he said the 1963 march “teaches us that we are not trapped by the mistakes of history, that we are masters of our fate”. Mr Obama was joined on the stage by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, who also spoke. Former President George W Bush, who is recovering from a heart procedure, sent a message of support. In his statement Mr Bush said Mr Obama’s presidency reflected “the promise of America” and “will help us honor the man who inspired millions to redeem that promise”. Chat show host Oprah Winfrey and actors Forest Whitaker and Jamie Foxx also attended the event. (BBC)

Eleven-year-old starts university in Texas AT the tender age of 11, Carson Huey-You likes video games, movies, wrestling with his younger brother - and quantum physics. He’s a pint-sized prodigy who just started his freshman year at Texas Christian University. He’s the youngest college undergrad in the school’s history. “It’s very exciting,” the smiling youngster told NBC 5 News in Dallas-Fort Worth. His feet barely touched the ground when he played Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” on the piano during his admissions interview. He was only 10 when he applied, leading to some interesting challenges. “He was completely off the grid when it came to even the most basic of things, like completing an

Carson Huey-You, 11, is the youngest person to ever attend Texas Christian University.

application or completing a financial aid form,” Dean of Admissions Ray Brown told NBC 5. “Because of his date of birth, those forms would not accept his application.” He’s now taking a full course

load that includes physics, calculus, history and religion. His mom Claretta attends class with him. “It’s fun because it’s basically just like high school, but in a big campus…with a lot more people,” Carson told CBS 11 News. He scored a 1770 on his SAT, was co-valedictorian of his high school senior class and speaks Mandarin Chinese, TCU’s student newspaper reported. Him mom told the paper he was reading chapter books at age 2 and could multiply and divide a year later. Dad Andre Huey-You, a former pilot, said he was “not pushing” Carson to try college so early, rather he was trying to “hold on” to his exceptionally gifted son.

US President Barack Obama says the US has concluded that the Syrian government carried out a chemical weapons attack near Damascus. He said the use of chemical weapons affected US national interests and that sending a “shot across the bows” could have a positive impact on Syria’s war. But in the interview with PBS, he said he had not yet made a decision about whether to intervene militarily. His comments follow a day of behind-the-scenes wrangling at the UN. The UK had been pushing for permanent members of the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution which would have authorised measures to protect civilians in Syria. But Syrian ally Russia refused to agree to the resolution and the meeting produced no end to the diplomatic stalemate which has long characterised the UN position on Syria. The US State Department criticised “Russian intransigence” and said it could not allow diplomatic paralysis to serve as a shield for the Syrian leadership. Critics have questioned what purpose a limited strike on Syria could serve, but Mr Obama said it would send the government of Bashar al-Assad “a pretty strong signal that it better not [use chemical weapons] again”. The US has yet to produce the intelligence it says shows Mr Assad’s government is guilty of using chemical weapons, and UN weapons inspectors are still investigating inside Syria. UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon has said they need four more days to complete their investigations and has appealed for the team to be “given time to do its job”. Syria denies using chemical weapons and blames opposition fighters for the attack on 21 August, which reportedly killed hundreds of people near Damascus. It accused the West of “inventing” excuses to launch a strike. In a sign of growing fears

about an impending attack among Syrians, the Associated Press quoted Lebanese officials as saying at least 6,000 Syrians crossed into Lebanon in a 24-hour period through the main Masnaa crossing - compared to a normal daily tally of between 500 and 1,000 refugees. “Isn’t it enough, all the violence and fighting that we already have in the country, now America wants to bomb us, too?” one 45-year-old woman, entering Lebanon with her five children, told AP. In Damascus senior military commanders are reportedly staying away from buildings thought likely to be targeted. You “could hear a pin drop” at one of them, a local resident said. President Obama told the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) that the US had concluded that the Syrian government carried out the chemical weapons attack. “There need to be international consequences, so we are consulting with our allies,” he said. There was “a prospect that chemical weapons could be directed at us - and we want to make sure that doesn’t happen”. But Mr Obama said he had come to no final decision on what course to take. Opinion polls until now have shown very little interest among the US public in getting involved in the Syrian conflict. In an open letter to the president, US House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner demanded he explain “the intended effect of military strikes”, and how he would prevent the intervention escalating, if he wanted to win public and congressional backing for action. More than 110 members of Congress have signed a letter formally requesting that Mr Obama seek congressional approval for any action in Syria. The US has said it will not take action alone - but one of its primary allies, the UK, has agreed to wait until UN inspectors report back before taking a final parliamentary vote on potential action.

August 31 - September 6, 2013

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Panama: North Korea ship to Cuba ‘broke arms embargo’

Chicago nun Vivian Ivantic turns 100 today. She’s spent 80 years at the St. Scholastica Monastery and throughout that time, she’s held onto her dream of becoming a priest.

At 100 Chicago nun still wants to become a Catholic priest A CHICAGO nun is celebrating her 100th birthday today — but there’s something missing. Ever since she was 10 years old, Sister Vivian Ivantic has wanted to become a Catholic priest. Ivantic joined the Benedictines when she was 20 years old and since then, she’s been hoping for a change in the Catholic Church’s policy toward female ordination. “We need women in church offices,” Ivantic told The Chicago Tribune. “It won’t come in my lifetime, but it will come.” Ivantic argues that women have held important roles in the Church for a long time, as teachers, nurses and social workers. In her own lifetime, she’s seen women gain footholds in politics and in the workplace. She thinks it is time for a change in the Church, as well. “I think the American church is outstanding,” Ivantic said. “But I’m waiting for women’s ordination.” She’s not alone. Several Catholic organisations

have been vocal about halting what they see as an injustice. The Women’s Ordination Conference and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) have advocated for a change in the Church’s policy. But the Church has sought to nip these campaigns in the bud. The LCWR was recently reprimanded by the Vatican for its views. Roy Bourgeois, a popular Maryknoll priest, was expelled from the Church last November for supporting the idea of female priests. During Ivantic’s lifetime, several Protestant denominations, such as the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal churches, have welcomed women into the priesthood. But the Catholic Church’s official stance toward female ordination hasn’t changed for centuries. Catholic priests are considered part of a long lineage of holy people, one that started with Jesus Christ. Since Jesus chose only male apostles, only men are allowed to carry on the legacy.

Mudslides kill 13 after Fernand hits Mexico

MUDSLIDES killed at least 13 people after Fernand slammed into the east of coast of Mexico, state media reported Monday. Fernand was a tropical storm when it made landfall late Sunday, bringing heavy rains. The storm quickly fizzled into a tropical depression and had dissipated by Monday afternoon, forecasters said. But even as it weakened, authorities in the state of Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico said the storm brought heavy rains that caused deadly mudslide in several locations. All of the deaths were caused by mudslides that buried homes, Veracruz Gov. Javier Duarte said, according to Mexico’s state-run

Notimex news agency. Fernand formed over the western Bay of Campeche on Sunday. As of 4 p.m. ET, the storm’s remnants were about 75 miles (125 km) west-southwest of Tuxpan, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph (45 kilometers per hour), the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said. The storm was expected to dump between 4 and 8 inches of rain over the states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, northern Puebla, southern Tamaulipas and eastern San Luis Potosi, with more than 15 inches of rain in some places. Forecasters warned that more life-threatening mudslides were possible.

PANAMA says an undeclared Cuban weapons cargo found on a North Korean ship is an “undoubted violation” of the United Nations’ arms embargo on Pyongyang. A draft report by UN experts sent to Panama after the seizure of the ship in July confirmed a breach of sanctions, the ministry of public security said. Two North Korean diplomats are in Panama to assist the ship’s 35 crew. Cuba said it shipped the arms to North Korea for repair. It did not say why they were hidden under tonnes of sugar. A source in the public security ministry said authorities had been given a first draft of the report compiled by UN sanctions panel experts, the AFP news agency reports. The ship, the Chong Chon Gang, was seized on suspicion it was carrying drugs. The vessel had been navigating the Panama Canal. Officials found 25 containers of military hardware, including two Soviet-era MiG-21 fighter aircraft, air defence systems, missiles and command and control vehicles. The statement from the Panamanian public security ministry was released after the North Korean

One of two Soviet-made fighter planes found inside the North Korean vessel.

diplomats - from the country’s mission in Havana - visited the crew members at a former military base. They are being detained on suspicion of arms trafficking; an offence which carries a 12-year prison sentence. The United Nations inspectors completed their work two weeks ago but are yet to present their official findings publicly. The Chong Chon Gang left Russia’s far east on 12 April and travelled across the Pacific Ocean

before entering the canal at the start of June, with Cuba as its stated destination. The ship disappeared from satellite tracking systems after it left the Caribbean side of the canal, resurfacing on 11 July. Experts say this may indicate that the crew switched off the system that automatically communicates details of their location. It was stopped near Manzanillo on the Atlantic side of the canal on 15 July. (BBC)

Greece joining euro was a mistake: Merkel GREECE should never have been allowed to join the euro, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, as she tries to lay the blame for the eurozone’s debt crisis at the door of her political opponents. Campaigning for re-election next month, Germany’s center-right leader said her Social Democrat predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder, had been wrong to support Greece’s membership and agree to relax strict budget rules designed to underpin the currency. “This crisis has been formed over many years through mistakes that were made when the euro was created,” she said at a campaign rally Tuesday. “For example, one should not have accepted Greece into the eurozone ... Chancellor Schroeder accepted Greece and weakened the stability pact,” said Merkel. “Both were fundamentally wrong and are the reasons for our problems today.” After Greece adopted the euro in 2001, public spending and government borrowing soared, leaving the country unable to pay its way when the global financial crisis hit. Since 2009, Greece has been kept on life support by two bailouts from the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund worth a total of €240 billion ($320 billion).

Germany’s Angela Merkel accuses her predecessor of laying foundations of Europe’s debt crisis by admitting Greece to the euro zone and relaxing strict budget rules.

But the emergency loans came with conditions, including savage austerity measures that contributed to a sharp contraction in Greece’s economy during six years of recession and unemployment soaring to record levels of nearly 28%. As Europe’s biggest economy, Germany has made the largest contribution to the bailout funds but Merkel has been attacked in Greece and elsewhere for prescribing such a heavy dose of austerity. The policy has been popular at home, however, and opinion polls

suggest she should win a third term on September 22, helped by accelerating economic growth and signs of recovery in the eurozone. Merkel’s campaign outburst does not signal a change in policy toward Greece or other struggling states such as Portugal and Cyprus. Merkel and finance minister Wolfgang Schaueble are determined to keep Greece in the eurozone and are prepared to consider further financial help for the country, which may need another €10 billion to plug a funding gap. (CNN)

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Brama Kumaris

FOR RENT

3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.

contact: 946-4664

Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101

www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com

FOR SALE

August 31 - September 6, 2013

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

UC IMMIGRATION LTD. On behalf of clients:

Domestic worker $5.00/hour Nail technician $6.00/hour Hair styling/ hair dresser $6.00/hour Cashier $5.00/hour Carpenter $8.00/hour Waitress $5.00/hour Bartender $5.00/hour Bar maid $5.00/hour Tile layer $8.00/hour Green keeper $6.00/hour Kitchen helper $5.00/ hour

Contact: 649-245-0990 9076

Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

SALE!!! FLOWER GIRL TEDDYS, ROSES, BASKETS

25%–35% OFF

CONTACT: 649-946-4894 KELCI & ROMAINA TALBOT IS SEEKING FOR

ROBERT SAUNDERS

DOMESTIC

WORKER WANTED DOMESTIC Applicant must be honest, reliable, hardworking and friendly Must be fluent in Spanish and English salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 231-4461

WORKER SALARY $6.00 PER HOUR

CONTACT 332-3022

Is looking for

Labourer Salary: $5.00 per hour

Contact 245-9848

PRICE SLASHED FOR QUICK SALE

$180,000 CASH! House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

CLASSIFIEDS 31

GARDENERS/ LABORERS NEEDED • Applicants must be able to work outdoors performing manual and physical labor • They must be able to operated a jackhammer, lawnmower and chainsaw • They will be asked to dig holes, mix and spread topsoil/cow manure and plant • They must be able to speak and communicate in English • Starting salary is $5.00 per hour and maybe required to work on weekends and holidays if needed Please bring all applications to Environmental Arts located at #65 Beechwood Road, Gracebay, Providenciales or email: admin@ enviromentalarts.tc Successful applicants will be notified by phone for interview

Amazing Value! Lot for Sale

In Gated/Planned Community in Long Bay. Flamingo Crossing lot comes with full set of House Plans, all underground utilities, etc.

$49,999 o.b.o. Call 231-3788

PRICE SLASHED $175,000

9087

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

VACANCY NOTICE Director DEPARTMENT: Youth Affairs MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Library Services LOCATION: Providenciales

PURPOSE OF JOB The National Director leads a team of professional and support staff at the Department of Youth Affairs. The National Director is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the three-year Strategic Plan and national Youth Policy. She/he is also responsible for implementing the National Youth Policy. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Developing national strategy and operational plan to ensure the effective implementation of Government youth development policy by: a) Developing the strategic plan in consultation with relevant stakeholders. b) Developing the annual national operational plan and forecasting financial project allocations. 2. Implementation of the work of the Department of Youth Affairs to ensure the programmes fulfils the agreed strategic plan by: a) Reviewing current and proposed programmes to ensure they are in line with national mandate. b) Reviewing current and proposed programmes to ensure they are in line with the regional youth mandate (CARICOM and CYP) and applicable international trends and obligations c) Developing processes for evaluating operational outputs/ outcomes at local and national levels d) Overseeing the financial expenditure on Projects e) Ensuring compliance with Government Procedures 3. Networking with other government and private sector agencies and NGO’s at national and regional level and mobilizing financial and other resources for youth development activities 4. Representing the Ministry at regional and international levels. a) Providing periodic updates on youth development issues at local and national levels using available media. 5. Promoting youth mainstreaming and participation in development, democracy, governance at the local and national levels, and active citizenship to advance the involvement of youth in the decision making processes in the TCI. 6. Overall management of the Department of Youth Affairs 7. Liaise with the Deputy Secretary and Permanent Secretary about recommendations for necessary amendments to the Strategic & Operational Plan. 8. Adhere to all Public Service codes, rules and regulations. 9. Perform other related tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

;; Bachelor’s degree in Social Science/Humanities/related field or equivalent. ;; A Master’s degree would be an asset. ;; At least 5 years experience in youth work, social and community development, programme development. ;; Considerable working experience in managing staff, resources and stakeholders.

RENUMERATION PACKAGE

;; Salary: $35,880.00 per annum ;; Telephone Allowance: $1,200.00 per annum ;; Transportation Allowance: $2,220.00 per annum

NEEDED Cosmetologist

to care for 2 infants from 8am-5pm salary $5.00 per hour

2 Assistant fishermen

Preferred applicants should have certification. MUST have at least 3 yrs experience in the following areas: facials, microdermabrasion, face & body waxing, lash extension, wart removal. MUST be able to work weekends and public holidays. Applicant should speak English

Contact: 649-242-8558 9093

Salary $6 per hour. Interested persons should email resume to Facesandfingers@gmail.com

Domestic worker

to work on a commercial fishing vessel salary $5.50 per hour

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.05

NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE TITLE NUMBER SECTION ISLAND 51212/11 BOTTLE CREEK CENTRAL NORTH CAICOS Whereas, STANFORD STERLIN HANDFIELD of Bottle Creek, North Caicos, had declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number(s) registered in his/her/their name was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found. Take notice that I, Paul Madgwick, Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new land certificate for the said title six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette. Dated this 15th day of August 2013 Signed ............................................................................................... Registrar of Lands

Witnessed ..........................................................................................

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos THE WINE CELLAR Is seeking to hire

HOW TO APPLY

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page. Current serving officers must apply through their Heads of Department. Applications should be addressed to the Office of the Human Resource Management Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Submitted via Facsimile: 946-1582 or sent by email to: recruitment@ gov.tc with the subject line being: Director-Youth Affairs. Envelopes should have the subject: Director-Youth Affairs marked on the front.

Deadline: September 11th, 2013

QUALIFIED BELONGERS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST CONSIDERATION ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED

WANTED

9085

32 CLASSIFIEDS

9091

SALES CLERK/ INVENTORY SPECIALIST

• The Sales Clerk/ Inventory Specialist is responsible for receiving and selling merchandise, verifying and tracking inventory, investigating variances and discrepancies, and ensuring data is accurately captured in POS and Counterpoint, respectively • Duties include: • Proficiency with Ms Office software, with emphasis on Word, Excel and Outlook • Knowledgeable of counterpoint inventory system • Ability to work in a deadline driven environment with minimal supervision • Create excel spreadsheets and word for inventory

purposes • Post and maintain all records of transfers for wine and non alcoholic products from wholesale to retail • Maintain accurate inventory levels as defined by management • Enter data into counterpoint on a daily basis and transferred between wholesale and retail • Upload post and reconcile inventory counts in counterpoint daily • Perform physical recounts and maintain accurate knowledge of inventory counts • Must have at least 3-4 years experience and excellent knowledge about Wine and Spirits

Salary range based on qualifications and experience Send resume to: judita@winecellar.tc

9079

August 31 - September 6, 2013 ALVEDA AND CHARLTON GARDINER is looking for a

Bus Attendant To work on North Caicos must be willing to work 5 days per week $5.00 per hour.

contact: 2316966 or 946-7167

9039

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLINTON & SHEBA WILSON #57 Palm Circle Leeward Palms Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

Is Looking for:

Tailor Salary: $8.00 per piece Contact: 3315282/321-8816

9077

DARON EWING Is looking for a

CUBAN CRAFTERS TCI is looking for the following positions:

2 CIGAR ROLLERS $5.00 per hour

FLYER DISTRIBUTOR $5.00 per hour

Must be willing to work 6 days per week Contact: 946-4600 or 231-2823 9079

D & B AUTO PARTS

Shamrack Plaza, Industrial Park Providenciales, turks and caicos island Tel: 649-941-8438. Fax: 649-941-7387 D & B auto parts is seeking an

Labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 242-4240

Auto Accounts Receivable clerk

Must: ;;Monitor and co-ordinate deliveries ;;Inspect good received ;;Prepare Purchase Orders ;;Maintain Updated Purchasing records ;;Have 6 yrs. Experience in Auto parts ;; Speak fluent English and Spanish ;; Be familiar with quick books

Is looking for a

9073

FLOWER GIRL Is looking for a

Sales Clerk To work 5 days contact: 245-7557

9081

per week salary $6.00 per hour.

domestic worker To work 6 days per wee salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 946-4894

JOB VACANCY

Margaritaville Grand Turk currently seeks to identify

kitchen helpers, servers, bartenders, stores clerk and playmaker For the upcoming season

Persons must be able to work under pressure and be willing to work as part of a team.

Submit applications accompanied by a resume to the Human Resource department or by faxing to 649946-1514. Applications close on

Career Opportunity Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development with business/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience.

Job Requirements: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bartender

Applicant must be a minimum of 19 years of age. Be fluent in written and spoken English. Possess a High School Certificate. Have two years experience as a Bartender, or two years as a Bar back in a five star-hotel upscale environment. Perform specified Bartender duties, including food and drink orders, preparation, and serving. Direct and assist the Bar back and beverage servers. Follow specific cash and system handling procedures. Be responsible in the serving of alcohol and the laws and regulations surrounding it. Maintain ongoing knowledge of the hotel operations. Maintain the cleanliness, working order, and presentation of the bar top, tables, service areas and outlet itself. Qualified Belongers need only apply. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Pool & Beach Attendant Job Requirements:

9088

MARIA’S VARIETY

CLASSIFIEDS 33

September 4th, 2013. While we thank every applicant for their interest in Margaritaville Grand Turk, only short-listed persons will be contacted. Only Belongers need apply; proof of belongership is required.

9084

• The candidate must have good communications skills and must be able to work in a fast paced environment. • Individual is responsible for the set up and breakdown of the pool and beach umbrellas & beach beds. • 1-2 year related experience and/or training. • Provide towels/chairs/umbrellas to guests. • Perform side work including the folding of towels, preparing water and fruit skewers • Clean ashtrays, straighten chairs, and keep all outside beach and pool areas free of debris. • Must be friendly and guest service minded. • Must be able to carry heavy loads and work outdoors for long hours. • Belongers need only to apply • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Reservations Manager Requirements:

• A Degree in Hotel Administration or equivalent work experience • Previous experience in Reservations Department • To efficiently manage the Reservations Department with minimal costs and maximum profitability through proficient management of staff, internal controls, administration of company policies & excellent guest service. • At least 2 years of direct related experience as an Assistant Reservation Manager for a 5 star luxury property • Participate in hotel MOD program. Conduct department meetings as required and attends staff hotel meetings. • Communicates with all hotel departments and staff to ensure the efficient operation of Reservations Department. • Energetic, positive visionary leader, dedicated to motivating and developing team members. • Qualified Belongers need only apply • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Restaurant Manager Job Requirements: • • • • • • • •

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management At least 3-4 years experience as a Restaurant Manager in a luxury hotel/resort/club Experience in quality and efficiency initiatives International and multi-outlet experience Ability to lead, train and organize team to deliver superb guest experience Ability to manager budget and understand how P&L is prepared. Knowledge of health and sanitation standards Be able to prepare staff schedules, timesheets and have knowledge of Macros, Excel and Windows • Qualified Belongers need only apply. • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than July 1st 2013 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050 Email: veronica.clare@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

34 CLASSIFIEDS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS VALERIA MISSICK Is looking for a

JOB VACANCIES 1) DIVE INSTRUCTORS

Looking for SCUBA Diving instructors with experience in the Turks and Caicos Islands dive industry to conduct dive courses, lead dives and snorkel trips, and assist on other eco-adventure activities at Big Blue. Applicants must be a current PADI dive instructors and have the skills and personality for sales, reservations, & public relations. Starting salary of approximately $1800 per month. Please drop resume and cover letter to Big Blue at the Leeward Marina between the hours of 8am to 5pm or e-mail to bigblue@tciway.tc. You will be contacted for an interview if required and the deadline for applications is 30th Sept 2013. Positions start in November 2013.

To work 5 days per week salary. $5.00 per hour. contact: 332-3487 9042

5) DOMESTIC WORKER

Looking for a domestic worker to work at Big Blue to provide cleaning, food preparation, and other domestic services. Must be prepared to start work at 5am and endure long working days plus be prepared to work Saturdays and Sundays. Independent transport to and from work is mandatory. Excellent communication skills and reading/writing in English is required. Must be able to work quickly, efficiently and as part of a team. Starting wage at $75 per day. Please drop resume and cover letter to Big Blue at the Leeward Marina between the hours of 8am to 5pm or e-mail to bigblue@tciway.tc. You will be contacted for an interview if required and the deadline for applications is 30th September 2013. Position starts in November 2013.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Is looking to fill the Following persons:

Maid To work 5 days a week. Salary: $5.00 per hour

Contact 244-7088

9071

3 masons 3 tile layers 2 laborers 1 carpenter Salary starting at $5.50 Based on experience. Send 3 references And resume to tcivisionconstruction@ gmail.com. Belongers only need apply

9074

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Vacancy

3) MARINE BIOLOGISTS / ECO-TOUR GUIDES

Looking for a sales person to work in a thriving Tourism Adventure Company. The applicant must have a minimum of 3-years of experience with sales & reservations in the tourism industry and have superior PR, computer, and organizational skills. Applicants that are able to speak and write French will be considered first. All applicants must be presentable, articulate, and be able to work long and flexible hours under pressure. Weekends mandatory. Starting salary of $1500 per month plus sales commissions. Please drop resume and cover letter to Big Blue at the Leeward Marina between the hours of 8am to 5pm or e-mail to bigblue@tciway.tc. You will be contacted for an interview if required and the deadline for applications is 30th November 2013. Position starts in late 2013 or early 2014

T & C VISION CONSTRUCTION

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

PASA Kite boarding Instructor(s) required to provide kite instruction, lead kite board excursions, and conduct all required kite equipment maintenance. Base salary of approximately $1800 per month, 6-days per week for a minimum of 6hrs per day. Only experienced and qualified instructors need apply. Send resumes to bigblue@tciway.tc. The deadline for applications is 30th Sept 2013. Positions start in October 2013.

4) SALES PERSON

Is looking for

Labourer

2) KITEBOARDING INSTRUCTORS

Looking for persons with experience and qualifications in the field of Marine Biology to join Big Blue’s team of eco-tour guides and dive instructors. Applicants must have experience in tropical waters and be able to lead educational kayak, paddleboard, snorkel and sightseeing eco-adventures. Applicants must have a first aid and CPR certificate and have the personality for sales, public relations and education. Applicants with boat driving experience, and STCW’95/TCI boat captain’s license preferred and will enjoy a better salary. Starting salary of approximately $1800 per month. Please drop resume and cover letter to Big Blue at the Leeward Marina between the hours of 8am to 5pm or e-mail to bigblue@tciway.tc. You will be contacted for an interview if required and the deadline for applications is 31st October 2013. Positions start in late 2013 or early 2014.

WILFRID FORBES

Customer Service Representative Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet & assist customer promptly and appropriately • Provide information to callers by answering or referring inquiries and follow-up on customer inquiries not immediately resolved. • Collect contributions on a daily basis. • Ensure that calculators and payments match on a daily basis. • Close-out end of day cash receipts and report to immediate supervisor. • Collection and verification of status for clearance letter applications. • Sort and file processed clearance letters on a daily basis. • Ensure that processed clearance letter application forms are filed on a daily basis. • Perform day-to-day administrative/clerical tasks such as maintaining information files as well as provide word-processing • Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of NHIB.

Person specification • • • • • • •

Working experience in a Customer Oriented environment for a minimum of 1-2 years Excellent telephone Skills, Excellent written/verbal communication Very detail oriented with the ability to multi-task Show initiative Time management skills Professionalism, Customer Relations experience, Reliable, Multi-task oriented, Organization, Handles • Ability to be able to work efficiently with little or no supervision

Salary

Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience

Deadline for Submission is September 6th, 2013. All Applications should be addressed to: Zaneta Burton Chief Executive Officer National Health Insurance Board Salt Mills Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands British West Indies Email: Zburton@tcinhip.tc

9086

August 31 - September 6, 2013

MCDONALD WILLIAMS Is looking for a

MCKNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM

MR. BIGGS CAR WASH Is looking for

Domestic

Labourer Worker To work 5 days Per week salary $5.50 per hour

Applicant must be honest, reliable, and hardworking. Salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact: 2417557

Contact: 649-941-2330 or email:peter@mcknights.tc

9075

9079

Car Washers To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 231-0882 or 243-2591

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

ATTORNEY CORPORATE-COMMERCIAL Senior level solicitor required with a minimum of 15 years postqualified experience and with the following qualifications: - Extensive experience in international taxation, trusts and financial services - Experience in large commercial transactions - Proven ability to manage a team of professionals and willingness for training of junior colleagues and other technical staff - Must be called to the TCI bar or eligible for admission - STEP member of willingness to sit requisite exams - Willingness to travel to and possibly relocate to the firm’s other international offices Belongers are particularly encouraged to apply. Apply in writing with CV and cover letter to Christian Papachristou via fax to (649) 946-4484 or cp@bishopslegal.com with a copy to the Labour Office, Providenciales.

TCMillwork ltd. Architectural woodworking, Cabinetry and Design South dock road, P.O. box 238 Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands

Machinery Technician Skills required for position: • Individual must have previous experience with manufacture, construction, and installation of high end cabinetry.

• Must be familiar with operation of all current woodworking machinery and tools with proper safety practices. • Must be able to read Auto-Cad drawings. • English speaking, bilingual preferred.

Duties: Keep machinery in operable condition. Assist other employees in general millshop operations and maintenance. Must be professional and courteous.

Please send applications to: tcmillwork@tciway.tc contact person: Stephan 231-4537

PROVO DISCOUNT PHARMACY

Is seeking one

SALES CLERK Salary: $5.00 per hour

Contact: (649) 941-5213 9098

Wideline Fervil W & F Variety Store Needs a

Sales person To work 5 days a week $5.00 per hour

Contact 242-6980

9062

9080

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Skills Required: • 5 years work experience in maintaining, adjusting, tuning and repairing woodworking machinery. Such as 5 heads molder machine, hydraulic press, planner, shaper, thickness sander, etc. • Trained to fit this position. Salary at $8.00 per hour

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Job opportunity Housekeeping staff and Front Desk Manager

Housekeeping staff: Enjoys cleaning and maintaining guest rooms, knowledge of cleaning process and attention to details Front Desk Manager: Applicant must have excellent communication and problem resolution and conflict management skills at least 5 years experience. Ability to manage housekeeping staff. Must be computer savvy and have a working knowledge of microsoft word excel and outlook. Must have customer service and organization skills. Friendly personality and ability to work without supervision. Applicant must be prompt and ambitious with a desire to learn. Leadership qualities are an asset. This position requires flexibility in scheduling and patience. Applicants must have a valid drivers license and vehicle

Please forward your resume to lisa.franklin.bmt@gmail.com

9084

DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

PO Box 52, Cheshire House East 1315A Leeward Highway, Providenciales

36 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

SUNSET PENTHOUSE VIEW EXECUTIVE CONDO:

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

SPACIOUS, UPSCALE, ONLY 2 SUITES! VERY PRIVATE! $1,650.00 US/MO • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Private, quiet Cul-de-sac with south shore views! CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN, IGA, DINING & AIRPORT 2,000 sq ft fully furnished Executive condo. 10 Foot ceilings, bright open airy concept. PIPED WATER! Split Unit A/C in all rooms! Grand master bedroom with luxurious en-suite granite bathroom and a 2nd spacious bedroom with en-suite. CUSTOM Gorgeous SUPER LARGE fully equipped kitchen and all high-end appliances! Very inviting open concept bright living room TV/VCR, Stereo, Private en-suite washer & dryer. Upgraded décor furnishings, Italian porcelain and ceramic tile throughout. Lovely private enclosed covered patio. Professionally landscaped gardens extremely private and secure. Timed Perimeter lighting. By application only. Work Permits required! Immediate possession!

HOUSEMAN All applicants must be able to present a clean Police Record if offered a position. Wage commensurate with experience. Individuals must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a flexible schedule dictated by business demands. Ability to speak English is mandatory.

9063

Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services On behalf of his clients:

TCI Waste Disposal

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Waste Collector 1) Labourer

Salary is negotiable with employer. Interested candidate may contact Employer at 431-7889 for further details regarding employment.

Ricardo Fulford Contracting is seeking employment for the following:

1) Green Keeper

Salary is negotiable with employer. Interested candidate may apply through ricardofulford@gmail.com for further details regarding employment.

Alexandra Fashion

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Labourer

Salary is $6.00 per hour. Interested candidate may contact 342-5776 for further details regarding employment.

Dolmen Construction

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Skill Labourer

Salary is negotiable with employer. Interested candidate may apply through ricardofulford@gmail.com for further detailes regarding employment.

Tropical Bar

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Domestic Worker

Salary is negotiable by employer. Interested candidate may apply through ricardofulford@gmail.com for further details regarding employment.

Snip & Clip

is seeking employment for the following: Salary start at $6.00 per hour. Interested candidate may contact employer at 245-7364 for further details regarding employment.

Ricardo Fulford

Immigration and Labour Consultant President of Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services ricardofulford@gmail.com (649) 346-1125

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

OCEAN CLUB RESORTS IS LOOKING FOR QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITIONS OF:

Contact: (649) 247-9370 or Iyez4u@hotmail.com

1) Barber

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Please drop off resumes at the Ocean Club Front Desk to the attention of the Human Resource Manager, or via email to diane@ oceanclubresorts.tc Preference will be given to experienced and qualified Belongers. Only those receiving an interview will be contacted

Senior Civil Engineer The Senior Civil Engineer will have essential duties and responsibilities that will include the following: Provide leadership to on-going and new projects related to civil and environmental engineering. Plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate detailed phases of technical work. Prepare project proposals and coordinate complete project in accordance with the proposal schedule and budget. Provide direction to staff personnel to complete project tasks and also mentor junior level technical support personnel. Interface with Client Project Managers, contractors and other representatives. Creation of business development materials for inclusion in proposals and marketing to new clients as well as business development calls to prospective clients. A Bachelor Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 15 years of related experience. An advanced degree is preferred. Professional Registration (e.g. member Professional Institute) is required. Candidates must have documented team leadership qualifications on projects of $100 million + in last five years, providing strong technical direction/support for civil and site development projects. The successful candidate must be able to meet project goals and implement conceptual direction for project tasks and develop detail plans to complete project tasks.

Please send CV to: Senoir Civil Engineer PO Box 532 Providenciales, TCI

August 31 - September 6, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 37 JP PLUMBING PRITON DEVELOPMENT LTD.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

LABOURER

Site Supervisor • Must have at least 8 years experience. Applicant must have good knowledge of construction. Must have good managerial skills and able to handle problems swiftly and amicably. • Must be able to work on holidays, must be able and willing to lead a large construction team. • Salary is based on experience • Interested persons should be dependable and should send applications via fax at (649) 9414034

9041

- General Labour - Able to work with little or no supervision, be physically fit, dependable and hard working. - Must be self motivated and able to understand, read, write and speak English fluently. Send inquiries to: Norstar Group Ltd P.OBox532, Suite2C, CourtyardPlaza Leeward Highway, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands. Telephone: 649 941-3600/3500

Is seeking the following:

SEEKS

C/o Alliance Realty Ltd. Deadline for application is September 3rd 2013.

A/C technician Electrician

Suitable applicants should be able to work with a little or no supervision. Must be dependable and hard working. Applicants would be required to work 6 days a week. Wages is @ $6.00/hr 9064

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Unit G203, 2ND Floor , Regent Village West, Grace Bay, P.O Box 641, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands. Cell: 649 331-3890. Tel: 649 946-8504. Fax: 649 946 8506. Email: bsd@tciway.tc

ALBERTA PRATT is looking for a

GRACEBAY SUITES Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands BWI

Building Services Design Ltd. is currently seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following position:-

MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER gardener The successful applicant must be a member of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and competent in the design of HVAC systems: Duties shall include preparation of standard detail drawings including sections and isometrics of various mechanical services such as HVAC, plumbing, sanitary, sprinkler systems, swimming pools etc. using Auto CAD software. The applicant must be familiar with USA Codes and Regulations and should be a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: 244-6900 9089

Is looking for

Cleaners/ Maids For upcoming season. Bring resume Belongers only.

Jonathan and Aline Gardiner Is seeking to employed One live-in female

domestic worker Must be honest, speak English/Creole , handle children and older person well and should be a good cook. Salary is in the range of $600-700 per month base on experience. Require to work five (5)hours a day six(6)days per Week.

Contact telephone # 2424684 or 24246849066

Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services On behalf of his clients:

The applicant must have extensive experience in the installation of, including testing and commissioning of the mechanical services.

is seeking employment for the following:

Applicant should have a minimum of 5 (five) years experience and a proven design track record on projects for condominium complexes, hotels, commercial and industrial facilities and residential dwellings.

Salary is $6.50 per hour. Interested candidate may contact 347-2495 for further details regarding employment.

It is essential that the applicant must have a degree in his/her field obtained from a recognized University and registered with his/her respective Engineering Council/ Commission. The successful applicant must have the technical experience for solving design solutions and can work unsupervised in the preparation and issuing of mechanical design drawings. All applications will be considered from suitably qualified candidates who should forward a copy of their resume including relevant experience to the email/fax address below.

Deadline for Application is September 23rd, 2013 Please fax your application to: 649-946-8506 – Building Services Design Ltd. Email: accounts@bsd.tc Or mail to: P.O Box 641, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Please copy application to: Labour Commissioner, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

La Patience Shoppe

1) Labourer

El Rancho Restaurant & Cafe is seeking employment for the following:

1) Bartender

Salary is 5.00 per hour. Interested candidate may submit their application through ricardofulford@gmail.com for further details regarding employment.

Bone Fishing Unlimited LTD

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Cashier

Salary is $150.00 per week. Interested candidate may contact 946-4874 or 231-0133 for further details regarding employment.

Ricardo Fulford

Immigration and Labour Consultant President of Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services ricardofulford@gmail.com (649) 346-1125

38 CLASSIFIEDS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

WINKEY’S CATERING

Williams Construction Is looking for 1

FLOWER GIRL

Is looking for a

Is looking for a Part-time

delivery driver

ONE LABOURER Catering Labourer – $6.00/ hour NEEDED

With own transportation who is interested in making extra cash.

1 –Mason $9.50/ hour

Contact 347-6642

Contact: 231-3788

9067

The Meridian Club On Pine Cay

Must be willing to work on weekends and public holidays. Work includes general on-the-job assistance.

Helper To work 6 days

Contact: William 941 4561

per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 347-6973

CLAYTON COX

SORA LTD.

is looking for a

IS SEEKING FOR EXPERIENCED

ADVERTISE

IN THIS SPACE! ONLY

$33

PER WEEK

CALL 946-4664 SPOTLESS CLEANING SERVICE

Seek for a

Turks & Caicos Islands British West Indies

Security Positions for The Meridian Club on Pine Cay

Patrol Dog Handler/Trainer/ Security Supervisor WAGE/SALARY: $15.00/hr plus lodging. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Must be comfortable working with and training Police Dogs. At least 5 years prior experience as patrol dog handler, trainer and security worker essential. Must have training in martial arts/self defense and be physically fit and capable of controlling and restraining a large, powerful dog. Must provide satisfactory proof of clean police record. Training in general First Aid. Fluency in English required.

Painter To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

contact: 244-1546

WAITER Supervisor TO WORK 6 DAYS A WEEK. SALARY $5.00 PER HOUR

CONTACT #339-7672

To work Monday to Saturday and Holidays. Salary $6.00 per Hour

NOTE: Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay on a full time basis and work nights, as required. DUTIES: Include security patrols with police dogs; response to security problems as needed; Feeding and caring for dogs; exercising and training dogs: Scheduling, supervising and providing additional training to other security personnel; Supervising and training fire control response team. First responder for medical emergencies.

Patrol Dog Handler/Security Specialist WAGE/SALARY: $7.50/hr + lodging QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Must have certification as patrol dog handler and at least one year prior work experience as patrol dog handler. Experience as security worker desirable. Must have training in martial arts/self defense and be physically fit and capable of controlling and restraining a large, powerful dog. Must provide satisfactory proof of clean police record. Fluency in English required. Training in general First Aid. NOTE: Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay on a full time basis and work nights, weekends and holidays, as required. DUTIES: Include security patrols with police dogs; response to security problems as needed; Feeding and caring for dogs; exercising and training dogs. First responder for medical emergencies. STARTING DATE: January 2014 Contact Person and Contact Information: Send resume with references and your contact information (mailing address, e-mail address, phone number) to Beverly Plachta by e-mail to manager@meridianclub.com or by fax to 649-941-7010. Please also include copy of passport, police report. Applications may also be dropped of at TCR Sotheby’s in Salt Mills. Applications must be received no later than October 15, 2013. Qualified applicants will have a thorough background check conducted prior to hire. All credentials will be verified. Additional Information: All qualified applicants will be interviewed.

JOB VACANCIES The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking Labour Clearance for the positions listed below. Suitably qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor, must read and speak English fluently. Positions require a flexible schedule which includes holidays, weekends and evenings, and extended hours on occasion. Salaries are based on experience and qualifications.

ROOM ATTENDANT & HOUSEMAN

Candidates must possess at least 3 years of experience in five-star resorts. Strong attention to details and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required. Must be a team player with a strong work ethic. Courteous individuals who possess a positive demeanor and a commitment to excellence are required.

BELLMAN

Candidates must have working experience in a luxury five-star resorts. Must be professional, courteous individuals with positive demeanor and possess good communication skills with an outgoing personality. Should have the ability to lift at least 30 lbs. and push/pull in excess of 50 lbs.

Qualified Belonger candidates can complete an application form in person at The Somerset on Grace Bay or submit a resume by e-mail at somerset@thesomerset.com. Tel: 946-5900. Fax: 9465839. The closing date for applications is September 30, 2013.

August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

Earth life ‘may have come from Mars’

The “mini brain” is roughly the size and developmental level of a nine-week foetus.

Miniature ‘human brain’ grown in lab MINIATURE “human brains” have been grown in a lab in a feat scientists hope will transform the understanding of neurological disorders. The pea-sized structures reached the same level of development as in a nine-week-old foetus, but are incapable of thought. The study, published in the journal Nature, has already been used to gain insight into rare diseases. Neuroscientists have described the findings as astounding and fascinating. The human brain is one of the most complicated structures in the universe. Scientists at Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences have now reproduced some of the earliest stages of the organ’s development in the laboratory. BRAIN BATH They used either embryonic stem cells or adult skin cells to produce the part of an embryo that develops into the brain and spinal cord - the neuroectoderm. This was placed in tiny droplets of gel to give a scaffold for the tissue to grow and was placed into a spinning bioreactor, a nutrient bath that supplies nutrients and oxygen. The cells were able to grow and organise themselves into separate regions of the brain, such as the cerebral cortex, the retina, and, rarely, an early hippocampus, which would be heavily involved in memory in a fully developed adult brain. The researchers are confident that this closely, but far from perfectly, matches brain development in a foetus until the nine week stage. The tissues reached their maximum size, about 4mm (0.1in), after two months.

The “mini-brains” have survived for nearly a year, but did not grow any larger. There is no blood supply, just brain tissue, so nutrients and oxygen cannot penetrate into the middle of the brain-like structure. One of the researchers, Dr Juergen Knoblich, said: “What our organoids are good for is to model development of the brain and to study anything that causes a defect in development. “Ultimately we would like to move towards more common disorders like schizophrenia or autism. They typically manifest themselves only in adults, but it has been shown that the underlying defects occur during the development of the brain.” The technique could also be used to replace mice and rats in drug research as new treatments could be tested on actual brain tissue. Researchers have been able to produce brain cells in the laboratory before, but this is the closest any group has come to building a human brain. The breakthrough has excited the field. Prof Paul Matthews, from Imperial College London, told the BBC: “I think it’s just mindboggling. The idea that we can take a cell from a skin and turn it into, even though it’s only the size of a pea, is starting to look like a brain and starting to show some of the behaviours of a tiny brain, I think is just extraordinary. “Now it’s not thinking, it’s not communicating between the areas in the way our brains do, but it gives us a real start and this is going to be the kind of tool that helps us understand many of the major developmental brain disorders.” The team has already used the breakthrough to investigate a disease called microcephaly. People with the disease develop much smaller brains. (BBC)

LIFE may have started on Mars before arriving on Earth, a major scientific conference has heard. New research supports an idea that the Red Planet was a better place to kick-start biology billions of years ago than the early Earth was. The evidence is based on how the first molecules necessary for life were assembled. Details of the theory were outlined by Prof Steven Benner at the Goldschmidt Meeting in Florence, Italy. Scientists have long wondered how atoms first came together to make up the three crucial molecular components of living organisms: RNA, DNA and proteins. The molecules that combined to form genetic material are far more complex than the primordial “prebiotic” soup of organic (carbonbased) chemicals thought to have existed on the Earth more than three billion years ago, and RNA (ribonucleic acid) is thought to have been the first of them to appear. Simply adding energy such as heat or light to the more basic organic molecules in the “soup” does not generate RNA. Instead, it generates tar. RNA needs to be coaxed into shape by “templating” atoms at the crystalline surfaces of minerals. The minerals most effective

Life would face challenges on Mars today, but billions of years ago conditions might have been better.

at templating RNA would have dissolved in the oceans of the early Earth, but would have been more abundant on Mars, according to Prof Benner. This could suggest that life started on the Red Planet before being transported to Earth on meteorites, argues Prof Benner, of the Westheimer Institute of Science and Technology in Gainesville, US. The idea that life originated on Mars and was then transported to our planet has been mooted before. But Prof Benner’s ideas add another twist to the theory of a Martian origin for the terrestrial biosphere.

Here in Florence, Prof Benner presented results that suggest minerals containing the elements boron and molybdenum are key in assembling atoms into life-forming molecules. The researcher points out that boron minerals help carbohydrate rings to form from pre-biotic chemicals, and then molybdenum takes that intermediate molecule and rearranges it to form ribose, and hence RNA. This raises problems for how life began on Earth, since the early Earth is thought to have been unsuitable for the formation of the necessary boron and molybdenum minerals.

Broccoli slows arthritis, researchers think EATING lots of broccoli may slow down and even prevent osteoarthritis, UK researchers believe. The University of East Anglia team is starting human trials following on from successful lab studies. Tests on cells and mice showed that a broccoli compound - which humans can also get from Brussels sprouts and cabbage - blocked a key destructive enzyme that damages cartilage. They are asking 20 patients to eat a daily dose of “super-charged” broccoli.

SUPER-DOSED This special cruciferous vegetable has been bred to be extra rich in nutrients - it is a cross between standard broccoli and a wild relative from Sicily. Our body takes this glucoraphanin compound and turns it into another, called sulforaphane, which appears to protect the joints. The volunteers will have two weeks on the diet before going under the knife to have their badly arthritic knees repaired by surgeons. Dr Rose Davidson and her team

will look at the tissue that has been removed to see what impact, if any, the broccoli has had. She said: “We’re asking patients to eat 100g (3.5oz) every day for two weeks. That’s a normal, good-sized serving - about a handful - and it’s an amount that most people should be happy to eat every day.”

While two weeks is highly unlikely to be enough to cause any big change, Dr Davidson hopes it will be enough to offer some evidence that “super” broccoli could benefit humans. “I can’t imagine it would repair or reverse arthritis... but it might be a way to prevent it,” she said.

Broccoli has always been known as a wonder vegetable.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Venus Williams crashes out of US Open TWO-time champion Venus Williams is out of the U.S. Open following a battling 6-3 2-6 7-6 (7-5) second-round defeat to world No. 56 Zheng Jie. Former world No. 1 Williams, currently ranked 60th, fought bravely against her Chinese opponent before eventually losing in three hours and two minutes. The marathon encounter was the joint fifth-longest women’s singles match in the tournament’s history. In recent years Williams has struggled with form and fitness and entered the New York tournament with a back injury. She was diagnosed with the auto-immune disorder Sjogren’s Syndrome at Flushing Meadows two years ago. “I think there’s a lot of positives for me out of this tournament. I continue to serve better and recover [from] my back injury with each tournament,” the 33-year-old told the event’s official website. “I’ll just continue to step up and give myself chances. A lot of times I’m putting myself in a good position

The Jamaican Tallawahs had lost both of their preliminary round games (their only defeats) to the Warriors, but they won when it mattered. Venus Williams has struggled with form and fitness in recent years. And although she entered the tournament with

but not always capitalizing. So I’ll get there. I just have to keep working at it.” Williams’ compatriot Sloane Stephens is at the opposite end of her career and the 15th seed continued her rise to prominence with a commanding 6-1 6-1 defeat of Poland’s Urszula Radwanska.

“I came out with a really good attitude and I think it showed,” said the 20-year-old, who plays fellow American and 23rd seed Jamie Hampton in the second round. “I think every point was the only thing on my mind. That’s what happens when you really, really, really want to win.” (CNN)

Jamaica Tallawahs win inaugural CPL title ONE season of the Caribbean Premier League T20 is in the books, and the Jamaica Tallawahs are the league’s inaugural champions. The Tallawahs, led by West Indies star and Jamaica native Chris Gayle, took home the crown on Saturday in Port of Spain by defeating the Guyana Amazon Warriors. In a tightly-contested game, the Tallawahs won by seven wickets, led by Gayle’s blistering 47. The Warriors were asked to take first strike, but slow batting led them to just 128-5 off their allotted overs, while the Tallawahs, although encountering slight problems along the way, always looked favourites for the title. In the end some hard hitting took them home. The match’s conclusion was followed by a fireworks display at

the Queen’s Park Oval in downtown Port of Spain. It was a fitting conclusion to what most see as a very successful debut for the Limacol CPL, which led to significant exposure for the region and for Caribbean cricket — from hollywood actors buying equity stakes to major sponsors like Virgin Atlantic. “The support of the Limacol CPL by the West Indian fans has been overwhelming and this is evidenced by the sold out crowds at each and every match so far,” West Indies Cricket Board President Dave Cameron said this week. “That says to me that the interest and passion for the game is still there, and it’s our responsibility to continue to nurture that love, which is what the LCPL is all about.”

The Celtic players enjoyed the moment.

Champions League: Neil Lennon says Celtic win ‘my greatest feat’ CELTIC manager Neil Lennon has described his side’s qualification for the Champions League group stages as his biggest achievement in the game. The Bhoys overturned a twogoal deficit by beating Shakhter Karagandy 3-0 in the play-off round second leg. “It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever done in football,” said Lennon who lost three key players this summer. The Scottish champions will be in pot four for Thursday’s groupstage draw where they could meet an

English team. Play media Goals from Kris Commons and Georgios Samaras cancelled out the 2-0 lead that Shakhter had from the first leg, before James Forrest scored the winner in stoppage time. During the summer, Celtic sold top scorer Gary Hooper to Norwich City, midfielder Victor Wanyama to Southampton and central defender Kelvin Wilson to Nottingham Forest. “We lost three important players and it’s been difficult to replace them,” said Lennon.

None of their summer signings were deemed ready by Lennon to start the second leg of the play-off, with deals for Israel midfielder Nir Biton and Finnish striker Teemu Pukki still pending. And, asked if there would be any further signings now that Celtic had reached the lucrative group stage, Lennon said: “I don’t know. You are asking the wrong person. “We came into this with no real help, which makes it even more remarkable what we have achieved tonight.”

Mike Tyson says he is hopeful that he could get over his substance abuse addiction.

Tyson ‘close to death from drugs and alcohol’ FORMER undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson claims he is “on the verge of dying” from ongoing drug and alcohol problems. Tyson, 47, admitted he is a continual substance abuser but added he is hopeful of finally getting clean. “I hope they can forgive me, I want to live a different life now” Mike Tyson Boxing great “I want to live my sober life. I

don’t want to die. I’m on the verge of dying, because I’m a vicious alcoholic,” Tyson said on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights”. “I’m a bad guy sometimes. I did a lot of bad things, I want to be forgiven.” At the age of 20, in 1987, the American fighter held the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles.

August 31 - September 6, 2013

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Barcelona win a record 11th Spanish Super Cup BARCELONA won a record 11th Spanish Super Cup on away goals as they drew 0-0 with Atletico Madrid after Lionel Messi’s late penalty miss. Having earned a 1-1 draw with Diego Simeone’s side in the first leg, Barca were subdued and Messi out of sorts. And they were indebted to goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who saved shots from Arda Turan and David Villa. Atletico lost their discipline late on as Filipe Luis saw red before Pedro was tripped for Messi’s spotkick. The 89th-minute penalty award for a challenge by Miranda appeared harsh but Argentine Messi sent his spot-kick against the crossbar. The drama did not end there as Turan was sent off for protesting against the referee’s decision, despite

already having been substituted. Luis’s card came after he appeared to swing an arm at Dani Alves nine minutes from the end. Neymar, who scored in the first leg and started his first game for the Catalan side, failed to link up well with Messi. But victory for Barcelona earned them their 16th trophy in almost four years and the first of new boss Gerardo Martino’s reign. Martino dedicated victory to predecessor Tito Vilanova, who resigned in the summer to continue treatment against cancer. “This triumph came about because of what happened last year,” said Martino. “I ended up winning it because of an unfortunate turn of events. This trophy belongs to the players, to Tito Vilanova and the rest of the coaching staff.” (BBC)

Samuel Eto’s will join the Premier League club on a one-year deal.

Chelsea signs Cameroon striker Eto’o from Anzhi CHELSEA are set to sign Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala on a free transfer. The 32-year-old will join the Premier League club on a one-yeardeal. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho moved for Eto’o after seeing two bids rejected for Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney. Earlier this week, it emerged Rooney was not prepared to force a move by handing in a formal transfer request, effectively ending the Blues’s hopes of signing the England striker. Four-time African Footballer of the Year Eto’o was a key part of Mourinho’s Champions Leaguewinning Inter Milan side in 2010, and he then became the highest-paid player in the world when he moved to Anzhi in 2011. Anzhi have also sold Brazil winger Willian, 25, to Chelsea after their billionaire owner Suleyman

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Kerimov decided to significantly reduce the club’s budget. Eto’o started his career at Real Madrid but was loaned out to Leganes and Real Mallorca before making a permanent move to Mallorca in 1999. The striker, who was part of the Cameroon team that lifted the African Nations Cup in 2002, won the Copa del Rey before making the switch to Barcelona in 2004 . During his time at the Nou Camp, he won the Champions League twice - in 2006 and 2009 - scoring in both finals, as well as winning the Spanish league three times. In 2009, Barcelona paid Inter Milan £40m plus Eto’o for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the striker went on to win the Champions League again in his first season under Mourinho at the San Siro. He joined Anzhi, where he reportedly earned £167,825 a week, in 2011. (BBC)

McLaren team principal admits ‘big mistakes’ HONESTY is often a rare virtue at the highest level of sport, especially when it comes to admitting mistakes, so McLaren fans may give Martin Whitmarsh some begrudging respect after the team principal accepted responsibility for a catalog of errors this season. The United Kingdom-based constructor may have won twelve drivers’ championships since its creation in 1963 but none will be added in the year of McLaren’s 50th anniversary. Neither Jenson Button nor Sergio Perez have managed to stand on the podium all season, with the Briton’s fifth place in the third race in China the best finish so far. Mexican Perez, 23, has won 18 points in his first season with McLaren while Button, who won the 2009 title with Brawn, can only muster 47, trailing leader Sebastian Vettel by 150 points -- or the equivalent of six race victories with just eight rounds left. The problem is that McLaren are currently on course for their first season without a grand prix win in seven years. A number of hasty changes to the car have made racing this year both “painful and difficult” for Whitmarsh as he revealed in an open interview with Formula One’s official website. “This year we have made some big mistakes -- that is very obvious, and difficult to rectify,” the Briton said. “I don’t like it, but there is no point in hiding from it.” The 55-year-old traces the roots of the problems back to the middle of

Martin Whitmarsh has failed to guide McLaren to a world championship title since becoming team principal in 2009.

last season, when McLaren dropped off the pace after a bright start. At this point, the car was redesigned, with significant changes to the height of the nose, the configuration of both the front and rear suspensions, as well as the bodywork and exhaust layout. “In a word, we did too many things which were deviating from a car which was the fastest car about nine or ten months ago,” the McLaren official said. “The start of the 2012 was good, but then in mid-season we were falling behind and it is about that time that you make these decisions -- and then last year’s car became quicker and quicker. “It was bad timing, it was misjudgment, and it was ambition. It is very clear in hindsight that we’ve got it wrong. But let’s also be fair: this car is now quicker than last

year’s car.” Nonetheless, it is still struggling to make any impact in the constructors’ standings, with 11 races of the 19-round season having already gone. McLaren’s tally of 65 points is almost tripled by the team immediately above them in the standings, fourth-placed Lotus, while the Woking outfit’s total is dwarfed by the 312 boasted by Red Bull, who lead the way. When asked who should carry the can for the failed redesign of the car, Whitmarsh resisted any temptation to seek out scapegoats. “Ultimately I take the blame for it,” he said. “I am happy to name names when we are successful and give them the opportunity to stand on the podium, but it is my job when things haven’t gone so well to take the responsibility.”

IOC head criticises Isinbayeva’s anti-gay comments INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has criticised Russian athlete Yelena Isinbayeva for making comments supporting Russia’s new anti-gay laws. In an interview with the BBC, Rogge said he was disappointed with the double Olympic pole vault champion, whose remarks appeared to suggest that gay people were not “normal”. Isinbayeva, a sporting icon in Russia who is thought to be close to the circle of President Putin, caused outrage when she criticised Swedish athletes Emma Green Tregaro and Moa Hjelmer for painting their fingernails in rainbow colours, a symbol of gay pride. Although Isinbayeva issued a clarification of her comments, made after she won her third World title in Moscow two weeks ago, Rogge is still considering whether to remove her as an ambassador for the Youth

Yelena Isinbayeva has been criticised by the IOC head for what he suggested as anti-gay comments.

Olympic Games and as mayor of the Olympic village in Sochi. “It was disappointing,” he said. “Fortunately she reacted to that and addressed that by second declaration. But she should not have done that. She should not have intervened with

such words and such a debate. It was definitely an ill-advised judgment.” Russia’s new legislation outlawing the distribution of socalled gay propaganda to children has led to international condemnation of Vladimir Putin’s government. (BBC)

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

European champions Bayern Munich drawn with Manchester City EUROPEAN Champions League holders Bayern Munich have been drawn to face Manchester City in the group stages of the continent’s most prestigious club competition. The German champions are now led by former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who secured 14 trophies for the Catalan club during his four seasons in charge. Guardiola has a hard task repeating Bayern’s feats of last season when under Jupp Heynckes they won the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the Champions League crowns. At the draw in Monaco, Bayern’s Franck Ribery was also named European Footballer of the Year, beating Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Real Madrid. “It’s always nice to win this trophy; it’s a special moment for me to be here,” he said. “It was an extraordinary year for us, we’d wanted that trophy for so long and to play at Wembley was fantastic. I think Bayern deserved to win the cup after such a long time.” Despite huge investment in their playing squad, and winning the English Premier League title in 2012, Manchester City have failed to make it out of the group stages in the past two Champions League competitions. Russian club CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen, from the Czech Republic, complete the line-up in Group D. Spanish champions Barcelona have been drawn in a particularly tough looking group alongside Italian giants AC Milan, Dutch title winners Ajax and Scottish champions Celtic.

Usain Bolt had the slowest reaction time out the blocks. Flash back: Bayern Munich captain Phillip Lahm lifts the Champions League trophy at Wembley Stadium in May.

Celtic famously beat Barcelona in the group stages of last year’s competition, and booked their place in the group stages with a last-gasp victory over Shakhter Karagandy from Kazakhstan on Wednesday night. English side Arsenal face a tough test to emerge from Group F alongside last year’s beaten finalists, Borussia Dortmund of Germany, Napoli from Italy and French side Marseille. Carlo Ancelotti’s first Champions League campaign as manager of Real Madrid sees him face Italian champions Juventus, Galatasaray from Turkey, and Denmark’s FC Copenhagen. Jose Mourinho has been handed a favorable draw in Group E as Europa League winners Chelsea pulled German side Schalke, FC Basel from Switzerland and Romanian outfit Steaua Bucharest. English Premier League

champions Manchester United will also be content with their draw in Group A as they face Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen and Real Sociedad from Spain. French champions Paris SaintGermain have been drawn alongside Benfica, from Portugal, Greek side Olympiakos and Anderlecht, from Belgium, in Group C. In Group G Portuguese side Porto have been drawn against Atletico Madrid, Russian side Zenit St Petersburg and Austria Vienna. The first round of group matches will be played on 17-18 September. Champions League group stage draw in full: Group A: Manchester United, Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Sociedad. Group B: Real Madrid, Juventus, Galatasaray, FC Copenhagen. Group C: Benfica, Paris SaintGermain, Olympiakos, Anderlecht.

Haitian American Duval creates biggest upset at US Open

Duval’s only previous Grand Slam match ended in defeat by Kim Clijsters at the 2012 US Open.

THE second time around was a far different story for Victoria Duval. The Haitian-American phenom, who lost in straight sets to Kim Clijsters in her debut last year in Flushing Meadows, beat Australia’s Samantha Stosur, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in the opening round of play for her first US Open victory. It was a huge victory for Duval, who was a heavy underdog coming into the match against Stosur, who is ranked 11th in the world and is a former US Open champion. It was a hotly-contested match, Duval found her stride halfway through the third set after falling behind 3-2.

Duval struggled in the first match, falling 5-7, before rebounding in the second with a 6-4 win. After losing two of the first three games in the third set, Duval took charge, finally taking the victory in a thrilling 10th game. Duval came in unseeded against Stosur, who entered play seeded 11th. Duval was born in Miami but spent much of her youth in Portau-Prince, spending time training at the JOTAC Tennis Academy in the capital. Her father, Dr Jean-Maurice Duval, was injured in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. (Caribbean Journal)

Bolt made to work for 100-metre win in 9.90 seconds at Weltklasse meet USAIN Bolt had to work hard for his 100-metre victory in 9.90 seconds at the Weltklasse Diamond League meet Thursday. Bolt had the slowest reaction time out of the blocks. Fellow Jamaican Nickel Ashmeade, running two lanes to his left, led deep into the race. But the world and Olympic champion gritted his teeth and muscled through the

slight headwind to reach the front after 85 meters. Ashmeade finished in 9.94 seconds for second place and world silver medalist Justin Gatlin of the United States was third in 9.96. Bolt put on a typical pre-race act for the crowd, pressing his hands together as if in prayer before breaking into karate-style moves. (AP/Newser.com)

Boston Marathon accepting an extra 9000 runners for next year’s race THE Boston Marathon will accept an extra 9,000 runners for next year’s race, making room for the more than 5,000 people stopped on the course this year when two bombs went off and for many of those wanting to run as a tribute to the victims. Registration for the 118th edition of the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon will open Sept. 9, the Boston Athletic Association said. “The BAA is aware of the significantly increased interest in registering for the 2014 Boston Marathon,” executive director Tom Grilk said in a statement Thursday. “We understand many marathoners and qualifiers want to run Boston in 2014, and we appreciate the support and patience that the running community has demonstrated because of the bombings that occurred this past spring.” The expanded field of 36,000 for the April 21, 2014, race would be the second largest in the event’s history, behind only the 38,708 who registered for the 100th anniversary race in 1996. Organisers have said they are forced to cap the field size because they have limited space at the start in Hopkinton and on some of the course’s Colonial-era streets. This year’s field size was set after

talks with the eight cities and towns along the route. “Interested runners have been remarkably respectful and cooperative as we worked towards what will be an important day in the history of the race, the sport and the city of Boston,” Grilk said. Registration will begin Sept. 9, with the fastest qualifiers getting the chance to sign up first. It will continue through the end of the week and, if space remains, reopen for all qualifiers Sept. 16. The 2013 Boston Marathon was shut down at 2:50 p.m. -- about four hours into the race -- when a pair of explosions at the Boylston Street finish line killed two people and injured hundreds more. A total of 5,624 runners who were stopped on the course were allowed to register early for 2014. Registration for those runners took place this week and was scheduled to end at 5 p.m. on Thursday. More than 4,500 of those who had reached the halfway point but not the finish line have registered for next year’s race, the BAA said. They were required to pay the entry fee -$175 for U.S. residents and $225 for international residents -- but they did not have to rerun another race at a qualifying time. (Foxsports/AP)

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NFL and players reach ‘$765m concussion settlement’ The young Harrison Parsons recently outscored his dad in a men’s league game.

Six-year-old cricketer turning heads in men’s league A SIX-YEAR-OLD boy has become the star of his village cricket team even outscoring his own dad. Harrison Parsons, from Abercarn near Newport, plays in the men’s league despite being not much bigger than a cricket pad. The cricket-mad schoolboy was initially drafted in for fun by his father Jeremy but he soon began to shine. In a recent match Harrison scored 24 runs but his 27-year-old father only managed 15. Mr Parsons, a father of three,

said: “They thought it was a just a bit of fun when I went out to bat with Harrison. “But he soon proved them wrong, he chalked up more runs than I did. “I’ve not been able to live it down since. I’ve been getting a lot of stick but I’m really proud of him. “He’s a remarkable talent, I’d like to say he takes after his dad but he’s a lot better than I was at his age.” Until recently Harrison has been practising his talents in the back garden of the family home.

THE National Football League and former players who say it hid the dangers of concussion have reached a $765m (£490m) settlement, a judge says. The NFL would pay the sum to fund concussion-related compensation, medical exams and research. Federal Judge Anita Brody in Philadelphia announced the deal after months of court-ordered mediation. More than 4,500 former players had sued the league, alleging it concealed the risks of long-term brain damage. The class action accused the NFL of hiding research that had shown the harmful effects of concussions, while glorifying and promoting violent play. Many former players with neurological conditions believe their problems stem from knocks to the head. Helmet-to-helmet impacts are common in American football as strong, heavy and fast-moving players collide on the field of play. Studies have found a connection between repeated concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a disease with symptoms including memory loss and mood swings. As part of the settlement, the NFL

The family of linebacker Junior Seau, who committed suicide last year, joined the lawsuit

will not admit liability or admit the players’ injuries were caused by football and will likely not have to disclose internal files that could show what it knew about concussionlinked brain problems and when. “This agreement lets us help those who need it most and continue our work to make the game safer for current and future players,” NFL Executive Vice-President Jeffrey Pash said in statement. “We thought it was critical to get more help to players and families who deserve it rather than spend many years and millions of dollars

on litigation.” The deal is still subject to Judge Brody’s approval, as well as that of the retired players whom brought the lawsuit. The plaintiffs in the case include at least 10 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the family of linebacker Junior Seau, who took his own life last year, and former Atlanta Falcons safety Ray Easterling, who filed the first lawsuit in 2011 but later killed himself. The settlement comes immediately before the start of the new season for the league. (BBC)

England Women regain Ashes after beating Australia in Twenty20 When Lydia Ko won the title last year at 15, she was named the youngest LPGA title winner in history.

Teenager defends Canadian Open title NEW Zealand’s amateur star Lydia Ko has won the LPGA Canadian Women’s Open for the second successive year. Ko’s triumph last year at the age of 15 years and four months made her the youngest LPGA title winner in history. And she backed up that milestone victory with a five-stroke success over France’s Karine Icher in Vancouver. Ko, now 16, carded a six under round of 64 at Royal Mayfair Golf Club for a 15 under total of 265 to become the first amateur to win two LPGA titles. The bespectacled teenager from Auckland curled in a birdie putt at

18 - her seventh birdie of the day - lifting her arms in triumph as it dropped. Icher, one of a number of Europeans playing this week in the wake of their Solheim Cup triumph over the United States in Colorado, carded a 67 for 270. Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall, the first player to win all five of her matches in the Solheim Cup, had started the day with a one-stroke lead. She carded a 71 to share third on 271, alongside American Brittany Lincicome, who shot 69. Ko’s fourth victory in a professional tournament will renew the question of when she will turn professional.

ENGLAND regained the Women’s Ashes by beating Australia by five wickets in their second Twenty20 match. Lydia Greenway rescued the hosts with an England T20 record of 80 not out off 64 balls after they had been reduced to 9-3, chasing 128 for victory. Captain Charlotte Edwards hit 24 in a fourth-wicket stand of 67 while Natalie Sciver’s 13 helped England home. Meg Lanning top scored for the tourists with 60 before she was run out by Holly Colvin as Australia posted 127-7. England were always on top during the Australia innings with Katherine Brunt bowling through and taking 1-15 from her four overs as the tourists were restricted to 26-1 off the opening six powerplay overs. Lanning upped the pace midway through the innings, flicking Jenny Gunn for a leg-side six to bring up her third T20 half century but just as she looked set to push Australia on to a competitive total, she was run out

The English team regained the Women’s Ashes title.

in unfortunate fashion. Alex Blackwell drove a Colvin delivery straight back down the pitch and in trying to field the ball, the England bowler deflected it onto the stumps with Lanning out of her ground to leave Australia 95-3. The wicket sparked a collapse as Australia scored just 35 runs for the loss of five wickets in the final five overs. Danielle Hazell (2-11) took both

her wickets in a final over that also saw captain Jodie Fields run out as three wickets fell in successive deliveries. However, England’s reply was soon in tatters after Heather Knight (2) was bowled by Julie Hunter in the second over, while in the next, Sarah Taylor (1) was well caught by Sarah Coyte off her own bowling and the Australian then bowled Danielle Wyatt for a second-ball duck.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Kia Katz have won nine of their last 10 games after an opening defeat to rivals Rulay.

Provo Fast Pitch Softball League:

Female playoff finalists determined

WITH just one game left in the regular season of the Provo Fast Pitch Softball League female division, Kia Katz are ahead of rivals Rulay in the rankings. The two teams have one more encounter before they advance to the playoff series. If Kia

Katz win that game they will stay on top, while a Rulay victory can result in both teams tying on points before the second leg of the league. Kia Katz lost their opening clash against Rulay 7-9, but bounced back to a 13-1 win in their next playing

game against the same team. That victory propelled them to a 9-1 run. With two losses and nine wins the Katz are just ahead of Rulay who have eight wins and three losses. Flyers are third while the Predators are fourth.

Grand Turk Connection One of two Grand Turk players in the Centre of Excellence (COE) U-15 Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team, Jose Elcius, was instrumental for the home team in their recent wins over the visiting Manhattan Boca Soccer Club. (Photo by: Valerie Quintana)

Josh for Sports

Warming up properly Now lean to the side where the hand is on the hip. Hold this position for a few seconds then reverse the hands and lean to the other side. This exercise will help to loosen the arm, shoulder and rib cage muscles.

Continued from last week:

THE SPLIT STRETCH With the feet spread open sideways, widely and held straight, bend at the waist and touch your left hand to the right toe; alternate with the right hand touching the left toe. SIDE STRETCHES Simply put one hand on the hip and hold the other over the head with the arm bent at the elbow.

By Joshua Gardiner

HAMSTRING Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to really loosen the muscles. Every athlete needs to loosen the hamstring which is that muscle at the back of the thigh. If this muscle is pulled the runner can be out of competition for an

indefinite period of time, depending on the severity of the damage. BASIC To begin to stretch the hamstring an athlete finds a bar or a bench above the waist height. He then places one leg on the support, keeping it straight. Bending the other at the knee just slightly, he leans forward slowly over the leg on the support. As the runner slides his hands down his lifted leg towards his foot he will feel the hamstring muscle stretch.

After holding that position for 10 seconds he should straighten up slowly. Then, he should reverse his legs and repeat the exercise. This should be done at least five times with each leg, but it should not be done to the point of pain or discomfort. The more it is done the looser the muscle should become, then it should be easier to bend over further and slide the hands right down over the foot. CONTINUE NEXT WEEK

August 31 - September 6, 2013

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Pan-American Junior Championships:

Missick runs personal best in Colombia TCI’s newest sprint sensation Courtney Missick is very pleased that he has dropped his 200M time under 23 seconds. The 15-year-old who competed in the Pan-American Junior Athletics Championships in Colombia last weekend was happy with his performance. “It’s a good time as a 15-year-old for me to be running.” Missick’s new personal best is 22.80s; his old mark of 23.41s was made at the

CARIFTA Games this year. The youngster, who travelled with coach and former athlete Darian Forbes, was the youngest in his heat. “I don’t really feel bad because I was the youngest at the meet….I ran with the big guys that were 19, 18 and 17 years old”. Missick hopes to move forward to bigger things with the experience he has gained in South America.

Courtney Missick (left) and coach Darian Forbes in Colombia. Missick ran a PB at the Pan-American Junior Championships.

Time to rebuild TCI cricket – Says TCICA head Sterling

TURKS and Caicos cricket will return to the drawing boards and if the president of the local body has his way the emphasis will focus on youth and female development. In a stern release to the cricketing fraternity the TCI cricket boss, Colin Sterling, recently pointed out that youth development was the only way forward, especially since the International Cricket Council (ICC) has omitted the TCI from the next cycle of ICC Americas Senior competitions in 2014-15. This was “primarily due to our poor showing in the Bahamas, along with our low youth participation numbers and inadequate number of senior men’s teams,” the cricket chief stated. In 2011 at the ICC Americas Division II tournament in Suriname TCI finished fourth with Garvin Bruno, who is relatively young, considering the age of the national team, taking the top batting prize, while in 2013 despite TCI’s Damian St. Ange (another relatively young player) finishing as the best bowler in the Bahamas, the team only managed one win in four tries which left them at the bottom of the table. Sterling acknowledged that

All-rounder Damian St. Ange finished as the best bowler in the Bahamas at the ICC Americas Division II tournament in February 2013.

change was necessary to return to international cricket. He has since called for all stakeholders to attend a meeting to pave the way forward. DEVELOPING THE GAME “We will advise on the date of a meeting to be held next month (September) to discuss this in further details, but… we need to be serious about developing the game and not just playing matches on weekends. Clubs will need to generate funds for competition fees and gather sponsorships and we will need to focus our priorities on youth and female development.”

Garvin Bruno was the best batsman at the ICC Americans Division II tournament in Suriname two years ago.

STEPPING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION The local cricket body has also participated in holding cricket camps for juniors over the summer and emphasis is now on school cricket. Already there is a batting cage at the British West Indies Collegiate (completed) while the one at Clement

Howell High School which just has to be netted should be ready by the start of the next school term. A batting cage is also being completed in Grand Turk and the TCICA has proposed to have one more completed in Provo at the Wesley Methodist School in Leeward. Before the end of the year another will be built, although a

location was not stated. The cricket president also indicated that the cricketing fraternity will offer their assistance to teach the sport at the school level with the main emphasis on developing a core of talented young players so that the TCI can compete in an ICC youth competition within the next few years.

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August 31 - September 6, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

August 31 - September 6, 2013