Weekly News Volume 30 | No. 15 | April 16 - 22, 2016
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FSC ON PANAMA
PAPERS SCANDAL The financial Services Commission (FSC) has insisted the law firm at the centre of an international banking scandal does not operate in the TCI.
WOMEN URGED TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE 14 PAGE
4 LAND REGISTRY DISARRAY PAGE
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Participants of Digicel’s inaugural Women in Leadership workshop
CROWN LAND CORRUPTION RISK PAGE 4
PDM ‘READY TO RUMBLE’ FOR GENERAL ELECTIONS PAGE 7
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Land registry disarray BY JOHN TONER A LAND registry professional has described the chaos he discovered at the Crown Land Unit in the years after the Misick government. Jonathan Llewellyn, who has over 20 years of experience in land administration, told the SIPT court that he found two cubic metres of unprocessed documents in 2013 relating to Crown land applications. The documents, somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000, were piled so high that they were in danger of “cascading” to the floor, the court heard. Llewellyn also said that such were the inefficiencies in processing applications for Crown land it was “hit and miss” whether people would ever hear back about their bids to own or lease land in TCI. He said: “I was able to form a judgement from the evidence of what I saw in front of me with my own eyes. “It is rather hard to ignore two cubic metres of documents that were held on the floor of an office at the Land Registry. “They were piled so high that when you opened the door to the office you might send them cascading to the ground. “There were some computer based systems but none of them worked properly or were performing as intended or were in regular use; some computer records existed but were not being maintained properly. “I came across a number of conditional purchase lease agreements for Crown land and from what I saw it appeared to be a very hit and miss process. “Given the number of pending application my conclusion was that if you were a person who had simply
Crown land corruption risk BY JOHN TONER
HIT AND MISS: Land registry professional Jonathan Llewellyn said Belongers applying for Crown land during the Misick years may never have received replies
just lodged an application it was touch and go whether or not you would ever have your application processed.” The Welshman went on to describe “reversed due diligence” and a lack of cooperation from TC Invest, the body responsible for promoting investment in the TCI. He said: “I asked Conrad Higgs, chief executive officer at TC Invest at the time, for a list of the developments involving TC Invest
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 Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1
but did not receive any information about the number of development agreements in place, just a broad figure. “I then asked the Attorney General’s Chambers to let me look through the filing cabinet these were kept in and found approximately 50 in place. “What I found was that it was quite usual for due diligence to take place in reverse when it came to large scale developments. “The Amanyara Resort for example managed to acquire land in a protected area because there was confusion over where protected areas were.” During cross examinations Ralph Thorne, who represents former premier Michael Misick, scrutinised Llewellyn’s qualifications and questioned whether or not there were people better qualified to examine the state of the land registry at the time. Jerome Lynch QC, who appears for McAllister Hanchell, put it to Llewellyn that the “picture you paint is of a failing civil service and that the embryos of this deficiency go back to the 1990s”. This continued a line of defence that Lynch has previously pursued in placing the blame for alleged government failures at the door of the civil service. Llewellyn replied: “I felt that they [civil servants] had lost control of the process, they always seemed to be busy but never seemed to be busy addressing the problems of their departments.” All the defendants deny all the charges against them. The trial continues.
April 16 - 22, 2016
THE CHIEF auditor of the TCI in the early part of the Misick government identified Crown land as “at risk” of corruption, the SIPT trial has heard. Ian Fuller, the chief auditor between 2001 and 2005, was responsible for certifying the financial accounts of state funded agencies and bodies as well as highlighting risks from embezzlement and corruption. Fuller, who gave evidence via video link from the International Criminal Court in The Hague where he is currently employed, carried out a report in 2004 looking at assets in the Islands, their perceived valuations and risk factors for exploitation. He told the court that he specifically identified the sale of Crown land as an area for concern but received a letter from the premier’s office telling him it was the responsibility of government to dictate policy. Fuller said: “Clearly one of the valuable assets in TCI was Crown land as the tourist industry was expanding and the value of land was increasing. “It was clear to anybody that was one of the most valuable assets the country had. “I carried out a report looking
at how to record the value of land and looking at risks to see how that asset is accounted for. “We also looked at the quality of the systems to see what the government was trying achieve using these assets. “Risk was a combination of value and apparent risk of something going wrong and I decided that an area to look at was Crown land. “I received a formal response to my draft report from the chief minister’s office which focused on saying that the government had the right to dictate whatever policy it wanted.” During cross examination by Ralph Thorne, who represents former premier Michael Misick, Fuller said it was not his role to tell a government what to do or to place blame on any single person. Fuller continued: “My position was not to order a government to do X or Y it was to advise. “These are recommendations to be considered and are not attached to any set rules or guideline for government ministers, they just identify deficiencies in the systems. “They do not place blame on any one person.” All the defendants in the SIPT trial deny all the charges against them. The trial continues.
TCI boosts financial regulation CONFIDENCE in the country’s financial sector is set to grow after the Financial Services Commission (FSC) signed up with a major regulatory body. The FSC announced on Wednesday (April 13) that it has been accepted as a full member of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). The IOSCO is the world’s leading organisation for securities regulatory agencies. It is recognised as the global standard setter and provides an open forum for its 207 members on the development and implementation of securities regulation. FSC managing director Niguel Streete said that this latest positive development will provide build public confidence in the regulatory system. “The commission would like to thank the multiple
Government agencies and the private sector for their invaluable support and cooperation during the IOSCO screening and assessment period. “We are looking forward to a continued partnership in our efforts to raise the standard of regulation and supervision of financial services in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” The IOSCO provides a general framework for worldwide securities regulation, while also respecting the right of each country to regulate its own markets. It has developed core standards against which the securities industry of the Turks and Caicos Islands was assessed as a part of the World Bank and IMF’s Financial Sector Assessment Programmes. The TCI’s full membership was granted following a rigorous screening and assessment process.
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PANAMA PROBLEMS: Thousands of documents detailing where the rich and powerful hide their money have brought banking standards to the forefront of global news
NEWS
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STREETE’S AHEAD: FSC boss Niguel Streete wants to ‘get ahead’ of negative banking stories to ensure the reputation of the TCI
FSC takes front foot on Panama Papers scandal
THE FINANCIAL Services Commission (FSC) has insisted the law firm at the centre of an international banking scandal does not operate in the TCI. Panamanian outfit Mossack Fonseca has been at the centre of a global storm for weeks after millions of its documents were leaked showing the extent of worldwide offshore tax avoidance. World leaders, businessmen and leading public figures, including UK prime minister David Cameron, have been exposed by the Panama Papers scandal but the FSC has said the firm does not operate in these islands. The recently installed managing director of the FSC, Niguel Streete, says that he is determined to bolster the reputation of TCI as a robustly regulated international financial services centre, an issue brought into stark relief by the Panama Papers scandal. He said: “Mossack Fonseca has no direct connection to TCI, we
have seen nothing in our research to show a direct linkage; however this does represent a certain amount of reputation damage for the international finance industry in general including us. “We are trying to get away from the branding of ‘tax haven’ and the challenge for us is to get ahead of stories like the Panama Papers and get the word out that we ensure that we meet a number of international standards. “There is a concept that there is automatically something to hide when people do business here from abroad, similar to the assumptions people make if you say you are going on holiday to Las Vegas. “We are no different from other major financial centres like London and New York, we offer similar products and services and those are well regulated and internationally recognised. “We continue to strive to work with the banking industry here in TCI to ensure the reputation and regulation of the financial services
industry.” The Islands have recently attained a number of internationally recognised banking industry accreditations including becoming a member of the International Organisation of Securities Commission. Streete feels that this continued process of working with the banking industry to set up regulatory frameworks will promote wealth and growth in TCI. After a week of revelations from the Panama Papers scandal the FSC issued a statement last Friday distancing themselves from the issue. A statement issued on Friday said: “The TCI Financial Services Commission has confirmed that the Panamanian law firm at the centre of the Panama Papers scandal, Mossack Fonseca, is not licensed and does not operate as a corporate service provider in the TCI. “Despite having no direct involvement with Mossack Fonseca as a corporate service provider, the
TCI Financial Services Commission recognises the reputational risk that these events pose to all international financial services centres and continues to actively monitor developments surrounding the Panama Papers. “In its continued fight against criminal activities, the commission also condemns any illegal activities surrounding the release of Panama Papers. “The release of the Panama Papers serve as a reminder that it is important to ensure that robust measures are in place to effectively mitigate against the inherent risks in global financial markets. “In particular, the importance of ‘know your customer’ procedures has been brought into sharp focus. “The commission has conducted an internal review of the strength of its policies and procedures and encourages the private sector to continue to keep practices and procedures under review to ensure effective compliance with all
relevant laws. “The TCI remains committed to combating money laundering and terrorist financing, and to promoting international tax transparency. “This is reflected in the TCI’s strong rating by international standards setting bodies, such as, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force and the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. “The effectiveness of the TCI’s legislation and regulatory framework is also validated by its recent membership in the International Organisation of Securities Commissioners (IOSCO). “The gains made by the TCI in developing an internationally recognised financial services centre would not have been possible without the strong and committed support of the industry and the Government. “The commission looks forward to continuing to work with its partners to secure those gains.”
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April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
REPUTATION DAMAGE Skills assessment
TCI to conduct first national skills assessment BY OLIVIA ROSE AN IN depth analysis of the country’s labour market is set to take place over the next eight months. The Ministry of Border Control and Employment plans to undertake its first national skills audit and labour market needs assessment. The aim is to better understand the current labour situation and in turn to create strategies for economic development. According to a release from the Government, Jamaican consultancy firm Dunn Pierre Barnett and Associates and PEM Consult located in Denmark were the two successful organisations selected to conduct the audit. The release outlined that the audit is part of the TCI Government’s strategy for managing its human resource capital and ensuring appropriate matches for its key sectors primarily tourism and financial services.
The survey will examine the position of the current workforce, identify skill gaps and migrant labour needs. This will enable the consultancy team to develop a comprehensive strategy that fits with the vision of the country for its broader strategy of sustainable growth and development. The release underscored that a highly skilled workforce drives productivity and national development. The survey will also enable the Government to gain a better understanding of the current labour context, as it relates to both nationals and immigrants. Dunn Pierre of Dunn Pierre Barnett and Associates said: “The insight gained will lead to improved circumstances for all stakeholders and strengthen the country’s footing on its path to meeting its development objectives.” The audit will result in recommendations for areas including
the work permit system, technology for efficient collection and analysis of data for the workforce, mechanisms for training and sharing information on career planning, entrepreneurship and the labour market. Justine Cleophas Pierre, one of the lead consultants on the project, also said: “As this is the first National Skills Audit Consultancy to ever take place in the TCI, effective implementation and collaboration are the core pillars of the project and as such will require a broad participation of stakeholders at various levels throughout the island.” The survey will target representatives from various sectors including tourism, hospitality, agri-business, ICT, construction, manufacturing transportation, financial services, trade, creative industries and the informal sector. This broad based consultation is seen as an important tool to help meet the needs of residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
TC Invest hits investment roadshow INVEST Turks and Caicos (Invest TCI) is preparing to attend a string of foreign investment events next month. The body will be visiting regional conferences, summits and roadshows throughout May to promote the TCI as a destination for foreign investment. Representatives of the Invest TCI team will join regional investment agencies, Caribbean government officials and industry leaders at three major events starting with the Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit in Miami on May 10. Immediately following that event they will attend the Caribbean
Investment Summit, also in Miami, on May 12 followed later in the month by the third annual Premier’s Roadshow which sees networking events take place across the United States. Invest TCI CEO John Rutherford said: “These events provide the first opportunity for Invest TCI to actively promote investment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “We cannot wait for investors to come to us, given the competition from other Caribbean countries to attract investment, and the team is very excited to take part in these high profile events and start ‘selling’ the great product that is Turks and Caicos, particularly
in the areas of tourism and hospitality. “The initiatives in May are part of a programme of visits to industry events and target markets that we will undertake over the year and we are confident we will be successful in encouraging international investors and developers to visit and take a serious look at Turks and Caicos as a potential location for their business.” Invest Turks and Caicos is the Islands’ investment promotion agency, responsible for enhancing the economy through the attraction, growth and retention of overseas investment, and supporting the growth of local businesses.
IN LIGHT of the recent Panama Papers scandal is the TCI’s reputation as an offshore finance centre in danger of being threatened?
Sad situation The TCI is not an offshore finance centre. Something that doesn’t exist cannot be threatened. But, the FSC had destroyed lives, businesses, reputations, and hog tied this country into being backward and a backwater destination so real international capital doesn’t look to the TCI as a plausible centre to conduct business. And our leaders are ignorant to the facts and reality of the current environment and neither are they imaginative enough or innovative enough to invent or introduce a product, or create a viable finance industry in the TCI. And the British will not move a finger to help us create and industry that is sustainable. Sad situation.
In jeopardy In a nutshell, yes. All financial services are in jeopardy!
Stolen money? This is a symptom of today’s society. Governments and their leaders raising their salaries and thirsty for more and more taxes. The private sector trying to hide its income from its local government. Then hiding it in Switzerland, the Caymans and the TCI. Now one of the liberal leaders from Britain’s liberal party wants to take over all the overseas territories so he can enlarge his authority and take the untaxed income hidden here, the Caymans, Bermuda. As soon as our government taxes the financial sector more and more it will leave. The real problem is that much of the money hidden here is not legal income. The second part of this question
is what did our former government leaders hide in other countries? Monies stolen from our people? Check with SIPT.
On our own Well, rising crime, 12 storey hugely ugly buildings on the best beach in the world, an archaic, cruel prison for marine mammals that looms over all of us, rude immigration people and one of the highest duty and airport taxes in the Caribbean, compounded by tourists being ticketed for smoking cigarettes. I think we are doing a very good job of ruining the TCI’s reputation without the help the Panama Papers.
Disingenuous With all the regulatory measures already implemented in the TCI the UK is being disingenuous. The UK uses the offshore status as a means of not having properly to support the TCI and pump money into its territory. It then in London accepts all the corrupt Nigerian and Russian mafia and other crooked money from all around the world. Each TCI offshore bank has a correspondent onshore bank. So, for the real reputational issues and large dirty money dealing the UK should first start looking at itself in the mirror.
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
April 16 - 22, 2016
NEWS
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PDM ‘ready to rumble’ for general elections – Party outlines plans to tackle crime BY OLIVIA ROSE THE PEOPLE`s Democratic Movement (PDM) has begun readying its troops to campaign for the upcoming general elections. Although Premier Rufus Ewing is yet to announce a date for the elections the main Opposition party said it is ready and has begun to fan out across the country, holding public meetings with supporters. Speaking a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Providenciales on Monday (April 11) PDM national chairman Doug Parnell said: “We are seven months away from the date that an election must be called, and that would be November 12, 2016. “The House of Assembly must be dissolved by that day and an election date set. “We’re here to put our people in the mind-set that we will be launching a campaign that addresses their needs and their concerns.” PDM shadow cabinet minister for education Josephine Connolly also echoed similar sentiments. “We are ready to be the next government, and ready to make a significant change in the lives of our people,” she said. “People are tired of this government boasting about the surplus, while many of our people are still in deficit. Our people continue to struggle.” Also addressing media operatives, leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson focused her remarks on the increasing crime rate in the Islands noting the Government’s ineptitude to effectively address the issue. “Yesterday we saw the shooting of one of our former senior ranking police officers and this only again heightens our concerns about the
PDM members at press conference
number of guns on the streets, the boldness and the desperation of today’s criminals and the lawlessness that seems to be able to happen anywhere at any time and even on a restful Sunday afternoon. “We are grateful that the victim has survived the injury and congratulate the police on their response that has resulted in two men in custody.” Cartwright Robinson said the Government cannot continue to underfund the police force. She noted that the leadership of the force must produce a plan that all can buy into, and officers need to recommit as well as the people to joining the fight against crime. “The truth is today’s criminals are younger, colder, braver and even more desperate and are altogether of a different kind. “We as a country can no longer fight the crime and criminal of yesteryear. “This country continues to take a weak stance and a lukewarm response to crime. This country needs a strong government that will take this issue head on with plans and resources.” In this vein the Opposition leader outlined her party’s plans to tackle crime at its root and create a safer country for both locals and tourists. She said: “A PDM government will ensure that the UK whom maintains responsibility for internal security meets its obligations. “PDM government will support the infusion of credible Turks and
Crown land ballot due A DRAW for the allocation of Crown land to prospective buyers is due to take place. The TCI Government had invited people to apply for a plot in the Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales, just south of Leeward Highway. However as more than one
suitable application has been received a ballot will be drawn at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex on April 29, starting at 10am. Any written comments on omission or eligibility of applicants must be sent in to the director of Crown land by April 15.
Caicos Islanders into the force and we will support all efforts to engender a trust that is so visibly missing within the force and also the relationship between the police force and the people of these Islands.” She said that a PDM government within the first 100 days will meet with law enforcement and seek a comprehensive review of the police force. “We will create a substantive national security strategy; the TCI has seen tremendous changes in recent years in its political, economic, social, technological, environmental,
legal and governance structures. “As a political organisation it is imperative that going forward a clear path is identified debated, developed and agreed as a platform for our national security strategy. “We need to be conscious of the fact that we are living in a more globalised world bearing in mind that while many incidents may be global in origin, they can end up becoming local in effect. “One, we will ensure that a compressive training policy is formulated, two, that there is a proper succession plan, three, that there is
Under the tree
capacity building within the police force. “Four, that there is a review of the resources and equipment programme, five, that there are comprehensive crime prevention initiatives, six, that there are comprehensive border protection initiatives.” Cartwright Robinson also highlighted that a PDM government will strengthen border patrol and protection through the creation of a Border Patrol Unit. “Seven, that there are comprehensive community partnership initiatives. A PDM government will support and resource an aggressive beat patrol school and after school programmes, especially for single parent homes and support the establishment of neighbour watch programmes. “Eight, that there is an offender management programme. A PDM government will ensure that the correction facilities are funded to ensure that the persons in custody receive the best care and rehabilitative programmes to ensure that they have the best opportunity to reintegrate into a society to reduce the rate of recidivism.” Meanwhile the party also announced that Dwayne Taylor, former member of parliament, is the new campaign manager.
By Benneth Williams
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April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Premier Rufus Ewing, CSA president Patterson Williams, vice president Temard Butterfield, Deputy Governor Anya Williams (photo by Magnetic Media)
Civil servants elect new representatives BY OLIVIA ROSE WITH a total of 381 and 514 votes respectively, Patterson Williams and Temard Butterfield have been elected as the new president and vice president of the Civil Service Association (CSA). The pair won following a national election on April 7. Civil servants were invited to cast their votes to elect new heads of the CSA but of the 2,000 eligible voters only half turned out at the polls to cast their ballot. According to statistics revealed by Civil Service in Action (CSIA) committee, 738 civil servants cast votes which included nine in Salt
Cay, 315 in Grand Turk, 79 in South Caicos, 42 in North and Middle Caicos and 293 in Providenciales. The Office of the Deputy Governor via a release thanked all civil servants across the country for attending the various debates and meetings held by the CSIA and candidates leading up to the election. “Congratulations to our new CSA president and vice president. Job well done and we look forward to working with you on the advancement of the Turks and Caicos Islands civil service.” Congratulations also came from Premier Rufus Ewing and the Opposition party.
According to the CSIA release Williams outlined his plans now that he is in office. “The Civil Service Association through the civil service itself is going to have a greater presence in the communities,” he said. While vice president Temard Butterfield said: “As we go forward, my theme or my rally or campaign slogan was, ‘Let’s make it happen.’ “And we can assure that as of today we’re going to start to make the work happen.” Of the 738 total votes cast Butterfield got 514 over Vershina Forbes’ 224, while Williams won the island of Grand Turk and had only 24 more votes than Clerveaux.
Cops: ‘No reports’ of phoney workmen robberies POLICE have denied reports that a gang posing as utility workers has been robbing households despite social media rumours. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) issued a statement on Monday (April 11) responding to a post that was being circulated on various social media platforms including WhatsApp. The post was a warning about thieves pretending to work for the water company or electricity company and robbing unsuspecting homeowners. The warning reads: “Please. Take note: Three or four guys may visit your home claiming they are from Water Company, to install shower
caps, to save water. “Or they will claim they are from Electricity Company to change energy-saving electric bulbs for free as part of government lay down programme. “They have been spotted in so many areas. “Please. Do NOT let them in. They are Robbers, robbing people at gun-point. Please alert all your contacts, as you may save lives. “Make sure doors are locked at all times and please do not open door to strangers. Please forward immediately to save lives and property.” Despite this the RTCIPF insisted that there have been “no reports” of
this type of crime but warned people to be on their guard. An RTCIPF spokesman said: “This warning has begun to cause concern for people’s safety. “At this time, there are no known reports of robbery surrounding the Modus Operandi mentioned in the circulated post reported to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police. “We urge everyone to exercise caution and alertness every day. “If you did not contact the water or power company to come to your home to do any repairs, then you should not allow anyone inside or unless you are sure of who they are. “Ask for identification if necessary.”
Wheeland representative Delroy Williams
PNP has a track record of broken promises – Williams BY OLIVIA ROSE THE GOVERNMENT has a track record for breaking its promises to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is according to member of parliament and Wheeland representative Delroy Williams who has cautioned the public not to trust the Government’s recently passed budget. Williams at a recent press conference urged the public not be hoodwinked by the Government’s elaborate plans outlined in its budget, which he believes will not benefit the average man. Williams said: “After approximately $600 million being spent the Government has failed the people of this country. “We have no proper infrastructure, our roads are in a deplorable state, the people in Millennium Heights and Highlands Estate are ducking holes in the road. “Our residents in phase two are waking up with big holes in the back of their yards and nothing has been done about it. “Our people are fed up with the crime that is taking place every day in Wheeland. There’s a
crime, nothing has been planned in the budget to deal with these situations. “Our residents are building their homes and people are building illegal shacks and shantytowns and losing the value to their properties.” He said that while the Government continues to brag about surplus it is failing to tackle vital issues facing the Islands. “We need a government that will look out for our people. Our civil servants are working in buildings that are about to collapse. “For years I’ve been begging for a community centre for Wheeland. They allocated one million for a community centre that is uncommitted - no monies have been allocated for it . “Even though they are in the budget, for some reason I just don’t trust this government. “Because we had, in 2013 to 2014, we had budgeted a boat ramp for the Wheeland community that went away. It just disappeared out of the budget.” Williams, who is also the shadow minister for public works, explained that projects are continuously placed in the budget but never brought into fruition.
April 16 - 22, 2016
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
& CrimeCourt Gambler admits forging ticket A GAMBLER has admitted to doctoring gaming tickets in an attempt to swindle a bar out of cash. Wolbert Ferguson, 25, was reported to police on Sunday, July 21, 2013, for cashing a number of fraudulent gaming tickets at a Kew Town bar. Ferguson was arrested almost immediately after an investigation was launched by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. On the night he was arrested Ferguson had printed out a $1 voucher validation from a slot
machine in a bar and left. He later returned and tried to redeem an altered ticket for $81 at the same bar despite the ticket having the same validation number as the $1 ticket he had left with earlier. On Tuesday, April 5, Ferguson of Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to forgery and uttering an altered document. He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Monday May 23.
Pair hospitalised in bar room brawl TWO people were left requiring hospital treatment after a bar fight led to multiple stabbings. Police were called to a bar on Aviation Drive, Providenciales, at 1.26am on Friday, April 8, after reports of several fights taking place. When officers arrived they found two groups of people throwing bottles and rocks at each other who fled once they had spotted the cops. Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force officers discovered two injured people who had been
involved in separate clashes. A23-year-old man suffering from major stab wounds and 23-year-old woman with non-life threatening stab injuries. They were both taken to the Cheshire Medical Centre and were kept in overnight for treatment. No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers reporting page at www.crimestoppers.tc.
Woman scares off two burglars TWO brazen burglars who were caught mid robbery by the victim ran off after she screamed at them. The woman had gone to sleep at her home in Turtle Tail, Providenciales, at 11pm on Monday (April 11) along with five other members of her household. At about 3am she woke up to discover two six foot men in her home who bolted after she shouted at them. Taken was a small amount of cash
and a black bag containing “nothing of value” according to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Nobody was injured during the incident but police are urging anyone with information to contact Chalk Sound police station on 3385901 or to call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477 or use the online reporting page at www. crimestoppers.tc.
Robbery suspect snapped fleeing from bushes A SUSPECTED burglar has been arrested after images of a man escaping from bushes was handed over to cops. A resident reported suspicious behaviour around their home on Frith Street, Grand Turk, just after 12pm on Monday (April 11). A man was seen running from nearby bushes by a member of the public who quickly photographed the man using their smartphone and handed the pictures to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police
Force. Items had been taken from two ransacked apartments and included one black 32 inch Avera TV, one black 32 inch Samsung TV and a black 32 inch JVC TV. However they were all found within the building’s yard and returned to their owners. As a result of the images given to police a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of burglary. He had not been charged at the time of publication.
Security officer shot three times during supermarket robbery BY DAISY HANDFIELD ALBOIN Williams, owner of Tag Security Services, was the victim of multiple gunshot wounds to his back during a money pickup at the Sunny Foods supermarket in Providenciales on Sunday (April 10). According to an eyewitness who preferred to remain anonymous, the three masked robbers waited until Williams walked out of the supermarket with the briefcase with the funds to knock him down to the ground. While he was on the ground, the money was taken from him and he was shot three times in his back before the robbers escaped the crime scene. The witness said that it took police officials a long time to arrive on the scene. Kevin Clarke, press officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), said in a statement that the incident happened at about 1.37 pm that day. The victim was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where at the time of press he was in a serious but stable condition. Clarke said that the culprits were described as 5ft 4ins, 5ft 9ins and 5ft 11ins, all dark complexion and medium built. Son of the victim, known as Trap Williams, on social media website Facebook posted a photo and captioned it: “I am my father’s keeper. Get well soon daddy. Only the strong survive.”
Robbery victim Alboin Williams
The image received hundreds of ‘likes’ from supporters. Someone commented under the photo: “Continue to have faith. He’ll be fine. God is good.” Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers reporting page at www. crimestoppers.tc.
Car robbed from tourists at gunpoint recovered A RENTAL car that was stolen from a family of holidaymakers at gunpoint has been recovered. The terrified tourists were approached in their car by two men, one brandishing a gun, at North West Point, Blue Hills, Providenciales at 1.44pm on Thursday, April 7. The armed robbers made off with the light green Nissan March rental car the family had been driving as well as jewellery, an iPhone, a GoPro camera and a wallet.
However, on Thursday, April 7, at 6pm the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force responded to a call in Five Cays where the missing car was found under a cedar tree on the beach opposite Paradise Baptist Church in good condition. Police are urging anyone who was in Five Cays at the time or who has information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page at www.crimestoppers.tc.
Woman charged with wounding A FIVE Cays woman has been charged with wounding after a stabbing earlier this month. Police were called to a report of multiple fights on Aviation Drive, Providenciales, on Friday, April 8. In one of the scuffles a 23-year-old woman received a stab wound to her leg which was not thought to be life threatening and was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force launched an investigation and on Sunday, April 10, a woman, 25, from Five Cays was charged with wounding. She was taken to the magistrates’ court where she was not allowed to enter a plea. The suspect has been remanded in custody until April 28.
10 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016
Sandals opens London store THE LARGEST employer in Providenciales has opened a high street shop in London. Sandals Resorts International which operates the Beaches resort in Grace Bay has opened a dedicated retail store in the posh Chelsea are of west London. The 5,000ft interactive shop, which cost $1.4 million, will “immerse” visitors in the luxury holidays on offer through a range of educational and sensory experiences. Karl Thompson, managing director for Sandals UK and Europe, said: “We are very excited to be
Royal essay competition for aspiring island writers
HIGH STREET HOLIDAYS: Shoppers in London can now wander into the Beaches store in Chelsea and peruse the holidays on offer
Dear Bishop Williams, I am a 25-year-old women with a professional career and have always from a child deeply loved cats and dogs. I never had a boyfriend or a close girlfriend. I am more comfortable and love to be with my three dogs and three cats when I am not at work or church. Is something wrong with me? Animal lover in Abaco Dear animal lover in Abaco, Animals can be your best friend, but you do need the friendship of human. I suspect that you love to be in control and rule others like your obedient animals. Find a church and become involved with helping the poor and needy. You most definitely need a proper balance of human and animals in your life. Jesus Christ balances all things. Dear Bishop Williams, I am a 20-year-old male whose family migrated from Jamaica to the Cayman Islands where I am attending college. Last week, at the college I met a 20-year-old female also from
BISHOP CLARENCE N WILLIAMS
Bishop Clarence N Williams has performed well over 500 marriages and counselled thousands of couples. If you have a problem, email askbishopwilliams@gmail.com or write to Ask The Bishop, Box 685, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. All rights reserved. Names and places have been changed for privacy.
Jamaica who looks identical to me. When we introduced ourselves, our fathers have the same full names and surname but neither of us heard or knew of each other. Do you think our father was working overtime? How should we handle this? Father working overtime in Georgetown Dear father working overtime in Georgetown, It looks as if your father was working overtime with double pay. Do not sound an alarm. Get DNA immediately before both of you approach your father. Jesus Christ has been working overtime for us too….with no pay. Dear Bishop Williams, It was love at first sight when we met at a night club two months ago. I have been putting off intimacy
making our mark on the high street and extending our longstanding commitment to providing a high quality of customer service to our guests. “The substantial investment in this retail experience further demonstrates the growth potential in the UK market. “The immersive nature of the store will allow us to showcase the incredible Sandals and Beaches’ experience for both existing and new customers, as well as provide a more personable holiday booking experience.”
because I am HIV positive I have absolutely no signs. I am the picture of perfect health….she thinks that I am a shy man. If I break the news, she will most definitely leave me. How long should I withhold my HIV status? Withholding from Bermuda Dear withholding from Bermuda, Congratulations for not being intimate, you are a gentleman. It is criminal in some countries for an HIV positive person to have sex without full and proper disclosure to the partner. Continue to exercise abstinence and be sure to disclose your status before six months of relationship. Jesus Christ is a healer of the intents and purpose of us all. He knows everything, but he wants us to ask.
YOUNG TCI writers are being given a platform to express their views and literary skills. The Royal Commonwealth Society has opened applications for its annual Queen’s Essay Competition and is inviting islanders under 18 to take part. The competition is run in partnership with Cambridge University Press and gives people from diverse backgrounds an opportunity talk about the world and their dreams for the future. For this year the theme is ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’ and asks young people to reflect on what it means to live in a diverse, tolerant, equitable and fair society. A statement from the RCS said: “The topics for both the junior and senior categories allow for the exploration of this
theme in a number of ways. “These include the significance of community, the importance of diversity and difference, the question of belonging, the values of tolerance, respect and understanding, and the sense of shared responsibility that exists within the Commonwealth today.” The RCS aims to nurture the creative talents of young people throughout the Commonwealth and promote literacy and expression through varies initiatives. The competition is open to young writers under 18 who are living in, or a national of, a Commonwealth country or territory. All entries must be written in English and be submitted online by May 1.
Grand Turk prison unrest THE TCI Government has confirmed that there has been a disturbance at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk. A Government statement said that a “brief incident of concerted unrest” took place in the prion’s accommodation area on April 6 at 11am. However the disturbance was quickly addressed and brought to a “safe and swift” end within 45 minutes. The statement read: “Incidents where unrest occurs are considered very seriously by prison authorities. “The Prison Superintendent has met with those involved to explore
some of the underlying causal factors. “As is normal procedure, he is now reviewing all of the available relevant information. “We are aware that unconfirmed and inaccurate information has been reported by sections of the media and this can and does increase stress and worry for families and friends of those in custody. “The superintendent is keen to assure that this incident was resolved amicably and without any requirement for force. Normal prison routines were very quickly restored.”
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 11
T C I PAT R I O T S
Are we paying attention to immigration? I WOULD probably be the last person to complain about TCI Belongers expressing concerns about any issue of importance in this country, especially when we consider our traditional passive attitude towards most things. However, what troubles me about our concerns for certain issues is our timing to speak out about them and our lacklustre interest in investigating the facts, figures and implications before they have an opportunity to impact our lives. One such example of our lacklustre attitude to be abreast of important issues is the many pertinent concerns related to labour and immigration. First and foremost, there is a traditional saying which states ‘knowledge is power’ but I often wonder if enough of us grasp this concept when it comes to being informed. We cannot simply rely on our cultural attitudes, fears and hearsay
conversations to form opinions on immigration policy. We need to read the proposed policies, reason its merits and loopholes and then voice our concerns. The impact of immigration policies on our small country are too severe for us not to be properly informed. We need to pay more attention to the immigration laws and policies as a nation. When a proposed immigration and labour policy opens the door for foreign labour in this country it raises a number of questions. Firstly, is the importation of labour denying a Belonger a job or delaying an opportunity for a potential job. Secondly, are the labour and employment policies creating an economy which gradually decreases our dependency on expat labour? Thirdly, if we have had a consistent shortage of labour in the
last few decades in this country, why are many Belongers still calling for the creation of more jobs? Moreover, it is fair to state that the demand and supply of foreign labour in this country has placed a heavy burden on the immigration department to police the movement of people in this country, regulate status and determine who becomes Belongers and how they become Belongers. Are we paying attention? Are we paying attention to impact of granting more Belonger status to permanent residences on our franchise? Let us be honest, in a country where the majority of the population is indigenous to that country the process of naturalisation might not be a big issue. However, in a country such as ours, in which the citizens are outnumbered or nearly outnumbered by expats, expanding the franchise recklessly could
‘open pandora’s box’. Are we paying attention to the fact that although the qualification for citizenship is enshrined in most countries constitution ours is established in an immigration ordinance subject to the legislature policies or political interest which might not be in the best interest of the country? Should members of parliament have the final say over who should become Belongers of this country or should that decision be made by the people through a direct referendum. For example, when the FNM government had proposed amending the Bahamas citizenship law as it relates to the granting of citizenship to the male spouse of Bahamian women, they had to put it to the people of the nation in referendum. Simply put, should citizenship or Belonger status be governed by an ordinance (subject to legislative amendments) or should
it established as an article in our constitution? Are we paying attention? A new immigration law is about to take effect in this country. Did you read the bill before it was passed? Did you attend any discussion of the bill or participate in any domino table or family table conversations on its implication? Did you seek to understand your elected representative position on the bill? I am hoping we start paying attention to immigration policies or our country’s policies and laws in general because in the twenty first century knowledge is not power anymore, the use of knowledge is power. On the bright side of things, if indeed the new bill has provisions contrary to our interest, it is a bill and bills can be written and then re-written or repealed. A TCI Patriot.
COMMENTARY
Truth and consequences THE TCI is now quiet. Performing self-examination, seeking the truth. The consequences of reckless years have been realised in the current Government. In the end the people paid and will continue to pay for government recklessness after voting into power ministers only interested in living it up at the people’s expense. The Oliver Mills column of two weeks ago asking the question of what voters should expect from government was one of Oliver’s top musings. The basic reason we have a government is to do things collectively we cannot do individually. To be effective government needs to be efficient and well managed. As Oliver said, if ministers do not perform, kick them
BY DAVID TAPFER
David is a retired mobile hydraulic engineer and business executive. He has been married to Middle Caicos native Yvette Robinson Tapfer for 25 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011
out! Actually Oliver said “remove immediately”. The TCI is now at a cross roads. Will we turn right or will we make another left turn? Voters in the elections of 2003 and the purchased election of 2007 also stumbled in 2012. Now they are paying the price of 13 years of false promises and resources blown. Make no mistake the past manifestos of both parties are similar. Every voter young to old wants equal employment opportunities.
Parents want good education for their children. Voters expect good roads and bridges. Citizens want our tourism product to be sustained and enhanced, not discouraged. They want affordable utilities, phone, internet, water and electrical power. Everyone wants safety, freedom from crime. They want growth that reduces the cost of living for every citizen. Everyone wants top flight healthcare that is easily accessible and affordable - right
here at home! Have we reached any of these goals in the last 13 years or are they further away? Given the amount of taxes spent and committed to spend have we achieved any real progress? That is what everyone is thinking about! Voters no longer rationalise the past and are facing facts. ‘Team PNP’ bumper stickers are gone! Team PNP has failed each and everyone except the enriched PNP elected ministers themselves. Ask yourself, what are ministers doing day after day? Are they taking care of business? Why did the premier not permit his own ministers to speak about another PNP budget? Does he know that again the Rufus/Misick administration will side track government income one more time? Dr Ewing has not had an
independent auditor perform the five year financial audit of value for dollar of the InterHealth Canada contract. That was due back in 2015. Does Rufus know a proper audit will fail the contract and he will have to assume responsibility? It was and is our relatives and friends that were and are shipped away with so many slipping away. Why is it that only Opposition members have their fingers on the issues? Only they are broadcasting, publishing and speaking positions and programmes week after week. Is only the Opposition connected to the people’s needs and the truth? Thirteen years later people continue to suffer and pay the consequences!
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
13
14 NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson
Deputy Governor Anya Williams
Danica Murphy, facilitator of the Women in Leadership programme
Women urged to strive for excellence BY OLIVIA ROSE WOMEN were urged to become positive change agents in society and their personal lives during Digicel’s inaugural Women in Leadership forum recently. The event was held on Wednesday (April 13) at the Palms Resort under the theme, ‘How to develop and empower our female talents in the Caribbean and specifically in the Turks and Caicos Islands.’ The four day initiative was geared at supporting and empowering the potential of women while advancing a vital discourse on matters facing professional women. Several prominent women who are trailblazers in their respective
fields shared testimonials of their rise to leadership positions both locally and internationally and the adversities and triumphs that accompanied that climb. The forum targeted students and young women of various sectors in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Danica Murphy, facilitator of the Women in Leadership programme, gave a brief overview of the programme’s objective and noted that it aims to empower women at the grassroots level to be leaders in all spheres of life. “We really wanted to understand what are the barriers that women are facing when they want to aspire to leadership. “We found three key messages.
The first barrier that women around the world face is confidence; the belief that we don’t know enough, that we have enough and that we can do enough.” Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson who delivered brief remarks called on women to support each other. “I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of women groups all around the world and to understand the plight that women face and there is still much to be done. “I always say to women here, do not celebrate and get stuck, celebrate and move along continue to empower yourself, continue to encourage and support each other and when you have achieved, bring another woman along.”
Meanwhile Chief Justice Margaret Ramsey-Hale said leadership is that quality that belongs to anyone who leads, and encouraged them to strive for excellence in their careers and personal endeavours. Also speaking at the forum Deputy Governor Anya Williams said: “A leader to me is someone who can adapt to any circumstance. “Leadership does not fit into a box, it comes with its own characteristics, those are courage, boldness, charisma and also sometimes grace.” One of the key note speakers Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Akeirra Missick urged women to surround themselves with positive influences. “Find your truth, live in your
truth, take time out for yourself every single day, not every other week, everyday find an hour minimum to be kind to yourself, whether it’s looking in the mirror and saying my eyes look very sparkly today, those positive affirmations help with your self-confidence.” Meanwhile Digicel’s chief people officer Jennifer Carnegie challenged the ladies to make decisions that will benefit them and their families in the long run. “Continue to learn from those around you, believe in who you are, be proud of yourself, write down what you want, it will come.” Digicel coined the event with the intention to support women while boosting their confidence and competencies.
Help at hand for families affected by autism BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE FAMILIES of more than 20 children in the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from assistance from the TCI Hope Foundation, it was revealed this week. Director and chairman of the foundation Maxcia Rigby said that these families are helped through free evaluation and consultation for seven weeks during the summer, they are provided with information through the foundation’s website and support is also given to parents through their autism classroom. On an annual basis the whole of April is celebrated as World Autism Awareness Month and since 2013 the TCI has joined in with the world on
the celebration. Rigby said that during the month t-shirts will be on sale to further promote autism awareness in the TCI. She said that this year they decided to choose different colours for their t-shirts. These colours represented the autism spectrum and just like each colour is different, every child with autism is different. She said: “Our theme this year is ‘Learning, working, growing together’. “This theme includes all of us, the community, teachers, Government and parents all working together to assist families and children affected by autism in Turks and Caicos.”
Team members from the Hope Foundation sell t-shirts and autism awareness items
Rigby said that corporate companies and schools can participate in their efforts by choosing a Friday in April and having a t-shirt day to wear one
of the Hope Foundation Autism Awareness t-shirts and wristbands and take photos and upload them to their Facebook page. The proceeds from the sales of the
t-shirts will assist in the continuance of the programmes at the Hope Autism Classroom which first CONTINUED
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Hundreds take to the streets for fun run BY DAISY HANDFIELD
ABOUT 500 people participated in the eighth annual FortisTCI spring fun walk and run which was hosted on Saturday (April 9) at the power company’s headquarters in Providenciales. The initiative kick started at 5.30am with a warm up routine hosted by Adina Ciurar from the Graceway Sports Centre. Attendees had the option of participating in a 5km run, 10km run or bike ride. Non-profit organisations that participated included the National Cancer Society, Turks and Caicos Islands Heart Foundation, Nutrition in Demand, Red Cross, Provo Road Runners, Graceway Sports Centre, Wrightfully Fit Gyms and Interhealth Canada nurses who helped about 80 people with blood press and blood sugar testing. The first place male winner of the 10km was Eldre Williams and the first place female was Rebecca Bernadine. The first place child winner for the 10km was Junior Paul.
The largest corporate group was the Grace Bay Club, with 21 people. The male winner of the corporate challenge obstacle course was Rajesh Nair and the female winner was Sheri-Deane Kerr. Dwayne Krzanowski, corporate communications officer at FortisTCI, said that year after year the company continues to host the event for the community with the hopes of bringing people together in a way that promotes a healthy lifestyle. He said: “It’s truly amazing to see the support of the community and we look forward to another successful event in 2017.” Krzanowski said that next year the company is looking to put bigger emphasis on the cycling aspect as they would like to see more participation in that area. Tamika Handfield, a health fair vendor at the event said that she enjoyed the fun run because it was an opportunity to get health information out to the masses. Handfield said that the theme for her table was, ‘Beat diabetes’ which was also the theme for World Health Day 2016.
On an annual basis FortisTCI promotes healthy living through this initiative
Participants do warm up exercises before taking on the challenge
Help at hand for ... CONTINUED
opened their doors in September 2015. “We are happy that we are able to assist so many people in the community,” Rigby said. “We continue to reach out to corporate companies, schools and the wider community to assist us with their efforts and we want to say thank you to them because they have been supportive every year.” She explained that at the moment the t-shirts are only being sold in Providenciales and North Caicos because the foundation does not have representatives on the other outer islands yet. However, people from those islands who were interested in purchasing shirts can contact her on 332-9817. The team will be stationed at
the Graceway IGA supermarket on Leeward Highway in Providenciales on Saturday (April 16) and April 30, selling t-shirts and autism awareness items. Residents are encouraged to attend to show their support. The Hope Foundation for Autism Awareness, a non-profit organisation, was founded in the Turks and Caicos Islands on April 16, 2013, to cater to autism awareness, diagnosis, and treatment. Members estimate that there are hundreds of undiagnosed cases of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the TCI. These findings are consistent with international statistics which reveal that globally as many as 1 in 50 children may have ASD.
Tamika Handfield from Nutrition in Demand gives participants health tips
NEWS 15
Lifestyle... 16
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Prevention is better than cure AS IS true with all aspects of healthcare, prevention of dental problems is better than needing treatment. It is better for the long-term health and strength of your teeth and it is usually better for the health of your wallet! It is no catastrophe if an adult requires the odd filling over the course of his/her lifetime. This can occur to even the most diligent of people. However, I think it is fair to say that nobody wants a mouth full of (painful) cavities, rotten, broken or crumbling teeth, teeth requiring extraction or gaps in the mouth where teeth are missing. As well as the pain aspect here, it is likely your teeth or mouth will look unsightly and your breath will be fairly unpleasant too.
DAILY CARE The first and singularly the most important thing you can do to prevent teeth and gum problems is to brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth is like washing your knife and fork after you have eaten your dinner with
them - you wouldn’t return them to cutlery drawer without being washed and clean, ready for use the next time, so don’t do it with your teeth! You should brush at least twice a day, when you get up in the morning and the last thing before going to bed at night, using a fluoride toothpaste. This removes the plaque - the white build up that occurs on your teeth - and any food debris left on or around your teeth which, if not removed regularly, will start to cause dental caries (decay). Fluoride is important because it strengthens tooth enamel, can reverse early decay and help reduce sensitivity. Use a toothbrush with a medium or small head as this makes it easier to get into hard-to-reach places in the mouth. Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth. Two minutes is enough time to thoroughly brush an adult’s teeth. In the case of children up to the age of seven years, it is often better that the adult does at least some of the brushing to ensure that all the teeth are getting cleaned properly. I recommend using a child’s
THE DENTIST AND YOU
I recommend flossing after you have brushed your teeth in the evening. This removes food particles that are wedged in between the teeth that cannot necessarily be removed by brushing alone. Whilst not completely necessary, some people like to use a mouthwash which gives a fresh, clean sensation in the mouth. Specifically the foaming action or bubbles of a peroxide mouthwash can be effective in lifting any remaining food particles from the teeth. I recommend a mouthwash that is alcohol-free.
fluoride toothpaste as the flavour is often less strong and more palatable for a child and the fluoride level is suitably adjusted.
Posture - Be your all by standing tall GOOD posture contributes to increased energy, better breathing, improved circulation and can even make you look better. People with proper posture move with greater confidence and grace than those who slouch and will also look taller and slimmer. When our bodies are aligned, it contributes to good health. TIPS FOR STANDING TALL 1. When standing, your head, shoulders, hips and ankles should line-up, one comfortably above the other. Your knees should be slightly bent and your feet should be shoulder width apart or more.
By Dr Mark Osmond
Mark Osmond BDS (Lond) LDS RCS (Eng). Mark Osmond Dental Clinic - (649) 432 3777, drmosmond@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook
2. Most of us have a variety of bad habits that get in the way of good posture such as carrying a heavy bag or purse on one shoulder, cradling the phone between the shoulder and ear, and falling asleep on the sofa. Any of these activities may give you a stiff neck and also distort important spinal curves. 3. If you must use a bag or briefcase with a single strap, make sure the strap is padded and wide. Try to choose a strap that is long enough to place over the head to rest on the side opposite the bag or briefcase. This will distribute the weight more evenly. 4. High heels also throw the spine out of alignment making good
REGULAR VISITS TO THE DENTIST Dental check-ups or examinations are important in ensuring that any problems are detected early and corrective action can be taken by the dentist.
You can have cavities or gum disease without necessarily having pain; bad breath, bleeding gums, a white or light brown mark on the teeth can all be signs of potential problems or you may have no obvious symptoms at all. Early detection and correction of dental problems will mean less chance of dental pain, less chance of requiring emergency, complex or expensive treatment and less chance of losing teeth. I recommend a dental check-up once a year if your teeth are in good shape or every six months if you have had or are having problems. I also recommend that children attend every six months. Professional cleaning will also ensure that teeth are given a thorough, deep cleaning and any calculus - which regular brushing at home cannot remove - is scaled away.
YOUR BODY Dr Craig Zavitz is a Canadian chiropractor registered in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He specialises in gentle manual therapies, activator, therapeutic laser, and smoking cessation. To make appointments call 941-5252 or email craig@gracebaychiro.com. For more information visit www.gracebaychiro.com.
posture difficult and often leading to lower back pain. A low, sturdy, comfortable shoe is best, but if you are devoted to your high fashion footwear, try to restrict the height to no more than two inches. 5. Good posture is just as important when you are sitting as when you are standing. When sitting at work for a prolonged period of time, position your lower back against the back of the chair to obtain the greatest amount of support for your spine. A roll can also be used for added support. Avoid leaning your backrest too far backwards and adjust the height of the chair so that your knees are flexed at approximately a 90 degree angle when your feet are flat on the floor. 6. Try not to sit in any one position for a long period of time. Take a stretch break or change
BY Dr Craig Zavitz
positions every 30 to 45 minutes. For a quick and easy stretch, stand up and raise your arms above your head. 7. Exercise can help prevent injury. Regular exercise such as running, walking, swimming, or bicycling will help the body stay aerobically conditioned. Specific strengthening exercises for the back and abdominal or core area will help promote good posture. Chiropractors can help you prevent slouching by assessing your posture and providing corrective therapy. Should you suffer from sore muscles, or a neck or back ache, a chiropractor can also provide treatment for your pain.
Dr Zavitz will be in Providenciales from April 20 to April 28 and Grand Turk from Sunday, April 23.
April 16 - 22, 2016
NEWS 17
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Clement Howell High School celebrates Career Day on an annual basis
Weekly Recipe
BY ADELE VAN SCHOOR
Students learn about career options ALMOST 200 third form students from Clement Howell High School in Providenciales participated in an annual career day at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex on Thursday (April 14). The event began at 9.30 am and concluded at 1pm. The initiative exposed the students to more than 60 different career paths in the Government and private sectors that they could pursue
after graduating from high school. Advertising, law enforcement, customs and immigration, primary healthcare, human rights and dentistry were among some of the career options presented. Kelvina Capron, senior guidance counsellor at the school, said that every year as part of a guidance and counselling programme, the school holds a careers day for third form students entering fourth form.
Capron said that this also helps with their Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) selection. The senior guidance counsellor said that this initiative is beneficial to the students because it exposes them to the different professions available. The students were extremely engaged in the initiative. Capron said that next year she hopes to see more participation from the private sector.
Seared grouper with corn, zucchini and tomato sauté INGREDIENTS • 4 grouper fillets (or other firm fish such as halibut, cod, or salmon) • 1 tsp kosher salt • ½ tsp freshly ground pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 medium zucchini • 1 large shallot • 1½ cups fresh yellow corn kernels or frozen whole-kernel corn • 2 clove garlic • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes • 2 tbsp butter • ¼ cup basil leaves METHOD • Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. • Cook fish for four minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove and keep warm. • Sauté zucchini and shallots for four minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in corn and garlic, and sauté for two more minutes. • Reduce heat to low and stir in tomatoes, butter and basil, cooking until butter is just melted. • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon vegetables onto serving plates and top with fish Third form students at the school are exposed to the different career options
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Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016
Christie: Izmirlian ‘deserving of consideration’ over Baha Mar BAHA Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian is “deserving of every consideration” regarding his newly submitted plans to the Export Import (EXIM) Bank of China as he eyes regaining control of the resort with a view to completing and opening the stalled West Bay Street project, Prime Minister Perry Christie has said. Mr Christie said he recently met with the developer to discuss “a number of new offers” to the bank and has since written officials to confirm that they received the new plans. In an interview broadcast on Our News, he said he has also inquired as to whether the EXIM Bank plans to give consideration to these offers. Meanwhile, Gowon Bowe, chairman of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC), insisted on Tuesday that Mr Izmirlian was well within his right as the “mastermind” behind the resort to make a bid to regain control of the property. However, despite this new bid by Mr Izmirlian, Mr Bowe said stakeholders still have to respect the fact that this matter will have to play out in court. Mr Izmirlian, in a letter sent on Monday, asked the president of the EXIM Bank to accept his offer to complete and open the stalled resort, promising to rehire Bahamian employees while ensuring that the bank does not accept a discount on
According to the information released by the Directorate General of the Dominican migration combined with those of organisations of human rights, which monitor the process at the border, 150,400 Haitians would have returned to Haiti from June 2015 to March 2016.
Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian has asked the president of the China Exim Bank to accept his offer to complete and open the stalled resort, promising to rehire Bahamian employees while ensuring that the bank does not accept a discount on its debt.
its debt. His offer would also ensure that unsecured creditors, many of whom are “suffering in The Bahamas,” would be paid. Mr Christie said Monday night: “He (Mr Izmirlian) met with me and discussed having put in a number of new offers to the bank. I have written the bank in pursuance of his advising me to ask the bank to confirm that has happened and that they are giving consideration to it. “Clearly he is deserving of every consideration and it is a question of the bank being in a position to determine what they are going to do.” “I think it’s a question of the bank
making the right decision as what’s best for them and the Bahamas,” he told Our News. “What Mr Izmirlian has advised me is that he has put in an offer or offers that will not cause the bank to lose any money. I have not seen the offer (but) I am assuming that means it’s an attractive offer. But again it is on the part of the bank. They have to make that decision.” Asked whether he was of the view that Mr Izmirlian had sufficient money to complete the resort and open it, Mr Christie said although the developer comes from a family that is not short on money, he would like to see how the offer was constituted.
Over 150,000 Haitians returning from the DR in 10 months OFFICIAL repatriation operations and returns qualified as “voluntary and spontaneous” of Haitian migrants living in irregular migratory situation in the Dominican Republic, continue to the Haitian-Dominican border. In March 2016, 5,600 Haitians returned to Haiti (2,907 returnees and 2,753 cases of voluntary returns) were recorded less than in February where nearly 8,000 Haitian nationals had returned to the country. These migrants repatriated aged between 19 and 49 years, were returned in particular via the official border points Malpasse/Jimani (911), Ouanaminthe/Dajabon (993) and of Belladère/Elias Piña (486) and 517 unofficial crossings points. According to their testimony, some have been apprehended by the Dominican authorities in the street
during migratory situation control, others on their workplace or home. For the first quarter 2016, according to information compiled from the Support Group for Returnees and Refugees (GAAR), 8,120 people were repatriated and 13,299 spontaneous returns have already identified. Recall that from June 2015 to March 2016, according to the information released by the Directorate General of the Dominican migration combined with those of organisations of human rights, which monitor the process at the border, 150,400 Haitians would have returned to Haiti. 23,983 foreign of various nationality, mostly Haitians were deported by the Dominican authorities and the balance being returns in Haiti, said “volunteers”. (Haitilibre.com)
British Virgin Islands had big role in leaked document A THRIVING financial services industry that evolved over the last 30 years in the British Virgin Islands made it one of the most popular places in the world to form a corporation, turning a sleepy cluster of Caribbean islands into a global hub of finance. Now the British Virgin Islands has come under scrutiny like never before thanks to the leak of confidential documents from a Panama-based law firm that specialises in offshore finance. More than half the 200,000 offshore companies set up by the Mossack Fonseca law firm, including ones owned by the father of British Prime Minister David Cameron and relatives of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, were registered in the BVI, according to reports coordinated by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. BVI officials have sought in recent days to address the reports while defending financial oversight in a territory where incorporated entities outnumber residents by a ratio of
more than 10-to-1 and blue-suited lawyers and bankers on the streets of Tortola often outnumber tourists. “If you see articles that say jurisdictions like the BVI are facilitators of illegitimate activity, that is incorrect,” Financial Secretary Neil Smith said Friday. “Yes, it occurs, but it also occurs in jurisdictions that are not seen as offshore financial centers.” The British Virgin Islands, an overseas British territory of about 30,000 people near Puerto Rico, is the world’s leading center for company incorporation, according to the Tax Justice Network. More than 1 million enterprises have been incorporated since 1984. There were 450,000 active ones at the end of last year, according to the Financial Services Commission. The problem, as critics of offshore financial secrecy see it, is that the BVI and other jurisdictions enable the hiding of the true owners of companies in ways that allow corruption and criminality to flourish. “We’re not saying that shell companies or tax shelters need
to be done away with, we’re saying that more of this needs to be out in the open,” said Mark Hays, a senior adviser with Global Witness. The Tax Justice Network says the BVI has a “lax, flexible, askno-questions, see-no-evil company incorporation,” system. “The BVI has long been linked to wave after wave of scandals,” the organization said in a report that ranked the BVI at number 21 on its financial secrecy index. The U.S. was No. 3 and Switzerland No. 1. But the Tax Justice Network also notes that the British Virgin Islands has made significant improvements. An amendment to the territory’s Business Companies Act that went into effect Jan. 1 requires companies to keep their beneficial ownership information within the BVI. There is also a new requirement for companies to file a list of their registered directors with the Financial Services Commission. The changes are expected to help curtail money laundering and other criminal activities.
Improving housing conditions in the Caribbean can have large impacts on poverty reduction according to one of the authors of the study.
Almost US$2 billion needed to end poor housing in Caribbean APPROXIMATELY US$1.8 billion would be needed to end poor housing conditions currently endured by 1 million residents in The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, according to a new Inter-American Development Bank report, The State of Housing in Six Caribbean Countries. The report, which analysed the implementation of social housing programmes in the Caribbean from 2000 to 2015, underscores the importance of housing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) and the larger agenda in poverty alleviation, economic development, and climate resilience. Rapid urbanisation has created a housing deficit in Caribbean, prompting a large share of the population to live in informal settlements that are disproportionately affected by landslides, flooding, and storm surges, the report says. Moreover, the absence of efficiently functioning land markets, inaccurate property registries, and land disputes have compounded the problem and slowed the pace of housing programmes.
April 16 - 22, 2016
Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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CLICO policyholders frustrated at $10,000 compensation limit
The cops accused of theft and other crimes, (from left) Shawn Henry, Pamphill Prevost and Simon Power. (Photo: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News)
Jamaican, Dominican, BVI cops accused of stealing drugs, money from criminals THREE police officers in the British Virgin Islands – one from Jamaica, one from Dominica and the other a local – have found themselves on the wrong side of the law, accused of stealing drugs and money from criminals they apprehended and using the ill-gotten gains to purchase vehicles and houses. BVI national Simon Power, Jamaican Shawn Henry and Dominican Pamphill Prevost, who took the lead in major drug and money laundering cases, are facing 19 charges for offences allegedly committed between January 2012 and April 2014. They are: three counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, nine counts of theft, four counts of possessing or using the proceeds of criminal conduct, two counts of drug possession with intent to supply, and one count of transferring proceeds of criminal
conduct. A fourth officer, Michael Isles, who was involved in the illegal activities at a later stage and was suspended form the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) along with the other three last year, has turned state witness in the case. He is not facing any charges. According to the prosecutor, Queen’s Counsel Christopher Sallon who was brought in from the United Kingdom, the three officers who were part of the Proactive Unit of the RVIPF, would use police intelligence to intercept criminals and then take some of the drugs and money seized. It’s alleged that they stole more than a quarter million dollars – sums of $30,000, $128,000, $15,000, $80,000, $4,000, $20,000, and $9,000 on separate occasions – along with 158 kilos of marijuana and 20 kilos of cocaine.
THE relief originally expressed by many CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders has now turned to frustration, as some owed in excess of $100,000 have been offered “at best” $10,000 in compensation for funds invested into policies with the failed insurer. Attorney Paul Moss on Tuesday told members of the media that he was in communication with a number of the company’s former employees and policyholders, many of whom have expressed disappointment with the payments from the policies and investments. According to Mr Moss, the amount being offered to policyholders does not reflect the promises made by Prime Minister Perry Christie. “Today, what we have discovered is that many of the promises indicated by the prime minister haven’t materialised and I am not sure, quite frankly, whether the prime minister is aware of what is going on, but we know that what is happening is a disservice,” said the attorney at a press conference yesterday. While giving his mid-year budget communication in the House of Assembly, Prime Minister Perry Christie promised that a collective $16m cash pay-out would be issued to victims of the CLICO (Bahamas) collapse. The payments began in late
Virginia Outten, who estimates that she is owed $334,000 by the insurance company, is worried that she will not get the full amount due to her. (Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff)
March. At the time, Mr Christie said the insolvent insurer’s executive flexible premium annuity (EPPA) holders, and surrendered pension policies, will receive a cash payment capped at $10,000. Anything owed above this sum will be paid off via the issuance to former clients of seven-year promissory notes (government bonds), which will provide them with quarterly insurance payments at the prime rate (4.75 per cent). Vaughn Culmer, CLICO (Bahamas) operations manager, stated that the issuance of the government bonds will “hopefully”
take place “within the next few months”. Meanwhile, Mr Moss said to date, a number of policyholders who are owed sums over $10,000 were to take the “small amount” as payment for their losses. “I have had an occasion to look at the contract that has been given out by CLICO (Bahamas) for persons signing to get their funds. It is tantamount to an absolute exoneration and release for CLICO, once they sign this paper. This is the interpretation that I have gotten from it. In fact, there is no reference or mention of the government bond,” he stated.
Cayman Premier enlists Sir Jeffrey Most Jamaicans would kick Jowell for UK direct rule fight CAYMAN Island Premier Hon UK he has still engaged the services out their gay children Alden McLaughlin has rallied of Sir Jeffrey since he said he is not ALMOST half of Jamaicans say they would throw their children out of their homes for being gay, resurrecting the issue of homelessness reportedly affecting members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Jamaica. The finding is contained in the 2015 Awareness, Attitude & Perception Survey about Issues Related to Same Sex Relationships. The survey of employers, politicians, and members of the general public was done between June and July last year by Market Research Services for Jamaica’s leading gay lobby, the Jamaica Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG). Forty-seven per cent of the 942 people who made up the general public cohort indicated that they would not allow their child to live in their houses if he or she was gay or lesbian. Seventeen per cent was indifferent, and the remaining 36 per cent said they would allow their gay child to remain in the household. That view is cemented by the 75
per cent of the general public who say they would feel uncomfortable living with gays. Employers and politicians, however, shared a contrasting position when questioned whether they would allow their gay child to stay at home. Fifty-two per cent of the 33 politicians said they would keep their gay child. A higher percentage (57) said they would allow their gay children to remain in their household; the rest were either indifferent or completely disagreed. Meanwhile, even if some Jamaicans would allow their gay children to remain in the household, most of them, according to the survey, were indifferent to, or totally disagreed with, allowing any mixing with their siblings. In 2013, following the policeremoval of alleged homeless gays from sections of upper St Andrew, J-FLAG argued that LGBT identity in Jamaica was “shaped and coloured by displacement”. (Jamaica Gleaner)
Professor Sir Jeffrey Jowell QC to protect Cayman’s interest in the face of the looming threat of UK direct rule. Premier McLaughlin revealed that he has engaged the services of the renowned constitution and human rights attorney to fight on Cayman’s behalf whether it is in the court or before the United Nations should UK direct rule threats become a reality. Last week UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, as well as former Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable, called for the consideration of imposing direct rule over British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies if they fail to comply with UK tax laws. The call came in the wake of the global leak of documents from law firm Mossak Fonseca now known as ‘Panama Papers’ which unravelled a global web of money laundering and tax evasion. The UK has set a precedent for direct rule when it took over the Turks
Renowned UK constitution and human rights attorney Professor Sir Jeffrey Jowell QC will be leading the charge on Cayman’s behalf to stave off any attempts from the UK government to exert direct rule in the aftermath of the Panama Papers leak. (Cayman Reporter picture)
and Caicos in 2009 after an inquiry found evidence of government corruption and incompetence. The administration of the UK territory was suspended for up to two years and power was transferred to the UK-appointed governor. Even though Mr McLaughlin said he does not believe the direct rule calls will have “any traction” in the
taking any chances when it comes to protecting his people from any UK assault. “We have engaged senior constitutional counsel Prof Sir Jeffrey Jowell QC to look after our interests and if necessary, if his (Mr Corbyn’s) threat were to bear fruit, to defend our interests in the courts and the UN. So we are taking nothing for granted,” Mr McLaughlin said. He said his engaged with UK representatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Cabinet Office, National Crime Agency and other UK agencies late last week did not hint as the notion of direct rule. “I am satisfied from my discussions that the UK does not share Mr Corbyn’s view and that we are proceeding on the basis that the territories, and in this case Cayman, will reach a suitable agreement with the UK on how this process (of sharing beneficial ownership information) is going to work,” Mr McLaughlin said.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016
World News
EU referendum: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to set out EU case LABOUR leader Jeremy Corbyn is to set out his case for why Britain should vote to stay in the EU, in his first major intervention in the campaign. He will emphasise the “socialist case” for remaining in, saying the EU offers workers’ rights, as well as consumer and environmental protections. While he will acknowledge he has been critical of the EU and its “shortcomings”, he will argue that reform should be sought from within. The in-out referendum is on 23 June. Ahead of the campaign’s official beginning on Friday, Vote Leave and Britain Stronger in Europe have been designated as the official Leave and Remain campaigns by the Electoral Commission. Mr Corbyn has often been critical of the EU and has been urged by many of his MPs to be more vocal in the campaign about the case for membership - but some who want Britain to leave the EU have recently accused him of abandoning his natural euro-scepticism. In a speech in central London, Mr Corbyn will say the Labour Party is “overwhelmingly for staying in” because it believes it is in the “best interests” of Britons. The EU, he will say, has created investment and jobs, guaranteed workers’ rights, including maternity and paternity leave and paid holiday,
Jeremy Corbyn has often been critical of the EU in the past.
and brought benefits for consumers and the environment. Mr Corbyn will also argue the EU offers the “best chance” of meeting the challenges of the 21st Century, such as on climate change, terrorism, the refugee crisis and corporate tax dodging. “Collective international action through the EU is clearly going to be vital to meeting these challenges. Britain will be stronger if we cooperate with our neighbours in facing them together,” he is expected to add. But Mr Corbyn - who did not rule out backing an EU exit when he was standing for the Labour leadership and who voted to leave the European Economic Community in the 1975 referendum - will say the EU is not
perfect, and needs reform. “Over the years I have continued to be critical of many decisions taken by the EU and I remain critical of its shortcomings - from its lack of democratic accountability to the institutional pressure to deregulate or privatise public services. “So Europe needs to change. But that change can only come from working with our allies in the EU. It’s perfectly possible to be critical and still be convinced we need to remain a member,” he will say. The Labour leader will set out his vision for “a real social Europe”, with more accountability, a strengthening of workers’ rights and powers for governments to “support public enterprise and halt the pressure to privatise public services”. He will add: “There is a strong socialist case for staying in the European Union, just as there is also a powerful socialist case for reform and progressive change in Europe.” Mr Corbyn will also use his speech to warn against the temptation to “blame the EU, or worse to blame foreigners” for the UK’s “problems” - and say it is the government that is “failing” the country. He is expected to contest leave campaigners’ claims the EU is to blame for the UK steel crisis, and accuse ministers of having “failed so comprehensively” to protect the industry.
The British PM David Cameron said most of Britain’s overseas territories and Crown Dependencies would now provide British law enforcement and tax agencies full access to information on beneficial ownership of companies to offer greater transparency.
Hoping to restore trust, UK’s Cameron tightens tax laws BRITISH Prime Minister David Cameron said this week he was tightening laws to end tax evasion without deterring “aspiration”, hoping to end scrutiny of his personal wealth and restore trust in his leadership. In a charged session in parliament during which one opposition lawmaker was ejected after labelling the prime minister “dodgy Dave”, Cameron defended those who want to use money to support their families – something he said his late father had done when he set up an offshore fund revealed by the Panama Papers. But the measures he announced did little to ease some of the criticism of a leader accused by the opposition of being a hypocrite for going after
tax evaders in view of his father’s fund and for being slow to detail his financial affairs. Cameron sought to underline the difference between illegal tax evasion and legal tax avoidance, trying to address concerns over his leadership, hurt not only by questions about his wealth in the past week but also by divisions in his Conservatives over EU membership. “It is right to tighten the law and change the culture around investment to further outlaw tax evasion and discourage aggressive tax avoidance. But as we do so, we should differentiate between schemes designed to artificially reduce tax and those that are encouraging investment,” he said.
Chicago police plagued by racism, says official report THE police force in the US city of Chicago is plagued by racism, according to an official report. A task force, set up after a public outcry over police shootings, said some officers had “no regard for the sanctity of life when it comes to people of colour”. It said the department had alienated blacks and Hispanics by using excessive force and honouring a code of silence. The report asks for more than 100 sweeping changes. The panel found that 74% of the hundreds of people shot by officers in recent years were African-Americans even though blacks account for only 33% of the city’s population. The summary of the report, commissioned by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, said that fear and lack of trust in law enforcement among minorities was justified. Chicago’s new police chief, Eddie Johnson, who is African-American, has vowed to eradicate racism within the force. “We have racism in America. We
Donald Trump feels that the Republican Party does not want him to win the presidential nomination.
Task force chairwoman Lori Lightfoot called the report a “blueprint for change”.
have racism in Chicago. So it stands to reason we would have some racism within our agency. My goal is to root that out,’’ he told reporters after being sworn in. The city’s police department is the third largest in the US. Task force chairwoman Lori Lightfoot called the report a “blueprint for change” and urged city police and officials to forge a better relationship with citizens. “The pain and the anger and the frustration that people across this city
have articulated to us... is something that has to be understood, has to be respected. And it has to be embraced if we are ever to move forward,’’ she told a news conference. The Task Force on Police Accountability described the existing independent review body, which investigates misconduct, as “badly broken” and recommended replacing it with a “new and fully transparent and accountable Civilian Police Investigative Agency”.
US election: Trump accuses Republican leaders of conspiracy REPUBLICAN Donald Trump has said the party’s leaders do not want him to win the presidential nomination. The system was “stacked” against him, he said in New York, accusing the Republican National Committee (RNC) of conspiring against him. His comments come after his rival Ted Cruz was awarded all the delegates in Colorado without a state-wide vote. Mr Trump leads the race but may fall short of getting enough delegates
to get the nomination outright. That would lead to a contested convention in July, where delegates are free after the first ballot to back whom they want, opening the door for Texas Senator Mr Cruz or even the third candidate in the race, John Kasich. The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that Mr Cruz is likely to win on a second vote, because he has persuaded so many delegates to vote for him when they are “unbound” to vote as pledged.
April 16 - 22, 2016
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
World News
Labour calls to curb John Whittingdale’s powers after escort relationship
As commander-in-chief, Hillary Clinton says she’ll open the Office of Immigrant Affairs to help immigrants become fully integrated with living in America.
Clinton vows to open immigration office as President IN a one-two punch at Republican rival Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton said she’d be so proimmigrant if elected that she’d create a federal office just to help newcomers — and bashed the billionaire for his “bigotry.” The “Office of Immigrant Affairs” will work with states to ensure that immigrants are fully integrated into American life, Clinton said Wednesday.
She announced plans for the new office while receiving an endorsement from the New York State Immigration Action Fund and used the opportunity to hit at Trump. “Basta!” she said of Trump. “Enough with the prejudice, and the bluster and the bigotry and all of the appeals to fear and anxiety and anger.” (NYDailynews)
Ohio woman charged after livestreaming friend being raped on social media AN 18-year-old woman who used a social media app to livestream the alleged rape of her 17-yearold friend was indicted along with another man by a grand jury on several charges including rape and kidnapping, an Ohio prosecutor said Wednesday. The case came to light when authorities were contacted after an out-of-state friend of the accused woman saw the images, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said. Marina Lonina and co-defendant Raymond Gates, 29, were charged with rape, kidnapping, sexual battery and pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor. The alleged rape involved intercourse by force, according to Wednesday’s indictment, which did not mention her age as a factor. Lonina was also charged with illegal use of a minor in a nudityoriented material or performance, related to the alleged use of the social media livestreaming app Periscope. Periscope, an app for smartphones, uses a video function to allow users to stream events live. O’Brien said Lonina and the victim were socializing with Gates at a home in Columbus on Feb. 27 when Gates raped the 17-year-old girl. Lonina used the Periscope app to livestream the assault, O’Brien
LABOUR has called for Culture Secretary John Whittingdale to withdraw from press regulation decisions after news of his relationship with a sex worker. Four newspapers knew about the relationship, which ended in 2014, but decided not to publish the story. Shadow culture secretary Maria Eagle said it had left him “vulnerable” to pressure from the press. Mr Whittingdale, who says he had not known the woman was a sex worker, said it had not affected his decisions. Downing Street said Mr Whittingdale was “a single man entitled to a private life” and had the full confidence of the prime minister. As culture secretary, Mr Whittingdale’s job is to regulate newspapers and he is currently overseeing a new regulatory framework under consideration in the wake of the Leveson Inquiry into press standards. Ms Eagle said the Conservative minister should “recuse” himself from any further involvement in decisions relating to the inquiry. Mr Whittingdale told BBC’s Newsnight: “Between August 2013 and February 2014, I had a relationship with someone who I first
John Whittingdale, who ended the relationship in 2014, said he had no idea the woman was a sex worker.
met through Match.com. “She was a similar age and lived close to me. At no time did she give me any indication of her real occupation and I only discovered this when I was made aware that someone was trying to sell a story about me to tabloid newspapers. As soon as I discovered, I ended the relationship. “This is an old story which was a bit embarrassing at the time. The events occurred long before I took up my present position and it has never had any influence on the decisions I
have made as culture secretary.” At the time of the relationship, Mr Whittingdale was chairman of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport select committee. He was made culture secretary in May 2015, more than a year after the relationship ended. Downing Street told Newsnight it was not aware of Mr Whittingdale’s relationship before his appointment to the cabinet job. David Cameron first knew about the story “about ten days ago”, a spokesman added. (BBC)
John Kerry at G7: No apology for Hiroshima
Marina Lonina was charged with using an app to livestream the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl.
said. Lonina had also taken a picture of the girl in the nude the night before at Lonina’s house, O’Brien said. Gates is scheduled for arraignment Friday. Court records don’t list attorneys for either defendant to respond to the charges. They each face up to 40 years in prison, if convicted. In February, a Florida woman received a six-month license suspension and 150 hours of community service after she streamed live video of herself driving drunk last year. (NYDailynews)
US Secretary of State John Kerry’s arrival to Hiroshima for a G7 meeting with his foreign counterparts marks the first visit by a U.S. secretary of state to the city, where the U.S. became the only country to use a nuclear weapon during World War II. Looming over the two days of talks between Kerry and other G7 foreign ministers is the location itself, which was devastated when the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on the city in August 1945. The bomb, which led to the end of World War II, killed 140,000 people. Three days later, the U.S. dropped a second bomb on the port city of Nagasaki, killing about 70,000 people. But a senior State Department official traveling with Kerry said America’s top diplomat will not issue an apology for its use of nuclear weapons and the devastation it causes. “If you are asking whether the secretary of state came to Hiroshima to apologize, the answer is no,” the official said. “If you are asking whether the secretary -- and I think all Americans and all Japanese -- are filled with sorrow at the tragedies that befell so many of our countrymen,
the answer is yes.” Kerry, though, did seek to use his visit to “recognize the huge loss of life” that occurred during the war, said State Department spokesman Mark Toner. Kerry and the other ministers will visit Peace Memorial Park, a World War II memorial and museum that has become a symbol for nuclear disarmament. “It is also an acknowledgment that since the end of World War II that the United States and Japan have become the closest of friends and strong allies,” Toner said. The Japanese government and public hope the location of the summit in Hiroshima will foster better understanding among nations about Japan’s staunch nuclear stance. Recent comments by Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump proposing arming Japan and South Korea with nuclear weapons have raised eyebrows here in the country. And Kerry’s trip to Hiroshima could pave the way for President Barack Obama to visit the city next month, when he travels to Japan for the G7 leaders summit. The senior State Department official said the
White House had not made a formal decision. The Group of Seven (G7) industrialized countries -- in addition to the U.S. -- includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. The Syrian civil war, the migrant crisis facing Europe and violence in Ukraine were some of the topics discussed during the first day of talks, aides traveling with Kerry said. Kerry also led a discussion about the political chaos in Iraq and Afghanistan, after having visited both countries this week. The fight against ISIS also dominated the discussions. Some of the European members are grappling with security challenges in the aftermath of recent terrorist attacks in Brussels and Paris. But Japan hopes to highlight pressing concerns in Asia, including China’s activities in the South China Sea and the North Korean nuclear threat. On Sunday, Kerry and the other ministers paid a visit to the seaside Itsukushima shrine that dates to the late sixth century, one of Japan’s most well-known cultural sites. (CNN)
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Entertainment
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Lawyers seek to end We Shall Overcome copyright A SONG that became an anthem of the US civil rights movement should be free for all to perform, say lawyers seeking to end its copyright protection. They claim the holders of the copyright are not entitled to charge for the use of We Shall Overcome, which was sung by supporters of Martin Luther King Jr’s campaign against institutional racism. The song has a long history and can be traced back to a 19th Century hymn. It was later used by the labour movement in the early 20th Century. We Shall Overcome was taken up as a rally cry and was sung at the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery in Alabama, led by Martin Luther King. The song was popularised in the 1960s by folk musician Pete Seeger and others, which led it to be copyrighted as a “derivative work”. Seeger’s arrangement has since been performed by many artists, including Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen and Pink
We Shall Overcome was sung at the 1965 Selma march led by Martin Luther King.
Floyd’s Roger Waters. The current dispute arose when a California-based group called the We Shall Overcome Foundation sought permission to include the song in a documentary. New York-based publishers the Richmond Organisation
and Ludlow Music Inc refused the request and threatened it with a financial penalty if it violated the copyright. Lawyers from Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman have now taken up the case, claiming that licensing fees for We Shall Overcome have been
“unlawfully demanded and extracted”. The same law firm previously argued for Happy Birthday to enter the public domain, a case that led to a judge’s ruling that its lyrics could be used without the payment of royalties. (BBC)
Ben Affleck will reprise his role as Batman in a standalone film about the Caped Crusader. He will also direct the superhero film.
Affleck to direct and star in standalone Batman film BEN Affleck will be pulling double duty as the Caped Crusader, and we don’t mean playing both Batman and Bruce Wayne. The actor will star and direct in a new stand-alone Batman film, Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara announced at Las Vegas’ CinemaCon on Tuesday. Tsujihara also announced that Affleck will star as the hero in the upcoming Justice League film, the first part of which is set for release next year. Affleck made his first appearance as Gotham’s dark knight in last month’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” A new Batman film starring and being directed by Affleck had been rumored since the summer. Affleck has a strong resume as both an actor and a director. The actor has starred in and directed hit films like “The Town” and “Argo.” “Argo” went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in
2013. “Batman v Superman” debuted last month to the biggest March opening weekend in history, with a $166.1 million total in North America. The film by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros, which like CNN is owned by Time Warner, has so far brought in $785.7 million at the global box office. The film was panned by critics, bringing in a 28% score on review site Rotten Tomatoes, but Affleck’s performance as Batman garnered mostly positive reviews. “Affleck’s Wayne — here sporting salt-and-pepper temples and all the baggage of a man who, as faithful butler Alfred notes, ‘got too old to die young, and not for want of trying’ — is a winningly cranky, charismatic presence even when out of costume,” wrote Andrew Barker in his review of the film for Variety. (CNN)
April 16 - 22, 2016
Entertainment
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Eastwood joins cast of 8th ‘Fast & Furious’ film He just doesn’t have the “Hart” for it anymore.
Hart may walk away from stand-up comedy IS it time for Kevin Hart’s comic relief? The funnyman said he might be quitting stand-up comedy for good, according to Variety. “I don’t know if I’m ever going to go out and do it again,” the “Ride Along 2” star told reporters Wednesday at Las Vegas’ CinemaCon. Although the 36-year-old quipped that his “What Now” stint might be his “last f--king tour,”
fans can look forward to seeing it on the big screen later in the year. Variety reports the upcoming movie centers around the “Get Hard” actor in the middle of his world tour, and ends with a sold-out show in Hart’s hometown of Philadelphia. “What Now” earned more than $100 million in ticket sales, and his Philly gig made him the first comic to sell out an NFL stadium. His last tour stop was April 1 in South Africa. (NYDailynews)
THE “Fast & Furious” franchise just added a hunk to the roster. Scott Eastwood has been added to the cast of the eighth film, according to the franchise’s official Twitter account. “Kurt Russell’s Mr. Nobody has a new protégé,” the tweet announced, with a pic of Eastwood. “Welcome @ScottEastwood to the Fast family. 4.14.17. #F8.” No further info was offered about Eastwood’s character. Russell’s Mr. Nobody, a mysterious government operative, recruited our heroes to track down a kidnapped hacker in “Furious 7.” Eastwood, the son of legendary actor Clint Eastwood, said on Instagram that “It’s hard to put into words how excited I am for the next Fast & Furious.” “To me, the series is so much more than just a franchise,” he said in the caption. “It’s a legacy.” The franchise suffered a major loss in 2013 when Paul Walker and
Scott Eastwood says he is excited about joining the new cast.
a friend were killed in a car crash in the middle of filming for “Furious 7.” The studio used special effects and used Walker’s two brothers as stand-ins to complete the film. Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and Jason Statham will
return for “Fast 8,” which will be directed by “Straight Outta Compton’s” F. Gary Gray. Deadline recently reported that actress Charlize Theron had also joined the cast of “Fast 8,” which is scheduled to arrive in theaters April 14, 2017.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016
APPLYING FOR AN ANNUAL WORK PERMIT WHO CAN WORK WITHOUT A WORK PERMIT IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS? The following persons can work in the Turks and Caicos Islands without a work permit.
• If on island, proof of legal entry and lawful stay in the Islands • valid Police record • Certificate of Good Health (please contact the Ministry of Health for further information) • Confirmation of up to date NHIP and NIB contribution (if applying for renewal) Additional documents/Evidence*
CAN I APPLY FOR A WORK PERMIT ON MY OWN? Only Self Employed Person’s and Freelancer’s work permit applications are eligible to be submitted by an employee. All other applications must be submitted by the employer or by agencies/firms accredited to do so on their behalf. WHAT SHOULD BE THE MOTIVE FOR SUBMITTING A WORK PERMIT APPLICATION? A work permit application should only be submitted if an employee/s is/are needed to perform a real job and all efforts to recruit a Turks and Caicos Islander has failed. Your efforts must include newspaper advertisements and evidence of contact with the Employment Services Department to determine if there are persons who are job seekers whether registered with the Department or not, with the skills that you need. If the application is for a self-employed or freelancer’s work permit, there is no need for this requirement to be met. If a labour clearance is needed, the law now requires the following advertisement condition to be met. The employer must advertise in two consecutive issues of a newspaper published in and sold or distributed on the Islands, and the advertisement must (a) describe the nature of the position available in sufficient detail to enable persons reading the advertisement to have a reasonable indication of the nature of the work and conditions of employment; (b) contain the name of the employer and details of the whereabouts of the office or other place to which the application is to be submitted together with contact details, including telephone and fax numbers and an email address; (c) set out clearly the salary package relating to the position; (d) invite prospective applicants who are Islanders to send copies of their applications to the Work Permit Board; and (e) state whether the position is currently held by a work permit holder. WHAT ARE THE CURRENT WORK CATEGORIES AND WHAT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH? There are three types of work permit. • Employed (Skilled and Unskilled) • Self Employed • Freelancer The following CERTIFIED documents MUST be supplied with each application, irrespective of the category. Nationals from some countries may be required to present ORIGINAL documents. • Two photographs of the foreign worker and each person to be endorsed. Only ONE photograph must certified • Certified copy of the foreign worker’s passport bio data page showing photograph and date and place of birth
*PLEASE NOTE THAT ABOVE IS SUBJECT TO AMENDMENTS
WILL A LABOUR CLEARANCE BE NEEDED FOR EACH CATEGORY? A labour clearance is needed for applications under the Employed persons category only. However, the clearance will be issued internally, if approved. The new work permit application form is designed to capture information needed to decide on labour clearances, as such, applicants will be required to pay the require fee upon submission of the application and will be notified of the decision, when made. There will not be a need to return to the office unless additional information is required or the Labour Clearance is deferred for additional information or documents or if it is denied. In which case you will contacted to collect your returned application. WHAT IS THE NEW WORK PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS? As a means of improving service delivery and processing applications in a timely manner, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government passed new legislation which created and brought into force the establishment of two Work Permit Boards categorised by geographical zones. Zone 1 Work Permit Board covers and comprise of members representing the islands of Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay Zone 2 Work Permit Board covers and comprise of members representing the islands of Providenciales, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos
Continued
April 16 - 22, 2016
25
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
DIAGRAM – NEW WORK PERMIT PROCESS
Businesses and Employers are restricted to submitting applications to the Work Permit Board located in their respective zone. Businesses which have a significant presence in both zones may elect which Board to apply to and may not change Zones for subsequent new or renewal Applications unless the Board which they have initially elected to submit their Applications have consented to the changeover. HOW OFTEN DOES THE BOARD MEET IN EACH ISLAND AND WHERE CAN I FIND THEIR SCHEDULE? Schedules will be posted within the coming weeks. It should be noted however that cutoff dates for the receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to. WHERE CAN I GET APPLICATION FORMS? Application forms are available on the following link. http://www.gov.tc/application-forms Forms will also be available at the Customer Service Centers (One Stop Shop) when receipt of new application commences. CAN I APPLY FOR SEVERAL YEARS WORK PERMIT AT ONE TIME? Yes. However, the following maximum periods should be noted and it should also be noted that the fees for the full period must be paid when the work permit is approved. It should also be noted that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government does not facilitate payment plans. • • • •
Self Employed Employed Unskilled Freelancer’s
- up to 5 years - Skilled up to 5 years up to 3 years - up to 5 years
I HAVE AN URGENT NEED FOR A WORKER ON A TEMPORARY BASIS. WHAT DO I DO? Under certain conditions a work permit can be issued for a short period of time and there are also situations when corporate staff need to visit the Islands several times a year for only a few days. The two short term permitting options are described briefly below. (i) Temporary Work Permit The existing provision to acquire a temporary work permit is available. It should be noted however that, a person to whom a temporary work permit has been issued shall not apply for and obtain a Work Permit (Employed Person) until three months have expired
following the date of expiry of the Temporary Work Permit. (ii) Business Visitor’s Permit There is also the option to apply for a Business Visitor’s Permit which may be issued annually. The holder of a business visitor’s permit is able to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands several times per year but will not be able to remain in the Islands for more than seven days (7) days at on each visit. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO PROCESS THE WORK PERMIT APPLICATION? Under the Turks and Caicos Islands Government commissioned Business Transformation Strategy, the Ministry of Border Control and Employment, the Employment Services Department and the Immigration Board have been planning to implement the initiatives and steps necessary to reduce processing times to 30 days from the payment of the prescribed application fees to the date the work permit application is decided. The flow chart above represents a new process which we hope will assist us in this important endeavour. (See diagram) While we recognise our shortcoming, you, our valued clients have an important role to play also and we ask that you contribute so that together we can achieve this mandate for the present and future business environment of the Turks and Caicos Islands. You can help to reduce processing time by doing the following. • Complete the application forms completely and accurately • Ensure that all the supporting documents are attached. Please DO NOT STAPLE the photographs. • It can help to keep your documents safe and secure by submitting you application in an envelope. • Start the application process at least 3 months in advance to avoid the work permit expiring before you are able to submit an application for renewal. If the work permit expires prior to the submission of an application for renewal, there is a $250 penalty fee • Pay all the required fees within the time-frame allotted • Where applicable, demonstrate clearly that the job is a genuine job and that you made every effort to recruit a Turks and Caicos Islander • Ensure that you provide an email address as well as a telephone number in the event there is a need to contact you urgently. Our service standard is to decide a labour clearance, if needed, within 10 working days and work permits within 15 days if a labour clearance is NOT needed and a work permit within 25 days if a clearance is needed.
Continued
26
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology APPLYING FOR AN ANNUAL WORK PERMIT
Continued We also offer a Fast Track Service where applications can be considered within 7 days. Work Permits that have expired and permits holders that are the subject of enforcement activities will not be eligible to apply for this service. WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR A WORK PERMIT AND HOW ARE THEY PAID? The Fee Schedule that came into effect in April 2015 remains unchanged. Copies of the Fee Schedule may be obtained from the Attorney General Chamber’s. It will also be made available on the Ministry’s webpage at http://www.gov.tc/work-permits Unlike in the past, where work permit fees were paid in full up front. You will now be required to pay in the following manner. Upon application • A non-refundable Administration Fee which will be either $150 00or 10% of the work permit fee per application, which-ever is greater. • If required, Labour Clearance Fees $100.00 per application • A non-refundable Fast Track Service Fee of $500 00 for Fast Track Service (i.e. 7 days processing service). • A non-refundable Repatriation Fee for each first time work permit application and/ or upon a new work permit application involving a change in employer. • Any other fees owed to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government with respect to work permits Upon Notification that the Work Permit is approved The remaining work permit fee balance. You will be required to pay this amount within 21 working days after receiving notification that the work permit has been approved. Failure to pay within this time frame will result in the automatic withdrawal of the decision and the application will need to be resubmitted together with the payment of new application and repatriation fees. HOW CAN I GET AN ENDORSEMENT FOR MY SPOUSE OR CHILD OR CHILDREN? As a matter of policy, a spouse or child can only be on certain categories of work permits, and where it may be possible to do so, the applicant/employer has to demonstrate that the employee’s income is sufficient to support him/herself and family in the islands and provide for the registration of the children in a private school. Applications are submitted in the same manner as work permits. The fee structure is a $150.00 non-refundable administrative fee, as well as a nonrefundable fee of $500 with respect to each endorsee. Both are to be paid upon application. DO I HAVE TO USE AN AGENT TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS ON MY/ MY COMPANY’S BEHALF? No. Within the coming months, and in keeping with the provisions of the new Immigration Ordinance 2015, the Ministry of Border Control and Employment will be providing a list of agents that are approved and certified to submit applications on behalf of individuals and companies. Even then, the possibility of submitting applications without the use of an agent will remain. DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE? Assistance is available at email address infobordercontrol@gov.tc
HIV, hepatitis C vaccine may be possible, study says WITH about 2.3 million people worldwide infected with both HIV and hepatitis C virus, and HCV being the nonAIDS cause of death in these people, the potential to treat or prevent both at once would be a significant opportunity, say researchers in a recent study. Researchers at the University of Oxford found simultaneously giving investigational vaccines for both viral infections -neither which has a cure -- did not affect the immune response expected from either separately, according to a study presented at the 2016 International Liver Congress in Spain. The English researchers are part of the PEACHI consortium, a research group pursuing treatment and prevention of HIV and HCV co-infection. About 37 million people around the world have HIV, while 115 million have HCV, with HIV patients six times more likely to have HCV as well, according to a study published earlier this year.
If HIV and hepatitis C vaccines can be given together safely and effectively, researchers say it could be easier to treat the 2.3 million people who have both infections.
Combining the two vaccines made sense to researchers at Oxford, they said, because both infections affect immune response in the body and can easily lead to death. Having both infections requires doctors not only to find the right treatments for each but to be sure the drugs will not interact poorly.
“This study shows for the first time that it is possible to generate simultaneous immune response against diseases HCV and HIV, raising the possibility of a combined vaccination,” Dr. Laurent Castera, secretary general of the European Association for the Study of the Liver, said in a press release.
Florida woman allergic to own sweat, tears A FLORIDA woman is speaking out about her rare condition, which has left her unable to leave the house during the day. Julie Reid said she developed a devastating immunological condition called cholinergic urticaria, which causes her skin to become hypersensitive to emotional stress and exercise. If she sweats, cries or simply takes a hot shower. “It’s torture living like this, it’s torture,” Reid said in an interview with ABC’s Tampa Bay affiliate WFTS. “I just feel like a monster now.” She said she developed the immunological condition three years ago when she was working at a gymnastics gym. On a website to draw attention to her case, Reid said she has gained significant amount of weight and had to quit her job because the sweat would cause her to break out in massive hives for hours or days. She told WFTS she doesn’t leave the house during the day over fear she could sweat and break out into hives. “I went from being a gymnast and a dancer, to not being able to walk through the grocery store, during
Julie Reid says she has gained 100 pounds over the last few years because of her immunological condition.
the day, without receiving hurtful stares,” Reid said on her website. “It is just as emotionally painful as it is physically.” Reid could not be immediately reached by ABC News for further comment. The disease often comes on spontaneously, according to the National Organization for Rare Diseases, and doctors can only offer supporting medications such as antihistamines to patients.
The disease will usually stop just as suddenly as it started, though there is no timeline for when it might end, according to the organization. “I cannot describe to you the depths of depression that exist when your life is just, taken from you,” Reid said on her website. You don’t “realise how much your body sweats until you become allergic to it. I would say it’s one step shy of being allergic to breathing or blinking!”
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
27
Science & Technology
Hawking backs interstellar travel project STEPHEN Hawking is backing a project to send tiny spacecraft to another star system within a generation. They would travel trillions of miles; far further than any previous craft. A $100m (£70m) research programme to develop the computer chip-sized “starships” was launched by the billionaire Yuri Milner, supported by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Interstellar travel has long been a dream for many, but significant technological hurdles remain. But Prof Hawking told BBC News that fantasy could be realised sooner than we might think. “If we are to survive as a species we must ultimately spread out to the stars,” he said. “Astronomers believe that there is a reasonable chance of an Earthlike planet orbiting one of the stars [in] the Alpha Centauri system. But we will know more in the next two decades from ground based and space based telescopes. “Technological developments in the last two decades and the future make it possible in principle within a generation.” Prof Hawking is backing a project by Mr Milner’s Breakthrough Foundation, a private organisation funding scientific research initiatives that government funders think to be too ambitious. The organisation has brought together an expert group of scientists to assess whether it might be possible to develop spaceships capable of
travelling to another star within a generation and sending information back. The nearest star system is 40 trillion km (25 trillion miles) away. Using current technology it would take about 30,000 years to get there. The expert group concluded that with a little more research and development it might be possible to develop spacecraft that could cut that journey time to just 30 years. “I’d have said that even a few years ago travel to another star at that kind of speed would not be possible,” said Dr Pete Worden, who is leading the project. He is chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation and a former director of Nasa’s Ames Research Center in California. “But the expert group figured out that because of developments in technology there appears to be a concept that appears to work.” The concept is to reduce the size of the spacecraft to about the size of a chip used in electronic devices. The idea is to launch a thousand of these mini-spacecraft into the Earth’s orbit. Each would have a solar sail. This is like a sail on a boat - but it is pushed along by light rather than the wind. A giant laser on Earth would give each one a powerful push, sending them on their way to reaching 20% of the speed of light. It sounds like science fiction but Yuri Milner, who was named after Yuri Gagarin by his parents, believes that it is technically possible to develop these spacecraft and get to another star within our lifetimes.
This generic artist’s concept shows how a solar sail might work.
“The human story is one of great leaps,” he said. “Fifty-five years ago today, Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space. Today, we are preparing for the next great leap - to the stars.” There are many problems to be overcome before the first spaceships capable of going to other stars are built. These include miniaturising cameras, instruments and sensors so
they fit on a chip, developing a solar sail strong enough to be blasted by a powerful laser for several minutes and find a way to get pictures and information of the new star system back to Earth. Prof Sir Martin Sweeting, who is a researcher at the Surrey Space Centre and head of Surrey Satellite Technology in Guildford, wants to be involved in the project.
He founded a company 30 years ago that reduced the size and cost of satellites. “A lot of what we did in the 1980s was considered very wacky but now small satellites are considered all the fashion. This (project to go to another star) is currently a wacky sounding idea but technologies have moved on and now it is not wacky it’s just difficult,” he told BBC News.
Study suggests method to maintain stable weight loss MANY people lose weight through diet and exercise, only to find it as difficult, or harder, to keep the weight off than it was to lose it. Researchers in Denmark found obese people who lose weight can avoid this if they maintain their initial weight loss for at least a year, retraining the way their bodies process food. The study showed it takes about that long for two hormones regulating appetite to adjust to a lower “set point” for body weight after weight loss. Before these hormones adjust to the new normal, the body fights the lower weight, making it more challenging to maintain weight loss, similar to the difficulty associated with attempting to change the eating and exercise habits that led to obesity. “The interesting and uplifting news in this study is that if you are able to maintain your weight loss for a longer period of time, it seems as if
you have ‘passed the critical point,’ and after this point, it will actually become easier for you to maintain your weight loss than is was immediately after the initial weight loss,” Signe Sørensen Torekov, an associate professor at the University of Denmark, said in a press release. “Thus, the body is no longer fighting against you, but actually with you, which is good news for anyone trying to lose weight.” For the study, published in the European Journal of Endocrinology, researchers recruited 20 obese but healthy people, who lost 13 percent of their weight during an 8-week low-calorie diet. The participants were then entered into a maintenance program for 52 weeks, with researchers monitoring plasma levels of glucagon-like peptide 1, peptide YY, ghrelin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and
The study found that if people can keep a lower weight for 12 months, they retrain their body to accept it -- making the loss easier to maintain.
glucagon each week. Over the course of the year, the researchers found the levels of GLP-1 and PYY, which inhibit appetite, increased while ghrelin, a
hunger-related hormone, increased immediately after weight loss but returned to normal levels. The increase in ghrelin was directly related to the body thinking
it required more food to maintain its previous weight, researchers said, but the other two hormones increased over time as the body accepted the participants new base weight.
28
JOB LISTINGS SERVICES AUTO SALES REAL ESTATE
Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016
946-4664 Fax: 946-4661
Email: tcnews@tciway.tc
Website: tcweeklynews.com
FLOWER GIRL
WANTED URGENTLY
FLORAL DESIGNER
Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience.
Call: 231-3788
FOR SALE
Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788
April 16 - 22, 2016
CLASSIFIEDS 29
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
MHB CONSTRUCTION
G & G CONSTRUCTION
Invest Turks & Caicos
Is looking for a
MARKET SUPPORT OFFICER
Is looking for a
LABOURER TILE LAYER To work 6 days
per week salary $6.25 per hour.
To work 5 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.
SAVE – MORE
NOTICE
SALES PERSON To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
11321
CONTACT: 244-1260
This serves as a notice that I ORACE ANTHONY FERGUSON BUTTERFIELD is no longer responsible for DIANNE WOOLCOCK
The role will support the Vice President Marketing by conducting market research to provide relevant information to prospective investors and will ensure that the website is actively managed to remain current, accurate and comprehensive. The office holder will receive all inquiries at the website and either respond directly or send the request to the appropriate officer and ensure prompt follow up.
Another key role will be to support the Vice President Small and Medium Enterprise in the operation of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Programme, to be operated by Invest Turks and Caicos. This role will include data and records collection and liaison and follow up with partner organisations.
AL’S HAULING & EQUIPMENT LTD. Is looking for a
HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC Must possess certificates in Caterpillar, Cummins, Komatsu and Perkins diesel engines also be able to diagnose electronic, ECM Control Systems Salary $10.00 per hour
CERTIFIED WELDER & BODY REPAIRMAN
11356
Must have experience in restoring heavy equipment and mig/ tig welding etc. Must be willing to work on weekends Salary $12.00 per hour Only Belongers need apply
Contact: 941-4015 or Email: alshauling@yahoo.com
JOB SUMMARY:
The Market Support Officer will be responsible for a number of functions to ensure the marketing and operational elements of Invest Turks and Caicos function effectively.
The Market Support Officer will also carry out research and prepare internal and external materials, including value propositions, which provide relevant information to attract investors to the country.
11320
Is looking for a
11336
CONTACT: 241-2952
11324
CONTACT: 341-2178
Reporting to: Vice President - Marketing and Promotion Location: Invest TCI offices - Providenciales
ISLAND DRILLING LTD. Is looking to fill the following positions:
SURVEYOR $22.00 per hour
EARTHWORKS FOREMAN $17.00 per hour
GRADING OPERATOR $12.00 per hour 11322
Email: islanddrillingltd@gmail.com
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. To contribute to the development of the Invest TCI website and other social media outlets and ensure they are populated, maintained and continually refreshed. 2. To track and present quarterly website statistics and consumer data. 3. To support the development of a range of marketing materials in print, CD etc including business guides, investment guides, investor prospectuses and ensure they are well delivered through to the market. 4. To distribute generic promotional material on TCI, using all appropriate channels. 5. To collaborate with the TCI Statistics department and other entities to ensure that the Agency has a full range of statistical data and reports on the website that can be utilized by investors in their decision making process. 6. To troll the internet to identify websites that carries TCI data and ensure that this data is up to date and accurate. 7. To maintain an up to date portfolio of media clip boards, literature and pictures of all current, past and future marketing paraphernalia 8. To liaise with inter-governmental groups to ensure the accuracy of marketing messages, materials and Investment incentive messages. 9. To conduct research, as required, to assist the Investment Managers to identify potential investors from TCI’s target sectors for investment opportunities. 10. To support the Vice President SME in the effective running of the MSME programme through the collection of data and maintenance of records, and other support as and when necessary. 11. To contribute to the Strategic Plan and Budget annually. 12. Any other relevant activities or duties as required by
the CEO
PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS
Education and qualifications: Essential: Graduate degree in a relevant discipline such as marketing, IT, economics, business or a related field. Experience and Knowledge:
ESSENTIAL:
• Experience in using social media to market products and activities. • Significant experience in researching and writing various documents, including reports and pamphlets • Financial management experience
DESIRED:
• Experience in web development and maintenance and in using web tools such as SEO. • Experience in destination and/or investment marketing. • Experience of using social media programmes such as LinkedIn and Twitter.
SKILLS:
1. Commercial awareness. 2. Creativity. 3. Writing and presentational skills. 4. Attention to detail. 5. Communication and interpersonal skills. 6. Use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook Personal Qualities: 1. Open and engaging demeanor. 2. A multi-tasker. 3. Ability to generate and share ideas. 4. Hands-on approach. 5. Willingness to take personal responsibility. 6. Able to win trust and personal credibility. 7. Persistence and personal resilience. 8. Attention to detail. 9. Willingness to understand the values associated with small communities.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
1. Fluent English 2. Willingness and ability to travel by air and sea. 3. Driver’s license
SALARY AND ALLOWANCES:
1. Negotiable in a range of $43,060 to $52,470 based on qualifications and experience, plus appropriate allowances.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested persons should submit a resume, along with their contact information, 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. Applications should be addressed to Invest Turks and Caicos Agency, Unit 2D Courtyard Plaza, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. They can be delivered in person prior to the deadline date or emailed to investturksandcaicos@gmail.com. The subject line in the email should read “Market Support Officer”. Envelopes should have the subject “Market Support Officer” clearly marked on the front.
All applications must be received by 12 noon on Monday, 18 April 2016. We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.
30 CLASSIFIEDS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
DIRECTOR OF PORTS
April 16 - 22, 2016
NEW HOPE WESLEYAN CHURCH Is looking for a
Reporting Officer: Minister/Board of Directors Salary Grade: 8
Specific tasks, in no particular order, encompass: • Developing, executing, and updating a multi-year strategic plan to increase revenue, profitability, and organizational growth • Ascertaining new business opportunities outside the Port’s existing geographic and vertical markets • Initiating and closing new business deals by developing and negotiating contracts and integrating contract requirements with business operations • Building, developing, and managing a corporate and operational senior leadership team capable of executing desired business strategies; maintain a management personnel succession plan for all operations • Building and maintaining strong relationships with current tenants/ users and potential future tenants/users; including operators of businesses on Port property • Building and maintaining strong relationships with the Port’s represented employees including general service and maritime employees • Establishing and maintaining stakeholder relationships; serving as the Port’s liaison for other key relationships with stakeholder groups locally and internationally • Working with international bodies • Collaborating simultaneously with a wide variety of business/ economic sectors • Identifying internal organic growth opportunities and ensuring that existing assets are being optimally utilized • Support financial and operational objectives • Promoting the Authority through local, regional, national, and international entities • Reducing environmental impacts on protected species or habitat • Reviewing (for approval) operating summaries and detailed reports (as required) for presentation to the Board of Directors • Supporting operating initiatives for improvements in safety, quality, cost, and employee relations • Evaluating performance of managers for compliance with established policies and objectives of the Ports Authority and contributions in attaining objectives • Leading and directing the processes that monitor, measure, evaluate, and report on performance • Monitoring and reporting on industry trends; leveraging industry best practices and applying these to internal systems and processes
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The minimum qualifications required for this position include a Master’s degree from a recognized institution of higher learning plus a minimum of 10 years of senior management experience. Previous management experience should be in business organizations or public agencies involved in Property Development (commercial, public, and retail), marketing, and/or the Port/Maritime industry. He/she must have proven experience in dealing with public sector processes. Candidate should have depth of understanding and experience in working with government and administrative processes. This unique individual must be able to quickly garner confidence, respect, and trust with all internal and external stakeholders. There
REQUIRED ATTRIBUTES
Candidates considered for the Director of Ports role should possess a strong combination of the following attributes: • Change agent experience to move the organization to a highperformance organization. • A passion for port real estate and land development. • Strong acumen for developing a strategic plan. • A bias for action/sense of urgency and outside-the-box thinker. • Experience interfacing with government entities and working with multiple clients. • Proven ability to resolve complex problems positively and professionally. • Highly developed business, governmental, and relationship development acumen and leadership. • Experience in mentoring and developing staff. • Board presence and the ability to proactively communicate with fellow Board members. • High awareness, sensitivity, and empathetic disposition as it relates to staff, culture, and community. • A demonstrated track record of unquestioned integrity and ethics. • Proven experience in driving and growing a business. • Demonstrated ability to form, lead, and develop high-performing and accountable teams. • A strong work ethic, energetic, and highly engaged. • A broad understanding of the transportation service/maritime industry. • Strong organizational skills in order to balance a large group of diverse projects simultaneously for a large multi-user base. • Stellar interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and presentation skills. • Strong analytical skills with a solid understanding of finance and economic issues.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
1. Fluent English 2. Willingness and ability to travel by air, land and sea. 3. Qualified Belongers, either living in the TCI or abroad, are encouraged to apply. 4. Willingness to work outside normal office hours as needed from time to time Salary and Allowances: Salary is $105,900 annum. Application Procedure Interested persons should submit a resume, along with their contact information, 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. Applications should be addressed to: Chairman, Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands and can be delivered to the Turks and Caicos Islands Ports Authority, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands or emailed to: boardsecretary@ports.tc by the deadline date. The subject line in the email should read “Director of Ports”. Envelopes should have the subject “Director of Ports” clearly marked on the front. Deadline: April 22, 2016 We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.
CONTACT: 332-4688
11340
The successful candidate should be a creative and innovative thinker regarding new projects and new roles of the Port, but seeking counsel as necessary. He/she should have highly developed and sophisticated negotiating expertise.
PASTOR
TRIPLE S CONSTRUCTION
Is looking for a
TILE LAYER To work 6 days
per week salary $6.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 345-0087
11330
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of Ports will provide leadership and direction to enable the Port to achieve sustained growth. The position will be responsible for developing and executing the strategic plan for revenue, profitability, and growth of the Port. He/she will oversee Port operations to ensure efficiency, quality, service, and cost-effective management of resources and personnel.
should be evidence of leadership skills along with the ability to mentor and develop organizational skills.
CALASCO
Is looking for a
LABOURER To work 6 days
per week salary $6.25 per hour.
CONTACT: 231-1489
11323
OVERVIEW
The Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands is a self-supporting public statutory body established in 2008 for the management of maritime affairs.
MATIS EVANS Is looking for a
LABOURER To work 5 days
per week salary $6.25 per hour.
CONTACT: 333-1210
11338
The Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands is seeking an outstanding professional for the role of Director of Ports.
CLASSIFIEDS 31
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
SALLY RESTAURANT & CAFÉ
SANDRA WALKIN
CASHIER KITCHEN HELPER BARMAID DOMESTIC WORKER WAITRESS BARTENDER COOK Salary $6.50 per hour
DOMESTIC WORKER/ CARETAKER
CONTACT:
Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
CONTACT: 232-8896
11329
11325
344-2261OR 342-4583
PIERRIK MARZIOU Is looking for a
Is looking for the following:
Is looking to fill the following positions:
DOMESTIC WORKER Salary $300 per week
CONTACT: 231-0309
11337
April 16 - 22, 2016
JOB FAIR MARGARITAVILLE is in search of highly motivated individuals with great customer service skills and a strong desire to be a part of a team. TUESDAY
SENIOR STEWARD STORE CLERK BARBACKS WAITERS/SERVERS
MAY 10th 2016 10:00AM – 2:00PM MARGARITAVILLE RESTAURANT Positions Available
KITCHEN HELPERS BUSSERS RUNNERS STILT WALKER/MASCOT
DUTIES INCLUDE:
Cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner on the hotline in a high pressure, fast paced kitchen.
Please have your resumes and one passport sized picture Belongers will need to provide original documents showing proof of belongership.
11331
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TAKE NOTICE that an application has been received under section 80 (b) of the Registered Land Ordinance (Satisfaction of Charges) from RAYMOND EDWARD CARBERRY and ELIZABETH GRACE CARBERRY, c/o Hugh G. O’Neill & Co., Attorneys-at-law, P.O. Box 267, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands the registered proprietors of the property stated below.
BLOCK: 607002 PARCE: 212 SECTION: CHESHIRE HALL AND RICHMOND HILLS ISLAND: PROVIDENCIALES The application is for the Registrar of lands to cancel the Collateral Charge endorsed at Entry No. 5 in the encumbrance section of Land Register for the above mentioned parcel in favour of LONGVIEW HOLDINGS LTD. On the basis that the Charge has been satisfied. The Registrar of Lands will proceed to cancel the Charge within fourteen (14) days of the date of this notice provided she receives no satisfactory proof that the charge has not been satisfied.
Dated this 4th day of April 2016 ...................................................................... BRANDIE N. ANDERSON (Ms.) REGISTRAR OF LANDS
Line Cook Needed
11327
Must be able to cook on sauté, grill, fry, pantry and pass. Must possess three years of previous experience working in an ala carte professional kitchen on the hot line. Must be able to demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and multi-task. Good knife skills and a good attitude required. Must be able to read and write fluently in English. Must be willing to stand on one’s feet for 8 hours a day, lift 25 pounds, work holidays, days, nights and weekends. A three day paid try out is required. Pay commensurate with experience.
Prep Cook Needed DUTIES INCLUDE:
Prepping all food items for the restaurant’s static menu. One Year of experience working in a food preparation position in a professional kitchen. Must possess strong knife skills. Must be able to read and write fluently in English. Must be willing to stand on one’s feet for 8 hours a day, lift 25 pounds, work holidays, days, nights and weekends. A three day paid try out is required. Pay commensurate with experience.
Dishwasher/Laborer Needed DUTIES INCLUDE:
washing dishes, general cleaning, upkeep of restrooms and general duties. No previous experience necessary, but you must have an honest desire to work hard. Must be willing to stand on one’s feet for 8 hours a day, lift 50 pounds, work holidays, days, nights and weekends. A three day paid try out is required. Pay commensurate with experience.
BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY Submit resume, status and current police record in person at Somewhere Cafe and Lounge at Coral Gardens Resort or email to: CHEFAMY@SOMEWHERECAFEANDLOUNGE.COM 11326
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
32 CLASSIFIEDS
SERGIO CARRASCO
THE TUSCANY RESORT Is looking for a
LABOURER WANTED
NORIS BAR & RESTAURANT
LEW 1 SHIPPING
LABOURER LABOURER FISHERMAN To work 6 days To work 6 days Is looking for a
Salary $7.00 per hour
per week salary $6.25 per hour.
CONTACT: 231-0327
CONTACT: 243-4905
COLMELITA HANDFIELD
KELCI TALBOT
Seeks the following persons:
11337
CONTACT: 344-7971
per week salary $6.25 per hour.
11342
11339
CONTACT: 941-4667
Is looking for a
11341
per week salary $7.00 per hour
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour. Send resume to
Email info@misickstanbrook.tc
HORIANNA WIGNAL
Seeks the following person:
LABOURER
To work five days per week
1 ToDOMESTIC WORKER work four days per week
To work five days per week, must live on North Caicos
1 WELDER
Basic Salary
11345
BASIC SALARY
CONTACT: 946-7705
11344
Must have 10 years welding experience
Is looking for a
LABOURER To work 5 days
DOMESTIC WORKER
CONTACT: 332-3022
CONTACT: 343-3430
per week salary $6.25 per hour.
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
SUN OIL LIMITED
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
CASABLANCA CASINO
WAITRESS
Sun Oil Limited seeks to identify:
PROFESSIONAL TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVERS Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
The successful candidate(s) will assume the role of Driver/Operator. This position is responsible for the daily execution of key responsibilities within a bulk fuel facility. These responsibilities include the safe receipt, storage and delivery of bulk petroleum products in accordance with strict industry and company standards. Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate a proven track record of safe driving. Successful experience in the petroleum industry would be a plus.
Salary $8.00 per hour tip included Energetic, team player with excellent customer service skills Full time only! 2 – 5 years experience required
Core Responsibilities • Daily inspection of assigned truck(s) and associated equipment. • Safe truck loading and delivery of petroleum products throughout the island. • Provide exceptional customer service at all times. • Adhere to company driving policies • General fuel handling operations associated with the receipt, storage andredistribution of petroleum products.
BAR MANAGER • Salary $12.50 per hour tip included • Must have at least 2-5 years experience in the same field • Energetic, great communication skills, a leader with great responsibilities, understanding of job and business interest.
CASINO NIGHT AUDITOR
11346
• Salary $17.00 per hour • Must have at least 7-10 years experience as a casino night auditor in the same field • All table games knowledge, excellent computer program skills ALL CANDIDATES MUST BE WILLIGN TO WORK NIGHT SHIFTS ON WEEKENDS AND ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS RESUMES MUST BE DROPPED OFF AT CASABLANCA CASINO ADDRESSED TO HR AND THE POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR
Is looking for a
11348
1 LABOURER
• • • •
ROBINSON’S CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a
TECHNICIAN To work 6 days
CONTACT: 941-5707
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Job Requirements • 3 years minimum work experience in a similar capacity. • A strong safety record. Safety related trainings would be a plus. • Defensive driving training would be a strong plus. • A mechanical aptitude with some experience with equipment maintenance and repairs. • Strong leadership skills with the ability to work as an effective team member. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • The ability to work flexible hours and weekends. Benefits include: Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with work· experience and qualifications.
Interested persons should apply no later than 25th, April, 2016 to: jrobinson@sunoilbahamas.com or drop resumes at the Sun Oil Depot South Dock
11356
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Provo Water Company Press Release WATER SYSTEMS & INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS, APRIL 2016:
Provo Water Company is in the process of replacing all commercial meters, district bulk meters, and residential meters. The meter replacement is part of an island-wide infrastructure upgrade that is expected to be completed by Summer 2016. There will be a short service disruption of only few minutes to residential connections as the meter is swapped out. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience but assure you that the upgrades will result in improved services at no additional cost to our customers. PLEASE CONTACT US ON 649-339-9282 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. ###
“For questions regarding your account please call Customer Service Department on 649-339-9282 or email at customerservice@provowater.tc “
BUSINESS ADVISOR REQUIRED ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION
The CED is a non-profit organization which supports potential and existing entrepreneurs with business consulting in a variety of business start-up and management topics, as well as the provision of targeted training programs.
BUSINESS ADVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION
Reports directly to the CED Director, the Business Advisor works directly with start-up and existing entrepreneurs to diagnose business health, provide guidance on business operations, provides confidential, one-on-one counselling and coaching in all areas of business, including market feasibility, business planning, financing, marketing, peer to peer mentoring and human resource development. The Business Advisor will also assist in implementing the TCI Governments Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. 2. 3. 4.
5.
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
The Meridian Club on Pine Cay is currently seeking qualified candidates to join our Maintenance Team on our private island. The maintenance department is responsible for our 13 room hotel, 37 private homes and all maintenance around the island. Boat transportation is provided from either Provo or North Caicos or accommodations provided during the work week. We are in the hospitality industry which requires our staff to be available to work weekends and holidays as needed.
MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
• • • • • •
Literate (verbal and written in English). Computer literate. Knowledge of Quick Books a plus. Basic knowledge of tools. Good eye-hand coordination Skills/Abilities: Ability to assist mechanic in the performance of his duties. Ability to perform office work as needed by Maintenance Supervisor which includes Inventory Control. • Ability to read, write and comprehend work orders and use a maintenance program. • Able to perform basic maintenance tasks This position will assist with daily maintenance office procedures including inventory control, reporting hours worked on various jobs, etc. Must also be a hands-on member of our maintenance team. Salary dependent on experience, training, work record and capability. Qualified candidates should send their resumes to Debbie Keller, Island Manager Email: manager@meridianclub.com or fax to 941-7010 All qualified applicants will be interviewed. 11346
CLASSIFIEDS 33
Provides business counselling at the CED office or at the site of the MSME business. Provides technical assistance to MSME clients in research and development of business plans, marketing plans, loan proposals and related business development requirements. Provides advice and assistance in the establishment and maintenance of business and financial records, in compliance with relevant regulations, guidelines and standards. Liaise with Invest TCI staff and other relevant parties on matters to meet the objectives of the TCI Government MSME Program. Utilizes Centre data base to document client activity in an accurate, timely and comprehensive manner, and utilizes the data base software to manage business caseload and produce reports. Develops, promotes, coordinates and delivers business management training programs in a variety of topics. Collaborates with public and private sector stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the CED. Participates, as assigned to promote local business and economic development within various sectors. Communicates with the business owners in a professional, patient, ethical and sincere way. Stays aware of global and national market trends and the changing needs of MSME sector. Encourages businesses to utilize the various programs offered by the CED. Assist in the continued development of CED’s strategic plan. Refers clients to other resources and professionals when necessary. Travels throughout the islands to deliver services to MSMEs, as well as occasionally work evenings. Performs other job related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Highly customer service oriented. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with small business owners in a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Ability to develop business plans, marketing plans, financial strategies and business loan proposals. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of the 2015 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Ordinance and related Regulations. Knowledge of sound, practical business practices of MSME operations. Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports. Knowledge of banker expectations of the small business owner. Knowledge of basic business accounting and software such as QuickBooks. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and related applications. Skill in dealing with business owners and their staff. Skills in assessing business training needs, whether the assessment methods are formal or informal. Ability to develop and deliver educational programs and/or workshops. Skills in relating to the business owner and adult learner. Ability to analyse situations or market needs, and communicate these effectively.
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
1. Completed Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Entrepreneurship from an 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
accredited institution. Minimum of one year’s experience related to the essential functions specified. Past or current business ownership/management experience . Experience in counselling and/or advising small businesses . Small business finance/banking experience is preferred. Holder of a valid driver’s license.
Salary: $45,600 to $48,000 per annum based on qualifications and experience,
To Apply: Submit applications before April 15, 2016 to: Chairman, CED Board of Directors, Unit B203, Graceway House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Email: cedtci@gmail.com, Phone: 231-1233
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Entertainment
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Six ex-‘Apprentice’ stars to disavow Donald Trump for his ‘anti-American’ campaign SIX of Donald Trump’s ex“Apprentice” hopefuls want him fired. Former stars of the NBC reality show synonymous with the blabbering billionaire’s brand plan to disavow The Donald in a New York press event Friday for his campaign of “sexism, xenophobia, racism, violence and hate,” they said in statements. “Based on (our experience working for the Trump
Organization) and Donald’s campaign, we do not believe he is worthy of becoming president of the United States,” said entrepreneur Randal Pinkett, who became the first minority contestant to win the show’s U.S. version in season 4. Business mentor and former beauty queen Marshawn Evans Daniels similarly slammed the mad mogul’s campaign as “unpatriotic, anti-American, self-serving, regressive and
downright lazy” in a vividly worded condemnation. “Trump is passionately and strategically reigniting a dirty and divisive culture soaked in a history of prejudice, fear and hate,” Daniels said in a statement. Goldman Sachs alum Kwame Jackson, the runnerup in season 1, will also denounce Trump at the event Friday. The thin-skinned mogul
shot back, of course, by insulting the “six failing wannabes.” “How quickly they forget,” he thundered in a statement, claiming he “couldn’t have been nicer or more respectful” of the group. “They just want to get back into the limelight like they had when they were with Trump. Total dishonesty and disloyalty.” Like many of Trump’s retorts, this one also included
a thinly veiled threat. “They should be careful or I’ll play hours of footage of them individually praising me,” he said. Trump gleefully fired contestants on the American iteration of “the ultimate job interview” from 2004 to 2015. NBC severed ties with the businessman in the wake of his June 16 campaign launch, during which he blasted Mexican immigrants
as “rapists” and drug peddlers. Despite the slew of former contestants decrying the Republican front-runner, he still has a friend in at least one: ex-con reality star Teresa Giudice, who endorsed him two months ago. “I think he’s amazing,” the “Celebrity Apprentice” contender gushed on “Watch What Happens Live.” “I think he’ll make a great President.” (NYDailynews)
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands. 1. Parcel 60715/102 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales. Single storey with three bedrooms, one bathroom, living/dining room and kitchen on 0.54 acre. Registered Proprietor: Livingston Williams 2. Parcel 60503/145 Blue Hills and Stamers Run, Providenciales. Single storey with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining area and storage area with an unfinished attached two storey with 2-two bedroom apartments on 0.38 acre. Registered Proprietor: Sharon Elizabeth Rigby The auction will be held at the office of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 29th day of April 2016. A reserved price will be fixed on all parcels and a deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.
Trump fired contestants on “The Apprentice” and “Celebrity Apprentice” from 2004 to 2015.
Bohio Dive Resort - Guanahani Restaurant Grand Turk
IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR JR. SOUS CHEF Requirements: *minimum 1 year culinary experience in a full service, dining establishment *post-secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience *must have strong knowledge of kitchen inventory and ordering process and ability to supervise a staff under the direction of Executive Chef *must be able to work mornings, nights and weekends on a schedule *excellent culinary technique and ability to work the line during all meal periods *exceptional customer service orientation complying with company service culture *must be fluent in English, verbal and written forms
FOR SALE “WORLD CAT “ 28 FT POWER BOAT
Duties will include: *coordinate the inventory and disbursement of all supplies with F & B Manager *inspect and ensures the proper set up and readiness of each item on menus *supervise daily food preparation *ensure a level of quality, portion control and plate presentation is adhered to consistency *work closely with staff to exceed guest expectation
Superb beach or offshore boat
New outboards ( 2 x 150 yamaha four stroke ) New cushions and vinyl within past 2 years Electronics , electrics and full auto inflatable life raft .
Runs beautifully ideal family or party boat $55,000 or Bring an offer !! Motivated seller
Bohio Dive Resort with an updated resume or email to info@bohioresort.com | Tel: 649-946-2135
11351
Interested applicants should apply to:
1 649 231 4420 OR INFO@GSFISHING.COM
April 16 - 22, 2016
Entertainment
35
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Bono wants Amy Schumer to tackle Islamic State
All Saints (L-R): Melanie Blatt, Natalie Appleton, Shaznay Lewis, Nicole Appleton.
All Saints discuss new album Red Flag and recall Top of the Pops trauma A LOT has changed since All Saints first charged onto the scene in 1997. Back then, Tony Blair had just won the election, Oasis were at number one with Be Here Now, and the world’s biggest website was a page full of dancing hamsters. Pop music was in the doldrums - this was the year of Barbie Girl and Gary Barlow’s solo album - so Shaznay Lewis, Melanie Blatt and sisters Natalie and Nicole Appleton were a welcome breath of fresh air. Positioned as a credible alternative to the Spice Girls, they wrote their own material, dressed in street-smart clothes and shunned the chirpy choreography of other girl groups (their signature move was an apathetic shrug of the shoulders). But it was a difficult time to be a woman in the maledominated music industry. Female pop stars were expected to dress provocatively - a revealing photoshoot for FHM was a rite of passage - and All Saints, never knowingly in possession of a smile, were frequently dismissed as “difficult” or “sulky”. It was unfair and it was sexist, protests Melanie. “A lot of Britpop groups at the time would act very arrogantly and very stroppy, but that was never seen as a negative thing,” she says. “We weren’t half as bad - but if we didn’t want to smile one day, or we weren’t really interested in doing an interview, we’d be labelled as stroppy cows.” The sexism spilled over into their TV appearances, and the band shudder as they recall a traumatic Top of the Pops taping. “They were filming images of us to use as a backdrop,”
says Shaznay, “and they wanted us to take our tops off.” The producers, they explain, wanted to shoot the band from the shoulders up, giving the impression they were performing in the nude. “The vision was that we looked naked and we didn’t want that vision,” adds Natalie. “But because it was such a huge show, we were told ‘if you don’t do it, you don’t get to go on the show,’” says Melanie. “The girl that worked with us was in tears because she was trying to fight our corner,” Natalie continues. “We ended up having to compromise with the producers. We dropped our tops to here [indicating her armpits] so it would look like we were topless.” “We did it but we were stroppy about it,” says Nicole. “Again, we got labelled as being difficult.” A BBC spokesman said: “We’re not able to comment on something that is alleged to have happened nearly 20 years ago, but today we seek to ensure that everyone working at the BBC does so in an environment in which they are comfortable.” Nineteen years later, squeezed together on a couch in West London, the band are anything but stroppy. They trip over each other’s words, trading jokes and locking their band-mates out of hotel rooms as a way of surviving a long day of press interviews. Even the Top of the Pops incident is laughed off. “These days it’d be like, ‘you want to see me naked? OK! Sure!” jokes Natalie. “I’ll take my trousers off this time!” Their camaraderie is something of a surprise. After two multi-platinum albums, the band imploded in 2001 over the disputed ownership
of a combat jacket. “Being in a group is like being in a marriage, and right now we are going through a really rough time,” Nicole said shortly before the split. A subsequent statement confirmed the band were “on ice” in order to “clear the air between themselves”. The former schoolfriends didn’t speak for years, but bridges were built during a brief reunion in 2006, and strengthened on a nostalgia tour with the Backstreet Boys three years ago. “But we still get asked about the jacket every day,” laughs Nicole. Following the 2013 tour, the band were keen to continue, but their management suggested they needed new material before going back on the road. “Shaz was nominated to write the album,” says Natalie, “but there was no master plan, no-one telling us, ‘this is the vision we have for you’. There was no pressure. And she pulled out an amazing record.”
BONO has suggested to US politicians that they use comedy to tackle so-called Islamic State. The U2 singer was speaking in front of a US Senate subcommittee on Tuesday as part of a discussion about violent extremism. He said sending in comedians such as Amy Schumer and Chris Rock could be an alternative to military action. “Don’t laugh, but I think comedy should be deployed,” he said. He compared IS to the Nazis who famously marched in what was called a “goose step”. “It’s like you speak violence you speak their language, but [if] you laugh at them when
Image caption Bono chats with Senator Pat Leahy and UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly Clements.
they’re goose stepping down the street, then it takes away their power. “So I’m suggesting that the Senate send in Amy Schumer and Chris Rock and Sasha Baron Cohen. I’m actually
serious.” Bono was joined by a number of diplomats looking to push the US government to do more to help refugees who are trying to escape violence in the Middle East.
Keaton in talks to play a villain in ‘Spider-Man’ reboot MICHAEL Keaton may be going to bat for another team. The actor, who famously donned the Caped Crusader’s cowl in “Batman” and “Batman Returns,” is in talks to play the villain in the upcoming “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” Variety is reporting. Few details have been released on Keaton’s villainous role. If an offer is made, the “Spotlight” star will join a star studded cast, led by Tom Holland, who plays the titular superhero and his alter ego Peter Parker. Also in the web are Oscar winner Marisa Tomei, who will play Aunt May and
VACANCIES
COWDREY LIGHTBOURNE, WORLD OF GIRLS, ROAD SIDE QUALITY TRADING, ST. JULUS & SYLPHISE JOSEPH JASMIN, DANIEL ST. FLEUR, LUCKNERT PIERRE, BREEZE CONSTRUCTION, ERB CONSTRUCTION, GOLD STAR NAIL CENTER
CASHIER $6.25 per hour LABOURER $6.25 per hour DOMESTIC WORKER $6.25 per hour CARETAKER $6.25 per hour MASON/ CARPENTER $8-$10 per hour
CONTACT: DARLING86@HOTMAIL.COM
Caption: Michael Keaton may not save the day in this superhero movie.
Disney star Zendaya, who has signed on for a top-secret role. The third incarnation of the spidey superhero is set to start filming this summer. The coproduction between Marvel and Sony will be directed by Jon Watts and will center on the hero’s teenage years. The flick will swing into theatres on July 7, 2017, but Holland will make his debut in the upcoming “Captain America: Civil War.” (NYDailynews)
NEWS REPORTER The Weekly News is in need of a reporter. Applicant should have a good background in English and must be a clear and competent writer. Previous experience on a newspaper, magazine or broadcasting operation is essential. Ability to type well and use a camera a must. Successful person will be required to cover parliament the community, politics and the courts. Send application to the Publisher, Turks & Caicos News Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 52, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. Or email: tcweeklynews@gmail. com. Sorry, no phone calls.
36
Entertainment
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016
Jurors call for death penalty of Bahamian beauty queen’s killer JURORS on Tuesday recommended the death penalty for a man convicted of brutally murdering a former Bahamian beauty contestant by burying her alive in concrete a decade ago while she was visiting friends in central Florida. Florida Today reported that the panel in Viera voted 10-2 for 37-yearold Vahtiece Alfonzo Kirkman’s execution. He was convicted on Friday of first-degree murder and kidnapping. Authorities said the remains of 22-year-old Darice Knowles were found in a wooded area in Cocoa in 2010, nearly four years after she was reported missing by her family. Prosecutors say Kirkman buried the woman alive under a mix of concrete and dirt, because he found out she had gone on a date with a Cocoa police officer and was afraid she was talking with police about his connections to another homicide. In March 2006, Ms Knowles, a 2004 Miss Bahamas Universe contestant, had been staying with her then boyfriend Christopher Pratt, who pleaded guilty to her murder in 2010. Prosecutors claimed that Kirkman kidnapped and killed Knowles with help from Pratt.
Darice Knowles was buried alive in Florida 10 years ago.
Kirkman is already serving a life sentence for his role in the 2006 robbery-related shooting death of 29-year-old Willie Parker in Cocoa. Prosecutors believe that Kirkman killed Knowles because he suspected that she was giving information to police about his involvement in Parker’s death. Family members reported Knowles missing but the murder case went cold until police received a tip four years later. Pratt confessed to killing the college student and
took police to a site off State Road 524 where the victim was duct-taped and then covered in concrete while she was still alive. The Florida Today report continued: “Police said that before the burial, Kirkman beat Darice and tied her up in the back seat of a gold Dodge van while he asked friends to give him a ride to a home improvement store to buy a shovel, pre-mixed concrete and duct tape, reports show. That van, a rental leased out to Pratt, was later set on fire and abandoned. “Police cleared away more than an acre of land, using city work crews and heavy equipment to search for what would turn out to be Knowles’ body entombed in four foot-deep hole packed with concrete and dirt. Detectives first found a lump of soft concrete in a patch of overgrown brush and then two small bones at what later was determined to be the site where Knowles’ remains were cast in concrete.” According to the report, forensic investigators removed over 1,600 cubic feet of dirt from the site and had an anthropologist examine Knowles’ remains to determine just how long she had been buried. Pratt offered to testify against Kirkman.
Painting discovered in French house could be worth $136 million WHAT is possibly one of the art world’s greatest finds came about because some French homeowners wanted to fix a leaky roof. The 400-year-old work, which was found by accident in 2014 in an attic of a house in Toulouse, is thought to have been painted by Italian master Caravaggio, according to Old Masters expert Eric Turquin, who has been studying it for the past two years. The amazing find was discovered in a sealed-off part of the attic space, which had to be accessed in order to repair a leak. Named “Judith Beheading Holofernes,” the painting represents the biblical figure Judith decapitating Holofernes, an Assyrian general. According to the Book of Judith (included in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox scriptures) she went in supplication to the general’s tent while his forces besieged her city, then beheaded him. French authorities have slapped an export ban on the painting, which experts value at around 120 million euros ($136 million) citing its importance to the art world and a need to “fully investigate” it.
President Barack Obama showed the country there are more presidential perks than they were aware of when he nabbed an advanced copy of the sixth “Game of Thrones” season.
President Obama gets to watch ‘Game of Thrones’ before everyone else TALK about pulling rank! Barack Obama used his elite job status to catch an early look at the upcoming “Game of Thrones” season, leaving die-hard fans searching for spoilers in the dust. That’s right, the leader of the free world, played the president card so he could watch a few episodes of HBO’s monster hit series, before everyone else. “When the commander-inchief says ‘I want to see advanced episodes, what are you gonna do?” showrunner David Beinoff said in an interview during the Hollywood
premiere earlier this week. As for the rest of the world’s “GOT” fans, well, they still “know nothin.” The show’s return, which is arguably the most anticipated in television this year, has been shrouded in secrecy. For the first time in the show’s history, those who read the series will be without a road map to the plot while they wait for author George R.R. Martin to finish the next book, and HBO earlier this year announced that they were cancelling advanced screeners for members of the media.
Marlon James won the Man Booker prize with his book A Brief History of Seven Killings, which was inspired by the attempted assassination of Bob Marley in the 1970s. The “Judith Beheading Holofernes,” painting represents the biblical figure Judith decapitating Holofernes, an Assyrian general.
“The rediscovery of an original masterpiece by Caravaggio is a great event,” Turquin said. The painting “should be considered by far the most important canvas recovered in the last twenty years, from one of the geniuses.” If authenticated, the painting would stand as a particularly grisly example of Caravaggio’s work, but by no means out of character. The painter, who was active around
the turn of the 17th century, repeatedly explored violent themes in his biblical work -- even decapitation, such as in his 1608 work “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist,” and “David with the Head of Goliath” (1610). Another version of Caravaggio’s “Judith” exists, and was painted around 1599. The new discovery was painted sometime between 1600 and 1610, experts believe.
Booker winner James makes Dublin Literary Award shortlist MAN Booker prize winner Marlon James has been shortlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award, formerly known as the Impac Award. The 100,000 euro (£70,000) prize is the most lucrative literary prize in the world, for novels written in English. The shortlist features four novels in translation from Brazil, Rwanda, Germany and Spain and novels from India, Jamaica and the USA.
The books were nominated by libraries around the world. Among the books that James’ A Brief History of Seven Killings is up against is Marilynne Robinson’s Lila, which revisits the characters and setting of her Pulitzer Prizewinning novel Gilead. Mary Costello is the only Irish author on the shortlist this year with her debut novel Academy Street.
April 16 - 22, 2016
Entertainment
37
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Perry wins court battle to buy vacant California convent for $14.5M
Bryan Adams is in the middle of a world tour.
Adams cancels Mississippi concert over new religious law BRYAN Adams has cancelled a concert in Mississippi over the US state’s new controversial religious liberty law. The law, which allows some private businesses and religious groups to refuse service to gay people, was passed last week. The singer issued a statement saying he could not “in good conscience” perform in the state. He added he found it “incomprehensible that LGBT citizens are being discriminated against”. He was due to play the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi on Thursday. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed HB1523 into law on 5 April amid opposition from equal rights groups and businesses.
The law offers protection for Christians who adhere to traditional views of marriage and gender roles, which Governor Bryant said “protects sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions”. The new law will take effect from 1 July. Adams said he was using his voice to “stand in solidarity with all my LGBT friends to repeal this extremely discriminatory bill”. “Hopefully Mississippi will right itself and I can come back and perform for all of my many fans. I look forward to that day.” Adams’s cancellation comes after Bruce Springsteen cancelled a show in North Carolina last week because of a new law in that state.
KATY Perry won a major victory Wednesday in her biblical battle over an abandoned convent. A Los Angeles judge decided in favour of the “Roar” singer and her $14.5 million bid to buy the hilltop property in a ruling that invalidated a competing deal from restaurateur Dana Hollister. “We are very pleased with the judge’s description of her ruling this morning, which indicates that we won the real property issues, clearing the way for our client to buy the property,” Perry’s lawyer Eric Rowen said in a statement. Perry and Hollister fought over the stunning 8-acre property in Los Feliz for months. Hollister managed to sidestep the archdiocese and its clear preference for Perry by striking a rival deal directly with the nuns who lived in the convent for decades. Hollister offered to pay $100,000 cash directly to the nuns who are members of the California Institute of the Sisters of the Most Holy and Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Hollister bid promised a total of $15.5 million down the line as part of a plan to convert the convent into a 60-room boutique hotel with a restaurant and bar. Perry’s offer included $10 million cash and an agreement to provide $4.5 million for an alternate property for a
Katy Perry was in a legal battle for the convent.
house of prayer, the archdiocese said. Perry, 31, said she wanted to keep the property as a private residence and use it to care for her mother and grandmother, a spokeswoman for the archdiocese previously told the Daily News. One of the Immaculate Heart nuns backing Hollister told the Los Angeles Times last year that she didn’t approve of Perry as a proprietor. Sister Rita Callanan said that when she researched the singer on the Internet, she “wasn’t happy with any of it.” Another nun told The News she preferred the Hollister bid because it planned to keep the property open to
the public and deliver cash straight to the nuns’ bank account, as opposed to the archdiocese. “(Perry) was a very lovely person but her offer is not as good as Dana’s,” Sister Catherine Rose Holzman told The News. “We’re looking for someone who will care for our property and let it be open for the public to enjoy,” she said. “She (Perry) wants it for a private home, a hideaway.” A church spokeswoman said the proceeds were earmarked for the nuns either way and that the singer’s offer was clearly superior in terms of its large chunk of cash up front. (NYDailynews)
Dascha Polanco named U.N. Global Ambassador, travels to Haiti
Kanye West had infamously interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards to announce, “I’ll let you finish, but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time!”
Kanye: Swift to-do was ‘beginning of the end of my life’ KAYNE West has doubled down on his song “Famous.” The rapper caught some heat for the lyrics “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/Why? I made that b**ch famous.” And at his first concert since the release of the album featuring the song, he defended his now-famous interruption of Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Performing in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday in support of
his album “The Life of Pablo,” West told the audience that “Famous” helped end his writer’s block “ ‘cause it’s something I wanted to say so bad that they told me I couldn’t say.” “That night when I went on stage was the beginning of the end of my life,” West said of the VMA incident, in which he interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech to announce, “I’ll let you finish, but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time!”
ACTRESS Dascha Polanco is on a mission to help the people of Haiti. The Orange is the New Black star and newly-named United Nations global ambassador, traveled to the Island country earlier this month on what became a life-changing journey. On April 6, Polanco was among the global ambassadors invited by Former NFL player and philanthropist Jack Brewer, to speak at the U.N. for International Sports Day. The 33-yearold attended in representation of Latinos, as well as the NFL ’s Women’s Apparel Campaign. She spoke on the impact that sports has had on her life. A day later, Polanco joined the Jack Brewer Foundation and several NFL players for the trip to Haiti. Their trip included visiting an orphanage of children whose parents died in the 2012 earthquake, and Cite Soliel, which is known as one of the most poverty stricken areas of Haiti. Polanco also stopped into Haiti’s U.S. Embassy and the Olympics centre, where she gave out more than 5,000 items provided by Haddad Brands, a children’s wear company that manufactures and distributes
Dascha Polanco in Haiti this month.
Nike, Jordan, Hurley, and more. “The experience was an eye opener of how we complain in the U.S. of the small things and those small things are the world to them,” Polanco said in a statement. “Just seeing babies with or without families with no clothing, food, clean water or shoes, but with a huge smile and courage is inspiring to me. I am going to focus on working harder to help my people from Haiti that involve women issues, children, the country’s waste and border issues with Dominican Republic. The
people from Ayiti (Haiti) have taught me to smile again and it’s my mission to help them, and others in need.” The children seemed to have had the largest effect on Polanco during the trip. According to Brewer, it was inspiring to watch her interact with the youngsters. “At one point, I honestly thought she was going to try to adopt a child,” Brewer said of the mother of two. “Dascha’s passion to help those in extreme poverty should be a shining of example for female influencers around the world.” (Hiphopwired.com)
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April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
New planet discovered in January could end life on Earth, scientist claims IT’S been said that you’ll never go broke predicting the apocalypse, and the rash of warnings and endtimes prophesies involving collision with objects from outer space have ramped-up of late, most recently with the “close” passage of Asteroid 163899 last Christmas Eve. Now, there’s a new kid on the block, with The Sun and The New York Post, among others, cautioning that “Newly discovered planet could destroy Earth any day now.” According to the reports, a top space scientist claims that a mysterious planet that wiped out life on Earth millions of years ago could do it again. And some believe the apocalyptic event could happen as early as this month. Daniel Whitmire of the University of Louisiana is quoted as saying that Planet Nine — a new planet discovered at the edge of the solar system in January — has triggered comet showers that bomb the Earth’s surface, killing all life. The astrophysicist reportedly says that the planet has a 20,000year orbit around the sun and, at its closest to us, it knocks asteroids and comets toward Earth. Fossil evidence has suggested most life on Earth is mysteriously wiped out every 26 million to 27 million years. Whitmire claims Planet Nine’s passage through a rock-laden area called the Kuiper Belt is responsible
The building blocks that are essential for the existence of life came from space.
Life on earth may have a ‘sugar and space’ origin A scientist is quoted as saying that Planet Nine — a new planet discovered at the edge of the solar system in January — has in the past triggered comet showers that bomb the Earth’s surface, killing all life in the process.
for the “extinction events.” Conspiracy theorists have previously claimed a red dwarf planet called Nibiru, Nemesis, or “Star Wormwood,” which orbits close to Earth every 36,000 years, was behind the events. Now some are convinced there will be a collision or a near-miss before the end of April, the media reports say. The reports add that Nemesis or Nibiru was widely dismissed as crackpot pseudo-science — until Planet Nine was identified in
January by the California Institute of Technology. Meanwhile, NASA continues to keep an eye on last year’s Christmas Eve asteroid, which was the first of five encounters by this object in the next 12 years. Although 163899 is described as a huge asteroid, there is said to be no danger of future collision. Its orbit is well known and NASA has verified that the space rock will not pass Earth at any dangerous distance during the next two centuries. (Caribbean360)
LIFE on earth has an extra-terrestrial origin, according to a new study that was concluded on Thursday. A recent experiment, conducted to understand the source of life’s building blocks, suggests that the molecules arrived from outside the planet. Until now, decades of previous experimentations failed to produce the complex molecules necessary for the existence of all organisms. Now, scientists from Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN) have managed to produce essential molecules and ribose, a type of sugar that supported an early version of life, by blowing up a chunk of artificially created interstellar ice with ultraviolet light. The study was a key to understand the formation of essential building blocks in an early solar system, whirling with grains of dust and ice as well as bathed in radiation. The
latest findings suggest that the ice and dust particles, infused with ribose, may have amalgamated into comets, which consequently crash landed on our planet. The phenomenon enriched the primordial structure that would eventually give rise to life. “If you think of all these little molecules we’re making as Lego blocks, and life as a kind of very complex, organised Lego castle,” said Dr. Scott Sandford, NASA astronomer and space scientist, “the fact that Lego blocks are falling out of the sky can’t be a bad thing.” Previously, there has been no detection of ribose either in real comets or artificial lab created ones. As per researchers, our planet was originally a RNA (Ribonucleic acid) world, that long predated the origin of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) and life on earth, including the cell.
Too much vegetable oil increases the risk of heart disease, study reveals RESEARCHERS discovered a link between a vegetable oil and heart disease. Having large amounts of intake of vegetable oil could have a greater risk of heart disease, according to their study, which was published in the BMJ on April 12. Time reports that the study was led by Christopher Ramsden, a medical investigator at the National Institutes of Health and other scholars. They examined the data from the Minnesota Coronary Experiment that was operated from 1968 to 1973. They found out that the study wasn’t published, which was the opposite idea that substituting animal fats for vegetable fats did not protect the heart. The study involved 2,300 women and men. They were allocated to a diet with vegetable oils or have a control diet with butter and animal fats. The outcome showed that those who ate vegetable oil particularly the corn oil had lower their cholesterol for almost 14 percent unlike those who did not. On the other hand, after a year or more,
Vegetable oil may not be as healthy as was previously believed.
they did not perceive any less rate of heart disease or dying from heart conditions. According to researchers, there were 22 percent risks of death for every 30mg/dL drop in cholesterol.
This means that people who ate animal fats may live longer than those who consumed the vegetable oils. Meanwhile, Dr. Lennert Veerman, a public health researcher at the University of Queensland in Australia and wrote an editorial about the study said that the findings of the study on linoleic acid and saturated fat may not diverge much on their results on vascular health, according to Reuters. She said that there is a need for more research on what fats are the best to use. She further said that people should concentrate on recommendations such as avoiding trans fats, sodium, and added sugar and eat fruits, vegetables, lean meat, sea foods, whole grains, soy products, seeds, eggs, legumes and nuts. For vegetable oil she said, “It may or may not be better for blood vessels compared to saturated fat, but there is no evidence that does harm and there is no need to stop using it.” (Scienceworld report)
Scientist found that some persons had better protection that seems to safe guard them against certain diseases.
‘Superhero DNA’ keeps diseases at bay SOME people appear to be born with ‘superhero DNA’ that cancels out genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, say researchers. The study of nearly 600,000 people found 13 who should have developed debilitating diseases, but did not. The hope is discovering what, against the odds, keeps them healthy and if that could lead to new therapies. Experts said the approach, published in Nature Biotechnology, was “fascinating” but that it was still early days.
Errors in our code of life - our DNA - can cause disease. Large numbers of studies have tried to understand these mutations by looking at people who become ill. But the international team of researchers tried the opposite approach - searching for people harbouring damaging mutations but who remain healthy. “Millions of years of evolution have produced far more protective mechanisms than we currently understand,” said Dr Eric Schadt from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
April 16 - 22, 2016
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
You really can die of a broken heart, new study finds The Danish research team, CODER, has learned that the human brain can beat the calculating powers of a computer, when it comes to solving quantum-problems.
Are humans the new supercomputer? THE saying of philosopher René Descartes of what makes humans unique is beginning to sound hollow. ‘I think — therefore soon I am obsolete’ seems more appropriate. When a computer routinely beats us at chess and we can barely navigate without the help of a GPS, have we outlived our place in the world? Not quite. Welcome to the front line of research in cognitive skills, quantum computers and gaming. Today there is an on-going battle between man and machine. While genuine machine consciousness is still years into the future, we are beginning to see computers make choices that previously demanded a human’s input. Recently, the world held its breath as Google’s algorithm AlphaGo beat a professional player in the game Go — an achievement demonstrating the explosive speed of development in machine capabilities. But we are not beaten yet — human skills are still superior in some areas. This is one of the conclusions
of a recent study by Danish physicist Jacob Sherson, published in the prestigious science journal Nature. ”It may sound dramatic, but we are currently in a race with technology — and steadily being overtaken in many areas. Features that used to be uniquely human are fully captured by contemporary algorithms. Our results are here to demonstrate that there is still a difference between the abilities of a man and a machine,” explains Jacob Sherson. At the interface between quantum physics and computer games, Sherson and his research group at Aarhus University have identified one of the abilities that still makes us unique compared to a computer’s enormous processing power: our skill in approaching problems heuristically and solving them intuitively. The discovery was made at the AU Ideas Centre CODER, where an interdisciplinary team of researchers work to transfer some human traits to the way computer algorithms work. ?
A chip implanted into Ian Burkhart’s brain, can read brain signals, which are interpreted by a computer. It then precisely stimulates his muscles with electricity to restore movement.
Implant lets paralysed man ‘play guitar’ IN a world first, a quadriplegic man can once again move his fingers after a chip was implanted in his brain. Ian Burkhart from Ohio in the US can even move individual fingers to play a guitar-based computer game. The chip reads brain signals, which are interpreted by a computer. It then precisely stimulates his muscles with electricity to restore movement. The researchers hope the technology will eventually help
millions of people with paralysis, stroke or brain damage. Ian, 24, was seriously injured in a diving accident nearly six years ago. The damage to his spinal cord left messages from his brain unable to reach the rest of his body and he was paralysed below the elbows and left unable to walk. But now he is celebrating the “big shock” of being able to move his hand again after a procedure at Ohio State University.
THE loss of your nearest and dearest could literally break your heart, a new Danish study suggests. The findings of the research indicate that people are more likely to develop an irregular heartbeat following the death of their spouse or life partner, particularly in younger couples or in the case of unexpected death. The researchers reported that the risk of atrial fibrillation (a fluttering or irregular heartbeat that can cause stroke and heart disease) was 41 percent higher among those mourning the death of a partner, compared to others who were not bereaved. Those younger than 60 who lost their partner were more than twice as likely to develop atrial fibrillation, moreover, while those whose partners were relatively healthy in the month preceding their death were 57 percent more likely to develop atrial fibrillation. The increased risk was not seen in people whose partners were ailing and expected to die soon, suggesting that sudden or unexpected death contributed to the impact on the surviving partner’s health. In the study, which was published earlier this month in the journal Open Heart, researchers compared more than 88,600 Danes newly diagnosed
The researchers reported that the risk of atrial fibrillation (a fluttering or irregular heartbeat that can cause stroke and heart disease) was 41 percent higher among those mourning the death of a partner, compared to others who were not bereaved.
with atrial fibrillation with 886,120 healthy people, matched for age and sex, between 1995 and 2014. Those who lost their nearest and dearest were not only at greater risk for an abnormal heart rhythm, but the risk was independent of gender and other conditions that might contribute to the disorder, the researchers said. The risk appeared greatest eight to 14 days after a death, gradually subsiding subsequently. After a year the risk was similar to that of someone who had not been bereaved,
according to the researchers. The research team noted that because this was an observational study, it could not draw a direct cause-and-effect link between the death of a partner and atrial fibrillation. The study nevertheless reinforced earlier research that suggested a link between heart rhythm problems and emotional turmoil, according to Dr Mark Estes, director of the New England Cardiac Arrhythmia Center at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.
Bed bugs’ thick skins beat insecticide BED bugs might be developing thicker “skins” to help them survive exposure to common insecticides. Human population growth and international travel have helped the bug become a source of irritation in hotel rooms around the world. Insecticides are the most common way to kill them, but they have rapidly developed resistance. Now, an Australian team writing in Plos One journal thinks it has found one of the reasons why. Killing resistant strains of the bug may require concentrations 1,000 times larger than those needed to eliminate non-resistant creatures. Infestations have spread to homes and offices and the bugs are extremely hard to get rid off once they gain a foothold. They can survive for up to a year without feeding and a single fertilised female can infest a whole building. While they were a common part of life in the 1940s and 50s, the introduction of DDT and other powerful insecticides initially restricted their populations. But there was a resurgence as the bugs quickly developed resistance
Bed bugs are extremely resilient, they can survive for up to a year without feeding and a single fertilised female can infest a whole building.
to DDT and subsequent classes of chemicals deployed to kill them. Like all insects, bed bugs are covered by an exoskeleton called a cuticle. Using scanning electron microscopy, David Lilly from the University of Sydney and colleagues compared the thickness of cuticles taken from bed bugs that were resistant to insecticides with cuticles from those that were more easily
killed by insecticides. The results showed that the thicker the cuticle, the more likely the bugs were to be resistant to insecticides. “One way bed bugs beat insecticides is by developing a thicker ‘skin’,” said co-author Mr Lilly, a PhD candidate. The researchers say the results could explain why bed bug infestations are so difficult to control and could assist the search for more effective strategies.
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Sports Interational
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Bryant goes out in a blaze of glory Lionel Messi (left) failed to score for the fifth game in a row for Barcelona.
Kobe Bryant became the first NBA player to score over 50 points in his last game.
THE clock ticked toward midnight Wednesday. The sold-out stands had emptied hours earlier. Now, ushers, security guards and cleaning crews swept mounds of purple and gold confetti, streamers and balloons into white trash bags. But Kobe Bryant remained on the court. In a black Los Angeles Lakers hoodie, sweatpants and a pair of his sneakers, the 37-year-old gathered his family -- his wife and two young daughters -- on the Staples Center hardwood, and posed for pictures beside the team’s half-court logo. As shutters snapped and flashes popped, Bryant smiled, lingering in the place where he had delivered the most perfect farewell, one so fitting and surreal that it too will linger in the vivid memories of those who watched it almost impossibly unfold.
In the final game of his storied 20-season career, Bryant scored 60 points and hit the winning shot with 31.6 seconds left. He scored 15 of the Lakers’ final 17 points. He outscored the opponent by himself (23-21) in the fourth quarter. And, to round out the storybook ending, Bryant led the Lakers to a 101-96 victory against the Utah Jazz in his 1,346th and final regular-season game, punctuating a season-long farewell tour with a performance that even he couldn’t fathom. “It’s hard to believe that it happened this way,” he said after notching the sixth game of 60-plus points in his career. “I’m still in shock about it.” In October, Bryant’s first shot of the preseason in Hawaii hit the side of the backboard, foreshadowing a
season of struggle. The tribute videos, standing ovations and chants still poured in, even though Bryant kept misfiring, earning comparisons to Willie Mays with the New York Mets and Johnny Unitas with the San Diego Chargers, stars in their twilight who had become shells of their former selves. Bryant’s 20th season ultimately amounted to a living wake, but unlike some aging icons, he never retreated from the spotlight. Instead, he remained the Lakers’ sole focus, especially as they clung to him for relevancy during their worst season in franchise history (17-65). And he was never more the focus than Wednesday, starting with the fact that Bryant attempted a careerhigh 50 shots, his most since taking 47 in 2002.
Barcelona: Luis Enrique takes blame for Champions League exit BARCELONA are “in a hole” and “finding it difficult to score goals” admitted boss Luis Enrique following their shock Champions League quarter-final defeat. The holders were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid, who won the second leg 2-0. “The team are sad. We aren’t at our best at the moment, nor our most effective,” he said. “I’m 99.9% to blame, no 100. That’s why I am the coach, the most responsible. We all have to improve.” Antoine Griezmann scored both goals for Atletico at the Vicente Calderon, while Lionel Messi failed to net for the fifth club game in a row. “It is clear that we are not in our best form, especially if you consider how we were playing before, but we need to lift ourselves,” added
Enrique. It is only the third time in 11 years that Barcelona have not reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. They are three points clear of Atletico at the top of La Liga, but have lost three of their past four games in all competitions. “It was the game we predicted, although perhaps I didn’t expect Atletico to play so deep. It wasn’t our best day,” added Enrique, who won the treble in his first year in charge at Barca. “We have to stay calm and think that we still have two competitions where we are in the running. “Everyone can choose the explanation. To give mine I have to analyse the performance. It is not our best time, but it is not the time to be nervous.” (BBC)
CFU head barred from running for CONCACAF presidency CARIBBEAN Football Union head, Gordon Derrick, has been barred by football’s world governing body, FIFA, from running for CONCACAF president, after failing an integrity check. Antiguan Derrick was one of three officials bidding for top post along with Canadian Soccer Association president, Victor Montagliani and Bermuda Football Association chief, Larry Mussenden, but FIFA announced Tuesday he could not proceed as a candidate. “The Audit and Compliance Committee has concluded that one candidate, Mr Gordon Derrick from Antigua & Barbuda, could not be admitted as a candidate for the office of CONCACAF President nor FIFA vice-president nor the FIFA Council,” Chairman of the FIFA Audit and Compliance Committee, Domenico Scala, said in a statement. “For privacy reasons we are not in a
The development will come as a blow to Gordon Derrick who last February announced his intentions to run for the top post in the troubled North, Central American and Caribbean confederation.
position to go into further details with regard to this decision. The person concerned has been informed.” The development will come as a blow to Derrick who last February announced his intentions to run for the top post in the troubled North, Central American and Caribbean confederation.
And he had been hoping to be one of the candidates heading into the elections at CONCACAF Ordinary Congress scheduled for May 10 in Mexico City. Those elections will be conducted by CONCACAF’s Ad Hoc Electoral Committee and monitored by representatives of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee, along with their legal department. Derrick has served as CFU president for the last four years, after replacing Trinidadian Jack Warner in 2012, following the cash-for-votes scandal which rocked Caribbean football. Regional officials were accused of taking cash inducements of US$40 000 in return for votes for FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam back in 2011. Following investigations by FIFA, Derrick one of was several officials reprimanded and fined over “apparent violations” of its ethics code.
Novak Djokovic, an 11-time grand slam winner, had won his previous 22 matches in Masters competitions and nine of his past 10 tournaments.
Djokovic stunned by Vesely at Monte Carlo Masters NOVAK Djokovic crashed out of the Monte Carlo Masters Wednesday after suffering a shock defeat by world No. 55 Jiri Vesely. The world No. 1 failed to cope in his opening match of the clay-court tournament against a man who had never beaten a top-10 player. The Serb star lost 6-4 2-6 6-4 to the Czech, his first defeat to a player outside of the top 50 since being beaten by then world No. 74 Xavier Malisse in 2010.
The last time Djokovic exited a tournament in the second round was at the 2013 Madrid Masters. Djokovic, an 11-time grand slam winner, had won his previous 22 matches in Masters competitions and nine of his past 10 tournaments. He had also won the Monte Carlo title in two of the past three years. It was a setback for the 28-yearold ahead of the French Open -the only grand slam he has yet to win.
April 16 - 22, 2016
Sports Interational
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Warriors, Curry march into history with ease Alastair Cook (right) played alongside James Taylor on England’s recent tour of South Africa.
Taylor’s retirement a huge shock - Cook ENGLAND Test captain Alastair Cook says the retirement of national team-mate James Taylor came as a “huge shock”. Nottinghamshire batsman Taylor has been forced to give up the game because of a serious heart condition. Taylor, 26, returned to the England Test side for the first time in three years in October, a move that was welcomed at the time by Cook. “He proved people wrong time and time again and was a great character to have around the dressing room,” he said. “It’s a career cut very short but, on the flip side, at least it’s been detected and we’re not talking about something a lot worse.” Taylor has been diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a
condition similar to the one which affected footballer Fabrice Muamba, and needs an operation. He played in seven Tests and 27 one-day internationals, having started his career with Leicestershire. “When I found out on Monday night it was a huge shock, and a realisation of how lucky we are that we are able to play this great game,” Cook told BBC Essex. “If there’s a guy that can handle what he’s going through, it’s him because of his character. “Hopefully the operation can go well and we’ll see him around, and adding his talent to the English game in a different way.” Yorkshire and England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, a former room-mate of Taylor, says cricket’s current heart screening process is in place to save lives.
JUST in case the night needed more exclamation marks, Stephen Curry hit six 3-pointers. In the first quarter. Just in case the significance of this forever Wednesday night together needed to be underlined, some Warriors grabbed souvenirs afterward and signed autographs in the locker room. For each other. Just in case getting into the record book wasn’t enough, Golden State stomped in by beating the Grizzlies 125-104 amid the bedlam of Oracle Arena and Curry walking around unconscious again. And they did so without any Warrior playing more than 30 minutes, 31 seconds. There are special nights, and then there are special nights. The regular-season finale went as well as the Warriors could have planned, hoped or expected. These Warriors of coach Steve Kerr understood exactly what they had accomplished by winning for the 73rd time in 82 tries. In breaking the all-time record of 72-10 set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (on which Kerr was a guard), they were not about to downplay it while also claiming to only be focused on a second straight NBA title. Not any of it. “There was a lot of joy,” guard Klay Thompson said of the mood in the locker room, before the doors opened to the outside world. “Obviously everyone was getting all
Stephen Curry (right) not only helped his team to 73 regular season wins—the most ever in NBA history, but he scored a record 400 threes along the way.
their gear signed and enjoying this one night. You only get to break 72 wins once, so an incredible regular season it was. I can’t believe it’s over. It went by incredibly fast, but it was a great feeling in that locker room when Steve told us how proud he was of us. He told us he never thought 72 wins would be broken, and for us to do it, I just can’t really describe it. Just got to embrace it, man. It goes by fast. So it’s a quick turnaround, like I said, but tonight it’s our night.” The record for regular-season wins that had become such a challenge of late -- even a burden at times as Golden State tired of
questions about getting to 73 (and showed it in their play) -- in the end went down with ease. The game was barely eight minutes old by the time the lead was in double digits, before reaching 22 in the third quarter and never dipping below 17 in the final period. And then there was Curry. Needing eight 3-pointers to become the first player in NBA history to make 400 behind the arc -- his league record before this season was 286, set in 2014-15 -- he got the quick six on nine tries in the first quarter and 10 in all on 19 attempts to finish at 402.
Meldonium users may escape bans after WADA announcement Spieth has said he hopes he “never experiences again” the collapse of form that saw him lose on Sunday.
Spieth will be scarred by Masters defeat, says Faldo JORDAN Spieth will be “scarred” by his capitulation at the Masters on Sunday, says three-time winner Sir Nick Faldo. Defending champion Spieth, 22, had a quadruple-bogey seven on the par-three 12th as Danny Willett became the first Englishman since Faldo in 1996 to win. The American had become the first man to lead the Masters for seven straight rounds going into the final day. “This will scar him. This will damage him for a while,” said Faldo, who also won three Open Championships.
“We’re all in shock with what happened to Jordan,” added Faldo, who won his third and final Green Jacket in similar circumstances to Willett when Greg Norman blew a six-shot lead in 1996. “In ‘96 you got the sense that Greg was struggling, but it was bit by bit. What happened to Jordan was so sudden, just bam. It was 10 minutes of golf. That’s the harshness of it.” Spieth, who had carded four successive birdies to open a fiveshot lead with nine holes to play, has said he hopes he “never again experiences” a similar collapse of form. (BBC)
ATHLETES caught using meldonium could avoid a ban after anti-doping chiefs said it was not clear how long it takes the drug to leave the body. Wada announced in September that it was adding the heart disease medicine to its banned list from 1 January. Since the start of the year, there have been 172 positive tests. But numerous athletes have claimed they stopped taking the drug last year, prompting many to question how long the drug can stay in an athlete’s system. “There is currently a lack of clear scientific information on excretion times,” the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said in new guidance distributed on Monday. It said that athletes might be able to show that they “could not have known or suspected” meldonium would still be in their systems having taken it before it was banned. “In these circumstances, Wada considers that there may be grounds for no fault or negligence on the part
Tennis player Maria Sharapova was the first high-profile athlete to test positive for the meldonium.
of the athlete,” added the guidance. On Wednesday, Wada issued a statement saying the new guidance was “not an amnesty” for athletes and they must still explain to antidoping authorities how the substance was in their body. This apparent climbdown has already been celebrated by media outlets in Russia, which has borne the brunt of the scandal so far. Tennis player Maria Sharapova was the first high-profile athlete to
test positive for the Latvian-made drug - in a test taken at the end of January - but since then leading Russian athletes from boxing, skating, swimming and winter sports have all failed tests for meldonium. In a statement, issued via the official news agency Tass, the Russian Sports Ministry said it “supports and welcomes the decision made by Wada because it has showed a willingness to understand the situation, rather than stick to the rulebook”.
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Sports Interational
April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Liverpool stage stunning comeback to reach Europa League semis LIVERPOOL staged one of the most dramatic comebacks Anfield has seen to overcome Borussia Dortmund in a classic and reach the Europa League semi-final. Jurgen Klopp’s side were twice left needing three goals to go through in the face of Dortmund’s rapier attacks - but climbed the mountain twice with Dejan Lovren’s injurytime header from James Milner’s cross concluding a night packed with drama and emotion. Anfield commemorated the 27th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 supporters died, with an impeccably observed minute’s silence before kick-off - followed by a thriller that will be recalled for generations for sheer excitement and a finale that sent Anfield wild. The Bundesliga side struck twice inside the first 10 minutes through Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Patrick Aubameyang - both after swift breaks, with the latter sealed with a crisp 14yard strike - to take a 3-1 aggregate lead in the tie. The German side missed numerous more chances to extend their lead as Liverpool struggled to cope with their attacking threat. How good is Liverpool’s record in European competitions? The Reds slowly grew into the game, creating and missing a succession of chances. Even when
The US women are favourites for another title.
Dejan Lovren scored his first goal of the season with his winner against Dortmund.
Divock Origi gave them hope early in the second half - slotting the ball through the legs of keeper Roman Weidenfeller - it seemed to have been snuffed out by Marco Reus’s cool 57th-minute finish. They still needed three goals with less than 25 minutes left but Philippe Coutinho’s low shot cut the deficit and when Mamadou Sakho headed in after 77 minutes, Liverpool stood on the brink of something remarkable. And amid riotous scenes, Lovren rose to head home James Milner’s cross at the far post in stoppage time in front of the Kop to spark chaotic celebrations and seal a win that will take its place in Anfield folklore. Klopp received a rapturous
reception from the fans who idolised him in Dortmund when he walked along the Anfield touchline before kick-off - but he then inflicted agony on the club he took to two Bundesliga titles and the Champions League Final. As Liverpool chased the game in the closing stages, Klopp was almost wound up to the point of frenzy, turning around to the crowd beneath Anfield’s directors’ box whirling his arms in encouragement and gesturing wildly for more vocal support. It kept the momentum going and Liverpool’s supporters believing right through the dark moments when Dortmund controlled the game, inspiring his players to that sensational finale.
US women to face New Zealand, France, Colombia in Olympics THE U.S. women’s soccer team will open its quest for a fourth straight Olympic gold medal against New Zealand, then will play France and Colombia in the first round of the tournament in Brazil. The Americans were drawn Thursday to play New Zealand on Aug. 3 at Belo Horizonte. The U.S. meets France three days later, also in Belo Horizonte, then plays Colombia on Aug. 9 at Manaus in the Amazon, where the American men tied Portugal 2-2 at the 2014 World Cup. If the United States wins Group G, it would play its quarterfinal on
Aug. 12 in Brasilia against a thirdplace team from one of the other two groups. The Brasilia winner would advance to a semifinal on Aug. 16 in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana, where the final will be played on Aug. 19. Brazil, China, South Africa and Sweden are in Group E, and Australia, Canada, Germany and Zimbabwe are in Group F. There are 12 teams in the women’s tournament and 16 in the men’s tournament. The U.S. has won four of the five gold medals in women’s soccer, missing only when it lost to Norway in the 2000 final. (USA Today)
MMA fighter dies from head injuries FIGHTER Joao Carvalho has died in hospital after suffering head injuries during a mixed martial arts (MMA) bout in Dublin, Ireland. The 28-year-old complained of feeling unwell after Saturday’s fight against Irishman Charlie Ward was stopped by the referee in the third round. The Portuguese welterweight, who fought for Team Nobrega, was taken to hospital and had emergency brain surgery that night but died on Monday evening after 48 hours in intensive care. A statement from Total Extreme Fighting (TEF), which staged the event at Dublin’s National Stadium, confirmed Carvalho’s death. “We extend our most sincere condolences to the family of Joao Carvalho, and to his teammates in Team Nobrega,” TEF chief executive Cesar Silva said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We’d also like to thank all sports fans for their concern and support.” The statement said TEF would “give whatever support we can to Joao’s family” and noted that the fighter had been admired on both “a national and international level.” Team Nobrega, where Carvalho had been all his career, said it was
Meg Lanning, Suzie Bates and Stafanie Taylor led their countries at the recent World Twenty20 tournament in India.
WOMEN’S CRICKET SUPER LEAGUE:
The 28-year-old Joao Carvalho complained of feeling unwell after Saturday’s fight against Irishman Charlie Ward was stopped by the referee in the third round.
“saddened and dismayed” about the death. It stressed that “all safety regulations were observed” in Dublin and said Carvalho had become ill around 20 minutes after the end of the fight. He “was immediately helped by the medical team” at the stadium before being transferred to hospital. “Although the risks of this sport are known, the death of Joao Carvalho was a huge tragedy,” team chief Vitor Nobrega said. Irish UFC champion Conor
McGregor had previously said he felt the fight “could have been stopped a little earlier.” John Kavanagh, who coaches McGregor and was in Ward’s corner, issued a statement in which he said: “It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Portuguese fighter Joao Carvalho. “Our condolences and thoughts, though, are with Joao’s family and friends and we kindly ask everyone to respect their privacy at this time.” (CNN)
Lanning, Bates and Taylor lead overseas signings MEG Lanning, Suzie Bates and Stafanie Taylor are among the overseas signings who will play in the inaugural Women’s Cricket Super League this summer. Australia captain Lanning, 24, will join Surrey Stars, while New Zealand skipper Bates, 28, will line up for the Southern Vipers. West Indies World Twenty20winning captain Taylor, 24, will be part of the Western Storm squad.
The six-team competition runs from 30 July to 14 August. The 19 centrally contracted England players were assigned to the six teams earlier this month, with England captain Charlotte Edwards playing at Southern Vipers. Eleven of 15 group matches will be played at first-class venues, including The Oval, Old Trafford and Headingley, with Finals Day on 21 August. (BBC)
April 16 - 22, 2016
Sports Interational
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Gutierrez wins Newcastle United discrimination tribunal case Louis Van Gaal, 64, is expected to leave his position at the end of the season - one year before his contract expires.
Manchester United: FA Cup title more important for club than me - Louis van Gaal MANCHESTER United manager Louis van Gaal says winning the FA Cup is more important to the club than for him. The Red Devils beat West Ham 2-1 on Wednesday to set up a semifinal against Everton at Wembley on 23 April. Van Gaal, 64, is expected to leave his position at the end of the season one year before his contract expires. “I said I wanted a title and I am happy but it is not important for me, it is important for the club, the players and the team,” said the Dutchman. Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellaini scored the goals to give United a victory in the quarter-final replay at Upton Park that keeps alive their hopes of avoiding a third successive season without a trophy. “Louis van Gaal’s future has been a matter for debate since the first links with Jose Mourinho emerged in the days before Christmas when he was sacked by Chelsea,” writes
BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty. “Several times Van Gaal has walked to the precipice as the Mourinho murmurs grew louder - then produced a moment that pulls him back and suggests he may yet have the chance to see out the final season of his contract at Manchester United. “And so it proved again as United recovered from the heavy loss at Spurs on Sunday to reach the FA Cup semifinal at Wembley against Everton with a fine win at West Ham United. “Van Gaal can now offer up the possibility of the first trophy since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement as evidence he should be given the chance to continue at Old Trafford. “There is still a top-four place and the FA Cup on United’s agenda. While they remain there results like this mean Van Gaal can still talk about a future at the club. The stakes were that high.” (BBC)
MIDFIELDER Jonas Gutierrez was dropped by Newcastle United because of his cancer diagnosis, an employment tribunal has found. The 32-year-old was suing the Magpies for in the region of £2m on the grounds of disability discrimination. The tribunal also ruled the club made it impossible for Gutierrez to trigger an appearance-based contract extension. Claims of unfavourable treatment and another of harassment related to disability were dismissed. A further remedy hearing will be held in due course, in which compensation will be addressed. Gutierrez, who joined Newcastle from Real Mallorca in 2008, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2013. He had been a regular at St James’ Park before that time, scoring 10 goals in 177 appearances at the time of the return of the illness and subsequent treatment. The Argentina international sued Newcastle over the way he was treated following his diagnosis and claimed the Premier League club saw him as a liability after he returned from treatment. Gutierrez, now playing for Deportivo La Coruna in Spain, also alleged that he was not selected for some of the second half of the 2014-15 season, when the Magpies
Jonas Gutierrez left Newcastle United in May 2015 after seven years at St James’.
avoided relegation on the final day of the campaign, so the club would not trigger an automatic one-year contract extension. The tribunal found that Gutierrez was discriminated against following his diagnosis and subsequent return to fitness as it deemed he was considered part of the club’s plans right up to the point of his absence. Gutierrez “had maintained his place in the starting line-up without difficulty for five years.” “Just over two weeks after the claimant returned to the club in November 2013 following his diagnosis and treatment, and at a point when he was match fit and
returning to action he was told that he no longer featured in the club’s future plans. We conclude that the decision to drop the claimant was because of the claimant’s cancer.” The tribunal also concluded that Gutierrez was not considered for selection following his return to fitness until he could not achieve the 80 Premier League starts required over the length of his four-year contract to trigger the extension. As a result of his absence because of cancer, Gutierrez had only 121 games instead of 152 to earn his extended deal and the club had discriminated against him by failing to make reasonable adjustments.
World heavyweight champion Pacquiao beats Bradley, Fury suffering ‘racial abuse’ goes home to retire MANNY Pacquiao was treated to a hero’s welcome upon his return to the Philippines after his impressive victory over Timothy Bradley at the weekend. The 37-year-old floored Bradley twice en route to a unanimous decision win in Las Vegas and the Filipino icon was greeted with the usual fanfare when he travelled back to his homeland. Pacquiao was mobbed by fans and media upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and later shared a picture on his Instagram page with ‘Miss Universe’ Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who is also from the Philippines. The eight-weight world champion, who said he was retiring from the sport after the fight, posed for pictures with his family and waved to fans from a motorcade in Makati. As well as being the country’s most successful sportsman and recognisable figure, Pacquiao is a two-term congressman and is seeking
Pacquiao floored Bradley twice on his way to a points win at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
a seat in the Philippine Senate when the general election take place in May. All three judges scored the Bradley fight 116-110 in Pacquiao’s favour and he insisted in the aftermath that it was time to hang up his gloves - even if, as Sportsmail reported on Wednesday, speculation of a rematch with Floyd Mayweather is mounting.
TYSON Fury says he is suffering “more racial abuse” since becoming heavyweight champion of the world. The 27-year-old also claims to have “no motivation” for his rematch with Wladimir Klitschko on 9 July - now confirmed at the Manchester Arena. Fury, who calls himself “Gypsy King” on Twitter and is from a family of Traveller heritage, says “no-one wants to see a Gypsy do well”. “I get a lot more racial abuse than I ever did before,” he told BBC Sport. “I’ve done well and people don’t like that - the quicker they can knock me off my perch the better. I expected it, because no-one wants to see a Gypsy do well. “That doesn’t bother me because it’s what I do for a living. If I was a German, an Indian, a Chinese person, I’d still be doing what I’ve got to do to pay my bills.” In a lively first news conference since the Klitschko rematch was announced, Fury reignited his war of words with fellow British fighter Anthony Joshua. Before his victory over American
Tyson Fury (right) beat Wladimir Klitschko on points in Germany last year.
Charles Martin for the IBF heavyweight world title, Joshua, 26, suggested Fury was jealous of his physique and afterwards said he would “walk through” Fury to unify the division. Fury replied on Wednesday by claiming Joshua “looked like a pumped-up weightlifter, out of his mind on drugs” and then said Joshua’s opponent Martin “came to lay down and had as much fight in him as that glass of water right there.
Zero.” He also said that Klitschko was “10 times the man” of his British rival. Speaking to BBC Sport’s boxing correspondent Mike Costello, the WBA and WBO title-holder, who defeated Ukrainian Klitschko on points in Dusseldorf last November, Fury then claimed he has “no motivation” for the upcoming rematch, suggesting he was currently seven stone above his fighting weight.
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Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016
GILLEY’S ENTERPRISES PROVO PREMIER LEAGUE:
Nacius sinks five to lead Full Physic to win over Academy FORMER Provo Premier League Golden Boot winner Samuel Nacius was in scoring mode on Tuesday evening as he fired five goals on league favourites the AFC Academy. The Full Physic forward scored four second half goals in the win, which has opened up the PPL, now called the Gilley’s Enterprises Provo Premier League. Nacius, who won the 2012 Golden Boot award, scored the opener—a penalty after 11 minutes of play. Leading the charge, he went on the offensive although his side played with a man less in the second half. He scored his four goals in 33 minutes. Markenly Gebeus added the sixth. Beaches are back on top in the points standing, but with only a handful of games left it’s a four way battle for the title. Early favourites Academy and Beaches are tied on 21 points with three and two games remaining respectively. Full Physic are now third with 18 points from eight games (four left), while Cheshire Hall are fourth (16 points), with five games left. On Saturday evening they got past Grand Turk United 5-1. Prior to that clash the visiting GT team went down to Beaches 4-1.
Shannon Hall finished with a double double for the Spartans.
PABA NIGHT LEAGUE:
Spartans whip Hustlerz
Samuel Nacius scored five goals for Full Physic. (Facebook photo)
The young players were outstanding in their opening tournament.
THE North Caicos Spartan whipped the Hustlerz by 20 points 71-51 when action continued on Wednesday evening in the regular season of the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Night League. With the Playoffs looming, teams are battling to get into the top eight and for placements. Trevente Williams led the winners with 23 points, five boards and three assists, while Shannon Hall finished with a double, double (13 points and 10
rebounds). Kirk Adams led the Hustlerz with 12 points and 10 rebounds. In the other clash the Flyers defeated the Knights 82-76. Anthony Cash (also four rebounds and five steals) and Anthony Pratt (also six rebounds) led the winners with 16 and 15 points each. Melvin Elsie was the triggerman for the Knights. He scored a game high 25 points and seven rebounds, while Mark Handfield added 20 points, 10 rebounds and three steals.
The Champions team players collect their winning trophy from Karmeta Burke.
North/Middle Caicos elated after first junior football tournament WORDS like ‘proud’, ‘spectacular’, ‘productive’ and an ‘eye opener’ were repeated constantly by parents, fans and well-wishers who witnessed the first junior football tournament for the islands of North and Middle Caicos last Saturday afternoon at the Raymond Gardiner High school’s playing field.
A delighted Karmeta Burke said the tournament was a catalyst for the growth of the sport on the islands. The local TCIFA Development Officer added that the atmosphere was pleasing both on and off the field. “This historic tournament for the islands of North and Middle Caicos
brought more awareness of our football programme to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It serves to promote and develop football at the grassroots level which will transition into producing the next generation of national players.” Twenty eight youngsters (6-12 years old), who made up four mix
teams, played their hearts out in the middle. In the end Champions emerged winners. Champions defeated Kickers 3-0 in the opener, while Soccerkings edged out Superstars 3-2 (penalty shots). In the final Champions got the better of Soccerkings 2-1 (penalty shots).
Defender Roudy Gilles was declared the MVP, while Renaldo Registre, who scored twice, finished with the most goals. Lauren Laverdy was the best goalie, while Marco Williams was adjudged the best defender. Jatavia Williams was the most outstanding female on display.
April 16 - 22, 2016
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Sports National
TCI Flamingos still perfect against NJ Bombers RFC
Kivarno Handfield was limping during the competition.
Injured Handfield finish second in high jump competition A sore ankle did not stop national high jumper Kivarno Handfield from a second place finish in his second jumping competition of the season. Last Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Johnson Smith University Invitational, the 22-year-old leaped to 2.08M (the same as first place, but more chances) to take silver. It was literally the second time that the St Augustine University student jumped this season, since
a lack of a high jump bar and the ankle injury forced him on the side lines for the last two weeks. Handfield who told the Weekly News he was just 60% healthy, admitted that he limped on one foot during the competition. “Just to see what I did on one foot has boosted my confidence through the roof, and I know I can do a lot better once I’m healthy.” The sophomore is also confident that he will soon break his personal best of 2.10M.
TCI’S senior national male rugby team, the Flamingos, recorded another convincing victory when they met the NJ Bayonne Bombers in their fifth game last Friday evening at the Meridian Ground in Providenciales. The Flamingos, who had won three previous games at home and one in the US, were favourites and they never disappointed as they marched to a 36-5 win. Information from the local association (the TCIRFU), indicates that the win has boosted the confidence of the side as they prepare for the IRB sanctioned international fixture in the Dominican Republic this month end against the BVI. On the field TCI took control early. Within minutes of the starting whistle, the game took on a fast pace with the TCI forwards in the form of Nik Hight, Sean O’Neill, Joe Ryan, Trevor and Bendy charging into the visitor’s half to gain possession of the ball. Bayonne underestimated the TCI stampede, allowing the TCI forwards to secure possession from a well organised ruck, which then allowed Mark Francis to feed the ball to the TCI backs – first to Ugo Teixidor who then fed to Franco “The Rhino” Mompremier, before the ball reached Paul McKenzie, for a Shylo Robinson finish. Robinson played a major role in
The BWIC girls dominated again. (Gertrude Saunders-Forbes photos)
the game, he went on to score two more tries before the end of the match. All enabling him to display his power and speed down the wing. Davidson also proved a valuable player for TCI, going across the try line to score a well-earned five points. Trevor and Bendy from Grand Turk were ever present in the game, with the former powering through to add to TCI’s winning formula. Provo’s Dean Bjorn Griffith completed a signature move from the backs that also saw him power across the try line for another five points. Of the five tries scored by TCI, three were converted – two by Gareth Butler and one by Teixidor.
Inter-Schools Tag Rugby Festival set for Saturday THE INTER-Schools Tag Rugby Festival which will hopefully unearth a new crop of rugby talent will be held this Saturday at the Meridian Field. The festival will see teams from schools across the Islands of TCI compete. Action bullies off at 10:30h.
Championships last week at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex court. The male team failed to defend their title and finished third behind eventual winners
Youth Development Rugby Officer Brennan Guy has helped spread the game to the local schools during his three month tenure in the TCI. It is anticipated that the young rugby players will compete with knowledge and learned skills to make the festival competitive.
The CHHS Eagles are the new winners in the male division.
BWIC retain female school volleyball title THE British West Indies Collegiate girls proved that they are the dominant school in female volleyball when they retained their title in the High School Volleyball
Bayonne managed to score one try, late in the second half, but were unable to capitalise on their kick and so missed out on the two extra points. In all fairness, Bayonne fought bravely, but were unable to fend off the newly organised TCI forwards. TCI’s forward pack dominated the game by implementing several textbook “pick and go” strategies, which saw their efforts rewarded by sticking to the basics and executing a well-drilled plan. In a release the TCIRFU expressed thanks to all who made the game possible, including the referee Anthony Wilkinson, linesman Fraser Dods and the Grand Turk group.
the Clement Howell High School Eagles; Wesley Methodist placed second and Raymond Gardiner fourth. Wesley Methodist girls also placed second,
– CHHS captures males
while the Eagles’ girls ended in third.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016
LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos
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April 16 - 22, 2016
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 16 - 22, 2016