Weekly News Volume 31 | No. 16 | April 22-28, 2017
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PRATT’S PETITION
DISMISSED – Stubbs-Smith keeps her seat
On Thursday (April 20), Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale dismissed the elections petition which disputed the final results of the December 15 polls for the electoral district six (The Bight).
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TURKS AND CAICOS COPS THREE MEDALS AT 2017 CARIFTA GAMES ECONOMY TO GROW BY 4% IN 2017, SAYS GOV’T
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PDM ROLLS OUT $38M CAPITAL PROGRAMME
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TERRIFIC 25TH KITE FLYING FUN
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017
Economy to grow by 4% in 2017, says Gov’t economic growth going forward, she added.
BY DELANA ISLES THE TURKS and Caicos Island’s economy is projected to grow by four percent in 2017, which will be facilitated by a surge in public investment and other large-scale projects. The projection, which was forecast by the Statistics Department, was revealed by Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson on Tuesday (April 18) during the second reading of the 2017-2018 Budget. She further disclosed that the department projects that over the medium term, the TCI economy will stabilise at a potential rate of three percent. However, she noted that her Government understands that any prospect for long-term growth will require a continuous, concerted effort to create an environment that is conducive for private sector investment. And that this can only be achieved by simplifying the investment approval process, and removing other barriers, which affect investment decisions and profitability. IMPROVING THE LABOUR MARKET To this end, she added that her Government will continue the process of enhancing labour market legislations and putting measures in place, which will target education programmes that will help to improve labour productivity and mobility across all sectors of the economy. This will in turn will help to
eliminate the issues of unemployment among citizens. “We campaigned on the need for a labour skills assessment and as Shadow Minister for Border Control, I continued the call for this exercise and we are grateful that the former Government began this exercise and this Government of ‘change’ will ensure that national skills assessment report is used to assist in building country,” the Premier stated. FRIENDLIER BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN A DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY She promised that her Government will continue the process of finding ways of reducing the cost of doing business in the Turks and Caicos Islands, specifically in terms of obtaining the different licences to operate, obtaining critical work permit and labour clearances and obtaining construction permits. They will also explore the potential for expansion and diversification of the economy, which will help the country in achieving sustained
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 Olivia Rose - Senior Reporter 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
SUSTAINABLE AND BENEFICIAL GROWTH FOR ALL Meanwhile, Cartwright-Robinson noted that the attainment of sustainable economic growth will be one of the main policy actions of her Government over the next four years. “I want the people of the Turks and Caicos to know that their Government understands and has accepted that economic growth is not a sufficient condition for equitable development.” As such, she added, the Government will ensure that the economic growth of the country is felt by all members of society. She noted that while the TCI’s GDP per capita may be considered high when compared to regional counterparts, this is just an average and that this GDP per capita figure does not represent adequately. The Premier added that it is for this reason that her Government will put measures in place to address the recommendations outlined in the 2012 Country Poverty Assessment, which will ensure everyone prospers. She further revealed that the results of the Statistic Department’s first labour force survey will soon be made public. However, given that this was the first labour force survey to be conducted, the process of obtaining the labour indicators is taking some time. These results will provide a clear indication of the unemployment rate for the Turks and Caicos Islands, which will in turn assist the Government in designing policies and programmes going forward to get people employed, the Premier said. She added that the department has however indicated that preliminary results for the last quarter of 2016 showed an unemployment rate of less than eight percent. Cartwright-Robinson promised that she would continue to pay close attention to these labour indicators. And pointed to the increased budget for the Statistics Department from $54,000 to $100,000 in this fiscal year. The increased expenditure is intended to assist the department in conducting two labour force surveys. The Premier further stated that during her Government’s first 100 days, they were able to assist the department with the purchase of 16 tablets. Additionally, staff were trained on the use of survey solutions which would enable staff to conduct the labour force survey using tablets. This is to ensure a faster delivery time on employment indicators, she said.
Joe Marelle and Lauren Loeb
Memphis couple accused of racist rant while vacationing in the TCI – Couple deny allegations BY DAISY HANDFIELD HOLIDAYMAKERS Lauren Loeb and her husband Joe Marelle are accused of threatening and making racist statements over the phone towards a Mango Reef restaurant employee last week. In a recorded phone call posted on social media an American woman accuses staff at the resort of stealing her cell phone. Her voice can be heard saying, “You’re a n*gger, you dumb n*gger,” and, “This is actually fun for us. This is going to be hell for you.” Staff members at Mango Reef Restaurant declined to comment on the issue. The couple were guests at the Seven Stars resort when the recording was made. The general manager said the couple left Tuesday, April 11, and they have been blacklisted from the property. Since the incident president of The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) Memphis branch, Deidre Malone, released a statement expressing disgust at the comments. She said: “After listening to the audio tape of allegedly a former Memphis Regional Chamber employee Lauren Loeb and her husband, I’m convinced more than ever that racists are feeling more empowered to say exactly what they think and feel. “It does not matter that she was on vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. What matters is what she said and how she said it and that obviously she believes it. “Someone with that attitude towards a person of colour has no business working for an organisation whose purpose is to
bring business to the area or any business at all.” Loeb’s grandfather Henry Loeb served as Mayor of Memphis and she was employed at the city’s Chamber of Commerce. The organisation wasted no time in releasing a statement, frowning upon the comments made allegedly by their former employee. “This recording shows a despicable act by a despicable person. Anybody who makes a statement like this is not eligible for employment with the Greater Memphis Chamber. “Anyone who engages in conversation like this would be terminated from the Chamber.” Attorney of the couple Brian Faughnan released a statement denying the incident, stating that the conversation circulating is fake and that the couple would never make such comments. He said: “A ‘news’ story has made its way from Turks and Caicos to Memphis. “It is a story that is false in many respects but it is now garnering such attention here that it simply cannot be ignored or go without a response given how it threatens the reputations and privacy of people who are now about to be victimised twice. “I represent Ms Loeb and her husband. Ms Loeb’s phone was stolen while she and her husband were at a restaurant in Turks and Caicos. That is true. “Her phone was never returned to her. That is false. “The fact that the ‘leaked’ recording shows a picture of Ms Loeb’s phone makes clear that the people who released the alleged recorded call still had the phone they stole. “Given their willingness to lie about what they did with the CONTINUED
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April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS
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Pratt’s election petition dismissed – Stubbs-Smith keeps her seat BY DELANA ISLES ON THURSDAY (April 20), Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale dismissed the elections petition which disputed the final results of the December 15 polls for the electoral district six (The Bight). In the elections, the petitioner, PDM candidate George Pratt lost to PNP elected member Porsha StubbsSmith after a tie breaker resulted in her being declared the winner. Speaking with the press after the court’s decision, Pratt said that he is happy the matter is over. However, he added: “I still the believe that the people of ED6 didn’t have an opportunity to choose who they want to represent them, but I uphold the court’s ruling, and I wish the MP for The Bight the best.” Asked what he will say to his supporters in the face of defeat, Pratt said: “I am very thankful to my supporters, to my party for their support in the general elections, for their support throughout this lengthy process and I am happy to go on with my life.” Asked if he would be running in the next elections, Pratt responded that he cannot say right now, adding: “It’s a bit early, but this has been a tricky one, but for now I am going to go on to looking after my personal issues and taking care of my family.” Meanwhile, elected member Porsha Stubbs-Smith was also happy the issue was dealt with, when she spoke with the press. “I am happy that it is over, I am happy that this process is completed and I believe that the people of The Bight deserve to have work continued in their constituency, have their voices heard and be represented. “I believe that Mr Pratt is a good opponent and I would say better luck next time. “My faith in God has been very strong during this time and I want to say thank you to the Progressive National Party and thank you to all
PDM candidate George Pratt
my sisters who surrounded me on a daily basis, prayed with me and held my hand up during this time.” Asked what assurances she has for Pratt’s supporters, given that they represent half of those who voted in the ED6 constituency, StubbsSmith stated: “I am the member of parliament for The Bight so it doesn’t matter what colour or party you represent, I am here to represent all the people of The Bight.” DISCARDED BALLOT Pratt contested the results on three points, and lost on all three with the Chief Justice declaring that he had no grounds for the claims. Those three grounds detailed in the court submissions in March dealt with the discarded ballot, the decision by lot and the voters list. In reference to the discarded ballot, Pratt contended that the ballot was unfairly rejected. However, the court accepted the returning officer’s evidence that he rejected the ballot because it was his opinion that the writing on the ballot would enable the voter to be identified. The court in its judgement stated that the statutory requirement for rejecting a ballot on that ground may be found in the Elections Ordinance at section 54(4). That section reads: “The returning officer must reject all ballot papers…
PNP elected member Porsha Stubbs-Smith
on which there is any writing or mark by which the voter could be identified.” To verify the returning officer’s evidence, during the hearing the Chief Justice had ordered an in-court examination of the rejected ballot. In her judgment, as at the time of examination, Ramsay-Hale concurred with the opinion of the returning officer that the mark on the ballot was suggestive of a signature and accepted that the ballot was properly discarded. DECISION BY LOT On the issue of decision by lot (the tie breaker method used), the Chief Justice noted that the Election Ordinance does not prescribe how a lot must be performed. However, to support her dismissal of the claim, she cited from the Schofield’s Election Law, which states: “The method of taking a lot is for them [the returning officer] to decide but it is suggested that an appropriate method would be for each candidate to write on a blank piece of paper their names and for the names to be placed in a receptacle and for the returning officer to withdraw one piece of paper and add a vote to that named candidate’s total.” She said this was precisely the method used by the returning officers. However, she noted that while
Pratt did not complain about the method per se, he did point out in his application that the returning officer folded pieces of paper himself, and that he consequently may have been able to differentiate one piece of paper from the other by feel. Ramsay-Hale stated that the suggestion being made by the petitioner is that the officer favoured Stubbs-Smith and that he chose the paper that would determine the election in her favour. “There is simply no evidence to support the assertion,” the judge told the court. She noted that the length of time the returning officer took to retrieve one of the two pieces of paper, which is a matter Pratt relies on in support of his contention, could have been the result of the large size of the receptacle he chose to put the papers in and that he had elevated it above his head and shaken it before he reached in while it was still suspended above his head to withdraw one of the two pieces of paper. THE VOTERS LIST On the final point on which the petition was based, the voters list, the Chief Justice did not agree with Pratt’s point that it was irregular and in contravention of section 80 of the Elections Ordinance for the supervisor of elections to add Kirlyah Dominique Rigby (the
disputed voter) to the voter’s list on the day of the elections to permit her to vote. She stated that if the voter’s list is the list of all persons registered to vote as appear in the register of electors, then any list which, through error or inadvertence, does not reflect the actual register of electors must be amended. She further pointed out: “A registered voter ought not to be deprived of his vote because of an error in the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.” The judge added that it would cause great injustice to Rigby, who has no control over the people entrusted with preparing the voters list, if the neglect to publish a list in which her name appeared as a person registered to vote in ED6 were held to deprive her of the right to vote. In summary, the Chief Justice stated: “The uncontroverted evidence of the supervisor of elections is that Ms Rigby was a registered elector. “Her claim to be registered as a voter in ED6, instead of ED5 where she had previously registered to vote, was assented to by the supervisor of elections. “The register of electors was amended and the Governor advised of the amendment by email on December 13, 2016. “She was, therefore, entitled under the constitution to vote in ED6. In order to permit her to vote on elections day, the list of voters which had been delivered to the polling station had to be amended. “This was done by the supervisor of elections who caused an amendment to the list to be delivered to the polling station.” Ramsay-Hale stated that in her opinion the supervisor of elections acted properly, and to hold otherwise would not be to promote the main object of the ordinance or the relevant constitutional provision. Meanwhile, on the issue of costs, the judge ordered that the petitioner George Pratt - pay the Government’s (Attorney General’s Chamber’s) cost to defend the petition, and 30 percent of what is paid to the chambers to the respondent – Porsha Stubbs-Smith.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017
A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day
CORRECT APPROACH TO SERVICE CHARGE ISSUE? PREMIER Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson says her Government will not take a “sledgehammer approach” to solving the service charge issue. “I want us to be careful with the way we approach this service charge,” she told the press. Is she really being careful, or just not too inclined to deal with it?
Broken promises
The Premier is a flip flopper. In Opposition she wanted the Government to support her and her colleagues in a sledgehammer approach to dealing with this issue and today she wants to take the very same approach she condemned the former administration for! She cannot deliver on her promise of 100 percent service charge because she used the hoteliers’ money to campaign with and he who pays the piper calls the tune. This is just the first of a number of broken promises to come. Madam Premier sold champagne wishes and caviar dreams to a gullible electorate and the only change we’ll see is a line of cronies waiting for a hand out but they too will be disappointed because the days of political favours are over!
Employees rights
This is an important issue but does not require a sledgehammer approach. The tips, gratuities or whatever we prefer to call them are earned by the employees. Those that make the beds just right to those that meet and greet our valued guests. The money belongs to the employees. Not for uniforms but for service rendered. If the previous government had not imposed a raise of 20 percent tax on the tax due on the cost of the visitors’ stay the resorts might be willing to pay the 100 percent in tips.
Only criticism
What approach did the former Government take? Ignore the issue and turn their backs on the employees. Now Royal Robinson speaks from the other side of his mouth criticising this regime for moving carefully with a big hammer
Wages already high
Before rashly making any decisions on the
service charge issue, the Premier should very carefully consider several factors, the first of which should be how much the average resort worker’s ‘wage plus service charge’ amounts to. Here she will realise that even with the present 60 percent of service charges the total compensation of resort workers is far higher than that earned in many other industries in this country. There the minimum wage of $6.25 often prevails even for arduous labour in the hot sun. At one reasonably-priced resort on Provo, the average employee’s ‘wage plus service charge’ package exceeds $13 per hour – and this for a job that requires very little education, no heavy lifting, and is almost all in air-conditioned space. The Premier should also fully understand the effect that the retained portion of service charges has on the operating results of the resorts in this country. In many cases making the difference between operating profitably and having to close. And before coming back with the common reply that “they should just raise their rates,” she should realise that the KPMG Caribbean Benchmark Survey for 2015 reports that the average daily rate for a stay in the TCI is almost 72 percent higher than the Caribbean average. This country is already a VERY expensive place to vacation, and every dollar we boost our rates will prompt some tourists to look at alternative destinations.
Sell-out
Not interested! And I must say it’s looking a lot like a sell-out. If she fails to deliver her manifesto promise, the price of failure would be massive at the polls. Every hotel in the region pay 100 percent gratuity and still provide meals and transportation for their staff. How is it that the TCHTA is so different? Modern day slavery and high pay for expats needs to end!
Slow and steady
This is a situation that must be handled diplomatically. Remember where virtually all of our revenue comes from. I don’t disagree with giving the employees 100 percent, but if it is shoved down our major industry’s throat, it could come back to bite us one day. Slow and steady.
Wipe the slate clean
This should be a simple issue. At least one resort I am aware of gives 100 percent of the service charges to the staff. Those that give none at all and those that withhold a portion for spurious reasons should be punished and made to toe the line going forward. Special favours ought not to be accorded based upon connections and/or size. This Government has an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and should seize it.
Make it happen
Give the workers 100 percent of their service charge! These resorts have been using employees’ service charge to assist with operations which is wrong on many levels. End of story!
Of better stuff
She should be given the benefit of the doubt and presumed not to be going the way of most politicians; being all things to all people, ‘the Vicar of Bray’. Not having the likes of Tony Blair as a role model; where everyone, excepting some sycophantic hangers on, end up
despising him. She comes across as being of better stuff than a pariah like that. Not going for image but rather for substance. Simply being a careful leader.
Being careful
The Leader of the Opposition stated in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, that everyone in the Opposition, including the Opposition’s Appointed Member, believes that giving employees 100 percent service charge will kill the industry. So now we know why the former Government never completed or fully funded the service charge survey exercise. I believe the Premier is being careful that the proper work is done to get service charge right. There is no reason to question whether she is committed to deal with service charge because her record demonstrates she always fights for the ‘little man’. We have too many examples of previous administrations rushing and getting it wrong. Before any policy is put in place it is imperative that the necessary internal controls are in place to ensure that 100 percent service charge collected will be 100 percent distributed to employees.
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 22-28, 2017
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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PDM rolls out $38m capital programme – Focus areas include education, infrastructural development and national security BY DELANA ISLES IN THE 2017-2018 fiscal year the sum of $38.3 million has been allocated for the implementation of projects and programmes, Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson told the House of Assembly on Tuesday (April 18). This allocation represents a slight increase of $1.5 million over the 2016-17 budgeted expenditure of $36.8 million but is slightly higher than the revised expenditure for 2016-17 of $37.7 million by $600,000. The Premier noted that the largest
portion under the uncommitted section of the 2017-18 Public Sector Investment Programme is for projects and programmes to be implemented in the areas of education, infrastructural development and national security. She said that her Government is committed to spending about $4.8 million in the education sector to provide for the construction of a new primary school in Providenciales as well as the upgrading of the facilities at a number of schools throughout the Islands. She also spoke of her Government’s commitment to spending $3.4 million
Memphis couple accused of racist rant while ... CONTINUED FROM
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phone, everything else they claim occurred must also be doubted.” Staff members of the Mango Reef restaurant said that the phone was later found in a wine menu and that it was returned to Loeb. The couple’s attorney explained that that was false and that Loeb never received her phone back. “After Ms Loeb’s phone was stolen, she shared that fact on her social media account and asked her online friends to negatively
review the restaurant in question. “Apparently that did not go over well with someone who worked at that restaurant because they’ve now gone to great lengths to attempt to defame Ms Loeb and her husband. “For the record, Ms Loeb and her husband were certainly not doing drugs during their time in Turks and Caicos and the conversation that is being claimed to occur is faked in many respects as neither of them would use the terms or speak in the manner portrayed,” he said.
Government boosts its frontline law enforcement THE OFFICE of the Deputy Governor has announced the appointment of several staff members within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government Customs Department. They are customs officers Sandria Deane, Phillipa Mayhem, Akerra Williams and Marylee Wilson, along with assistant customs officer Mario Austin. Andrex Handfield was also promoted from the post of assistant customs officer to customs officer. Deputy Governor Anya Williams said: “Congratulations is extended to the recent appointees and successful promotions within the Turks and Caicos Islands Customs Department. “These persons participated in
a rigorous recruitment exercise conducted earlier this year and arose as the top candidates. “We welcome our new starters to the Turks and Caicos Islands civil service and extend our congratulations to Mr Handfield on his recent promotion. “As members of our frontline law enforcement team we wish you all the best in your new roles and would like to commend you for taking up these key appointments. “As we work to strengthen our law enforcement systems and to improve efficiency across government, a second batch of recruits will take up employment later this year, with the advertisement process already underway.”
in infrastructural development throughout the Islands. “In our Change document, we have articulated the need to have a four-year plan for the paving of major roadways in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “We will begin this year by investing some $1.2 million in road works and associated drainage works, and this will continue until there is an integrated, proper road network throughout this country. “This Government will focus on procuring and installing metering systems for water and ensure that there are resources available to enhance the protection of the water system, which is being constantly vandalised in Grand Turk. “The updating of our National Physical Development Plan is also a top priority for this Government.” She added that as outlined in the PDM Change document, national security is one of their priority areas, a commitment that has been backed with resources to ensure that all residents and visitors to feel safe. As such, she stated that the Government has earmarked approximately $3.1 million to the
police froce to strengthen their surveillance activities and provide an appropriate and effective framework for an acceptable level of national security. Other noteworthy projects to be implemented in FY 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 are: population policy $180,000, valuation of Government fixed assets - $200,000, upgrading of shelters - $200,000, health information system - $200,000, equipment upgrade for House of Assembly - $210,000, furniture and equipment for wellness centre phase two - $250,000, radar tracking software - $300,000, refurbishment of Sammy Been building phase three - $300,000. Furniture and equipment for morgue - $300,000, dental equipment for all islands - $340,000, craft market for North Caicos - $470,000, promenade for Bottle Creek, North Caicos - $550,000, scanning of documents and registration and citizenship - $950,000, national emergency operating centre $2.5m, purchase of police vehicles $1,100,000, repairs to police buildings $500,000, and CCTV phase two $1,600,000.
Under the tree
The Premier added that the review of local government has been allocated $20,000, replacement of licence plates $30,000, security dogs for customs $28,400, water enhancement project for Grand Turk $750,000, south Caicos government complex $500,000, the purchase of smart boards $50,000, heritage sites $153,000, dental equipment for all islands $340,000, critical vehicle purchases $500,000, and the national physical development plan $500,000. She further stated that since being elected to office, her Government has gained a better understanding of the capital programme, and has learned of the capacity constraints that the key departments are faced with in implementing the projects. “My Government has taken a keen interest in this and has pledged our support to ensure that departments are adequately resourced with the work force needed to ensure that the projects are implemented in a timely manner.” However, she added that there is another side to the equation. “Our Contractors! Many of our contractors are not bidding for capital works and I would like to encourage them through this platform again, that nation building is every resident’s business and they should take advantage of the Computerized Job Estimation Techniques (CJET) Workshop that is scheduled from May 22 to 26 in Providenciales and from May 29 to June 2 in Grand Turk.” She urged contractors to take advantage of the training that will follow this and attend the pre-bid meetings when they are scheduled.
By Benneth Williams
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NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017
New Gov’t will spend more money than the old BY DELANA ISLES THE NEWLY-minted PDM Government has budgeted to spend some 6.2 percent more cash than the former PNP administration in the 2017-2018 financial year. The planned expenditure, as reported by Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson on Tuesday (April 18) is $267.9 million, this figure is 6.2 percent higher than the approved budget for 2016-17 and five percent higher than the revised budget. Recurrent expenditure of $223.5 million is 83 percent of the total expenditure and 82 percent of recurrent revenue; non-recurrent expenditure of $6 million is two percent of expenditure, while the capital expenditure is $38.3 million or 14 percent of total expenditure. Staff costs account for $89.2 million or 32.6 percent of recurrent revenue and 40 percent of recurrent expenditure. This is 10 percent over the original budget and 17.8 percent over the forecast outturn, the Premier told the House of Assembly. NEW GOVERNMENT JOBS She said that included in this budget are more than 150 vacant posts of which about 100 are newly created vacancies. These posts are, 18 new police officers, seven immigration officers, 19 home affairs of which 10 are prison officers, five of whom were approved in the fifth supplementary. Ten officers in the Ministry of Finance – this comprises of five
customs officers, four new positions in the Attorney General Chambers, 10 new positions in education, six new positions in the Ministry of Tourism, nine new positions in Ministry of Health, five infrastructure, housing and planning, one for the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office, one for Deputy Governor’s Office to support the performance appraisal process and one for the judiciary Meanwhile, pensions and gratuities expenses account for $6.2 million or just under two percent of recurrent revenue and 2.69 percent of recurrent expenditure. This is 6.92 percent over the previous year’s budget allocation. In this budget, the Premier said that it is assumed that at least two former legislators will attain pensionable age during the period resulting in lump sum gratuity payments. Local travel and subsistence is $2.6 million 1.5 percent lower than the revised budget of 2016-17 and 1.16 percent of the recurrent expenses. “My Government will seek to put measures in place to reduce the local travel and hope to realise much needed savings in this area,” the Premier promised. International travel and subsistence has been reduced by 13.7 percent over the revised budget and accounts for 0.74 percent of recurrent expenses. Further savings will be realised as the year advances, as the Government commits to a review of the current travel policy inherited from their predecessors, Cartwright Robinson again promised.
Utility and communication expenses accounts for 2.4 percent of recurrent expenses and is 5.4 percent lower than the revised budget for 2016-2017. Rental of assets is 3.18 percent lower than the revised budget for 2016-17 and 2.2 percent of total costs. Rental charges are expected to be reduced exponentially as the Government invest in the acquisition of properties, the Premier stated. A further $1 million has been allocated for compulsory acquisition in the financial year. “It is my Government’s plan to invite official proposals later this year for the building of a Government complex in Providenciales. “It is so important to lift the image and establish a true Government presence in Providenciales,” she stated. Subvention Charges (excluding NHIB) are $12 million, this is four percent of revenue and five percent of expenses. It is reflected as five percent lower than the 2016-17 revised budget because the National Audit Office has been removed from subvention to a department of government, the Premier said. The Integrity Commission’s budget has increased by 17.9 percent over the revised budget. The Community College’s subvention has been increased by 22.5 percent over the original estimates of 2016-2017. REVIEW OF STATUTORY BODIES The Premier stated that for financial
year 2017-2018 her Government has committed to undertake a review of the financial and governance structures and operations of all statutory bodies across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Hosting and entertainment has been reduced by 20 percent over the 2016-2017 revised budget. It now accounts for 0.32 percent of the recurrent expenses. Training expense across ministries, have been increased by 16.5 percent and now accounts for 0.33 percent of the budget. Approximately, $23.9 million will be transferred to the NHIB to facilitate the treatment abroad programme, and subsidise the healthcare costs for wards of the state, the indigent population and utility charges for the hospitals. She said that whilst this allocation is nine percent lower than the revised budget for 2016-2017 it accounts for 10.4 per cent of the recurrent budget. Infrastructure unitary payments for the hospitals is budgeted at $19.6 million. Overall transfer for the operations of the cumulative 30 bed health facilities in Grand Turk (10) and Providenciales (20) is a minimum of $50.8 million. Maintenance allocation is $8.6 million or four percent of recurrent expenses and three percent of recurrent revenue. The contingency fund is now at $7 million or three percent of the recurrent budget, and is $2 million higher than the approved budget for 2016-2017.
MAJOR SPENDING AREAS The major areas of spending in the budget are: $66.7m or 25 per cent of total expenditure for the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services and $62.7 million of recurrent expenses. It is approximately one per cent lower than the revised budget, and is due primarily to the subvention to the NHIP being reduced by approximately $2 million, the Premier said. Meanwhile, $41 million or 15.3 per cent of total expenditure will go to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Library Services. This reflects $29.5 million of recurrent expenditure or five percent over the revised budget of 20162017and 11.5 million in capital expenditure. Capital expenditure allocations for Long Bay high school phase three is $2 million and a new primary school in Providenciales is being funding through the EDF 11 programme. Additionally, $24.5m or 9.3 percent of the total budget goes to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning. This is $16.4 million for recurrent expenses and $8.2 million for capital expenses. This amount includes $4 million for road repairs and improvements. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force will receive $29.8 million or 11 per cent of total expenditure. Funding has been allocated to
Mario Powell, 15-yearold passenger who died from the crash
Lorenzo Francis, driver of the black Nissan Skyline car
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Car accident claims the life of teenage boy BY DAISY HANDFIELD MARIO Powell, a 15-year-old high school student, lost his life in a car accident on Wednesday afternoon (April 19). The incident happened on South Dock Road in Providenciales after the vehicle he was a passenger in crashed into a stationary garbage truck. Powell was pronounced dead on the scene. Lorenzo Francis, the driver of the black Nissan Skyline car is currently in critical condition at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. According to a police statement, police and emergency services arrived on the scene at about 3.54 pm. They found the car partially underneath the front bumper of the truck, with extensive damage to the passenger side. The truck suffered minor damages
to its bumper. The jaws of life were used to assist with getting access to the passengers of the Nissan car. Preliminary investigations revealed that the black Nissan car was heading north of South Dock when upon negotiating the curve, it collided and made an impact with the garbage truck that was stationary alongside the left side of the road facing a southern direction. Friends and colleagues of Powell took to social media to wish condolences to the family and to express their grief for the loss of a young life. Police are urging anyone with information about this accident to call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc. Alternatively they can contact Chalk Sound Police Station on 3385901.
All information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via the police Facebook or Twitter page.
Remains of the black Nissan Skyline car
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April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS
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Astwood says PNP Chairman is misleading the public BY OLIVIA ROSE DEPUTY Premier Sean Astwood says the PNP’s Chairman Royal Robinson is peddling falsehood in his attempt to score political points and mislead the public. Astwood’s comment follow remarks made by the Chairman of the Progressive National Party (PNP) on Wednesday, April 12, where he criticised the Government for hiking up the residency permit fees some 30 percent. Robinson, who is also the Opposition’s appointed member in the House of Assembly, said Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson in a total about face, has substantially increased her revenue intake. He contended that the move by the Government reeks hypocrisy since the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) while in Opposition relentlessly criticised former Premier Rufus Ewing’s administration for allegedly collecting work permit fees to bolster its revenue numbers. Robinson said: “Look at the Budget Booklet at page 3.139 and you would see the figure increase from $17,097,084 under Dr Ewing to $18,452,154 under this Premier and Minister of Finance or an increase of eight percent. “The residency permit fees have been increased from $1,768,294
to $2,300,056 or an increase of 30 percent seen in Budget Booklet at page 3.140.” However, Deputy Premier Astwood this week sought to clear the air on what he deemed misinformation being peddled by the Opposition’s propaganda machine. Astwood said: “The last year under the Rufus Ewing administration, work permit fees were $17,914,713, of total projected revenues of $262,665,382. “Therefore work permits fees of approximately $18 million accounted for approximately 6.8 percent of projected Government revenues. “In our budget that will be debated on April 18, work permit fees are projected to be $18,452,154 of total projected revenues of $273,470,947, which accounts for 6.7 percent of the total budget.” Minister Astwood pointed out that there were no new developments the entire four years under the Rufus Ewing administration and still work permit fees accounted for 6.8 percent of the projected Government revenues. He told the Weekly News that his Government has already seen a drastic increase in new and renewed interest for development projects. “This coupled with our Government’s robust capital development agenda one should
Deputy Premier Sean Astwood
anticipate the need for an increase in the labour force. “What the Opposition’s Appointed Member failed to recognise is that with all the upcoming economic activity we have still managed to reduce the percentage of work permit fees from 6.8 percent under the his previous Government to 6.7 percent this financial year. “Although there is $539,441 increase in the dollar value of work permit fees, the overall percentage is down. “Therefore the increase in dollar value is just a reflection of our Government’s ability to create and provide the right environment for increased economic activity. “Just as we have accomplished
our 100 day goals as a Government, we have kept our commitment to not rely on work permits as a revenue source. “We are ensuring our people get back to work and we are doing what the former Government was not able to do, which is restore investor confidence and create jobs. “We anticipate that the Opposition’s appointed member will continue to try and mislead you the voter over the next four years. “However through press releases and town hall meetings we will ensure that you can get the facts from your Government and you can also research and verify the facts for yourself, there will be no ‘alternative facts’.” TCI STATUS In his release the PNP’s Chairman also lashed out at the Deputy Premier for setting up the TCI’s Status Commission. Robinson said: “On the back of all of this, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Immigration is all too, in his own words, ‘eager to set up the committee to deal with the issuance of TCI status’.” Robinson in his strongly worded statement said it is clear that the ‘change Government’ is selling out the Turks and Caicos Islands to the highest bidders.
Astwood in response to these allegations said the TCI Status Commission, which is the body now vested with the responsibility to make recommendations on Turks and Caicos Islands status, was brought into being under the former PNP administration in 2015. “Since then and up until the time the PNP was removed from office, by the people, they had not introduced any regulations to govern the working of the committee nor had they setup the committee formally in order to carry out its mandate. “On coming into office we met applications that have been submitted almost two years ago with persons left in limbo.” Astwood said the Government has a responsibility to give these applicants a decision so that they can go ahead with their lives. “While his Government would have projected $1,768,294 in revenue from residence permits the final sum is $2,233,064 for year ending 2016 to 2017. “Our projection of $2,300,056 represents a mere 3.34 percent increase over last year’s actual.” The Deputy Premier reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to make every effort to ensure Islanders continue to move up the ranks in companies to greater responsibility and senior management positions.
Washy accuses Gov’t of special interests and alternative facts BY DELANA ISLES THE DEBATE for the 2017/2018 budget got underway with Leader of the Opposition, Washington Misick offering the first in a long list of criticisms of the Premier’s budget presentation on Tuesday (April 18). Misick was particularly caustic in his criticisms of the Premier and Government members’ repeated assertions that they were responsible for the budget not needing the UK’s approval. He also blasted several other assertions made by the Premier in her 100 days in office address. “The Premier’s statement on the occasion of the laying of the budget on the table of the House on April 3 followed by her press statement three days later, under the caption ‘Press statement on the first 100 days report’ together with the budget presentation today possesses all of the attributes of demagoguery. “Full of false claims to match achievements, and to match the false promises made during her campaign to convince the common man that she represents change that would put
Leader of the Opposition, Washington Misick
them in the proverbial driver’s seat. “The reality is that her party has been captured by special interests and is restricted by the golden cuffs of its captures.” The Opposition leader continued to maintain that the PDM knows who they are beholden to, even as the Premier objected to his assertion, stating that he is imputing improper motives and that he should provide proof of such. The speaker of the house, Dwayne Taylor agreed with the
Premier, and though Misick was allowed to continue he was required to withdraw his claim. Refusing to apologise for the claim, the party leader said that he can provide the proof of his statement later on in his presentation. However, he eventually withdrew the statement. He then continued with his attack on the Government, stating that the 100 day press statement was deliberately ambiguous and side stepped the issues of importance to the voters whose “back she rode to power on”. He listed the Premier’s stance on the 100 percent gratuity being paid to hospitality workers and her campaigning on the issue, asserting that it was nothing than a “bait and switch”. Misick stated that it is not going to happen and that it cannot happen. “The thing about this side is that we are free to speak our minds and our conscience and over there you are restricted from doing so, because you have always had a sort of group think,” Misick said. “A 100 percent transfer of service
charge to employees is unobtainable without compensation or relief to operators. It would ruin this economy.” The party leader called on the Premier to level with the hospitality workers, instead of compounding the “sham”. He then moved on to the PDM claims of productivity, calling it a misrepresentation and a co-opting of the achievements of the last PNP Government. Misick said it is an attempt of history revision for the Premier to assert that in a mere 100 days her Government has been able to develop a budget from zero, meet the debt sustainability targets and the fiscal framework agreement with the United Kingdom government and there therefore being no need for the UK to review TCIG’s budget. “That is more than a fib; it is a calculated and unforgivable fabrication of reality,” Misick adamantly stated. Quoting from the Premier’s address in which she stated her Government would not punish voters with a system of austerity practiced
under the interim and former PNP government, but would continue on a path of fiscal prudence, Misick said this is consistent with the false narrative that Cartwright Robinson promoted for the last four years. “If these measures were ruinous before December 15, why would she refer to them as the path to fiscal prudence and why would she want to continue them?” he questioned. “That is the kind of double speak that demonstrates why the PDM Government should not be trusted and the so-called change agenda is nothing more than rhetoric.” He further claimed that every indication in the last 120 days has shown that gaining power has been the sole end game of the PDM Government. “It [Government] is not genuinely interested in the good of the masses and I will unequivocally demonstrate that throughout the course of my presentation. “I will do so by using their own manifesto, the various press statements and the promises and pronouncements in the budget presentation by the Premier.”
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April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Brexit decisions will hurt the TCI
Dear Editor, On June 23, 2016, the people of the UK decided that they wanted a divorce from the European Union. As most of us are aware, the TCI is just one of the United Kingdom’s 14 overseas territories. The UK did not count us enough to allow us to vote on the question of whether we wanted to remain a part of the EU. Neither did they care enough to ask the other OTs, not even their favourite territory Bermuda, to vote on whether to remain in the EU or not. However, the UK did ask their socalled ‘rock’ Gibraltar to vote on the divorce from the EU. Ninety percent of Gibraltar voted to remain a part of the EU. The repercussions of the UK divorcing itself from the EU have major consequences and the UK has gone into overdrive establishing a plethora of committees to examine and negotiate a super sweet deal as a part of the divorce settlement. The UK’s or as some like to call it ‘our mother’s’ divorce will have major consequences for us. Consequences that will hit us in the pocket, even down to our little children will be hit right in their backpack.
Let me explain. Although we like to boast that we are no longer on grant and aid, which is somewhat true to the literal sense, we are however on grants from the EU. In the past, the EU has given us grant upon grant through the EDF (European Development Fund) which the most renowned use has been the building of the twin islands causeway. Funds from the EU also helped in the rebuilding of homes destroyed by hurricanes Hanna and Ike, and it is proposed to be used to aid in the building of an additional primary school in Provo. Leaving the EU may mean the TCI no longer has access to the EDF and therefore funds which are committed for various projects including the building of this new primary school
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may fall away. In addition, leaving the EU will have significant impact on the freedom of movement and employment for us in EU member countries and no doubt will shrink the clout of the UK passport upon which a great deal of Turks and Caicos Islanders rely on for access, business and general travel. As a country, having experienced these benefits of being a part of the EU, it is unconscionable for the UK to drag us away from all of these benefits, without the courtesy of having a say in what is best for us. A many good number of us, do appreciate the relationship with the EU and the vast benefits that having a direct relationship will bring to us. The European Declaration of Human Rights more than the British constitution has given protection to our democracy. In fact, it was the EU that found the interim government of ‘one man rule’ so repugnant as to have insisted on elections; ending our constitutional suspension. It is therefore wise that our Government should establish a Brexit committee to: -Produce a set of TCI recommendations for a continued relationship with the EU -Educate and inform our citizens of the importance of TCI’s relationship with the EU -Inform the British Government and the EU of our perspective -Examine how best we may continue the TCI relationship with the EU without the UK -Have the UK negotiate for the TCI said recommendations synchronised with the UK divorce settlement; failing which a TCI Brexit committee would have to simply advance the position ourselves. Mark Fulford, Managing partner of F Chambers Attorneys
Upgrade instead of eradication Dear Editor, Government officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands should shift to squatter town upgrading instead of its eradication, recognising it’s easier and cheaper not to mention more humane to improve the conditions in a squatters’ town rather than try to remove it. It also provides a set of tools that municipalities can use to control land transfer and seek to assure legal tenure for tenants. One of the most useful tools is letting planning create ‘zones of special interest’ for disorganised squatter towns, formally recognising their existence and qualifying them for social services. Another tool authorises joint citizen-government management community councils both in new and more settled areas. Moving to more legal tenure requires three elements to be workable. First, is the location okay for human settlement? Not a water pollution risk because its location is too steep or on a flood plain. Second, is the settlement legally registered, or at least in the database of Planning Department properties? And third, do its residents have legal title to the land? And if not, what can be done to assure them secure tenure? There are clear rewards if a full process of regularisation - providing clear legal tenure - can be achieved. If families (illegal squatters) can have their land title confirmed, or at least secure a certificate recognising their occupancy rights, some expense can be levied. Rules can be set and enforced to prevent building collapse. Regular streets, schools and clinics can be brought in, attracting investment.
And it’s easier to reduce litter by organising residents to bring their own household waste to collection points for community pick-up. However, there has to be a growing agreement in these squatter town settlements where people must themselves take part in the upgrading process, with a community leader acting as a mediator between the local residents and the Government. This mediation is crucial for squatter town settlement; someone who is not political motivated or political affiliated with any parties for these upgrading to be successful. But will these new areas endure politically through one or more changes of government administration? I believe the answer is yes. And why? We could establish community councils for these areas which act as a watchdog and also have a direct role in deciding how housing fund money will be spent. Its members come from government agencies, our religious establishment, non-government organisations and from the private sector. These councils help to guarantee the policies’ continuity. Benneth Williams
New Gov’t will spend more money than the old support the CCTV programme across specific areas and 18 new staff. This figure is $25.2 million for recurrent expenses and $4.7 million for capital expenses; it is also percent higher than the revised budget for 2016-2017. The Premier stated that of note is the $1.2 million that has been redirected from the SIPT programme to the operational budget for the police. The Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment is budgeted $20.3 million or 7.6 percent of the overall expenditure, with $19 million for recurrent expenses or 6.7 percent above the revised budget
for 2016-2017. Capital expenses for the ministry is $1.2 million. This ministry will oversee CDB solid waste management programme, sea defence, rebasing of the national accounts and a national housing and listing exercise. Meanwhile, $14.8m or 5.5 percent will go to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communications including 10 new staff for the Prison and two for the Fire Department. A National Emergency Operation Centre is being proposed over the two years 2017-18 and 2018-2019.
The Office of the Deputy Premier and Ministry of Border Control and Employment will receive $9.9 million or 3.7 percent of budgeted expenditure. This is a 9.4 percent increase in recurrent expenses over the revised budget for 2016-2017. The allocation to recurrent expense is $8.2 million and $1.7 million in capital expenses. The ministry of tourism, environment, heritage and culture has been allocated $9.5 million or 3.5 percent, with recurrent budget allocation of $7.5 million or three percent ahead of the revised budget
for the prior year. Capital expenditure for the ministry is $2 million. There will be a $9.6 million or 3.6 percent of the total budget for the judicial administration of which $9.5 million is being allocated for recurrent expenses. Allocation for the SIPT programme is $5.4 million that is approximately $1.1 million or 10.4 per cent lower than the revised budget for the previous year. Finally, there will be $7 million or 2.6 percent of the total budget for the Attorney General’s Chambers. Under this department, recurrent
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expenses will account for $6.4 million which is 1.3 percent lower than the revised budget. Capital Expenditure for the AGC is $550,000. Within the proposed budget there will also be: $18.4 million for pensions and gratuities, contingency fund and debt servicing; $6.6 million for the Governor’s Office; $3.3 million for the House of Assembly; $2.5 million for the Premier’s Office and District Administration; $2.3 million for the Deputy Governor’s Office and $1.6 million for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 11
Leader of the Opposition calls for shanty towns to be eradicated – Meanwhile Government plans to upgrade the settlements BY OLIVIA ROSE LEADER of the Opposition Washington Misick has called for the eradication of shanty towns across the Turks and Caicos Islands. He said the settlements are unsightly and impact badly on the country’s tourism. Misick, in the House of Assembly on Tuesday (April 18) during his budget rebuttal, said he is worried that the unpleasant environments will damage the Turks and Caicos Islands’ image. He added that the new administration should make the eradication of shanty towns a priority. Misick cited the likelihood of disease outbreak from these communities, given the deplorable unsanitary conditions. However, only recently Minister of Infrastructure Housing and Planning Goldray Ewing, signalled his Government’s intention to upgrade squatter town settlements in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Shanty town in the Lower Bight- Providenciales
Mound of garbage decorates the unpaved roadside
He pointed to his Government’s Blue Hills master plan which will serve as a pilot project for the infrastructural enhancement of other communities across the Islands. He said: “This master plan will redesign structurally, and reposition the settlement to be rezoned through proper organised development. “The Government is considering this project as a pilot project so that other communities could follow suit in order to get the shanty towns within our community up to speed and if possible better than what we
there is no running water and only intermittent electricity. Shoddy roads with huge pot holes and huge piles of garbage make up the unsightly aesthetic of this small community. During an interview with the Weekly News with several migrants revealed that most of them pay for their annual work permits and even make national insurance contributions. However to them the Government has turned a blind eye to their plight since they are not Belongers, and they say they feel forsaken by the
have in the ordinary communities.” PROVO’S SHANTY TOWNS Many of the shanty towns found in several pockets around the Turks and Caicos Islands are built by poor Haitians who migrated to these shores in search of a better life. Tucked away barely 50 yards from one of the biggest hotels on Providenciales in The Bight, is a Haitian community shanty town built on the side of a small rocky hill. Whole families of six or seven live in single rooms in cramped plywood houses, and in many of these homes
past administration. But under previous administrations, the fear of a growing tide of illegal migrants from a deteriorating Haiti has stopped them putting down roots. Even those who have been in the TCI for years, building large houses for the affluent or working in hotels, never know from one year to the next whether their permits will be renewed. For many Haitians without the correct documents, deportation is almost instant with no chance of appeal.
COMMENTARY
All about dust
A SMALL boy attended church services with his mom on Sunday. When they reached home he asked his mom: “Is what the preacher told us correct? Does man come from dust and to dust man will return?” The mother confirmed the preacher was correct. Then her son said: “Okay mom then come into my bedroom and look under the bed. Someone is either coming or going!” Two weeks ago my lifelong friend Bill began the process of returning to dust; at least his body has. He passed away in his home suddenly. Now Bill’s soul is somewhere. In my judgment he is already
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 27 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011
with God and has joined his wife Jackie who passed away about five years ago. I was visiting Bill and Jackie four days before her totally unexpected passing. She seemed well then suddenly she was gone. I was on the phone daily with Bill before his unexpected death. Bill and I have been friends for over 70 years.
Hardly a week would pass without a phone call with Bill. We shared many of life’s milestones together. We played together as children and hung out as adolescents and in the various stages of adulthood. We had much in common and in these later years Bill and I spent hours going over our past shared
experiences. I already miss Bill. His passing leaves a hole in my life. Life goes on however and we stay busy planning a future that with each passing year grows shorter. We have discovered there is a danger in senior-hood. When you stop planning and looking forward you stop living and start dying. Physically and mentally. Bill had serious sugar diabetes problems but he never stopped planning some project. What is the point of this column? Have a busy life doing the things you enjoy! Do the right things for your partner and your children. Never stop planning for the future. Your life could end early or late but that does not matter.
Yvette and I found each other in the middle of life and we have had many exciting years and projects together. We never regret one minute of the last 29 years. We look forward to many more years ahead together. We are busy planning our future and we both expect things will work out the way we are planning. If not we will adjust and go forward. No one is certain what our souls will discover after our bodies return to dust. Everyone reading this will find out, someday. I trust I will again meet and greet Bill and so many others on that someday of the great hereafter.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017
Terrific 25th kite flying fun Winners and participants of this year’s kite flying s competition in Providenciale
n’s Easter egg The annual childre r these champs fo ll hunt ended we
PROVIDENCIALES COMPETITON WINNERS Smallest Kite 1st place Aaron Rodney 2nd place Deon Rodney 3rd place Jewel Diamond Largest Kite 1st place Dylan Brubaker 2nd place Linda Grant 3rd place Ollie Stubbs Best Company Kite 1st place West Bay Club 2nd place Gungo Shack 3rd place TCIPS Comprehensive High School Best Traditional Kite 1st place John Ewing 2nd place Nia Ewing 3rd place Demari Fulford
e third place rd receives th Demari Fulfo traditional kite, his third st award for be tegory win in this ca consecutive
orated with an ment, lively games and a sky dec ht Children’s Park A fun family affair with entertain Big the at lighted Easter Weekend high s kite l urfu colo of ent assortm
Clare Tourism training manager Blythe holiday ion petit com DEDICATED to preserving Easter g flyin kite al Tourist said: “Our annu ndar for cale traditions, the Turks and Caicos the on le stap a be to s inue sors cont Board in collaboration with private spon ion locals and tourists alike. petit Com ng Flyi Kite ual Ann ort held its 25th “This year we saw tremendous supp the in e surg and beach party. a Bight from our communities and Fun family events were held at the idenciales.” also number of kite entries in Prov and participants, Children’s Park in Providenciales time first d ome welc “We day, on the island of South Caicos last Mon il returning veterans, and sadly saw the , Apr with events continuing this weekend veteran King Yelo Grand retirement of competition istently 22 in North Caicos and on April 29 in from Providenciales, who has cons ar.” r-ye Turk. -afte year es gori gns won multiple cate annual Skilfully crafted kites with bold desi the yed enjo also dren Chil skies the ted -star and long tails, soared high above the kick h vie for Easter Egg Hunt, whic as spectators watched kite makers . : the competitions also trophies in various categories including Face painting and giveaways were kite, pany com best kite, smallest kite, largest . ities part of the day’s activ and best traditional kite.
CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT WINNERS Under 7 years Most Eggs (Girl) Tianna Most Eggs (Boy) Tyreek 7 – 10 years Most Eggs (Girl) Tracey Most Eggs (Boy) Antwan
SOUTH CAICOS COMPETITION WINNERS Smallest Kite 1st place Judy Been 2nd place Luc Clerveaux 3rd place Vivienne Clare Largest Kite 1st place Turton Clare 2nd place Trofibio Clare 3rd place Arthur Vargas Children’s Easter Egg Hunt Most Eggs (Girl) Callie Hall Most Eggs (Boy) Edmario Blackman
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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14 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Minister of Tourism Ralph Higgs
April 22-28, 2017
Major tourism development on the cards for TCI
Government promises swift action to boost tourism sector
BY OLIVIA ROSE
THE GOVERNMENT has committed to boosting the tourism sector by implementing several key strategies recommended by the KPMG TCI Tourism Strategy Report. The report which was completed and published in 2015 by Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), an international audit and advisory team, identified several challenges facing the country’s main economic engine. Tourism Minister Ralph Higgs, delivering his 100 days in office report on April 4, lambasted the previous administration for not implementing the proposals in the
report to address the dire needs of the local tourism industry. He said: “A key priority of the change document was to do a review of the tourism policy in the first 100 days. “I’m happy to say that with the Tourist Board leading the charge we have reviewed the KPMG report and we have compiled in strategic fashion those low hanging fruits in the KPMG report that is consistent with the low hanging fruits in our change document. “And for the first time since the introduction of the KPMG report we’ve made funds available for the implementation of that report. “So as soon as this budget is passed, we will roll out a calendar
of events coming out of the change document consistent with the recommendations. “Consistent with the KPMG report and priority item of the change document, I have opened dialogue with the Tourist Board on enhanced data collection.” Higgs pointed out that an assessment is being carried out to determine if the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) can provide the quantitative and qualitative data needed on visitors to streamline and enhance the ministry’s marketing reach. He said: “The Tourist Board and the Ministry of Tourism have started exploring new software systems including a data entry system
currently employed in Curacao (brainchild of the KPMG). “I have also had conversations with the Minister of Tourism from St Martin about their data collection capability. “Locally conversations are being held with the Department of Immigration regarding new data entry systems it’s is planning to introduce and how it could interface with the Tourist Board’s data collection system.” He further revealed that the Tourist Board is being encouraged to re-establish its contract with SABRE data management system on a short term basis. This will enable it to continue to collect data and issue frequent visitor
arrival data until such time as an adequate and suitable data collection system is adopted. The 2015 to 2016 survey looked at creating policies that would sustain the TCI’s tourism product in a rapidly changing world. It provided additional insight into the impact of the economic environment on the recent and forecasted future financial performance of the TCI. Higgs also announced several developmental projects in the pipelines that are expected to come on stream soon. These include the Royal Reef Project which is expected to benefit residents of North and Middle Caicos immensely.
PNP Government had lacklustre approach to TCI’s development, says PDM BY OLIVIA ROSE THE RUFUS Ewing led administration is once again being criticised for not investing substantially in the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Appointed Member to the House of Assembly Maxovonno Thomas yesterday (April 19) during his contributions to the budget debate applauded the Government for delivering a timely budget that would set out the objectives for goals and tasks for this financial year. In response to the Leader of the Opposition’s debate rebuttal, Thomas said: “The Leader of the Opposition outlined the most forward thinking plans to better improve this country, but what I find hilarious is that my most able friend did nothing over his four years to implement any of these
plans Mr Speaker.” Thomas boisterously said: “The reality is this, the PNP didn’t do anything for you then, and they will not do anything for you now. “My most able friend the Leader of the Opposition said that my Premier was in a haste to get the budget completed in record time, simply so she could say that it was completed in record time. “I guess he didn’t get the memo drafted by the Turks and Caicos people which states, ‘It is my money and I need it now’. “There’s a song that sums up the Leader of the Opposition’s speech very well, the song ‘Once I was lost and now I’m found’. “I was once blind but now that I am the Leader of the Opposition I can see. Hindsight is always plain, plain.” He chided the Progressive National Party (PNP) administration
People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Appointed Member, Maxovonno Thomas
for having a dull approach to the country’s infrastructural, social and economic growth during its tenure. However, Thomas admitted that
the PNP undoubtedly had a prudent fiscal management plan in place, but failed to trickle down the benefits to where it was needed most. “It goes without saying that our country strives off foreign direct investment (FDI). Nowhere is this type of investment greater felt than in our tourism product. “Our construction agency, private sector, transportation services and our corporate sector all revolve around foreign direct investment. “Our job is to create an environment that would be attractive to maximise the level of FDI to our shores. “Therefore sometimes it frustrates me when I see a lacklustre attitude within some of our Government departments. “The reason that the last significant FDI made on our shore was the development of the Shore Club and in all fairness if there is one thing that I think that the Misick
administration got right back then was its attitude going out and getting investment and facilitating the investment once it’s interested in our shores. “The Shore Club was decided upon sometime back in 2008, if my memory serves me well, not one single major piece of construction development has taken place in this country since. “I hear investors speak of nightmare stories about having to deal with the previous Government and in some cases the Attorney General’s Office. “The PDM party was elected for that reason, and the reason we will make things happen for the benefit of all our citizens, not some.” Thomas chastised the Opposition for attacking the most ambitious plans on the PDM Government’s agenda, plans he unwaveringly believes will propel the country’s development in all spheres.
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Swim team competes in the Bahamas at the swim segment of the 2017 CARIFTA Games
NEWS 15
Track and field athletes return to the TCI from 2017 CARIFTA Games in Curacao
Turks and Caicos cops three medals at 2017 CARIFTA Games BY DAISY HANDFIELD TRACK and field athletes from the Turks and Caicos Islands brought home three medals from the 2017 CARIFTA Games in Curacao over the Easter holidays. The swim and track and field teams arrived through Providenciales International Airport on Wednesday
afternoon (April 19). In the four by 100 metres under 20 girls relay, Akia Guerrier, HelcyAnn Selver, Shavell Sutherland and Sanadia Forbes won a bronze medal. In an interview with Forbes she told this publication that she felt accomplished. She said: “I feel very proud because this is my last year
[participating in the CARIFTA Games] and I really wanted to get this medal. “This was my last chance to get it and I finally got it so I am very proud. I was lost for words and I could not believe it.” When asked what was next for her, Forbes said that she was still uncertain but she definitely wants to
remain involved in sports. “For now I am focusing on finishing my exams for school and once that is out of the way I have to see what happens. “I am definitely going to stay in sports, whether it be track and field or softball,” she said. Wilkenson Fenelon brought home a silver medal from the octathlon
races and Colby Jennings won a bronze medal in the boys under 18, 400 metre race. The six youngsters who represented the Turks and Caicos Islands at the swim segment of the 2017 CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas did not bring home a medal, but told the Weekly News that the experience was phenomenal. Team coach Dave Bott said that this team was by far the most successful and that he could not have been more impressed with the children’s performances. “I was fortunate enough to take the one athlete in 2015, so to come back with her and five more athletes was incredible, especially considering that the athletes in the Turks and Caicos Islands right now are training in resort pools, not really a proper 25 metre pool that most of these countries already have. “Some of these children have only done their second meet ever and their mental toughness was unmatched. “I have been coaching for 17 years and I can tell you that some of the adversities that these children face has taken down some veteran athletes and these guys bounce right back with enthusiasm and positivity.” This was the third time that the TCI sent a team off to compete in the swim segment of the CARIFTA Games. The first time was in 2002, the second in 2016 and now the third in 2017. Swim competitor Alex Maclaren said that she enjoyed every minute of the experience. She said: “It was just so much fun. It was such a great opportunity to be there and it was just a really great time. “I am really happy with everything we have accomplished while we were there. “I was really nervous before all of my races but the team takes your mind off of it when you are together.”
16 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017
Provo Water Company hosts logo competition BY DAISY HANDFIELD
Search and rescue trainees rappel down the DDME building as part of the practical component of the workshop
DDME hosts weeklong search and rescue training BY DAISY HANDFIELD ABOUT 30 people have participated in a weeklong search and rescue course hosted by the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME). The workshop was geared at preparing the relevant bodies for search and rescue efforts in the event of a severe natural disaster or emergency. DDME director Dr Virginia Clerveaux said that she was impressed with the turnout and hopes to receive the same level of support for future workshops. She said: “We had overwhelming support. We had over 50 people who wanted to participate in this training and in fact we were unable
to accommodate everyone because of the size of the room and other logistical arrangements. “We had to kind of hand select based on a certain criteria.” The director explained that this workshop was vital because in the event of a nationwide hazard, no one will be overwhelmed. She added that there will be sufficient trained individuals prepared to assist. “The training is not only important for us in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but also with the right skills and meeting regional and international standards, if our neighbouring countries were to experience an earthquake or a collapsed building and they needed assistance in search and rescue, Turks and Caicos being
Weekly Recipe
Bacon avocado chicken salad
INGREDIENTS • 4 slices centre cut bacon, cooked and chopped • 1 pound grilled chicken breast, diced (about 2 cups) - optional • 1/2 avocado, diced • 1 cup grapes, halved • 1/4 cup dried cranberries • 1/2 red onion, diced • 1/4 cup Chobani whole milk plain Greek yogurt • 1 tablespoon honey • 1/2 lemon, juiced • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest • 1 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
BY ADELE VAN SCHOOR DIRECTIONS • In a large bowl, combine bacon, chicken, avocado, grapes, cranberries and red onion. • In small bowl, whisk together yogurt, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest and pepper until mixed. • Pour dressing over chicken salad mixture and toss to coat. • Serve with whole grain bread and romaine lettuce.
so close could be one of the countries that could quickly deployed within a few hours versus other places that are further away that may take up to 48 to 72 hours,” she said. Coordinator Carlos Bishop reiterated the importance of the training and elaborated on some of the techniques that attendees learnt. He said: “We are training persons on how to safely do a recovery of a body if they need to, how to rescue a person if they need to, and how to help themselves if need to. “Right now that would be the focus of the week in terms of taking persons that would have never done a training of this sort and bring them up to a capable on a competent level in responding to TCI.”
PROVO Water Company is hosting a logo competition in honour of its 20th year anniversary and to help celebrate Drinking Water Week 2017. The competition is being celebrated under the theme ‘Water for Life’ and is geared at strictly high school students throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. Water quality manager SherryBell Parker gave an overview of the competition, stating that the winning logo will be used to promote Drinking Water Week and the anniversary. She said: “Provo Water Company is celebrating the seventh annual Drinking Water Week and throughout the week we have a list of activities that we usually host. “One of the activities includes the high school poster competition. “Throughout previous years we would usually have a theme and let the kids run with the theme, but this year we decided to do a logo competition because this is also Provo Water Company’s 20th anniversary.” The company is looking for a creative design that is clean, appropriate and sophisticated. Parker added that during the time of judging, the logos will not include names of participants, so that it gives each participant a fair shot.
“If you looked at the posters that we have had throughout the years, you will see that the creativity comes from all over the place. “I’m always amazed at the ideas that the children come up with after we give them a theme. “The contest is judged kind of blindly because we do not have any of the information on the poster and you only see a number. “This gives everyone a fair chance at the contest.” Drinking Water Week is celebrated annually and Provo Water Company sets aside time every year to offer their customers and the general public additional information on water safety. Staff station themselves at IGA supermarket and also visit the primary and high schools to try and involve everyone in the education process of having a safe drinking water supply. The water quality manager said: “Drinking Water Week is very important because we use that time out once a year to educate the public on the importance of having a safe drinking water supply and we do that by getting involved with the community.” The competition officially started this week, with no entry fees required. All submissions must be entered by May 10. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded.
April 22-28, 2017
NEWS 17
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
InterCaribbean Airways partners with Cubana Airlines BY DAISY HANDFIELD LOCALLY owned airline InterCaribbean Airways has recently partnered with Cubana Airlines. This gives travellers in the region the option of planning their business or leisure travel needs over the flights of both airlines. Trevor Sadler, CEO of InterCaribbean Airways said in an interview that through this partnership with Cubana Airlines there will be an increase of tourism within the region. He said: “What we have been able to see is a demand for folks who actually want to visit Cuba but at the same time who wanted to visit the Turks and Caicos because it was close enough and they have never been. “So, oftentimes we would have them fly in here to take our flights into Cuba and then move around in Cuba. “So, our partnership with Cubana now allows us and the travelling agent community of the world to be able to book our flights in conjunction with Cubana and in term increase tourism in the region.” Founder of InterCaribbean Airways Lyndon Gardiner stated during the interview that it is his desire for the Caribbean to be marketed as a single destination and that the connectivity around the Caribbean region is very valuable.
“The connectivity around the region is very valuable for strengthening trade and partnerships between the various countries of the Caribbean. “I have been very hopeful that one day we would see the Caribbean being marketed as a single destination and to be able to realise that it is imperative that people are able to move easily between the countries. “Not only easily but also economically. I think that is what our focus has been on.” The airline celebrated its 25th year anniversary in 2017. The company operates EMB 120, Twin Otter and BE99 aircraft currently connecting the Turks and Caicos Islands, Antigua, Tortola, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Domestic flights are flown also in Jamaica between Kingston and Montego Bay, as well as flights within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Cubana one of the world’s oldest airlines offers an extensive schedule connecting the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, North and South America. Cubana provides domestic flights within Cuba to give connectivity across the 11 primary tourist destinations with domestic and international airports.
Revenues for 2016-2017 total $267m UPDATING the House of Assembly on the financial performance of the local economy for the 2016-2017 financial year, the Premier revealed that preliminary results show a net operating balance of $35.7 million. While the results are still being finalised, Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson in her budget address said that the revenues for the past financial year totalled roughly $267.2 million and were about $11.5 million or 4.5 percent above the budgeted amount while being marginally above the previous year’s results. This positive variance, she said, is accredited to the positive
movements in the real estate industry resulting in stamp duty on land transactions and strong performance in the tourism sector. The preliminary results show that operating expenses and staff costs were about $8 million or 4 percent below planned expenditure, the Premier said. Adding that in the case of the Development Fund, expenditure for the fiscal year, including projects that were noted for 2015-2016, was $23.4 million. That is about $18 million below budgeted projects. However, she reported that Cabinet has noted that the remaining projects for contracts will be signed shortly.
InterCaribbean Airways operates EMB 120, Twin Otter and BE99 aircraft currently connecting the Turks and Caicos Islands, Antigua, Tortola, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the Bahamas.
Cubana one of the world’s oldest airlines offers an extensive schedule connecting the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, North and South America
REGIONAL NEWS
Engagement made Cayman stronger, financial services minister says MINISTER of Financial Services Wayne Panton has defended government’s engagement with proponents of tax transparency, stating it has made Cayman stronger. Speaking at the conclusion of a tax transparency conference hosted by his ministry last week, Mr. Panton said, “The Cayman Islands financial services industry overall is in a strong position – perhaps our strongest position ever – and we have achieved this while complying with global regulatory standards that are consistently improving tax transparency, for the benefit of all countries.” The goal of the conference titled “Tax Transparency in the Global Financial Services Ecosystem” was to put the global tax system under a microscope and to challenge assumptions about its nature and functioning. The event, which featured guest speaker Pascal Saint-Amans, the
director of the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration at the OECD, and panelists including Alex Cobham, chief executive of the Tax Justice Network, stretched delegates “beyond our comfort zones,” the minister said. But listening, engaging and taking action should not be mistaken as a sign of weakness. “It’s a sign of strength. The growth and stability of our financial services industry proves this. It’s proven by Cayman’s boldness in announcing, on a global stage, that we are ready to engage in tax transparency with any country that also adheres to the global standard.” It is also proven, Mr. Panton said, by the ministry’s interaction with EU officials and the Tax Justice Network and the passing of more than 40 financial services-related commercial and regulatory bills in the past four years. Mr. Saint-Amans, the head of
the OECD’s tax initiatives, said the quality of the exchange at the conference showed a degree of maturity. “The fact that the Tax Justice Network is here, that we are here, that we can exchange freely in this group is pretty telling.” If Cayman moves away from the narrative used 20 years ago and ensures the availability and accessibility of information on the true owners of Cayman-based entities, “you can remain one of the leaders in the industry,” Mr. Saint-Amans said. “Being a global leader is not incompatible with being a small island in the Caribbean. Whatever we can do to help you with that we will do because we strongly appreciate and support all the efforts that have been made so far,” he added. Mr. Panton said it had been his ministry’s modus operandi “to engage with those who agree, and even more so with those who don’t agree, with our positions.”
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April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Regional News
More than 174,000 registered ahead of Bahamas general election MORE than 174,000 Bahamians have registered for next month’s general election, nearly 2,000 more persons than in 2012, according to the latest numbers from the Parliamentary Registration Department. Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall placed the sudden uptick in registration on “Bahamians’ last minute tendencies.” There were 172,128 people registered to vote in the 2012 general election, this year’s register now stands at 174,070. The latest numbers show that as of April 14, Golden Isles has the highest number of registered voters with 6,420 people registered in that area. In 2012, there were 5,036 people registered in that constituency. In New Providence, the newly created constituency of St Barnabas has the lowest number of registered voters with 3,819. However, in an interview with The Tribune, Mr Hall said the numbers “may a change a bit” as his department continues to clean up the register. Mr Hall said a number of “dead” people’s names have already been deleted since the register closed, along with several other persons whose names appeared more than once. Voter registration for the impending election officially closed last Monday. Mr Hall and his department has 14 to 15 days from that date to clean up the hundreds of reported errors presently on the
This system is the first subtropical or tropical cyclone in the Atlantic in April since Ana in 2003. Nearly 2000 more persons have registered for next month’s general elections than in 2012.
register. “We are doing quite well and getting all the dead people off and getting all the discrepancies dealt with,” Mr Hall said yesterday. “We have surpassed the number of voters that registered in 2012, we are now over that figure. We were down by thousands the week before the register closed - Bahamians came out last minute. That’s the Bahamian way, our tendency and now the numbers have risen. We still have more work to do, but we are getting there.” Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said earlier this month he is “doubtful” that the Christie administration could produce a “clean” register before the electorate heads to the polls. FNM Chairman Sidney Collie
also raised “grave concerns” regarding the election register, pointing to the discovery of 72 pages of duplicate registrations, names printed of persons born over 200 years ago and some who were born in 2017. Mr Collie described this as “negligence” and “ineptitude,” saying there are other “irregularities” that have come to light pointing to persons who were reportedly issued citizenship and voter’s cards on the same day. In response, however, Mr Hall said “the register is only as clean as the cooperation we receive from the voters.” On Monday, Mr Hall said he is confident the register will be clean in time for the May 10 election. (Tribune242)
Subtropical depression forms in Atlantic ahead of official start of hurricane season THE first subtropical depression of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season has formed, before the June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season. The good news is that it poses no threat to land and is expected to be shortlived. The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) in Miami said on Wednesday that the centre of the system which has maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour, had formed in the Central Atlantic between Bermuda and the Azores. It said little change in strength is forecast, and the subtropical depression was forecast to become absorbed by a large extratropical low on Thursday. “A non-tropical storm will sweep
in prior to the end of the week and should create a more hostile atmosphere for strengthening,” AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said. To become Arlene, the system’s maximum sustained winds would have to increase to around 39 miles per hour. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 to November 30 and tropical storm formation is very rare this early. This system is the first subtropical or tropical cyclone in the Atlantic in April since Ana in 2003; and 2017 is the third consecutive year a system has formed in the Atlantic before the official start of the season. (Caribbean360)
Haiti aims to revive military as end of UN mission looms THEIR heads held high and chests puffed out, a group of nearly 100 Haitian men in camouflage fatigues do jumping jacks or march around an abandoned U.N. compound on a recent morning. But after a few drills, they seek shelter from the blazing sun in the absence of anything else to do. As U.N. military peacekeepers prepare for a full exit from this Caribbean nation, this small engineering corps is the first wave of Haiti’s efforts to try and revive a military force some 22 years after a national army was disbanded. While Haiti is a long way off from having a real military, these initial efforts to build up a defense force at whatever level excites some and unnerves others. “We’re proud Haitians and we want to make the nation stronger,” said Lt. Ted Tesnor Wolsby, a base commander in the brigade that has received months of military training in Ecuador but has only intermittent
duties fixing irrigation ditches or roads back in Haiti for salaries starting at $318 a month. While it’s easy to find citizens who strongly support reconstituting a Haitian army, particularly jobless young people, the idea alarms those who vividly remember times darkened by military coups and oppression. “It’s not a good idea, that’s for sure,” said Bobby Duval, a former soccer star who was arrested by the army in 1976 and starved and tortured while locked up for 17 months for speaking out against human rights abuses under Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier’s government. Haitian leaders insist that a functioning defense force is urgently needed following a phased drawdown of all the remaining 2,370 U.N. military peacekeepers. The U.N. Security Council last week authorised an Oct. 15 wrapup of a 13-year stabilisation mission here, leaving behind a smaller
Haiti is looking to revive a military force some 22 years after a national army was disbanded.
peacekeeping operation for an initial period of six months comprising 1,275 police who will continue training Haitian law enforcers. “We want a new armed force, an armed force oriented toward development. This is what we need,” said Defense Minister Herve Denis,
adding that the government is “very concerned” about a possible security vacuum after U.N. troops depart. Attitudes about a possible military revival are as complicated as the history of Haiti, which only saw its first freely elected leader with JeanBertrand Aristide in 1990, and he
was ousted by a military coup just eight months later. For much of Haiti’s history, the army was used to crack down on political dissent for a parade of dictators or destabilise governments. When U.S. Marines occupied Haiti from 1915 to 1934, they abolished the existing military and created a national guard, which eventually became the budget-draining Forces Armees d’Haiti. During the 29-year family dynasty founded by Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier, the army was largely shunted aside in favour of the Tonton Macoutes, the regime’s dreaded private militia. But when his son, Jean-Claude, was ousted and fled to France in 1986, a repressive army high command of Duvalier appointees remained largely intact. After Aristide was ousted in a 1991 military coup, soldiers and paramilitary forces killed some 4,000 people over the next three years.
April 22-28, 2017
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Regional News Series of Antigua earthquakes triggers advice from Seismic Research Centre FOLLOWING a series of earthquakes felt in Antigua and Barbuda, and as far away as St Kitts and Guadeloupe, the University of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Centre (SRC) is urging the people of the region to remain prepared. Around 1:23 a.m. on Monday, the SRC recorded an earthquake located north-east of Antigua/ south-east of Barbuda with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8. This is the second earthquake that has occurred in the magnitude range 5.6-6.0, since 2011. The SRC said it received more than 120 felt reports from as far west as St Kitts and as far south as Guadeloupe for that event. “This earthquake has been followed, so far, by more than 500 events in the same general area, two of which were in the
magnitude range 5.1-5.5,” the SRC said, adding that its scientists expect that aftershocks should continue for some time. “Although this most recent earthquake sequence may not necessarily signal a larger earthquake, the public should be reminded that the Leeward Islands region is an area of high earthquake activity for the Caribbean. “Moderate to significant sized earthquakes may occur in this region at any time which may impact islands in this area (St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat). For this reason measures must always be in place at an individual, community and national level to protect against the impact of earthquakes,” it added. (Caribbean360)
Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson and Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald.
Bahamian Cabinet Ministers deny claims of Baha Mar conflicts of interest TWO Cabinet ministers who served as government negotiators on the Baha Mar remobilisation deal yesterday dismissed tabloid accusations of abuse of power and conflict of interest as election season smear tactics. Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson and Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald were alleged to have forged secret “sweetheart” deals connected to the mega-resort and its owner Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) that would see them allegedly net “unlawful private profits” in the millions. In Tuesday’s edition, The Punch alleged that the five jewellery stores operated by Mrs Maynard-Gibson’s family at Baha Mar are part of the Hearts on Fire boutique franchise
owned by the Cheng family - owners of CTFE. As for Mr Fitzgerald, the tabloid alleged that he sought contracts from Baha Mar’s general contractor China Construction America (CCA) at the resort, and also at the Hilton hotel, for his customs brokerage and limousine service company. It also alleged that the pair first appealed to former developer Sarkis Izmirlian to facilitate the “sweetheart deals” with CCA, which is the developer of The Pointe at the Hilton. For her part, Mrs MaynardGibson denounced the allegations as an “unmitigated, outrageous lie” and instead urged Bahamians to be mindful of the Free National Movement’s utterances on the embattled resort.
Jamaican woman now world’s oldest person EVEN after living 117 years, Jamaican Violet Mosse Brown is as fit as a horse, witty, humble and still hardworking. Not once in her quiet life did she imagine landing in the world’s history books as the oldest woman, but she is overjoyed at having done so. “I feel good, I feel happy to be the oldest person (in the world),” Mosse Brown, affectionately called Aunt V, told the Jamaica Observer newspaper. Mosse Brown, who was born on March 10, 1900, entered the pages of history as the oldest person on Earth last Saturday, after the passing of the previous oldest, Italian Emma Morano, who was born on November 29, 1899. “I did not feel I would become the oldest person. I feel I would pass long ago. Thank God for whatever He has given to me,” declared Mosse Brown, who remarkably suffers from no ailment. Longevity seemingly runs in her genes. According to the Jamaica Observer, both her parents lived to 96 years old and her oldest son, Harold Fairweather, turned 97 on Saturday. Mosse Brown jokes that she is
Violet Mosse Brown, the oldest woman alive, has no illnesses. (Photo credit: Jamaica Gleaner)
healthier than Harold and her other four children. “I had six children; one died, five alive, but them all sick. Them sick more than me,” she said with a laugh. The supercentenarian, who still eats everything except chicken and pork, credits her long life to her deep faith in God and hard work. She worked as a cane farmers and also operated the only bread shop in her community. Mosse Brown was also a music teacher and seamstress. Her hard work was undergirded by her deep faith in God. At 13, she was baptized as a member of the Baptist church, serving in virtually
every capacity. “I spent all my time in the church – from a child right up,” she said. Meanwhile, Jamaicans have been celebrating Mosse Brown’s achievement. She has emerged a star in her Duanvale community, just a stone’s throw away from the hometown of track legend Usain Bolt. “Trust me, we feel proud. That lady is great. She is good. She mek wi feel proud in the district as the oldest person in the world come from Duanvale here,” resident Renford Weir told the Jamaica Observer. (Caribbean360)
Haiti to rebuild National Palace smashed in 2010 earthquake A NEW National Palace will be built over the next several years to resemble the iconic 90-year-old structure smashed during Haiti’s cataclysmic 2010 earthquake, authorities announced Wednesday. President Jovenel Moise, who took office in February, launched a palace reconstruction commission that includes Haitian architects and historians. He pledged that the Parliament and the Palace of Justice will also be rebuilt during his fiveyear administration. “The new National Palace will make the connection between the history, the culture and the future of the Haitian nation,” Moise said at the site of the former structure, where peacocks wander the grounds and officials conduct dayto-day operations in pre-fabricated buildings. The planned presidential residence and offices would be at least the fifth National Palace at the Port-au-Prince site. One palace was destroyed in 1869 when rebels ignited munitions. Another was leveled by a bomb blast in 1912.
In this Jan. 17, 2010 file photo, the remains of the presidential palace are seen after the earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
The most recent presidential residence was designed by Haitian architect Georges Baussan but finished in 1920 by U.S. naval engineers during a 19-year U.S. military occupation of Haiti. The enormous complex with three domes and pillars was larger than the White House.
Following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in 2010, it became a twin symbol of the devastation and of the shattered government’s dysfunction. The caved-in structure was one of thousands of buildings toppled or badly damaged in the capital and surrounding areas.
20
World News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017
Osborne to quit as MP for Tatton at election FORMER chancellor George Osborne says he is quitting the House of Commons “for now”. The Conservative MP for Tatton said he was “very excited” about becoming the new editor of London’s Evening Standard newspaper. He told his local Tory party he would be using the role to provide “straight facts and informed opinion” through the paper’s general election coverage. MPs have backed Theresa May’s call for a snap election on 8 June. Mr Osborne told the BBC’s John Pienaar he would be fighting for the same values he had as chancellor and an MP of 16 years standing. But as Evening Standard editor he would also “speak for London, speak for my readers and speak for this country and its future”. “Our country has got some big decisions to make now about the kind of Britain we want to be and those values of openness, tolerance and enterprise are ones I hold dear,” he said. Asked if he believed Mrs May understood the concerns of people who voted for Britain to remain in the EU, he said: “We have got to make sure that not just London’s voice is heard, but the voice of a
The Conservative MP would take up the role as new editor of London’s Evening Standard newspaper.
Britain that wants to play a big role on the world stage, that celebrates the fact we have a diverse society, that is optimistic about the future, not afraid about the future - those are things I have always believed in.” Earlier, in a letter confirming he would not be seeking re-election, Mr Osborne said: “It’s still too early to be writing my memoirs.” At the age of 45, he did not to spend the rest of his life “just being an ex-chancellor”, he said. “I want new challenges. I’m very excited about the opportunity to edit the
Evening Standard.” He added: “More so than at any time in my life, the public need from the media the straight facts and informed opinion to help them to make the big decisions Britain now faces about the country we want to be. “That starts with the coverage of this general election.” Following last month’s announcement that Mr Osborne would be taking over as editor of the London-based free newspaper from Sarah Sands, questions had been asked about how he would combine that role with being an MP for a northern constituency. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described the appointment as a “joke” and called for an immediate by-election in Tatton. “The appointment makes a mockery of the independence of the media,” he said at the time. “It takes multi-tasking to a new level and is an insult to the electors he is supposed to serve.” But Mr Osborne defended himself, adding that he believed having MPs who could draw on outside experiences was good for Parliament as it enabled former ministers, in particular, to “continuing to contribute to the decisions we make”.
Russia claims it can wipe out US Navy with single ‘electronic bomb’ RUSSIA has claimed it can disable the entire US Navy in one fell swoop using powerful electronic signal jamming. A news report from the country – where the media is essentially controlled by the state – said the technology could render planes, ships and missiles useless. The newsreader says: “Today, our Russian Electronic Warfare (REW) troops can detect and neutralise any target from a ship’s system and a radar, to a satellite.” The news report claims a single Russian war plane flew several times around American destroyer the USS Donald Cook in the Black Sea several years ago, disabling its systems and leaving it helpless. The report also claims they are capable to creating electronic jamming domes over their bases that make them invisible on radar screens. The propaganda piece even quotes top US General Frank Gorenc as saying: “Russian electronic weapons completely paralyse the functioning
PM Theresa May is hoping to significantly boost her current Commons majority of 17 to increase her authority, ahead of 18 months of talks which will determine the manner of the UK’s exit from the EU.
General election 2017: MPs back plans for June poll A UK general election will be held on 8 June after MPs backed Prime Minister Theresa May’s call for a snap poll. The House of Commons backed the PM by a margin of 522 votes to 13, above the two-thirds majority needed, as Labour and the Lib Dems supported the move. The PM has argued a fresh mandate would strengthen her hand in Brexit talks and provide certainty for the future. Jeremy Corbyn welcomed the poll but accused the PM of changing her mind and breaking promises on a range of issues. The next general election had been expected in 2020, but the Fixed Term Parliaments Act allows for one to be held earlier if it has the support of two-thirds of MPs. Defending the measure, Mrs May told MPs there was a “window of opportunity” to hold a poll before Brexit negotiations begin in earnest in June and that the country needed
“strong leadership” to make a success of the process. The prime minister, who will make her first campaign stop in the north-west of England later, is hoping to significantly boost her current Commons majority of 17 to increase her authority, ahead of 18 months of talks which will determine the manner of the UK’s exit from the EU. Mrs May, who became PM last July after the EU referendum, told MPs that it would wrong for the UK to find itself reaching the most “difficult and sensitive” phase of Brexit negotiations in late 2018 and early 2019 at a time when a general election was “looming on the horizon”. During a special debate in the Commons, she said it was the “right and responsible” thing to do hold the election now in order to provide “five years of stability and certainty” and help the UK prepare for life outside the EU.
‘WhatsApp child sex images’ led to arrests
Russia is confident that it has the technology to render useless the entire US Navy.
of American electronic equipment installed on missiles, aircraft and ships.” The reporter adds: “You don’t need to have expensive weapons to win – powerful radio-electronic jamming is enough.” The news comes after Donald Trump dispatched the USS Carl Vinson, powered by nuclear
reactors, carrying almost 100 aircraft and accompanied by destroyers, a cruiser, and a submarine to the Korean Peninsula. And the commander-in-chief is said to be bolstering American deployment in the region by sending the USS Ronald Reagan and the USS Nimitz to the Sea of Japan next week.
A NETWORK apparently using WhatsApp to distribute images of child sexual exploitation has been disrupted by dozens of arrests, according to police. A total of 39 suspects were apprehended in Europe and South America, following action by the Spanish National Police, Europol and Interpol. Spanish investigators discovered dark web sites directing users to private WhatsApp groups last year. Researchers then verified these groups were used to share illegal images. House searches conducted during the arrests had led to the seizure of “hundreds of devices containing several terabytes of child sexual
exploitation material”, according to Europol. Spanish police have added that this included more than 360,000 files. Operation Tantalio involved coordinated action in Germany, Spain and Portugal as well as several South American countries including Argentina, Chile and Ecuador. Interpol has said that “hundreds” of the images and videos discovered have been entered into its international child sexual exploitation (ICSE) database. It allows investigators to compare such material and make connections between victims, abusers and locations by “analysing the digital, visual and audio content”.
April 22-28, 2017
World News
Texas mom allegedly recorded herself burning infant son and stuffing plastic bag in his mouth A TEXAS, woman has been charged with child endangerment and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after she allegedly sent videos and pictures of her abusing 1-year-old son to the boy’s father, PEOPLE confirms. Janelle Peterkin, 23, is accused of stuffing a plastic bag in her son’s mouth and covering his head with the plastic bag and then tying it in a knot, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, which claim the abuse took place on March 13 as she sat in her car with the child. Peterkin also allegedly burned the boy with a lit cigarette while she filmed him. Investigators later viewed photos and videos of the alleged abuse, according to court documents obtained by KPRC-TV. The Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office said that Peterkin admitted to sending the footage - as an act of spite to show her ex-boyfriend that he did not care enough about their baby. An order of protection was issued Monday mandating she not be within 200 feet of the child, who is now living with her mother. Peterkin was released on $15,000 bond. Her next court appearance is May 15. She has not entered a plea to her three charges and has not retained an attorney, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. She is presumed to be pleading not guilty, prosecutors said.
Janelle Peterkin is accused of stuffing a plastic bag in her son’s mouth and covering his head with the plastic bag.
PEOPLE’s efforts to reach her Tuesday were unsuccessful. The boy’s aunt, who is the sister of Peterkin’s ex-boyfriend, says she was the one who alerted police about the alleged abuse. Ra’Neicha Broadnax tells PEOPLE her brother, the boy’s father, was blocking Peterkin’s number. However, his girlfriend got possession of his phone, saw the videos and pictures Peterkin allegedly sent and called Broadnax immediately. “I pressed play, and it played for three seconds before I hung up the phone on her and called the police,” Broadnax says. The footage was sent on April 13, she claims.
Demonstrators want new elections and the release of opposition politicians.
Venezuela crisis: Opposition holds ‘mother of all protests’ TENS of thousands of Venezuelans are taking part in fresh demonstrations in the capital Caracas and in more than 20 other cities, in what they are calling the “mother of all protests”. Demonstrators want new elections and the release of opposition politicians. There are reports that a young protester is in a serious condition after being shot in the head in the San Bernardino area of the capital. Government supporters in Caracas are also rallying in big numbers. Despite having the world’s largest
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
proven oil reserves, Venezuela has suffered for several years from high inflation, rampant crime and a shortage of basic goods. The protests are expected to be the biggest in three years, putting extra pressure on President Nicolas Maduro to negotiate with the opposition and find a way of easing the country’s economic crisis. Anti-government protesters have described it as Venezuela’s “second independence day”, while government supporters say they are defending the country and its oil industry.
Bus plunges off Philippines mountain, killing at least 31 people PASSENGERS were screaming in horror as the bus driver repeatedly hit the brakes, shouting they weren’t working, before the vehicle plunged into a ravine in the northern Philippines, killing at least 31 people in one of the country’s deadliest recent crashes, officials said Wednesday. The 46 passengers injured in Tuesday’s crash were retrieved by rescuers who struggled with ropes to descend down the 24-meter (80-foot) deep ravine to reach the wreckage in Nueva Ecija province’s Carranglan town, said Senior Supt. Antonio Yarra, the provincial police chief. He said at least 77 people were on board the vehicle based on the number of dead and injured, but rescuers returned to the crash site Wednesday morning to look in the grassy area for other possible victims. A survivor who jumped out the door before the bus plunged said “the driver was shouting, saying the brakes were not working and he has lost control of the bus,” Yarra said in a telephone interview. Many of the passengers were hospitalized with serious injuries and parents were separated from their children in the confusion, officials said.
At least 77 persons were on board the bus when it made the deadly leap.
“One child here sat beside her mother. The mother was dead,” said Dr. Napoleon Obana of the Veterans Regional Hospital, where some of the victims were taken. TV footage showed a line of rescuers and villagers, some holding onto a rope to climb up on a grassy slope with a victim on a stretcher. A throng of villagers waited in a clearing above them to help pull the victim to safety. Passenger Ralph Raymond Grajo said he saw the driver repeatedly
stepping on the malfunctioning brakes as the wayward bus was speeding along a downhill road. The driver attempted to steer the bus to the right, but roadside houses made him veer back in the direction of the ravine as horrified passengers watched, Grajo said. “All the passengers were screaming and somebody in front me told everybody ‘Don’t panic,’ but many were already gripped by panic,” Grajo told DZMM radio network.
North Korea tension: China ‘seriously concerned’ about nuclear threats CHINA says it is seriously concerned about North Korean nuclear development, in the wake of a BBC interview with a top official from the North. North Korea’s vice-foreign minister told the BBC Pyongyang would continue to test missiles and would launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike if it thought the US was planning an attack. Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China opposed words or actions that could further raise tension. North Korea-US tension is growing. There has been heated rhetoric from both sides in recent days. US Vice-President Mike Pence, who has been visiting the region, warned the North not to test Washington and said the US “era of strategic patience” with Pyongyang was over. The BBC’s Stephen McDonell in Beijing says the Chinese government appears to be becoming increasingly frustrated with North Korea, its traditional ally. “I have noted the recent report,” Mr Lu said, referring to the BBC interview. “China expresses serious
North Korea showed off military hardware at a parade in honour of the anniversary of founding father Kim Il-sung’s birth.
concern with recent trends about North Korea’s nuclear and missile development. “China is unswerving in its commitment to realising the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, maintaining the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula, and continue to solve matters through dialogue and negotiations.” Mr Lu added that tension was already high in the region before the latest comments from Pyongyang. The North held a show of military
might in a parade over the weekend and tested another missile on Sunday, which the Pentagon said blew up almost immediately after launch. Pyongyang said it may test missiles on a weekly basis, and warned of “all-out war” if the US takes military action. “If the US is planning a military attack against us, we will react with a nuclear pre-emptive strike by our own style and method,” ViceForeign Minister Han Song-ryol told the BBC on Monday.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Entertainment O’Reilly’s Fox News career comes to a swift end amid growing sexual harassment claims FOX News on Wednesday ended its association with Bill O’Reilly, the combative TV host and commentator who has ruled cable-news ratings for nearly two decades and was the signature figure in the network’s rise as a powerful political player. The conservativeleaning host’s downfall was swift and steep, set in motion less than three weeks ago by revelations of a string of sexual harassment complaints against him. The questions about his conduct represented yet another black eye to Fox, which had dealt with a sexual harassment scandal involving its co-founder and then-chairman Roger Ailes, just last summer. “After a thorough and careful review of the allegations, the company and Bill O’Reilly have agreed that Bill O’Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News Channel,” 21st Century Fox, the channel’s parent company, said in a statement Wednesday. The ousted host stood by his earlier denials of the allegations in a statement
The host of “The O’Reilly Factor” got the news while awaiting a flight back to the U.S. from a vacation in Italy.
issued late Wednesday afternoon. “Over the past 20 years at Fox News, I have been extremely proud to launch and lead one of the most successful news programs in history, which has consistently informed and entertained millions of Americans and significantly contributed to building Fox into the dominant news network in television,” he said. “It is tremendously
disheartening that we part ways due to completely unfounded claims. “But that is the unfortunate reality many of us in the public eye must live with today. I will always look back on my time at Fox with great pride in the unprecedented success we achieved and with my deepest gratitude to all my dedicated viewers. I wish only the best for Fox News Channel.”
The 49-year-old actress was first given the coveted title 26 years ago.
Roberts named People’s ‘World’s Most Beautiful Woman’ for fifth time JULIA Roberts has been named People magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful Woman for a record fifth time. The 49-year-old actress was first given the coveted title 26 years ago, and tells the publication that she’s “very flattered.” She’s also ahead of pal George Clooney, who’s been named Sexiest Man Alive only twice. “I’m going to mention that in my Christmas card to
the Clooneys this year,” she quips to People. Roberts says that she’s “currently peaking” in life, and gushes over her 14-year marriage to Danny Moder and her role as a mother to twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, 12, and Henry, 9. “I mean every day my husband walks in the door it’s like a recurring dream. I’m like, ‘Ah, he’s back!’” she says. In a recent interview with
Good Morning America, the Oscar winner also noted that she can’t wait to show her twins the movies she’s made. “There’s nothing more thrilling than creating a piece of work and feeling like you have some triumph to bring home and lay at the feet of your family,” she explained. “”I can’t wait for my daughter to see My Best Friend’s Wedding. I mean, that will be sweet.”
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Entertainment Drake’s former label sues Cash Money Records over royalties for six albums CASH Money Records is being sued by Drake’s former label for a share of the profits from his first six mixtapes and albums. Aspire Music Group claims it signed Drake in 2008 and only received “modest advances” from Cash Money co-owners Bryan and Ronald Williams. It says it had a contract to let Drake make music for the label in exchange for a third of the album profits. If successful, the claim could run into tens of millions of dollars. The complaint, filed in a New York state court in Manhattan, also accuses Cash Money of inducing Drake in 2013 to break his “exclusive artist” agreement with Aspire by signing a competing agreement. It says that deprived Aspire of more than $10m (£7.9m). “Defendants have
Janet Jackson’s best friend said she would not accept any money from her estranged husband.
Jackson ‘will not accept a payout’ from her estranged husband Ronald “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams set up Cash Money Records in 1991
brazenly engaged in a systematic and pervasive effort to cheat plaintiff out
of its contractual entitlement to tens of millions of dollars in profits and royalties, and
to its one-third ownership interest in the copyright to Drake’s first six albums,” the complaint says. A lawyer for Bryan and Ronald Williams hasn’t responded to a request for comment from the Reuters news agency. (News Beat)
JANET Jackson‘s best friend and creative director is clapping back at haters in her honour. Gil Duldulao took to Instagram on Saturday to express his opinion towards those who claim she’s running away with a big payday after ending her marriage with estranged husband Wissam Al Mana just three months after giving birth to baby Eissa.
“Hi. I want to state what I have to say as a friend,” he began. “Even if there was a possibility that my friend could make $500 mil off of having a child. It’s not in her character to want and or accept 500 mil. It’s character people and she is not the one.” “She would never accept a pay out or want a pay out,” Duldulao continued. “That’s the human being I know….(People)
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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April 22-28, 2017
Entertainment Affidavits reveal Prince was prescribed meds in different names NEARLY a year later, details are still coming out surrounding the mysterious circumstances resulting in Prince’s death. The latest come from newly unsealed search warrants revealing the singer’s doctor prescribed pills to an alternate name for Prince. They also reveal that an avalanche of medications was discovered throughout Paisley Park, and controlled substances were discovered as well. As reported by USA Today, CVS prescription bottles for Kirk Johnson — who has worked with Prince since the 80s — were found in Prince’s dressing room and mirror room, each containing different controlled substances. Over 100 white capsules labeled “Watson 853” were found in Aleve and Bayer bottles. Watson 853 is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone and is considered a narcotic. The search warrant states that there was a “sizable amount of narcotic medications located inside Paisley Park,” in places including
Prince’s bedroom, wardrobe, and laundry room. Prince’s toxicology screening revealed he had a lethal dose of Fentanyl in his body when he died, but investigators couldn’t find any prescriptions in his name. However, they found a prescription for Johnson of oxycodone from Dr. Michael Todd Schulenberg, who was at Paisley Park the day Prince died. It was then that Dr. Schulenberg admitted to authorities that he’d prescribed the oxycodone responsible for Prince’s overdose on April 14, 2016, which forced his plane into an emergency landing when he was returning from a show in Atlanta. Why were there so many prescriptions for pills in other people’s names around Prince’s home? According to Dr. Schulenberg, he was trying to protect Prince’s privacy. And Johnson seemed to be in on the ruse. He picked up medication for Prince on April 20, one day before the singer’s death, but
claimed that was the first time he’d ever done something like that. After Prince’s death, investigators found a suitcase with numerous prescription bottles in Johnson’s name — but none of them were prescribed by Dr. Schulenberg. However, Dr. Schulenberg had prescribed numerous pills that were hidden in other bottles. A bottle labeled “Vitamin D” held ondansetron hydrochloride, while another labeled ondansetron was actually acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride. Dr. Schulenberg prescribed those pills to Johnson on April 7. Dr. Schulenberg is just the latest in a long line of doctors making questionable decisions in their treatment of celebrities and their illnesses. Back in June of 2009, Dr. Conrad Murray overprescribed a cocktail of medications to help Michael Jackson sleep, but it led to his death. Joan Rivers passed in September of 2014 after a medical
Prince’s toxicology screening revealed he had a lethal dose of Fentanyl in his body when he died, but investigators couldn’t find any prescriptions in his name.
clinic failed to respond to drops in Rivers’s vital signs during a minor throat procedure. Both Anna Nicole Smith and Heath Ledger overdosed on prescription drugs, and while Smith’s psychiatrist was arrested for
overprescribing, Ledger’s doctors were exonerated of any wrongdoing. A DEA investigation determined that “the doctors in question had prescribed Ledger other medications — not the pills that killed him.”
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April 22-28, 2017
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PROGRAMME OFFERING FOR 2017/2018 Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admissions into the following programmes at the TCICC for the semester commencing Tuesday, August 29, 2017. FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES (NAS):
1. “A” Levels:
• Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Information Technology (Grand Turk Campus)
2. Associate Degree: Two-Year Associate Degree in:
• Environmental Science (Grand Turk Campus) • General Studies (Sciences) with concentration in any three of the following: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Information Technology (Grand Turk Campus) • Marine Biology (Grand Turk Campus)
3. Special Program: •
Clinical Nursing (Grand Turk Campus)
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND FINE ARTS (HFA):
1. “A” Levels: •
Law, Psychology, Sociology (Grand Turk Campus)
2. Associate Degree: Two-Year Associate Degree in:
• Criminal Justice (Grand Turk Campus) • General Studies (Humanities) with concentration in any three of the following: Economics, Govt. and Politics, Law, Sociology (Grand Turk) • Paralegal Studies (Grand Turk Campus) • Performing Arts (Music) (Grand Turk Campus) • Social Work (Grand Turk Campus)
3. Bachelor Degree: Two/Four Year Bachelor’s Degree in: o Social Work (Grand Turk Campus)
FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BAD): 1. Certificate: One-Year Certificate Program in: •
Business Studies (Both Campuses)
•
Accounting, Business, Economics (Both Campuses)
• •
Business Studies (Both Campuses) Public Sector Management (Grand Turk Campus)
2. “A” Levels:
3. Associate Degree: Two-Year Associate Degree in: 4. Bachelor Degree: Two-Year Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with concentration in:
• Automotive Engineering Technology (Grand Turk Campus) • Architectural Design and Building Technology (Both Campuses)
3. Special Program: •
Industrial Engineering Technology (Both Campuses)
FACULTY OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT (HTM):
1. Certificate: One-Year Certificate Program in: •
Hospitality Studies (Both Campuses)
• •
Culinary Arts (Provo Campus) Tourism Management (Both Campuses)
• •
Hospitality Management Tourism Management and Entertainment
form. Late application fee is $50.00
For further information contact:
Grand Turk Providenciales Tel.: (649) 946-1163 Tel.: (649) 941-3210 Fax: (649) 946-1661 Fax: (649) 941-8380 Email: tcicomc@tciway.tc Email: pvtci@tciway.tc TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
2. Associate Degree: Two-Year Associate Degree in:
PROGRAMS AND FEE STRUCTURE
3. Bachelor Degree: Two-Year Bachelor’s Degree with concentration in:
COST OF PROGRAMMES/COURSES OFFERED BY THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE – 29th August 2017
IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES
Two-Year Certificate (Both Campuses): Administrative Corporate Secretaryship Administrative Professional Secretaries Human Resource Management School Administration
SHORT TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL PROGRAMMES/COURSES FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Duration: 6 Weeks Accounting Information System, Business Communication (Theory & Practice) Cake Decorating Conversational Spanish Customer Service, Dining Room Management English as a Second Language Introduction to Building Services, Introduction to Estimation and Costing Mixology PRC Courses (TCI Studies and English) Restaurant Operation Team Building
A. SHORT COURSES
Courses are for fifteen days for two hours per day (except for AutoCAD, Automotive Maintenance & Surveying). Credits earned could be transferred into the College programmes. Students may audit the courses and not participate in the examination. Students should indicate at the commencement of the course whether or not the course is being audited. No credit will be given for those courses which are audited.
B. ONE SEMESTER COURSES
Courses run from September – December, January – May; concentrated summer semester May – early July.
C. FULL TIME PROGRAMMES
Two years, two semesters per year for the majority of the programmes. Some programmes are for five semesters with compulsory summer courses during the first year. Additionally students may access summer courses from May – early July.
TUITION FEES ARE AS FOLLOWS A. Short Courses
Courses which require the use of laboratory facilities $400 per course Courses which do not require the use of laboratory facilities $300 per course Cake Decorating $500, Mixology $450 (these include cake tools, alcohol, etc. needed)
• Accounting • Finance & Management • Human Resource Management • Marketing
Duration: 60 contact hours AutoCAD, Automotive Maintenance, Surveying
B. One Semester courses
FACULTY OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (CEM):
Students may also access one semester courses of their choice from any Associate Degree programme and obtain credits.
C. Full Programmes (two Semesters)Sept – Dec; Jan- May;
• Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics (Both Campuses)
Applicants for the Associate Degree must satisfy the following minimum requirements: Five GCE or CXC subjects including English A and Mathematics at the General Proficiency Level with Grads I, II, and III or GCE Grades A, B, C. Students without CXC/ GCE Mathematics and English must complete the College Foundation Math: MTH1110 and MTH1120, and ENG1111 and ENG1122 (at additional cost)
1. “A” Levels:
2. Associate Degree: Two-Year Associate Degree in: • • •
Computer Studies (Both Campuses) Computer Electronics Engineering Technology (Grand Turk) Electrical Engineering Technology (Grand Turk Campus)
• •
Information Technology Management Information Systems
3. Bachelor Degree: Two-Year Bachelor’s Degree with concentration in:
FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING (EDT):
1 Associate Degree: Two-Year Associate Degree in: • Early Childhood Education (Both Campuses) • Primary Education (Both Campuses) • Secondary Education: • English/Social Studies, Math/Computers, Math/Business, Computer/Business, Music English/Math/Social St. (Both Campuses) • Math/Science (Grand Turk Campus)
2 Bachelor Degree: Two-Year Bachelor’s in: • •
Early Childhood Education (Both Campuses) Primary Education (Both Campuses)
FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION (TED):
1. Certificate: One-Year Certificate Program in: •
Construction, Carpentry and Joinery (Both Campuses)
2. Associate Degree: Two-Year Associate Degree in:
For the Certificate Programmes, the minimum of three GCE or CXC subjects, one of which must be English at General Proficiency level 1, 11, & 111 or GCE Grades A, B, C. Students applying through the Mature Student Entry policy should be twenty one (21) years or older with relevant experience in specific areas of interest. Note that students may be required to complete a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) portfolio. For the Bachelors Degree, the minimum of an Associate Degree from the TCI Community College or another recognized institution. The deadline for applications is May 31st 2017. Any application received after this date would be deemed as LATE. Applications should be fully completed and then submitted to the Registrar, TCI Community College, P O Box 236, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands or to TCI Community College, Providenciales Campus for the attention of the Registrar. An application fee of $25.00 should accompany the application
CXC and Upgrade Computer modules Associate Degree/GCE “A” level
$150 per course $250 per course $360 per course
Student category Courses Annual Fees TCI Nationals/ Certificate $1,000 Resident Associate Degree/A-Level $2,000 Bachelor’s Degree $4,000 Non- Nationals Certificate $1,500 Associate Degree $2,500 Bachelor’s Degree $5,000 Overseas Students Certificate $3,000 Associate Degree $5,000 Bachelor’s Degree $8,000
D. OTHER PROGRAMMES UWI Advanced Certificates
OTHER FEES
Application Fees Late application Registration Fees Late registration Transcripts Facility fee Transportation Fee Graduation Processing Fee
$2,000
Semester Fees $500 $1,000 $2,000 $750 $1,250 $2,500 $1,500 $2,500 $4,000
$1,000
$25.00 $50.00 $25.00 $50.00 $30.00 for initial transcript and 50% discount for others when applying for multiple transcripts. $40 (ALL STUDENTS PAY THIS ANNUAL FEE) $50.00 per month (Grand Turk) $50.00 (prospective graduates ONLY)
NB: ALL FEES ARE PAYABLE AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION. Fees are subject to change. 14322
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JOB LISTINGS SERVICES AUTO SALES REAL ESTATE
Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017
946-4664 Fax: 946-4661
Email: tcnews@tciway.tc
Website: tcweeklynews.com
FLOWER GIRL
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FLORAL DESIGNER
Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience.
Call: 231-3788
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April 22-28, 2017
CLASSIFIEDS 29
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
GOVERNMENT VACANCIES (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 27th APRIL 2017) Please Note: Applications that are not accompanied by all required supporting documents will not be processed.
DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: Salary:
Immigration Department Grand Turk Grade 10 -$73,185.00 per annum
JOB SUMMARY This is a Senior Management position with strategic oversight and responsibility for the administration of the entire Border Control and Enforcement / Immigration Turks and Caicos Islands. The job holder will be responsible for devising strategies to implement Policies that oversee the Department’s daily functions, manage the staff, and ensure that policies under the Immigration Ordinance are followed; facilitate social dialogue which protects the interest, rights and obligating of Employers and Employees; allow lawful entry of people who will benefit the Turks and Caicos Islands, while preventing abuse of T.C.I society and economy; allow a pathway to citizenship while encouraging social cohesion.
COMMISSIONER OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:
Employment Services Providenciales Grade 10 - -$73,185.00 per annum
JOB SUMMARY: This is a senior managerial and professional position, which has nationwide responsibility for the management and coordination of the various aspects of the labour and the TCI employment system providing strategic direction at the highest level to ensure harmonious labour relations and economic growth and development of the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands. This includes developing and implementing policies and protocols for promoting international labour standards in TCI. Providing leadership to the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Labour Inspectors, Senior Employment Officer and Secretary to Immigration Board.
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:
Immigration Department Various Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum
JOB SUMMARY: This is a Law Enforcement position which supports the Senior Immigration officers and by extent the Border control and Enforcement (Immigration Department). The purpose of the job is to perform joint duties with other sections within the department and with various Government Departments.
LABOUR INSPECTOR DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:
Employment Services Providenciales Grade 5- $26,650.00 per annum.
JOB SUMMARY: This is an administrative and operational support position initially with island wide responsibility for monitoring and regulation of labour laws, policy, standards and procedures. The job holder is the primary field agent for carrying out regular inspections, engaging with employers in respect of their obligations under employment law, dispute prevention, settlement and investigation of labour related complaints. The job holder reports to the Senior Labour Inspector and is performing satisfactorily when inspection and investigation functions and conflict mediation is timely and appropriately effected
GRADUATE UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:
Education Department Various $35,926.25 per annum plus allowances
JOB SUMMARY: This is a professional position which has responsibility for the instruction and supervision of students in primary schools.
GRADUATE SECONDARY TEACHER (GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR) DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:
Education Department Various $35,926.25 per annum plus allowances
JOB SUMMARY: This is a professional position which has unit level responsibility to help students overcome problems that impede learning and to assist them in making educational, occupational and life plans that hold promise for their personal fulfillment as mature and responsible men and women.
GRADUATE SECONDARY TEACHER DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:
Education Department Various $35,926.25 per annum plus allowances
CUSTOMS OFFICERS
FIELD OF STUDY: Visual Arts Home Economics Industrial Arts Physical Education English A/B Chemistry & Physics Clothing & Textiles Information Technology/Business
JOB SUMMARY: The job holder will be Responsible for general Customs duties, which includes and is not limited to; maintaining Customs Intelligence Database, assisting at the Transit Sheds, Airport, FBO and Bonded Warehouses; carrying out Post Audit Verifications; as well as monitoring Bond Accounts.
JOB SUMMARY: This is a specialist position which has unit level responsibility for the teaching of one or more of the school’s curriculum subjects to students.
DEPARTMENT: Customs Department LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 5 -$26,650.00 per annum
HEAD OF SECRETARIAT DEPARTMENT: LOCATION:
Office of the Premier and District Administration Grand Turk
SALARY: $41,205.00 per annum plus allowances JOB SUMMARY: This is a senior position responsible for coordinating the political and administrative interface between the Minister and Permanent Executive Director in the allocated Ministry.
FISHERY OBSERVATION OFFICER
DEPARTMENT: Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) LOCATION: Various SALARY: Grade 6 - $33,415.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY The post is mandated to contribute and provide support for the routine environmental monitoring (fisheries) and environmental awareness programmes of the Department
CONSERVATION OFFICER DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: SALARY:
Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) Grand Turk and Providenciales Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum
JOB SUMMARY: This is a mid-level post, with national responsibility for the enforcement of all pertinent environmental, fisheries and maritime laws in TCI. Job holders are also to participate in all conservation activities; to maintain national park and Protected Areas infrastructures
DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT: Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: $59,552.50 per annum, plus appropriate allowances JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this position will be responsible for enforcing all pertinent environmental and fisheries. Formulate guidelines for proper resource use and environmental management, Develop management plans for Protected Areas, fisheries and other environmental and coastal resources
FIRE SAFETY OFFICER
DEPARTMENT: Domestic Fire Services LOCATION: Various SALARY: Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this position will safe guard people and property in buildings, facilities and grounds against fire. For more details regarding this position, kindly refer to the attached documents or visit www.gov.tc. Please Note: Applications that are not accompanied by all required supporting documents will not be processed.
30 CLASSIFIEDS
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
JOB ADVERTISEMENT
Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.
*Spa Director
The Spa Director at Gansevoort Turks & Caicos is responsible for the daily operations, management, and profitability of the spa, along with the highest level of customer service and quality work environment. REQUIREMENTS • Oversee the management of all spa positions: front desk, spa technicians and teachers. • Manage, coordinate, and/or conduct associate meetings and workshops. • Monitor daily sales activities to ensure that all transactions are completed accurately. • Ensure the maintenance and cleanliness of spa facility. Control and maintain a high quality of music selection and HVAC. • Ensure spa treatment quality controls, including service, cleanliness, and product usage. • Manage the preparation of purchase orders for professional treatment and operational supplies. • Maintain proper inventory levels for all professional and retail products. • Finalize payroll. • Maintain expertise regarding all standard operating procedures and policies. • Assist with special projects, events, and promotions as needed. • Adhere to all corporate, departmental and spa operational policies and procedures. • Maintain a high level of guest rapport and service. • Demonstrate positive attitude and actions through a display of courtesy, service, cooperation, hospitality, sensitivity and professionalism to internal guests. • Manage department to achieve or exceed desired unit metric goals. • Increase gross margins of the business through optimal scheduling, staffing pans, and capacity utilization. • Improve guest service + satisfaction levels through heightened levels of communication and personal presence in the unit. • Demonstrate equal commitment to exhale’s soulful culture + profitable enterprise. • Increase gross margins of the business through optimal scheduling, staffing pans, and capacity utilization. • Improve guest service + satisfaction levels through heightened levels of communication and personal presence in the unit. The successful candidate must have/be; • Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology or equivalent work experience. • Experienced in Spa operations with minimum 6 years for a luxury resort, with at least 3 years in management. • Certificate in MassageTherapy required. Must hold CIBTAC or related certification. Previous knowledge of SPASOFT/ SALONIRIS and MBO software is preferred. • Current CPR certification. Must be trained in Lymph Drainage and Craniosacral Therapy. • At least two (2) years professional teaching experience for beginning, intermediate and advanced yoga; also fitness training preferably in a high-end and/or hospitality environment. • Must be enthusiastic, motivated, and a team player. • Must possess computer proficiency with Windows-based products.
• Must have outstanding experience delivering high-quality customer service. • Display good organizational, written, and verbal skills. Compensation: $70k - $85k per annum
*Assistant Spa Director
The Assistant Spa Director at Gansevoort Turks & Caicos is responsible for the daily operations, management, and profitability of the spa, along with the highest level of customer service and quality work environment. Requirements • Assist in overseeing the management of all spa positions: front desk, spa technicians and teachers. • Assist in the managing, coordination, and/or conduct associate meetings and workshops. • Monitor daily sales activities to ensure that all transactions are completed accurately. • Ensure the maintenance and cleanliness of spa facility. Control and maintain a high quality of music selection and HVAC. • Ensure spa treatment quality controls, including service, cleanliness, and product usage. • Assist in the preparation of purchase orders for professional treatment and operational supplies. • Maintain proper inventory levels for all professional and retail products. • Maintain expertise regarding all standard operating procedures and policies. • Assist with special projects, events, and promotions as needed. • Adhere to all corporate, departmental and spa operational policies and procedures. • Maintain a high level of guest rapport and service. • Demonstrate positive attitude and actions through a display of courtesy, service, cooperation, hospitality, sensitivity and professionalism to internal guests. • Manage department to achieve or exceed desired unit metric goals. • Increase gross margins of the business through optimal scheduling, staffing pans, and capacity utilization. • Improve guest service + satisfaction levels through heightened levels of communication and personal presence in the unit. • Demonstrate equal commitment to exhale’s soulful culture + profitable enterprise. The successful candidate must have/be; • Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology or equivalent work experience. • Experienced in Spa operations with minimum 6 years for a luxury resort, with at least 3 years in management. • Certificate in MassageTherapy required. Must hold CIBTAC or related certification. Previous knowledge of SPASOFT/ SALONIRIS and MBO software is preferred. • Current CPR certification. Must be trained in Lymph Drainage and Craniosacral Therapy. • At least two (2) years professional teaching experience for beginning, intermediate and advanced yoga; also fitness training preferably in a high-end and/or hospitality environment. • Must be enthusiastic, motivated, and a team player. • Must possess computer proficiency with Windows-based products. • Must have outstanding experience delivering high-quality
customer service. • Display good organizational, written, and verbal skills. Compensation: $50k - $65k per annum
*Spa Therapist
• Must hold CIDESCO or CIBTAC certification. Previous knowledge of SPASOFT/SALONIRIS and MBO software is preferred. • Must be a graduate from an accredited university with extensive experience of at least 5 years with a reputed hotel/ chain or a luxury/Boutique Spa in massage, face therapy and nails. • Must have advanced knowledge of holistic therapy such as Reiki, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, bamboo therapy concepts that relate to the well being of all guests in a spa environment. • Must be certified esthetician and massage therapist. • Must have: good communication skills, flexibility to work hospitality shifts, PC skills, be a Team Player, selfmotivated, punctual and professional. • Must speak and read English. Preferred with Asian/Gulf countries work experience. • Fluency in MS office especially Microsoft excel, outlook. Salary: Commission based
*Labourer
- Must have experience in a resort, knowledge of cleaning process and attention to details. Transports, stores and generally maintain all of Food and Beverage areas. Compensation: $6.25 per hour
*Restaurant Manager
- Report Directly to the Food & Beverage Director. Oversees daily operations of the restaurant. Directs the activities of restaurant service personnel, Bartenders, Beverage Attendants, Host/Hostess. Resolve customer complaints regarding food service. Train workers in food preparation, and in service, sanitation, and safety procedures. Observe and evaluate workers and work procedures to ensure quality standards and service. Assign duties, responsibilities, and work stations to employees in accordance with work requirements. Previous experience working in a multicultural 5 Star property. Extensive wine knowledge. Proficiency with general office PC applications (i.e. Microsoft Office software, Opera, Micros POS, Open Table, Delphi eTime, TimeSaver, ExponentHR, JD Edwards). Must be fluent in English, French and Spanish. Compensation: $35k $40k per annum
Servers/Assistant Servers
- Provide guests with food and beverage service – restaurant, bar, room service, beach & pool. Able to work on feet all day, good math skill, experience in fine dining service an asset. Compensation: $6.25 per hour
Steward
- Clean, transport, store and generally maintain all kitchen cookware and restaurant service utensils. Clean floors, windows, walls, ceilings and equipment associated with Food & Beverage operation or as otherwise directed by supervisors. Compensation: $6.25 per hour
Positions with * are currently being held by a work permit holder. Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com
14388
CLASSIFIEDS 31
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
ROBERTS AGENCY Is looking for the following:
• The employee must have full knowledge of the United States National Curriculum Standards Education and Experience Associate or Bachelor’s Degree holders will be considered. Salary Package: $1,500.00 per month for twelve months.
2 DIVE INSTRUCTORS
PUMP ATTENDANT $6.25 per hour WOOD CARVER
$8.85 per hour
2 DIVE MASTERS $8.85 per hour EXPERT ROOFERS
CARPENTER $10.00 per hour $10.00 per hour
DOMESTIC WORKER
14368
TEL: 241-2043 OR MORE INFORMATION.
C&S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
C.L.M CLODIL VARIETY STORE
ESTEL’S BOUTIQUE
Is seeking to employ a:
Is seeking employment for the following:
Is seeking to employ a:
Is seeking to employ a:
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
CONTACT: (649) 342-7033
In search of a skilled person to work in Stone Fabrication. Starting salary $12.00 per hour • Must have 5 years’ experience and show proficiency with cutting and polishing natural and manmade stones • Must be able to fabricate marble and granite slab
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
CONTACT: 14376
(649) 241-5922
14375
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
14373
(649) 246-4769
STONE FABRICATOR
Salary: $6.50 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days per week
Salary: $6.25 per hour
CONTACT:
CONTACT:
CONTACT: 342-5954 South Dock Rd.
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
(649) 343-7524
14372
Salary: $6.50 per hour Must be willing to work 6 days a week
Salary: $6.50 per hour Must be willing to work 6 days a week
Salary: $6.50 per hour. Must be willing to work 5 days a week
STONE FABRICATOR WITH TCI MARBLE AND GRANITE LTD.
SALES STORE 2 LABOURERS CLERK CLERK
KITCHEN HELPER
Salary: $6.50 per hour. Must be willing to work 5 days per week ROSHARD ARANDELL
DOMESTIC WORKER
THESE POSITIONS ARE CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDERS
AGNES SWANN North Caicos
TALBOT Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a
DOMESTIC WORKER.
$6.25 per hour
$ 6.25 per hour THESE POSITIONS ARE CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDERS
TILE LAYER
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESUME SUBMISSION CONTACT: FR. ORLANDO GONZALEZ, PHONE: 649-941-5136 EMAIL: HOLYFAMILYTCI@GMAIL.COM
LABOURER
ANGELA HIGGS Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a
14364
Requirements: • The employer requires the employee to be a Missionary Roman Catholic Teacher • The employer requires the employee to be a fully initiated Roman Catholic in good standing • The employee is required to have documented experience in the area of teaching the Roman Catholic Religion.
GRANTS PETROLEUM
CAICOS ADVENTURES
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ROMAN CATHOLIC RELIGION AND SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
WILMAN CONSULTANCY
ACTING ON BEHALF OF OUR CLIENTS ARE LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING
14305
HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:
products according to specifications and schedule • Must be able to assist the foreman in charge at warehouse and on job sites • Must be able to read blueprints, lay out job plants, operate all tools associated with stone fabrication, rally other coworkers and follow directions from supervisors.
PLEASE EMAIL RESUMES TO ACCOUNTS@TCIMARBLEANDGRANITE.COM POSITIONS IS BEING ADVERTISED FOR A WORK PERMIT HOLDER APPLICATIONS FOR QUALIFIED TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
14354
April 22-28, 2017
MARGARITAVILLE GRAND TURK
THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
SEEKS TO IDENTIFY A
BAR SUPERVISOR SUMMARY: To help oversee the running of the bar with responsibilities for staffing, employee schedule, event planning, functions and to direct, organize and control staff whilst ensuring customer satisfaction.
InterHealth Canada has pleasure in announcing the following vacancy within the Facilities Management Departments at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales.
HOSPITAL PORTER – PROVIDENCIALES HOSPITAL
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Knowledge of Food and Beverage service in Hospitality Areas with at least 5 years experience REQUIREMENTS: - Monitoring profitability and performance to ensure sales target are met. - Responsible for maintaining the company standard for beverage and bar service and standardization of drink recipes. - Ensure that the bar operations are complying with all legal requirements including health, safety and food hygiene regulation - Ensure that the bar staff are following the company guidelines as it relates to uniforms, punctuality, attendance, attitude and hygiene. - Able to use Word & Excel, operate at a supervisory level, apply judgement to carry out written or oral instructions - Able to communicate with persons on all levels - Able to work flexible hours including, weekends, night shift and public holidays
40 hours per week. 5 Shifts per week. Shift patterns include weekends, late shift and night shifts.
Appointments will be made based on successful interview, positive reference check, and clear Police check. Previous experience is preferred, but not essential. Training is provided. Excellent communications skills and previous customer service experience is necessary.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Application along with resume must be submitted by 28th April, 2017 to the office of :
Belongers only are invited to apply.
14380
INTERESTED CANDIDATES PLEASE FORWARD YOUR RESUME TO: DPINNOCK@INTERHEALTHCANADA.TC FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND QUERIES, PLEASE CONTACT DONIQUE PINNOCK ON TEL: 941-2800 EXT 71801
Margaritaville Grand Turk Grand Turk Cruise Center, South Base, White Sands Beach Grand Turk, T.C.I., B.W.I Whilst we welcome and appreciate all applicants, only persons short-listed for an interview will be contacted. Belongers will be given preference. 14389
32 CLASSIFIEDS
DOMESTIC WORKER
LABOURER
SANIETA BEEN PANSY B. BUTTERFIELD Is seeking to employ a:
DOMESTIC WORKER
LABOURER Salary: $6.25 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days a week
CONTACT: (649) 241-5715
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
Able to work with no supervision, be dependable and hard working. Must be self motivated and able to understand, read, write and speak English fluently. SEND INQUIRES TO: SANIETA BEEN
CONTACT: (649) 343-1848
LABOURER Salary: $6.50 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days a week
(649) 348-8224
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
CAICOS CAFÉ LTD.
CHEF DE PARTIE
Contact 344-6599 regarding employment
CONTACT:
14360
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
• The employee must have full knowledge of the United States National Curriculum Standards Education and Experience Associate or Bachelor’s Degree holders will be considered. Salary Package: $2,083.00 per month for twelve months.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESUME SUBMISSION CONTACT: FR. ORLANDO GONZALEZ, PHONE: 649-941-5136 EMAIL: HOLYFAMILYTCI@GMAIL.COM
CONTACT: (649) 941-5010
12106
IS SEEKING TO EMPLOY AN
OUTBOARD MECHANIC
Salary: $6.25 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days a week
(649) 244-8820
UPHOLSTERER
SALARY: $8.00 PER HOUR MUST BE WILLING TO WORK 5 DAYS A WEEK
FIVE CAYS MARINE
SALARY: $12.00 PER HOUR. MUST BE WILLING TO WORK 5 DAYS A WEEK
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
CONTACT: (649) 946-4727
JEAN CLAUDE DEMILUS TIRESIAS
CALEB EDWARD SIMMONS
is seeking to employ a
IS SEEKING TO EMPLOY A
LABOURER
DOMESTIC WORKER
SALARY: $150 PER HOUR MUST BE WILLING TO WORK 3 DAYS A WEEK
CONTACT: 14367
14362
Salaries are paid based on experience and quality of work
ALL RESUMES CV’S, LETTERS OF REFERENCES ALONG WITH A CLEAN POLICE RECORD MUST BE DELIVERED AT CAICOS CAFÉ, GRACE BAY.
14361
Requirements: • The employer requires the employee to be a Missionary Roman Catholic Teacher • The employer requires the employee to be a fully initiated Roman Catholic in good standing • The employee is required to have documented experience in the area of teaching the Roman Catholic Religion.
Long Bay Water Sports is seeking employment for the following:
CONTACT
Must be willing to work 5 days a week
RICHHILLPREP@YAHOO.COM
is seeking to employ an
regarding employment
LABOURER
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ROMAN CATHOLIC RELIGION AND SUBJECT AREA TEACHER
Must be able to work weekends, nights and holiday 6 days per week, clean the kitchen after service. Have a least 8 years’ experience, good knowledge of sautéed seafood, shellfish, meat and poultry, grilling, rotisserie, butchery, sauces, broth and dressing. Must be able to speak English, physically fit and hardworking.
Contact 242-4528
BABYSITTER/ TEACHER’S AIDE Salary: $6.50 per hour
HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:
Is looking for:
1) COSMETOLOGIST
is seeking to employ a:
Prestigious Properties is seeking to recruit a:
PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME VIA FAX TO PRESTIGIOUS PROPERTIES LTD. AT 649-9464703 OR EMAIL TO ACCOUNTING@PRESTIGIOUSPROPERTIES.COM
acting on behalf of its clients is looking to fill the following positions
KAREN ADAMSPOLLARD
RICHMOND HILLS Is seeking to employ a:
• Familiarization with Turks and Caicos Land Ordinance, Strata Titles Ordinance, Timeshare Ordinance and Fractional Ownership Ordinance is required. • Computer literate with strong written, organizational, analytical and verbal communication skills • Must possess computer, driver’s license and vehicle for site travel and property showings
PROVO UPHOLSTERY
1) LABOURER
RICHMOND HILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Required Skills and Qualifications • Previous experience dealing with resort developers, construction contractors, sales and marketing personnel and the various purchase and strata documents associated with condominium, time share and fractional ownership developments is mandatory. • Must be able to work closely with client attorneys, marketers and financiers.
RICARDO FULFORD CONSULTANCY
BETCONEW@GMAIL.COM
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
“B” Beauty & Health Spa is seeking employment for the following:
CONTACT:
SELF-MOTIVATED REAL ESTATE SALES ASSOCIATES / BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE.
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
(649) 344-1312
14393
Is seeking to employ a:
CONTACT:
(649) 332-5032
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
14393
14355
To work from Monday- Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wages are based on the minimum wage and paid on a weekly basis. Applicants are to provide their resume and any accompanying documentation to the following: MISICK’S GAS STATION CHURCH FOLLY, GRAND TURK
(649) 946-1689
CONTACT:
LABOURER
SALARY: $6.50 PER HOUR MUST BE WILLING TO WORK 6 DAYS A WEEK
CONTACT: (649) 347-9209
14390
Is seeking to employ a:
(649) 244-2084
CONTACT:
SALARY: $6.25 PER HOUR
14400
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
Salary: $6.50 per hour Must be willing to work
to work 5 days per week salary $300.00 per week • Must have at least 4 years experience • Must be advanced in Corel Draw, Photo Shop, Flash, In-Design
14391
CONTACT:
CONTACT: (649) 244-2201
Must be willing to work six days per week Salary: $6.50 per hour
GRAPHIC ARTIST/ DESIGNER
14383
Salary: $200 per week Must be willing to work 6 days a week
14370
DOMESTIC WORKER
GRAND TURK
GAS ATTENDANT
(649) 331-0610
is seeking to employ a:
is seeking to employ a
is looking for a
Is seeking to employ a:
MORRISIDEVE WASHINGTON
Is seeking to employ a:
CONTACT:
GRAND TURK
Is seeking employment for the following:
14396
MISICK’S GAS STATION
BETCO NORTH CAICOS
14365
(649) 243-7785
ISNA N. STUBBS
GRAND TURK
14358
CONTACT:
14356
Must be willing to work 6 days a week, weekends and public holidays when needed.
KIRKLEY WILLIAMS
14371
SECURITY OFFICER
HYACINTH BEEN
14372
Is seeking to employ a:
HECTOR DRYCLEANING
14353
ELBERT HIGGS
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
ACTING ON BEHALF OF CHESNEY RIGBY
DOMESTIC WORKER CASHIER ELECTRICIAN SALARY: $8.50 PER HOUR MUST BE WILLING TO WORK 6 DAYS A WEEK
CONTACT:
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
EMAIL: mauvette2004@gmail.com
(649) 241-5563
CONTACT: 14381
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
FOR A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS TO BE ENGAGED IN ASPHALT WORK SUCH AS MITING, LAYING AND PREPARTATION OF ROAD AND SITES. SALARY IS NEGOTIABLE
• keep dwelling home clean • take care of children and family Salary: $6.25 per hour
CONTACT: (649) 231-4619
14394
(649) 246-7740
14397
CONTACT:
ISABELLE MARTIN
Is seeking employ a:
Is seeking to employ a:
DOMESTIC WORKER Salary: $6.25 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days a week
CONTACT: (649) 241-2316
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
LONG BAY
LABOURER Applicant must speak and write English. Must be reliable and hard working, trustworthy. 3 years experience . Salary: $6.25 hour with 2 days off
CONTACT: (649) 231-4099 (9am- 12 noon)
Reporter/Sub-Editor
MECHANIC
JOB PURPOSE: To provide the highest levels of Care and Maintenance to all associated equipment owned and Managed by TCIAA. Plan, Direct and Coordinate the operation of vehicle maintenance and repair programs for TCIAA and owned vehicles. Prepares and directs in-service training programs for newly employed personnel.
(649) 232-1001 OR 231-1489
CEDRIC SELVER
NEEDED URGENTLY
JOB VACANCY REPORTS TO: Engineering & Maintenance Manager
is seeking to employ a
LABOURER
is seeking to employ a:
SALARY: $150.00 PER WEEK. MUST BE WILLING TO WORK 6 DAYS A WEEK
COLASCO LTD
14385
is seeking to employ an
14401
A&G ELECTRICAL
IS SEEKING TO EMPLOY A
QUALIFICATION:
CLASSIFIEDS 33
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS RELIABLE CONSULTANT AGENCY
14384
April 22-28, 2017 DINARDA VARIETY STORE BLUE HILLS
• A valid driver’s license is required • Ability to supervise the work • More than 10 years’ Experience qualified as an Engineer • Have knowledge of RFFS Vehicles • Immense ability in the repair and maintenance of complex mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic power system. • Specialized training for Oil Tankers (STOT) • PSS7000 Maintenance Training Salary: $45,000.00 per annum
We are looking for an experienced all-round reporter to join our small team. The successful applicant would have run the gamut of covering community events to court and parliamentary reporting. The ideal candidate should be able to copy edit and be able to write eyecatching headlines, as well as proofread. He or she will be responsible for ensuring that copy is accurate; has correct grammar and follows house style. Applicant should be computer-literate and should know how to use a camera. Please send application to the publisher at Turks & Caicos News Ltd. (The Weekly News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com, or P.O.Box 52, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.
Interest persons must submit their applications before April 28, 2017 to:
14395
Human Resources Manager Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, Providenciales International Airport Telephone# 649-941-8692, Fax# 9415996. Email: hrrecruitment@tciairports.com
CBMS CARIBBEAN BUILDING MATERIALS & SERVICES LTD.
Property Management Supervisor Required
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS, BWI PHONE 649-941-3400 FAX 649-941-3401
FIELD CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR Applicant must have 5 years’ experience with Duraform concrete wall forming system and concrete placement. Applicant must be able to layout jobsite plans, must have excellent English communication and written skills. Applicant must be able to manage a construction crew, job site, and estimate and price concrete construction projects. Rebar tying and concrete finishing will be an asset. Salary will start at $65,000 per annum and will be based on experience and skill level. Please reply with reference and clean police record to:
CBMS Ltd. 941-3400
14392
Responsible for supervising the management of third party vacation properties under the administration of established real estate company: including regular maintenance, and emergency repairs to keep them functioning in peak condition, and to provide timely response to guests’ reasonable requests to maxamise guests satisfaction; Co-ordinating multi-channel marketing including print, website and social media, direct booking of rentals, managing reservations from multiple sources, customer relationship management; Meeting financial objectives by setting rates in conjunction with landlords, collecting rents, paying bills; forecasting requirements; preparing annual budgets; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances, and keeping records of inspections, maintenance requests, any complaints.
Arranging and supervising service level contracts including concierge services, private catering, transportation and other ancillary hospitality services as is required by guests. Qualification will possess the following minimum qualifications and skills: A bachelor’s degree in property management, or hospitality management or equivalent of at least three years’ experience at management level with a fourstar resort property; and be able to demonstrate knowledge of the following areas Building Maintenance, Property Inspection methods, the fundamental of finance, experience in the use of property management software and strong customer service skills. Remuneration: basic pay $1,500 monthly plus commissions.
Apply to Human Resources Manager PO Box 23, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
14402
SHARKBITE BAR & GRILL
Approximate Area
880 square feet
Location
Description
Salary: $6.75 per hour
CONTACT:
Private & Absolute
Proprietor
Jon Michael Hayes Shibley
Approximate Area
1.29 acres, Parcel 110 (0.54 acres), Parcel 114 (0.75 acres)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST, FROM MERIDIAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION LTD. MERIDIAN FINANCIAL GROUP, P.O. BOX 599, LE VELE PLAZA, GRACE BAY, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS, B.W.I TEL. (649) 941-3082, FAX (649) 941-3223
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
MEDELINE JEAN
ISLAND LANDSCAPING
Salary: $7.50 per hour
(649) 346-6169
RICHMOND HILLS Is seeking to employ a:
LABOURER Salary: $6.50 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days a week
CONTACT:
CONTACT: THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
(649) 342-5808
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
MARCIA VALARIE HAWKINS
EVERET DOUGLAS WARRICAN
DOMESTIC WORKER
BABYSITTER
Is seeking to employ a:
Is seeking to employ a:
To be employed to do daily household duties weekdays and possibly weekends if necessary. Salary is negotiable.
CONTACT: 14416
(649) 244-9767
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
COSMETOLOGIST
The combined site areas are approximately 1.29 acres and approximately 224 linear feet of direct beach frontage, with excellent snorkelling opportunities close by.
BABYSITTER
Salary: $ 6.50 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days a week
CONTACT:
is seeking to employ a:
The subject properties comprises two adjoining beach front lots which are currently undeveloped land only; there is currently no direct road access; however, based on the cadastral map provided, shows access roads proposed along the south boundaries, to run north to south and east to west connecting to the existing roads serving the area. These roads are not yet developed. To the immediate east of the subject properties is a private dwelling home and multifamily development; to the south are New Providence Baptist Church and private residences; to the west is vast vacant land. The main power is readily available along the road boundary. Three Mary Cays is some distance to the west of the subject properties. The water frontage is characterized by power white sand beach.
Title
Is seeking to employ a:
LABOURER
Title No. 50202/110 & 114, Whitby, North Caicos. The properties are located in Whitby section of North Caicos in a residential subdivision of Kings Road. The Whitby residential area is characterized by a range of residential developments, small businesses, churches, restaurants and holiday beach homes. The Marina and ferry services are located in Sandy Point a 30 minute drive to the north, Bottle Creek residential area is to the east.
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
WINSTON QUELCH JR
Is seeking to employ a:
(649) 332-5029
(649) 342-7335
14366
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
14363
The Coffee Shop Ltd.
CONTACT: 14357
(649) 344-9203
14359
Proprietor
Salary: $6.50 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days a week
CONTACT:
The unit extends to a gross floor area of approximately 880 square feet. The unit is currently occupied by The Rental Car Company. The Unit provides the following: an open floor concept, kitchenette area, storage and restroom. The unit is a corner unit with display windows and direct frontage to the main access road. Private & Absolute
LABOURER BARBER Salary: $150 weekly Must be willing to work 5 days a week
The subject property comprises a ground floor commercial unit within La Vista Azul Resort and Commercial Development located on an elevated ridge overlooking Turtle Cove on 3.50 acres in the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill Section of the Island of Providenciales. The Development provides a total of approximately 78 residential units and 20 commercial units in six, single to three-storey buildings. The Development includes two rooftop swimming pools, landscaping, front and rear parking facilities.
Title
is seeking to employ a:
14387
Description
Title No. 60713/354/K93, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, The subject, Unit # 13, is located in the Ensenada Building, La Vista Azul, #107 Lower Bight Road, which is position in a courtyard setting and provides a commercial unit.
Is seeking to employ a:
(649) 247 7883
14374
Meridian Mortgage Corporation Ltd. as Chargee, pursuant to its charge and the Registered Land Ordinance, hereby gives notice that it will cause to be sold the property listed below by Public Auction, to be held at the office of Meridian Financial Group, Le Vele Plaza, Grace Bay and Providenciales at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 5th of May, 2017.
LEYDIS SALON AND BARBER SHOP
MARIE LOURDES VITAL WALKIN
Salary: $250 Weekly Must be willing to work 5 days a week
CONTACT: (649) 232-7431
14379
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Location
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
14378
34 CLASSIFIEDS
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
April 22-28, 2017
CLASSIFIEDS 35
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
4K’S DOCUMENT SERVICES
Acting on behalf of our client:
Genara Santa Rigby
ABC FUN HOUSE
CATCH THE WAVE BLUE HAVEN MARINA PROVIDENCIALES
KEW TOWN, PROVIDENCIALES
Is seeking to employ:
Is seeking to employ a:
is seeking to employ a:
DERYK INGHAM
DELARIE DELANCY
EXECUTIVE UNIQUE CUTS
GRAND TURK
Is seeking to employ a:
is seeking to employ a:
is looking for a:
THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
Is seeking to employ a:
To work 6 days per week Salary $150.00 per week
To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour
To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour
CONTACT:
CONTACT:
CONTACT:
(649) 342-5450 THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
Is seeking to employ a:
CAICOS MARINA SHIPYARD LONG BAY, PROVIDENCIALES
(649) 232-7177 THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
TCMILLWORK LTD. MILLSHOP MANAGER
consultants, site personnel, staff, employees, subcontractors and suppliers of TCMillwork in a professional and courteous manner. • Certificate required: Carpentry-Cabinet making-Joinery • Working knowledge of AutoCad • High-end technical woodworking skills • Must have excellent leadership and communication skills, multi-lingual preferred • Professional, disciplined, punctual, reliable and affable • Salary at $14.00 per hour
PENNENTS CONTRACTING Is seeking to employ a:
(649) 247-0187 THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
14405
RIGBY BUILDERS LEEWARD HIGHWAY
HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC 2 LABOURERS
Salary Negotiable. Must have the ability to speak Spanish and French
CONTACT: (649) 232-6179
LABOURER Salary: $6.25 per hour
CONTACT: (649) 332-5032
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
ESTEL PLUMBING
LABOURER
DOMESTIC WORKER Salary: $6.25 Per Hour
LABOURER
CONTACT:
CONTACT:
CONTACT:
(649) 244-5638
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
Is seeking to employ a:
Is seeking to employ:
Salary: $6.25 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days a week
14409
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
CARIBBEAN BUILDER
Is seeking to employ a:
PROVIDENCIALES TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS
PLEASE SEND APPLICATIONS TO: TCMILLWORK@TCIWAY.TC CONTACT PERSON: STEPHAN 231-4537
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
ANDREW ARVIN GARDINER
ARCHITECTURAL WOODWORKING, CABINETRY AND DESIGN
7 years minimum in this position • Overseeing operation • Prepare and provide work, supplies, drawings to employees. • Prepare orders for materials necessary for ongoing millshop operations in a timely and prudent manner. • Delegation of work. Quality control. Ensuring the facilities at the millshop operate safely, efficiently and profitably, and are kept in clean working condition. • Overseeing production schedules. • Liaise with Owners, Purchasers, and
(649) 332-5032
14423
(649) 946-5724
14412
THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
CONTACT:
CONTACT:
CONTACT: 14414
(649) 346-5721
Salary: $6.25 per hour
14413
CONTACT:
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
(649) 345-1963
Is seeking to employ a:
14439
To work 6 days per week at a salary of $6.50 per hour.
Is seeking to employ a:
TAILOR CARETAKER BARBER
COOK LABOURER LABOURER BABYSITTER To work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour
14417
14410
Is seeking to employ a:
BLUE HILLS
OREN ASHLEY WALKIN
Industrial Park, Providenciales
is seeking to employ a:
Is seeking to employ a:
THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
VAN’S TIRE SHOP
SUN & FUN SEA SPORTS LTD
KEW TOWN, PROVIDENCIALES
(649) 241-1496
Is seeking to employ a:
PABLO BARBER SHOP
OLD AIRPORT ROAD PROVIDENCIALES
FIVE CAYS, PROVIDENCIALES
14406
(649) 247-7151
CONTACT:
MARIE CARMEL WILLIAMS
(649) 241-5099
14422
CONTACT:
To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour
MAGIC SCISSORS & PRESSING
14407
To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour
THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
CONTACT:
Must Be Willing To Work 5 Days A Week
(649) 244-0065
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
Salary: $6.25 Per Hour Must Be Willing To Work 5 Days A Week
(649) 241-0397
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
14278
SOON FATT RESTAURANT
LABOURER
A CAR RENTAL SALES AGENT
THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
(649) 245-6120
14421
14355
(649) 331-0610
Is seeking to employ a:
(649) 242-3014
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
14431
Is seeking to employ a:
GAS ATTENDANT
THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
BLUE HERON ROAD PROVIDENCIALES
FIVE CAYS, PROVIDENCIALES
To work from Monday- Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wages are based on the minimum wage and paid on a weekly basis. Applicants are to provide their resume and any accompanying documentation to the following: MISICK’S GAS STATION CHURCH FOLLY, GRAND TURK
CONTACT:
(649) 231-3875
CORE MOBILITY
FONIQUE JEAN BAPTISTE
Is seeking to employ a:
CONTACT:
THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
CONTACT:
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
14400
MISICK’S GAS STATION
CONTACT: (649) 243-7682
CONTACT:
To work 6 days per week Salary $140.00 per day
14407
THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
14415
(649) 244-0660
LABOURER BARBER
14419
CONTACT:
Salary: $350 per week Must be willing to work 6 days a week
BOAT DOMESTIC CAPTAIN WORKER
14420
To work 5 days a week, Salary: $6.50 per hour.
DAYCARE HELPER
14408
DOMESTIC WORKER
TROPICAL DESTINATION MANAGEMENT (TROPICAL DMC)
WAYPOINT YACHTS LTD
Is in need of a:
BLUE HAVEN MARINA, PROVIDENCIALES TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
HANDYMAN
WAYPOINT Yachts Ltd is now accepting applications/resumes for the following position. Only highly self-driven and motivated, personable and professional individuals, who have the desire to serve others, need apply. The successful candidates must meet or exceed all of the requirements of the positions offered.
YACHT CAPTAIN WITH MECHANICAL EXPERIENCE
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
RESPONSIBILITIES • Day to day duties of a captain of a luxury motor yacht • Successful candidate will be in charge of crew members and reporting to the owners • Overseeing the general and preventative maintenance of the vessel and equipment • Running the yacht in the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands and International waters and assuring guest satisfaction • All practical decision making / planning, from charter location through dive and fishing locations on a daily basis due to environmental conditions. • Scheduling and reservations coordination and logistics • Overall responsibility for the yacht, its crew, its guests and activities Salary $45,000.00 per annum/Commensurate with qualification and experience
FIBERWORKS
REQUIRES 2 FIBER TECHNICIANS The successful candidates must be able to: • Install and maintain fiber, copper and COAX cables according to plan. • Perform low-loss fiber splicing and cable jointing. • Perform preventative maintenance and ensure that proper standards are followed. Salary is $12.00 per hour (negotiable), 5 or 5 days per week depending on workload
Is seeking to employ a:
BABYSITTER To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
Salary: $6.25 Per Hour Must Be Willing To Work 5 Days A Week
CONTACT:
ODDS & ENDS CONSTRUCTION
FRANDY JEAN
(649) 342-2065
LABOURER 14438
APPLICANTS SHOULD SUBMIT A RESUME TO: DIRECTOR OF FIBERWORKS #46 STINGRAY STREET, COOPER JACK BAY, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS • EMAIL: CLAYTON@GMAIL.COM
(649) 243-4284
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
KERIETTA SIMPSON/ WIND JAMMER RESTAURANT
is seeking to employ a:
OF GRAND TURK Is seeking to employ:
1 PAINTER
DOMESTIC WORKER To work 5 days per week
$10.00 PER HOUR
1 LABOURER $6.50 PER HOUR
CONTACT: 14434
Is seeking to employ a:
(649) 946-5338
Hourly wages starting at $6.50 Contact Between the hours of 9am – 4pm Monday-Friday
CONTACT:
CONTACT: 14427
Qualifications and Experience:Must be Degree qualified but not necessarily in a sports related programme. Must have certification as a Swimming Teacher with recognised professional association to the American Swim Coaches Association with a minimum certification Level II. Certified Pool Operator, CPR Certified (Red Cross), have proven attendance at clinics and seminars for continued professional development in both pool and open water. It would be an advantage to have been involved in programming aimed at special needs athletes who have never been exposed to an aquatic environment (pool or open water) for the purpose of exploration/ play. Have experience in establishing and implementing a mentoring programme for junior volunteers. Must have a minimum of 20 years experience be able to teach swimming and water safety awareness, organise and manage competitive sports activities, promote the development of increased fitness and active lifestyle through swimming, organise and manage social activities for students and parents, have the ability to encourage the confidence and skills of individual participants in the programme. Must be versed in current aquatic management software (Hy-tek, Team Unify, etc) and previous experience in aquatic event management is an advantage. • Salary is $45,000 per annum. • Deadline for Application is: MAY 12TH 2017
14428
CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY M.C
Is seeking to employ a:
14430
HEAD SWIM TEACHER
PLEASE FAX YOUR APPLICATION TO: 1 649 946 8506 • EMAIL: SWIMANDSURFTCI@GMAIL.COM• COPY APPLICATION TO: LABOUR COMMISSIONER • PROVIDENCIALES, TCI.
generators
SEND RESUMES ELECTRONICALLY TO: EMAIL: WAYPOINTYACHTS@GMAIL.COM
SWIM AND SURF
Duties and responsibilities will include: • Learn to Swim School programming and implementation • Open water swimming programming and implementation • Out of water education with regards to nutrition, healthy and active lifestyle and water safety related to swimming and on the open water • Liaising with the VP of Swimming and VP of Surfing with the development and implementation of the mentor programme. • Responsible for supervising volunteers and mentors • Develop and encourage the development of competitive swim teams both in the community and schools throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. • Liaise with Treasurer on costs and yearly budget planning, on cost effective procurement and purchasing of swim training equipment and supplies. • Liaise with Public Relations Officer regarding press releases, fundraising initiatives and activities in order to secure sponsorship for the programmes.
REQUIREMENTS • The successful candidate must hold a current international accredited yacht captain’s license suitable to Captain a motor yacht • Minimum 40 years of age • Minimum of ten (10) years yacht experience on displacement vessels with twin inboard diesel engines with referees available for contact. Mechanical experience is a must • Have a high level of competency and maturity. The position demands the qualifying candidate to be responsible and self-motivated with an emphasis on safety of the guests onboard and the necessary skill sets and maturity level required to take charge of a luxury motor • Must speak, read, write and understand English, a second language, preferably Spanish will be considered a bonus • The successful candidate will have a proven track record of continuous education in both yacht handling and mechanical skills preferably based around diesel motors and
14432
PLEASE EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO: TERESA BRUNNER TBRUNNER@TROPICALDMC.COM OR CALL 649-231-4161
14433
The applicant would have the following skills 1. Carrying of all supplies to and from event locations. 2. Setting up beach arches, canopies, and all structures. 3. Stringing lights on the beach and at wedding restaurant locations. 4. Washing of company vehicles. 5. Set up and tear down at all events in which Tropical DMC has provided the services for. Raking the beach, carrying equipment, digging holes for beach arches, climbing ladders, hanging lighting, carrying large boxes etc. you will need to be in physical shape to do this part of the job as it is extremely labor intensive. 6. Cleaning of storage units once per week 7. Assisting with cabling for all electronic work we do with sound systems and speakers. The pay rate for this position is $7.00 per hour and is approximately 20 hours per week
Swim and Surf TCI is a non-profit organisation established to provide a sustainable, consistent and affordable swimming programme for the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We currently seek to employ a Head Swim Teacher to work alongside our Executive Board of Directors in developing our programmes for children and adults.
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
(649) 241-3989
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
14437
36 CLASSIFIEDS
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
POSITION FOR A LABORER AT A CAR RENTAL COMPANY IS AVAILABLE. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• Upkeep and maintenance of business premises • Cleaning of vehicles • Must be able to work weekend and holidays Salary: $8.40 per hour.
BELONGERS ONLY SHOULD APPLY TO: MARSHA BLANCHE: EMAIL MARSHA@MISICKSTANBROOK.TC TEL: 649-946-4732.
SHARLINE JOHNSON
CONI MALCOLM
Is seeking to employ a:
Is seeking to employ a:
GLASS SHACK
14429
Applications should be received no later than May 5th, 2017.
LONG BAY
LABOURER HELPER Salary: $6.25 Per Hour Must Be Willing To Work 5 Days A Week 7Am-4Pm
Salary; $125 per week Must be willing to work 5 days a week
THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
(649) 331-9063
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
NCS MONEY GRAM
SAMUEL HARVEY
Is seeking to employ a:
Is seeking to employ a:
DOWNTOWN
14435
(649) 333-6533
CONTACT: 14425
CONTACT:
CHALK SOUND
CASHIER MECHANIC Salary: $6.50 per hour
(649) 332-5032 THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
14424
CONTACT:
CONTACT: (649) 231-0098
14436
SALARY: $8.00 PER HOUR
ISLAND BROKERAGE AND CONSULTAANCY
EXPERTISE CLEANERS
ACTING ON BAHALF OF OUR CLIENTS
is seeking to employ a:
JULMISTE PIERRE Seeking a
CONTACT: (649) 342-3501
14426
Salary: $6.50 Per Hour Must Be Willing To Work 5 Days A Week
CARETAKER Salary: $6.25 per hour Must be able to wash and cook for them
CONTACT: (649) 332-5032
14382
4 VILLA HOUSEKEEPERS
NANNY
ALEXANDER LAMBERT SEEKING A
CLASSIFIEDS 37
INVEST TURKS AND CAICOS - VACANCY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORTING TO: Board of Directors LOCATION: Invest Turks and Caicos Offices Providenciales JOB SUMMARY: The Chief Executive Officer is the chief executive of Invest Turks and Caicos and is responsible for the success of the organisation. Together with the Board, the incumbent is expected to lead the implementation of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government’s economic development vision, attract significant investments to the various inhabited islands, oversee services for Micro, Small and Medium (MSME) businesses and support expanded sustainable development throughout the entire Turks and Caicos Islands. These investments will be expected to build a successful, sustainable economy and provide improved opportunities for employment and growth. As well, the Chief Executive Officer will be actively engaged through the Agency in supporting trade and small business development. The Board has delegated responsibility for day to day management operations to the Chief Executive Officer and s/he has the authority to carry out those responsibilities in accordance with the direction and policies established by the Board. The incumbent will ensure that the organisation has motivated staff who produce positive results using international best practices. The position involves overseeing a staff of up to fifteen persons who are predominately highly trained investment professionals. The incumbent is expected to be a systems thinker who is customerfocused and goal-driven. The Chief Executive is expected to be a strong leader who can develop a cohesive team within the organisation and across TCI to drive new investment to the country. KEY OBJECTIVES: 1. To manage the day to day operations of Invest TCI through planning, organising, coordinating, directing and controlling the functions of the Agency. This includes developing and implementing a rolling fiveyear Strategic Plan, complete with annual marketing plans and budgets; monitoring financial and operational performance; and ensuring that the organisation has a full complement of operating policies and procedures for both internal operations and for dealing with prospective investors and daily operations. 2. To facilitate the approval of qualified investment from existing applicants and “shovel ready” projects. 3. To ensure the development of an outstanding lead generation system, along with a strong due diligence
programme, a market intelligence capacity, investor outreach and network maintenance and enhancement using international best practices. 4. To ensure the effective, efficient and economic use of human, financial and physical resources. 5. To engage constructively with various government Ministries, other relevant organisations and agencies and the private sector, both locally and internationally to support quality investment projects and to market the country. 6. To generate significant foreign direct investment to the country and to support and encourage domestic investors to participate in the economy. 7. To generate significant domestic investment through various small business programmes, including the MSME programme and financial assistance provided to the Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (CED). 8. To lead investment promotion and trade missions to various locations and conduct awareness marketing to raise the profile of TCI as an investment destination. 9. To develop and install a client relationship management and tracking systems from initial contact to aftercare. 10. To develop and manage a programme of legislation review and reform for various developmental programmes that encourage Inward Investment and seek opportunities for expansion and extension of Investment potential though various agreements. 11. To carry out any other related activities as deemed necessary by the Board as essential to the organisation. PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS: The preferred candidate should have a master’s degree in finance, business administration, economics or related field, from a recognised institution of higher learning and a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience or a combination of education and experience sufficient to meet the requirements of the position of CEO at Invest Turks and Caicos. EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE: Minimum of ten (10) or more years of senior management experience at a public or private enterprise/company/ agency engaged in investment development and/or promotion/ marketing. Clear evidence of strong leadership skills, demonstrated management skills, track record of successful lead generation and marketing along with a proven ability to mentor and grow staff. SKILLS: 1. Track record of excellence in current and previous employment.
2. Proven skills in investment promotion, strategic planning, project management and execution, especially as related to development projects. 3. Understanding of budgetary procedures and operational budget development/ implementation. 4. Strong track record of leadership, sales success and investment facilitation. 5. Strong track record of staff management and successful programme/project implementation. 6. Consistently displays integrity and model behavior. 7. Proven ability to motivate and develop teams/people. 8. Strong writing and presentational skills. 9. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills- innovative, creative and forward thinking 10. Adept in use of MS Office, particularly Powerpoint, Excel and Word, and ideally Access or similar database to basic level, internet and email. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 1. Fluent English 2. Understanding of the social, economic, cultural and historical issues facing the TCI. 3. Commitment to travel by air, land and sea. 4. Qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders, either living in the TCI or abroad, are encouraged to apply. 5. Willingness to work outside normal office hours. Salary and Allowances: Salary is in the range of $100,000 to $120,000, negotiable based on qualifications and experience. A standard set of benefits and allowances are additional. DEADLINE DATE FOR APPLICATIONS The deadline date for applications is Friday, May 12, 2017 by 5:00pm Turks and Caicos time. 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 can be submitted by courier or delivered directly to Invest Turks and Caicos at Unit 2D, Courtyard Plaza, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, prior to the deadline. The application should be addressed to The Chairman - Invest Turks and Caicos and envelopes should have the words “Chief Executive Officer” clearly marked on the front.
ALTERNATIVELY, APPLICATIONS CAN BE EMAILED TO DASTWOOD@INVESTTURKSANDCAICOS.TC THE SUBJECT LINE IN THE EMAIL SHOULD READ “CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER”. WE THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR THEIR INTEREST. HOWEVER, 14418 ONLY PERSONS SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.
38
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
Physicists defy Newton’s law, observe ‘negative mass’ direction as the force applied to it; this relationship is described by Isaac Newton’s Second Law of Motion. But in theory, matter can have negative mass in the same sense that an electric
charge can be positive or negative. The phenomenon is described in Physical Review Letters journal. Prof Peter Engels, from Washington State University
DECCO (TCI) LTD
EXECUTIVE ESTIMATOR relationships with clients, consultants, vendors, suppliers, contractors and external contracts. • Monitor and report on fluctuations throughout the Caribbean Region I respect of labor, plant & material cost, resources availability, outputs and taxation: • Risk and opportunity identification. Requirements; The successful candidate will require a proven track record in cost estimating of major projects and a combination of knowledge, skills and experience, as follows: • Higher Education qualification in cost Estimating, Quantity Surveying or Building Construction discipline, or extensive equivalent experience. • Minimum 20 years’ posteducation experience in construction estimating with extensive experience in
leading the estimating function of high value (US$25M++) commercial, residential, resort, infrastructure, marine and energy projects in the Caribbean region. • Minimum 15 years cost estimating experience at a senior management level within the construction industry. • Knowledge of regional, US and European forms of construction contract and project procurement procedures. • Proficient understanding of cost controls, material requirements, building blueprints and construction requirements. • Strong IT skills, including good knowledge of all Microsoft Office and proprietary estimating software solutions. • Personal presentation and professionalism. Salary based on experience.
WRITTEN APPLICATIONS WITH PERSONAL DETAILS AND A FULL CURRENT RESUME SHOWING EDUCATIONS, QUALIFICATION AND CAREER EXPERIENCE TO DATE SHOULD BE SENT BY EMAIL TO DECCOTCI@YAHOO.COM AND NO LATER THAN APRIL 15TH 2017
14225
Decco (TCI) Ltd has a requirement for an experienced Executive Estimator to join our construction team in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Executive Estimator will be responsible and accountable for the estimating function of major construction projects throughout the Caribbean. Such responsibility and accountabilities will include. • Performing all cost estimating duties including reviewing project documentation. Preparing complete and accurate budgets, feasibilities & estimates, value engineering, and communicating information to management and clients. • Researching & procuring of subcontract, labor, materials, and equipment pricing. • Establishing and maintaining effective communication, coordination and professional
NOTICE Regulation 7 of the planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 2014
An Application, (PR 12058), by GABRIEL CROCHE for the development of (PRPOSED OFFICE SPACE/WAREHOUSE SPACE), has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on (60716/80), (Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill) on (Providenciales).
Bose-Einstein condensates are used to explore a wide range of fundamental questions in physics (not the apparatus used in the latest research).
wall.” The technique could be used to better understand the phenomenon, say the researchers. “What’s a first here is the exquisite control we have over the nature of this negative mass, without any other complications,” said Dr
GENERAL HELPERPROVIDENCIALES
REPORTS TO: ENGINEERING & MAINTENANCE MANAGER
Provide services as general helper for maintenance and engineering Department. Ensuring shrub removal around the fences at various Aerodromes, Ensure the runway is cleared of debris and overgrown vegetat ion and foreign object as required by regulations. Salary: $7.00 per hour
& MAINTENANCE MANAGER
APRIL 13th, 2017 14386
Forbes. This heightened control also gives researchers a tool for exploring the possible relationships between negative mass and phenomena observed in the cosmos, such as neutron stars, black holes and dark energy. (BBC)
JOB VACANCY
Information Technology Assistant (IT) REPORTS TO: THE ENGINEERING
Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, within twenty eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. Notice dated:
(WSU), and colleagues cooled rubidium atoms to just above the temperature of absolute zero (close to -273C), creating what’s known as a BoseEinstein condensate. In this state, particles move extremely slowly, and following behaviour predicted by quantum mechanics, acting like waves. They also synchronise and move together in what’s known as a superfluid, which flows without losing energy. To create the conditions for negative mass, the researchers used lasers to trap the rubidium atoms and to kick them back and forth, changing the way they spin. When the atoms were released from the laser trap, they expanded, with some displaying negative mass. “With negative mass, if you push something, it accelerates toward you,” said co-author Michael Forbes, assistant professor of physics at WSU. He added: “It looks like the rubidium hits an invisible
The Job of the Information Technology Assistant staff member covers a wide range of systems, equipment and the company’s Local Area Network, the successful applicant will be responsible but not limited for the continued
operation and maintenance of the company servers, workstation, printers, fax, Airline shared use system, selfcheck-In Kiosks, time clock system, CCTV Security and access control systems. This individual will provide the IT Administrator and the Engineering & Maintenance Manager with the necessary recommendations and guidelines for the continued operation, expansion, design and security of the TCIAA systems and Equipment. Applicant must have: • A Minimum of 7 years working experience in the Information Technology Field. • Degree in Electronic & Computer Technology or related field, not limited to Cisco, Microsoft, and Oracle approved training organizations. • Windows 2000, XP and Windows 7, 8, & 10 • MS Exchange, Active Directory and other mail protocols such as IMAP • Microsoft Server 2003, 2008 & 2012 • Systems virtualization, VMware virtualization environment, Extended Airline Shared Environment Salary: $25, 039.80 per annum
Interest persons must submit their applications before May 5, 2017 to:
Human Resources Manager Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, Providenciales International Airport Telephone# 649-941-8692, Fax# 9415996. Email: hrrecruitment@tciairports.com
14427
PHYSICISTS have created a fluid with “negative mass”, which accelerates towards you when pushed. In the everyday world, when an object is pushed, it accelerates in the same
April 22-28, 2017
Science & Technology ‘Touchscreen-toddlers’ sleep less, researchers say on the total time spent on devices, ensuring children still do physical things, ensuring that content is age-appropriate, and avoiding the screens in the hour before bedtime. Dr Anna Joyce, a cognitive developmental researcher at Coventry University, said: “As the first study to investigate associations between sleep and touchscreen use in infancy, this is a timely piece of research. “In light of these findings and what we know from previous research it may be worth parents limiting touchscreen, other media use and blue light in the hours before bedtime. “Until we know more about how touchscreens affect sleep, they shouldn’t be banned completely,” she added. total, but every minute matters in young development because of the benefits of sleep.” The study is not definitive, but Dr Smith says it “seems to indicate touchscreens have some association with possible sleep problems”. However, his research has also shown toddlers who actively use touchscreens (swiping rather than watching) accelerate their development of motor skills. So should children be given touchscreens to play with? Dr Smith says: “It’s very tricky right now, the science is very immature, we are really lagging behind the technology and it’s too early to make clear proclamations.” He says the best bet is to follow similar rules for the amount of time spent in front of the TV. That means putting a limit
R&B COMPUTER is seeking to employ a:
STORE CLERK Salary: $7.00 per hour Must be willing to work 6 days a week
Applicant must be honest, reliable and hardworking
CONTACT: (649) 231-0327
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER
14332
TODDLERS who spend time playing on smartphones and tablets seem to get slightly less sleep than those who do not, say researchers. The study in Scientific Reports suggests every hour spent using a touchscreen each day was linked to 15 minutes less sleep. However, those playing with touchscreens do develop their fine motor skills more quickly. Experts said the study was “timely” but parents should not lose sleep over it. There has been an explosion in touchscreens in the home, but understanding their impact on early childhood development has been lacking. The study by Birkbeck, University of London, questioned 715 parents of children under three years old. It asked how often their child played with a smartphone or tablet and about the child’s sleep patterns. It showed that 75% of the toddlers used a touchscreen on a daily basis, with 51% of those between six and 11 months using one, and 92% of those between 25 and 36 months doing so as well. But children who did play with touchscreens slept less at night and more in the day. Overall they had around 15 minutes less sleep for every hour of touchscreen use. NOT BEFORE BEDTIME? Dr Tim Smith, one of the researchers, told the BBC News website: “It isn’t a massive amount when you’re sleeping 10-12 hours a day in
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PUBLIC NOTICE BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)
Take Notice that I, John Freeman, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MARIA C. RODRIGUEZ CAPRON by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. JOHN FREEMAN
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April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
Contraceptive pill ‘reduces general wellbeing of healthy women’ study claims THE contraceptive pill can reduce the general well-being of healthy women, a study has claimed. Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the Stockholm School of Economics studied 340 healthy women aged between 18 and 35. The women were either given prescriptions for a combined contraceptive pill containing ethniylestradoil and levonorgestrel (the most common type of contraceptive pill in the country and many others) or a placebo pill and the results were published in the journal of fertility and sterility. Neither group knew which pill they were taking but the women who were given contraceptive pills estimated their quality of life to be “significantly lower” than those taking the placebos. The women said their general well-being, along with their moods, self-control, vitality and energy levels, were all negatively affected by the pill. However, despite these side effects the study suggested there was no significant increase in depressive symptoms as when specific questions about depression and depressed moods were given to both groups they did not significantly change. The researchers emphasised that as the changes were relatively small, the results must be interpreted with caution but said the negative effects on the quality of life in individual women may be of clinical importance. “We do not want women to stop using oral contraceptives due to our results but if a woman is worried about negative influence on mood and life quality she should discuss this with a doctor,” lead author Angelica Hirschberg told The Independent. “There may be better alternatives for her.” “This might in some cases be a
A video appeared on the Tribun Timur news website, showing villagers cutting open the swollen snake to reveal legs and a torso. Women who were given contraceptive pills estimated their quality of life to be “significantly lower” than those taking the placebos.
contributing cause of low compliance and irregular use of contraceptive pills,” the study’s co-author Niklas Zethraeus said. “This possible degradation of quality of life should be paid attention to and taken into account in conjunctions with prescribing of contraceptive pills and when choosing a method of contraception.” Professor Hirschberg added: “All types of hormonal contraception have advantages and disadvantages. The possible effect on life quality adds to this knowledge and could be of particular importance for women who have experienced negative mood symptoms previously.” The authors said the findings could
not be generalised to other kinds of combined contraceptive pills as they may have a different risk profile and side-effects. Last year, a particularly large study suggested a link between women who take the pill and an increased risk of developing depression. The study analysed one million Danish women and found the combined oral contraceptive increased the risk of a woman aged between 20 and 34 being prescribed antidepressants by 23 per cent. For teenage women aged between 15 and 19, the risk of depression was 80 per cent and 120 per cent for those taking the progestogen-only pill (mini pill). (Independent.co.uk)
Kissing frogs could prevent the flu: study KISSING a frog may not get you a prince — but it could help ward off the flu. A compound found in the protective slime coating of Indian frogs has cured mice of fatal doses of the flu, and could potentially be turned into a remedy for people, a new study by Emory University researchers found. The amphibian’s mucus contains a peptide called urumin that targets H1 flu viruses, according to the findings published Tuesday in the journal Immunity.
H1 is one of the many subtypes of the influenza A virus, one of three strains that affect humans. Researchers collected slime from 15 of the tennis- ball-sized frogs, a pecies discovered in southern India just two years ago, and found that urumin was nontoxic to human cells. Flu subtypes H1 and H3 are currently circulating in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Frogs naturally secrete slime to help protect them from bacteria and fungi. (NYPost)
‘Gibraltar-sized’ space rock passes Earth A LARGE asteroid the size of the Rock of Gibraltar has passed safely by Earth. The object, measured to be almost a kilometre wide, came within five times the distance between the Earth and the Moon. Known as 2014 JO25, the asteroid is the biggest such space rock to skim our world since 2004. Astronomers say the best opportunity to view the rock will come in the dark hours of Wednesday night. Radar imagery using NASA’s 70m
(230 ft) antenna at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California reveal a peanut-shaped asteroid that rotates about once every five hours. The asteroid passed Earth at a distance of 1.8 million km (1.1 million miles) at 13:24 BST on Wednesday, 19 April. The next known encounter of an asteroid of about this size will occur in 2027 when the 800m-wide (halfmile-wide) asteroid 1999 AN10 will fly by at one lunar distance, about 380,000 km (236,000 miles). (BBC)
This composite of 30 images of asteroid 2014 JO25 was generated using NASA’s Goldstone Solar System Radar in California’s Mojave Desert.
April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017
Doctor says Farah’s L-carnitine injection not recorded correctly THE doctor who gave double Olympic champion Mo Farah a controversial supplement has told MPs that he failed to correctly document the treatment. Dr Robin Chakraverty said the amount of L-carnitine was well within World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) limits. Dr Chakraverty said the substance was given to help the Briton’s performance. He said he gave 13.5 millilitres of the legal supplement, below the maximum allowed of 50ml within six hours, by injection and not via drip. The use of the substance, given to Farah in 2014, is being looked at by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) - which has called it an infusion - to determine whether rules were broken. The injection was made in consultation with Farah’s American coach Alberto Salazar. Salazar and Farah, Olympic champion in both the 5,000m and 10,000m in 2012 and 2016, have strongly denied breaking any rules. Dr Chakraverty, formerly the chief medical officer for UK Athletics (UKA), now works with the England men’s football team, He told the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on Wednesday there had been staffing cuts at UKA and he had been responsible for the healthcare of 140 athletes in an “immensely busy” job. “Where we have had lapses is when you’re on the road, when you’re travelling, and that is probably the unique thing about this role. Not all our athletes train in one area,” he said. “When you are constantly on call for athletes you travel to those athletes. If you don’t record it straight away - which I didn’t in this case then it can get forgotten because you have all these other things. That is just the scenario. It is not an excuse.” In March, the BBC reported that UKA staff may not have properly recorded the use of L-carnitine - a naturally occurring amino acid often prescribed as a supplement for heart and muscle disorders. Ed Warner, the UKA chairman, told MPs that not recording injections was “inexcusable” although Dr Chakraverty said record keeping had since improved. Farah was given the injection during preparations before his full London Marathon debut in 2014, in which he finished eighth. Salazar has been under
Jessica Ennis-Hill was accompanied by her husband Andy Hill.
Ennis-Hill receives damehood at Buckingham Palace Mo Farah was given the supplement before the 2014 London Marathon, in which he finished eighth.
investigation by USADA and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) since 2015, following claims of doping and unethical practices made in a BBC Panorama programme. ‘DON’T TAR US WITH THE SAME BRUSH’- WARNER At a meeting of the committee earlier this year, a doctor who received a ‘mystery package’ for cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins in 2011 said he had no record of his medical treatment at the time. Ex-Team Sky medic Dr Richard Freeman had a laptop containing medical records stolen in 2014, the committee was told in March. Team Sky and British Cycling’s record-keeping was questioned at the earlier hearing and when it was raised again on Wednesday, Warner replied: “Please don’t tar us with the same brush”. He said UKA was keen to centralise its records and now handles all of Farah’s medical care. “There was a period of a few months in which we allowed Mo to go to Oregon and be treated by a local GP over in America, and we were observing his medical care from afar,” said Warner. “A decision was taken that we had to make sure we were in control of all medical interventions where Mo was concerned. That should always be the case for funded athletes.” Alberto Salazar has been under investigation by the US Anti-Doping Agency SALAZAR ‘OPEN AND TRANSPARENT’
An interim USADA report centres on claims a number of athletes at Salazar’s Nike Oregon Project were given L-carnitine - some of which were “almost certainly” more than 50ml and therefore doping violations. Another former UKA doctor, Dr John Rogers, visited a training camp held in France in 2011. He reported back some concerns about the side-effects of some of the supplements Farah was taking, but stressed there were no worries that anything illegal may have been taking place. Farah was receiving supplements to help prevent stress fractures and for iron and vitamin D deficiencies. Dr Rogers told the committee Salazar’s knowledge of sports medicine and science at the time was more advanced than any coach he had worked with. “We had several conversations here and he was very open and transparent about the sports medicine practices he was using,” he said. “There was no concern there were any WADA rules being broken. “There were some medical concerns around possible side-effects from some of the strategies they were using and it was important I shared that in terms of the continuity of care.” Committee chairman Damian Collins MP said at the start of the hearing that the MPs’ final report into anti-doping would now not be published until after the General Election on June 8. (BBC)
FORMER heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill has formally been made a dame during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The 31-year-old, from Sheffield, has received the honour for her services to athletics. Ennis-Hill, who won gold at London 2012 Olympics and silver four years later in Rio, announced her retirement from the sport in October. At the same ceremony, designer and ex-Spice Girl Victoria Beckham was made an OBE for services to fashion. Ennis-Hill, who received her honour from the Duke of Cambridge, will receive another World Championships gold medal after Tatyana Chernova
was stripped of her 2011 world title for doping. The 2012 Olympic champion, who was accompanied by her grandparents, mother Alison Powell and husband Andy Hill at the ceremony, said: “Just to hear the national anthem in this kind of moment again is really special. “I’ve so many amazing memories of standing on the podium and hearing it and to be here receiving a damehood, which I never imagined I would ever receive, is an incredible honour.” She added: “I’ve had more than I could ever imagine out of my career so I can’t stand here receiving a damehood and wish for any more.” (BBC)
Monaco reach first Champions League semis in 13 years MONACO reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2004 after an impressive secondleg performance in the last eight against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. The Ligue 1 side took a 3-2 first-leg lead back to Stade Louis II, where kickoff was pushed back five minutes after Dortmund’s team bus was delayed. Teenager Kylian Mbappe pounced from close range to increase Monaco’s advantage after three minutes and Radamel Falcao headed in soon after to
all but put the tie beyond Dortmund. The Bundesliga outfit threw on exciting forward Ousmane Dembele and it was a fantastic run from the 19-yearold that set up Marco Reus to lash in after the break. But substitute Valere Germain scored 22 seconds after coming off the bench for the hosts to secure their spot in the last four. Monaco will discover their semifinal opponents when the draw is made on Friday, with Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus also progressing.
April 22-28, 2017
Sports Interational
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The tournament in Monte Carlo is one of only two Masters 1000 events Murray has never won.
Murray beaten by Ramos-Vinolas at Monte Carlo Masters WORLD number one Andy Murray blew a 4-0 lead in the deciding set as he fell to a shock defeat by Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the Monte Carlo Masters third round. Murray went on to lose 2-6 6-2 7-5 in only his second match back after a month out with an elbow injury. Two breaks had the Briton in command of the third set, but Spanish 15th seed Ramos-Vinolas hit back with successive breaks to set up a famous victory. Marin Cilic awaits RamosVinolas in the last eight after beating Tomas Berdych. Murray, 29, was playing his first tournament since being beaten in the second round at Indian Wells in March. He beat Gilles Muller in straight sets on Wednesday, but admitted afterwards his elbow injury was still causing him some problems. Murray began his second-round
match against Muller with three double faults in the first four points of the match, and his service game was again an issue against RamosVinolas. The Scot was broken seven times as 29-year-old Ramos-Vinolas claimed a first ever win against a world number one. Murray showed trademark fight in fending off three break points at 4-4 in the decider, but could not respond when the Spaniard was in the ascendancy in his next service game. Murray briefly threatened to break back with the score at 30-30 as Ramos-Vinolas served for the match, but he dragged a forehand wide and misjudged a drop shot into the net at match point. Jamie Murray, meanwhile, made a winning start, joining forces with Bruno Soares to beat Tommy Haas and Treat Huey 6-3, 6-2 in the last 16 of the men’s doubles. (BBC)
Despite the ruling, Flamengo, one of the biggest clubs in Brazil, will still claim the 1987 title.
Brazil football feud ended by court after 30 years “THIRTY years of hurt” the song goes, and it’s just as relevant in Brazil as it was for England back in 1996. A bitter feud for Brazil’s 1987 football championship has finally been laid to rest by judges. Brazil had competing leagues back then and the Supreme Court has ruled that Sport Recife, and not Flamengo, be deemed the overall champions. The judges said this was the final whistle on the matter, but the clubs’ Twitter responses begged to differ. Sport Club do Recife said that
1987 was “indisputably ours, again... In court, once more, Sport beat those who ran away.” Flamengo wrote “in the field, on the ball, always Flamengo. Champions of Brazil 1987”. At the time, a dispute led to two leagues running at the same time a breakaway competition that was won by Flamengo and the traditional Campeonato Brasileiro organised by Brazil’s football confederation, which was taken by Sport. The confederation tried to get the two to play off for the overall title but the Rio-based Flamengo, one of the
biggest clubs in the country, refused. So Sport took the slot in the Copa Libertadores, South America’s Champions League. The panel of five judges gave Sport a 3-1 victory. One of the justices abstained as his son was linked to a Flamengo lawyer. But the judges were clearly unhappy that the ball had been put in their, erm, court. Justice Luis Roberto Barroso voted to split the title between the clubs, saying: “There is no place worse than the judicial system to discuss sports.” (BBC)
Hernandez reportedly had ‘John 3:16’ written in blood on head before death
FORMER New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez reportedly had Bible verse “John 3:16” written on his forehead at the time of his suicide. Bob Ward of Fox 25 reported Hernandez had the Bible verse written in blood on his forehead, along with an open Bible in his prison cell when his body was discovered. The WBZ investigation team for CBS Boston reported Hernandez had the Bible verse on his forehead but noted he “also appeared to have red marker on his hands and feet.” On Wednesday, per ESPN’s Michele Steele, the Massachusetts Department of Corrections released a statement announcing Hernandez died by suicide in his prison cell: WBZ also reported law
enforcement officials are checking into whether Hernandez “may have smoked synthetic marijuana called K2 Tuesday night.” John 3:16 is one of the best-known Biblical verses, reading “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Hernandez was serving a life sentence in prison without opportunity for parole for the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd. He was found not guilty for the July 2012 doublemurder of Safiro Furtado and Daniel de Abreu outside a Boston nightclub on April 14. The 27-year-old played three seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots from 2010-12.
Aaron Hernandez played three seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots from 2010-12.
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April 22-28, 2017
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Juventus last won the Champions League in 1996.
Juventus boss Allegri praises defence after knocking out Barcelona
JUVENTUS boss Massimiliano Allegri praised his side’s defensive performance after they frustrated Barcelona to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. Barca failed to score over two legs as Juve advanced 3-0 on aggregate after a goalless draw at the Nou Camp. “Barcelona not scoring over two legs is almost unheard of,” said
Allegri. “They had more chances in Turin than they did tonight. The team defended very solidly.” Juventus join Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Monaco in Friday’s last-four draw (from 11:00 BST). Trailing 3-0 from the first leg, Barca managed only one shot on target as they failed to repeat their
last-16 heroics when they overturned a 4-0 deficit to beat Paris St-Germain. Juventus join Manchester United (2007-08) and Bayern Munich (2012-13) as one of only three teams that have stopped the Catalans scoring in both legs of a Champions League tie. “It’s a step forward, we deserved qualification against a top level team,” added 49-year-old Italian
Allegri. “We did very well defensively, less in attack because we failed to make the most of some very promising counter-attacks by missing some simple passes. “However, it was a decisive step on the road to Cardiff.” Barcelona, who have gone out at the quarter-final stage in successive seasons, face La liga leaders Real
Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday (19:45 BST). Real are three points ahead of Barca with a game in hand. “We tried with all our might, but we couldn’t find the route to goal,” said Barca boss Luis Enrique, who has announced he is leaving the club at the end of the season. “We played a very poor first half in Turin and that has cost us dearly.”
BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS 2017:
Warren Gatland defends nationality split LIONS coach Warren Gatland says player nationalities did not influence the selection of his 41-man squad to tour New Zealand this summer. Gatland - who has been Wales coach since 2007 - has chosen 16 England players, 12 from Wales, 11 from Ireland and two from Scotland. Wales finished fifth in the 2017 Six Nations, below England, Scotland and Ireland. “I didn’t realise the split in the numbers,” Gatland said on the issue. “We didn’t go through the numbers. We put together a group of players in each position we felt were in contention and then we went through and individually selected those players.” England captain Dylan Hartley was not selected, despite leading England to back-to-back Six Nations titles, with Gatland preferring
Ireland’s Rory Best, England’s Jamie George and Wales’ Ken Owens as his three hookers. England fly-half George Ford also missed out with Ireland’s Johnny Sexton, England’s Owen Farrell and Wales’ Dan Biggar selected at number 10. Ireland’s Donnacha Ryan, England’s Joe Launchbury and Scotland’s Jonny and Richie Gray were other notable absentees. “We had a long and lively debate about hookers. Dylan has done a great job for England,” Gatland said. “If we picked him and left out Jamie George, Rory Best or Ken Owens you would be asking the same question. They were arguably form players in the Six Nations. Dylan has been unlucky. “There has been a lot of discussion about Launchbury, Donnacha Ryan
and the Gray brothers. At the end of the day selection is a matter of opinion and that is what makes it interesting.” Gatland appointed Warburton the youngest Lions captain since 1955 in 2013 and has now made him just the second player to skipper the Lions twice. That comes despite the Cardiff Blues forward stepping down as Wales captain before this year’s Six Nations and suggestions he will face a battle for his starting place. “One of his greatest qualities is that it is not about Sam Warburton, it is about the team,” Gatland said. “He will be under no doubt his form has to be good enough. “He will understand that and respect that because it is not about Sam Warburton, it is about the team and that is what I like about him as a person and an individual.”
Martin Johnson (1997 and 2001) is the only other player to captain the Lions on two tours.
“Ironically, I think it may be easier for Sam to captain the Lions than Wales.” Gatland added. “He is under great scrutiny, pressure and expectation as
Welsh captain. I think he will find it easier because of the quality of the squad and other leaders in the team will hopefully make his job pretty seamless and easy.” (BBC)
April 22-28, 2017
Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Williams to run second leg on Saturday night at World Relays Delano Williams will run the second leg in the 4X400M relay.
TCI’s first Olympian Delano Williams will run the second leg for team Great Britain this Saturday in the IAAF World Relays. The 23-year-old said he is 100% fit and ready for the 4X400M event. The final will be held on Sunday
TCI sends five sprinters to World Relays TCI will be represented by a team of five athletes at this weekend’s IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas. Seasoned athletes Ifeanyi Otuonye and Angelo Garland will join by former juniors Courtney Missick and Devante Gardiner and resurging sprinter Frantzly Benjamin. Four of the five will compete in the 200M preliminaries in Saturday evening with the fifth as standby. National coach Randy Ford told the
Weekly News that since the athletes have not trained, he would assess them on Friday morning and evaluate their strengths before putting them in legs. Otuonye, Garland and Gardiner travelled from the US, while Missick, made his way from Jamaica where he attends school. Gardiner is hoping to carry over his recent form to the Bahamas. A few weeks ago, he clocked 21.84s, a new personal best in the 200M.
Devante Gardiner is hoping that his form would help the team.
night. Williams had told the Weekly News that he was confident of a medal, especially with the likes of Martyn Rooney, Theo Campbell, Jarryd Dunn, Matthew HudsonSmith and Rabah Yousif in the team.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017
TCI swimmers record personal bests at CARIFTA Swimming Championships FOURTEEN year-old Jack Parlee shaved almost seven seconds from his personal best time when he competed in the 50M fly on Sunday morning at the Betty Kelly-Kenning Aquatic Centre in the Boys 1314 age division. Parlee’s 34.55s (his previous PB was 41.52s) embodies the drive of the six swimmers that represented these islands at the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in the Bahamas over the Easter Weekend. The swimmers held their own with many personal best performances. What made the achievement more special was the fact that four of the six trained in a resort pool, unlike swimmers from the other countries who trained for years in regulation size pools with lanes and starting
blocks. MAJOR STEPPING STONE “The representation of TCI in this year’s CARIFTA is a major stepping stone for aquatics in TCI, and seeing the results of this year, is a major inspiration for next year and future CARIFTA events. We are committed to the future of aquatics in TCI, and looking forward to another successful meet in Jamaica next Easter”, opined Team Manager, Morgan Luker. “The bigger picture here is that all swimmers were able to achieve at least one personal best time, and given the timeline and training facilities, this is an incredible inspiration for what TCI can deliver and what we have to look forward to!”
The national swimming team held their own in the Bahamas.
Laura Shaw, the only swimmer, who had previous experience at the Championships (she competed in 2015) secured 15th place in the 100 back (1:22.32) in the 15-17 age group. She also secured 12th place in the 200M back. Shaw, who will be too old for CARIFTA next year, also competed in the 100M and 200M freestyle. Alex Maclaren, swimming in the 13-14 age group, achieved personal best times in all five events she swam;
including a five-second drop in the 50M fly (36.13s), which was faster than a French Guiana swimmer, who was seeded four spots higher. Caylen Castillo, achieved best times in two of her three events while competing in the 11-12 age category. The other female swimmer Lilly Taylor achieved a PB in the 50M free (38.53s), while, as Castillo, she also competed in the 50M back in the same age group. Luke Haywood, the other TCI
13-14 age group male swimmer achieving several personal bests. He swam the 200M IM in 2:35.91 and the 100M (1:02.69) and the 200M (2:15.29) freestyle races. In the longer freestyle race, the 13-year-old finished ahead of swimmers from T&T, Bermuda and Jamaica. Along with the swimmers, Jennifer Martel travelled as head coach, Dave Bott and Caren Castillo as assistant coaches and Morgan Luker as team manager.
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April 22-28, 2017
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Colby Jennings (right) finished with a bronze medal in the U18 400M race.
Akia Guerrier, Shavell Sutherland, Helcyann Sauver and anchor Sanadia Forbes ran the fastest time ever by a TCI female relay team.
TCI finish ahead of four countries at CARIFTA Games TCI finished 13th overall during the Easter weekend in the Flow CARIFTA Games after copping three medals in the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao. Multi-events specialist Wikenson Fenelon won a silver medal in the Octathlon; while Colby Jennings and the girls’ U20 relay team won bronze in the U18 400M and the U20 4X100M relay respectively. A few national records were also broken. With the three medals, our athletes
finished ahead of Grenada, French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Bermuda. Jamaica dominated the Games with 86 medals. Coach of the team, Randy Ford said he was encouraged with the performance and determination of the athletes at the Games. FEMALE POWER Unlike previous years, the females led from the front. Not only did the older girls race to a bronze medal,
they did it in the fastest time ever by a TCI female relay team. The 48.85s (led by Akia Guerrier, Shavell Sutherland, Helcyann Sauver and anchor Sanadia Forbes) easily eclipsed the 50.02s made in 2007 when CARIFTA was held at the National Stadium in Providenciales. Forbes, who broke Mary Lightbourne’s (now Mary Kemp) high jump record in March, also increased her height. The record stood at 1.58M for 34 years before
Forbes jumped 1.63M. She leaped 1.65M in Curacao for a fifth place finish at the Games. Guerrier finished fifth in the 200M final with a time of 24.61s. The U18 girls (Zoe Butler, Deajah Smith, Rebecca Bernadin and Roshana Grey) ran 51.36s—a new national U18 record. The younger girls placed seventh overall in the event. BRONZE IN THE 400M
Colby Jennings, who goes to school in Jamaica, dropped over a second to take bronze in the 400M. His 48.26s is a new PB in the event. Jennings clocked the best preliminary time on Saturday morning. His 48.36s was almost a second fastest than the second place finisher in heat 4 and .3s fastest than the second place finisher overall. Jennings also ran a PB in the 200M. His 21.78s earned him a sixth place overall finish.
Fenelon haunted by gold medal loss
Wikenson Fenelon was outstanding in his first ever Octathlon.
SILVER medallist at the 2017 CARIFTA Games Wikenson Fenelon has completed the Octathlon several times in his head since he ran it last weekend in Curacao—and all the time he has found ways of scoring two additional points which would have handed the gold medal. Fenelon tallied 5460 points after the eight events in the Dutch Caribbean island; it was one less than the 5461 that won Barbadian Aaron Worrell the gold medal. Although there were numerous
times where a point or two were possible, the 17-year-old TC Islander feels that his first event, the 100M dash caused him the gold. The Jamaica College student won his heat in a time of 11.02s, for 856 points, .23s fastest than the second place finisher. Worrell however ran the second heat and clocked 10.84s, which handed him 41 extra points. “I relaxed coming through the line, which made me loose points. Dipping at the line would have given me gold.” The multi-event competitor
said that he has learned a valuable lesson and would always finish hard. Fenelon, competing in his first Octathlon, won the long jump (6.83M) and the 110M hurdles (14.60s), while he finished third in the 400M (50.55s) and in the high jump (1.87M). He clocked 5:10.28s for a fifth place finish in the 1500M, while he threw the javelin 41.11M (sixth place) and the shot put 10.16M (seventh place). Teammate, Tremaine Missick, finished with 4097 points for a 10th place finish.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 22-28, 2017