TCWN April 4 - 10, 2020

Weekly News Volume 34 | No. 14 | April 4-10, 2020

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MORE JOBS TO BE CREATED – PREMIER Citizens will soon have more employment

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opportunities as the Government fast tracks development projects to lessen the blow of an imminent recession.

ABANDONED SPEEDBOAT CONTAINS $800K IN DRUGS

NO NEW CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 THIS WEEK

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HOTEL CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS IS POLLUTING GRACE BAY, SAY CONCERNED BEACHGOERS PAGE  8

‘WE SALUTE AND SAY THANK YOU’

Deputy Governor recognises essential workers PAGE  9

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 28 - April 3, 2020

March 28 - April 3, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 28 - April 3, 2020

No new confirmed cases of COVID-19 this week

BY OLIVIA ROSE THERE have been no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Turks and Caicos Islands this week – at time of press.

The territory recorded its last positive case of the virus on Saturday (March 28) bringing the total to five.

As of Thursday (April 2), 27 test results had been received, with 22 confirmed negative. This is according to the latest dashboard report from the Ministry of Health.

The number of suspected cases had increased to nine. These are TCI residents returning from countries with local transmission and contacts of a confirmed case.

Notably, the case definition for COVID-19 was amended for TCI - a travel history is no longer needed to fit the criteria.

The ministry explained that due to the closure of the TCI’s borders it is likely that any new case would be as a result of local transmission.

“One individual is experiencing severe symptoms and has been admitted to TCI Hospital for care.

“All nine persons met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19, thus they are experiencing symptoms.

“Samples were collected and sent for testing, and we are currently awaiting results.”

The increase in suspected cases are as a result of two individuals displaying symptoms and meeting the case definition for COVID-19.

Some 291 people are currently

Minister of Health Hon. Edwin Astwood

under quarantine including the confirmed five cases, 18 contacts of a confirmed case, 12 possible contacts of a confirmed case, nine suspected cases, one symptomatic person/s under investigation, 18 relatives

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 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

or contacts of suspected cases, five people travelling from highly affected countries UK, Austria and Spain and 223 TCI residents.

The ministry said: “Persons under observation/quarantine are either not displaying symptoms or have not meet the case definition for COVID-19.”

It was further explained that the decrease in quarantine numbers is primarily as a result of the expiration of the quarantine period for several individuals.

“Persons confirmed not to have COVID-19 and their contacts were moved from quarantined status and asked to continue following proper guidelines from the Ministry of Health.”

The ministry informed that those cases confirmed positive are in isolation with contact tracing aggressively continuing.

‘DO NOT BECOME COMPLACENT’ Minister of Health Hon. Edwin Astwood, who recently addressed the nation on Radio Turks and Caicos, said although cases remain low residents should not become complacent.

Speaking on Monday (March 30), Astwood said: “The number of confirmed COVID-19 positive canes remain at five.

“An additional nine samples were

tested and I am happy to report that all nine were negative. This is good news, but not news for us to become complacent.”

He stressed that if social distancing is successfully executed in the TCI, there will be far fewer people testing positive for coronavirus, hence less people needing hospitalisation and critical medical care.

“Therefore, we may continue to see increases in positive cases unless we allow the impact of our social distancing and quarantine measures to run its course.

“I want to emphasise that the more we stay away from each other, the less the burden will be on our health system, our health workers and other frontline workers, and the less burden on our country on a whole.

“We know that times of crisis push technology, innovation, abilities and adaptabilities.”

The health minister explained the three-week quarantine imposed by the Government gives the ministry time to beef up the healthcare system.

“So we can increase our ability to safely treat more people, and scale up our public health system, so that we can do more contract tracing, testing, isolation, and quarantine on a large basis, so that when we do come out of quarantine, and if there is another spike, we will be better equipped and experienced to quickly mitigate against this virus.”

Turning his attention to issue of stigma and discrimination against those battling the virus, the minster urged people to have empathy and compassion for those afflicted.

“Stigma and discrimination in any form is bad and unnecessary, but especially in relation to COVID-19 at this time. This is something that should be discouraged by all.

“Instead, let us support, uplift and encourage one and other, and we who have faith in God know that this too shall pass.

“I firmly believe that if we all act responsible and if we work together, adhere to all the public health guidelines and the social distancing measures that were instituted, we would have a real shot of defeating this coronavirus, and the Turks and Caicos Islands would survive this COVID-19 pandemic.”

GUIDELINES Since the global outbreak of the lethal virus, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged people to maintain one metre (three feet) distance between themselves and others.

The WHO explained that when someone coughs or sneezes can spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus.

“If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.”

The WHO has also urged people to practice respiratory hygiene.

“This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.”

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has urged people across the world to practice social distancing.

This means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately six feet or two meters) from others when possible.

Social distancing is simply a public health practice that aims to prevent sick people from coming in close contact with healthy people, in order to reduce disease transmission.

Three arrested for violating curfew THREE men were arrested on Thursday, March 26, for breaching the national curfew aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.

The men, aged 21, 24 and 33, were rounded up on the streets after the mandatory curfew from 8pm to 5am went into effect.

The curfew, now extended to April 14, requires all residents, except for essential service workers to remain at home.

Commissioner of Police

Trevor Botting said: “The first night of the curfew was observed by the large majority and for that, we say ‘thank you’.

“There were some who were a little late to get home and they were warned. However, everyone should be aware of the curfew and there is now very little room for non-compliance.”

He added: “You have been warned, it is now your responsibility to comply.”

March 28 - April 3, 2020

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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More jobs to be created, says premier

BY OLIVIA ROSE CITIZENS will soon have more employment opportunities as the Government fast tracks development projects to lessen the blow of an imminent recession.

Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson made this disclosure during a national address where she revealed details of an economic stimulus package on Thursday, March 26.

She explained that the move will “act as a stimulus to the economy in the event that the world economies go into a recession following the impact of the COVID-19 virus.”

The Government will be working with contractors and through policy initiatives will seek to ensure that citizens are hired under these projects, she added.

In addition to the new projects proposed for financial year 20202021, there are projects worth about $30 million that will be carried forward from the last financial year.

“With the amount of projects being implemented throughout the Islands, money will continue to multiply and consumer spending will increase and act as a stimulus to the economy,” she said.

Despite the move to fast track certain projects, Cartwright Robinson said the Government will be slashing cash available in the Development Fund from $47.5 million to $35.2 million.

This reduction of $12.3 million will be put into an $80.2 million

economic stimulus package designed to assist people throughout the TCI during the three-week lockdown.

The package will bridge the gap between the former and current income levels of those employed in the tourism sector affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at a press conference on March 16, Cartwright Robinson said the global health crisis would create shocks to supply and demand across the world.

She explained that the Government is working to keep intact the web of economic and financial relationships between workers and businesses, lenders and borrowers, and suppliers to recover once the outbreak fades.

“The coronavirus has the potential of having a serious impact on the workforce and productivity level in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” the premier said.

“Whether it is because of business closure or because of persons having to stay home because they are sick, or temporary lay-offs, days off from work may become a norm.

“My Government is currently working on ways of mitigating against this and ensuring that our people do not suffer as a result of these circumstances that are beyond their control.”

She emphasised that the goal is to prevent a temporary crisis from permanently harming people through job losses and bankruptcies.

“If the territory is impacted by the deadly virus we will see a decrease in labour productivity levels or

Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said the projects will ‘act as a stimulus to the economy’

days lost if impacted by the virus as persons will be absent from work.”

She said the reduction in arrival numbers by air and sea will also affect many employed in the sector directly and indirectly.

“My Government is assiduously working on plans to assist persons throughout the communities who will receive losses in income due

to the reduction in tourism arrival numbers, as some hotels may opt to close temporarily at this time.

“There is no doubt that our economy will be put under tremendous stress, as we seek to find ways of surviving the onslaught of this crisis.

“We have a number of our capital projects that are in the works which

will be continuing and we will be putting additional measures in place which will help our people directly and will also help in keeping the TCI economy afloat.”

A fiscal risk mitigation strategy was also recently implemented to counter the loss in government revenue due to the territory’s increased healthcare bill.

Abandoned speedboat contains $800k in drugs POLICE are investigating the circumstances under which a speed boat containing a large quantity of cannabis came to be in Turks and Caicos Islands waters.

At about 3am on Thursday, March 26 - while the entire territory was under curfew - officers of the Marine Branch were dispatched to investigate the presence of a boat in local waters.

Upon coming upon the vessel, a 31 foot, blue speed boat, officers made several attempts to stop it, but the captain refused to comply. The marine officers gave chase on board MV Sea Pursuit.

Police reported that the illegal boat sped ashore and about 10 people escaped into bushes before the vessel

was seized.

Officers of the Tactical and the Forensic Support Units were called in to carry out further investigations of the boat.

Police said their investigations revealed six black travelling bags containing an assortment of packages wrapped in plastic on board.

A further count of the wrapped packages revealed 36 packages containing suspected cannabis.

According to police, the estimated street value of the suspected drugs was $852,000.

Officers would not say whether the vessel was licensed to be in the local waters, where it may have originated from or if they have any

Seized vessel had hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of drugs on board

suspects in custody, as investigations are still ongoing.

Commenting on the seizure, Police Commissioner Trevor Botting said that even with his officers being

focused on keeping people safe as part of the COVID-19 response, they are still very committed to catching criminals who seek to commit serious crimes.

“I want to reassure the public and warn the criminals, we are still crime fighting and we remain resolute in keeping the TCI safe and secure,” the commissioner said.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 28 - April 3, 2020

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

ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE THE TCI Government will provide $45 million in direct financial support and waiver of taxes, fees and charges to help residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will go to individuals, small, medium and large businesses, the premier said in her address to the nation last Thursday.

What are your thoughts?

Screen and snatch

Concurrent with the availability of direct financial support, the Government must now proceed with the tasks of assuring that the appropriate regulatory, administrative, fiscal controls and monitoring regime is implemented to safeguard the funds and assure that deserving TCI citizens receive the appropriate benefit.

This is a prime opportunity for Government agencies to screen potential beneficiaries and thereby enhance our regulatory compliance mechanisms and outcomes. Screen and snatch!

Very sensible

All the economies of the world are doing much the same thing. Everyone is seeking to stimulate the economy because the virus has most definitely depressed the economy.

In this sense the TCI Government has responded very sensibly.

To remain positive then, if the Government gets the monies into the right hands this will most definitely help to boost the economy as is desired.

The observations above, in answer to the issue as stated, were made on the marcoeconomic level.

Again, not to be negative but to be realistic, then still on the macro level one final question has to be answered.

That is, who (the TCI Government or Her Majesty’s Government) will bear contingent liability to cover the substantial loan obtained to fund the stimulus package?

This last question is a very important one for the Government to answer and for the people to know.

People’s benefits

Super! Under PDM the people get the benefits not the politicians.

Other sectors

This is a welcome development among the residents of the TCI. But according to what I’ve heard during the press conference, the good premier had made mention only of the hospitality workers and self-employed with whom the direct financial package for individuals shall be granted.

It is not clear whether the workers from other sectors have the same entitlement.

How about the essential workers who make their presence known during this unusual situation and are being exposed daily to the virus just to make our lives easier? Are they not included?

How about other workers who tried to make both ends meet but were displaced during the lockdown?

I suggest that the TCI Government should be considerate enough to include all other workers outside of the hospitality industry knowing that everyone had been affected and could possibly be infected anytime by the COVID-19 contagion.

More money?

Giving cash payments to some persons and not to all persons is discriminatory.

What happens if this lockdown lasts longer than three weeks? Will there be another payment to individuals?

A long hard road

The premier’s speech about the economy was too unspecific to be helpful for analysis.

Probably because it is still too early in the economic crisis to do more.

The volatile USA markets may be a signal that we are due for the worst and longest economic recession in living memory.

Nobody knows how to value assets.

Investors are running away in the USA they are unlikely to invest here.

As policy develops the Government should not be focused on GDP, but GNP which allocates national output based on the

location of ownership.

They should not be deliberately or inadvertently subsidising foreign investors.

The TCI imports about $500 million a year of goods. The Government can quickly discover what proportion of that is used to sustain living standards of residents and get a rough measure of what stimulus is needed.

As other economies are already learning, it is much easier to underpin consumption that to select businesses that should be rescued.

They end up subsidising those entrepreneurs who are best at manipulating the system.

Consumers choose what they need to survive and entrepreneurs will respond to those needs, and so will price allocation. It is going to be a long hard road.

A tough time

Wonderful. The Government is doing a good job handling this manmade virus situation.

They are looking after their people.

I pray that the Lord blesses and helps our premier and the TCI Government on their side or not, and also all the leaders of the world right now. They are dealing with a tough thing.

Uncertain times

This Government has been hit with three major setbacks - hurricanes Irma, Maria in 2007 and this complete global shutdown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The TCI, as usual, despite its limitations remains strong and resilient.

The stimulus package was widely and well received. Thankfully the Ministry of Finance has $200 million at hand and the ability to provide $45 million in direct financial support.

Already there are signs that some Grace Bay businesses and resorts are selfishly

exploiting these reliefs, which are designed ultimately for the benefit of the worker.

Some businesses are literally firing employees. Some resorts have told, not asked, staff to take a 50 percent salary decrease despite the guidance from the Labour Commissioner to tread carefully with employees, the most vulnerable.

This is wrong, defiant, ‘in your face’ and subterfuge requiring further emergency regulations to be directed at these businesses to stop the exploitation.

In a time of crisis, the real person comes out. Emergency regulations have removed, the customs processing fee and duties from certain critical bread basket items.

The savings, designed to help the consumer not the merchant must be passed onto the consumer so there’s an immediate cut in prices, equal to the amount of the reduction in customs duties.

Emergency regulations ought to follow where there is non-compliance.

With IGA, Sunny Foods, other food stores and food divisions being allowed to remain open, maybe they should be encouraged to serve food to the public.

Plans should be made for that as we may all, God forbid, be on those breadlines, high and mighty alike, on the same level, equalisation, waiting to be served food.

These are uncertain and crisis times.

 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?

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March 28 - April 3, 2020

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Beware of fake news

AN IMAGE containing fake statistics on the TCI’s COVID-19 cases has been circulating on social media, prompting the Government to remind the public to check their sources.

The picture states that the territory has six people who have tested

positive to the virus, while the real number remains at five.

The Ministry of Health issued a warning on Wednesday (April 1) for people to only trust figures that come directly from the official sources.

It stressed that the widely

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is appealing to any member of public who may have any information on any crimes. They can contact Chalk Sound Police Station on 3385901 or make use of the confidential reporting system through Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477.

Illegal migrants spotted in Providenciales AN UNKNOWN number of illegal migrants from Haiti were spotted in Discovery Bay, Blue Hills and at North West Point in Providenciales this week.

Police and immigration officials are investigating the sightings and have asked the public to provide any information they have to assist with their capture.

According to the police press office, on Friday, March 27, at 6.38am a call was made to police that three illegal Haitian migrants were seen running into bushes in Discovery Bay. One man and two women were apprehended and taken to the Detention Centre for processing.

On Sunday (March 29) at 5.06am 911 operators saw on the CCTV system a group of migrants walking along the Millennium Highway. Police were dispatched but they were not apprehended.

Then on Monday at 1.25am, police received reports of a vessel that had landed at North West Point. Several passengers were seen walking from the beach towards the main road.

Police are still making checks in the areas and will provide an update as the investigation progresses.

On Wednesday, a large sloop containing many hundreds of people was turned around in the seas between the TCI and Haiti with the help of the US Coast Guard in the Bahamas.

Governor Nigel Dakin, in a statement on Thursday, said: “That frustrating battle continues every night - we should be more proud of those involved in this work tonight, than ever.

“But for those who can connect to Haiti, do send them the message. You have our continued attention and you will be stopped.”

It is an offence to assist or harbour an undocumented person. The penalty under the Immigration Ordinance is a fine on summary conviction of $20,000, a term of four years in prison or both.

Anyone with information can call 911, Chalk Sound Police Station on 338-5901 or 941-8082 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477.

circulated figures from an unknown source titled ‘Corona Virus Live Tracker’ are “absolutely false”. “…the ministry has not received any new results indicating this and therefore have not reported such information to any regional or international body.

“We ask the public to cease from sharing this false information and encourage you once again to only seek information from credible sources locally, regionally and internationally…”

Correct statistics can be obtained from the Ministry of Health website www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus and its social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Other credible sources include PAHO and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

In a press release on Thursday, Governor Nigel Dakin said the stats, which originated from a South African website, weren’t malicious “just wrong”.

“The authoritative way to know what our health professionals on the front line know is the TCI dashboard that we disseminate daily and is on the Ministry of Health website.

“Please stick to TCI sources. We hold the data because we collect the

data. We want the public to know,” he said.

BREAKING THE LAW Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting warned against the spreading of unverified information relating to COVID-19.

The Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 that came into operation on March 26 said no one shall publish or cause to be published, posted or re-posted, over any media platform inclusive of social media, any purported news or report, or purported statement of fact, knowing or have reasonable cause to suspect that it is untrue or false, or may incite public fear, panic or ethnic hatred.

Commissioner Botting said: “You are advised to refrain from spreading false and unverified information, rumours, fake news related to COVID-19.

“Spreading these untruths will cause unnecessary public panic.

“This is an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of $1,000 or a term of imprisonment for three months, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

“I am asking you to please be responsible and only use authentic and official messaging from the

Under the tree

Ministry of Health.

“The Ministry of Health should be your only source for COVID-19 information.”

Governor Dakin said there had been several instances on social media of people sharing fake news that “haven’t just been wrong they’ve been dangerous”. “…what this short period is not, is an opportunity for us to stigmatise anyone who has COVID-19,” he stressed.

“For all you know you may be one of the fortunate that had it, suffered few if any symptoms, but passed it on to others.

“Or, if we all lose control of this through our casualness, it’s very probably true that it will be someone very close to you, who you love, that ends up with this virus. It doesn’t discriminate.

“If you see someone originating or spreading hate or misinformation, designed to cause fear, then there is now a police unit, well skilled in following leads across the internet. that you can report to.”

Anyone with information on anyone responsible for sharing fake news can email pofscovid19@ tcipolice.tc

By Benneth Williams

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 28 - April 3, 2020

A Grace Bay resident sweeps up a portion of the Styrofoam particles on his porch

A polystyrene panel in front of the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Grace Bay

Hotel construction debris is polluting Grace Bay, say concerned beachgoers

BY OLIVIA ROSE CONCERNED Grace Bay occupants have complained that polystyrene debris from the RitzCarlton Residences currently under construction is polluting the beach and their homes.

But the developer says measures have been put in place to prevent this happening, adding that it would never use products “that would have a negative impact on the environment”.

The luxury-branded development which features the first 12 storey buildings in the TCI is set to dominate Providenciales’ skyline on its completion at the end of 2021.

This March, the Weekly News spoke to a visitor and resident who both said the construction work and resultant waste products have been polluting the local area.

Heather Magliozzi, a vacationer who stayed near the development in February, said polystyrene debris littering the beach made it difficult for her to enjoy her holiday.

“While I was there, it felt like it was snowing with Styrofoam particles blowing in the air and down the beach from the fake stucco rendering currently underway on the first side of the hotel building facing away from the beach.

“These particles are blowing in great volume away from the Ritz and polluting not only the neighbouring resort pools, landscaping, private terraces but worse they are blowing down the beach and accumulating along the shoreline and into the

water.

“This can be seen especially at Point Grace where it seems to gather in abundance. Surely the fish are now trying to consume this mess,” the worried guest added.

Magliozzi called on environmental authorities to properly monitor the project to ensure greater harm is not done.

“How is this poison trail allowed to happen? This project should be monitored and the pollution contained through various available means which are standard in the construction industry.”

She pointed out that cement and other debris is also creating a mess as it settles on furniture, buildings and landscaping.

“Why are the neighbours of this project being forced to clean up this mess from their terraces on a daily basis?

“To say nothing of how bad it must be to be breathing this in every day. This is a travesty.”

Grace Bay resident Peter Soteropoulo also complained to the Weekly News about the Styrofoam particles littering his home.

“Our pool and grounds are covered with small bits of Styrofoam.

My patio and screened-in porch have also been invaded,” he said, adding that he has to clean his porch several times a day.

“So much for ‘beautiful by nature’. ‘Beautiful by Styrofoam’ would be more fitting.”

SERIOUS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT A spokesperson for hotel developer Desarrollos Hotelco responded to

the claims with a lengthy statement saying the company is taking every precaution to protect the environment.

“As global developers we take the environment very seriously and would never do or use any products in our construction that would have a negative impact on the environment and these ‘beautiful by nature’ Islands,” they said.

The spokesperson added that from the start of the exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) scope of work, the company has taken precautions to limit the amount of residue generated from the installation and rasping of the EIFS panels.

“Rasping, when used in the context of EIFS installation, can be defined as the sanding or filing down of a polystyrene panel in order to improve overall adhesion of the built-up base coat and finish coat products (final coloured stucco).”

They outlined several initial measures instituted to protect the environment prior to rasping.

These include the installation of protective netting over areas to be rasped, the utilisation of handheld vacuums during rasping, and daily inspection and clean-up of all unusable polystyrene panels and debris from surrounding areas.

The Desarrollos representative also stressed that many of the complaints came at the start of the EIFS scope of work.

As such additional measures were implemented to mitigate the migration of polystyrene particles.

In this vein, rasping is only being done in netted/protected areas and no

rasping on high wind days.

“We are vacuuming nets before relocating them, adding six additional vacuums and an active vacuum crew in netted areas while rasping, vacuum crews in various areas onsite and daily beach inspection.”

The spokesperson said that in addition to these measures, the EIFS product will positively affect the TCI’s carbon footprint.

“EIFS is in full compliance with modern building codes which emphasise energy conservation through the use of continuous insulation (CI) and a continuous air barrier.

“Both of these components are built into today’s EIFS products to provide maximum energy savings, and reduced environmental impact over the life of the structure and we are proud to be the first development in the country to use this system.

“As EIFS is commonly used in North America we have adapted and adhered to the North American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for EIFS installation and rasping.”

EXCITEMENT AND CONFUSION The statement continued: “We realise that there may be excitement in seeing a new product being used on the project, and many on the outside looking in may not understand the material and the process.”

The spokesperson assured residents that the company will not be cutting corners when it comes to protecting the beach and surrounding areas.

According to Desarrollos, the

site is visited on a regular basis by the local planning department and DEMA. “We have been working in conjunction with these responsible government agencies to ensure that the scope of works are executed properly.

“In addition to the local agencies, we are visited frequently by a dedicated system expert who on his most recent visit stated that he was highly impressed with how well we have managed to contain and control the particles.

“As a part of our introduction of this system to the island we have hired a local project manager who is familiar with the EIFS process to manage this scope of the works.

“We have also hired 20 on-island workers to complement our highly skilled installers.

“In addition to creating these positions locally, these new individuals will also learn the process of installing this innovative energy efficient system.”

A representative from the Planning Department told the Weekly News that onsite visits are indeed conducted regularly in partnership with the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR).

The representative, who declined to comment further on the environmental issue, said an official statement will be issued soon.

The 10.5-acre development – the highest in the TCI – already dwarfs the adjacent Seven Stars resort which had held the accolade for more than a decade.

March 28 - April 3, 2020

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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‘We salute and say thank you’ Deputy Governor recognises essential workers

BY OLIVIA ROSE DEPUTY Governor Anya Williams took a moment this week to salute the essential workers that are keeping the territory safe, clean and functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a national address on Radio Turks and Caicos on Tuesday (March 31) she thanked those who are required to work each day to provide a wide range of crucial services.

“I take this opportunity on behalf of the Government and people of these Islands to salute and say thank you to our public service essential services staff,” she said.

Williams expressed appreciation to healthcare workers who risk their own health to ensure the wellbeing of others and are working tirelessly to help those affected by coronavirus.

“Those manning our hotlines providing advice and guidance to persons reporting symptoms; the doctors and nurses working in our clinics and hospitals to provide critical care to persons in need; the technicians in our laboratories collecting samples for testing.

“Our epidemiologists that compile daily statistics to feed to our joint communications team that

works every day to provide updates to the public.

“Our environmental and public health teams, our permanent secretary, deputy secretary and director of health services who provide daily advice and guidance to policy makers, and our DDME, national security and senior management staff that provide critical support to our senior leadership team.

“To all of you, your contribution, dedication and sacrifice is greatly appreciated.”

Williams, who is also the head of the TCI’s public service, extended gratitude to those in the armed services for their tireless efforts to maintain law and order during this crisis.

She thanked “our Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, now supported by Immigration and DECR officials that continue to work to keep us safe.

“Our radar, immigration and maritime officers that continue to man our borders, our customs and port officers that continue to facilitate the clearance of goods shipped into the Islands.

“Our prison officers that continue to report for duty at Her Majesty’s Prison.”

The deputy governor acknowledged that being a public servant is not always easy, but

Immigration and environment officers help to enforce lockdown TEN officers from the Immigration Department and Department of Environment and Coastal Resources will be helping police to enforce the 21day lockdown in the TCI. The initiative aims to strengthen an already established partnership and help tighten the monitoring of the curfew restrictions set to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting swore the officers in as special constables on Monday (March 30).

He said: “We have worked with both the immigration and DECR personnel in the past but this time their assistance is even more critical. These teams will hit the ground running as of today.

“Building a multi-agency team now is important to build resilience in policing both on land and the sea.

“I am grateful to the Government for providing this much-needed boost. We expect the partnership to continue as long as the curfew is active.”

The five immigration officers are Evenia Freites, Natasha Hall, Kirkford Gardiner, Clayton Jennings and Asante Jones.

The DECR officers are Anthony Pinder, Trevor Watkins, Rodney Smith, Delroy Glinton and Curtis Been.

The immigration officers will be assigned to response and operation while the DECR officers be assigned to the Marine Branch Unit.

thanked them for always rising to the occasion.

“At challenging times I can truly say that the public service has always been heavily relied upon.

“And it is at times such as these when I am both proud and thankful to lead such a dynamic, hardworking and committed group of people that demonstrate such a strong level of devotion and duty to country.

“Thank you to our teachers that continue to educate beyond the classroom, our Water Service Department that continues to deliver key services to the public.

“Our attorney general and staff that continue to draft key pieces of legislation, and our treasury, budget, procurement, IT and finance staff that continue to work on our financial year end procedures.”

She said that staff across all other sectors of the Government continue to be engaged from their homes in making sure that essential services continue to run smoothly.

“You have all truly epitomised the

Deputy Governor Anya Williams thanked public and private sector essential workers

notion of service before self and for this we salute and say thank you.

“There are no boundaries in the work that is set out before us, as it requires the full support and cooperation of us all.”

The deputy governor also recognised private sector workers who continue to go to work each day to ensure people have access to food and other necessities.

“I salute as well private sector staff in our supermarkets, gas stations, pharmacies, telecommunications, electricity, water company and banks that are also performing vital services at this time.”

Williams commended all residents for their “overwhelming support and adherence to the guidance issued by

Government and health officials”.

“This is an unprecedented time in our country’s history; one that calls for strict measures to protect and prevent the loss of life, and we thank you for your support.”

She urged the public to continue to do their part by respecting and adhering to the guidance that has been provided.

“It is the only way that we can minimise the risk to staff that continue to work on all of our behalf and is the best way to show care and appreciation for the important roles that they are playing.”

She added: “Our success will be determined by how best we all work together to accomplish the goal at hand, so let’s all do our part.”

Support local businesses, says new chamber president THE ONLY way for the TCI to make it through the economic stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic is for residents to support each other at a local level.

That’s according to the newly elected president of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce, Ronald B Saunders.

He released his first statement as head of the group of business owners and operators on Tuesday (March 31) in which he offered assistance to members.

“Almost every business in the Islands has seen their operations come to a halt due to the global pandemic and effects of COVID-19 and we are here to help however we can,” he said.

Saunders stressed that the Providenciales and Grand Turk Chambers of Commerce are dedicated to assisting members and the wider business community.

“We encourage everyone to

follow the Ministry of Health’s advice to practice social distancing, while adhering to the guidelines imposed under the 21day curfew.

“There are currently five confirmed cases and by working together we can keep this number as low as possible.”

He said the chamber embraces the economic stimulus package announced on March 26 by the premier and encourages all businesses in need of assistance to promptly apply for relief. “We are asking all of our members and nonmembers to support local businesses and entrepreneurs, as only then can we be resilient through it all,” he added.

The resident revealed that the Chamber of Commerce is drafting a proposal on behalf of the MSME sector with “impactful suggestions” for the Government to consider.

“Our suggestions will focus on what this sector needs to survive and remain competitive, thus, we want to hear from you.”

Questions, concerns and comments can be sent to at provochambertci@gmail.com “Let us remain strong and keep the faith, because, this too shall pass,” Saunders said.

Saunders was voted into the two-year role along with a new board during the chamber’s annual general meeting on January 28 at Chinson’s restaurant, bar and grill in Providenciales.

“The Providenciales Chamber of Commerce takes it commitment to being the voice of the Turks and Caicos business community seriously,” he said.

“We have relaunched with a new president and board focused on engaging, empowering and leading micro, small and medium enterprises to economic stability and prosperity.”

10 OPINIONS NEWS

March 28 - April 3, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Many opportunities arising from the COVID-19 crisis

“ONE brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger but recognise the opportunity” - John F Kennedy In times of crisis we may only see the dangers and hopelessness that come with it because of the uncertainty and fear.

However, despite the negative things associated with a crisis, take some time out and reflect on the opportunities out of it.

Sometimes when we think about opportunities, we may be thinking about monetary stuff.

While this may be true in many cases, there are some opportunities that you can explore or embrace that do not require spending or making money.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO DRAW CLOSER TO GOD This virus has caught all of us with our pants down. No one expected this virus to be so impactful.

The brightest minds in the world cannot figure out how to stop the spread of this virus. Leaders throughout the world who doubted the existence of God are now calling on God. This virus is indeed an opportunity to draw closer to God. We were so caught up in material possessions

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

Drexwell Seymour is a certified public accountant and is the managing partner for HLB TCI. His favourite hobby, however, is writing. He has a personal website, www.drexwellseymour. com, where all of his writings are posted. He also has a YouTube channel where you can find inspirational videos. Drexwell has a BA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance.

and not even checking for God. We were so caught up working every day including Sundays and didn’t have time for God. Now some of the things that we were busy fighting are either reduced or not available.

By having this opportunity of being drawn closer to God we should realise by now that while it is important to plan, our plans are not necessarily God’s plans.

Therefore, stay with God so he can direct you on the plans he has for you.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO UNITE Prior to this virus we were so divided

either over politics, family, race or money. This crisis is an opportunity for us to come to a realisation that the things that divide are meaningless.

This crisis has taught us that this virus does not discriminate so why are we discriminating against each other over politics, family, race and wealth?

We need to come together and forget about the colour of our skin or the party we support.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILY TIME Many of us forgo our family time in pursuit of career and wealth.

Many times, even though we may eventually be physically present

in our homes, we barely know our family because by the time we reach home it is very late and some members of our family are already asleep.

This crisis is forcing us to remain home, and even though some of us will be working from home, we will have an opportunity to spend ample time with our family.

This is an opportunity to renew our commitment to our families.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE CREATIVE In many countries, we were so dependent on tourism. With this crisis, we now have an opportunity to be creative in our business.

We do not know how long this crisis will last but we have an opportunity to develop and create other business opportunities to survive.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPRECIATE THE BASIC THINGS IN LIFE Many times in life, we take so many things for granted. We were taught basic hygiene but we defer from it in this fast world.

We know that fruits and

vegetables are good for us but yet we push them aside to eat and drink so much unhealthy foods and drinks.

We now have an opportunity to practice basic hygiene and to eat healthy food so we can strengthen our immune system.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE If you make the right decisions during crisis, it gives you an opportunity to shine not that you need validation from anyone.

However, many times you may have been overlooked because everything else is going well and when a crisis takes place, most people are fearful.

However, if you can be calm and react effectively during this crisis, this is a great opportunity to shine despite your faults of the past.

The last sentence of the quote by John F Kennedy stated: “In a crisis, be aware of the danger but recognise the opportunity.”

There are always opportunities in every situation. You need to look beyond how things look but rather look ahead as to how you can make things better.

COMMENTARY

The coronavirus – where, how and why?

THE CORONAVIRUS which is running wild has only been with us since January. Where did it come from? How and why?

It has been universally accepted that the source is somewhere in the country of China.

Mankind has been on this earth for thousands of years without this virus. Other virus strains have appeared over the years - remember the swine flu?

This also came from China.

I have never been to China and have no desire to visit, even after the virus is under control.

In the 1960s my neighbour Jerry shared rides to work. Jerry had been a B-24 bomber pilot in WWII. He was based in China for a long period and told me of his experiences.

China was struggling between

communism and democracy during that period. It had been under attack

by Japan. In past years, they did not like the western world, colonialism.

Jerry told of the living conditions the Chinese people suffered. Their outdoor markets had the carcasses of rodents, bats, cats and dogs hanging there for sale.

The farm land fields were rank with the smell of human fertiliser.

Normal life in this huge country.

Post war the communists took over China. Democratic elements moved to the island of Formosa now Taiwan. Mainland communes were set up to produce food. They failed.

Eventually the communist Chinese followed the lead of the Japanese sending industrial spies to USA trade shows. I saw them there.

Post war Japan began to manufacture goods importing to the rest of the world. That began the

downturn of the American/UK auto and appliance industry.

Japan then and now China had lower wages and benefits than other countries and they became the source for manufactured goods.

The Chinese government enforces strict rules for their people. No more than two children per couple and preferably only one baby.

The Chinese folk had been living in poverty for decades and accept tough communist rules.

Because mainland China was communist, the USA shunned them until president Richard Nixon made a historic visit. The flood gates slowly opened up.

Meanwhile back in the USA the unions and government increased wages, benefits and a host of regulations making USA manufacturers non-competitive for long decades.

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 30 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011

Hence today - president Donald Trump!

The Chinese have been buying USA securities, corporations and land. They are active all over the western hemisphere including the TCI. They will loan the USA the dollars needed to deal with the virus. The USA agenda the last three years has been to restart its manufacturing economy. This hurts the Chinese.

Could this be behind the virus? A new type of warfare.

Maybe it’s a Chinese plan or is it just a huge Chinese mistake?

The Chinese claim they have their virus under control. Maybe yes, maybe no.

Is this God’s or Satan’s way of getting the attention of a once Christian population?

The USA, Canada, Middle and South America, Europe and the Caribbean as well.

March 28 - April 3, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

OPINIONS NEWS 11

Combating crimes in the TCI: The conclusion AS WE come to the end of this insightful journey, it is worth reminding the populous that in the process of curbing the crime situation there must be an integrated effort across a spectrum of important players reproducing workable strategies, linkages and networks, and information.

Police are the machinery employed to protect the citizenry from the heinous evil forces of criminal offenders, however despite all the commitment and tactical strategies, the police alone are unable to solve crimes.

Here, the Government must support the peace men by strengthening its judicial system and educating the populous about the impact of crimes to the social,

BY D MARKIE SPRING D Markie Spring, a TCI resident of 15 years, is an expert in law enforcement. He worked as a detective in the Royal TCI Police Force and was director of security at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

political and economic wellbeing to the people of the TCI. To acquire this ideal, the Government must be free from corruption.

Furthermore, the Government is obligated to provide adequate funding, recreational spaces, benefits to the police for their commitment and the right tools for fighting

crimes.

However, there are often gaps which the Government cannot cover in its entirety and therefore, business entrepreneurs in the private sector must step to then plate and invest in the communities in which they operate, allowing individuals to realise their true potential.

Coupled with this, entrepreneurs

are expected to develop programmes to engage youths especially, considering that young people who are focused and engaged are less likely to commit themselves.

It is mandatory that business owners develop internal crime prevention strategies geared toward limiting criminal activities against their person and properties.

And despite these actors coming together, there is still the missing link - the public.

Community members must instantly report all suspicious activities and other criminalities to the police and feed the lawmen with relevant information.

They must be willing to commit themselves to community policing and foster police-citizen relationships.

Like entrepreneurs, residents must create their own home crime prevention strategies to deter and safeguard themselves and their homes from criminal acts.

Still, all the actors must, especially the police, employ methodological designs in the crime fighting process, through extensive training and development of staff and focusing operations on hot spots.

Additionally, rapid response and surveillance can be deployed to gather pertinent information, which can produce quality investigations.

Fighting crimes is everyone’s business and it is critical that each party understands its roles.

Therefore, as in any team setting, the synergies must work hand-inhand to produce greater efficiency.

Where is the Turks and Caicos Islands headed?

PART ONE WHERE is the Turks and Caicos Islands headed? No, really, in all honesty, where is the Turks and Caicos Islands headed?

We have been a colony of Britain going on three centuries, slavishly following their lead with next to nothing to show for it.

They label us one of their overseas dependent territories but there is nothing that we depend on them for.

Truth be told, they have depended on us heavily for arriving at where they have.

Without our salt to ensure food for their conquering redcoats, our sisal to make rope for the ship-of-the-line of their Royal Navy that ‘ruled the seas’, and our strategic geographic location that was a game-changer acquisition for the global powers of the day, the British would have accomplished little in realising the empire that they did.

All this while, with smug faces and sly fox smiles, they made us believe that we ‘depended’ on them

BY BEN ROBERTS

Ben is a Turks and Caicos Islander living in Maryland, USA, and published author of ‘Jackals of Samarra’. He is also a founding member of the NGO Turks and Caicos Forum.

Ben can be contacted at grandt730@aol.com.

and should follow their lead.

We fell for this hook, line and sinker. And we still do to this very day.

Now enter coronavirus. The TCI holds what it billed as a high-level meeting to address this coronavirus threat.

At this meeting is the governor, deputy governor, premier and officials from tourism, health, and other departments. Added to this list were invited guests from Public Health England.

The TCI has high-level medical and health professionals in huge hospital networks overseas. Most notably in the United States.

Yet TCIG officials thought it

better to have useful insight from these visitors an ocean away, rather than their own people.

This is another of many examples where the TCI chooses not to be all that they can be.

The result of this meeting was a TCIG press release claiming that the TCI was coronavirus-free.

What nonsense! How can any country or locale claim to be coronavirus-free without large scale testing, which the TCI has not undertaken?

I took issue with this in a WhatsApp post and two days later the Government announced its first case.

My sources confirm that at that

same time another case became positive, meaning there was coronavirus infection in the TCI even as the Government was claiming it was coronavirus-free.

As of this writing they are claiming five confirmed COVID-19 cases along with eight suspected cases.

Rest assured that the actual cases are way more than this, and the only reason we do not see this is that there is no large-scale testing.

I give, as example, the United States where the numbers are exploding now that testing is underway. They were present all along, just as they certainly are in the TCI. Then comes the curfew in the TCI. What a spectacle!

Now do not get me wrong. A curfew and stay-at-home isolation is very much in order, and is a true and tried tool for combatting a viral epidemic.

However, night one of the curfew saw the governor out on the darkened street in Provo, with TV cameras rolling, as he gave a blow by blow of what was going on.

One would think he was Richard the Lionheart or Sir Lancelot outside in the dark personally battling the coronavirus on behalf of the peoples of the TCI. This was nothing more than imagery and cashing in on good public relations.

It is disingenuous because this governor, and all the others before him, have stood by comfortably numb as our shores have been overrun by an overwhelming wave of illegal migration that can only be termed mass migration.

They have been nowhere to be found during these non-stop waves.

Our border protection is his, and his UK employers, responsibility that they have spectacularly neglected.

But now suddenly they will assist us tooth and nail in this coronavirus assault? Please.

Coming up on three centuries now our TCI and our people should have become good at figuring out the British and their smoke and mirrors.

God help us if we have not by now.

But local representation is so poor that I wonder about this.

12 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 28 - April 3, 2020

TCI locks down to control spread of COVID-19

BY DELANA ISLES ON FRIDAY evening residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands went under a 24 curfew, with minor liberties, to continue for the next three weeks.

The measure comes as the territory works to control the spread of coronavirus and take stock of its current cases.

As the 8pm hour approached, officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), assisted by customs officers, were

out in full force ensuring compliance.

Governor Nigel Dakin reported that despite the few who were noncompliant with the 8pm to 5am curfew on Thursday, the response and compliance of the general public was commendable.

“I visited the checkpoints across Provo. As the police were prepositioning the roads were busy (people getting home)…that very quickly changed, by 8.15pm the roads were all but empty.

“By 9pm I had moved to the

CCTV suite and surveying Provo the roads were empty.”

The governor said this gave the police the opportunity to focus on the small number who did not comply with the curfew. Arrests were made.

“That was exactly the start the country needed,” he said.

Observing that these are extraordinary times, Governor Dakin said that the curfew is in place to save lives, “rich and poor, old and young (although with a very strong emphasis on our most senior

citizens) from an invisible menace”.

He said it is a curfew that is going to hold because it is one the territory appears to understand is needed.

“It’s strong medicine that’s powerful but tastes awful. There’s not much to sugar coat it except that this course of medicine only lasts three weeks - and we are taking it with our friends and family to look after ourselves and those we love.

“It’s good for us in ways we have yet to properly understand,” he added.

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting also thanked residents for adjusting to what he referred to as the “new normal”.

“On Wednesday, March 25, the governor and premier said we needed to shut down and here we are on our first day of the 24-hour curfew with our streets essentially empty.

“This is remarkable, and I want to thank all of you for that,” the commissioner said on Saturday morning.

He reminded residents to take

March 28 - April 3, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Deserted TCI streets during the first days of lockdown

the necessary precautions to protect themselves: “Remember to practice proper hand washing, in addition to all advice given by the Ministry of Health.

“Thank you for your commitment to keeping your family and friends safe. Staying home can save a life.”

Throughout the week, police and Government officials have been providing updates on the compliance, which to date remains steady and respectful of the officers manning the streets.

EXERCISE TIME Earlier this week, reports were made of a few persons conducting activities that were not allowed, especially when it came to exercising and what is allowed and what is not and when

those activities are to be conducted.

To clear all misconceptions Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson advised that during the curfew residents are allowed to exercise away from their yards between 5am and 9am and 5pm to 7pm for no more than one and a half hours per day, alone or together with one other member of their household.

Residents are allowed to run, walk or cycle; they are not allowed to drive to any destination to exercise.

Residents are also prohibited from taking their boats out onto the water any time during the lockdown.

Any other outings are only for accessing essential services, the list of which has been shared widely with the public.

Governor Nigel Dakin surveys the streets of Providenciales from the CCTV control room as the territory goes under curfew

NEWS 13

14 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 28 - April 3, 2020

The economy opportunity of the moment IN THESE difficult times when we know that economic hardships have to be countered and solutions need to be found, there are realistic opportunities.

There is one development model that may be the solution to contribute to three needs that are important under the current and short term circumstances: -A desperate need for income when employment is not available.

-A cornerstone for diversification of an economy.

-Rejuvenating or strengthening the middle class.

It may come in two steps: The first step would be the development of ‘home industry’, originally called ‘cottage industry’ and sometimes mentioned as ‘domestic system’.

In some forms it already existed in the 15th century.

A cottage industry is an industry which includes people working from their homes producing individual articles from raw materials.

A cottage industry should serve a market that seeks out original, handcrafted products as opposed to mass-produced, name brand products.

These can include anything from clothing (maybe Caribbean summer fashion) items to crafts (eg. souvenirs to be sold to tourists and visiting guests) or decorative home furnishings and art.

There as many possibilities as there is creativity, ambition and passion.

There is an opportunity for

CDR BUD SLABBAERT Commander Bud Slabbaert from Sint Maarten is the initiator and chairman of the Caribbean Aviation Meetup conferences.

Throughout his professional activities, he was involved in international aviation promotion, development and management matters in the region and in Europe.

recently unemployed persons to turn a hobby into a home business or take a skill acquired from their previous job and go out on their own in a different setting and take self-control of their path of life and income.

One advantage of the cottage industry system is that the workers can pursue their activity at their own speed while at home.

There is a simple motive for being more productive - it generates more income. What is produced in the home, can be done in cooperation with several family members.

It can be done while the baby is sleeping or grandma is watching the kids, or it can even be done by a grandma who normally would not be part of the workforce anyway.

The workers don’t have to travel from home to work and they can also spend time for household tasks.

There are many variations possible.

There is a hunger for foreign investment.

However foreign investment also means that the

Bud has written numerous articles and columns for international and regional magazines.

As a specialist in strategic communication, he aims to ensure that the essential information is noticed by the senses, sticks in the mind, and affects thinking, behaviour, or activities of an audience.

profits will go abroad.

Investment is usually seen as finance capital. It may be overlooked that locations already do have their own capital, human capital.

Without having the human capital available, foreign investment may not be possible. It may be wise to look at things more from the human capital perspective.

Not to ignore that depending on the size and geography of a territory the cottage industry gives access to a rural labour force or a labour force that could not fit into business employment models.

It would also fit in the concept that employment should preferably go to the local or native islanders.

Depending on what the cottage industry intends to be producing, it may less depend on seasonal influences but rather focus on yearround production activities.

The second step would be to organise these cottage industry workers in a workers-cooperative or

co-op.

A co-op is an independent association of persons who are voluntarily united to meet their common economic needs through a jointly owned enterprise.

Cooperative businesses are typically more economic resilient than other forms of enterprise and have better changes of success and survival than start-ups of individuals.

Cooperatives often have social goals which they aim to accomplish by investing a proportion of trading profits back into their communities.

A cooperative is not just a union of the cottage workers but also of people with other skills that are needed and who would be encouraged to join (eg. administration/accounting, marketing/sales, purchasing).

When the work is done at home, the product would have to be brought to a central place of business or marketplace.

The products could be shipped to another market which could further

export and inter-island trading in the region, which are also beneficial to an island economy (export-import balance).

In a ‘domestic system’ travelling agents or traders would tour the home-workshops, supplying the raw materials and collecting the finished goods. This would all be part of a coop activity.

Don’t think low of cooperatives.

Ding-ding. There are 2.6 million cooperatives in the world creating over 250 million jobs. Over one billion people are members of a cooperative.

The largest 300 co-ops in the world have a turnover of $2.53 trillion. Ding-dong.

Cottage industries have always played a significant role in the economies of developing countries and were an important source of employment.

In the current and developing fragile socio-economic situation, developed countries will have to redevelop themselves almost as if they were developing countries.

The model of developing a cottage industry combined with a coop organisation is a feasible solution that may be sustainable and have long-term benefits for an economy and its community.

And now is the right time to pursue it, or at least to be explored by governments in need of finding solutions for the likely effects of recession.

A war on two fronts: Beat COVID-19 and secure our borders LET us be frank with our people, we are at war.

With Cabinet being our generals, led by the governor and advised by the National Security Council and the Ministry of Health, we must use our strengths to win this war.

Everywhere in the world it’s becoming clear that fighting this virus is not only fought by healthcare, but by the decisions of each and every individual to follow protocol whom I applaud, hence the decision to hold the line.

When I say hold the line, I mean to prevent the spread of the virus.

Given our present limited ability to effectively respond to a potential surge in COVID-19 cases, the right call was made to close our borders and impose a 21 day 24-hour curfew.

I have no doubt that we as a people have the discipline, determination and dedication to abide by the curfew and win the war against COVID-19.

However, illegal entry into our country jeopardises the success of

the hard but necessary measures that we are abiding by.

Presently the Dominican Republic has over 1,100 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and we have seen Haitian nationals returning to Haiti trying to escape the virus outbreak in the DR. Haiti’s health minister said the country now has confirmed 16 cases of the coronavirus, and currently has 445 people in quarantine.

Haitian nationals are increasingly worried about the country’s ability to fight the pandemic, which continues to claim lives even in nations with stronger health systems.

There is also growing concern about the virus’ impact on an already fragile economy.

Within the first four days of our nationwide lock down, the battle to combat illegal entry seems to be poorly fought.

Having had a fast boat seized with nearly $1 million in illicit drugs and dangerous ammunition on board,

BY JAMELL ROBINSON Jamell has 14 years of public and private sector experience in leadership roles and holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from McGill and Coventry Universities. He describes himself as an “inspirational, skilled, energetic and action-oriented” member of the community.

and subsequent successful landings of two sloops with an untold number on board, the question remains, what are our leaders doing to win the battle against illegal entry?

To make matters worse, it is alleged that someone went as far as damaging the RTCIPF CCTV equipment in the Northwest Point area.

This truly feels like an invasion at a time when we are most vulnerable while the country is tucked away in isolation.

We are trusting our leaders to protect us and to preserve this great nation but how long can we

hold our trust when they are failing repeatedly?

This is not a time of fear, this is not a time of reservation, this is a time of war. War against the virus and war against an illegal invasion.

Strong leadership requires strong decisions. While I am aware that the governor has wartime experience, and I see the value in this, this is no time for the minister of immigration to duck, this is no time for the premier to duck, this is no time for Cabinet to duck.

Step up to the plate or leave the table, the Government is not a meal

ticket, it is a chance to deliver and when you cannot deliver you should do the honourable thing.

On a side note, but very relevant and critical to our economy and our people, is the issue surrounding small businesses and their ability to sell food.

I can assume the rationale behind the governor’s decision to limit vendors, however he and his team of advisors must consider the consequences (both intended and unintended) of such a decision.

I would like to say to the governor, if you are going to use your emergency powers use it all the way.

If you are going to limit the pool of vendors, in addition to giving concessions on certain goods, then fix the price of those goods.

If you are going to take over the market, then take it over all the way.

To our people I say continue to stay home, to front liners I say be brave and stay safe, to our leaders I say lead, and to us all I say pray for Turks and Caicos Islands.

March 28 - April 3, 2020

NEWS 15

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Updated gaming legislation Stimulus package is to benefit more Islanders smoke and mirrors PART ONE Dear Editor I sat and waited patiently to see what would this Government’s so-called stimulus package would look like.

When it was finally announced, I like other citizens was curiously optimistic that it would provide the type of relief our people need and rightfully deserve.

As details of the plan were revealed by the premier, I carefully examined the entire stimulus programme giving the Government the benefit of the doubt.

After analysing it closely, the conclusion that I have come to is that this sham of a plan is purely smoke and mirrors.

The reality is that there is not much in it for Turks and Caicos Islanders.

While the gesture of $1,200, at first sight may seem generous, we have to put that into its true context.

First of all, this is a one-time payment and we do not know how long this crisis will last.

Secondly, it targets the hospitality workers, in particular, leaving other sectors uncovered.

Unfortunately, in our country, 90 percent of the hospitality workers are not from here so many may just collect the cheque and leave this country resulting in us as a nation reaping no benefit.

Thirdly, the red tape that has been wrapped around this money will mean that it will take a long time for anyone to get it, if they get it at all.

The stimulus package for selfemployed persons and small to medium businesses is in the same category, being very difficult to access.

The last few years under this administration has been very hard on the small businessman.

Many are fighting tooth and nail just to keep their doors open.

I am sure most small business don’t have their NIB or NHIP paid up to date.

So, while they may truly be hurting, this alone is a gigantic obstacle that will bar them from receiving the aid.

What is abundantly clear however and extremely easy to access is the stimulus that provides for 50 percent reduction in stamp duties and three months’ exemption from import duties.

So it does not matter if a developer or ex-pat is up to date with NHIP or behind on NIB there is no qualifier, there is no bar and

Former premier Michael Misick says the new stimulus package is a sham

no hindrance - just a big sweet free for all for import, stamp duty breaks and tax holidays.

In my view this is unnecessary.

We are giving away monies that could be used to help the poor.

The same people who were given renovation tax holidays after the hurricane are the same people that will get the holiday again.

Think about it, we did not have a hurricane, so why is there a need for repairs?

Noticeably absent from the stimulus package is help for the people that would need it the most.

The poor, the unemployed, the youth and the elderly. It is my view that all adult citizens should get this payment of $1,200 whether working or not. $1,200 is too small as it should be at least $1,500 per citizen.

The old folks on retirement pension should get it as well as the young mothers without jobs. There should also be made provision for children.

Every Turks and Caicos Islander child in my view should get a $500 payment to sustain them during these times. They too need food and supplies.

Instead of giving stamp duties and duty-free concessions to the rich and the building material companies that will buy and stock up to sell at regular prices, I believe a better way to help our citizens is for the Government to forgive and forgo all back fees on Government leased land to Islanders and award them freehold titles at no cost.

Furthermore, all of the land that interim Governments and their so-called ‘recovery team’ have taken from Turks and Caicos Islands should be returned so that Islanders can build their dream home or business and be empowered.

Michael Misick, Providenciales

BY OLIVIA ROSE THE GOVERNMENT has updated critical legislation in the gaming sector to allow more Belongers to benefit.

This was revealed by Hon. Ralph Higgs, minister with responsibility for the gaming sector, during an interview on Radio Turks and Caicos (RTC) on February 17.

According to Higgs, the complete overhaul is aimed at putting the sector back into the hands of Turks and Caicos Islanders.

He said: “In the past, many Turks and Caicos Islanders got licences to operate gaming parlours or casinos and as soon as they fell on hard times they sold it out.

“So a lot of the operations here are headed by expatriates. This new law now puts it back in the control of Turks and Caicos Islanders.”

He explained that only huge global gaming companies will be able receive gaming licences without involving an Islander.

“If you are a big international casino company spending tens of millions in investment, you will not require a Turks and Caicos Islander to be a part of your business.

“But every other element of gaming is reserved for Turks and Caicos Islanders.”

He noted that due to the amendments, residents will be able to own and operate even bigger casinos and game parlours.

“There is a class of casino licence…that we’ve reduced the barrier to entry, where TC Islanders could aspire to have a stand-alone casino akin to something like Casablanca.

“These are big improvements in the gaming sector trying to bring it back into the hands of Turks and Caicos Islanders.”

Higgs also revealed that the Gaming Inspectorate, which was a government department, has now evolved into the Gaming Commission which will be a statutory board.

“We have appointed commissioners. They’re going about doing their work. They’ve identified a proper office space. It’s going to be a total rebranding of that sector.”

He said since coming to office the Government has revolutionised the way gaming is done locally.

“You will no doubt be aware that in 2018 we passed the biggest overhaul of the gaming sector in terms of legislations in this country.”

These changes were made in an effort to ensure that compliance with the international obligations are adhered to, Higgs said.

“We believe it will be more organised, more transparent. You will see even bigger international players attracted to Turks and Caicos for gaming purposes.

“The 2018 gaming control bill was passed through the House and is now being enacted as the law of the land.”

Hon. Ralph Higgs is the minister with responsibility for the gaming sector

He reminded that gaming is a big revenue earner for the Government, however it attracts the attention of the international community due to money laundering concerns.

“Gaming is associated with many illicit types of activities, so it’s a very highly regulated or observed activity.

“In Turks and Caicos, because we’re part of a global village, we are subject to the same rules and regulations placed on gaming around the world.”

He stressed the importance of the Government taking steps to ensure all gaming activities are regulated and transparent to avoid money laundering, terrorist financing and other illicit activities.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to pass the legislation for us to achieve that. The regulation is being drafted now and will come into force.”

The minister revealed that another significant aspect of the reform targets addiction issues faced by players.

“In our country we do have persons who have challenges with gaming like addiction so the law provides mechanisms to address that.

“If you feel like you have problems with gaming you can report it to the gaming authority yourself and they will take the necessary steps to try and help you.”

He added: “Under the law, family members if they feel you’re being abusive, addicted or destructive in your behaviour as it relates to gaming, the law makes for provisions where they can have the authorities intervene.

“Because one of the things we don’t want is a situation where our own people become victims of gaming.”

Students get free access to online study platform FOR the next two and a half months, students in the TCI will have unlimited free access to the virtual education platform Flow Study.

The web-based tool offers a wide array of content enabling pupils aged five to18-yearsold to continue their studies at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday (April 1), Flow’s communications executive Darron Hilaire Junior explained that access is available through www.flowstudy.co or the Flow Study app until June 15.

He said the offer came about through a partnership between Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation (CWCF) and One on One Educational Services.

More than 7,000 students across the Caribbean will benefit from the deal regardless of their telecommunications operator.

Hilaire described it as “great news for students across the Caribbean and more importantly, the Turks and Caicos during these unprecedented times”.

Cell phone data usage for Flow mobile customers will be zero-rated.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 28 - April 3, 2020

Living under lockdown, dos and don’ts - Governor explains

BY DELANA ISLES EXTRAORDINARY circumstances, such as the one the Turks and Caicos Islands and the rest of the world is going through, require perseverance, adaptability and a positive spirit.

These attributes are especially important now that the territory is in the first week of a three week, 24hour curfew.

So how do we live under lockdown? Governor Nigel Dakin offered some helpful tips this week.

LIVING UNDER NATIONAL LOCKDOWN The default position is that people should be in their homes or in their yards. They should be selfquarantined with just their family or those with whom they share a household.

“Why this sacrifice? Because first of all it protects us all from all others.

The less time we spend in each

other’s company, the less chance of exposure,” the governor explained.

Set against this, if one family member becomes ill, it will be straightforward to isolate that person and for health professionals to go on to understand and monitor the small number of people with whom the new patient has come into contact.

“We are attempting to stop the spread and if we can’t stop all the spread, then isolate it.”

He said the ideal of course is that residents all hunker down in their homes for three weeks - never emerging.

“Of course, we know you can’t live your life totally isolated in this way. Food and water are required for life. Exercise is required as much for mental as physical wellbeing. So the laws allow for this.”

However, he noted that even in the best of times, laws find it difficult to legislate for every eventuality.

“Each one of you has unique

circumstances. On this we have to rely on your personal judgment. We have to rely on your common sense.”

SUPERMARKETS, BANKS, GAS AND WATER Residents are allowed to go to the supermarket, bank, gas station or water provider. However, the governor advises that this leeway is not an opportunity for multiple trips.

“Keep coming back to what we need to achieve - a dramatic reduction of movement and interaction on the Islands.

“This is not a family outing. One person in the car, one person per family at the supermarket or outlet.”

He said if residents cannot achieve this, then they will need a good reason to give a police officer who will use their judgment.

“The supermarkets are by far the place where the largest congregation CONTINUED 

18

Governor Nigel Dakin

Budget gets a crime fighting boost URGENT measures to curb the levels of violent crime in the TCI were announced by the premier, following the territory’s fifth murder this year.

Sharlene Cartwright Robinson hosted a joint press conference with Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting and Governor Nigel Dakin at the Office of the Premier on March 18.

They gathered in the Providenciales venue just hours after Acyjeune Brunorlien, 57, was shot dead during a home invasion in Five Cays. It was the third murder in just eight days.

“Any death by a violent and senseless act must be condemned and I will continue to condemn such acts,” the premier said.

“I want to begin by offering my sympathy to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this way and particularly to the families of the latest three victims.

“While all grieving is different, I do have an idea of how hard a loss is under these circumstances, having last year, loss my brother to a senseless violent act in Nassau, Bahamas.

“The truth is, countries as small as us feel these losses even more and we quickly recognise that there are two serious losses in the small population: the victim and also the perpetrator.

“The law and the enforcement of the law must be priority, but again, we in our various respective roles are also trustees of the law and are partners in the enforcement of it.”

She insisted the Government has

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting, Governor Nigel Dakin and Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson

not shied away from resourcing the police force at the requested levels through regular appropriations and supplementary appropriations.

“The police must be armed with the manpower, equipment and other resources in this fight against crime,” she said.

Cartwright Robinson went on to announce nine measures included in the upcoming budget to fight crime in the territory.

The first is the establishment of a Coordinated Response Team at political and operational level in a rescue effort for youth at risks and

engaged in criminal activities.

The second is an increase in guidance counsellors at primary and high school levels.

The premier revealed that a psychologist dedicated to HM Prison alone will be funded by the Government along with an urgent review of the Parole Programme.

Funding for training police school liaison officers and community projects will be paid for under community policing.

The budget will also include expanded programmes under the Chance for Change Programme.

“The instituting a survey for school-aged children about issues affecting them and results from this survey will be used to create further programmes to combat issues,” the premier said.

“Please remember that we are also benefiting from the information gathered by the Hon. Karen Malcolm and the Youth Department from the completed Youth Listening Tours and we have on island our youth policy consultant.”

Other measures include strengthening social workers’ presence at schools, strengthening

the role of the Mental Health Department and strengthening the entire probation system.

During the press conference Commissioner Botting announced that 12 trained and highly experienced firearms officers will be drafted to double the size of the force’s Tactical Unit.

“I am more than pleased with the UK’s continued support and today’s announcement is another demonstration of their commitment to helping us in this fight,” the premier said.

While the Government’s partnership with the UK and with regional and international bodies and governments is strong, Cartwright Robinson stressed that this is all at a macro level.

“We continue to appeal to you our citizens to help in this fight whether as a parent, a school teacher, a guidance counsellor, a prison officer, a pastor, a Sunday school teacher, a volunteer, a community or national leader or as a good corporate citizen.

“We require a joined-up approach as we fight for the TCI we wish to see but equally as we fight to save our young men in many respects from themselves.”

She said that there will be many opportunities for everyone to participate at individual as well as collective levels and “it is my prayer that we heed the call and respond positively”.

“I invite residents to please respond positively when the time comes to help. With all hands on deck, we can achieve what we all desire.”

March 28 - April 3, 2020

NEWS 17

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

THE SALT CAY NOTE

The donkey dawn parade takes over Observations from Salt Cay on lockdown WHAT a difference a week makes. Whereas last week’s Salt Cay Note dealt with social distancing on, as one reader put it “the great island of paradise and friendship”, no sooner had we gone to print, a countrywide lockdown came into effect. More on that in a moment.

So while I had written that “the Salt Cay Ferry still makes its three weekly trips to Grand Turk. Lionel the fisherman still goes fishing, the donkeys and cows still roam around the island...” and that basically things on Salt Cay were more or less back to normal, one week on that’s no longer the case.

We too, like the rest of the country, are on lockdown or as the bureaucrats will have it ‘shelter in place’.

So, no, until further notice the ferry is not making its regular trips, Lionel is not fishing and as for those cows and donkeys, they’ve pretty much taken over.

In fact, they probably can’t believe their luck- not a human, annoying car or buggy to be seen all day!

It’s probably just me but I do get the distinct impression that the donkeys are becoming bolder by the day.

This is where I ask readers to forgive a slight digression, as I make a general observation about the Government’s decision to implement a rigorous lockdown.

Well done! Not only was the decision tough as it is on all of us, the right one, but the speed and efficiency

BY TITUS DE BOER

Titus was born in Hamburg and has lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands since 1989.

He works as a general business consultant and has been based in Salt Cay since 2016.

with which it was implemented was exemplary and I think some governments around the world can learn a lesson or two from the way the TCI has thus far handled this unprecedented crisis.

Turks and Caicos Islands citizens (be it by birth or by choice) have every reason to be proud of their country.

We are all in this together and if we manage to control the outbreak, ‘flatten the curve’, by staying home as ordered then hopefully we will be spared the human tragedies we are currently witnessing around the world.

We’re not out of the woods as yet, but for now well done Turks and Caicos, especially the men and women of the police force, doctors, nurses and yes all the hard-working staff in the stores around the country who literally ‘keep the shop open’ for all of us. Thank you!

Back to those rambunctious donkeys. This morning, as their dawn parade made its way past my dwelling, I was experiencing writers block. I wasn’t motivated.

These things happen and even though life on Salt Cay is currently far from stressful, there is that daily barrage of bad news from around the world, worries about loved ones overseas, indeed worries about one’s own business and the economic future of the country.

People these days have a lot on their minds. And who can blame them, with the endless hours cooped up at home and

yes, plenty of time to think.

Just as I was contemplating ‘stuff’ a fellow Salt Cay resident walked by briskly, making use of the officially allotted time for exercise.

We exchanged a few words (at the prescribed safe distance) and I informed him that I was struggling with my column.

He agreed that it wasn’t easy to be motivated and with that he walked away.

After 20 minutes the same gentleman rematerialized.

“You have to write that column. For your readers. Now more than ever they need to hear from Salt Cay. It’s a source of happiness and inspiration, so go and write!”

And write I did. So this week’s column is dedicated to him and that donkey dawn parade which, no doubt, will be parading long after we’ve sent the coronavirus packing.

18 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

COVID-19 UPDATE AND PREVENTION TIPS

March 28 - April 3, 2020

Living under lockdown, dos and ...

CONTINUED FROM 

16

of people will now be, so help them and help others by seriously reducing the footfall.”

He advised that if stopped by a police officer on the way to the supermarket or vendor, except to have details taken, this includes home addresses.

“You will need to be on the road between your home and the supermarket, bank, gas station or water vendor, or vice versa.

“Retain the receipt from the supermarket, water vendor or gas station and keep it at home as proof you did indeed visit the outlet on that day, at around that time.”

He advises that the police have to use their judgement and will, and residents should not expect to be able to say they are going to get ‘gas’ when they have fuel in the car that is not close to empty.

“I say this for the one percent who we know will not follow any guidelines and will just be permanently selfish looking to stretch the rules to suit themselves.”

He reminded that there are special provisions in the regulations from 6am to 8am for seniors, disabled persons and essential workers to use the stores.

“Please do take advantage of that.”

For more information visit the Ministry of Health website www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus, email covid19@gov.tc If you or someone you know has symptoms or signs of COVID-19 call the hotline numbers 232-9444 or 333-0911.

RECREATION The governor is advising residents to use tremendous common sense and self-judgement in their recreational activities.

“First, no driving to your place of recreation. Second, you can do this with those you are in the same household with or in a solitary way.

This includes dog walking; do it from your home please.

“Third, the public beaches are closed.”

He added that the closure of the beaches is to prevent residents from flocking to those locations, as have been witnessed in some parts of the United States.

All churches have also been closed.

“We of course didn’t do this lightly. In a Christian country this is a significant step. We also understand that some churches are better suited than others with regard to their ability to control numbers and social distancing.”

Many church leaders in the territory have taken to sharing their sermons with their congregation online.

“I’d say only that church isn’t a building, church is a community and a congregation, and at present community - particularly when bringing together very different age groups from multiple different family units - is the one thing we must prevent.” the governor noted.

He added: “I spoke with Bishop Bryant Cox of the Christian Council this morning thanking him - and all church leaders - for the church’s leadership in this area.”

March 28 - April 3, 2020

NEWS 19

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

New chief justice takes the bench

BY DELANA ISLES JUSTICE Mabel Agyemang, a Ghanian judge of the highest calibre, officially took up her post as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands on April 1.

Joining her on the judicial bench this past Wednesday was former Chief Magistrate Tanya LobbanJackson.

Lobban-Jackson, a native of Jamaica, now serves as a judge of the Supreme Court.

The two were sworn in by Governor Nigel Dakin on Monday (March 30) at the Governor’s Office in Providenciales.

Commenting on the appointment via his Instagram page, Governor Dakin stated: “An enormous privilege to do this - under the strangest of circumstances - but we now have a top team at the top of the judiciary.

“And I can say that because the acting Chief Justice, Justice Shiraz Aziz, who will now work with the new Chief Justice and Judge Jackson, has been exemplary while acting in the top job.”

The governor said that with Justices Agyemang, Aziz and Lobban-Jackson on the Supreme Court bench, the TCI now has a strong team going forward, and an uplift from two to three judges.

Chief Justice Agyemang was chosen from a cadre of seven candidates who were interviewed by the Judicial Services Commission.

There were no applications from

local candidates for the position of chief justice, which was advertised internationally.

She brings to the post an impressive portfolio having worked as a Superior Court Judge in three commonwealth jurisdictions Ghana, Gambia and Swaziland.

Her role in Gambia is one of the more significant moments in her judicial career.

During her tenure as Chief Justice of Gambia from 2013 to 2014, Justice Agyeman stood up to an autocrat – one of Africa’s most notorious strongmen – Yahya Jammeh, whose 22 year rule only ended in 2017.

“Through integrity and courage, she attempted to protect the judiciary from an overarching executive,” Governor Dakin said in praise of her actions, earlier in February.

Meanwhile, Judge LobbanJackson is no stranger to the Supreme Court as she has filled in as judge on several occasions since her appointment to the TCI judiciary in 2016.

She brought with her 18 years of prosecutorial experience in the Jamaican and the Cayman Islands judiciaries - particularly in the Magistrate’s Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of those two countries.

She is trained in the areas of child safeguarding, human trafficking, money laundering and case management.

Judge Lobban-Jackson has been

Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang, Governor Nigel Dakin and new Supreme Court Judge Tanya Lobban-Jackson practise social distancing during swearing in ceremony

appointed with tenure until she reaches the age of constitutional retirement.

The two appointments were made on the recommendation of the

judicial services commission who advised the governor.

They are Justice Sir Michael Barnett, a former Chief Justice of the Bahamas and now a judge on

the Appeal Court of the Bahamas, Justice Hilary Philips, president of the Court of Appeal of Jamaica, and Justice Zaila McCalla a former chief justice of Jamaica.

Contract to be awarded for new South Caicos Airport A LONG-awaited agreement has now been struck to get the ball rolling on the construction of the facilities at the South Caicos Airport.

At a recent Cabinet meeting, the project was among several others that was given the greenlight.

The procurement process has been completed, a preferred bidder has been identified and a contract is now to be prepared and executed, Premier Sharlene Cartwright reported on Thursday (April 2).

In speaking about the process, the premier shared how elated she was at the number of projects that have reached this stage, particularly South Caicos Airport’s new terminal building.

Upon completion, the facilities will house firefighters, air traffic controllers and other staff.

“This is the best news that I can give the people of South Caicos who recently saw the destruction of the temporary structure lost to

fire,” she said.

She noted that a new airport terminal for South Caicos has been underway for over a decade and has seen serious challenges with an unfinished controversial structure.

More recently challenges arose from the termination of the procurement process by former Governor John Freeman in early 2018 due to flaws in the process.

“I am happy that my Government has been able to finally advance this project to the stage where we are about to execute an agreement,” she said.

The premier stated that South Caicos is already enjoying over $10 million in government funded projects and this now takes it over $20 million in investments in the past four years.

“There is much to be done on this island which has not enjoyed serious government investment over many years,” she said.

She added that with a growing tourism sector, a new airport terminal will lift the

image of the island, as the Government, through district administration, addresses the day to day challenges of maintaining the island’s natural and man-made environment.

The project is scheduled to be completed in 18 months, and in the meantime, the Government will create a temporary facility to accommodate staff and visitors.

The TCI Airports Authority has seen an aggressive capital programme over the past four years and it includes the purchase of fire trucks and modern equipment, repair works to the JAGS McCartney International Airport on Grand Turk, major works to the Salt Cay aerodrome and terminal, the fire hall in Grand Turk, an office block for Providenciales staff and a combined services building for firefighters and air traffic controllers on Providenciales.

Premier Cartwright Robinson said the authority continues dialogue on a joint venture proposal for the airport on North

Caicos and is advancing the early stages of work for a new airport terminal on Providenciales.

“As minister with responsibility, I am happy to have been able to approve such critical investments and I must celebrate the TCI Airport Authority staff for the remarkable achievements in capital investment that will enhance experiences for employees and the travelling public.”

She recalled the protest put on earlier this year by air traffic controllers for better working conditions and pay, stating: “We are happy to be the Government that will deliver.

“The combined services building for the firefighters and air traffic controllers has advanced to contract stage and will provide a more conducive work environment for these critical staff.

“The work of persons at and around the airport is critical and we are happy to support them.”

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

THE WRITING NOOK  Creatively accessing your words through knowledge, vision and wisdom

Planning your writing IN THE last article we focused on ‘Defining your writing goals’ using the SMART strategy. This week will be centred on taking the next step and beginning to plan your writing.

No matter which genre, style or category you choose to write in, planning is an important step.

Here are some tips for planning your next masterpiece: WHAT DO I NEED TO THINK ABOUT WHEN PLANNING? When planning a new piece of writing, you need to think about why you are writing and who will be reading it. You also need to think about how you are going to plan.

There are different ways to plan a piece of writing. You could: -Write a list of ideas or points.

-Draw a picture such as a spider diagram or mind map.

-Write your ideas on sticky notes.

With each of these planning ideas you can decide how to organise your ideas and put them in the order that makes sense for you.

You can also use your ideas to plan your writing in paragraphs.

You can plan on your own or you might find it useful to plan with a friend or colleague.

WRITE ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW Beginner writers always get told ‘write what you know’, but it’s good advice.

Use settings, characters, background and language that you’re already familiar with and create new stories from the world that you already know.

This is like using research you’ve already done. And remember, your background, what you bring to the act of writing, is as valid as what anyone else can bring.

WRITE ABOUT WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW Use your imagination to create new situations, new characters, new relationships, even new worlds.

Choose to write about a different period in history or a place that you’re not familiar with. Where your imagination needs help, fill in the gaps with research.

The best thing about being a creative writer is creating.

READ WIDELY AND WELL

BY TATIANA HANDFIELD

Tatiana Handfield is a trained English language and literature high school teacher, an author and a poet who enjoys teaching and nurturing young people to embrace and enhance their creative abilities.

Handfield has penned two book series and a magazine: Merilla City (a children’s adventure story), the TCI Word Search Puzzle Book and the Let’s Create TCI Youth Magazine.

She was recently shortlisted for the London Book Fair Trailblazers Award 2020.

As the owner and creative director of local independent publishers Cyril and Dorsie Publishing, she hopes to gather and share the stories of the TCI with the world.

Writers love reading. Make yourself familiar with the published landscape of writing in your chosen field, whether it’s modern poetry, literary fiction, thrillers, short stories or fantasy.

Nothing encourages good writing like reading good writing.

they say it, their choice of words, their accents, their verbal habits.

Readers should be able to do the same with fictional characters.

People on the page really start to live when they start exchanging dialogue.

HOOK YOUR READERS Nobody is forced to read your novel or short story, so it’s important to hook readers right away.

Your opening sentence or paragraph should encourage them to continue, perhaps by making them laugh or exciting their curiosity or just making them want to find out what happens next.

Too much description, too many adjectives and adverbs, can slow up your narrative and cause your readers to lose interest.

Where possible, it’s better to show you readers what a person, the atmosphere in the room, the relationship between your characters is like – show, that is, by what they say, how they interact, what they do.

It’s more effective than telling the reader through wordy piles of information.

Sources: www.bbc.co.uk and www.lexico.com

GET YOUR CHARACTERS TALKING We find out about the people we meet through what they say to us, how

Show rather than tell

March 28 - April 3, 2020

Vandals damage Grand Turk water pipe HOMES on Hospital Road in Grand Turk were without water on Monday (March 30) after vandals damaged the main pipe at the water distribution site.

Police were called to the area at 6am and found the damage at the facility which caused the flow of water to the surrounding area to be halted.

The Department of Water Undertaking commenced its assessment for repairs that day and now has the water flow restored.

“We do apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers, particularly at this time, and thank you for your patience and understanding,” they wrote in a press release on Monday.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force on Grand Turk are investigating the vandalism.

On Tuesday, Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting warned residents against damaging water services extended to the area.

“You must be a heartless individual(s) to do something like this at such a time when water is essential,” he said.

“Have a heart and think about the vulnerable people who need to access this service. Please desist from such despicable acts.

You will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Anyone with information on who may be responsible can call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-8008477.

Virtual learning replaces schools during pandemic STUDENTS across the TCI are continuing their formal education during the three-week lockdown with the help of online learning platforms, the Ministry of Education has said.

Video conferencing programmes are being used to enable teacherstudent and student-student interaction in virtual classrooms while everyone remains at home.

In the absence of these learning experiences, students are working their way through lessons that were given to them in take home packages.

The changes support local efforts to “flatten the curve, stem the spread of the virus and protect the lives of the people of these beautiful shores”, a ministry statement said.

Alternative methods of assessment are also in the pipelines for pupils who are scheduled to complete their formal high school education in July 2020.

And for children in form two who are scheduled to write the social studies paper for the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) programme.

The Caribbean Examinations Council has proposed a revised examinations strategy “to yield valid grades and minimise the disruption to the education system”.

Consequently, the council has made the decision to offer a modified examination process.

This will include the administration of at least one multiple choice paper, and school based assessments (SBA) or paper 032s for private candidates (alternative to SBA).

The final grades will be awarded based on the moderated SBAs and

multiple choice papers.

The following are exceptions where candidates will be required to complete additional components: modern languages, human and social biology and visual arts.

This strategy will employ e-testing (online and offline) in order to reduce exam admin processing time and result in the shortest turnaround time for marking and release of results.

It will provide an opportunity for the timely presentation of grades for admittance to higher education or employment and will minimise disruption in the 2020-2021 academic year.

“While the proposed revised administration schedule for the May/June exams is July 2020, we continue to be guided by national protocols across the region,” the ministry said.

Students and teachers in high schools are encouraged to utilise the CXC Learning Hub – an e-learning platform that provides learners and instructors with a single access point to multiple resources geared towards exam preparation.

The e-learning hub is available at: learninghub.cxc.org Meanwhile, Cambridge and Pearson|Edexcel have cancelled the May/June 2020 sitting of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.

“Whatever happens, both examining bodies have given their assurance that they will use a process that is appropriate and fair,” the ministry’s statement on Tuesday (March 31) said.

March 28 - April 3, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 21

GARDENING 

Victory gardens delicate pea shoots and flowers in a gourmet salad.

Third, avoid salt spray and too much wind. Winter winds in the Islands are often northerly at 20 or 25 miles (or more) per hour.

Winds like that can result in leaf fry on tomatoes or peas. Where you place your garden is important.

Fourth, pay attention to the seasons. It is difficult to garden in the summer as the temperatures are too high and the sun is too hot for any but the heartiest of plants.

Start planting your garden in October and continue through the winter. Rotate your plants.

Mulching until a month before it is time to plant, but organic matter ties up the nitrogen in the soil, so it should not be applied during planting season.

Finally, practice rational gardening. That means plant what you like to eat. Set your garden up the way you want to. Please yourself.

Dehydrate fecund herbs for use during the hot summer months when the ground lies fallow.

Onions, basil, parsley, shallots, oregano, thyme and rosemary all do fine in TCI gardens.

Pesky pests can destroy a garden, I suggested a rainy evening for snail picking. The rogue chickens can be controlled with a fence around the garden.

Gardening in the Islands is not for wimps, but the gardener ends up with organic, local produce, so the hard work of creating a raised garden is worth it.

My next article will be about composting. Until then save and store your kitchen scraps for composting and I will tell you what to do with them.

BY DENIS BELANGER - NATURE SPLENDOR

Denis is a passionate landscape architect who enjoys the creative process and his clients’ joy when projects come to life. Contact Denis at Nature Splendor for your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs.

For more information call 332-3381 or email denis@naturesplendor.net or visit the Facebook page Nature Splendor.

“VICTORY gardens, also called war gardens or food gardens for defence, were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted at private residences and public parks in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Germany during World War I and World War II. “In the wartime, governments encouraged people to plant victory gardens not only to supplement their rations but also to boost morale.” - Wikipedia So, if you’re feeling imprisoned at home and if your income has taken a hit (or will), your gym is closed and you’re looking for other ways to get some exercise, why not gardening?

It can be the one stop answer to all of these pandemic-related concerns, according to some experts.

Now is a good time to start seeds and seedlings indoors to plant outdoors. Veggies planted outdoors in early April will yield edible crops in early-summer.

In addition to supplying your household with fresh produce, gardening can relieve some of the stress of feeling stuck at home.

There’s nothing nicer than eating your own produce and gardening outdoors in sunshine and fresh air is good for mental health in trying times.

Victory gardens can put fresh food on people’s tables it makes people feel less isolated inside and it’s something to do with everyone at home.

You’ve got time to collect seeds from your veggies - tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet or hot peppers, and egg plants - and if you had collected some seeds from basil or others, well it’s time to do something with them.

Here is an old article I wrote about gardening in the Islands: First thing you have to know is that you have to throw out all the advice you get in gardening catalogues when you grow fruit, vegetables and herbs in the TCI, it is hard to garden in here.

There are five important principles to remember when setting up a vegetable garden here.

First, our soil is terrible for growing, and everything is dependent on how good the soil is. We are not in Florida here.

In order to grow well you need about 16 inches of good soil and manure, so a raised bed is a necessity.

Second, sunlight is mandatory. But here in the Islands the sun is little too hot, so it’s better to plant where it is partially shaded.

But don’t plant your tomatoes in a place that shades all day (or most of the day), you still need some sunlight.

Growing lettuce, cherry tomato, eggplant and hot peppers is easy, they grow easily from seed and the gardener can replant them until about mid-April.

If the germination temperature at night is below 65 the lettuce won’t sprout. Most peas, however, must be cooler at night or they won’t germinate.

Don’t forget that you can eat the

Bermuda is a crime fighting success story - premier BEST practices in fighting violent crime will be borrowed from Bermuda and adapted to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson revealed recently.

She made the announcement after returning from a two-day fact-finding trip to the fellow British overseas territory with a multi-disciplinary team earlier this year.

During the visit from February 19 to 22 organised by the Ministry of National Security in Bermuda, the team met with key stakeholders in the national security and education sectors.

On March 18, at a press conference with Police Commissioner Trevor Botting and Governor Nigel Dakin at the Office of the Premier, the premier described Bermuda as a success story.

She added that during the trip her team

was able to review initiatives taken by Bermuda’s government and community to reduce anti-social behaviour and gang related activities.

“I wish to advise that Bermuda’s officials cautioned us as we knew beforehand that this was not an overnight success to achieve zero murders in one year.

“This took over 10 years, but the work of recent years by the Gang Violence Reduction Team headed by a member of the clergy and civilian staff under the Ministry of National Security, has proved extremely effective with its programmes.

“The programmes spread across the whole of society with great emphasis on the education and social services sector.”

The delegation included Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education, Youth,

Culture, Social and Library Services, Director of Education Edgar Howell, probations officer Jaron Harvey and Assistant Commissioners of Police Darron Williams and Kendall Grant.

Ronlee James, Executive Director at the Office of the Premier, Local Government and Community Affairs, and Lareesa Robinson, Executive Administrator at the Office of the Premier were also part of the delegation.

During the visit the delegates paid a courtesy call on the governor of Bermuda John Rankin and the premier of Bermuda David Burt.

The premier and Rankin spoke about best practice exchange between Bermuda and the TCI including in policing, and the wider relationship between the territories.

“We continue in our resolve and

encouraged in our Chance for Change Programme which we found is a very similar to the programme in Bermuda,” the premier said.

“We continue with the ongoing initiatives to find employment, provide skills though our trade school for offenders and those at risk, to strengthen community policing and efforts to bridge the gap between policing and communities, to the realisation of a full redevelopment of HM Prison with a stronger rehabilitative focus, to resource our police with man power and modern equipment as well as our joined-up government/multidisciplinary approach to national security broadly and specifically.”

Plans for a visit to the TCI from Bermuda’s minister of national security and his team are now on hold.

22 NEWS

Anti-human smuggling training continues “LAW enforcement officers must be equipped with the right tools, knowledge and training to combat this growing problem.”

Assistant Director of Immigration Peter Parker was speaking about human smuggling and money laundering as he revealed that extensive training to beat them has taken place recently.

The Immigration Department

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hosted an in-depth session in South Dock, Providenciales, on October 9 and 10 last year and another in South Base, Grand Turk, from March 4 to 6.

Twenty law enforcement officers from the Immigration Department, police force, Customs Department and Customer Service Department participated in the first workshop.

While 30 officers from the police force, Customs Department,

Participants of the anti-money laundering and human smuggling training

Attorney General’s Chambers, Labour Department, Labour Tribunal and Customer Service Department attended the second.

They were facilitated by staff of the Immigration Department, Attorney General’s Chambers and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

During the training sessions participants were introduced to laws

on human smuggling, how to identify a smuggled person and smuggler, and the rights and conventions that govern it.

Other important topics included money laundering and terrorist financing which can also be linked to human trafficking and smuggling.

In a press release on March 20, Parker said: “We cannot avoid the reality and overlook the fact that the

human smuggling and trafficking of persons in the TCI is real.

“There is evidence of such and law enforcement officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands must be equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and training to combat this growing problem.”

The training was in keeping with the standards set by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force.

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Entertainment

JOB OPPORTUNITY The presenter is on the waiting list for a new kidney - meaning he’s at a higher risk of getting severe symptoms from the virus.

Senior Reporter

We're looking for a qualified multimedia reporter who has strong news gathering and writing skills, as well as the ability and enthusiasm to help keep the country's leading newspaper ahead of the pack. The position is available for immediate start and the successful candidate will be joining a small, dedicated team covering a wide range of news and features across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Local knowledge is preferred but not essential. The successful applicant should have had experience with community, court and parliamentary reporting. They will also be expected to take photographs and videos, and use social media.

The salary for this position will be dependent on experience.

Write or email the publisher at

Duncanson.Publications@gmail.com No phone calls please

DJ Ace: High-risk people like me can get coronavirus and be fine BBC 1xtra’s DJ Ace says he’s fully recovered after testing positive for coronavirus.

The presenter is on the waiting list for a new kidney - meaning he’s at a higher risk of getting severe symptoms from the virus.

He’s posted on Instagram reassuring people with underlying health problems that getting Covid-19 doesn’t always mean “the worst case scenario”.

But he stresses it’s important to “do everything [experts] tell you to do”.

Chronic kidney disease is on the list of conditions considered “higher risk” by the government.

Higher risk people are being “strongly advised” to follow social distancing rules.

Ace has been waiting for a new kidney for two years.

This means going to hospital for regular dialysis sessions - where he’s hooked up to a machine that filters his blood.

“You might have noticed I haven’t

been on the radio for the past two weeks,” he says in this latest post.

“It’s because my condition puts me in a high risk and vulnerable category, so I’ve been advised not to go back to work for now.

“But I have had to continue having my dialysis sessions three times a week and about 10 days ago I had fever and I had some real body aches.”

He explains that he was sent to a dialysis session in isolation and was tested for the coronavirus.

Ten days later, he says, that test came back positive.

“I’m just putting this video out there for people who are like me who have underlying health issues to say you can get the virus and you can still be fine,” he adds.

“I had symptoms for like two days, I had fever and I had body aches, I didn’t have the cough and I’ve come out of it very well.”

Following official advice, he’s now gone back into self-isolation.

(BBC)

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Haddish reveals she was paid just $80K for ‘Girls Trip,’ considering different options for sequel FANS of the smash hit romantic comedy “Girls Trip” will be happy to know that its breakout star has set some ideas in motion for a followup.

Tiffany Haddish is open to reuniting with co-stars Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Regina Hall on film, but things will have to be different this go around.

Although Queen Latifah previously said in a People interview that “everybody’s in” and they were “waiting for a script,” some things will have to be realigned.

In an interview with HuffPost, Haddish said during a recent Zoom conference with her co-stars to check in amid the coronavirus crisis, the sequel came up. Universal Pictures was apparently waiting for a script, even though screenwriter Tracy

Oliver had already completed a treatment.

“Then it was like, ‘Oh, you guys want too much money,’” she revealed, adding that she had made just $80,000 for the 2017 comedy, which followed four best friends as they reconnected for their “last hurrah” during a trip to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

The Malcolm D. Lee-helmed sleeper hit, which also starred Larenz Tate, Mike Colter and Kate Walsh, grossed more than $140 million on a reported $20 million budget.

Since then, Haddish has become a household name, releasing a bestselling memoir and winning an Emmy Award for hosting “Saturday Night Live.”

The formerly homeless funnywoman has been on a white-

From left, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish and Regina Hall appear in “Girls Trip.”

hot streak since, starring in the TBS sitcom “The Last O.G.,” the 2018 crime drama “The Kitchen” and Netflix’s recently launched “Self Made: Inspired by the Life of

Madam C.J. Walker.”

Haddish said that on the Zoom chat, all four women decided to blaze ahead on their own and start writing a script together.

“We might decide not to even make it ‘Girls Trip,’” she shared.

“Maybe we’ll do a different story just in case no one wants to make ‘Girls Trip 2.’” (NYDailynews)

Underwood says ‘Bachelor’ helped confirm he’s straight after questioning sexuality COLTON Underwood is getting personal.

The “Bachelor” taught the 28-year-old, “obviously that I’m straight and that I’m very, very attracted to Cassie [Randolph] and women,” Underwood told Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday while promoting his new book, “The First Time: Finding Myself and Looking for Love on Reality TV.” Prior to joining the franchise, Underwood said he “never acted on anything,” but acknowledged, “there [were] questions there” about his sexuality, which he “internalized” or

disregarded by playing football.

“For me, going on ‘The Bachelorette,’ was a way not to be able to run from a relationship, not to be scared, and to open up,” he explained of appearing on Becca Kufrin’s season in 2018. “I’m so grateful to the franchise for helping me grow, but they continued to allow me to have these moments of selfreflection, to realize, ‘Hey, maybe this is why I am the way I am.’”

Though he still finds himself at the center of “gay rumors” even with Randolph, Underwood said, “I can deal with them now.”

Colton Underwood and Cassie Randolph at Vulture Festival on Nov. 9, 2019 in Hollywood.

He added that even being straight, the show taught him, “It would’ve been OK if I was the other way too,” and that being gay doesn’t take away from one’s faith.

“I think that’s like the biggest

message that I have for people,” he said. “I was stuck in a hyper-masculine culture with football, growing up in a conservative, faith-based family.

“If anybody takes anything from this or is going through this, if I

help one young man or one young woman go through something that they’re struggling with, to let them know that they’re not alone, then I consider the book a huge success,” he concluded. (NYDailynews)

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“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star Christopher Meloni will reprise his Elliot Stabler character for a new series.

The 1980s is inspiring pop music once again - and influencing artists who weren’t even born then.

How Dua Lipa and The Weeknd are bringing the 80s back… again “I’M Dua, and I’ll be your instructor today.”

With its lycra, leotards and sweatbands, the workout video for Dua Lipa’s Physical is a camp and colourful homage to the TV exercise classes of the 80s.

The track itself is heavily inspired by the disco and electronica which defined the decade’s sound.

Same goes for the biggest song in the world right now: The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights, with its super synthpop keyboard hook.

The 1980s is inspiring pop music once again - and influencing artists who weren’t even born then.

Its sound can currently be found everywhere in mainstream pop - from Little Mix’s Break Up Song to The 1975’s back catalogue to Heartbreak Weather, the title track from Niall Horan’s new album.

It’s perhaps most obvious throughout The Weeknd’s After Hours, especially in the saxophone crescendo of In Your Eyes.

“For me the definitive 80s sound is a splashy snare and a kick drum with a lot of kick,” says Tim McEwan, one half of US electronic duo The Midnight.

The group have been creating 80s-sounding pop with all the hallmarks of the decade - including big soundscapes, dreamy vocals, and saxophone solos - for years.

Known as Synthwave, it’s a style of electronic music that’s defined the sound of 1980s film and game soundtracks.

Meloni reprising ‘Special Victims Unit’ character for TV spinoff DETECTIVE Elliot Stabler will be back but not with Olivia Benson.

Christopher Meloni is reprising his “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” character in a new spinoff drama series revolving around the New York Police Department’s organized crime unit, reported Deadline on Tuesday.

Details regarding the new series are scarce, including the title, but 13 episodes will be produced, according to Deadline.

It is the first series to get the green light after “Law & Order” creator Dick Wolf signed a lucrative multiplatform deal with Universal Television.

“Chicago P.D.” co-creator Matt Olmstead is believed to be in the running to become the new series’

showrunner, Deadline reported.

Meloni, who played Mariska Hargitay’s cop partner on the longrunning series, exited in 2011 after the 12th season.

His character was written off as having retired from the NYPD. Meloni, who turns 59 on Thursday, received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2006 — the same year Hargitay received her lone Emmy Award.

Prior to playing Stabler, Meloni starred on the 1990s HBO prison series “Oz” as amoral, bisexual serial killer Chris Keller.

After his “SVU” departure, Meloni starred in the fifth season of “True Blood” and, more recently, in the Syfy series “Happy!”

This year’s Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony postponed until 2021 MARIAH Carey, The Isley Brothers, The Eurythmics and other hitmakers will have to wait until next year to be inducted into the 51st Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame.

This year’s honorees, which also includes Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (of NERD), Steve Miller, Rick Nowels and William “Mickey” Stevenson, were set to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 11 in New York City.

Now the induction ceremony has now been postponed to June 10, 2021, at the Marriott Marquis New York, organizers announced Tuesday.

“In facing the reality of the future being unknown and the extraordinary

number of schedules which would have to be rearranged, although sad and very disappointing, it seemed to be more prudent and in the best interests and well-being of everyone, especially our inductees, honorees, and guests to move the 2020 class of inductees and honorees in its entirety to next year’s gala when they can be truly celebrated,” Songwriters Hall of Fame president and CEO Linda Moran said.

Hall of Fame chairman Nile Rodgers added: “We talk all the time about great songs making the world a better place but that’s never been more true than at challenged times like these which are unprecedented.

Carey, who celebrated her 50th

birthday last week, holds the title for most #1 hit songs as a solo artist, with 19 recordings, including “Fantasy”, “Always Be My Baby,” “We Belong Together” and her classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” that just last holiday season made it to the top of the charts for the first time since its 1994 release.

Though she is primarily known as a best-selling vocalist, the New York native is a bonafide songwriter – the majority of her chart-toppers were self-penned.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame postponement comes after Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s decision to move their induction ceremony from May to November of this year.

(NYDailynews)

Mariah Carey attends the premiere of Tyler Perry’s “A Fall From Grace” at Metrograph on January 13, 2020 in New York City.

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Andrew Jack, 76, died in a Surrey hospital on Tuesday.

Coronavirus: Star Wars actor Andrew Jack dies aged 76 AN ACTOR and dialect coach who appeared in Star Wars and worked with A-list celebrities has died after contracting Covid-19, his agent has said.

Andrew Jack, 76, died in a Surrey hospital on Tuesday.

Agent Jill McCullough said she had been inundated with tributes to one of the acting world’s “brightest and clearest voices”.

She said Jack was unable to see his wife in his final days because she was quarantined in Australia.

His acting credits included The Last Jedi and the Force Awakens.

‘WORKING FULL-PELT’ Fellow Star Wars actor Greg Grunberg said he was “devastated”

to learn of Jack’s death, describing him as a “wonderful, talented, beloved gentleman”.

“He is one of the kindest people I’ve ever worked with,” he added.

Jack, who lived on a houseboat on the River Thames, had been “full of life”, “funny, charming and a joy to be around,” his agent said.

“He was still working full-pelt, currently coaching on the new Batman,” she added.

He had been unable to see his wife, fellow dialect coach Gabrielle Rogers, who he was “madly in love with”, because she was “stuck in quarantine in Australia, having just flown in from New Zealand last week,” Ms McCullough said.

(BBC)

Dolly Parton took to Twitter Wednesday to reveal she’ll be donating to Vanderbilt University to further research for a coronavirus cure.

Parton donates $1 million toward coronavirus treatment research at Vanderbilt University THE woman behind “9 to 5” is backing those working 24/7 to find a cure.

Dolly Parton took to Twitter Wednesday to reveal she’ll be donating to Vanderbilt University to further research for a coronavirus cure.

“I am making a donation of $1

million to Vanderbilt towards that research and to encourage people that can afford it to make donations,” Parton, 74, wrote.

The “Jolene” singer explained that her friend Dr. Naji Abumrad is involved in research at the university and let her know, “they were making some exciting advancements

towards research of the coronavirus for a cure.”

On Tuesday, the “I Will Always Love You? songstress posted a thank you video on Twitter to “first responders, servicemen and servicewomen, and health care professionals all around the world.”

(NYDailynews)

K-Pop star sorry for coronavirus April fool’s joke

The singer is best known as a member of the Korean pop groups JYJ and TVXQ.

K-POP star Kim Jaejoong has apologised for posting on Instagram that he was in hospital having contracted Covid-19, admitting it was an April fool’s joke.

The singer told fans he had caught the virus after “ignoring” government warnings and “living carelessly”.

In a subsequent post, he claimed he had simply wanted to raise awareness of the virus.

But the now-deleted joke appears to have backfired with many of his 1.9m followers voicing their disapproval.

“How can you pull a prank like this when the situation right now is so serious?” one fan responded. “It’s really disappointing.”

South Korea was one of the first countries hit by coronavirus, and it is believed to have killed 165 people there so far.

According to some experts the government’s “rapid, intrusive measures,” including strict quarantine and testing have helped to curb the spread.

‘SO SCARED’ Jaejoong, who is best known as a member of the Korean pop groups JYJ and TVXQ, wrote he wanted to “sincerely apologise” for his offensive post, saying he was simply scared that another wave of the virus could yet hit his country.

“It was not right - I know that,” wrote Jaejoong.

“I just wanted to deliver a message that we should all be aware of the risk to minimise the number of victims.

“I’m so scared that there might come the second, the third coronapanics caused by outdoor activities and contact in closed spaces.”

He added: “So, I think we all need to be alert. I just wanted to tell the people who don’t care about the virus: ‘Please listen up, people.

Don’t get sick’.”

The 34-year-old, whose real name is Kim Jae-joong, has a long history of pranking fans.

His previous April fool’s jokes have included pretending to faint during a concert and announcing false marriage plans. (BBC)

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Regional News Eight new COVID 19 cases confirmed in Cayman Islands THE Cayman Islands has eight new cases of the coronavirus after the latest round of testing, public health officials said Wednesday.

Seven of the new cases had recent travel history or contact with people who had travelled.

Dr. John Lee, Cayman’s chief medical officer, said there were now 22 cases confirmed on the island spanning “east to west’”.

He said the age range of those impacted ranged from people in their early 20s to those in their 80s. He said most were still doing well.

One of the people reported today is an inpatient with respiratory symptoms at the Cayman Islands Hospital.

Some of the additional cases are household members of positive cases previously announced.

Lee said more cases were inevitable as contact tracing and testing were done and family members were found to have spread the virus between them.

“As we go along and do contact tracing and test the close contacts of everyone who is positive, we will naturally find the numbers will climb,” he said.

“We have quite large households that are being contact-traced and tested and we are seeing people with mild symptoms in those households testing positive.”

Lee said the measures in place, including the mandate to stay home, now needed to be followed more than ever “If you stay at home and stay away from other people, you can’t catch it.”

He emphasised that essential workers who started showing symptoms should not go to work, despite the importance of their roles.

Premier Alden McLaughlin said the numbers were not surprising but the Cayman Islands was now in a “very dangerous position”.

He said government was giving very careful consideration to extending the division of the island alphabetically for supermarket shopping to all activity – essentially implementing an alternating daily lockdown for half of the island.

“We are still hopeful that we can contain this,” he said.

The premier said he was deeply disappointed by the “thousands of requests for exemptions” from businesses who wanted to operate during the curfew.

He also took issue with calls from the Chamber of Commerce for a greater focus on economic recovery, saying it was an implicit criticism of the government’s approach.

McLaughlin said the government was working behind the scenes on measures to help small businesses.

He said government was choosing “life over economics” and anyone who wanted to hammer him or his government for that could do so.

The Chamber, in written responses to the Cayman Compass Wednesday, backed the government’s measures but suggested attention also needed to be given to economic stimuli to help prevent a humanitarian crisis as the tourist-based economy collapses.

Governor Martyn Roper meanwhile confirmed that the planned British Airways flight would arrive on Tuesday. He said 109 Cayman Islands residents had requested to be evacuated to London on that flight.

Despite the UK’s own problems handling coronavirus, he said he could reassure residents that the UK was fully committed to supporting Cayman and the Overseas Territories and that medical supplies would arrive on that BA flight, possibly including new testing equipment.

The governor said his office was pursuing links with South Korea to increase testing capacity.

He also said his office was targeting fake news and has set up a “rapid response unit” to shut down rumours.

“We have serious concerns about people in the community trying to find out who the COVID-19 positive cases are and where they live,” Roper added.

“This is simply unacceptable and patient confidentiality is absolutely essential.”

Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne said compliance with the curfew was going well .

Three people were found to be in

Dr. John Lee, Cayman’s chief medical officer, said there were now 22 cases confirmed on the island spanning “east to west’”.

breach of the hard curfew overnight and one was arrested.

He added that there were still too many people on the roads during the day, though most who were stopped by police were going to the pharmacy, supermarket or bank.

Byrne said the hard curfew, which officially expires on Friday, would likely be extended.

The Cayman Islands is operating under a fluctuating soft and hard curfew.

‘Shelter in place’ regulations were passed Saturday, allowing a select few essential businesses, including supermarkets, pharmacies and healthcare facilities, to operate in the daylight hours. Those regulations also allow limited movement for residents to visit the supermarkets or exercise for 90 minutes.

A near total lockdown remains in place from 7pm until 5am daily, with all but the most essential workers confined to their homes.

Residents have been divided alphabetically and allocated days when they are allowed to shop or visit the bank.

The islands’ borders have been closed since 22 March, and it is hoped that if Cayman can limit the local transmission of COVID-19, it can prevent any loss of life for its inhabitants.

The soft curfew and restrictions on movement will be in place until next Tuesday, 7 April, at least, and could be renewed after that. If the infection rate remains low, it is possible that the island could reopen for business internally.

The borders are likely to remain

shut for the foreseeable future, however. With the COVID-19 crisis escalating in the US, any easing

of flight restrictions could risk the reintroduction of the virus to the Cayman Islands. (Cayman Compass)

Six new cases of Covid-19, first death confirmed in the Bahamas IN A national address on Wednesday afternoon, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed there are six new cases of COVID-19 in New Providence.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 21 – with three cases in Grand Bahama.

One of the latest cases has a link to Grand Bahama.

Dr Minnis also said that 57-year-old Kim JohnsonRolle from Bimini, who died on Monday night, tested positive for COVID-19. The Prime Minister offered his condolences to her family, including her brother, Immigration Minister Elsworth Johnson.

Also from the Prime Minister’s press conference: A new amendment was announced – all private medical and dental practices shall eliminate all routine and nonemergency physical encounters with patients and shall as best as possible provide services using remote means, excluding dialysis.

Where necessary, distancing applies.

Paediatricians are

Dr Minnis also said that 57-year-old Kim JohnsonRolle from Bimini, who died on Monday night, tested positive for COVID-19.

exempted for vaccinations and obstetricians are exempted.

Supermarket schedules will be announced later this week.

More than 50 healthcare workers have had to be taken out of the system because of their exposure to the virus.

(Tribune242)

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Regional News Jamaican invention possible weapon against COVID-19 UNIVERSITY of Technology (UTech), Jamaica student Rayvon Stewart is on top of the world this morning after his invention “XERMOSOL” was yesterday named by Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland as a possible key weapon in the fight to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Words can’t express my feelings.

I stood in shock for like 10 minutes or maybe a little more [when I heard]. Words really can’t express my feelings,” Stewart, a final-year student in the School of Computing and Information Technology at UTech told the Jamaica Observer “The first thing that came to my mind is that, finally, I can start implementing and trying to save humanity.

“This is something that the world really needs and, finally, they are seeing that there is a need for it and, sadly, persons had to start dying before they saw the need,” added Stewart.

XERMOSOL is a simple device that uses ultraviolet light technology to kill bacteria found on doorknobs, thereby reducing the risk of an individual contracting a germ upon contact.

The innovation would be particularly useful in public spaces, such as hospitals and health care facilities, in reducing the spread of bacteria and viruses.

The unique device is simpler than similar products, which require the installation of new doorknobs.

In an opinion piece released yesterday, the Commonwealth secretary general noted that, after the outbreak of the lethal bacteria Klebsiella in Jamaica five years ago, Stewart set about finding a way to curb the spread of harmful germs.

“I made a determined decision that I was going to find a solution to limit the transfer of pathogens to multiple surfaces, thereby saving lives,” Scotland quoted Stewart as saying at the time.

Klebsiella, like COVID-19, is spread from person to person or via contaminated surfaces. It can be killed by hand-washing with warm, soapy water.

“I met Rayvon at the Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting in Geneva last year. He was among the finalists short-listed for last year’s Commonwealth Health Innovation Awards,” Scotland said.

“He took part in an exhibition on the theme ‘Universal Health Coverage: Reaching the unreached, ensuring that no one is left behind’, which highlighted how young people are tackling age-old challenges with modern technology and disruptive thinking.

“The event underlined [the] Commonwealth[‘s] commitment to empowering young people as outlined in our charter, and also

Patricia Duncan-Sutherland (second left), chairman, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, presents a cheque from the JMMB Trust Fund to Rayvon Stewart.

our contribution to achieving the sustainable development goals,” said Scotland.

She noted that in Stewart’s case he focused on the most common places where bacteria and viruses could easily be left by one person and picked up directly by another.

“The potential impact of Rayvon’s invention could now be even more important than when he first conceived it, as the world battles the frightening COVID-19 pandemic.

“The coronavirus lives up to two or three days on stainless steel

and metal, and several hours on fabric, depending on factors such as temperature and humidity,” added Scotland.

The secretary general also noted that field and laboratory testing has validated XERMOSOL’S efficiency in killing more than 99.9 per cent of deadly pathogens.

“In addition to health facilities, Rayvon hopes it could help reduce transmission of germs in other public spaces, such as schools and businesses.

“Tests carried out in conjunction

with University of Technology, Jamaica and The University of the West Indies show XERMOSOL destroys organisms such as MRSA and E coli, and destroys viral cells such as influenza virus H1N1.

“This is a huge step in the fight against microorganisms and offers new ways of thinking around combating viral cells such as coronavirus,” declared Scotland.

According to the secretary general, Stewart has said the recognition he received from the Commonwealth Health Innovation Awards was a key moment in XERMOSOL’S progress, generating immense interest in the project.

“But now the production of XERMOSOL faces a number of considerable challenges — from development funding to finding a manufacturer to mass produce.

“Financing options are mostly focused on large-scale innovation, but the Commonwealth is exploring and proposing that all 54 member countries go into partnership with the Global Innovation Fund to help young innovators like Rayvon,” said Scotland.

Over the past two years, the Commonwealth Youth Health Network has worked closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and member states to leverage the

unique capabilities of young people and drive forward progress toward sustainable development goal number three, which includes a bold commitment to end the epidemics of AIDS and tuberculosis.

Stewart and his team placed fourth in the National Business Model Competition and went on to compete up to the semi-final round in the International Business Model Competition (IBMC), held May 9–10, 2019 in Utah, United States.

Despite not winning either competition, the team’s impressive showing at the IBMC led to an invitation by the Commonwealth Secretariat in London to Geneva, Switzerland, to participate in the Young Innovators Exhibition at the Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat on May 19, 2019.

At the meeting, he had the privilege of sharing his innovative product with 53 health ministers across the wider Commonwealth.

Scotland had committed to assist all six young innovators across the Commonwealth who were chosen to attend the conference. They will receive assistance through the newly established Commonwealth Innovators’ Hub.

Bahamas: NIB receives around 17000 applications for unemployment benefits THE National Insurance Board has received around 17,000 applications for unemployment benefits due to the coronavirus pandemic, Public Service and National Insurance Minister Brensil Rolle said yesterday.

Noting officials are working hard to expedite the claims, Mr Rolle said the applications submitted to NIB do not include those of hotel workers.

This, he said, is because NIB officials are engaged in discussions with hotel personnel to assist with faster payments for affected workers.

He said: “As of (Monday), approximately 17,000 applications have come before the NIB board to be processed. That excludes the major hotels because we are negotiating with them separately. “…We are working with the hotels so that arrangements will be made to pay off their staff who are unemployed in a quicker way. Small businesses have been coming to us and we hope to quickly process their applications.”

He continued: “You know we are working on two fronts.

“Firstly, we’re dealing with those persons who are seeking unemployment assistance who’ve

Public Services and National Insurance Minister Brensil Rolle.

been laid off generally and secondly. . . we’ve become the government vehicle for dealing with selfemployed individuals in the touristic industry.

“And so, the jet ski operators, the beach workers, the taxi drivers - they’re all coming to NIB. What we have done though is establish a platform and a small form that they could download to their telephone, fill out the application (so) it can be

processed as quickly as possible.

“There are three things we are looking for - we want to see a letter from the employer. When it comes to the self-employed individuals, we’re looking for an ID, an indication from inland revenue to check your business background.”

Initially, the government had only announced help for self-employed and employed individuals directly connected to the tourism sector.

However, recognising that thousands have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest announced on Monday the government will expand its unemployment assistance programme to self-employed people outside of the tourism industry.

Still, it is not clear exactly when workers will be able receive the payments, with Mr Rolle telling reporters yesterday that officials are hoping to finalise the process very soon.

“One of the things we discussed yesterday in NIB is how we could make the process faster so that individuals through this period could get their money,” he said. “…In terms of hotels and other big establishments, we’re working closely with them so that they could in some instances issue cheques to their persons who’ve been laid off.

“In terms of the self-employed individuals, I think we are at the advanced stage. We have a wonderful team the director has put together to process and we anticipate that very quickly, these individuals will receive their money.”

32

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 28 - April 3, 2020

Regional News COVID-19: Hefty Fines, Prison for Failure to Self-Quarantine or SelfIdentify After Arrival in Jamaica PEOPLE who arrived in the country between March 18 and 23 and failed to self-identify or self-quarantine amid the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could face fines of up to JAM$1 million (US$7,407) or 12 months in prison.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness gave the warning at a virtual press conference on Monday, noting that the punishment is provided for in the Disaster Risk Management Act. He said people who come into the island and have not self-quarantined “pose one of the biggest threats at this time”.

“We have now made an Order to ask all persons who have come into the island between the 18th and the 23rd of March that they must report using the website, jamcovid19.moj. gov.jm or call 888 ONE-LOVE and fill out or give the information required. The Order, as well, makes it mandatory that they quarantine themselves for 14 days starting from the date of their arrival,” he noted.

He said the Government also has the option of publishing the names of such persons.

“We have been very reluctant in publishing the list. We have been very cautious because we don’t want to stigmatize people. We don’t want to, in any way, trespass on the privacy of people, but we must also

The quake was recorded 25 km northwest of Antigua and Barbuda’s capital.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness gave the warning at a virtual press conference on Monday, noting that the punishment is provided for in the Disaster Risk Management Act.

Earthquake rattles some Caribbean Islands

recognize that this is a public health crisis and the law does empower us to take action, but we can’t, of course, abuse it. So, we were taking every measure that would be considered reasonable in a free and democratic society,” he said.

Prime Minister Holness noted that Jamaican’s infection curve

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Eastern Caribbean early Tuesday morning, and while there were no reports of damage or injury some residents reported feeling the tremor.

The quake, which occurred around 2:42 a.m., was recorded 25 km northwest of Antigua and Barbuda’s capital, St John’s; 77 km east of

has remained relatively flat, while the infection curve in all the other Caribbean countries is rising, and exponentially so in some cases.

He pointed out, however, that the number of cases, now at 38, could drastically increase if people arrive in the island with the virus and walk about freely.

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis; and 123 km northwest of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

It struck at a depth of 103 kilometres.

Residents of the impacted islands reported to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Unit in Trinidad that they felt the shaking.

(Caribbean360)

Jamaica-born teen accepted by six US Ivy League schools AN 18-year-old Jamaican, Kyle Lambert, has been accepted to six Ivy League universities in the US, a feat his former principal, Nadine Molloy, describes as a major achievement.

Lambert attended Columbus Preparatory School in St Ann’s Bay and later Ardenne High School in St Andrew.

He has been accepted to read for his first degree at Yale, Columbia, Dartmouth, University of Pennsylvania, Brown, and Cornell.

Ivy League schools have worldclass reputations for academic excellence. They are highly selective, with their acceptance rates no higher than 14 per cent (of total applicants).

Lambert has also been selected as a recipient for several scholarships.

“I am beyond elated to see the fruits of my labour. It has been a dream for years to get accepted to just one of these schools, so to have six Ivy League acceptances and over 10 other elite university admissions is truly a blessing from God,” Lambert said. “I am currently deciding among Yale University, Stanford University,

or Columbia University, where I will double-major in neuroscience and global health.”

Lambert grew up in Ocho Rios. He said that his family, like so many in Jamaica, faced “financial struggles”, and from very early “I knew it was my duty to end generational adversities and create a new way of life for us all”.

He reminisced on the “sweet sounds of reggae music and the soothing feeling of warm sea breeze” which, he said, heavily influenced his childhood.

WALKING BAREFOOT “They seem to be present in most of my memories; memories of splashing water with my godsister in the beaches of my hometown, Ocho Rios; memories of walking barefoot along the rocky roads of Selbourne Gardens that not only strengthened the soles of my feet, but also strengthened my mind,” he told THE STAR. A top performer at Columbus and Ardenne, Lambert said that his

Kyle Lambert attended Columbus Preparatory School in St Ann’s Bay and later Ardenne High School in St Andrew.

teachers were largely responsible for his success.

Molloy said that Lambert migrated after grade nine, and was

one of the top students.

“He loved the sciences and would volunteer to help other students, or even teach a class. His classmate,

Dana Jones, herself a top performer in the CXC exams, remembers him as being brilliant academically as well as being an outspoken and friendly student,” she said. “We at Ardenne are proud of his achievements and the fact that he values his experience and time at Ardenne. Whichever of the six Ivy League offers of schools he chooses to accept will be the richer for having him on its campus.”

Lambert moved to Queens, New York, in 2017 and has been attending the George Washington Carver High School for the Sciences.

He said that having arrived in the US, it became evident to him that inadequate medical care did not solely exist in Jamaica.

“Realising the adverse effects that poor healthcare posed on my vulnerable community, I spent numerous hours developing an understanding on how healthcare systems operate locally and globally. I nurtured an ambition to one day become a medical doctor, but more importantly, to become an advocate for underserved communities,” the youngster said.

March 28 - April 3, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World News

33

Chinese animal rights activists stage a protest calling for people to refrain from eating cats and dogs.

Shenzhen becomes first Chinese city to ban consumption of cats and dogs SHENZHEN, in southeastern China, has become the first city in the country to ban the consumption of cats and dogs, the government announced Thursday.

Under new rules which will come into effect May 1, the government said it will be illegal to eat animals raised as pets.

In February, following the coronavirus outbreak, China passed a law to ban the consumption of wild animals.

Now Shenzhen will prohibit the consumption of state-protected wild animals and other terrestrial wild animals taken from the wild, as well as captive-bred and farmed terrestrial wild species.

In addition, the consumption of animals raised as pets, such as cats and dogs will also be banned.

Animals that can be consumed include pig, cattle, sheep, donkey, rabbit, chicken, duck, goose, pigeon, quail, as well as aquatic animals who are not banned by other laws or regulations.

“If convicted, they will be subjected to a fine of 30 times of the wild animal’s value, if the animal is above the value of 10,000CNY [$1400 USD],” announced authorities.

The coronavirus outbreak is thought to have started at a wildlife market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and authorities have acknowledged they need to bring the lucrative wildlife industry under control if it is to prevent another outbreak.

However ending the trade will be hard. The cultural roots of China’s use of wild animals run deep, not just for food but also for traditional medicine, clothing, ornaments and even pets.

This isn’t the first time Chinese officials have tried to contain the trade. In 2003, civets -- mongoosetype creatures -- were banned and culled in large numbers after it was discovered they likely transferred the SARS virus to humans. The selling of snakes was also briefly banned in Guangzhou after the SARS outbreak.

President Rodrigo Duterte is known for his no-nonsense positions.

‘Shoot them dead’: Duterte warns against violating lockdown PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte has warned he would order the country’s police and military to shoot dead anyone “who creates trouble” during a month-long lockdown of the island of Luzon enforced to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

“Let this be a warning to all.

Follow the government at this time because it is critical that we have order,” he said in a latenight televised national address on Wednesday.

“And do not harm the health workers, the doctors ... because that is a serious crime. My orders to the police and the military, if anyone creates trouble, and their lives are in

danger: shoot them dead.”

“Do not intimidate the government. Do not challenge the government. You will lose,” he added in Filipino and English.

Duterte’s warning came after residents of a slum in Manila’s Quezon City staged a protest along a highway near their shanty houses, claiming they had not received any food packs and other relief supplies since the lockdown began more than two weeks ago.

Village security officers and police urged the residents to go back to their homes, but they refused, a police report said.

Police broke up the protest and arrested 20 people, the report added.

Health authorities in the Philippines have recorded 2,311 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus as of Wednesday. At least 96 people have died.

Jocy Lopez, 47, who led the group of residents, said they were forced to stage the protest because they did not have any food due to the lockdown.

“We are here to call for help because of hunger. We have not been given food, rice, groceries or cash.

We have no work. Who do we turn to,” she said before being arrested.

Another resident complained that with the arrest of her husband and other male residents, many families would be struggling even further to find food.

US sends warships to Caribbean to stop illegal drugs THE US says it is sending warships to the Caribbean to stop illegal drugs.

“We must not let the drug cartels exploit the [coronavirus] pandemic to threaten American lives,” President Donald Trump said.

The move comes a week after the US charged Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other senior officials in the country with “narcoterrorism”.

It accused them of flooding the US with cocaine and using drugs as a weapon to undermine the health of Americans.

A $15m (£12.5m) reward was

offered for information leading to Mr Maduro’s arrest.

The Venezuelan government called the US deployment a “diversion” from the current pandemic spreading around the US and the world at large.

The US military deployment will further escalate tensions between the two nations.

Washington has long accused the Venezuelan president of leading a corrupt and brutal regime, a charge he has repeatedly rejected.

It backs the opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who declared himself

President Trump is trying to divert attention from the coronavirus crisis, says Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

interim president last year.

But the US deployment comes two days after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo offered to lift crippling sanctions against Venezuela if Mr Maduro and Mr Guaidó agreed to a power-sharing deal.

Under the US plan, Venezuela’s left-wing president would “step aside” and a transitional council would govern until fresh elections.

The US imposed its latest round of sweeping sanctions against Venezuela last year in an attempt to

force Mr Maduro to step down.

However, Mr Maduro has so far resisted all attempts to remove him from power.

President Trump made the announcement at the White House on Wednesday.

34

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World News

March 28 - April 3, 2020

A priest conducts a funeral in Pamplona only relatives were allowed to attend.

Lisa Nandy, Sir Keir Starmer or Rebecca Long-Bailey will be announced as the new leader on Saturday.

New Labour leader to be announced on Saturday VOTING in the contest to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader has closed.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy or Sir Keir Starmer will be announced as the new leader on Saturday.

The party’s next deputy leader replacing Tom Watson who resigned in December - will also be revealed.

It is understood members will hear the result via email and the media after a special conference was cancelled over the coronavirus outbreak.

Mrs Long-Bailey confirmed earlier this week that the candidates had been asked to record a victory speech “so it can be sent out over the airwaves as quickly as possible”.

After the ballot closed, Sir Keir, who is widely considered to be the front-runner in the contest, posted a video on Twitter, saying: “It’s been a long campaign and it’s ending in circumstances that none of us could have predicted.

“But we’ve kept it positive, we’ve demonstrated unity.”

He added that all of the leadership candidates have “demonstrated to our party, to our movement and hopefully to the country that real good can come out of this election”.

Ms Nandy said in her video, also posted on Twitter after the ballot closed, that the contest had ended “in the hardest of circumstances”.

But during the campaign they “showed Labour to be a party that has humility and self-confidence” and “honest when we get things wrong, but ambitious about our future”.

She said Labour “is a party that will win again”.

Voting began on 24 February.

Among those casting their votes were 114,000 new members who had joined since December’s election, when Labour won its lowest number of seats since 1935.

Members of affiliated trades unions and groups have also been voting, as well as about 14,700 “registered supporters” who paid £25 to take part on a one-off basis.

UK: Hancock sets aim of 100,000 tests a day by end of April THE UK is aiming to carry out 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of April, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said, as he announced a “five-pillar strategy” for testing.

It comes after the government was criticised for not increasing the number of tests more quickly.

Mr Hancock also said work had started to build a “large diagnostics industry” in Britain.

As of 17:00 BST on Wednesday, the overall number of deaths with the virus in the UK was 2,921.

Speaking at the end of his seven days of quarantine after testing positive for the virus, Mr Hancock said: “I’m now setting the goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month.

“That is the goal and I’m determined we’ll get there.”

The 100,000 target encompasses a

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is hoping that mass testing can be done.

variety of tests - including the swab tests currently being used to test if people already have the virus, as well as the antibody blood test which, although not developed yet, can test if somebody has had the virus.

Mr Hancock said the government was working with nine companies who have offered these blood tests but he said “they’ve got to work” and the government will not allow them to be rolled out if they are not effective.

Coronavirus: More than 10,000 lives lost in Spain SPAIN has passed another grim coronavirus milestone after the number of deaths exceeded 10,000.

The country, the second-worst hit in terms fatalities, has also lost nearly 900,000 jobs. The US, too, has registered 6.6m new jobless benefit claims - a record.

The unemployment figures are another sign of the dire impact the pandemic is having on businesses in many countries.

Worldwide, confirmed coronavirus infections are nearing one million.

That’s according to Johns Hopkins University, which tracks virus figures globally. Its tracker also recorded more than 47,000 deaths; some 195,000 people have recovered.

WHAT IS THE LATEST FROM SPAIN? Covid-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus - has now claimed 10,003 lives in Spain as 950 new deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said.

The number of confirmed cases rose from 102,136 on Wednesday to 110,238, an 8% rise that is similar to the rate recorded in previous days.

Authorities believe the virus is now peaking and say they expect to see a drop in figures in the days ahead.

“We continue with an increase of around 8%. This points, as we have already seen, to a stabilisation in the data that we’re registering,” María José Sierra, from the Spanish health ministry’s emergency co-ordination unit, said at a news conference.

This, she said, is resulting in an “important lowering” in the increase in the number of people being taken to intensive care units, already under pressure across the country.

March’s unemployment figure is the highest monthly jobless rise ever recorded in the country, which already had one of the eurozone’s highest jobless rates.

Spain banned all but essential outings and shut most businesses in mid-March.

The data shows 898,822 people have lost their jobs since the start of the lockdown, including about 550,000 temporary workers. Spain’s official unemployment figure rose to 3.5 million, the highest level since April 2017.

“This is an absolutely unprecedented situation,” Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz told a news conference. The tourism and construction sectors were the hardest hit.

The numbers come amid dire predictions about the possible economic impact of the measures imposed to fight the virus. A UN report estimated that up to 25 million jobs could be lost around the world.

HOW BAD ARE THE US JOB FIGURES? The number of new claims for unemployment benefit filed in the week ending 28 March, 6.65 million, was double the previous week’s claims of 3.3 million, according to Labor Department figures.

The latest numbers were far higher than analysts’ expectations and reflect the growing impact of businesses forced to shut down as lockdowns are imposed in more US states.

The Labor Department’s report cited the impact across hospitality, manufacturing and retail.

There are fears that the number of jobless could reach 20 million, or 15% of the workforce - higher than during the Great Recession of the 1930s.

Speaking at the end of his seven days of after quarantine after testing positive for the virus, Mr Hancock said the UK “didn’t go into this crisis with a huge diagnostics industry” like other countries such as Germany.

He defended his decision to prioritise patients for testing rather than NHS staff, saying: “I believe anybody in my shoes would have taken the same decision.”

“I understand why NHS staff want tests, so they can get back to the front line, of course I do.

March 28 - April 3, 2020

35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World News

Adam Lewis, who was sentenced on Wednesday, also threatened to bite the officer, police said.

Coronavirus: Man jailed for coughing on police officer A MAN who coughed on a police officer and claimed to have coronavirus has been jailed for six months.

Adam Lewis, 55, told the officer: “I am Covid and I am going to cough in your face and you will get it.”

The Met said the officer had been flagged down by a member of the public during a cycle patrol in Westminster when it happened on Tuesday afternoon.

Lewis was sentenced by Westminster magistrates after being convicted of assaulting an emergency worker.

The officer was told that a man had been seen trying the handles of car doors in the area, magistrates heard.

Lewis resisted the officer’s

attempt to search him and smashed a bottle of wine he was holding on the floor, police said.

As well as coughing on the officer, Lewis also tried to cough up phlegm and threatened to bite him, the Met said.

Ch Supt Helen Harper said: “My officers are doing everything they can to keep the public safe and police to the very best of their abilities - and we appreciate that the vast majority of people are making every effort to comply with the measures the government has introduced.”

She added that what happened was “horrendous” and promised a “robust” response to any “unacceptable behaviour” police encountered. (BBC)

A woman wearing a face mask walks in front of Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Malaysian government apologises after advising wives to avoid ‘nagging’ during coronavirus lockdown THE Malaysian government was forced to apologize after its Women’s Development Department published a series of sexist “tips” to help deal with the ongoing coronavirus lockdown, including advising women to continue to wear makeup and to “avoid nagging.”

The campaign was met with fierce backlash online, and the posts have since been deleted from the department’s social media account.

As of Thursday afternoon in Malaysia, more than 2,900 coronavirus cases had been confirmed inside the country, killing 45 people, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Prime Minister Tan Sri

Muhyiddin Yassin enacted a series of far-reaching measures last month intended to stem infections of Covid-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, including strict nationwide controls locking down all travel in or out of the country and heavily restricting movement within the country.

One of the biggest criticisms against the government body charged with supporting women appeared to be that it was ignoring concerns about a rise in domestic violence that may accompany stay-at-home orders, and instead focusing on things like how women should dress.

The Malaysian All Women’s Action Society called on the

Women’s Development Department to stop its sexist messaging and to focus on helping domestic violence survivors.

Women’s Development Department director-general Akhma Hassan said the aim was to send out positive messages, according to state-run news agency Bernama.

“The approach used was to share methods and practices to maintain positive relationships within the family and during the phase of working from home,” she said in a statement.

“We have taken note of numerous comments on some tips for women which were promoted through posters via our social media accounts.

Daniel Pearl: Pakistan overturns convicted man’s death sentence PAKISTAN has overturned the death sentence of the man convicted of killing US journalist Daniel Pearl, defence lawyers have told reporters.

British-born Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, imprisoned since 2002, has had his sentence reduced to seven years for kidnapping, said lawyer Khawaja Naveed.

Three other men given life sentences over the killing have been acquitted by the Sindh High Court and released.

The Sindh chief prosecutor says he will lodge an appeal in the Sheikh case.

The province’s prosecutor general Fiaz Shah told the BBC he expected Sheikh to remain in jail pending the appeal, which would be heard by the Supreme Court.

A group of US journalists, including former colleagues of Pearl, said in 2011 that they believed Sheikh

had not carried out the beheading.

The Pearl Project alleged the killer was Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is being held in Guantanamo Bay, accused of being behind the 9/11 attacks.

Mr Naveed said he expected his client to be released “in a few days”.

WHAT HAPPENED TO DANIEL PEARL? Pearl, who worked for the Wall Street Journal, went missing in January 2002.

He had been researching links between Islamist militant activity in Karachi and Richard Reid, who tried to blow up a passenger plane using bombs hidden in his shoes.

According to prosecutors, Omar Saeed Sheikh lured him to a meeting with an Islamic cleric. The two had built a relationship discussing concerns about their wives, who

death row since.

Pearl went missing in Karachi in 2002 while researching extremism.

were both pregnant at the time.

Almost a month later, a video showing the 38-year-old’s beheading was sent to the US consulate in Karachi.

Pearl’s son, Adam, was born in May 2002.

Sheikh was convicted of Pearl’s murder in July 2002 by an antiterrorism court, and has been on

WHO IS AHMED OMAR SAEED SHEIKH? Sheikh was born in London in 1973, where he attended public school before going on to study at the London School of Economics. He did not graduate, failing to return after driving aid to Bosnia after his first year.

He was arrested for being involved in the kidnapping of four tourists three British and one American - in Delhi in 1994.

He was released from prison as part of demands by militants who hijacked a plane in 1999.

According to news agency Reuters, police in India later accused him of transferring money to one of the militants who flew a plane into the World Trade Center on 9/11.

(BBC)

36

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Must be willing to work 7 days per week.

Salary $3,600.00 per month

UNIT #5 SPOT PLAZA, AIRPORT ROAD Is seeking to employ a

BARBER • Cutting, trimming,

shampooing, and styling hair, trimming beards, or giving shaves. Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.

• Must be willing to work 6 days a week.

Salary: $7 hourly

CONTACT: 241-5099

Please Contact: 6499461278

Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board This position is currently held by a work permit holder

JAMINE LIGHTBOURNE

J&R CONSULTANT

CLEANER

LABOURER

21222

658 Leeward Highway Is seeking to employ a

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

CLASSIFIEDS 37

• Cleaning shop, disposing of garbage, stacking shelves, cleaning around property.

• Must be willing to work 5 days a week.

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 244-0660

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder 21199

21230

#137 JASPER WAY, Blue Hills, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a

Duties: Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, picking up garbage and material waste, Cleaning up and disposal of trash on job sites also to secure building and any other duties necessary.

Salary $6.50per hour CONTACT: 649-243-9735 AND SEND RESUME TO JRCONSULTANTSERVICES@GMAIL. COM

CREATIVE DESIGNS BOUTIQUE

By Flower Girl Ltd Has

SPECIAL ON BOUQUET OF FLOWERS FOR ONLY $25 Fresh and beautiful!

Place your order today!

649-646-4894 FRANCOIS VIGNEAU

#18 Seaview, Cooper Jack Is seeking to employ a

DOMESTIC WORKER

• Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other house work.

• Must be willing to work 5 days a week.

Salary: $8 hourly

CONTACT: 331-1355

Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board This position is currently held by a work permit holder20203

H.B.B SALON

99B NORWAY ROAD, KEW TOWN Is seeking to employ a

HAIR STYLIST

• Shampooing, cutting, and styling hair, though they may also provide hair treatments, including deep conditioning, permanents, hair coloring, and weaving.

• Must be willing to work 6 days a week.

Salary: $6.25 hourly CONTACT: 341-7341

THIS POSITIONS IS VACANT BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RSU

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

JUDEX VARIETY STORE

LA BREEZA INTERPRISES

LEVELT JULIEN

PRICING CLERK

to mix and serve drinks, clean bar and taking orders of beverages from customers. 6 days per week, salary US$6.50 per hour. Renewal

20208

21225

BABYSITTER - $6.25 HOURLY

91A Kew Town, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a

Apt #1, 468c Bay Road Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Island (649) 341-3018

BAR MAID

PHARRA JEAN

BABYSITTER - $6.25 HOURLY

Preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and etc.

Contact: 341-6254

Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board

Grand Turk. 241-4027

Pricing and assisting with sales. Salary: $7.50 hourly

CONTACT: 341-7341

21209

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

21219

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOR DEPARTMENT

21211

NEEDED (First Time)

ONE BABYSITTER

to work 6 Days a week at $6.50 per hour. Must love to care for children and occasionally work late and/ or at nights when required.

21212

38 CLASSIFIEDS M&W MEP SERVICES Unit #3 Laundromat Plaza, Millennium Highway

CLEANER

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning ceiling vents, restroom cleaning etc.

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 231-2650

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder

21229

March 28 - April 3, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

MACCENE DUXIGNOL Phase 2 Millennium Highway, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a

CASHIER

• Receive payment by cash, checks and credit cards, Issue receipts, and change due to customers. Count money in cash drawers to ensure that amounts are correct and that there is adequate change.

• To work 6 days a week.

Salary: $8 hourly

CONTACT: 2410370/341-3426

Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board

21216

CLOVERLEAF AGENCY - 246-7382

A HOTEL IN LOWER GRACE BAY is seeking to employ a

General Manager

• Oversee and manage staff • Work 5/6 days weekly.

• Perform bookkeeping and payroll • Ensure smooth operations and problem solve quickly Salary: $40,000 annually + Service Charge

Applicants must speak English fluently.

Applicants that can additionally speak Creole and/ or Spanish will be favored.

Degree in business, hospitality or minimum 5 years resort experience sought.

CONTACT: MTCL@TCIWAY.TC

Turks Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the email address above. This position is for a first time applicant. Resumes can be sent to Meridian Financial Group Box 599, 2nd Floor LeVele Plaza Providenciales. 649 941 3082

21197

Acting on behalf of clients PARADISA LTD.

Long Bay, Providenciales

LIVE IN CHEF

$2,500.00 per month Supervise Kitchen, Plan menu and food preparation Renewal work permit

XENIA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Long Bay, Providenciales

LIVE IN CHEF

$2,500.00 per month Supervise Kitchen, Plan menu and food preparation New permit

Elizabeth Swann

Whitby, North Caicos

1 LABOURER

(renewal) Rate: $6.50 per hr Weeding yard, moving trash, washing windows.

21235

TREE OF LIFE CHURCH OF GOD

THE SEAGATE MANAGEMENT COMPANY

DIVE INSTRUCTOR

ASSISTANT PASTOR - $7 HOURLY

1) GARDENER

Explorer Ventures (TCI) Ltd. is a scuba liveaboard diving company operating out of Providenciales. The company requires an experienced English-speaking Dive Instructor, with active teaching status, significant experience leading dives, and strong customer service skills. PADI and STCW10 preferred. Previous liveaboard experience and the ability to speak multiple languages is a plus. Candidate must live onboard the vessel, with one day shore leave each week. Starting salary: $1085/month. This is a new position.

Rugby Hills, Five Cays Is seeking a

Helps senior pastor at church. Overseeing key leaders and leading a ministry.

LABOURER - $6.25 HOURLY

Cleaning with sweeper, pick up yard waste, dispose of trash, clean windows, door frames.

CONTACT: 344-5950

Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board This position is currently held by a work permit holder 21215

510 Penn’s Road, Low Bight, Providenciales, (TCI) Seeking employment for the following:

Applicant duties are to monitoring the health of all plants and greenscapes, watering and feeding plants, trimming trees etc on a daily. Salary is $6.50 per hrs. Hours of work is 8hrs per day and 5 days per week. 1) Maintenance Man : Applicant duties are to fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines, Tasks include plumbing work, painting, floor repairs etc. Salaries are $7.00 per hrs. Hours of work are 8hrs per day and 5 days per week. Positions are vacant and Belongers are encourage to apply for the positions.

INTERESTED CANDIDATE MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYER AT 1 (649) 431 2555 OR THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, PROVIDENCIALES, (TCI) REGARDING EMPLOYMENT. 21218

VELMA WALKIN

TRULY NOLEN

Must have 5 or more years’ experience. Must be able to work on call and schedule hours.

Salary: $575 bi-weekly

CONTACT: 9464272 OR 231-0195

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder 21204

Location: South Dock Road, Providenciales. Is seeking a

SALES/OPERATIONS ANALYST Duties include provide operational support on financial, administrative and conceptual aspects of the company through budgeting, reporting, reviewing, estimates and analysing. Must be willing to work 7 days per week.

Salary $3,600.00 per month

PLEASE CONTACT: 6499461278

MASON

• Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick or stone edifices. Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

• To work 6 days a week.

Salary: $9 hourly

CONTACT: 232-5420 Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

21236

SUNNY FOOD

WEST ROAD CENTRAL, GRAND TURK Is seeking to employ a

ASSISTANT STORE SUPERVISOR

• Assisting managing staff including cashiers and other workers on the floor, for mulate pricing policies coordinate the shipping of merchandise etc.

• Maintain inventory and ensure items are in stock.

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

Salary: $7 hourly

CONTACT: 946-2811

Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board

21117

CASABLANCA CASINO

140 BAY ROAD, WHEELAND, BLUE HILLS Is seeking to employ a

UNIT #26 ALLIANCE PLAZA, GRACE BAY Is seeking to employ a

PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN

INTERESTED PERSONS ARE ASKED TO APPLY BY EMAIL TO NELSON RIOLLANO, AT JOBS@EXPLORERVENTURES.COM (PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS WHO ARE ISLANDERS ARE INVITED TO ALSO SEND COPIES OF THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR).

21233

DAVIS CONSTRUCTION

#14 Norway Road, Victorial Street, Kew Town Is seeking to employ a

Is looking for the following Full Time Position

Casino Cocktail Waitress BABYSITTER

• Taking care of children.

• Applicant must be honest and reliable and willing to work.

Salary: $6.50 hourly

CONTACT: 344-6089

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder 21206

All candidates should have at least 5 years’ experience in the same field, excellent full knowledge of cocktail mixing and guest service, general knowledge of POS system and the casino industry.

Job summary: provide excellent cocktail mixing skills, preparation

of bar and cooers, control beverage inventory, excellent customer service.

Salary: $9 hourly Candidate must be willing to work on weekends, dayshift-night shift and holidays.

Please drop off CV’s at the Casablanca Casino 226 Grace Bay Road, Grace Bay, Providenciales address to HR or email at casablancacasino1@gmail.com Tell: 941-3737

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. Position held by work permit holder

21228

SHANWELL O. GARDENER 31 RED LAKE COURT, CHALK SOUND Is seeking to employ a

NANNY

• Take care of toddlers.

• Clean, wash & iron clothing other duties may be given from time to time.

• To work Monday- Friday 8:00am 6:00pm.

Salary: $450 weekly

CONTACT: 231-1184

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

21231

RODNEY PETITFRERE 92B BLACK CROW RD., KEW TOWN Is seeking to employ a

GARDENER • Soil cultivation, digging,

forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, pruning, seed sowing, bed preparation and planting.

• Must be willing to work 5 days a week.

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 343-0080

Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board

21202

OVER THE TOP STORE Blue Hill # 4, Shrubb Cl Providenciales, TCI is seeking to employ

ORIAN CONSTRUCTION Grand Turk, 332-7115

1. EQUIPMENT OPERATOR to operate, crane, forklift, front end loader. 6 days per week, salary US$12.00 per hour.

INVENTORY CLERK RECEIVING CLERK

To take inventory, receiving cash payment, cheques & others. 6 days per week Salary $7 hourly

CONTACT 432-3447

Belongers are encouraged to apply to Labour Board

21223

2. TRUCK DRIVER

to drive truck, deliver construction materials.

6 days per week, salary US$8.00 per hour.

First Time

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOR DEPARTMENT

21210

NADIA PAUL

#2 Rockeller, Millennium Highway, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a

BABYSITTER

• Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and disciplining children when necessary.

• Must be willing to work 6 days a week.

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 345-9461

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board 21205

MYSTIQUE CAR RENTAL & TOURS #72 Airport Road, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a

VEHICLE PREP WORKER

• Clean inside the car and shampoo the outside of the car.

• Must be willing to work 6 days a week.

Salary: $300 weekly

CONTACT: 941-3910

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder 21207

March 28 - April 3, 2020 DREAM HOUSE CONSTRUCTION #341 BLUE HILLS Is seeking to employ a

MASON

Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick or stone edifices.

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters Salary: $7 hourly

CONTACT: 343-0868

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS ROSE LOURDE FORBES

Millennium Estate, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a

HOUSEKEEPER

Performing a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing.

Ensuring all rooms are cared for and inspected according to standards.

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 341-8888

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board This position is currently held by a work permit holder

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder 21241

IV SUPER CLEAN

M&A VARIETY STORE

21239

#43 KEW TOWN Is seeking to employ a

CLEANER

• Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning ceiling vents, restroom cleaning etc.

• Must be willing to work 6 days a week.

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 346-7379

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

21238

MIA ALAYA BEAUTY SALON 204 MILLENNIUM HIGHWAY, BLUE HILLS Is seeking to employ a

HAIR STYLIST

• Shampooing, cutting, and styling hair, though they may also provide hair treatments, including deep conditioning, permanents, hair coloring, and weaving.

• Must be willing to work 6 days a week.

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 345-6999

#13 BRANT COX APT., KEW TOWN Is seeking a

DOMESTIC WORKER

• Clean the store, dusting, sweeping, mopping, clean ceiling vents, restroom cleaning, stock shelves, assisted other personnel as needed to maintain safety in the packaging area, pick, pack, receive and restock products inside the store.

• To work 6 days a week.

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 344-0471

Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board

Boateng has made more than 200 appearances for Bayern Munich since joining from Manchester City in 2011.

Jerome Boateng: Bayern defender fined by club for leaving Munich BAYERN Munich have fined Jerome Boateng after the defender broke government lockdown rules by leaving Munich to visit his ill son.

21240

MRS LAMOUR TIRE SHOP 4 Chery Cl., Kew Town Is looking for a

TIRE REPAIR TECHNICIAN

SAMMY’S CONSTRUCTION East Suburbs, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a

LABOURER

• To work from Monday to Saturday.

• Changes commercial tires, repairs and performs oil changes.

Salary: $6.25 hourly

Duties: To clean maintain Premises, dispose of garbage and any other duties as necessary.

SALARY: $7.50 per hour.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS PLEASE CONTACT US AT THIS NUMBER: 3436418/347-9463

Belongers are encouraged To send a copy of their Resume to the Labour Board. This is first time work Permit application.

CONTACT: 243-2928

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Only Belongers need to apply

21217

21180

FREDELINE LATORTUE

JACK OBAS WILLIAMS

CARIB CONSTRUCTION LTD.

21214

Palm Grove, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a

HOUSEKEEPER

Duties: Performing a variety of Housekeeping chores such as Sweeping, mopping, dusting and Polishing to ensure all rooms are Madeup and kept tidy.

SALARY: $7.50 per hour

CONTACT: 342-8357

Belongers are encouraged to Submit a copy of their resume To the Employment Services Office. This is a first time work permit

application.

21188

CLASSIFIEDS 39

North Creek, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a

LABOURER Duties: To clean

East Suburbs Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a

LABOURER

In a statement, Bayern said the 31-year-old had “transgressed the guidelines issued by the club by being too far away from his home.”

Bavaria was the first German state to go into lockdown in response to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus.

Boateng said he would respect the decision but called it “sad”.

“I know that it was certainly a mistake not to inform the club about my trip, but in the

moment I only had my son in mind,” Boateng told German newspaper Bild..

“He was not in good health.

When a son calls his father, of course I will still go, no matter what time.

“For him I accept any punishment; after all, he is my son.

“I want to see the father who does not go in such a moment to be with his four-year-old son. If there is a punishment for it, then I respect it. I find it sad.”

Bayern did not reveal the amount of the fine but said that they would be donating it to Munich hospitals.

In their statement, the club said: “The guidelines govern the behaviour of the FC Bayern players in the current situation in line with the Bavarian state government’s directives on restrictions on movement and the recommendations of the health authorities.

“FC Bayern believes the club has a responsibility to be a role model.” (BBC)

NOTICE REGULATION 7 OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION) REGULATIONS, 1990

A Planning Application, registered as PR 13414 by WEST INDIES TRADING COMPANY LIMITED, REGENT VILLAGE, GRACE BAY, PROVIDENCIALES, TCI.

maintain Premises, dispose of garbage and any other duties as necessary. SALARY: $7.50 per hour.

Duties: To clean maintain Premises, dispose of garbage and any other duties as necessary.

SALARY: $7.50 per hour.

Has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of an Apartment complex, at Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills. The proposed development includes concrete works, asphalt works, sewage treatment plant and landscape works.

CONTACT: 342-8019

CONTACT: 243-2928

Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the director of Planning, Grand Turk or Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this Notice.

Belongers are encouraged To send a copy of their Resume to the Labour Board. This is first time work Permit application.

21185

Belongers are encouraged To send a copy of their Resume to the Labour Board. This is first time work Permit application.

211881

Notice dated: FIRST POSTED APRIL 8th, 2018 AND REPOSTED MARCH 17th, 2020 13414

40

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 28 - April 3, 2020

Science & Technology

The world’s largest coronavirus lockdown is having a dramatic impact on pollution in India WHEN India imposed a nationwide lockdown a week ago, it was designed to stop the imminent spread of the novel coronavirus.

But grinding this country of 1.3 billion people to a near halt has also provided a temporary remedy to another pressing health issue: suffocating pollution levels.

The world’s largest lockdown means all factories, markets, shops, and places of worship are now closed, most public transport suspended and construction work halted, as India asks its citizens to stay home and practice social distancing. So far, India has more than 1,300 confirmed cases of Covid-19, including 35 deaths.

Already, data shows that the main cities are recording much lower levels of harmful microscopic particulate matter known as PM 2.5, and of nitrogen dioxide, which is released by vehicles and power plants.

PM 2.5, which is smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, is considered particularly dangerous as it can lodge deep into the lungs and pass into other organs and the bloodstream, causing serious health

risks.

The sudden fall in pollutants and the subsequent blue skies signal a dramatic shift for India -- which has 21 of the world’s 30 most polluted cities, according to the IQAir AirVisual’s 2019 World Air Quality Report.

In the capital, New Delhi, government data shows the average concentration of PM 2.5 plunged by 71% in the space of a week -- falling from 91 microgram per cubic meter on March 20, to 26 on March 27, after the lockdown began. The World Health Organization considers anything above 25 to be unsafe.

The data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), part of India’s Environment Ministry, was collated by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Nitrogen dioxide went from 52 per cubic meter to 15 in the same period -- also a 71% fall. Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bangalore have also recorded a fall in these air pollutants.

“I have not seen such blue skies in Delhi for the past 10 years,”

Lockdown in India means less pollution.

said Jyoti Pande Lavakare, the cofounder of Indian environmental organization Care for Air, and author of upcoming book “Breathing Here is Injurious To Your Health.”

“It is a silver lining in terms of this awful crisis that we can step outside and breathe.”

LOWEST TRAFFIC POLLUTION Even before the national lockdown started on March 25, the phased shutdowns in India were having an impact.

During the first three weeks of March, the average nitrogen dioxide levels declined by 40-50% in the cities of Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad, compared with the same period in 2018 and 2019, said

Gufran Beig, a scientist with the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) under India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences.

“The reduced fossil fuel emissions due to (the) transport sector and slowdown in other emissions-related activity is slowly reducing the air pollutants,” Beig said.

The nationwide curfew in India on March 22 also resulted in the lowest one-day traffic pollution levels on record, analysis from CREA said.

Other dangerous pollutants, PM2.5 and the larger PM10, which are less than 10 micrometers in diameter, also dropped steeply, the report added.

“It is most likely that even the record of March 22 will be broken, and we are seeing more and more cleaner

days as industries, transportation and energy generation and demand are reducing across the country,” said Sunil Dahiya, an analyst based in New Delhi for CREA. Similar patterns showing drastic falls in pollution levels were seen in parts of Europe and China since their lockdowns, as industry and transport networks grind to a virtual halt.

But this data is no reason to celebrate, Dahiya said.

“This is a really grave situation which the entire world is grappling with,” Dahiya said.

“Pollution is going down, but we cannot let the suffering of so many human beings be the way to clean the air,” Dahiya said.”We can only use the outbreak of coronavirus as a learning lesson for us.”

Oceans can be successfully restored by 2050, say scientists DESPITE being treated as humanity’s rubbish dump for decades, the oceans of the world are proving remarkably resilient, says a new scientific review.

Building on that resilience could lead to a full recovery within three decades, the researchers argue.

Climate change, and the challenges of scaling up existing conservation efforts, are the big hurdles, they say.

The researchers caution that the window for action is now very narrow.

The oceans have been exploited by humans for centuries, but the negative impacts of our involvement have only become clear over the last 50 years or so.

Fish and other marine species have been hunted almost to extinction, while oil spills and other forms of pollution have poisoned the seas.

Over the last few decades, the growing influence of climate change has bleached corals, and seen the ocean’s acidity increase. This was documented in last year’s special report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The oceans have been exploited by humans for centuries, but the negative impacts of our involvement have only become clear over the last 50 years or so.

This new review recognises the scale of the problems but also points to the remarkable resilience of the seas. Humpback whale numbers have rebounded since the ban on commercial whaling.

The proportion of marine species

assessed as threatened with global extinction by the IUCN has dropped from 18% in 2000 to 11.4% in 2019.

“Our study documents the recovery of marine populations, habitats and ecosystems following past conservation interventions. It

provides specific, evidence-based recommendations to scale proven solutions globally,” said lead author Carlos Duarte, who is professor of marine science at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.

“We know what we ought to do to rebuild marine life, and we have evidence that this goal can be achieved within three decades.

Indeed, this requires that we accelerate our efforts, and spread them to areas where efforts are currently modest.”

The researchers identified nine components that are key to rebuilding the oceans: salt marshes, mangroves, seagrasses, coral reefs, kelp, oyster reefs, fisheries, megafauna and the deep ocean.

The scientists recommend a range of actions that are required including protecting species, harvesting wisely and restoring habitats.

“We now have the skills and expertise to be able to restore vital marine habitats such as oyster reefs, mangrove swamps and salt marshes - which keep our seas clean, our

coasts protected and provide food to support entire ecosystems,” said coauthor Prof Callum Roberts from the University of York, UK. “Science gives us reason to be optimistic about the future of our oceans, but we are not currently doing enough in the UK or globally,” he added.

A big challenge is climate change, which is raising sea levels and making the waters more acidic.

The amount of warming that has already taken place will likely make rebuilding tropical reefs quite difficult.

“If we don’t tackle climate change and raise the ambition and immediacy of these efforts, we risk wasting our efforts,” said Prof Duarte.

“We also need to move closer toward reducing pressure on fish stocks, and tackle elements of pollution, such as plastic litter,” Another big question is money.

The new study estimates that it will costs $10-20bn a year to rebuild marine life by 2050. But the review also points out that for every dollar invested, the expected return would be $10.

March 28 - April 3, 2020

41

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology ‘Dinosaurs walked through Antarctic rainforests’ SCIENTISTS drilling off the coast of West Antarctica have found the fossil remains of forests that grew in the region 90 million years ago - in the time of the dinosaurs.

Their analysis of the material indicates the continent back then would have been as warm as parts of Europe are today but that global sea levels would have been over 100m higher than at present.

The research, led from the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Germany, is published in the journal Nature.

It’s emerged from an expedition in 2017 to recover marine sediments in Pine Island Bay. AWI and its partners, including the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), used a novel cassette drillmechanism called MeBo to extract core material some 30m under the seafloor.

When the team examined the sediments in the lab, it found traces of ancient soils and pollen and even tree roots.

The interpretation is that this sector of West Antarctica, in the geological period known as the Cretaceous, featured temperate rainforest and swamp conditions the kind of vegetation you will find on New Zealand’s South Island today.

“We have a really nice X-ray

An artist’s impression of what it might have looked like in West Antarctica 90 million years ago.

movie through the sediment core,” said AWI’s Prof Karsten Gohl, who spearheaded the expedition on Germany’s Research Vessel Polarstern.

“It’s like we’ve drilled into a modern swamp environment and you’re seeing the living root system, small plant particles and pollen - but this is all persevered from 90 million years ago. It’s amazing.”

Modelling work suggests average annual temperatures in this

Cretaceous environment would have been in the mid-teens Celsius; summer averages would have been in the 20s.

But the vegetation must have been pretty special because, being so far south, it would have had to endure three to four months of polar darkness.

The Nature paper’s first author is AWI’s Dr Johann Klages. “Probably these plants, they had a much more effective way of shutting down for a much longer amount of time and

then come back successfully,” he speculated.

“That was quite an interesting adaptation, which is not present right now on the planet, but which can evolve,” he told BBC News.

Seeing the White Continent as we do today with its kilometresthick ice covering, it’s a challenge to the imagination to think of such productive conditions. But BAS director, Prof Jane Francis, says there have been several periods in Earth history when Antarctica’s great

glaciers were absent.

This study, she says, represents the first evidence for Cretaceous forests so close to the South Pole - just 900km away, at what would have been about 81-82 degrees South latitude.

“And, yes, there probably were dinosaurs in the forests,” she explained. “If you go to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll find a whole range of fossils - things like hadrosaurs and sauropods, and primitive bird-like dinosaurs. The whole range of dinosaurs that lived in the rest of the world managed to get down to Antarctica during the Cretaceous.”

To sustain the warmth these animals and the forests enjoyed, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere - like carbon dioxide - must have been three or four times current levels. If today the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is just above 400 parts per million (ppm), back then the figure was certainly above 1,000ppm and maybe as high as 1,600ppm.

BAS co-author Dr Robert Larter commented: “The world was a different place in other ways that would have contributed to the climate differences at this time. In particular, the positions of continents and the patterns of ocean currents were different.

Men wash their hands much less often than women and that matters more than ever HANDWASHING with soap and warm water for 20 seconds -- along with staying home and standing six feet apart from others -- is the best weapon we have against the novel coronavirus that has infected almost 800,000 people around the world.

However, there’s one big yet little discussed difference when it comes to this essential personal hygiene habit: Women are hands down better handwashers than men.

Years of surveys, observations and research have found that women are more likely to wash their hands, use soap and scrub for a longer period of time than men after using the restroom. However, there’s still a surprisingly large portion of both sexes who don’t wash their hands at all.

PEOPLE LIE ABOUT WASHING THEIR HANDS Researchers have had to come up with clever ways to collect this data, since most people will tell you that they think handwashing after using the bathroom is important. That’s even if they don’t actually do it.

Carl Borchgrevink, director of the School of Hospitality at Michigan State University in East Lansing, takes this kind of survey data with a pinch of salt.

Handwashing with soap and warm water for 20 seconds -- along with staying home and standing six feet apart from others -- is the best weapon we have against the novel coronavirus that has infected almost 800,000 people around the world.

However, there’s one big yet little discussed difference when it comes to this essential personal hygiene habit: Women are hands down better handwashers than men.

Years of surveys, observations and research have found that women are more likely to wash their hands, use soap and scrub for a longer period of time than men after using the restroom.

However, there’s still a surprisingly large portion of both sexes who don’t wash their hands at all.

PEOPLE LIE ABOUT WASHING THEIR HANDS Researchers have had to come up with clever ways to collect this data, since most people will tell you that they think handwashing after using the bathroom is important. That’s even if they don’t actually do it.

Carl Borchgrevink, director of the School of Hospitality at Michigan State University in East Lansing, takes this kind of survey data with a pinch of salt.

It’s a big gap -- clearly twice as

Years of surveys, observations and research have found that women are more likely to wash their hands than men are after using the restroom.

many women as men were washing their hands,” said Susan Michie, health psychology professor and director of the Centre for Behaviour Change at the Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology at University College London.

“Another interesting result was that the more people were in the toilet area the more they were likely to wash their hands,” said Michie, who was an author of the study.

“If there were no people around, people tended to zap out with no one noticing.”

There’s little to suggest that men in the UK and US are unsual in their handwashing (or lack thereof).

A review published on the subject in 2016 looked at research from dozens of different countries, and found that women were 50% more likely than men to practice, or increase, protective behavior like proper hand-washing, mask-wearing and surface cleaning in the context of an epidemic, like flu.

WHY IS THERE A GENDER GAP?

There’s been far less research done on why there is such a gap between the sexes when it comes to handwashing. Michie said it was likely socially programmed behavior, not genetic.

“Women are more focused on care than men -- childcare, household care, personal care,” she said.

Similarly, Borchgrevink said that while his study didn’t look at why men didn’t wash their hands as much as women, he suggested that it could be down to a sense that men were too macho to fear germs.

“We did talk to some of (the men) and ask, ‘why didn’t wash your hands?’” Borchgrevink said. “And they would look at us indignantly and say, ‘I’m clean, I don’t need to wash my hands.’ They had a sense of invincibility.”

Nancy Tomes, a history professor at Stony Brook University and the author of “The Gospel of Germs: Men, Women and the Microbe in American Life,” says the handwashing gender gap has a long history dating back to when the germ theory of disease took hold in the public consciousness in the Victorian era -- that certain diseases were caused by microorganisms that invaded the body rather than bad air or miasma. (CNN)

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Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics announced Monday that he had been cleared of the virus.

NBA players who have beat COVID-19 will donate blood for experimental treatment Club Bruges to be named champions as Belgian Pro League cancelled Club Bruges beat Cercle Bruges 2-1 on 7 March in their last league game before football in Belgium was suspended.

AT least four NBA players who have recovered from COVID-19 plan on donating blood for an experimental treatment that could help patients fight the virus, according to an ABC News report.

The treatment requires the collection of the liquid part of blood from patients who have recovered from infection — called convalescent plasma.The antibodies present in the plasma may help some patients with COVID-19 fight and recover. Though it’s not known whether the treatment will be effective, there is “anecdotal evidence” that it could benefit some patients, according to the FDA, and there is currently no cure or vaccine available for the virus.

“We believe it [convalescent

plasma] can be disease-modifying and reduce duration and severity in some patients,” Dr. Michael Joyner, a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist and a member of the leadership team of the National COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project, told ABC News on Tuesday. The project is a network of doctors, virologists, immunologists, and blood-banking experts working together to study the experimental treatment.

On Sunday, the NBA league office reached out to team physicians, encouraging players who have recovered from the virus to consider participating in the treatment, according to a memo obtained by ABC News. The NBA also reportedly gave a $100,000 donation to the

National COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project as part of the NBA Together campaign.

The NBA’s donation and support of participation in the treatment comes amid ongoing criticism that league players were able to get tested more easily than members of the general public who were experiencing symptoms of the virus.

Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics announced Monday that he had been cleared of the virus by the Massachusetts Department of Health, and confirmed through his agent that he would donate to the experimental treatment. The identities of the other three players are currently unknown.

(Nowthisnews)

THE Belgian Pro League is set to become the first major European league to be cancelled because of coronavirus.

Club Bruges will be declared champions with the current league table set to stand.

There was one match of the regular season remaining when the league was suspended, with play-offs due to decide the top positions.

The league’s board of directors made the decision and have made

a recommendation to the general assembly.

It will be made official on 15 April with a working group to decide relegation and promotion issues.

Club Bruges are 15 points clear of second-placed Gent at the top of the table.

In a statement, the league said: “The board of directors unanimously decided that it was not desirable, whatever the scenario envisaged, to continue the competition after 30 June.” (BBC)

Doping athletes not off radar despite reduced drug testing, warns Ukad chief POTENTIAL drugs cheats are “strongly mistaken” if they think they can get away with doping while there is reduced testing because of coronavirus, the head of UK AntiDoping has warned.

Nicole Sapstead, chief executive of the national agency, said it would be “naive” for athletes and coaches to think they would leave no trace of their activity.

Ukad announced it had significantly scaled back its programme of testing during the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far claimed 33,000 lives.

Some countries, including Russia and Canada, have stopped testing completely.

Last week Travis Tygart, head of US Anti-Doping (Usada), said

the situation opened a “window of opportunity” for those not “willing to compete clean”.

However, Sapstead said the agency would “come after” anyone looking to break the rules while they thought they were “off the radar”.

She told BBC Sport: “There will always be a minority that will seek to dope, and whether that is now, when they think they are effectively off the radar of national anti-doping organisations, or at any other time, my message to them is very, very clear - we will continue to process intelligence, we will continue to monitor whereabouts, we will continue to monitor the raft of information we have available to us, such as the athlete biological passports.

“All of this helps us to gain a picture of what an athlete might be doing during this time. And if they think they are going to get away with it then they are strongly, strongly mistaken.

“And at the time when antidoping organisations start to ramp up their activity again, we will come after them.”

It is understood Ukad is still carrying out some urine testing.

However, the shutdown of domestic sport has meant there is no in-competition testing, and the number of out-of-competition tests has been cut back.

Sapstead continued: “Obviously it is problematic now with a reduction in testing.

“And who knows how the coming

Ukad’s Nicole Sapstead said she hoped the postponed Olympic and Paralympic Games could be the cleanest yet, despite the current reduction in testing.

weeks may play out? Clearly we are going to have to be mindful of the advice that is coming out of government and be respectful of that at all times.”

Sasptead said that when global sport resumed after the coronavirus pandemic there would need to be a drive to “plug the gap” in testing, in order for sport to maintain its integrity.

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Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics: New dates confirmed for 2021 THE Tokyo Olympic Games will start on 23 July, 2021 and run to 8 August after being postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board met on Monday to make the decision.

The Olympics will still be called Tokyo 2020 despite taking place in 2021.

The Paralympic Games, originally due to start on 24 August, 2020, will now take place between 24 August and 5 September, 2021.

IOC president Thomas Bach said: “I am confident that, working together with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Japanese Government and all our stakeholders, we can master this unprecedented challenge.

“Humankind currently finds itself in a dark tunnel. These Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 can be a light at the end of this tunnel.”

International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons added: “When the Paralympic Games do take place in Tokyo next year, they will be an extra-special display of humanity uniting as one, a global celebration of human resilience and a sensational showcase of sport.

“With the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games 512 days away, the priority for all those involved in the Paralympic

Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori (centre, at table) made the announcement at a news conference on Monday.

movement must be to focus on staying safe with their friends and family during this unprecedented and difficult time.”

The decision to postpone both events was taken to protect the health of the athletes and everyone involved, and to support the containment of the Covid-19 virus.

The new dates also took into consideration the rest of the global sports calendar after the men’s football European Championship was postponed to the summer of 2021.

The World Athletics Championships, originally set to take place in Oregon, USA, between 6 August and 15 August 2021, will now be postponed until 2022.

If that is moved back exactly a year it would clash with the

Commonwealth Games in Birmingham which is set to take place between 27 July and 7 August.

“We support the new 2021 dates for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

This gives our athletes the time they need to get back into training and competition,” World Athletics said in a statement.

“Everyone needs to be flexible and compromise and to that end we are now working with the organisers of the World Athletics Championships in Oregon on new dates in 2022.

“We are also in discussions with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the European Championships.”

Chief executive of the CGC David Grevemberg said his organisation is “fully committed to hosting a successful Commonwealth Games

in Birmingham, England, during 2022”.

He added: “Over the coming days, we will continue to work collaboratively with our international federation partners to ensure the XXII Commonwealth Games maintains its position and stature on the global sporting calendar.”

Olympic organisers hope the delay will allow sufficient time to finish the qualification process which will follow the same mitigation measures planned for 2020.

It has previously been confirmed that all athletes already qualified and quota places already assigned will remain unchanged.

Purchased tickets would be valid for rescheduled events or a refund could be requested when the new dates were set, organisers previously

confirmed.

On 24 March, Japan’s Prime Minister Abe Shinzo said the Games would be held in their “complete form” and no later than summer 2021.

Tokyo 2020 organising committee president Yoshiro Mori said he had proposed the 23 July to 8 August timeframe to the IOC, and that Bach had agreed, following consultations with the international sports federations.

“A certain amount of time is required for the selection and qualification of athletes and for their training and preparation, and the consensus was that staging the rescheduled Games during the summer vacation in Japan would be preferable,” Mori said.

“In terms of transport, arranging volunteers and the provision of tickets for those in Japan and overseas, as well as allowing for the Covid-19 situation, we think that it would be better to reschedule the Games to one year later than planned, in the summer of 2021.”

It is the first time in the Olympic Games’ 124-year modern history that they have been delayed, though they were cancelled altogether in 1916 because of World War One and again in 1940 and 1944 for World War Two. Cold War boycotts affected the summer Games in Moscow and Los Angeles in 1980 and 1984 respectively.

Eddie Jones: England head coach is the total package, says RFU’s Bill Sweeney RUGBY Football Union boss Bill Sweeney has urged Eddie Jones to keep his “competitive edge”, even if the England head coach does “slightly cross the line” on occasions.

Sweeney has handed Jones a contract extension through to the World Cup in France in 2023.

While Jones’ 78% win ratio makes him one of the great England coaches, controversy often follows him around.

“We manage it, we talk about it and we are OK with it,” Sweeney said.

Sweeney was recently forced to reprimand Australian Jones for suggesting referee Ben O’Keefe was biased against England in the Six Nations game with Wales.

“You get a total package with Eddie, don’t you?” Sweeney told BBC Sport.

“He is ultra, ultra competitive,

rugby is his life, and with all of that comes a huge degree of passion.

“Along with the passion comes the occasional comment or situation and he may slightly cross the line he is the first person to put his hands up and admit that.

“I wouldn’t want him to dial down his commitment and passion - that’s the big attraction.

“Could he be a bit more diplomatic on occasions? Perhaps, but we certainly want him to maintain that competitive edge.”

‘TIMING ENDS SPECULATION’ The 60-year-old’s current contract was due to expire in August 2021, but he had been set for a new deal since leading England to the World Cup final last year.

While this announcement secures Jones’ position at the RFU, other

Bill Sweeney has given Eddie Jones a contract extension through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Twickenham employees are facing an uncertain future in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We were probably not going

to announce until things had hopefully died down a bit,” Sweeney explained.

“But we felt it was appropriate

to be open and transparent and clarify the situation. We knew there were going to be questions raised about Eddie, and we think this is an opportunity to draw a line under that and move forward.

“All the things we are doing in terms of pay reduction, furloughing, cuts, and savings, we are doing that to keep the RFU family intact.”

Sweeney would not be drawn on whether the new deal - which was negotiated before the outbreak of Covid-19 in England - included a pay rise, but pointed to the pay reduction Jones and the RFU executives have taken for the next three months.

“We don’t go into the details of individual’s contracts, but he agreed immediately to take a 20% pay cut, and he has foregone his bonus for this year, so that puts his personal commitment at over 25% of his overall pay.” (BBC)

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It took around 7,000 shuttles back and forth to reach the target distance.

Garden marathon raising over £26,000 for NHS is ‘best feeling’ for James Campbell

Tony Lewis (right) and Frank Duckworth received their MBEs in 2010 for services to mathematics and cricket.

Tony Lewis: Cricket statistician of the Duckworth-Lewis method dies aged 78 TONY Lewis, the mathematician and statistician who co-devised what became known as the DuckworthLewis method for settling weatheraffected limited-overs matches, has died at the age of 78.

Lewis and fellow academic Frank Duckworth came together to produce a fairer method of settling such games than the controversial system which had been used at the 1992 World Cup. Their new system was first used in 1997 for a Zimbabwe v England game, and officially adopted by the International Cricket Council in 1999.

Duckworth-Lewis calculates targets based on the batting team’s remaining resources - wickets

in hand, and overs in hand - via mathematical formulae.

In 2014, Australian professor Steven Stern became the custodian of the system, on the retirements of Duckworth and Lewis, and it is now known as the Duckworth-LewisStern (DLS) method.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement: “Cricket is deeply indebted to both Tony and Frank’s contributions to the sport.

We send our sincere condolences to Tony’s family.”

Born in Bolton, Lewis was a lecturer at the University of the West of England when he and Duckworth came together after South Africa’s target in the 1992 World Cup semi-final against

England was comically reduced from 22 runs off 13 balls to 22 runs off one ball.

Duckworth explained in 2007: “I recall hearing Christopher MartinJenkins on radio saying ‘surely someone, somewhere, could come up with something better’ and I realised that it was a mathematical problem that required a mathematical solution.”

Lewis and Duckworth were appointed MBEs in 2010.

Around the same time, an Irish pop group formed by Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy and Thomas Walsh of Pugwash - calling themselves The Duckworth Lewis Method - released two cricket-themed concept albums in 2009 and 2013. (BBC)

SCOTTISH javelin record holder James Campbell says completing a marathon in his back garden to raise money for the NHS was the “best feeling”.

The former Commonwealth Games athlete raised over £26,000 by running 26.2 miles in the sixmetre-long area.

The 32-year-old was delighted with the “incredible response”.

“What better way to celebrate my birthday than running up and down my garden for five hours?” he told BBC Scotland.

“The amount of people supporting it and the positive messages from everyone, it’s been an incredible response. The feeling at the end of it was probably by far the best feeling I’ve had.

“My mate’s wife has just come back from maternity leave, today was her first shift back as a nurse. So from a personal perspective, and for everything the NHS is doing at the moment, I just hope it can make a

small difference.”

The five-hour sequence of shuttle runs was streamed live after he had promised to complete the task if he got more than 10,000 retweets on Twitter.

Campbell, who lives in Cheltenham, had his javelin career cut short at the age of 26 by shoulder injuries and admits he has struggled with mental health issues.

He hopes his efforts in running the back garden marathon helped give everyone a break from issues they face surrounding the coronavirus outbreak.

“This is a really difficult time for everybody,” he said.

“Whether you’re directly affected, someone you know is, or you can’t work, it’s going to take a toll on everyone.

“I’m not advising people to run up and down their garden for five hours, but it’s a strange time and I hope it gave everyone a break from a lot of the bad news going around.” (BBC)

UFC 249: KhabibFerguson cancelled for a fifth time UNBEATEN UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov says his long-awaited fight against American Tony Ferguson has been cancelled for a fifth time.

The pair were set to meet on 18 April in New York at UFC 249 but the venue had already been ruled out because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nurmagomedov is currently in his native Russia and is unable to travel.

“I’m definitely upset more than you to cancel the fight,” he said.

The 31-year-old was preparing to face Ferguson behind closed doors in the United Arab Emirates while the 36-year-old American remains in his homeland.

The fight has been arranged four times previously, but each time it has been cancelled because of health or fitness issues.

Nurmagomedov withdrew with a rib injury in 2015, Ferguson had a lung issue in 2016, and while trying to make the weight for their next bout in March 2017, Ferguson developed a kidney problem.

The pair were then set to fight for the lightweight championship in April 2018 but Ferguson suffered a freak accident six days before, tearing his knee ligament after tripping over a cable at a media event. No wonder UFC commentator Joe Rogan has said the fight is “cursed”. (BBC)

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson were held apart by Dana White.

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Didier Drogba: How Ivory Coast striker helped to halt civil war in his home nation AL-MERRIKH Stadium, in Sudan’s second largest city of Omdurman, is not one of the world’s great gladiatorial arenas. Yet this small ground - known as the Red Castle - became the setting for one of football’s most extraordinary tales.

The date was 8 October 2005.

The mathematics of qualification for World Cup 2006 were simple.

A win for Cameroon against Egypt would see them reach their sixth tournament. Anything less would allow Ivory Coast, playing in Sudan and just a point behind, to leapfrog them and qualify instead - for the first time.

The tag “golden generation” can be a substantial yoke to bear, but the Ivorian squad in 2005 was just that. They were led by the artfully bruising Didier Drogba, with Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Didier Zokora all also shining in the Premier League, a world away in London.

Yaya Toure, then with Greek side Olympiakos and still considered raw, was waiting in the wings. This was a squad that could match anything on the African continent. Despite having lost twice to Cameroon in qualifying, they remained agonisingly close as they took to the pitch in Sudan that evening.

Yet, while Ivory Coast’s footballing stars stood on the verge of history, back home the country teetered on the edge of something dark. A civil war that began in 2002 had divided the country, with President Laurent Gbagbo’s government controlling the south and a rebel faction known as The New Forces of Ivory Coast, led by Guillaume Soro, controlling the north.

Fighting broke out on 19 September 2002 with rebels attacking various cities across the country. Sebastien Gnahore, an exfootballer who fled Ivory Coast, recalls those times.

“It was awful. When I called my sister I could hear the shooting outside the house,” he says. “They all hid under the bed for four days, and only came out to find food.

“All I cared about was whether my family was going to be OK. That’s the only worry I had each morning.”

The initial violence was fierce but short-lived, as both sides became quickly entrenched along a northsouth divide. Much of the fighting had ended in 2004, but tensions were rising once again in 2005. The future of the West African country looked bleak.

Modern footballers can seem a world away from the everyday man and woman. The money involved can catapult them into a different realm, and the results

Drogba was the leader of Ivory Coast’s ‘golden generation’.

can be unpalatable. But the Ivorian players that evening, despite their multi-million-pound lives in Europe, knew much more was at stake. And nobody encapsulated this quite like the man who led their line, and who was about to take centre stage.

Didier Drogba had arrived at Chelsea in 2004 for a reported fee of £24m. His nine-year stay in the Premier League was synonymous with a number of things - including a brutally effective, bulldozing style of centre-forward play and accusations ranging from unsportsmanlike behaviour to outright cheating. Love him or hate him, his achievements in west London were unquestionable.

Four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and a Champions League winner’s medal.

Arsene Wenger, whose Arsenal side frequently found themselves on the wrong end of Drogba’s brutal style, said of him: “He is a winner and he will be like that until the end of his life.”

Drogba was indeed a serial winner, but the pressure on that October night in Sudan was entirely different.

Cameroon’s match against Egypt in Yaounde and Ivory Coast’s fixture with Sudan kicked off simultaneously.

Ivory Coast, knowing nothing less than a victory would do, made short work of a Sudanese side secondbottom in the group. In the 73rd minute, Aruna Dindane tucked away his second goal, and the team’s third.

An 89th-minute Sudanese strike was no more than a consolation.

Events were unfolding relatively straightforwardly - but nearly 1,600 miles away in Yaounde, the picture was very different.

Cameroon took the lead in the 20th minute, but the game was tight.

A 79th-minute equaliser, bundled in by Mohammed Shawky, brought Egypt level and swung the tide back into the Ivorians’ favour. A draw - so long as they beat Sudan - would see them qualify.

With just seconds remaining in Yaounde, and with the score locked at 1-1, Ivory Coast looked set for their maiden trip to the World Cup. Their match in Sudan had finished.

Drogba was standing, surrounded by his team-mates. They were all listening to the radio and waiting.

Then the crushing news filtered through. Cameroon had been awarded a soft penalty in the fourth minute of injury time.

For every tale of heartbreak, there must be one of joy. Pierre Wome’s spot-kick crashed against the left-hand post and flew wide.

The Cameroon players gathered, dazed and despondent in the penalty area, some pulling their shirts over their eyes. On the other side of the continent, Ivory Coast erupted. For the first time in their history, they would compete at the highest level of international football.

“The whole country - every person, every house - was happy.

That day we all forgot the country was still divided,” says Hassane Omar, a 20-year-old student in Abidjan at the time.

For all the breathless footballing drama that took place that night, the most seismic event did not occur on the football pitch, but in the cramped away dressing room at the Al-Merrikh Stadium. A post-game prayer led by Drogba had become something of a ritual, but this would be different.

With the celebrations unfolding, a TV camera was ushered into the changing room. The players huddled before it, their arms draped across each other’s shoulders. Standing in the centre, microphone in hand, was the imposing figure of the Chelsea striker.

“Men and women of Ivory Coast,” he began. “From the north, south, centre, and west, we proved today that all Ivorians can coexist and play together with a shared aim to qualify for the World Cup.” “We promised you that the

celebrations would unite the people today we beg you on our knees.” On cue, the players sank to their knees.

“The one country in Africa with so many riches must not descend into war. Please lay down your weapons and hold elections,” Drogba urged.

The clip, available on YouTube, is barely a minute long and ends with the players on their feet once more.

“We want to have fun, so stop firing your guns,” they sang joyously.

Back home, the party had already started. There were reports of a conga line outside the Egyptian embassy as Ivorians showed their appreciation for the draw in Cameroon. Even the rebel capital of Bouake bounced to the beat of victory that night.

For all the revelry, and for all the ‘Drogbas’ - bottles of beers renamed in the striker’s honour - Ivory Coast still woke up the following morning in the same situation, as a deeply divided country.

Yet something was stirring and the following weeks and months were to see a dramatic change. The video clip played relentlessly on television as if the sheer force of media exposure might be enough to enact change.

And change did follow. Both sides moved closer to the negotiating table and a ceasefire was finally signed.

While any Hollywood scriptwriter would have been proud of this ending, the story was not quite finished. At the 2006 World Cup, Ivory Coast had been knocked out at the group stage, losing to Argentina and the Netherlands before beating Serbia & Montenegro. It was a respectable first performance.

The following year, an extraordinary announcement was made by Drogba, while touring the rebel-held area of his homeland after claiming the African Footballer of the Year award.

Ivory Coast’s home match and Madagascar, due to be played on 3 June 2007, would not be played in Abidjan as scheduled, he said, but instead in Bouake, the symbolic centre of the rebellion. This would have been unimaginable just two years before. Whether presidential permission was given for Drogba’s announcement is still not entirely clear.

“Bearing in mind Drogba is from the south - from Gbagbo’s area - he was just like a god at the time,” says Austin Merril, a reporter who was in Ivory Coast working for Vanity Fair magazine. The atmosphere that day in the northern city crackled with anticipation.

“It was completely bonkers,” adds Merrill, who drove behind the team bus on the way to the stadium with a heavy military presence. People rode on top of cars, weapons slipped from

the grasp of excited soldiers. Inside the stadium itself, government and rebel troops hurled football chants back and forth. It was a marked change from the violence of the recent past.

“It felt like more than just football,” recalls Omar, who was watching on TV in Abidjan.

“Everybody had stopped work at 12 o’clock and was drinking beer or champagne. We were all so happy.”

On the pitch, any notion that the script would not be a fairytale was dispelled when Salomon Kalou tapped in on 18 minutes. The goals kept coming. With just five minutes to go, and with Ivory Coast leading 4-0, the stage was set for the spectacular finale everybody had hoped for. A lofted ball from midfield dropped behind the defence, into the path of the onrushing Drogba. Delicate control and a delightful second touch took him round the goalkeeper, and he slid the ball into an empty net.

The explosion of noise defied the stadium’s modest capacity.

The country’s messiah wheeled along the running track in celebration, players and supporters streaming in his wake. Above him in the stands, old adversaries celebrated together.

The final whistle brought fans rushing on to the pitch, with security personnel forming protective screens around the players, most of all Drogba. The symbolic gesture of the game in Bouake seemed to have united a country once again.

“It was euphoria across the whole country, everybody came together,” says Gnahore. “We had so much hope in Drogba and his team. The Toures from the north, Drogba from the south. It was a true Ivorian mosaic.”

However, what followed was sadly very different. With divisions running deep, and memories short, the euphoria surrounding those two matches began to fade. Just five years later, violence again gripped the country after disputed elections, resulting in the deaths of 3,000 people and culminating in the arrest of President Gbagbo and his eventual trial at the Hague for crimes against humanity.

In January 2019, he was acquitted on all charges. One year on, he remains in custody in Belgium, pending the outcome of an appeal, with Ivory Coast still in a delicate political state.Ivory Coast’s ‘golden generation’ never truly fulfilled their potential, losing on penalties in the final of the African Cup of Nations in both 2006 and 2012. Their star power dwindled in response. Perhaps it was simply impossible to follow on from the seismic events of 2005 and 2007.

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TCI overseas based athletes frustrated, but resolute as world face COVID 19 pandemic THE Turks and Caicos Islands is currently on lockdown against the sweeping COVID 19 virus, but so too are many other countries, unfortunately many of our athletes who are overseas are battle through social distancing, restrictions and uncertainty.

This week we contacted a number of the elite sports personalities who are currently overseas to find out how they are dealing with the pandemic.

DELANO WILLIAMS Golden Boy and lone Olympian to date, Delano Williams, who is currently in Jamaica where he is living and training, said that he is coping with the situation in Kingston.

“Everything is going fine thus far, we don’t have any curfew; we don’t have any lockdown. We cannot be seen going on the road for no particular reason. I still go to training, but training is scheduling, time frame… Where one day I got to train at 6am, 7:30am or 9:30am, so we can split the group. There are a lot of us, so we train in groups of 10. So, we can’t get penalised by the Ministry of Health. You could still find most things in the supermarket excluding hand sanitizers and Lysol.

Most people are practicing social distancing.”

BILLY FORBES National Football Captain, Billy Forbes, who joined USL Championship club Austin Bold FC in January after spending 2019 with San Antonio FC, was looking forward to starting his season this

month.

The 29-year-old is living in Texas and is dealing with a lockdown in the state.

“Well on my side everything is on lockdown. We can’t go anywhere unless you are going to the grocery shops or something similar. Bars, movie theaters everything is shutdown for now.

Although the seasoned striker is not training on the field, he is working out at home with some gym equipment.

“I am just working out at home, doing what I can to stay fit and I’ll take it from there.”

IFEANYI OTUONYE TCI’s most versatile record holder, (holds the national long jump indoor and outdoor records and several relay records) Ifeanyi Otuonye, is also dealing with the virus in the US. The 25-year-old, who lives in small college town Manhattan, Riley County, Kansas, is without his regular gym time.

“Things are not too bad. The place is a small college town and we don’t have much cases thank God. But, right now we are under level three lockdown. Which means staying at home at all cost. We can only go out for essential reasons.

It’s been hard as for training because all gyms and stuff are closed. I am fortunate to be able to use a HS track here, but not having the gym has taken a big hit on my training as a jumper. So just doing what I can right now. Praying and trying to stay in a much as possible and just ride it out.”

CONTINUES NEXT WEEK

Delano Williams is still allowed to train, but his hours are limited.

Billy Forbes is looking forward to making his debut for Austin Bold FC when things get back to normal.

Ifeanyi Otuonye, the only Turks Islander to jump over eight metres, is without gym time while under a level-three lockdown in Kansas.

March 28 - April 3, 2020

March 28 - April 3, 2020

Sports National

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Helena and Jake Crawley were instrumental in the Twa Marcelin Wolf Lightning’s overall victory in the Novice Division.

Maddox Zaidan-Jones led the league with 50 goals and 15 assists.

Zaidan-Jones, Trinidad and Crawley finish as top points performers in respective PHL divisions FORWARDS Maddox Zaidan-Jones, Aiden Norman Doherty Trinidad and Helena Crawley finished on top of the Midget, Bantam and Novice divisions respectively in the recently concluded Provo Hockey League.

Twelve-year-old Zaidan-Jones was instrumental in leading the Projetech Pirates to victory when they tackled the Saunders and Co. Greyhounds in the final of the Midget Division. In that clash, the pre-teen had scored five goals to lead his side to a 10-4 win.

In his last five games, the youngster exploded to score 19 goals. In total, he led the league with a whopping 50 goals. He also

contributed 15 assists to finish with 65 points.

The Saunders Co. Greyhounds’ Jack Blain finished second in the Midget Division. The 11-year-old scored 32 goals and 15 assists to finish with 47 points.

Overall, Blain’s teammate Maximilian Scholar led the division in assists after finishing with 23. His 23 goals gave him an overall points standing of 46.

Turkberry Hurricanes’ Jake Whent placed fourth with 32 goals and 12 assists (44 total), while Harry Schofield from the Villa Del Mar Flyers rounded off the top five with 33 points from 24 goals and nine

assists.

BANTAM DIVISION Ten-year-old Trinidad from the CBMS Cougars, started his season slowly, but picked up in January, where he registered three consecutive games with four goals each.

His consistent scoring also resulted in him firing four goals against the LHeureux Co. Canadiens in the Bantam Division’s third place clash to finish with 42 goals and nine assists for a total of 51 points.

Jacob Been, who was leading the points standing prior to the final day, settled for second place. His two

goals in the championship clash for the TCI Marble and Granite Sharks against eventual champions, the Kvanar Oilers was not enough.

Overall, he finished with 42 goals and eight assists for 50 points. Nineyear-old Jordan Gedeon from the CBMS Cougars finished third with 45 points (33 goals and a division high 12 assists).

The Oilers’ Makarii Lightbourn (22 goals and six assists), teammate Jake Haggie (18 points, 10 assists) and the Sharks’ Jemima Osmond (22 goals and six assists) finished tied for fourth on 28 points each.

NOVICE DIVISION

The Twa Marcelin Wolf Lightning’s Helena Crawley and Jack Crawley dominated the Novice Division and were instrumental in leading their team to the title this year.

Eight year-old Helena led the division with 23 goals and 10 assists for a top score of 33 points. Jack was second with 21 goals and three assists for 24 points.

The Design Studio Jets’ Hayden Greeff (18 goals and two assists) and teammate Ryan King (12 goals and eight assists) were tied for third on 20 points, while Adrien Penn from the Grace Bay Car Rental Islanders finished fifth on 19 points (17 goals and two assists).

Shand Jr. signs football scholarship with Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers

The forward is expected to make an impact on the Panthers.

FORMER British West Indies Collegiate student Karl Shand Jr. (KJ) is living his football dreams after recently signing with the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers in the United States.

The Kentucky Wesleyan College competes at the NCAA Division II level. Known as the Panthers, Kentucky Wesleyan is a founding member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), a conference comprised of institutions in Kentucky, Tennessee,

Ohio, and West Virginia.

Karl, who left home in 2017, has been doing amazing things in the football (soccer) arena prior to becoming a collegiate athlete.

He had a spectacular senior year at Somerset High School in Kentucky, where he scored five goals and made eight assists for the Briar Jumpers. The youngster was also named to the 2020 Commonwealth Journal AllCounty High School Boys Soccer Team.

According to information from the Department of Sports, Shand comes from a family of footballers, since both his uncles Gavin Glinton (team captain) and Duane Glinton played for the TCI National Men’s Football team a few years ago.

Karl also came through the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association grassroots and youth programme and was a part of TCIFA’s Center Of Excellence programme.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 28 - April 3, 2020