TCWN December 10 - 16, 2016

Weekly News Volume 30 | No. 48 | December 10-16, 2016

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LEADERS DEBATE 2016

PASSION AND SUBSTANCE

IN the second ever held leaders debate in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the run-up to general elections, the three party leaders vying for the premiership, clashed on issues of qualifications and experience, the PAGE 5 economy, the SIPT and over regulation of the financial services.

The three political party leaders went to head to head on Monday on major issues affecting the country

MINISTRY OF BORDER CONTROL EXTENDS RADAR STATION PAGE  4

HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN RECEIVE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FROM FLOW PAGE  17

FEATURE ARTICLE

PAGE  10

“VOICE OF THE PEOPLE” Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

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December 10-16, 2016

December 10-16, 2016

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NEWS

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Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson

Premier Rufus Ewing

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PDA Leader Oswald Skippings

LEADERS DEBATE 2016:

Ewing, Robinson and Skippings clash in pre-election debate IN the second ever held leaders debate in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the run-up to general elections, the three party leaders vying for the premiership, clashed on issues of qualifications and experience, the economy, the SIPT and over regulation of the financial services.

The debate, which was held on Monday evening (December 5) at Tropicana, lasted for three hours, with the three moderators posing questions and many audience members being chosen from a raffle to ask the candidates their questions.

Three minutes were allotted to each party leader to make an opening statement, three minutes to make a closing statement, and all candidates were invited to answer each question for a period of one minute.

Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson made her three-minute opening statement a by accusing the PNP government of not doing anything for the people in their four years in office, claiming that people are worse off now than they were four years ago.

PDA Leader Oswald Skippings held a similar tone in his presentation, stating that contrary to those who claim that the economy is booming, on the ground and in the homes of the people of the country the situation is entirely different.

Premier Rufus Ewing encouraged

the audience and the people watching via live stream on the internet not to be swayed by the “gloom and doom” pronouncements by his opponents, but to look to the recovery of the economy as one of the major achievements of his government as well as the various programmes which now bring opportunities to the country.

The first question of the evening came from the moderators enquiring whether there are any philosophical differences between the three parties.

Robinson answered first, stating that the main difference between the PDM and the PNP (which she said

are the only parties with a record of governance) is one of financial management. She said that the PDM has always had a record of strong fiscal management each time it governed, and one of having to clean up the financial mess of the PNP administration.

Skippings in his response pointed to the need for more locals to be placed in jobs and that the work permit system will only be used in exceptional circumstances where a local cannot fill a job.

Ewing stated that the PNP believes in capitalism and a strong social conscience, noting that his party

A section of the audience on the PDM side during Monday night’s leaders debate

has a long record of managing the economy by bringing it from deep recesses into surplus and successes.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT The next question came from the

audience: “Given that the country depends on foreign investment and considering that the world economy is now booming, there has not been CONTINUED 

Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Olivia Rose - Senior Reporter Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1

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Healthcare investigation top of PDM’s agenda, if elected

BY DELANA ISLES ONE OF the long standing calls the People’s Democratic Party (PDM) has made over the years is for an indebt investigation to be carried out into the healthcare system of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

However, concerted efforts by the party machinery over the past four years has seen little done to carry out a proper forensic examination of one the country’s most important sectors.

To this end, Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said her party has made this a top priority and one of the many things they would do within the first 100 days, if elected on December 15.

Speaking with Weekly News during the launch of the party manifesto last week, Robinson said that the healthcare sector has been a major concern for her since she was a member of the consultative forum and has since continued.

“I felt that it was new certainly, but we had no claims history to determine whether the rate was enough and we never had to manage the entire population before; we just managed the Belonger population.

So to take on an entire population with pre-existing conditions was certainly experimental.”

The party has maintained over the years that millions of dollars are being spent on a healthcare system that is both inadequate and unregulated and that there are huge gaps in the system which remain unaddressed a year after a return to democratically elected government.

They also complained of

Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson

insufficient primary care medication and equipment, a shoddy ambulance service, no publication of hospital audits and a lack of transparency.

The state of healthcare in this country ought to worry the people, the PDM leader has always maintained, and last week she reiterated that a review is long overdue.

“At the end of the day though I believe it would always have been challenged, I believe the people of this country have a right to know what was happening especially since healthcare was taking out such a major chunk of the government’s expenditure.”

She also recalled the private members motion put to the House of Assembly and which was passed, bemoaning once again that this is yet another major concern that was taken to the Assembly in the interest of the people, and which was stalled or ignored by the government.

That motion was constructed in such a way that the House, rather than the Government, would recommend to the Governor that an investigation should be carried out.

“It was successful in its passage but the Speaker went and gave the motion to the ministry of health and when I followed up with it, it had stalled at the Minister of Health and sitting Premier,” the party leader recalled.

Adding: “It is really bittersweet for me to hear the [hospital clinical audit] findings without a full investigation, and to know that it is in trouble, but also it is disheartening to hear the government of the day through Cabinet minutes say that they weren’t aware.”

She stated that to now hear the government call for an investigation is “really unbelievable”, when they had an opportunity to launch an investigation since the PDM motion was passed in the House of Assembly.

“They have ignored it and now they are calling for one in January.”

She said: “We believe that it must happen even sooner than that because this is life or death. Are we in trouble beyond six million, is it that we are not able to access certain facilities and that we have forged new relationships with institutions that we don’t know what their quality of care is like?”

The party leader noted that these are the kind of things that need to be looked at and much more.

“So yes, I am happy that it is finally coming to light and that the people of this country are seeing all of what I have been seeing for as long as the scheme is in place, and I trust that we will see the return of a PDM government that will fully reveal the true picture of the healthcare sector,” Robinson said.

Constitutional referendum for TCI once PNP is returned to power - Premier

BY OLIVIA ROSE LEADER of the Progressive National Party (PNP) Premier Rufus Ewing says once his administration is returned to office, it will forge an equal partnership with the UK through a referendum on the constitution.

Speaking via a live facebook broadcast on November 25, the Premier said a constitutional referendum is high on his party`s agenda once re-elected to power.

He said a constitutional reform will end the indignity of the land lottery and ensure that the people can have access to land.

“My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders over the past four years I’ve experienced what governing is like under this Britishwritten constitution without the consideration of local input.

“When this government wants to fight crime, give out land and stimulate local business growth through tax breaks and concessions, I have to go to the CFO and the Governor.

“That’s why I want you to know exactly what you will be voting for on Election Day, so let me be clear, once returned to office on December 15 we will seek an equal partnership with the UK through a referendum on the constitution.”

“Over the last four years we have toiled under the existing unequal partnership, this Progressive National Party Government proved that we can get things done for this country despite the limitations of the new

Ministry of Border control extends radar station

BY OLIVIA ROSE AN ADDITIONAL 500 square feet has been added to the original 528 square feet Coastal Radar Station in Five Cays.

On Monday December 5, the Ministry of Border Control and Employment officially commissioned a new extension to the Coastal Radar Station.

According to a release, the expansion to the facility has provided separate office accommodation, bathroom, kitchenette, water tank and storage facilities for supplies and equipment.

Minister with responsibility for Border Control Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner, in his brief remarks said: “I am pleased that my Government exercised the foresight it did in 2006 under the ministerial leadership of Hon. Galmo Williams to conceive and provide resources for this important tool which is a critical

Minister of Border Control and Employment Hon. Don-Hue Gardiner and the Coastal Radar Station Supervisor Mr. Rodman Johnson.

component in our strategy to protect our borders.

“I am even prouder of the fact that under my stewardship, my government and I have provided resources for 24 hour operations, 365 days per year which has resulted in preventing 33 successful landing, comprising of nearly three thousand persons from entering our country illegally over the past four years.

“This is three thousand less persons living and working illegally here.”

Minister Gardiner added that the primary objective of the improvement is to ensure safer and better working conditions for staff and to protect the facility from environmental damage through the construction of a sea wall that was constructed a few years ago.

He further noted that under

December 10-16, 2016

the next term, his government would be investing heavily in a software upgrade of the radar station’s operating system and strengthening its collaborative relations with local and regional partner agencies.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Clara Gardiner joined the Minister in commending the radar officers for the good work they do on a daily basis and expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Infrastructure Housing and Planning as well as the contractor for partnering with them to bring this phase of the Radar Improvement Project to conclusion.

This development brings the Government’s total capital investment in the radar station to date to $2,225,000. The Coastal Radar Station commenced operations on August 6, 2012 and has an annual operating budget of $393,000.

Premier Rufus Ewing

constitution.”

He pointed out that in the face of constraints his government was still able to accomplish much.

Ewing reminded citizens that a hefty $170 million debt was paid off while managing to dispense thousands of scholarships.

“We turned a shrinking economy into a growing economy; we built schools and extended services available at our free health clinics.

“We increased the number of police officers in the force and invested millions in new equipment and technology to aid in crime fighting.

“And we did everything according to the rule of established law, everything including all that was required to terminate the role of the CFO in our affairs.

“And yes, despite the deliberate misinformation you see in the press, the CFO will leave March 2017 and he will take his post with him and this is a direct result of my Government`s action.

“Having worked closely within the confines of the constitution over the last four years, the PNP Government knows all too well what needs to be changed, after December 15th; we will continue our fight with your help to take our country to the next level.”

He also emphasized that the reform would government financial autonomy and operational control over the police force.

“We will be seeking greater strategic oversight and the operational control over our police, there is no question that public safety is an issue in this country and that’s we believe those who live here , grew up here, pray here , grieve here and thrive here know best how to police our people.”

He argued that empowering Islanders with the knowledge of the community instead of a Governor from the UK will help make communities safer.

He pointed out that a referendum will create more jobs since islanders will be more qualified.

Ewing noted that only a PNP victory will give his party a mandate to hold this referendum.

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Ewing, Robinson and Skippings clash in ...

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any major, single investment in the last four years. What ideas do you have?

The leader of the PDM stated that the reason there has been no investment over the last four years is because investor confidence was low.

She said: “The People’s Democratic Movement has offered a platform of change in terms of reintroducing what worked for us before in 2003, getting out not on road trips but on working trips where the Premier of this country together with the Governor together with the private sector…. will get out to bring in foreign investors.

“We want to encourage inward investment yes, but to also grow those that are already here and we want to ensure that the country is open for business.”

Skippings responded that this is the first time in ministerial government that there has been no inward investment into the country, agreeing with the PDM leader that there is a total lack of confidence in the current administration and a total lack of initiative on their part.

The PDA leader said that a government led by him would have a lot of developments which they already have envisioned just waiting for investors to come into the country.

“We would be selling those ideas and those projects to local investors and foreign investors alike,” Skippings.

However, a heated Ewing in his response stated that contrary to his opponents, investor confidence in the TCI is at an all-time high, and that InvestTCI has several hundred projects from foreign investors that they are currently processing through the unit.

“That is why this government can firmly sit here on our platform and boast about injecting over $1 billion into the economy in the next four years because we already know what’s on the books,” the Premier said.

CRIME Moderator question: “Residents are crying out for government to address the crime situation. They are tired of hearing the excuse that the police force falls under the remit of the governor and there is little that the government can do in this regard.

How do you plan to address this if you were to assume office?”

Answering this question first, the Premier stated that the problem is already being addressed, from day one in office.

“We have been addressing it by committing the resources that we had as a government, by improving their capacity, by building capacity within the police force to tackle crime….

“During this term in office we have already done things to address crime, but in the next term we will take it to the next level and that next level will be investing more in the communities and creating safe communities… implement our

PNP supporters came out to support their leader during the main debate on Monday

CCTV programme… subsidizing proper watch programmes and in addition to that focus on our young people in our communities…”

Ewing said.

Robinson stated that the Government is always ultimately responsible, pointing out that no commissioner of police or Governor, despite of whatever responsibility they themselves hold, would fight a government on the provision of resources.

She listed the PDM’s twelvepoint crime plan, which can be found in the party’s manifesto, and which she now accused the PNP of now trying to adopt.

In responding to the question, the PDA leader agreed with the Premier that there is little he can do, adding: “We have all seen that, and that is why we need a change in government.”

This drew loud laughter from the audience.

“It is absolutely no excuse that the police is under the Governor, because as the head of government business, the Premier can take a paper to Cabinet making recommendations to the Governor as to measures to be taken to deal with the issue of crime,” Skippings continued.

He also disagreed with the Premier’s statement that the police get the resources they need; stating that he was told by the police that this is not the truth.

Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) Moderator question: “There are differences of opinion as to who or what may be responsible for the recent constitutional crisis and SIPT trial, who or what should be responsible for these circumstances, what lessons should be learned and how would we ensure that our country would never again find itself in such a position?

This question was first answered

by Skippings, who after a few seconds pause stated: “I was a member of the PDM when that happened, it wasn’t the PDM and for sure it wasn’t the PDA who made it necessary for the British to come.”

He added that this is not the first time it has happened, neither is the first time it has happened with the PNP. “What lesson should be learned from it, is that as politicians we have a standard to keep; we are supposed to be responsible, we are supposed to transparent, we are supposed to be

accountable and what is frightening about that is if we were independent at that time it had happened can you imagine where we would have been now as a country with nobody to deal with the situation?”

The PDA leader noted that there might have been some sort of civil unrest. He also pointed out that there is corruption going on right now in the country, and that it is British backed.

Premier Ewing responded to question by blaming the PDM and the British themselves.

He stated that the PNP ran a very aggressive developmental agenda that met with some difficulties that surrounded good governance.

“When it comes to good governance, the entity that is responsible for good governance in these territories is the UK government and the Governor in Cabinet is the one responsible for maintaining and highlighting good

The three moderators for Monday night’s leaders debate

governance and they failed in that regard.

“However, it was the PDM who called in the British and they called in the British not because they were probably brave or concerned about the wellbeing of our citizens and good governance in our territory.

“They called them in because they saw it as an opportunity to seize power, but they failed because they thought the British would come in, dismantle the current government and hand it over to them.”

He stated that there was no reason whatsoever for them to suspend the constitution; stating the current administration made progress in the country despite the constraints that were put in place as a result of this.

He said: “So yes things have gone wrong but the blame should be laid squarely at the feet of the British government and that gentleman there, the lady and gentleman to my right [indicating Skippings and

Under the tree

Robinson].”

However, the PDM leader debunked this claim, stating: “I don’t believe there are differences of opinion, I do believe that there are people who are just afraid to admit what the position is. Even the Premier does not believe what he is saying when he says it is the PDM that brought the British, when it was the PNP’s very actions that brought in the British, and not just once but twice.”

She stated at the end of the day the country should learn from this and acknowledge that these allegations of corruption not only cost the country in resources but also in reputation.

The debate raged on into the night with many more audience questions relating to healthcare, paying off the UK guaranteed bond, and the inability of some local businesses to access banking services due to the over regulation of the financial service.

By Benneth Williams

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December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

Forty years later-where are we now?

Dear Editor: This 2016 Election is the most consequential ever in the history of the TCI. It begs the question whether TCI People will vote with sense rather than with emotion, family, friend and temporary money, knowing that money cannot last.

This week the PNP made a serious and by all historical accounts, false allegation that the Expats, the developers and the private sector are giving the PDM more money than them. This cannot be real or true because for the past 13 years the developers in the TCI had the PNP in their back pocket and right now TCI people really need a break from all of these people.

Hopefully non-one is going to fall for that again. Voters need to wake up and refuse to vote for this kind of ignorance and setting one’s self back as a people. If you are a caring, serious and patriotic Turks & Caicos Islander, PDM, PDA, PNP or Independent you will reject this message of selling your vote. You will reject the message of allowing your party or your Government to take money from the Resorts, developers, the Grace Bay Boys and

the Utility Companies and the list goes on.

Where your representative is in the pocket of these people, you know that you are back in another round of bondage. A TCI Coalition Government is what’s needed. Such a Government, as in 1976, JAGS McCartney, Liam McGuire and Daniel Williams, with the PDM, saw final, the advancement of TCI People and consequential change for our people. Money has really infected our political dynamic and we have all sold our birthright from the same mess of Pottage. Drinking from the same swamp and leaving our people behind. McCartney started with different vision and a different dream. Forty years later-where are we now?

Under the PNP, the Interim Government and now the PNP, 2003, 2009-2012, we have seen our country and our people go backwards. We have lost control of our crown land and there is really only empowerment for the the developers, the Grace Bay Boys and those with money. Yet we as a people are in debt and real debt over $250 Million and counting.

Over the past 9 years it was us, the

TCI people, who were taxed to the hilt to pay for that debt, we are still paying. There are few opportunities and ‘no scholarships’for our youth. . Am sure this is not what the Hon McCartney had in mind. Everybody else, except those of us who live here, have gotten ahead. That is because we sold our votes. Our leaders in turn gave the developers the work permits and as a result we got ‘no jobs’ in our own country. There is no real push for vocational training because we have reached the point where we are content to allow them to bring in their own carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc, and those skill-sets are on the way to being empowered with experience to millionaires while we watch from the side-lines. We have a community college campus in Providenciales but the site and the property are owned by private developers and there are virtually no modern facilities to run a real college. That is because we sold our votes, the British had to take over, $250 Million in debt and counting and there is nothing for our people. Is this what the Rt Hon JAGS McCartney died for? If he were alive, what would he be saying?

Comparing manifestos: bold vision vs. thinking small Dear Editor , A lot of people are talking about this pledge in the PDM manifesto to build a new mansion for the Premier.

It’s plain as day for anyone to see, and, in fact, the PDM highlighted it.

It’s right there on page 13, in their 20 big projects section – project 16.

It is clearly not something that the PDM is running away from. They have tried to feebly defend the idea by saying that other Premiers have used their private funds that they made through their businesses and practices to the use of your taxpayer money to build a mansion.

The PNP does not believe that the best use of government’s limited resources is in building a mansion for the Premier. Instead, the PNP believes that it is better to invest in creating jobs, fighting crime, providing Day-Care, building a virtual border wall and bringing down the cost of living through a drastically reduced duty.

Earlier this week, the PNP outlined the boldest and most

visionary manifesto in the history of the Turks & Caicos Islands. And, I don’t say that lightly. There have been some great visions in the past, but, this manifesto is not only the longest and most substantive that , but, the PNP manifesto is chock full of substance and ideas.

The PNP begins by talking about the journey we’ve been on. The PNP inherited a country from the British that was shambles. We inherited a massive debt and a shrinking economy. We turned both around – the country is growing again and the debt is gone.

Now, the PNP is ready to take our country to the next level. To fight crime and improve public safety, we will build a virtual border wall to keep illegal immigrants and criminals out of our country. We will achieve operational control over the police through a referendum on the Constitution. And, we will fully fund the police force.

To create jobs and opportunity, we will create $1 billion in new private

and public sector infrastructure investment which will spur our economy and create opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders.

The Constitutional referendum will allow us to get the Governor out of Cabinet and ensure that we can enact tendering reform to ensure that qualified TC Islander owned small businesses can have access to tenders.

To reduce the cost of living, we will drastically reduce the duty to 10% to make things cheaper for you to buy, and, we will implement our free Day-Care program to ease the burden of Day-Care costs on our working and middle class families.

We encourage all Turks & Caicos Islanders to check out our plans at VotePNP2016.com/Manifesto. On Thursday, December 15, don’t turn back the clock. Vote to take our country to the next level. Put your X next to the conch shell and vote PNP straight down the line.

Royal Robinson

During the last 13 years’ hundreds of Belongerships were sold, Permanent residency certificates were sold and the TCIslander left behind. If you listen to the debates, there are very few ideas about standing up for our people and taking the country forward. Immigration and Labour are both just sold down the river. It is time we vote with sense to change the status quo. It seems like a coalition Government is emerging because at large there many opportunities opening daily for the PDAS and those many independent candidates. Only the Lord and a coalition Government can save this country.

A coalition cannot hurt because it can only help to unite our people, heal wounds, advance our people and bring us together. This is where the change is. After 13 years we have to look elsewhere for leadership. A new kind of Government is needed and not just any Government. Most of the independent candidates and quite a few of the PDAS, despite the naysaying, have caught fire because most people are looking for real change. Most voters are coy and not speaking their minds. It means that people are thinking and wondering, ‘who will call the shots if I vote for this one or that one? Will it be my candidate or the developers who are funding them and need the work permits and will buy the whole Government as they have done in the past?’ You must know that if you take a bribe, the politician who gave you the bribe, just gave your job to a work permit holder. It cannot be business as usual, we have to take our country back.

A new Government with men and women who are prepared to fight

will and can certainly bring real change. With over close to $360 Million spent on healthcare and counting without any audits, reports and accounts, we need a Government that will really fight for change and not simply talk about it. Who out there is prepared to take the Health care people on and insist night and day for an investigation?

Who is prepared to tell the British to stop the Cover up? Well those that refuse the money! Those that are prepared to tell the Developers take your money elsewhere!! “We are going to insist that our people are trained, get jobs and we will investigate the healthcare scam”.

If there were $250 Million there we’d have monies to empower our people, fund business startups, finance schools and the College and take the people forward. A new kind of resolve is needed to take this country forward.

Despite the hubris, the colours, the “fanciness” and the monies being spent it, is only those with that kind of mind-set and thinking that can really and truly fight for our people.

As a people we have to stop selling our birth right every four years to the developers.

Where do you think that campaign money is coming from?

The developers who want the work permits and your jobs? It is time to wake up, smell the coffee and vote for real change. Looking back at the mission and vision of JAGS McCartney let us vote for real change.

Elvin Williams Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands

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

Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

REAL TALK

Doc, we need a second opinion This is the first time in our country’s history in which the leader of government is a certified medical doctor – and to be clear as crystal; he is a very good doctor.

Moreover, good doctors usually give good prognosis on medical situations, but whenever the patient is not satisfied with the prognosis; they ask for a second opinion.

That being said; our good doctor the Hon. Premier and his medical team have been given four years to address some issues in our country that needed immediate attention and this is his prognosis; In regards to the 500 thousand dollars that was given to beaches to assist their advertisement campaign; the good doctor insists that “It was money well spent”. Doc, we need a second opinion. This money was given to beaches at a time when schools could not be open on time due to lack funding for repairs and maintenance, government infrastructure were neglected and offices under-resourced.

Doc, we need a second opinion.

The good doctor and his team continue state that we are doing

BY JAS WALKIN

BIOGRAPHY: Jas was born with a physical disability and diagnosed with a mild form of muscular dystrophy. His early childhood was characterised with trying to fit in in a regular school environment unequipped to cater to special needs students. With support from family, teachers and the community he graduated as valedictorian of Raymond Gardiner High School and has been a graduate teacher for the past last nine years.

great because the debt is paid off and there is growth in the economy.

However, this same doctor went on national television pleading with foreign owned companies to hire his people when he was elected to create policies to ensure that they are hired. Doc you need to go on national television again and make another appeal because our people are saying they are still hurting, not making ends meet, and can’t get employment opportunities.

In addition to these frustrations, they are concerned about a rising criminal problem as well as the impact of illegal immigration on our national security.

Finally, the people feel like second class citizens in their own country. For these reasons doctor, we need a second opinion.

We are promised a virtual boarder

with state of the art technology but have not invested in improving what we have now or add more human resource personnel to existing measures forb border control. Doc, we need a second opinion.

Most recently, the government has campaigned on reducing customs duties to 10% and provide free day care. With NHIP needing funds for unpredicted rising healthcare costs; we are to believe that cutting a reliable revenue source while adding expenditure to the budget is feasible. Doc, we need a second opinion.

In fairness doctors are not perfect. Sometimes you go the doctor and you do your very best to explain what is ailing you and what is frustrating you. You try to describe the anguish and the discomfort you are feeling but

they just don’t seem to get it. This often happens because it is the perception that doctors are trained to be detached from their patients and not to show emotion.

So, this is what happens; the doctor run some tests, check your blood pressure, and tell you he cannot find what is wrong with you and advise you that if you are not satisfied with his prognosis then you are free to get a second opinion.

Then, when you go for a second opinion, that doctor tells you they found out why you have been feeling the way you feel. They tell you that you are lucky you came in when you did. Second opinions can save your life.

My fellow citizen I am not satisfied with this government’s prognosis of this country. We are not fine, contrary to the good doctor and his team’s assessment, our tests results are not all good and I am convinced that we need a second opinion.

I have a second opinion.

We are facing the fight of our lives for the survival of our nation. We have a citizenship that is under attack and constantly being marginalized by poor labour policies and the frustrations of illegal immigration combined

weak political representation.

We have an education system which is sending more employees to the labor force instead of more employers.

We have a healthcare system costing us approximately more than 50 million dollars a year and a lack of transparency as to why this is the case.

We have an already small voting franchise on the verge of becoming non-relevant based on several loopholes in a new immigration status law.

We have public policies and civil laws being violated and justice seems to blind, deaf and mute.

My fellow citizens, contrary to this government prognosis, we are not doing well.

But don’t lose hope, don’t call the undertaker and don’t make any funeral plans for this country as yet. There are some people who are aware of our situation and we are prepared to do something about it. We are not like some folks just interested in identifying the problem and telling you who to blame for it.

We have some diagnosis and are going to work with you decide the best course of treatment for our problems.

COMMENTARY

What’s next?

37 Election candidates will seek incomes if they are not elected. What’s next for them?

The declarations of interests some of which were recently published in this news paper provide part of the answers.

They also reveal, at least in part why healthcare, one of the biggest issues in this election remains a political football. In fact it raises the question of conflicts of interest remaining unaddressed by the Integrity Commission and the Attorney General. At the top of the list is none other than our Premier and Deputy Premier.

Deputy Akierra has declared

she receives an income from our health system. This is confusing to say the least. Does she own part of the system ? When the premier set up NHIP as medical director behind the back of then health minister Delancy did he insist that Ms. Akierra be part of the income steam. Was it Uncle Mikes idea ? Akierra also owns 3 pieces of land and receives incomes from “Rock Star Manor” and “London and Paris Holdings” She is also director of three firms. Will voters of Long Bay chose a candidate who has time for them every day.... for 4

BY DAVID TAPFER

David is a retired mobile hydraulic engineer and business executive. He has been married to Middle Caicos native Yvette Robinson Tapfer for 27 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011

more years ?

Premier Rufus Ewing and his wife own a healthcare clinic that has ongoing contracts with NHIP. Further his wife is employed by Interhealth Canada. The Canadian company was selected by husband Rufus. The premier also owns a pharmacy company that we assume sells drugs to patients of NHIP and possibly NHIP itself. All seemingly self serving conflicts of interest

unless it can be shown the contracts with government were the result of competitive bidding. Finally Premier Ewing declared he has a 50 % interest in a land holding company.

He just preached he wants control of land to be withdrawn from the AG offices.

Financial Minister Washington has not declared the wealth of his private bank account filled at the expense of the peoples pension

fund. His holdings reveal his financial policies. He owns a big gambling Casino.

He declared his interests in Alexandria resort now in receivership and his seriously down sized reality firm. He also has interests in other corporations with names the public has yet to hear. Gone from his income is TCI Bank which extracted 23.5 million from the peoples pension fund under their noses.

Minister Porsha has a contract to repair Government vehicles.

Do the people of the Bight think of candidate Smith as mechanically inclined ?

Other candidates have government contracts.

All government contracts must have been bid and selected based on what is best for the people, nothing less. You can bet PNP never awarded a contract to a PDM if they could avoid it.

Voters can now act as the ultimate integrity commission by voting PDM, straight down the line.

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Movers and Shakers

December 10-16, 2016

With just days to go until Islanders head to the polls to choose the country’s next leader, anticipation is high – while pledges and patriotism, vitriol and rhetoric abound. In the second in our series of exclusive interviews with the three main party leaders, Opposition Leader and former Consultative Forum member Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson tells the Weekly News why she’s the “strongest leader” on the 2016 ballot paper – and the only one striving to represent every Islander.

“Voice of the people”

Opposition Leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson – who could soon become the TCI’s first female Premier – explains why the PDM’s “realistic plans” offer tangible benefits to all and why she’s the “best man for the job”.

By Gemma Handy Former Associate Editor of the Weekly News

“Failing health care”, “crumbling infrastructure”, “filthy” beaches and a country that’s “falling apart”.

Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson ticks off a litany of condemnations bolstering the PDM’s strident campaign tagline ‘time for a change’.

Meanwhile, she says, the elderly feel neglected, civil servants’ morale is on the floor and crime is through the roof.

“The government’s focus has been on paying off their party’s debts. You can focus on the economy as much as you want but if you ignore social issues they will take your economy down in a heartbeat,” she adds.

Mrs Cartwright-Robinson may be “dainty” as she puts it, but she’s been a vociferous voice over the last four years; the PDM under her leadership has brought almost 20 private members’ motions before Parliament on everything from crime to immigration.

With her party also having presented a 12-point crime fighting strategy and a comprehensive financial plan as an alternative to controversial taxation hikes, she’s nothing if not meticulous.

“Women pay more attention to details,” she says simply, when asked about her experience as the country’s first female to head a political party.

“Because of the work I have done over the last few years, I wasn’t looked at as a woman but as a person who can get the job done.

“There may be one or two pastors who think women can’t lead but I simply believe I am the best man for the job. I have had the experience over the years, I understand the issues and I have real plans to offer.”

She continues: “What makes me different is that I am willing to talk

to the people and respond to their cries; a woman does bring that level of personal touch.

“Sometimes people think I’m actually too aggressive but there are times when I have to be aggressive, when passion has to come forward.”

Safety and security top the PDM’s list of 20 manifesto priorities, followed by jobs and the economy, education and youth development, health care, and housing.

One of the private member’s motions was for biometric legislation to create a national fingerprint database. Crime is the number one issue for Islanders, Mrs Cartwright-Robinson believes, alluding to an increase in murders, burglaries, gun offences and incidents against tourists.

The PDM’s plans for educational overhaul don’t stop at school leavers but include strong emphasis on adults, such as those looking for a career change or to complete high school qualifications.

Community college satellite campuses across the Islands, along with online courses, also feature in the party’s strategy.

If elected, the PDM would renew the policy of allowing international developers to contribute to scholarship programmes. “We won’t be able to send everyone overseas but we have to give them an opportunity to at least study at home,” Mrs Cartwright-Robinson says. “We must position our people to occupy the top jobs in this country. Education of our people will transform the Islands.”

The mother-of-two’s tech savvy has also struck a chord with young people. The PDM’s mobile app and online manifesto have been a hit with those overseas keen to stay abreast with election news at home, she says.

She hopes that the party’s platform for change might lure them back to the Islands permanently if the PDM is successful on December 15. She claims the lack of economic opportunity in the TCI has sparked a

“brain drain” and the emigration of countless families. “People have not been seeing where they fit in,” she says. “We want everyone to enjoy what their country has to offer.”

To achieve that, she plans a series of symposiums to give everyone “from the man on the street to the businessman” a say on the country’s future. A PDM government would be an “accessible” one with the reinstatement of “real local government”. Rallies and door-todoor canvassing have helped party members garner an appreciation for the day-to-day issues facing their compatriots, she adds.

Should Mrs Cartwright-Robinson triumph next week, it will herald a resumption of power for the PDM for the first time since 2003.

The PDM’s “impeccable reputation” – free from the stain of corruption - has earned it the respect of the UK and it is a valuable voice at the bargaining table with London, the party leader says. The PDM’s official position on independence includes the creation of a commission to thoroughly review the pros and cons of eventually severing ties, should the populace so desire.

“We are also the party that investors respect,” she continues.

“The PNP has not been able to bring in one new investment in four years. Everything hinges on investor confidence; the PDM is more investor friendly because of its transparent, open and honest dealings. Those are the kind of shoulders I stand on.”

Ensuring the beleaguered health sector is “accessible and affordable” to all, while providing quality care is a key priority. Another is enabling more Islanders to become home owners by making Crown land available via policies that are “respectful” to Belongers and concessions to make it cheaper to build.

Also on the list is a massive clean-up of the environment. “The Islands are as filthy as they have ever been with tourists complaining and posting photos on TripAdvisor about

dumped garbage,” Mrs CartwrightRobinson laments.

She knows distributing resources will be a challenge but says the party is committed to tackling all issues simultaneously.

“Our team brings exceptional skills and our plans have excited people.

They represent very current and real issues. The reason our tagline ‘enough is enough, time for a change’ has been resonating with people is because it comes from the people.”

Some criticism has been levelled at the party’s proposals to build an official residence for the Premier.

“People think I’m looking out for myself but a Premier’s residence is much bigger than Sharlene or Rufus. Our country should have an official state house.” Mrs Cartwright-Robinson says investing in such, along with a purpose-built community college, would save thousands of dollars currently forked out for rent.

As thousands prepare to head to the polls next week, the Opposition Leader is hopeful her multi-faceted experience during her eight years in Parliament will galvanise voters to take her to victory.

“I have had the opportunity to

serve in opposition government and as Opposition Leader, along with serving on the Consultative Forum and many House committees,” she says. “I know the Parliamentary system and the powers of the constitution. I also know much more could have been achieved in recent years without claiming hands were tied.”

She urged Islanders to come out in full force on Thursday. “I know many are disappointed by the government, they have lost hope and there’s some apathy. But if you don’t vote, you have no voice or place to complain.

“To the undecided I would say, we have seen what this recent government has done and offered; it’s up to you to determine if you want this to continue. Ask yourself if your life has improved over the last four years; if not, then it’s time for a change.”

The Premier-hopeful added: “I am definitely a stronger leader than the sitting Premier. Read our plans; we have covered every issue. Judge us by those and what you know of us.

I have been the voice of the people – and the PDM is the only party for change.”

December 10-16, 2016

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“Special education, mental health, community development” – A priority for PDM`s (ED6) The Bight Candidate, George Pratt

BY OLIVIA ROSE SPECIAL EDUCATION, mental health, community development and fostering a more robust business climate are all on the front burner for the People`s Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate for Electoral Distinct (ED6 The Bight ),George Pratt.

Pratt, during an exclusive interview with the Weekly News, said he is a man of vision and strategy and once elected to represent the people he will do his best to ensure they get the services they deserve.

He emphasized that his focus will be on providing a better life for the residents of the Bight community and by extension all Turks and Caicos islanders.

“Having love for my constituency and my island I also have two major issues that I’m championing: those are mental health and special education in children with learning and developmental disabilities.

So those are two things that I look forward to championing on behalf of the people of Turks and Caicos.”

Pratt who is a qualified psychologist believes that more needs to be done locally for persons suffering from mental illnesses and children with special needs.

In this vein he noted that his work will be geared towards addressing these issues head-on.

“To educate the community and the country, remove stigma from mental illness, educate loved ones and family members, and educate companies on how to identify and care for people who maybe within the company that is suffering from a mental illness.

“My field of study is in psychology and sociology, my focus is education psychology so I have a lot of interest in education and I’ve worked for the Turks and Caicos Government in the education department for the last nine years.

“So you`ll see a lot of my focus being geared towards how we treat special education in our school system, developing programs that will cater to our children, making sure to assist parents and care takers and teachers while ensuring that our schools are not just a classroom with a teacher but that they have the necessary resources in the classrooms.”

The Bight Candidate said that

fostering a nation where social cohesion is at the core is essential for the growth and prosperity of its people.

“When it comes to my country another thing that I care about is uniting Turks and Caicos, which includes all people, regardless of where you migrated from, descended from. What your heritage is, that don’t make a difference to me if you`re a Turks and Caicos Islander I want us to be one people so we can work together to make Turks and Caicos a better nation.”

Pratt said that on his campaign trail residents for the Bight have called for more security measures to be implemented to alleviate crime in the community, as well as better facilities for youths to be meaningfully engaged.

“There are issues with crime, people want to know that they`re safe in their homes, people want better facilities in their community that will be able to accommodate the youths so that they can have some place to play and have fun.

“I believe communities are better when they can be able to socialize and interact with each other in a social setting.

“A lot of folks have interest

in having facilities that can accommodate families, like a community center, playground, sporting facility.”

Pratt disclosed that coupled with these plans he also plans to ensure that youths have the opportunity to express themselves through sports and other activities.

“My intension is to provide a proper multi-complex sporting facilities for our young people, but more so providing facilities like a fire station, police station and clinics for the people in this district.

“A place that would be able to provide young people with the training that is necessary for them to learn these sports, I want to see us being able to prepare Turks islanders to be able to compete internationally in any sport.

“I’m also interested in a fire department, maybe a sub-station that could accommodate Grace Bay, Long Bay, Leeward, and The Bight.

“A police station that would encourage more community policing, that would be able to create a bond between residents and the police department; they can have a better relationship and be able to solve crime more effectively.”

Electoral Distinct (ED6) the Bight PDM candidate George Pratt

Turning his attention to enhancing access to healthcare in the community, Pratt pointed out that he intends to lobby for a clinic to serve residents of the Bight.

Highlighting ways to generate funds into the community, Pratt pointed out that the Lower Bight has significant tourism potential that is often overlooked.

“The lower Bight which is a part of the district, not the district itself, is very close to what I have deemed the tourism capital of Turks and Caicos which is Grace Bay. I believe that we can foster better relationships, we can clean up and beautify these areas with nice huts and tents and have vendors on both sides of the streets.

“Persons who own properties can develop their properties, they can rent it or, use it to sell art and crafts, local cuisines. I’ve been in countries where folks pay good money to

learn the history, so there great opportunities for people who know about Turks and Caicos to be able to sell their stories.

“I personally believe that 80% of the tourists that come to Turks and Caicos pass through the Bight at some time.

“So it’s time that we use the opportunity.”

Pratt, who hails from the Bight, is married to Mrs. Sharvone Rigby- Pratt and has four children, is appealing to residents of his consistency and voters at large to cast their ballots for serious and strategic representation and to give him an opportunity to lobby for their development.

“If we can work together, and have the same vision, the same mission, and we could understand that we could have disagreements, but if we work together that would be one success for all of us.”

PDM scoffs at PNP 10 per cent duty reduction claim AMONG the ‘Big 5 to thrive’ promises that the Progressive National Party has laid out in their manifesto promises is the reduction of duty to ten per cent.

However, leader of the main opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, has scoffed at this promise, calling it unrealistic.

She noted that unlike the Government’s claim that it will not affect the economy, reducing any tax to a flat (ten per cent) rate would see something else being introduced to make up for that shortfall.

“I can say to you that it is wonderful to think of a 10 per cent flat duty rate; is it realistic, no; is it realistic if you have some other tax, perhaps payroll tax, or value added tax… the PNP was always toying with property tax, but something

is going to have to be introduced for the shortfall of revenue. Point blank.”

She stated that the politicians need to be honest with the people, and cautioned them not to jump on these unrealistic bandwagons.

She posited that there are many other ways to reduce the cost of living, naming one of the them as removing the many nuisance taxes that the PNP administration had put in place when it came to power, and finding new and innovative ways.

She pointed to the jitney service, if regularized would bring in a lot of revenue for the country; the monitoring and regularising the many unlicensed businesses along the streets of the country; taxing vacation rentals, increasing the taxes for yachts, among a host of other means of acquiring revenue.

“We have presented to the government, when we rejected Value Added Tax, many different streams of revenues that do not have to be raised on the backs of our people.

“But they chose the laziest and most difficult way to raise the money. Difficult for the people of this country.”

She added that what the PNP has done instead is shrunk the country’s economy and reduced the spending power of the dollar.

One of the things the party leader has promised is that the PDM Government will conduct a full review to find out what the true financial state of the country.

“You can never say you have real surpluses or you have a strong economy when everything is falling down around you, because

in no time if were to repair the roads that needed to be repaired, or repair the government office or the schools or the crumbling sea wall in Grand Turk, in no time what we may call savings may not even be sufficient.

She said that they were to truly resource the civil service and the police the way they ought to be, and not shorten them by savings and by underspending deliberately, then the people would realise that the surplus the PNP is claiming is not real.

She reiterated that there is an urgent need to look at the true financial state of the country.

She also assured that young people will get the jobs they need, and that if they have a police record it would not be a hindrance to them becoming employed.

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Have confidence in God in terrifying times Dear Editor , “Our island is not that big that we would have these numbers of people dying; something unusual is happening. We must not be blind to the fact that the enemy is raging and he is seeking to see whom he can devour and whom he can destroy. This is his job. But we the Believers have to know that we have to do something and we have to have confidence in God, in these terrifying times. The times are terrifying, we are seeing evil on the rampage in the world like I have never seen it before. I have never seen it before, so we know we are living in terrifying times… and if we are not careful we too, in the Body of Christ, will become terrified. It is the word of God that will uphold us in this time.”

Psalms 56 Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.

2 My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?

5 All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin.

6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.

7 Because of their wickedness do not[c] let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

8 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll[d]— are they not in your record?

9 Then my enemies will turn back

when I call for help.

By this I will know that God is for me.

10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise— 11 in God I trust and am not afraid.

What can man do to me?

12 I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.

13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

God is our Confidence in Terrifying Times Community Fellowship Center NOVEMBER 27, 2016Providenciales, TCI -- Called some of the darkest and distressing times in the Turks and Caicos Islands and in the world, Community Fellowship Center’s Senior Pastor, Rev Bradley Handfield called for the congregation to have confidence in God in the most terrifying circumstances.

The Pastor was addressing the church on Sunday November 27, 2016 in the aftermath of murderous behavior, extremely bold lawlessness, the surprise deaths of beloved residents, regional upheavals, mysterious new diseases, damaging storms and global attacks by terrorists.

The Turks and Caicos Islands have not been exempt and expressions of outrage by the general public when women are killed heinously; pastors are robbed and roped and threatened at gun point; voodoo shrines for Satanic worship are being built; found and reported and where freak accidents and mystery medical conditions are taking the lives of

young, vibrant, promising Islanders.

“When we come into terrifying circumstances, either we are going to have faith in great measure or we will have fear in great measure. The one which is greater in measure is the one that is going to be in control.”

The question to the congregants, following the reading of the scripture, Psalm 56, was ‘which one is operating more greatly in you?’

“When we are faced with situations when we are overpowered or where we seem to be in the weaker position, then our only hope, survival and victory is that God is merciful.

David cries out in this Psalm and says, ‘be merciful to me Oh God, for men would swallow me up.’”

Applause and Amens met Pastor Handfield’s suggestion that each of us are now experiencing the mercy of God, because there is something threatening every individual with swallowing them up.

“The mercy of God is our protection when our enemy comes against us in one way, they will flee from us in seven ways because of the mercies of God.” Rev Handfield reminded that the enemy uses the people around us who demonstrate their frustrations by attacking your character, resentfully.

“People believe they have the power to bring others down, people believe they have the power to put you in your place. Now, we don’t know who told them what your place is, but still they believe they have the power to do this. And there is nothing more painful when people gang up against you and say things about you they believe to be true.

They paint a perception of you and sell it to the public; it is painful.”

The pastor addressed how problems can pile up; coping with

illness, coping with lack of money, coping with any number of issues and the attacks seem unrelenting.

“When these things are happening to us my Brothers and Sisters, it is not a question of if you will be afraid sometimes… David said, when I am afraid, I will trust in you. Don’t think that being afraid is abnormal, because you will experience fear sometimes.

Fear is a self preservation mechanism that is built into our DNA. It is a natural defense mechanism, built into your body… it is like blinking your eyes, it is not bad, it is good. But it becomes bad if you keep your eyes closed. You voluntarily make yourself blind, put yourself in immobility, voluntarily putting yourself in bondage because you refuse to open your eyes. Blinking is when you close your eyes quickly, and reopen them quickly. When you refuse to open your eyes that is bad and that is how fear works. It binds us in terror.”

He posed the question, ‘What do you do after you become afraid?’

“If you are afraid, do what David did; trust in God. If fear causes us to close our eyes, then trust in God will cause us to open us to open our eyes.”

Trusting God, he reminded the congregation will cause us to open our eyes to an object that is eventually, gone.

The People of God are in His care and those who sincerely trusting in God will lean on confidence in God and the promises of His word.

“Replace emotional reaction to your circumstances by pulling yourself together, out of shambles and declare that ‘I will trust in the Lord’ - you will find that you snap out of it and come into the presence of God.” This trust, said Pastor Bradley Handfield, will bring us the proper

perspective, to the same conclusion of the writer of the Psalm, David said: ‘I will not fear.’

This confidence will help the Believer to see the reality of the word of God and the Believer can then ask, ‘what can man do to me?’

Together the Church recited famous scriptures, led by the Pastor as they put themselves in remembrance of the Word of the Lord: “…never seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging bread.”

“You have the make the word of the Lord the confession on your lips, no matter how things look and you must praise the Word of the Lord. Praise the Word of the Lord by confessing the Word of the Lord over your life. You wake up feeling depressed, feeling worried, feeling that slight tinge of fear, but you say: ‘this is the Day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.’”

In closing the message, Pastor Handfield explained that, “The greatest that God could ever do for a human being is already done, God has delivered our souls from death. Psalmist David said, ‘Vows made to you are binding upon me Oh God, for you have delivered my soul from death.’ Remember for God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son. God has already done the greatest.”

The congregation was alight with hope and enthusiasm at this Word, uttered in consideration of the challenges and times within which we live. It was a compassionate word by a compassionate servant of the Lord God. Selah.

Rev. Bradley Hadfield, Community Fellowship Centre, Assemblies of God

Turks and Caicos joins hands with the world during World AIDS Day

BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE Ministry of Health held walk-a-thons throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, in an effort to spreads awareness to the HIV/AIDS virus during World Aids Day last week.

The TCI has joined hands with the world and celebrated the day, under the theme ‘Hands up to HIV prevention’.

A walk-a-thon was held on the island of Providenciales over the weekend, and saw scores of residents, including staff members of the Turks and Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation, supporting the cause.

The walk-a-thon began at Scotiabank on the Leeward Highway and ended at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre in the Down Town area.

Permanent secretary for the Ministry of Health, Wesley Clerveaux, who was present during the walk, said that the walk was a time for individuals to gather in unity to walk in support of people who have been inflicted with the deadly virus.

“We want to encourage the community of the Turks and Caicos Islands to continue to support anyone you know, or persons that you may come across, in either getting tested or supporting them in living with

HIV,” Clerveaux said.

Nora Tindel, Care and Treatment nurse explained that the walk was a symbol of hope for people living with HIV and AIDS. She said: “What I can say for the Turks and Caicos; we are looking for more persons to be tested and treated if they are infected. Being tested tells you your status and tells you where you stand.

“Know your status, come out and be tested. If you are on treatment, remain on treatment because only the treatment can make you feel better and live longer.”

World Aids Day has been held on 1 December every year since 1988.

The Turks & Caicos AIDS

Candles were lit to honour those that have died from the fatal virus

Awareness Foundation (TCAAF) is a non-profit organization formed in 2003 as a way to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in Turks & Caicos and its rippling, negative effects on the community.

The organization’s mission is to raise awareness, clear misconceptions

and remove the stigma associated with this disease, so those affected can live a full and meaningful life.

Through increased education and community cooperation, the spread of the disease and its negative effects can be stopped and even reversed.

December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 17

Scores of people and vehicles flooded around the company’s Providenciales headquarters on Wednesday Premier Rufus Ewing

Premier promises to regularize Haitians once elected

BY OLIVIA ROSE PREMIER Rufus Ewing has promised to regularize those Haitians who were born in the Turks and Caicos Islands and steer them on a path of citizenship once elected.

Last Sunday, many residents were infuriated when they learned that the Progressive National Party`s (PNP) Leader visited several Haitian churches to beseech the congregation to vote for his party at the upcoming election.

Many took to social media to express their feelings over the Premier`s visit with a plethora of memes, calling the Premier’s visit discourteous and ungodly.

Others bashed the Premier for promising to make Haitians legal through the amendment of existing immigration laws.

According to reliable sources the Premier told Haitians of his administration`s social, economical and cultural strides over the years.

Ewing during an exclusive interview with Magnetic media said he was invited to speak to the people.

“I was invited by the pastors, I didn’t barge in and say I want the pulpit, I was invited by several pastors that day, actually I went to three churches, I was invited by all of them to come and speak to their congregation.”

He dismissed rumors that he was promising Belonger status to Haitians.

He said: “I wasn’t promising Belonger status, I was basically just saying that those individuals, those children who were born here, who came here all of their lives, those individuals who deserve to be here, they have nowhere to go.

“They don’t know Haiti, some of them never seen Haiti, right, so we need to regularize those persons, embrace them, empower them so they can move on to the pathway to citizenship. This exists now.”

Armed robbery at Shore Club hotel AN EMPLOYEE of the Shore Club, who had just finished his banking to pay the staff, was robbed at gunpoint on the hotel property by two masked men.

According to a police report, around 3:29 pm last Friday police officers responded to a report of a robbery at the entrance of the hotel.

Police officers were told that the pay clerk had just returned to the hotel from the bank, with an undisclosed amount of cash to pay the workers, when he was approached by two men, dressed in dark clothing, He told police he ran with the money envelope, but was overtaken by one of the culprits, who demanded

he hand it over, before escaping into the bushes. He said the bandits had fired shots at the vehicle he was in.

No one was injured during the incident.

Meanwhile, another man made a report stating that two armed men approached him in the Long Bay area and attempted to hijack his vehicle, but were unsuccessful.

Police believe that the two incidents are connected.

Police are asking that if anyone happened to be in the area around that time, who may have seen some suspicious activities, to please contact the Police at 339-5901, or Crimestopperes at 1-800 8477.

Hundreds of children receive Christmas presents from Flow

BY DAISY HANDFIELD NEARLY 500 children, from as young as toddlers, up to the ages of 12, left Flow’s parking lot with bright smiles on their faces, after receiving Christmas presents from the telecommunications company during their annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Vendors Fair.

Scores of people and vehicles flooded around the company’s Providenciales headquarters on Wednesday, where attendees had the opportunity to win prizes through the answering of trivia questions, as they enjoyed an array of local dishes.

The event kicked off with a press conference, where marketing communications executive for Flow, Darron Hilaire, explained how thrilled he and his colleagues were to be able to put on this event for yet another year.

“The Christmas tree lighting and vendors fair is an opportunity for people to support our local vendors during the Christmas and secondly,

to give back to children and family who might not get the opportunity to get a gift during the Christmas holidays… We look forward to bringing smiles to the faces of these children and families during the Christmas holidays,” Hilaire said.

The event saw a selection of entertainment, including a musical piece from local songbird, Barbara Johnson and popular talents, DJ shakes and David Bowen.

Hilaire explained that following this event, they will be moving into their ‘Christmas Road Trip’, where they will be visiting the outer islands and handing out Christmas gifts to the senior citizens.

He said: “It is from our hearts, from our company as corporate citizens in this community that we seek to do this initiatives around the Christmas season, to give back into the communities and for Flow to have a presence in these communities, as a good cooperate sponsor and just as a good corporate citizen.”

CAM Transfer and JMMB Money Transfer to start joint operations between TCI and Jamaica The Turks and Caicos Islands based international remittance provider, CAM Transfer signed an agreement with Jamaica based JMMB Money Transfer, to commence joint operations between those two countries.

Starting December 8, 2016 customers in the Turks and Caicos Islands will be able to send money from CAM’s 6 locations to their relatives and friends in Jamaica to be collected at JMMB Money Transfer’s agents at more than 120 locations.

The services include both cash pick-up and bank deposit. CAM Transfer has more than 30 years’ experience in that industry, working in several countries.

In Turks and Caicos Islands,

CAM is the largest money transfer provider with locations in Grand Turks, Providenciales and South Caicos. The general manager of CAM Turks and Caicos Islands, Mrs. Beatrice Casimir sees great potential in this new venture and because of the sizable market to Jamaica. She said that “we are going to provide customers with new opportunities to help their loved ones, sending money at a better price and exchange rate and experiencing a high standard of quality and security.”

Mrs. Casimir is convinced that the collaboration has great prospects and is going to be fruitful. JMMB Money Transfer has diligently been working on widening its international network, giving customers new opportunities and a higher level of

convenience.

The general manager, Ms. Sharon Gibson, said “JMMB Money Transfer (JMMBMT) is excited about this new partnership with CAM, as we continue to expand our international reach.

We are very passionate about providing convenient remittance services with low fees and attractive foreign exchange rates.

JMMBMT offers clients the convenience of receiving money from several countries worldwide via cash pick-up from over 120 locations across Jamaica. In addition, JMMBMT clients can also benefit from having their remittances deposited directly to their account(s), at any financial institution in Jamaica.

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December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Do It Center” Brings Early Christmas Cheer to North Caicos

Do It Center” Brings Early Christmas Cheer to North Caicos

“Do It Center” brings early Christmas cheer to North Caicos

BY MARGUERITE ANDERSON If ever one thought the story in the song was a myth when it was heard belting from their radios, North and Middle Caicos’s primary schools can attest to the fact that Santa Clause did come to town! The best part is that his visit came early in the festive season, thanks to “Do It Center”.

The event was the Annual Christmas Treat for the Primary schools of both North and Middle Caicos. Students along with their teachers and administrators came out to join in the celebration held on Wednesday November 30th at

Horse Stable Beach Complex. The festivities began at 11:00am and ended at 2:00pm.

“Do It Center”, a company synonymous with exceeding its customers’ expectations has delivered yet again, a package that left many bright-eyed and excited children with the joy of taking photos with Santa and getting his or her dream toy, all of which were complimentary of the Building Material’s super store.

The staff of Building Material “Do It Center” was arrayed in their Christmas costumes and Santa’s elves were busy keeping the children happy with the line-up of activities.

Members from the Kiwanis Club of Providenciales

The entertainment package kept the jubilant spirits of the children singing and dancing when local performer/vocal sensation, Tess performed a variety of songs, including carols and her original entitled “My Business”.

There were also a number of performances from select students of the three North and Middle Caicos primary schools: Charles Hubert James Primary, Adelaide Oemler Primary and Doris Robinson Primary. DJ Shakes was also in the house revving up the sound and keeping the tempo going.

“Do It Center” not only dished

Children playing and having a merry time

out gifts from Santa’s gift sack, but also dished up a delicious meal for the children to enjoy. The Christmas cheer is, no doubt, left in the hearts of all the boys and girls who attended

the event and the principals and staff of the North and Middle Caicos schools extend a hearty thanks to “Do It Center” for this continued venture.

Youngsters perform a dance routine

Kiwanis Club continues give back to the children during annual Christmas tree lighting

BY DAISY HANDFIELD OVER 100 children received gifts during the twenty-fifth annual Kiwanis Club Christmas tree lighting, in Providenciales last weekend.

The event was held at the Butterfield Square on December 4, and saw a number of performances of festive songs and dances, put

on by various groups and soloists, including members of the non-profit.

Both children and parents alike, took to the stage to join in on the Christmas celebration.

Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, commended the Kiwanis Club for going strong for twenty-five years in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

She said: “Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year,

and I want to thank the Kiwanis for helping put us in the Christmas spirit tonight.

“Twenty-five years and counting, the Kiwanis have been doing such a great job in the Turks and Caicos, in keeping this momentum every year and hosting the lighting of the Christmas tree. I think that every year it keeps on getting better and the tree keeps on getting bigger and the

crowd keeps on getting bigger and we are all having a great time.

“In this season, let us remember that Christ is the reason for this season, let us be as festive as possible, spending close time with our family and friends.”

Premier Rufus Ewing gave the official count down for the fireworks show, as everybody waited with cameras ready.

The night of festivities ended with a visit from Santa Clause, who came with a truck filled with gifts for the children.

Kiwanis International is an international, coeducational service club founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan. It is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States and is found in more than 80 nations and geographic areas.

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Lifestyle...

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December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

THE DENTIST AND YOU 

Dental news from New York

BY DR. EMILY OSMOND I’ve just returned from the Greater New York Dental Meeting, which is the biggest dental conference and exhibition in the US. As a UK qualified dentist, I maintain my UK registration with the General Dental Council Of Great Britain which means I am still up-to-date and qualified to practice in UK. However, one of the criteria I have to fulfil to maintain this registration is continuance of my ongoing education. This is to ensure I am upto-date with current technologies, materials and best practices; it is no surprise that in dentistry, just an in almost all other professions, things change, move-on and new things get developed and it is important for me

to stay current and be able to share this with my patients.

The subject that came up most often over the course of various lectures with ‘Biofilm’. This is a sticky adherent film which attaches to surfaces in the mouth. It may be several layers thick and is made up of a variety of bacteria in a ‘slimey’ gel-like substance. It is these bacteria that attack the teeth and gums causing cavities and gum disease. It is thought that due to its nature of having multiple layers, that the bacteria deepest in the layer are protected from attack by the physical barrier above and therefore can continue to attack the teeth and gums, even after some treatments. It is also now thought that communication between the bacteria

GARDENING 

is actually possible, so one strain of anti-biotic- resistant bacteria can share it’s resistant properties with other bacteria.

The focus in several lectures was therefore discussions around the various methods of disrupting the biofilm and so preventing dental disease.

We are moving away from the traditional hand-scaling and root planing that you, as a patient, are likely to be familiar with and instead looking more towards ultra-sonics, air-polishing and lasers.

Ultra-sonics- this is something that I already use but now new micro-thin tips are available which clean deeper and more effectively subgingivally (under the gums). This is better than hand instrumentation alone in terms

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW

Bougainvillea The Bougainvillea is an immensely showy, floriferous and hardy plant.

The bougainvillea’s versatility is legendary. It can be coaxed into a small manageable pot plant or a sizeable tree, to spread itself vertically on a wall, or climb up a trellis and form a luscious crown or burst forth into graceful arches. It makes one of the best hedges, bushes, and curb-liners. And as for bonsai or topiary purposes, it has few equals, lending its complex branching to the pruning shears, which promote even more unique and graceful forms. It is probably true to say that without the bougainvillea in our private gardens would be a lot less colorful that what we see today on the islands. Almost everywhere we go, its brilliant hues and cheerful bursts punctuate the lush green mantle that cloaks our tropical environment. Other flowering plants certainly pale in comparison.

Along with palms, sunshine, and beaches, the cascading blooms of bougainvillea provide one of Turks and Caicos signature tropical images.

As a profuse bloomer, bougainvillea is most striking during the winter, when it is at its peak and few other

plants are able to provide color.

Native to the coasts of Brazil, bougainvillea has a medium salt tolerance, which makes it a natural choice for the islands . As a woody clambering vine, bougainvillea will stand alone and can be pruned into a standard, but it is perfect along fence lines, on walls, in containers and hanging baskets, and as a hedge or an accent plant. Its long arching branches are thorny, and bear heartshaped leaves and masses of papery bracts in white, pink, orange, purple, and burgundy. Many cultivars, including double flowered and variegated, is available.

The bougainvillea has two distinct growth cycles: • Vegetative growth period for several weeks, when new leaves and stems grow. If the plant receives enough sunlight, the plant will form buds during this time. If there is not enough sunlight, the plant will remain in vegetative cycle and not progress to the blooming period. This is usually the case if bougainvillea are grown in semi shade or full shade.

• A blooming period of several weeks when little or no vegetative growth occurs. The length of time they will display color is dependent upon the health of the plant and the environment they are in; the more sun and heat, the better. With at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day, a typical, healthy bougainvillea will remain in a blooming period for 3 to 5 weeks.

Bougainvillea’s’ natural habitat is equatorial where day and night lengths are almost equal.

Bougainvillea in these areas (Singapore, Brazil, Kenya to name a few) tends to bloom year round, but on Islands, the best flowering occurs when the night length and day length are almost equal (in spring or fall). Just because it’s hot doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s flowering season for bougainvillea.

Bougainvillea has an extremely fine root system, and should be planted in well-drained soils. Avoid soil mixes with high peat levels and water retention. These types of media retain too much water and will contribute to root rot; be sure to select a well-draining media.

of disrupting the biofilm.

Air Polishing- historically airpolishing used sodium bicarbonate, a technique which I did not favour due to its harsh abrasive nature and potential to remove the glaze off polished surfaces. It also leaves a gritty aftertaste that patients do not like. However, new developments have brought technology that uses an ultrafine glycine powder that can be used several millimeters subgingivally to clean root and implant surface, and remove potentially harmful biofilm more effectively. This technique is not harmful to the surfaces of the teeth and no gritty residue is left.

Lasers- these fall into two main categories; hard tissue and soft tissue.

Soft tissue diode lasers can be used

either for bacterial reduction and biostimulation of the gums (to promote healing) as part of a hygiene regime and can also be used for the cutting of soft tissue for bloodless surgery. Those for the hard tissue are big powerful units that can be used to cut to the tooth surface (often painlessly) as well as soft tissue surgery.

Finally, there are some new technological advancements around the area of fillings that I will be introducing at the clinic in the next few weeks. The advanced technology and new materials enable faster placement and curing of fillings which is a particularly advantage when treating children, or adults in hard-to-reach-areas of the mouth. I will discuss this further in my column in the New Year.

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.

Bougainvillea are heavy feeders that require regular monthly fertilization during blooming season.

Nitrogen and phosphate are critical to flowering, but do not over-fertilize with these two elements because it will add growth and inhibit blooming. This is the case when using generalized fertilizers like a

20-20-20 or 12-12-12. That’s why we’ve recommended a blooming fertilizer like 6-8-10 plus Minors formula, Nitrogen levels are just right for flowering, but low enough to limit excessive green growth. For purple Bougainvillea an addition of Iron is the secret for vibrant, beautiful color leaves.

December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 21

TCSPCA year-end Provo spay/ neuter clinic a huge success

The late Iris Marcelin-Williams

Home-going service for the late Iris Marcelin-Williams held last weekend Scores of friends and well-wishers attended the homegoing ceremony for the late Iris Marcelin-Williams, at the Bethany Baptist Church, in Providenciales on Saturday,December 3.

“Mrs Iris,” as she was affectionately called, lived to be a hearty 90-years old.

She is survived by three sons: Lloyd “Gomez” Rigby, Calvin Coolidge Hall-Williams and “Kelly”Frederick Franklyn Hall; one daughter, local attorneyYvette Denise Marcelin of Twa Marcelin Wolf, The well-attended memorial

was moderated by Pastor Derek Hamilton, who preached the sermon, and was assisted by two other clergymen, Bishop Coleta Williams III, who said the opening prayer, and Pastor Pedro Williams, who prayed for the family.

The audience was moved by the lively renditions of the Bethany Baptist church choir and selections by local musical luminaries, Julian Garland and national songbird, Barbara Johnson. “Mrs Iris,” who was laid to rest in the seaside Bethany cemetery, was born February 19, 1926 and passed away on November 18, 2016.

Weekly Recipe

Date and Walnut Brownies

INGREDIENTS • 250g dates, chopped • 1 tbs bicarbonate of soda • 1 1/2 cups water • 100g solid coconut oil • 1/4 cup maple syrup • 2 tbs flaxseed meal soaked in 5 tbs water • 1/2 tbs cinnamon • 1/2 tsp nutmeg • 2 cups plain flour • 1 cup walnuts

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 Farenheit and line a square cake tin 2. In a saucepan, combine dates, bicarbonate of soda and water.

Heat for 5 minutes, then leave to cool for a further five minutes

BY ADELE VAN SCHOOR

3. In a medium bowl, beat coconut oil and maple syrup until combined 4. Add flax mixture, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour and walnuts, and stir to combine 5. Finally, add date mixture and stir until just combined 6. Pour into prepared cake tin and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until firm 7. Remove from oven, leave to cool and cut into squares

PET owners on Providenciales gave their animals a very special early Christmas present last week, thanks to the TCSPCA sponsored spay/ neuter clinic held November 28 through December 3.

Almost 130 animals were released from the burden of fathering or bearing countless unwanted puppies and kittens, when they were spayed or neutered during the week.

A volunteer vet team from International Pet Aid and Welfare (IPAW), travelled from Minnesota to conduct the surgeries. The team included Dr. Julinee Kratcha DVM, Senior Vet Tech Andrea Mann and Vet Tech Tracy Pitts.

IPAW is a not for profit animal health organization based out of Minnesota, which provides high quality veterinary care to countries around the world with limited or no veterinary resources.

They work with rescues, sanctuaries, SPCA’s and humane societies, to conduct spay/neuter and wellness clinics. Since 2014 IPAW teams have visited the TCI regularly, and have run mobile clinics on all the family islands.

Provo resident John Thomas, founder of the Potcake Project provided the round trip airline tickets for the trio.

Potcake Project was formed to help reduce the numbers of Potcake dogs who perish each year, unnoticed and alone, in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For more than 15 years the TCSPCA has helped teach pet owners the importance of spaying and neutering their pets, to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and

Dr Julinee Kratcha from IPAW performing a surgery

kittens in the TCI. These efforts are paying off.

Repeat tourists to Provo and the other family islands this year, say that there are definitely fewer stray dogs on the streets and beaches. This is also good for the residents. Ten years ago, packs of dogs roamed neighbourhoods across the islands, breeding every six months and getting into garbage and spreading disease.

Since the last spay/neuter clinic held by the TCSPCA on Provo, their volunteers were compiling a waiting list of pet owners who wanted their pet dog or cat spay/ neutered. The list had over 150 names. Clearly our pet owners fully accept the concept of “Responsible Pet Ownership.”

“Vet Tech Tracy Pitts from IPAW prepping cats for surgery”

The vet team worked tirelessly all week. Their efforts resulted in a total of 129 surgeries, including 48 dog spays, 34 dog neuters, 19 cat spays, and 28 cat neuters.

The TCSPCA volunteers worked very long hours as well, making appointments, preparing paperwork, monitoring animals in recovery, cleaning cages, and picking up some animals for surgery in the TCSPCA Animal Bus. The TCSPCA is the oldest established animal welfare organization in this country. It is not for profit, sustained solely by donations and fundraisers. Please support their efforts. Visit www. tcspca.com and donate (via PayPal) to help all the animals of the Turks and Caicos.

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December 10-16, 2016

6.2 magnitude quake rocks Trinidad & Tobago A 6.2 magnitude earthquake, followed by at least two strong aftershocks, rocked Trinidad and Tobago late Tuesday, shaking buildings, sending items skating off supermarket shelves, and triggering fear in residents.

The first tremor hit at around 5:42 p.m. local time, just 16 kilometres south southeast of Scarborough, Tobago, at a depth of around 29 km.

Almost immediately, social media was flooded with posts from people who had felt the shaking.

Later in the night, around 11:38 p.m., a 4.4 tremor struck 27 km west of Scarborough, followed by a 4.9 quake just after midnight, 15 km west of Scarborough.

The University of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Centre (SRC) had more than 1,000 reports on its Facebook page alone.

People living all over Trinidad and Tobago, as well as in nearby Grenada and as far as St Vincent and the Grenadines said they had felt the shaking which sent some of them running from their homes and other buildings.

Reports included people saying they felt the buildings they were in rocking and the ground tilting; a man who said he was “in a vessel in Chaguaramas on anchorage just off Gasper Grande island and felt it very strong here on the waters”; motorists seeing the road “wave”; and goods falling off supermarket shelves.

A petition by the majority of FNM MPs says that Dr Minnis should be replaced by Loretta Butler-Turner, the MP for Long Island.

Minnis faces removal as leader of opposition in Parliament The earthquake shook items off their shelves in some supermarkets. (Photos: Facebook)

Even the length of the episode varied by account. Some said the shaking lasted for a few seconds, while others said it felt like it occurred for two to three minutes.

False information about a tsunami alert intensified the fear from the earthquake itself.

Both the SRC and Trinidad and Tobago’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) refuted the claim. rumour being being circulated through social media platforms was false and

reminded residents that all pertinent information would be disseminated through the ODPM and the SRC social media platforms and public releases only.

“The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) provides tsunami alerts to the Caribbean and no warning has been issued by the PTWC,” the SRC also stated in a Facebook post.

There were reports of minor damage but no death or injuries as a result of the quakes. (Caribbean360)

DR HUBERT Minnis, leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) in the Bahamas, faces removal as leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament after a vote of no confidence by seven of his party’s 10 MPs on Wednesday morning.

A petition by the majority of FNM MPs says that Dr Minnis should be replaced by Loretta Butler-Turner, the MP for Long Island.

The move has to be approved by the Governor General.

Seven of the 10 opposition members - Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins, Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key, North Eleuthra MP Theo Neilly, Mrs Butler-Turner, St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn and Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant -

submitted a letter of no confidence in Dr Minnis to House Speaker Dr Kendal Major and to the Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling, on Wednesday morning revealing they have voted to be led in Parliament by Mrs ButlerTurner.

Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest and Leader of Opposition Business in the House Renward Wells did not participate in this latest effort to oust Dr Minnis.

Meanwhile FNM Senators Carl Bethel and Dr Duane Sands have resigned from the Senate with immediate effect.

Dr Sands told The Tribune that he resigned because he “served at the pleasure” of Minnis, who “requested the resignations” in light of the petition. (Tribune242)

Great-grandmother pepper-sprayed in Bermuda airport redevelopment protest A 75-YEAR-OLD woman who was pepper-sprayed at Friday’s protest outside Parliament, described her fear on Tuesday at the response of riot police, claiming officers “treated us like a bunch of dogs”.

Great-grandmother Marie Smith told The Royal Gazette: “My poor heart was pumping. I couldn’t believe that this was what I was up into. I didn’t expect it at all.”

Ms Smith was one of five demonstrators who met at the headquarters of the Bermuda Industrial Union yesterday afternoon to share their experiences, before going together to make formal complaints about the police.

One man, Andre Simmons, 50, alleged he was punched in the ribs and back by officers after being pepper- sprayed, for refusing to move to allow police to get into the grounds of Sessions House.

Michael DeSilva, the Commissioner of Police, said last night that 26 complaints had so far been recorded from members

of the public regarding the events of December 2 and they would be notified to the independent Police Complaints Authority and investigated.

He added: “Six officers received injuries. Statements of complaint from other officers regarding common assault are still being recorded and numbers are not currently finalised, but [are] expected to exceed 20.”

Mr DeSilva said in the aftermath of the protest that some officers used incapacitant spray in a “proportionate response to disperse the crowd”.

He reiterated last night that it was his job alone to “determine the use and control of the operations of the [police] service” and that no individual outside of the BPS was told about the decision to deploy riot police to the scene before the decision was enacted.

Ms Smith, who took part in the 1977 riots sparked by the hangings of Buck Burrows and Larry Tacklyn, was among the demonstrators on the

Reid Street entrance to the House of Assembly when she was sprayed.

She followed officers in riot protection helmets to that area from Parliament Street.

“When they walked off and went down the hill, I went behind them,” she said. “That’s when they started pushing and then they started to spray.

“I was just outside the sidewalk when they sprayed the pepper spray.

The person who was up on the steps, spraying, when he sprayed, it came to me. It got in my throat and when I started coughing, that’s when I backed across the street because I have thyroid problems.

“I had surgery recently and I can’t have anything like that because it makes me cough. It was almost a choking and I had to keep coughing to clear my throat.

“It lasted about five minutes. I got it from somebody else. The guy that was up on the steps spraying, it came right across to me. I wouldn’t say direct or indirect, but I know it

reached me.”

She viewed the decision to deploy riot police — known officially as a police support unit or PSU — as “unbelievable, really, because I don’t think it was really called for”.

Ms Smith added: “I didn’t see anybody raise their hand. People were shouting and telling them [the police] they were wrong. I didn’t see nobody attack any policeman. I think that they treated us like a bunch of dogs …[I told an officer] this is no different to South Africa.”

Her son Richard L Brangman, 59, was also at the Reid Street entrance and saw his mother get sprayed.

He said he realised at that point “these guys are serious, they’re sick”.

Mr Brangman described being part of the “frontline” of protesters stopping access to Parliament when the riot police came “barrelling in, shoving”.

“I found myself face to face with the officers. We [protesters] were locked in arms stopping officers

getting past.

“We were holding on, and these guys were shoving, and we were back and forth, shoving, shoving,” he said.

“Three or four minutes later, the female officer, I recognised her pulling out the spray. She held it like maybe eight inches or a foot away from my face and my reaction was to drop my head down.

“It caught my eyes, the back of my head, my arms, that was burning.

She didn’t say nothing [in warning] and there was too much noise going on for her to.”

Another Reid-Street-side demonstrator, Winnae Wales, said she did hear a warning from police that pepper spray and tasers were to be used if she didn’t move. “They came around to us and at that time we locked arms,” said Ms Wales.

“They tried to pull them away and with the resistance they were showing, they pulled out their pepper spray and started to spray people in their face.”

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Entertainment Depp named ‘most overpaid actor’ for second year JOHNNY Depp has been named the most overpaid actor in Hollywood for the second consecutive year.

Forbes magazine’s list calculates the Pirates of the Caribbean star returned only $2.80 at the box office for every $1 he was paid for the last three films he made before June.

Those films include Alice Through the Looking Glass, which stumbled at the box office when it was released in May. Will Smith is ranked second, returning $5 on every dollar.

The figures are based in part on his medical drama Concussion and the romantic comedy Focus.

But they do not factor in comic book movie Suicide Squad, which arrived in cinemas in August.

Channing Tatum is ranked third in the list, just ahead of

Forbes magazine’s list calculates the Pirates of the Caribbean star returned only $2.80 at the box office for every $1 he was paid for the last three films he made before June.

comic star Will Ferrell.

The Anchorman star topped the list in 2009 and 2010 and was ranked third one year ago.

Each actor’s ranking is based on the box office performance of the last three

major films up to June 2016 in which they had a starring role.

Animated releases, films where the actor had in a minor role or those released on fewer than 2,000 screens are not used in Forbes’ calculations.

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Regional News

Sexual assault trials in Barbados marred by delays BARBADOS’ Chief Justice isn’t at all happy with the delays in prosecuting sexual offenders, lamenting that, in some cases, a child who is sexually abused has reached adulthood by the time the matter goes before a judge.

And he has underscored the need to establish clear guidelines for the prosecution of such matters, and for proper support mechanisms in place for virtual complainants in sexual assault cases beyond the trial.

Sir Marston Gibson made the comments during the opening ceremony of a two-day consultation on sexual offence cases hosted by the Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening (JURIST) Project.

He said the prosecution of sexual offences in Barbados was “marred” by the length of time it took some matters to come to trial.

“What happens is that by the time we manage to get through the investigation, the jargon and the preliminary inquiry and get the matter to a trial judge, years have elapsed. So, a child who is abused at 13 finds themselves at 21 or 22 trying to remember what happened eight or nine years ago,” he said.

However, the Chief Justice noted that under the JURIST Project, it was expected that new guidelines would be established for advancing the prosecution of these kinds of

offences.

He also spoke to the need to establish a support mechanism for virtual complainants, following the trial of sexual assault cases.

As it stands now, Sir Marston explained, after a virtual complainant in a matter gives evidence “that was it”. He contended there was a need for a support mechanism to be in place to look after the welfare of the virtual complainant after the trial.

“That person still has to go back into society and to live, sometimes with the family; sometimes it may be someone from the village who was our neighbour,” he said.

Sir Marston told the regional participants that this was particularly necessary as, in some instances, attackers lived in close proximity to the complainants and would be released back into the same neighbourhood.

The JURIST Project is funded

by Canada, and Canadian High Commissioner Marie Legault said the guidelines developed through the consultation were part of a wider plan that was being executed by the Caribbean Court of Justice.

She explained that the JURIST Project is working with the judiciary in the Caribbean to support efforts to improve court administration and strengthen the ability to resolve cases effectively and fairly. (Caribbean360)

Bahamians arrested for human smuggling THREE Bahamian men are in the custody of United States authorities after they were alledgedly caught attempting to smuggle six Haitians to Florida last week.

Three of the six Haitians were also taken with the Bahamians, while the other three were returned to the Bahamas by the US Coast Guard and handed over to Bahamas immigration authorities in Grand Bahama on Saturday, December 3.

Local immigration officer Napthali Cooper reported that the Bahamians and Haitians, along with the vessel, were retained for further investigations in connection with charges of illegal human smuggling in the United States.

According to Mr Cooper, the USCG intercepted a go-fast boat, with nine males, about five miles off Florida.

He said reports are that the vessel

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left Cat Cay sometime on Thursday, and was spotted near Florida.

The Haitians told Bahamian authorities that they were five minutes away from Florida when the vessel ran out of fuel. They also claimed to have each paid the three Bahamian operators $3,000 for the trip to Florida.

Two of the Haitians admitted to arriving illegally in the Bahamas by boat from Haiti a year ago and remained in the country without seeking legal status. The third, who is in his teens, claimed to have entered the country at age five with his parents, and was currently enrolled at a government high school in New Providence.

The men were processed at the Department of Immigration in Freeport, and were flown early this week to New Providence, where they are being detained at the Detention Centre. (Tribune242)

BAHAMAS:

61jobs go at Ocean Club MORE than 60 employees, including management and line staff, have been fired from the One&Only Ocean Club for “performance based” reasons, with the hotel’s reported dissatisfaction over unsavoury guest reviews about its staff serving as the primary reason for conducting preChristmas layoffs.

The Paradise Island-based luxury hotel, in an official statement yesterday, said it is in the process of “reorganising our structure and redefining job descriptions across the resort”. This, it said, has resulted in a “necessary turnover of about 60 positions” at the hotel that will “ensure a streamlining of the guest experience”.

Tuesday’s terminations involved around 15 per cent of the near 400 employees who worked at the hotel.

Ashley McBain, vice-president of corporate communications at Kerzner International, suggested to The Tribune that the terminations were the result of poor employee performance at the hotel, saying that some staff were not working in sync with “performance standards that we’ve set in place, not only in The Bahamas but beyond”.

She said the hotel consequently had “to make the hard decisions, and say who really is pushing themselves forward and adhering to those standards, and maybe who’s not”.

Other senior hotel officials said all

Harrison Williams, vice-president of the BHCAWU, speaking to reporters yesterday, as workers were dismissed from the One &Only Ocean Club.

positions would be replaced before an extensive hotel-wide training exercise, likely aimed at targeting those performance issues, prior to the hotel’s opening next year following a four-month closure for repairs after Hurricane Matthew in October.

But senior officials in the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) called the terminations, which come three weeks before Christmas, an “outrage” and another indicator that “the labourers in this country basically have nobody to defend them”.

Former One&Only Ocean Club employees, who were anxiously awaiting the resort’s Valentine’s Day

re-opening, called the terminations heartless and not Christian.

Robert Farquharson, Director of Labour, told The Tribune the government was made aware of the planned firings. He said the 61 terminated employees were those who were previously utilised to assist in the hotel’s extensive post-hurricane cleanup exercise, but had become expendable as the hotel is now shifting into its “construction phase”.

Nonetheless, Mr Farquharson said he has been assured by Ocean Club Human Resources Director Latoya Kemp that those 61 employees would be reconsidered for re-employment when the luxury hotel reopens on February 14.

Dominican Republic leader gets emergency powers THE Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday approved the bill authorising president Danilo Medina to declare a state of emergency in 15 provinces that sustained widespread damages by flooding from four weeks of downpours.

Puerto Plata, La Vega, Espaillat, María Trinidad Sánchez, Santiago, Duarte, Samaná, Sánchez Ramírez, Montecristi, Hermanas Mirabal, Hato Mayor, Valverde, El Seibo, Monseñor Noel and La Altagracia provinces will be declared in emergency, paving the way for Medina to dip into emergency funds without a call for tenders.

“The communities which sustained damages in those provinces are of such gravity that they constitute a public calamity, according to the terms of article 265 of the Constitution,” the legislation stipulates.

“The President of the Republic must inform the National Congress on a continuous basis of the

The president Danilo Medina is set to declare a state of emergency in 15 provinces that sustained widespread damages by flooding from four weeks of downpours.

measures taken and the evolution of the repairs, constructions and reconstructions carried out to repair the damages caused by the rains in a wide area of ??the national territory,” states the initiative approved with 126 against 21 votes.

Meanwhile major opposition

party (PRM) spokesperson Alfredo Pacheco, submitted a modification for the legislation to take effect six months after signed into law, as well to evaluate the disbursements every three months. The opposition proposal was rejected by the Chamber controlled by the PLD party.

32

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 10-16, 2016

Ancient eclipse records show that days on Earth are getting just a little longer THE latest findings in Earth science are brought to you by ancient astronomers who observed the heavens as much as 2700 years ago.

Thanks to hundreds of records of lunar and solar eclipses carved in clay tablets and written into dynastic histories, modern scientists have determined that the amount of time it takes for Earth to complete a single rotation on its axis has slowed by 1.8 milliseconds per day over the course of a century, according to a report published Wednesday in Proceedings of the Royal Society A. It may not sound significant, but over the course of 2½ millenniums, that time discrepancy adds up to about 7 hours.

In other words, if humanity had been measuring time with an atomic clock that started running back in 700 BC, today that clock would read 7 p.m. when the sun is directly overhead rather than noon.

“There is time and then there is how fast the Earth spins,” said Duncan Agnew, a geophysicist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego, who was not involved with the work. “Traditionally those things are closely linked, but they are not the same.”

Our earliest ancestors measured time based on the position of

Modern scientists have determined that the amount of time it takes for Earth to complete a single rotation on its axis has slowed by 1.8 milliseconds per day over the course of a century.

celestial bodies in the sky, such as the rising and setting of the sun or the changing shape of the moon.

Scientists refer to this as Universal Time, and it is governed by the dynamic gravitational motions of the Earth, moon and sun.

Terrestrial Time, on the other hand, is measured by clocks and is independent of planetary motiont.

Since the 1960s, it has been tracked by exquisitely precise atomic

clocks. According to our modern take on Terrestrial Time, there are exactly 86,400 seconds in a day and each second is defined as exactly 9,192,631,770 oscillations of a cesium-133 atom.

The team’s goal was to pinpoint when and where lunar and solar eclipses occurred in antiquity, then compare them to computer models of when and where they should have occurred based on the current rate

of Earth’s spin. By measuring the difference between these two sets of data, researchers can determine how much Earth’s rotation rate has changed over time.

It wasn’t easy to assemble.

Richard Stephenson, an astronomer who recently retired from Durham University in England, started working on this project 40 years ago when he was a young researcher at the University of Essex.

Because nearby Durham University had a good Chinese studies department, he began with ancient texts from China. To aid him in his search, he memorised 1,500 Chinese characters — too few to read a newspaper, but enough to help him decipher astronomical records written into dynastic histories. Over the years he was able to find about 50 reliable dates and times of solar and lunar eclipses recorded between AD 434 and AD 1280.

“During that period they were using water clocks to tell time,” he said. These devices work by dripping water into a vessel at a constant rate. “While those are not terribly accurate, if you get 50 observations over a period of time you can get a good average.”

A treasure trove of data came from translations of clay tablets

written in cuneiform by Babylonian astrologers. Although many of the tablets were damaged in the excavation process, Stephenson found more than 150 useful entries dating from 720 BC to 10 BC. Other observations came from Islamic astronomers working in the Arab world between AD 800 and 1000, as well as from mentions of solar and lunar eclipses in medieval European chronicles, mostly written in Latin. Stephenson said he is grateful to all these ancient sky watchers.

“People recording these things never had the slightest notion that what they were doing would lead to people in our generation actually studying changes in the Earth spin,” he said. “We are very much at the mercy of these ancient chroniclers and astronomers.”

In the meantime, geophysicists like Agnew said they will use the astronomers’ work to better understand the forces speeding up and slowing down the spinning of our planet.

“Nothing else on Earth cares about when an eclipse happens, so we have to rely on these observations,” Agnew said. “The most astounding thing about this paper is the fact that we have this information at all.”

Caesarean births ‘affecting human evolution THE regular use of Caesarean sections is having an impact on human evolution, say scientists.

More mothers now need surgery to deliver a baby due to their narrow pelvis size, according to a study.

Researchers estimate cases where the baby cannot fit down the birth canal have increased from 30 in 1,000 in the 1960s to 36 in 1,000 births today.

Historically, these genes would not have been passed from mother to child as both would have died in labour.

Researchers in Austria say the trend is likely to continue, but not to the extent that non-surgical births will become obsolete.

Dr Philipp Mitteroecker, of the department of theoretical biology at the University of Vienna, said there was a long standing question in the understanding of human evolution.

“Why is the rate of birth problems, in particular what we call fetopelvic disproportion - basically that the baby doesn’t fit through the maternal birth canal - why is this rate so high?” he said.

In the UK, about one in four babies is born by Caesarean.

“Without modern medical intervention such problems often were lethal and this is, from an evolutionary perspective, selection.

“Women with a very narrow pelvis would not have survived birth 100 years ago. They do now and pass on their genes encoding for a narrow pelvis to their daughters.”

It has been a long standing evolutionary question why the human pelvis has not grown wider over the years.

The head of a human baby is

large compared with other primates, meaning animals such as chimps can give birth relatively easily.

The researchers devised a mathematical model using data from the World Health Organization and other large birth studies.

They found opposing evolutionary forces in their theoretical study.

One is a trend towards larger newborns, which are more healthy.

However, if they grow too large, they get stuck during labour, which historically would have proved

disastrous for mother and baby, and their genes would not be passed on.

“One side of this selective force - namely the trend towards smaller babies - has vanished due to Caesarean sections,” said Dr Mitteroecker.

“Our intent is not to criticise medical intervention,” he said. “But it’s had an evolutionary effect. “ The researchers estimated that the global rate of cases where the baby could not fit through the maternal birth canal was 3%, or 30 in 1,000 births.

Over the past 50 or 60 years, this rate has increased to about 3.3-3.6%, so up to 36 in 1,000 births.

That is about a 10-20% increase of the original rate, due to the evolutionary effect.

“The pressing question is what’s going to happen in the future?” Dr Mitteroecker said.“I expect that this evolutionary trend will continue but perhaps only slightly and slowly.

“There are limits to that. So I don’t expect that one day the majority of children will have to be born by [Caesarean] sections.”

The research is published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Commenting on the study, Smithsonian paleoanthropologist Dr Briana Pobiner said there are “probably many other biological and cultural issues that factor into the Caesarean sections rate, which varies widely across the developed and developing world”.

And Daghni Rajasingam, a consultant obstetrician and a spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetricians, said factors such as diabetes and obesity, are having an impact on the number of Caesarean sections.

“I think what is important to take into the [question of] evolution is that things like diabetes are much more common at a younger age so we see many more women of reproductive age who have diabetes,” she said.

“In addition, the rates of obesity are increasing so more and more women of reproductive age have a higher body mass index and this again has an impact on caesarean section rates.” (BBC)

December 10-16, 2016

World News

33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

‘Flashing light therapy’ for Alzheimer’s Experts say it is important to strike the right balance because too much exercise can harm sperm production.

‘Exercise boosts men’s sperm count’ DOING at least half an hour of exercise three times a week may boost men’s sperm count, say scientists.

Men who took up running and stuck with it had more “healthy swimmers”, according to the research in the journal Reproduction.

The boost was only temporary, and began to wane within a month if the men stopped their treadmill training.

Experts say it is important to strike the right balance because too much exercise can harm sperm production.

Studies have shown that participation in competitive sports, like cycling, can lower sperm quality.

All of the 261 men enrolled in the recent trial were healthy and did not have any fertility problems as far as they could tell. They had normal sperm counts and healthy-looking sperm and led fairly sedentary lives.

The men were allocated to one of four programmes:no exercise three sessions a week of high intensity interval training (10 oneminute bursts of very fast running with a short recovery period between each bout) three sessions a week of moderate exercise (30 minutes on a treadmill) three sessions a week of intense exercise (about an hour on a treadmill) Exercise training appeared to boost sperm quantity and quality, with moderate exercise coming top.

Men in all three exercise groups lost weight and saw improvements in their sperm test results compared with the men who did no exercise over the 24-week trial period.

The researchers say at least part of the benefit may come from shedding excess weight - all three exercise

groups lost some body fat.

Experts already know obesity can lower a man’s fertility. A third of the men in each study group were overweight.

What is not clear is whether the boost from exercise translates to better fertility. That is something the researchers plan to explore in the lab by checking if traininginduced changes affect the fertilising potential of sperm.

Lead researcher Behzad Hajizadeh Maleki said: “Our results show that doing exercise can be a simple, cheap and effective strategy for improving sperm quality in sedentary men.

“However, it’s important to acknowledge that the reason some men can’t have children isn’t just based on their sperm count. Male infertility problems can be complex and changing lifestyles might not solve these cases easily.”

Allan Pacey, professor of andrology at the University of Sheffield and spokesman for the British Fertility Society, said: “We have a very poor understanding of how physical exercise affects male fertility and sperm quality, but it is a question commonly asked by men wishing to improve their chances of having a child.”

He said there probably was a level of exercise that is optimum for male fertility, but recommended that men check with their GP before embarking on anything too strenuous.

UK guidelines recommend that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, such as running, every week. (BBC)

A FLASHING light therapy might help ward off Alzheimer’s, say US scientists after promising trials in mice.

The Massachusetts team found shining a strobe light into rodents’ eyes encouraged protective cells to gobble up the harmful proteins that accumulate in the brain in this type of dementia.

The perfect rate of flashes was 40 per second - a barely perceptible flicker, four times as fast as a disco strobe.

The researchers say the approach should be tested in humans.

They are already seeking permission from the US regulator, the Food and Drugs Administration, and have set up a commercial company to develop the technology.

Build-up of beta amyloid protein is one of the earliest changes seen in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease.

It clumps together to form sticky plaques and is thought to cause nerve cell death and memory loss.

Researchers have been looking for ways to prevent plaque formation using drugs, but the results have been disappointing.

But Dr Li-Huei Tsai and colleagues at the Massachusetts

The research team found shining a strobe light into rodents’ eyes encouraged protective cells to gobble up the harmful proteins that accumulate in the brain in this type of dementia.

Institute of Technology think they have found another way, using light.

The mice that they studied were genetically engineered to have Alzheimer’s-type damage in their brain, Nature journal reports.

When the mice were put in front of the flashing light for an hour, it led to a noticeable reduction in beta amyloid over the next 12 to 24 hours in the parts of the brain that handle vision.

Doing this every day for a week

led to even greater reductions.

Likewise, light stimulation direct to the part of the brain that deals with memory - the hippocampus - led to reductions of beta amyloid there.

The researchers say the light works by recruiting the help of resident immune cells called microglia.

Microglia are scavengers. They eat and clear harmful or threatening pathogens - in this instance, beta amyloid.

Link between Caribbean heat and health problems THE Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) says there is no mistaking the link between the increase in temperatures and health problems in the region and it’s on a mission to find data to support its case.

“How many more illnesses do we see because of heat? And it’s not that the health sector is doubting that there is a relationship, it’s just that there is no centralized database that can put the figures in front of us,” argues senior climatologist at the CIMH Dr Cedric Van MeerBeeck.

Speaking to journalists at the just concluded Caribbean Climate Change Outlook Forum in Grenada, Van MeerBeeck said some hospitals around the region have been reporting an increase in illnesses related to heat and it was worth investigating.

“In October, for instance, there were some hospitals that really saw that there were more illnesses and discomfort related to heat. 2016 was quite a hot year,” he said, disclosing

Some hospitals around the region have been reporting an increase in illnesses related to heat.

that the CIMH was already gathering data on heat sensation.

According to Van MeerBeeck, the institute had already developed the ability to provide a threemonth forecast of the heat levels for Caribbean countries, which he suggested would help countries to be better prepared.

“When you forecast ahead of time, that give you a little bit of more preparation time, which means that perhaps we can reduce the impact of that excess heat.”

The climatologist said the research would examine “if we have so many heat waves, how many excess deaths do we have. How many excess heat strokes do we have . . . and the type of non-communicable diseases can we have. Once we have that we can build an early warning system for it.”

Dr Van MeerBeeck is hopeful that the CIMH can deepen its partnership with health authorities, emphasising that the institute was not merely seeking to forecast but “to have certain triggers to give better advice”.

34

JOB LISTINGS SERVICES AUTO SALES REAL ESTATE

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 10-16, 2016

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

FLOWER GIRL

WANTED URGENTLY

FLORAL DESIGNER

Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience.

Call: 231-3788

NEWLY RENOVATED OFFICE SPACE FOR SPA OR BEAUTY SALON SPACE AVAILABLE NOW. GOOD RENT. 600 SQUARE FEET OF SPACE

CONTACT: 246-3508/ 231-3788 OR 946-4894

FOR SALE House in Richmond Hill residential area on a half acre land.

CONTACT: 231-3788

December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

35

36 CLASSIFIEDS

AGNES SWANN NORTH CAICOS

BLUE HILLS CONSTRUCTION BLUE HILLS

Is seeking a:

Is seeking a:

BLUE HILLS CONSTRUCTION BLUE HILLS

Is seeking a:

LABOURER/ LABOURER HANDYMAN To work 6 days per week Salary: $6.00 per hour

December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

To work six days per week Assisting where needed Salary: 6.25 per hour

CHERLINE AMY BLUE HILLS

Is seeking a:

LABOURER/ HANDYMAN

To work six days per week Assisting where needed Salary: 6.25 per hour

GRANTS PETROLEUM LEEWARD HIGHWAY Is in need of a:

HECTOR DRY CLEANING INDUSTRIAL PARK

Is seeking to employ a:

ATTENDANT/ CARE GIVER BABYSITTER PUMPLABOURER

To work six days per week Caring for children and assisting where needed Salary: 150.00 per week

Salary: $ 6.50 per hour Must be willing to work holidays and weekends

To work six days per week Salary: $6.50 per hour For further information

THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDER

CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT:

(649) 246-4769

(649) 346-0002

(649) 346-0002

(649) 341-5427

(649) 432-8265

(649) 244-2201

J & L RETAIL

MERCEDES BEAUTY SALON

MT. MORIAH BAPTIST CHURCH

NATHALIE GEDEUS PAUL

NEILAN LUCIENNE ROBINSON

SUPERIOR PAINTING JUBA SOUND

Is seeking a:

Is seeking a:

DOMESTIC WORKER

LABOURER/ HANDYMAN

13041

THE BIGHT Is seeking a:

13047

#4 WALKIN MARINE BUILDING, OLD AIRPORT ROAD Is seeking a:

NAIL TECHNICIAN

DELIVERY TRUCK DRIVER To work six days per week Making deliveries Salary: 7.00 per hour

To work 6 days per week Salary: $6.25 per hour/ Must be able to do acrylic and Natural nails.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS DECEMBER 16TH, 2016. THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK A PERMIT HOLDER

13048

MIDDLE CAICOS Is seeking a:

13046

FIVE CAYS

Is seeking a:

MINISTER OF RELIGION CREOLE HELPER To work five days per week Salary: $6.00 per hour

DOMESTIC WORKER To work six days per week Cleaning and assisting where needed Salary: 6.25 per hour

13056

To work 6 days per week Salary: $6.50 per hour

13068

To work six days per week Assisting where needed Salary: 7.00 per hour

CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: (649) 343-4440 13059

NORWANI SERVICES Is seeking the following:

CASHIERS

LIVE-IN NANNY

Salary: $9.00 per hour

Salary: $300.00 Weekly

Salary: $9.00 per hour

Salary: $10.00 per hour

SALES CLERK LABOURER

Salary: $6.75 per hour

DOMESTIC WORKER

Salary: $6.75 per hour

CAPENTER

Salary: $6.75 per hour

Salary: $17.00 per hour

(649) 331-2871

ROSA BEAUTY SALON & BARBER SHOP

SUNSHINE TRANSPORT Palm Grove, Grand Turk

13055

PROVIDENCIALES

CLEANER

CONTACT: (649) 232-3037

13045

Is seeking a:

Is seeking a:

DOMESTIC WORKER To work six days per week Cleaning and assisting where needed Salary: 6.50 per hour

GRACE BAY

13039

OLYMPIC PLAZA, DOWNTOWN

BEACH ATTENDANTS To work six days per week 30 – 40 hours per week Applicant must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

Must be able to swim, customer friendly. Must have knowledge of water sports and knowledge of the island.

Salary: $6.50 per hour

Is seeking to employ a:

13049

(649) 346-0002 13050

To clean and assist where needed Salary: $ 6.25 per hour

3 LABOURERS

To clean yards, cutting grass and trimming trees Salary: $6.25 per hour

3 DIVE INSTRUCTORS

For dive tours and courses Salary: $8.00 per hour

2 CARE TAKERS

Salary: $6.25 per hour

2 BABYSITTERS

Salary: $6.25 per hour

3 GARDENERS

Salary: $6.25 per hour

1 PAINTER

Salary: $ 8.50 per hour

FOR MORE INFORMATION

(649) 231-3122 13070

Is seeking suitable candidates for the following positions:

3 DOMESTIC WORKERS

BARBER To work six days per week Cutting hair Salary: $6.00 per hour For further information:

CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT:

(649) 346-0002

is looking for the following:

BETHANY’S EDUCATIONAL & SOCIAL TRAINING (B.E.S.T) INSTITUTE INC

Is seeking a:

To work six days per week Cleaning and assisting where needed Salary: 6.25 per hour

ROBERTS AGENCY

WILFREY & TONY’S BARBER SHOP

Is seeking a:

To work six days per week Cleaning and assisting where needed Salary: 6.25 per hour

To work six days per week Cleaning and assisting where needed Salary: 6.50 per hour

13051

CALL: (649) 241-2043

Is seeking a:

CLEANER

DOMESTIC WORKER

(649) 247-0801

(649) 946-1061

13044

WATER PLAY

DOMESTIC WORKER

13042

(649) 246-5339

VR SUPERMARKET BLUE HILLS

(649) 343-9101

3 DOMESTIC WORKERS

CONTACT: CONTACT:

VAGUY VILMAR BLUE HILLS

13052

STORE KEEPER

MASON

Salary: $15.00 per hour

(649) 245-5266

13058

13053

(649) 231-0882 13067

THE INDIVIDUAL SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Possess a valid food handler’s permit 2. A born again Christian preferably of the Baptist faith 3. The ability to read and write English 4. Must be able to assist in the preparation of healthy meals on a daily basis for over 100 students 5. Be able to manage the stock and prepare orders. Handle cash effectively to ensure all checks and balances 6. Salary: $6.25 per hour

APPLICATION CAN BE DROP OFF AT B.E.S.T. INSTITUTE OFFICE, 250 BAY ROAD, BLUE HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES. OR EMAIL@: BESTINSTITUTE@TCIWAY.TC • TEL:649-941-4802

13091

(649) 242-6980

December 10-16, 2016

WANTED

LAMONT’S FAST FOOD SEEKS:

A:

LABOURER/ HANDYMAN

1 ASSISTANT MANAGER Must have at least 6 years experience and able to work with little or no supervision. Salary is based on experience.

To paint and carpentry five days per week.The person should have a good knowledge of duties and the position. Must be able to drive and communicate well.

SALARY: US $7.50 PER HOUR

Deadline for application is December 16th, 2016

13085

INTERESTED PERSONS SHOULD SEND APPLICATION VIA FAX TO 649-941-4034 C/O ALLIANCE REALTY LTD.

GRAND TURK Is seeking a:

GRAND TURK

GRAND TURK

Is seeking a:

Is seeking a:

LABOURER To work five days per week Salary: $6.50 per hour

THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER

(649) 241-1746

(649) 232-0023

DOMESTIC WORKER

SECURITY OFFICER To work six days per week Salary: $7.00 per hour

13086

13088

EPHRAIM CONSTRUCTION CONCH BAR, MIDDLE CAICOS is seeking to employ a:

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE FOCUS AREAS:

To work six days per week Sanding, staining, cutting and assembling cabinets Salary: $7.00 per hour

(649) 341-6670

GEORGES RENE & DELROY LIGHTBOURNE

GEORGINA TAYLOR

Are seeking to employ:

Is seeking a:

13072

RESUMES CAN BE SENT VIA EMAIL TO: TODD.BERNICK@GMAIL.COM AND A COPY TO THE LABOUR BOARD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

(649) 333-1265

SERVCOM SERVICES LTD

Is now accepting applications/résumé for the following position. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply:

To work six days per week cleaning and assist where needed Salary: $6.25 per hour

• To do daily checklist of all operating equipment • To carry out all tasks in a timely fashion • To report all damage or non-working equipment to the manager • To work in a clean and neat manner in guestrooms and all other areas • Pick up litter around lodge property Requirements: • A secondary diploma is an asset • Must be able to work long hours in all weather conditions • Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) (English) used in the workplace.

• Must work weekends and holidays • Must be able to lift 150lbs or more Salary $6.25 per hour

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Responsibilities

• To skillfully and professionally perform all scheduled maintenance related jobs.

• Account for time spent on individual works and actively seek further tasks when assigned tasks are completed.

GRAND TURK

To work six days per week Must be able to work holidays and weekends. Wages starting at $6.25 per hour Belongers will be given first preference. Between the hours of 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday. THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER

CONTACT: CONTACT:

(649) 342-1465

(649) 244-5665

THE FORBES PROVIDENCIALES

CHRISTINE HANDFIELD

POSITIONS FOR:

Is seeking a:

Seekis the following:

13069

13079

SKILLED POSITION • To advise the Engineering Administrator when parts or supplies need to be reordered.

• Perform weekly and monthly physical counts of all inventory stock and tooling and requirements.

• Other duties as deemed necessary by the Engineering Administrator Requirements • Must meet minimum professional qualification/certification in Plumbing/ Electrical/ Mechanical and A/C related trades • Must have minimum of two years hands-on experience working on minor electrical, painting, plumbing and A/C • Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace.

• Must work weekends and holidays

13090

DOMESTIC WORKERS

2 DOMESTIC WORKERS

THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDER

13092

Responsibilities:

BELONGERS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST PREFERENCE CONTACT BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9AM AND 4PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY

(649) 946-1489

CARPENTER/ CABINET MAKER

APPLICATION CAN BE DROP OFF AT B.E.S.T. INSTITUTE OFFICE, 250 BAY ROAD, BLUE HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES. OR EMAIL@: BESTINSTITUTE@TCIWAY.TC • TEL:649-941-4802

LABOURER

To work six days per week Must be able to work holidays and weekends.

Wages starting at $6.25 per hour.

CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT:

Is seeking suitable candidates for the following positions:

team player.

• All applicants should be born again Christians preferably of the Baptist faith • Capable of teaching students with multicultural background • Have adequate knowledge of the Primary school curriculum of the TCI Education system.

• Salary $20,400.00 to 24,000.00 per annum

CLAUDETTE MALCOLM IMPERIAL SECURITY JEAN CLAUDE NEMOURS

CHAD ARCHBOLD

BETHANY’S EDUCATIONAL & SOCIAL TRAINING (B.E.S.T) INSTITUTE INC

• Language Arts/ Literacy • Information Technology/PE • General Instruction Applicant should possess a trained teacher’s diploma or certificate with 3 or more years’ experience in the classroom.

• Applicants with first degree beside their Teacher’s Diploma/certificate will have an advantage • Applicant must be energetic and creative and a good

CLASSIFIEDS 37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

HOUSE KEEPER/ BABYSITTER To work six days per week Must have experience working with children, housekeeping and food preparation Salary: $250.00 per week

ONE (1) DOMESTIC WORKER

Must live in North Caicos Salary $6.50 per hour

13087

HOUSEKEEPERS Are available at a Condo Resort, Lower Bight, Provo.

Responsibilities include: \ House Chores, Taking care of Kids.

Salary: $8.00 per hour.

Interested persons should send their resumes/ CVs by email to marsha@ misickstanbrook.tc for the attention of Marsha Blanche Applications should be received no later than December 16, 2016.

CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT:

(649) 348-5524

(649) 946-7705

(649) 946-7705

MERCIUS ZOAZILE PROVIDENCIALES

STANLEY WILLIAMS

Are seeking to employ a:

Is seeking a:

LINDAGRAND A. WILLIAMS TURK

13089

13101

GRAND TURK

13105

Is seeking a:

Salary $8.00 per hour commensurate with qualifications and experience For the above position, applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work holidays and weekends. They should also enjoy working with people and be willing to learn. Minimum experience in the areas of interest required.

NTERESTED PERSONS CAN CONTACT 649-244-0564 FOR SUBMISSION OF RESUMES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 16TH, 2016.

HELPER To work six days per week assisting where needed Salary: $6.25 per hour

To work six days per week To clean and assist where needed Salary: $6.25 per hour

DOMESTIC WORKER

To work three days per week. Cleaning and assist where needed Salary: $6.25 per hour

CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT:

(649) 342-4380 13095

13040

DOMESTIC WORKER

(649) 946-1489 13071

(649) 946-2988 13076

38 CLASSIFIEDS

ZIZI RETAIL STORE

ICEO CONSTRUCTION

DELUXE BUSINESS CENTER

SOUTH CAICOS Is looking for a:

Acting on behalf of our clients is seeking to the following:

Must be able to work 6 days per week. Salary: $300.00 per week

CONTACT:

(649) 347-3781 13096

OLWICK NEAT LABOUER JEANNINE MILIEN DOMESTIC WORKER CHARLES TAYLOR SHOP TAILOR A & J WALK-IN VARIETY STORE DOMESTIC WORKER

Is looking for a:

• Responsible for cleaning cottages and villas • 44 Hour work week- some Sundays required • Must be able to work independently • Must have own transportation • $7.50 per hour • References required

LABOURER

Must be able to work six days per week Cleaning up restaurant Salary: $6.25 per hour THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD

BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER

13111

SEND INQUIRIES TO : RESERVATIONS@BHRESORT OR CALL 1(649) 441-2928

VACANCIES

CAR WASHER:

WAITRESS:

BAKER:

KITCHEN HELPER:

LABOURERS/ HELPER:

$6.25 per hour

(649) 246-337

13106

JAMAL HARVEY PROVIDENCIALES

BLUE HILLS

Seeks to employ a:

DOMESTIC WORKER Must be willing to work 5 days per week. cleaning and assisting where needed Salary: $6.50 per hour

Is looking for a:

BABYSITTER

Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Caring for children and assisting where needed Applicant must be honest, reliable and hardworking Salary: $6.50 per hour

CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: (649) 244-9640

(649) 347-3093

BEAUTY CENTER SPOTLESS CLEANERS THE GLAMOUR DOWN TOWN

STEEL UNLIMITED

(649) 247-0710 13105

Is seeking to employ a:

13109

13107

BLUE HILLS

Is seeking a:

DOMESTIC WORKER To clean commercial offices and must be available to work on weekends and holidays Salary: $6.50 per hour Mrs. Malcolm at:

Is seeking a:

NAIL TECHNICIAN LABOURER Must be willing to work six days per week Salary:$7.00 per hour

Must be able to work six days per week Assisting where needed.

Salary: $6.50 per hour

(649) 331-0818 13108

(649) 342-0052 13104

(649) 432-1778 13100

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

MAID:

$8-10 per hour

CARPENTER:

$ 8-10 per hour

BABYSITTER:

LABOURER

$6.25 per hour $6.25 per hour $6.25 per hour

DOMESTIC WORKER:

HAIRSTYLIST:

CLEANER:

SHOP CLERK:

$6.25 per hour $6.25 per hour

CONTACT: DARLING86@HOTMAIL.COM Currently held by a work permit holder

13103

$6.25 per hour

SAMANTHA CHARLES

$6.25 per hour

CASHIER:

$6.25 per hour

Is seeking a:

$6.25 per hour

$6.25 per hour

PLUMBER:

LAVENA GRIFFITHS GRAND TURK

CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT:

Sha Construction, Maid to Clean, ERB Construction, Fish Thing, 3JPT, Nathalie Thomas, Chicken Shack, Pat Construction, Mercie St Fleur, Snapper on the beach, Jean Luxama, New Tech Construction, Life Changing Variety Store, Queen of the sea Restaurant, Spotless Car Wash, Maison Creole, Gold Star Nail, Topical Bar, Vuseline F Pierre, Juliene Sagese, Luckner Toussaint, Williams Construction

MASON:

Must be willing to work 6 days per week Salary: $7.00 per hour

GLEN WILLIAMS AIRPORT ROAD

DOMESTIC WORKER

$7-10 per hour

MECHANIC

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: (649) 946-8876

BLUE HORIZON RESORT MIDDLE CAICOS

$6.25 per hour

Is looking for a:

13097

STORE ATTENDANT

December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Must be able to speak Creole Salary: $6.50 per hour

13112

DENTAL SERVICES LTD. Requires the following qualified staff:

DENTAL HYGIENIST Must be registered either in the UK, USA or Canada. At least 4 years clinical experience required. Must be prepared to work weekends.

Salary to be negotiated Only Belongers need apply

PLEASE CONTACT DENTAL SERVICES LTD. LEEWARD HIGHWAY, PROVIDENCIALES TEL: 946-4321 • FAX: 946-5487 • WWW.DENTIST.TC

13102

SUNNY REEF LTD

VACANCIES Sunny reef ltd. Is looking for suitable qualified Belongers. All positions require standing on your feet.

Must speak, write and comprehend fluent English. Preference will be given to person with previous hotel/restaurant experience of 4 years. Individuals must be willing to work weekends and holidays on a flexible schedule. Must know how to prepare French, Asian cuisine as well.

PASTRY CHEF DISHWASHER SERVER LABOURER COOK

BUSSER KITCHEN HELPER BUSINESS COORDINATOR

SEND RESUME TO P.O.BOZ 811 OR MANGOREEF@HOTMAIL.COM

13094

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

R & S ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

WE ARE SEEKING A QUALIFIED CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF

Acting on behalf of our clients is seeking the following:

INSURANCE MANAGER

Salary: $ 7.00 per hour

9 LABOURERS

Salary: $11.50 per hour

Salary: $8.50 per hour

Salary: $10.50

Salary: $7.00 per hour

Salary: $7.00 per hour

Salary commensurate with experience

6 MASONS

Salary: $8.25 per hour

4 ELECTRICIANS & PLUMBER Salary commensurate with experience

PLEASE REPLY WITH REFERENCES TO: PAUL@DEMPSEYANDCOMPANY.COM 13084

11 DOMESTIC WORKERS

FIBER TECHNICIAN

BLOCK MAKING PLANT COMPRISING JAW CRUSHER

The successful candidates must be able to: • Install and maintain fiber, copper and COAX cables according to plan.

• Perform low-loss fiber splicing and cable jointing.

• Perform preventative maintenance and ensure that proper standards are followed.

2 LIVE-IN NANNIES 4 HAIRSTYLIST

3 PAINTERS 2 COOKS

2 TILE LAYERS

Salary: $9.50 per hour

PLEASE EMAIL ALL RESUMES AND QUALIFICATIONS TO BCOURTESYSERVICES@GMAIL.COM

13093

FOR SALE EQUIPMENT

3 WAY SCREENER CONVEYOR MIXER RACKS & PLATES

40’ CONTAINER 3,000 GALLON TANK VOLVO ENGINE & 40FT TRAILER CAT D.9 4 WHEEL TRAILER

CONTACT: 431-0645 OR 431-0821

13115

13099

7 CARPENTERS

4 STORE CLERKS

$45,000.00

Salary is $12.00 per hour, successful applicant will be required to work 5 to 6 days per week depending on workload.

3 BARMAIDS

Salary: Commission

FOR SALE

Requires a:

APPLICANTS SHOULD SUBMIT A RESUME TO: #46 STINGRAY STREET, COOPER JACK BAY, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS • EMAIL: CLAYTON@GMAIL.COM

Salary $7.00 per hour

Salary: $9.00 per hour

The Person – You will have a Bachelor’s degree and/or a relevant professional insurance qualification (e.g.

DipCII/ACII) along with a Project Management Certification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP). You will have a minimum of 20 years general insurance experience within a Property and Casualty or Insurance Company, with at least 7 of those years at Senior Management level. You will have the ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines and a willingness to work extended hours to meet the needs of the clients and the Company. You will have proven ability to negotiate, influence and persuade internal and external stakeholders as well as excellent presentation and communication skills. You will have prior regional or local experience. Salary will be dependent upon experience and will be in the range of US$120,000.00 through US$150,000.00 (inclusive of performance benefits). This is a new position.

FIBERWORKS

5 BARTENDERS

6 WHEEL TRAILER HEAVY DUTY 240X3’FT ROADSIDE KERBS 200 TONS QUARRY SAND

CONTACT: 431-0645 OR 431-0821

13116

December 10-16, 2016

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

WATER FRONT LAND

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

LAST REMAINING

MARITIME - INDUSTRIAL - COMMERCIAL

400 feet deep water front, 4.65 acres $20,000 cubic yards of Quarry fill

Contact: 431-0645 or 431-0821

LAND FOR SALE

BCQS LIMITED SEEKS A:

(WILL COMBINE WITH ABOVE)

CHARTERED QUANTITY SURVEYOR

Warehouse, office, commercial scale, Comprising 1.91 acres

Contact: 431-0821

13114

• BSc in Quantity surveying or RICS-recognized qualification • Ten years post qualification work experience • Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, MS Project & Vector BQ system

Y.A.3.B CONSULTANCY Airport road

Acting on behalf of our clients are seeking the following positions: Complete construction Ingrid Reynoso LM Mechanic Shop

$6.50 per hour L&S construction

DOMESTIC WORKER

$6.50 per hour Darlington Higgs North Caicos

LABOURER $6.50 per hour

MECHANIC

$7.00 per hour K & T Disposible service

MECHANIC

$7.00 per hour Penn Construction

CARPENTER $8.00 per hour Dard shop

LABOURER $6.50 per hour

Duties will include and candidates should be experienced in: • Pre and post contract Quantity Surveying duties • Market appraisals • Feasibility studies

WOOD CARVER $7.00 per hour Anny Garcia Beauty Salon

An annual salary of $42,000.00 plus performance Related commission is offered for this position.

COSMETOLOGIST willing to work 6 days per week $7.00 per hour Brennan Missick

Suitable candidate should be able to work under his own initiative and be able to see through projects from concept to completion.

This position is available immediately and closing date for application is 31st December 2016.

BABYSITTER

willing to work 6 days per week. $6.50 per hour

CONTACT: (649) 344-4540 OR EMAIL: ADAHOWELL100@GMAIL.COM

13117

DOMESTIC WORKER

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST POSSESS

QUALIFIED TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDERS PREFERRED. APPLY IN WRITING TO BCQS LIMITED, P.O. BOX 158, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS OR FAX TO 946-7184 OR EMAIL TO STAYLOR@BCQS.COM 13073

40 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 10-16, 2016

LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road

QUICK SALE

CALL 232-3508 OR 946-4664

December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

41

42 CLASSIFIEDS

WINDELINE FERVIL PROVIDENCIALES

Is seeking a:

December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

WILSON GIBSON COOPER JACK ROAD

Seeks:

TOUCH OF CLASS BEAUTY SALON AIRPORT ROAD

NYKI NAIL & HAIR SALON

CYNCLAIR P. MUSGROVE

is looking for:

Is seeking a:

NORTH CAICOS

LEEWARD HIGHWAY

1 NAIL TECHNICIAN

Is seeking a:

SALARY: $6.50 PER HOUR

2 STYLIST

To work six days per week Must be an honest hard working individual Salary: $6.25 per hour

Must be willing to work six days per week Doing general labour work Salary: $ 6.25 per hour

CONTACT:

CONTACT:

(649) 341-6898

13063

(649) 243-0137

13032

is looking for the following:

3 LABOURERS

To clean yards, cutting grass and trimming trees Salary: $6.25 per hour

3 DIVE INSTRUCTORS

CONTACT: (649) 244-0469

12969

BLUE HILLS Is seeking a:

For dive tours and courses Salary: $8.00 per hour

ANGY & A BAR AND RESTAURANT

HELPER

GRACE BAY

is looking for:

To work three days per week 8am – 5 pm. Must be an honest hard working individual Salary: $300.00 per week

7 BARMAIDS

SALARY: $ 6.50 PER HOUR

CONTACT: (649) 442-2633

CONTACT: (649) 343-3755

13065

LEGISTER MISSICK

ALCADIO M. GUERENO

BLUE HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES

ANA BEAUTY SALON

Is seeking a:

Is seeking a:

Is looking for a:

GLASS SHACK

GRAND TURK

2 CARE TAKERS

Salary: $6.25 per hour

2 BABYSITTERS

DIRECTOR OF SUNDAY SCHOOL

Salary: $6.25 per hour

3 GARDENERS

Salary: $6.25 per hour

1 PAINTER

Must be willing to work six days per week Salary:$8.00 per hour

Salary: $ 8.50 per hour

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CALL: (649) 241-2043

13058

To clean and assist where needed Salary: $ 6.25 per hour

days per week Salary $6.75 per hour

NEW HOPE WESLEYAN CREOLE CHURCH

ROBERTS AGENCY 3 DOMESTIC WORKERS

DOMESTIC WORKER Must be willing to work 6

13054

HELPER 2 LABOURERS

SALARY: $7.00 PER HOUR

CONTACT:

(649) 342-0152 13098

TRAINING OFFICER / SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR FUNCTION:

• Build annual training program and prepare teaching plans; Identify training needs by evaluating strengths and weakness; Translate requirements into training that will groom employees for the next step of their career; Develop /Oversee the production of classroom handouts, instructional materials, aids and manuals; Direct structured learning experiences and monitor their quality results; Acclimate new hires to the business and conduct orientation sessions; Direct training courses; Assess training effectiveness to ensure incorporation of taught skills and techniques into employees work behaviour; Periodically evaluate ongoing programs to ensure that they reflect any changes; Stay abreast with new trends and tools in employee development The successful candidate must have: • Proven experience in designing multiple training events in a corporate or classroom setting – minimum 5 years; Bachelor’s Degree Business Administration, Training, Accounting experience will be an asset; Qualification in Information Technology • Extensive knowledge of instructional design theory and learning principles; Proven ability to master the full training cycle; Adequate knowledge of learning management software • Familiarity with traditional and modern training methods, tools and techniques; Familiarity with talent management and succession planning; Ability to conduct cost-benefit analysis and calculate training ROI • Ability to present complex information to variety of audiences; Possess very strong writing, problem solving and analytical skills • Demonstrated ability to organize and teach complex products, services and procedures; Be conversant with computer application – ability to handle up to five (5) different applications. Advance excel skill • Be flexible to give support to rotated shifts between 7:00 am – 7:00pm daily, including weekends and public holidays, at various locations in TCI • Training Anti-Money Laundering would be an asset Wage: $1,200 - $1,800 / per month – commensurate with qualification and experience.

PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATION LETTER AND RESUME TO THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, NCS EMONEY SERVICES, PROVIDENCIALES, TCI. EMAIL: TCIHRSTAFF@GMAIL.COM. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 20, 2016 SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED FOR AN INTERVIEW.

13110

LABOURER

Must be willing to work 3 days per week. Applicant must be honest, reliable and hard working. Salary: $6.50 per hour

CONTACT: (649) 332-7433

13057

SALON HELPER HELPER To work six days per week Must be an honest hard working individual Salary: $6.25 per hour

CONTACT: (649) 241-5610

13064

TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK WAGES STARTING AT $6.25 PER HOUR. BELONGERS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST PREFERENCE.

CONTACT: (649) 242-1910

13066

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE GRAND TURK 16TH DECEMBER, 2016 $26,650 PER ANNUM To ensure the efficient administrative and accounting operation of the NAO and in particular the Auditor General in managing schedule, calendar, administrative/finance activities and any other tasks as assigned. It involves assisting in the restructuring process, preserving the confidentiality of sensitive government financial and other related information and maintaining the day-to-day operations of the NAO. 13031

December 10-16, 2016

JOB VACANCIES ESTEL PLUMBING

Interested candidate may contact 3456693 regarding employment

1) LABOURER

THE CONCH SHACK LTD.

is seeking employment for the following: Interested candidate may contact 2410397 regarding employment

Is seeking employment for the following:

MICHELE'S CONSTRUCTION

Interested candidate may contact 3328501 regarding employment

is seeking employment for the following:

6) CLEANERS

1) KITCHEN HELPER

Interested candidate may contact 3465872 regarding employment

L & G VARIETY STORE

Interested candidate may contact 3456786 regarding employment

1) DOMESTIC WORKER

2) LABOURER

DEVON PAUL FULFORD

Interested candidate may contact 3453454 regarding employment

Is seeking employment for the following:

FLAMINGO VARIETY STORE

Interested candidate may contact 2450450 regarding employment

is seeking employment for the following:

1) LABOURER

J.B.S SALON

Interested candidate may contact 2463137 regarding employment

SBT TCI LTD

Interested candidate may contact 3419177 regarding employment

is seeking employment for the following:

1) CLEANER

DANNY BUOYS

Interested candidate may contact 3426042 regarding employment

DAVIS CONSTRUCTION

Contact 344-2853 regarding employment

ER CONSTRUCTION LTD

Interested candidate may contact 2325420 regarding employment

1) COMPRESSOR PAINTER 1) PAINTER

Interested candidate may contact 3331199 regarding employment

RAINBOW CONSTRUCTION

is seeking employment for the following:

10) LABOURER 1) PAINTER 1) TILE LAYER 4) DOMESTIS WORKER Interested candidate may send their application through ricardofulford@ gmail.com regarding employment.

Acting Deputy Director of Planning Deputy Chairman, Civil Aviation Board Member, Radio Turks and Caicos Board of Governors Member, Water and Sewerage Board Member, Public Service Commission Member, Higher Education Advisory Board Member, Immigration Board

2) LABOURER

PERSONS FAILING TO FILE FOR DECLARATION PERIOD 2014 TO 2016

SALLY'S RESTAURANT & CAFE

Is seeking employment for the following:

NAMES POSITIONS

1) WAITRESS

BEEN, ARTHUR FULFORD, WILLIAM COLE FULFORD-GARDINER, MICHELLE GARLAND, LEANDRA GLINTON, DESIRKA HALL, NATASHA HAMILTON,ARTHUR SNR HANDFIELD, KADRA HINSON, GEORGE LIGHTBOURNE, SIGRID MILLS, DWIGHT PATRICK, LEONARDO RALPH SMITH, ROBERT A. SMITH, ROSITA SWANN, ANTHONY WILLIAMS, DARRON

Interested candidate may contact 3442261 regarding employment

TCI GIFTS

Is seeking employment for the following:

1) KITCHEN HELPER

Interested candidate may contact 3314125 regarding employment

MAGIC UPHOLSTERING SHOP

LINCOLN MALFRED WILLIAMS

Is seeking employment for the following:

1) DOMESTIC WORKER

Interested candidate may contact 3425450 regarding employment

is seeking employment for the following:

AWAD, OGAIL BROOKS, EDISON EWING, TAJUANA HALL, EMERSON HANDFIELD, BRADLEY LEWIS, LILLIAN LIGHTBOURNE, ARTHUR

2) LABOURER

Is seeking employment for the following:

is seeking employment for the following:

NAMES POSITIONS

D AND S CONSTRUCTION

Contact 331-3301regarding employment

1) LABOURER

PERSONS FAILING TO FILE FOR DECLARATION PERIOD 2013 TO 2015

1) COSMETOLOGIST

is seeking employment for the following:

is seeking employment for the following:

Failure to file declaration, without reasonable cause, is an offence under section 51 of the Ordinance. Accordingly, the Commission shall prepare and send a report on these persons to the appropriate Service Commission, Board or Authority and to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

1) LABOURER

Is seeking employment for the following:

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Integrity Commission in exercise of its statutory responsibility pursuant to Sections 45 and 48 of the Integrity Commission Ordinance, (the Ordinance) hereby publishes the fact that the following persons who are or were specified persons in public life, have failed to file their declarations for the period specified herein as required by section 39 of the Ordinance.

LUNIA SHOP

Is seeking employment for the following:

is seeking employment for the following:

CLASSIFIEDS 43

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

1) DOMESTIC WORKER

RICARDO FULFORD

IMMIGRATION AND LABOUR CONSULTANT PRESIDENT OF RICARDO FULFORD CONSULTANT SERVICES RICARDOFULFORD@GMAIL.COM (649) 346-1125

DS, Ministry of Finance, Trade & Investments Member, Zone 1 Work Permit Board

Labour Commissioner Member, Zone 1 Work Permit Board Secretary, Zone 2 Work Permit Board Secretary, Physical Planning Appeal Tribunal Member, Telecommunications Commission Member, Zone 2 Work Permit Board Member, Physical Planning Appeal Tribunal Head of Department, Registrar of Births Member, Ports Authority Board Member, Community College Board of Directors Member, Physical Planning Appeal Tribunal Member, Higher Education Advisory Board Deputy Director, Immigration Superintendent of Police

DATED 6TH DECEMBER, 2016

EUGENE OTUONYE, Q.C 13061

Director

44 CLASSIFIEDS

December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

MERCEDES BEAUTY SALON

REQUIRED

Is seeking a:

GENERAL MAINTENANCE WORKER

#4 WALKIN MARINE BUILDING, OLD AIRPORT ROAD

VACANT POSITIONS Human Resource Manager

To work 6 days per week Salary: $6.25 per hour Must be able to do acrylic and Natural nails. DEADLINE FOR

APPLICATION IS DECEMBER 16TH, 2016. THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK A PERMIT HOLDER

CONTACT:

Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales TCI

(649) 343-4440

JOB SUMMARY:

13059

Manages, directs and coordinates the overall provision of Human Resources (HR) services, activities, policies and training and development department of the Hospital; ensures the proper operation of all HR and Payroll functions and employee relations within the organization; develops, advises on and implements policies relating to the effective use of personnel within the organization. Ensures the organization employs the right balance of staff in terms of skills and experience and that training and development opportunities are available to enhance their performance and achieve the Hospital’s business goals and objectives.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide advice and support on all employee relations and HR matters and assure the integrity of systems designed to address disputes as well as assure resolution to issues dealing with HR practices.

• Prepare employment contracts for new employees; revise/update employment letters for existing staff.

• Understand the Hospital’s business objectives and devise and implement policies and strategies which select, develop and retain the right staff needed to meet these objectives.

• Recruit staff, including develop job descriptions and specifications, prepare job advertisements, check application forms, interview and select candidates.

• Prepare and recommend resource allocation necessary to assure competitive compensation and benefit programs.

• Develop and implement policies on issues such as working conditions, performance management, equal opportunities, disciplinary procedures and absence management.

• Prepare and distribute staff handbooks.

• Undertake regular salary reviews and advise on remuneration issues including promotion and benefits.

• Interpret and advise on employment law and labor/immigration requirements.

• Promote equality and diversity as part of the culture of the organization • Mediate and assist with conflict resolution and workplace grievances and recommend corrective action as warranted.

• Assist managers with dealing effectively with performance issues and disciplinary action.

• Identify, plan and deliver appropriated HR related training and development activities for all levels of staff through oversight responsibility of the Training and Development Dept.

• Responsible for personnel management of HR department staff, including but not limited to payroll, scheduling, training, coaching, evaluations and disciplinary action as required.

• Develop with line managers HR planning strategies which consider immediate and long-term staff requirements.

• Participate in the development, coordination and implementation of staff orientation, act as role model and mentor.

• Participate in continuing professional development of personnel within the department.

• Participate in community, business and civic leadership organizations to help advance the Hospital’s presence and business interests.

REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCES:

A formal qualification in human resources management at undergraduate level or post graduate certificate or post graduate diploma level. Experienced at coaching and mentoring peer group, HR staff and other functional levels. Committed to CIPD/SHRM Codes of Practice in following HR ‘best practice’ and in compliance of local Labour laws. Proficiency in MS Office Suite and experience with HRIS systems. The preferred candidate will be a team player, self starter focused on getting the job done, with a “whatever it takes” approach to assignments and responsibilities. Experience: 10+ years generalist HR experience of which a minimum of 5 years should have been at senior level. Previous experience in the Healthcare sector will be considered a valuable and desirable asset.

CONTACT: (649) 242-1816

13062

PORTS OF CALL PLAZA

Is seeking a:

SALES CLERK To work 6 days per week Salary: $6.25 per hour

THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD

BY WORK A PERMIT HOLDER

CONTACT: (649) 231-2823

13060

VACANCY The TCIAA is accepting applications for the following positions:

Airside/Apron Control Officer-Grand Turk Report To: Airport Supervisor and Principle Apron Control Officer

ROLE OVERVIEW

To provide a safe and hazard-free working environment for aircraft, passengers and airside personnel. The job holder is responsible for all aspects of airside safety, including surface and lighting inspections, wildlife hazard control, stand planning, monitoring of aircraft turnaround process, aircraft marshalling and all other third party activities.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABLITIES

• Monitor enplaning/deplaning of passengers from commercial air transport general Aviation aircraft.

• Monitor refuelling operations for with safety procedures.

• Ensure persons airside comply with Airside Operation Procedures.

• To render humanitarian assistance including First aid for any incidents. a) Proper and effective use of parking area by ground equipment and vehicles. b) Compliance with the speed limit and proper use of access lanes. c) Wearing of high visibility vests and noise protection. d) Competency of drivers operating vehicles/equipment. e) Airside Worthiness of vehicles.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants are required to: • Possess a high school diploma and three (3) CXC or equivalent passes.

• Possess a vial Turks & Caicos Islands Driver’s license class C-E. • Have basic skills in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Demonstrate ability to work with peers on shift.

• Demonstrate ability to embrace change and be flexible to meet deadlines.

• Police Record

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• • • • •

Airport Geography Wildlife Hazard Management Pavement Surface, Lighting and Airside Equipment Inspections Apron Management Control of Airside Works in Progress

Salary: $26,054.16 per annum Interest persons must submit their applications before December 16, 2016 to:

JOB DESCRIPTION PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. SALARY RANGE: $55,000 - $75,000 per annum commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Submit resumes and references to: recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc Deadline for applications: Friday, 23rd of December, 2016

NAIL TECHNICIAN

With a concentration in plumbing, hours from 8 am to 5 pm Mondays to Fridays, must also be flexible, some weekends may be required. Hourly wages, $6 to $8 per hour.

Call between the hours of 4pm to 6pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays only

LITTLE HAVANA CIGAR LOUNGE

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS AIRPORTS AUTHORITY PROVIDENCIALES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TELEPHONE# 649-941-8692, FAX# 9415996. EMAIL: INFO@TCIAIRPORTS.COM 13120

13043

December 10-16, 2016

45

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports Interational

Johnson’s US Open controversy leads to rule change GOLF officials have altered the controversial rule that cost Dustin Johnson a one stroke penalty during his US Open triumph this year.

As a result of the incident that significantly overshadowed the final day at Oakmont, the United States Golf Association (USGA) was heavily criticised.

Johnson was penalised after being judged to have been responsible for moving his ball a fraction of an inch on the fifth green during the final round. He had been initially absolved by the referee with his match.

But officials then examined video evidence and informed the eventual champion, seven holes later, that he may be subject to a penalty. As a result the climax of the year’s second major was farcically

completed without anyone knowing the leader’s score.

Johnson finished four strokes clear of the field but after meeting USGA staff was told he must alter his score on the par-four fifth from a four to a five, cutting the margin of victory to three shots.

Now the USGA, in conjunction with fellow rulemakers The Royal and Ancient, have acted to prevent similar controversies in the future.

From 1 January, 2017, tournament officials at all levels can invoke a Local Rule which eliminates the penalty when a ball is accidentally moved on a putting green.

“We took the view that the rule was not working as well as it looks on paper and that we needed to try and address this,” David Rickman, executive director of governance at the

R&A, told BBC Sport.

“Oakmont was clearly a difficult time and much has been said about that, but it was one of a number of cases that triggered this action.”

Denmark’s Marianne Skarpnord suffered a similar penalty during the women’s event at the Rio Olympics and Justin Thomas was also penalised at this year’s Tour Championship on the PGA Tour.

“In practical terms it means that any competition organiser can introduce this Local Rule and it would mean any accidental movement of the ball on the putting green

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will be exempt from penalty,” added Rickman.

“So if the player causes the ball to move there is no penalty, they put it back and

if the player causes the ball marker to move there is no penalty, just put it back.”

This change applies only to balls accidentally moved

by players or caddies. If a ball changes position due to wind or some other outside agency it has to be played from its new position without penalty.

CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING Seeks a:

STRUCTURAL TECHNICIAN THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST POSSESS:

• BSc Civil/Structural Engineering • 5 years post qualification work experience • Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, Autocad

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE AND CANDIDATES SHOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE IN:

• Structural design calculations and drawing work • Structural surveys • Site Inspection & Report Salary will be $36,000.00 per annum The suitable candidate will be able to work under their own initiative, and be able to see through Design Projects from conceptional design to final drawing works.

This position is available immediately and closing date for application is 31st December 2016

QUALIFIED TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDER PREFERRED. APPLY IN WRITING TO CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING LTD. P.O.BOX 158, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS. CONTACT: CHRIS CONWAY ON CCONWAY@CSECARIBBEAN.COM OR FAX TO LABOUR OFFICE, PROVIDENCIALES ON 946-7184

13075

12959

CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING Seeks a:

TURKS AND CAICOS CONTRACT SERVICES Sun Oil Limited seeks to identify local, suitably qualified, self-employed contractors and companies to include in its pool of approved contractors for conducting contractual work in the Turks and Caicos.

The following is a list of services that are required from time to time and may be offered on a contractual basis to Sun Oil’s list of approved contractors for any given location:

• ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND REPAIRS • VEHICLE FLEET MAINTENANCE • GENERAL PAINTING SERVICES • PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS AND REPAIRS • PETROLEUM PIPELINE INSTALLATIONS AND REPAIRS • PETROLEUM BULK PLANT OPERATORS • IT & POS TECHNICIANS • SECURITY GUARD AND PATROL SERVICES • OFFICE JANITORIAL SERVICES • LANDSCAPING SERVICES • GENERAL CONTRACTORS Successful candidates will be short listed and provided with additional information. All accepted candidates will be required to complete additional screening exercises before being added to Sun Oil’s approved local contactor’s list for any given island. Contractors who are currently providing these services must also submit their information to the above email address.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND COMPANIES MUST EMAIL THEIR RESUME AND/OR BUSINESS LICENSE (ALONG WITH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS) NO LATER THAN 16TH DECEMBER, 2016 TO: JOBS@SUNOILBAHAMAS.COM. PLEASE INCLUDE “TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS - CONTRACTOR” IN THE SUBJECT LINE. APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FROM LOCAL INDIVIDUALS AND COMPANIES FOR ANY GIVEN ISLAND. 13083

CIVIL ENGINEER THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST POSSESS: • HND in Civil/Structural Engineering or higher • 2 years post qualification work experience • Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, Autocad Duties will include and candidates should have experience in: • Structural & Civil design calculations and drawing work • Structural surveys • Concrete Testing Salary will be $45,000.00 per annum The suitable candidate will be able to work under their own initiative, and be able to see through Design Projects from conceptional design to final drawing works.

This position is available immediately and closing date for application is 31st December 2016

QUALIFIED TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDER PREFERRED. APPLY IN WRITING TO CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING LTD. P.O.BOX 158, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS. CONTACT: CHRIS CONWAY ON CCONWAY@CSECARIBBEAN.COM OR FAX TO LABOUR OFFICE, PROVIDENCIALES ON 946-7184

13074

46

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 10-16, 2016

FIFA facing legal action over Qatar’s migrant workers WORLD football governing body FIFA is facing legal action in Switzerland over allegations it has been jointly responsible for the mistreatment of migrant workers who are working on projects for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Paperwork was filed by the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV) on behalf of a Bangladeshi migrant worker, Nadim Sharaful Alam, in a case first highlighted by the Guardian in October.

“The Swiss court is asked to rule that FIFA acted wrongfully by selecting Qatar for the World Cup 2022 without demanding the assurance that Qatar observes fundamental human and labour rights of migrant construction workers, including the abolition of the Kafala system,” read a FNV statement, referring to the scheme which marries an immigrant employee to the employer.

“The Swiss court is furthermore requested to rule that, in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup, FIFA ensures that the rights of migrant construction workers are safeguarded, by insisting on adequate and effective labor reforms in Qatar, that are actually implemented.”

The FNV has also confirmed that the Bangladesh Free Trade Union Congress and the Bangladesh Building and Wood Workers Federation are supporting the action.

Later this month a new Kafala law is scheduled to come into effect, which is designed to loosen regulations surrounding some residents changing their jobs and leaving Qatar.

FIFA was first notified about the claim on October 10 but rejected the allegations. On Thursday, FIFA said it had not been served by a court with any claim related to this matter.

Qatar’s organizing committee didn’t immediately respond when

It was the fifth Dubai title for South Africa, who finished second to Fiji in the last two World Series and took bronze at the Rio Olympics.

The Swiss court is asked to rule that FIFA acted wrongfully by selecting Qatar for the World Cup 2022 without demanding the assurance that Qatar observes fundamental human and labour rights of migrant construction workers.

contacted by CNN for comment, but earlier this month its Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi said the 2022 World Cup “is a bridge, to create a platform to bring people together.”

He added: “To do that, it’s very important to meet your critics, to be able to look at a person eye to eye and respond and address the concerns they may have.

“A lot of them are based on misinformation, once you’re able to approach them with facts and show them where they are misinformed.”

In March 2016, FIFA’s head of sustainability Federico Addiechi, said the organization “is fully committed to do its utmost to ensure that human rights are respected on all FIFA World Cup sites and operations and services directly related to the FIFA World Cup,” after a damaging report into the plight of migrant workers by Amnesty International was revealed.

Amnesty’s 80-page report, titled “The ugly side of the beautiful game: Labour exploitation on a Qatar World Cup venue,” was based on interviews in the year leading up to February

2016 with 234 male migrants working either in construction at the Khalifa Stadium -- expected to host a World Cup semifinal -- or in landscaping at the Aspire Zone Complex, where top European soccer clubs such as Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Paris SaintGermain have trained.

The abuses found include: workers living in “squalid and cramped accommodation;” employers confiscating workers’ passports; workers being threatened for complaining about working conditions; workers having to pay as much as $4,300 to recruiters in their home country to get a job in Qatar and some not being paid for months.

However Qatar said the “tone of Amnesty International’s latest assertions paint a misleading picture.”

Qatar’s migrant workers, mostly from South Asia, make up more than 90% of the country’s workforce.

Building for the 2022 World Cup is expected to peak in 2017, when the current workforce of 4,000 migrants on World Cup sites will jump to 36,000, according to FIFA. (CNN)

Jordan wins trademark case in China’s top court CHINA’S supreme court has ruled in favour of US basketball legend Michael Jordan in a trademark dispute.

The People’s Supreme Court ruled a Chinese sportswear company must stop using the characters for Jordan’s name, read as Qiaodan in Chinese.

Qiaodan Sports registered the name more than a decade ago but Jordan’s lawyers said it built its

business around his Chinese name without his permission.

Jordan has welcomed the decision which overturns previous rulings against him.

“I am happy that the Supreme People’s Court has recognized the right to protect my name through its ruling in the trademark cases,” he said in a statement sent to the BBC.

“Chinese consumers deserve to know that Qiaodan Sports and its products have no connection to me.”

“Nothing is more important than protecting your own name, and today’s decision shows the importance of that principle.”

The basketball star first started legal action against Qiaodan Sports in 2012.

Dubai Sevens: South Africa stun Olympic champion Fiji THE South African Blitzboks upset Olympic champion Fiji to win the opening tournament of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai Saturday.

South Africa, so impressive over the two days of the competition, won a thrilling final 26-14 as late tries from man of the match Chris Dry and the prolific Seabelo Senatla took them clear of the Fijians.

It was the fifth Dubai title for South Africa, who finished second to Fiji in the last two World Series and took bronze at the Rio Olympics.

Boks captain Philip Snyman said confidence was now high heading into the side’s home round in Cape Town next weekend.

“We just needed to stick to our game plan and that’s exactly what the guys did. We never let Fiji into the game and then they were playing catch-up rugby, which I think worked to our advantage,” he told the official tournament website.

“We can be positive going into our home tournament next weekend in Cape Town, but we need to start all over again and fix a few things that went wrong.”

Tries from Cecil Afrika and Branco du Preez gave his side an early advantage before Fiji captain

Osea Kolinisau hit back with a converted score.

When Jerry Tuwai crossed under the posts for the Olympic gold medalists it looked ominous for South Africa, but Dry edged South Africa ahead before Senatla went over for his 11th try of the tournament.

In the third-place playoff, Dan Norton scored four of England’s six tries in a 33-10 win over Wales.

Australia finished fifth while the US raised the men’s Challenge Trophy with a 28-14 win over Samoa, the highlight being Perry Baker’s crowd-pleasing first-half chip-and-chase try.

In 15-a-side international action Saturday, England stretched its unbeaten run to 14 games with a 37-21 win over Australia at Twickenham.

It equals a national record set in 2003, with 13 of the wins coming under Australian coach Eddie Jones, appointed after England’s early exit at last year’s World Cup. England trailed 10-0 early on but tries from Jonathan Joseph (two), Marland Yarde and Ben Youngs led a sterling recovery to defeat the Wallabies for the fourth time this year. (CNN)

December 10-16, 2016

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World Cup 2018: Messi leads player boycott of Argentine media

Paul Elvstrom won the first of four consecutive Olympic sailing golds at London 1948.

Sailing great Elvstrom dies at 88 DENMARK’S Paul Elvstrom -- an Olympic yachting great, sailing pioneer and an inspiration to many -- has died peacefully in his sleep aged 88.

Elvstrom, who died Wednesday at his birthplace in Hellerup, won four consecutive Olympic gold medals between 1948 and 1960.

His Olympic streak has only been matched in sailing by Briton Ben Ainslie, who clinched his fourth gold medal in a row in 2012.

Elvstrom retired from Olympic sailing after competing at Seoul as a 60-year-old in 1988, his eighth Games over a 40-year career.

Named Denmark’s sportsman of the century in 1996, he also won 11 world championships and seven European championships.

“Saddened to hear the legendary Paul Elvstrom has passed away.

He was an inspiration to pretty much anyone who stepped foot on a sailing boat,” Ainslie wrote on Twitter.

Elvstrom’s gold medals all came in single-handed dinghies -- the Firefly at London in 1948 and the Finn (Ainslie’s class for three of his golds) in Helsinki in 1952, Melbourne in 1956 and Rome in 1960.

Elvstrom also competed in the two-man Star in 1968 and the threeperson Soling in 1972, and raced with his daughter Trine in the twohanded Tornado catamaran in 1984 and 1988.

“He was a great hero for Denmark and for the world of sailing. He inspired a lot of people,” fellow Dane Anne-Marie Rindom, a Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, told World Sailing. (CNN)

Diamond League given seasonending final in IAAF revamp The world’s leading athletes will compete in a winner-takes-all Diamond League final after a major revamp of the annual international event.

Athletes in 32 disciplines will compete across 12 meetings as they aim to qualify for one of two finals.

Event winners at the finals which will be held in Zurich and Brussels - will be crowned the overall champion, winning a prize of $50,000 (£39,650).

Previously, it was decided by accumulative points over 14 meets.

The Diamond League, which has meetings in four different continents across the world, has used the same format since it was launched in 2010.

The overall purse for the Diamond League remains at $8m (£6.3m) - the same figure as 2016.

The two finals offer a prize pool of $3.2m (£2.5m), a distribution which governing body the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) says has been “refocused” from last year’s pot.

“After seven seasons which have established the IAAF Diamond League as our premier circuit it is important to assess its impact and build for the future,” IAAF president and the league’s chairman Lord Coe said.

“These decisions are the first step to growing the attractiveness of the series.” (BBC)

ERIC Molina hopes to emulate his mentor Oliver McCall when he fights Britain’s Anthony Joshua for the IBF heavyweight title in Manchester on Saturday.

McCall upset Briton Lennox Lewis in 1994, knocking him out in the second round to take his world title.

Unbeaten Joshua, 27, is making the second defence of the belt he won in April.

“I always envisaged having a moment like Oliver had against Lewis,” said the 34-year-old American.

“Oliver has meant so much to my career and showed that in the heavyweight division, anything is possible.

“The knockout is the only way I’m going to win and I’ve got nothing to lose. Anthony Joshua and all of Britain will be surprised.”

At the final pre-fight news conference, Joshua said he would make Molina “look like a novice” at the Manchester Arena.

Molina replied: “You have to make me look like a novice, that’s why you got me here. If you slip up for one second, you’ll be dancing.”

However, there was none of the bad blood that coloured Wednesday’s undercard news conference, when Dereck Chisora flipped over a table after exchanging words with his

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has suffered two unexpected losses with the US national team.

opponent Dillian Whyte.

Molina is a quietly spoken contender from Texas, whose other job is teaching disabled children in his home town of Weslaco.

He lost his first fight as a professional in 2007 but has been beaten only twice in 27 bouts since.

In 2012 he was knocked out in the first round by Chris Arreola, before lasting nine rounds with WBC champion Deontay Wilder last year.

In his most recent fight in April, Molina caused an upset by beating Poland’s Tomasz Adamek.

“I was supposed to last two rounds against Wilder, I was supposed to lose to Adamek in Poland, so let people keep talking,” said Molina.

“I believe Wilder is the best heavyweight in the world and the hardest puncher. I want Joshua to prove me wrong. I want to test him, take him to the limit.” (BBC

Molina aims to knock out British heavyweight champion ERIC Molina hopes to emulate his mentor Oliver McCall when he fights Britain’s Anthony Joshua for the IBF heavyweight title in Manchester on Saturday.

McCall upset Briton Lennox Lewis in 1994, knocking him out in the second round to take his world title.

Unbeaten Joshua, 27, is making the second defence of the belt he won in April.

“I always envisaged having a moment like Oliver had against Lewis,” said the 34-year-old American.

“Oliver has meant so much to my career and showed that in the heavyweight division, anything is possible.

“The knockout is the only way I’m going to win and I’ve got nothing to lose. Anthony Joshua and all of Britain will be surprised.”

At the final pre-fight news conference, Joshua said he would make Molina “look like a novice” at the Manchester Arena.

Molina replied: “You have to

Anthony Joshua has won all 17 of his professional fights by knockout.

make me look like a novice, that’s why you got me here. If you slip up for one second, you’ll be dancing.”

However, there was none of the bad blood that coloured Wednesday’s undercard news conference, when Dereck Chisora flipped over a table after exchanging words with his opponent Dillian Whyte.

Molina is a quietly spoken contender from Texas, whose other job is teaching disabled children in his home town of Weslaco.

He lost his first fight as a

professional in 2007 but has been beaten only twice in 27 bouts since.

In 2012 he was knocked out in the first round by Chris Arreola, before lasting nine rounds with WBC champion Deontay Wilder last year.

In his most recent fight in April, Molina caused an upset by beating Poland’s Tomasz Adamek.

“I believe Wilder is the best heavyweight in the world and the hardest puncher. I want Joshua to prove me wrong. I want to test him, take him to the limit.” (BBC)

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The community friendly and focused Pico class saw over 20 youth sailors competing.

Phoebe Twigg won the Laser Senior event.

NATIONAL ALL FLEET SAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS:

Races were very competitive THE National All Fleet Sailing Championships sponsored by Turk’s Head was well attended and patrons witnessed some quality sailing according to organiser of the event Keir Clarke.

Clarke, who is the head coach of the Provo Sailing Club, said that he was pleasantly surprised with the efforts of the sailors.

Five categories, a first in local sailing, were contested. Over 45 sailors competed in the Hobie Cat, Laser Youth, Laser Senior, Laser Pico and the new youth boat, the Optimist in the turquoise water of Grace Bay.

TCISA president and one of the original founders of the Provo Sailing Club, David Douglas said that it was great to see so much diversity on the race course last weekend. “Kids and adults from across the board were present, and the whole regatta has been a fantastic community effort.”

In the two-day championships, former youth champion Phoebe Twigg sailed to victory in the Laser Senior class ahead of Martee Doverspike and Nicholas Downes Esuire.

In the Hobie race Jayden Robinson, a youth level one sailor and his partner Robin Spruce claimed victory against young cadet

Pau Cartwright and Doverspike.

In the highly contested youth class, there were no surprises as Lickson Blanfort, Grace Mann and Easter Regatta Champion Tarick Germeil battling it out for the top three places.

After a shaky start it was Clement Howell student Germeil who took the victory. Blanfort managed to stay in second place, ahead of leading female youth sailor, Grace Mann, who flew in for the regatta.

Notable performers outside of the top three were 14-year-old Laser sailor Oliver Downes, and new youth squad member Alina Ayer.

In the mixed Pico Class, Mann

PABA NIGHT LEAGUE:

Flyers beat Sonics in overtime thriller THE Flyers added an overtime victory on Wednesday evening to their double wins last weekend to emerge as one of the front runners in this season’s Provo Amateur Basketball Association’s Night League.

The latest win from the men from Five Cays was no easy feat and it took extra time to beat the HAB Sonics.

In the game at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex (the venue of the competition), the Flyers had their hands filled against a depleted Sonics side. Despite the Sonics only suiting up seven players and suffering from foul trouble (early in the fourth), they were able to unsettle the Five Cays team. At the end of regulation the game was tied 71-71, before an 84-

Anthony Cash led the winners with 21 points and seven assists.

79 Flyers’ win in overtime.

Point guard Anthony Cash led the way for the Flyers with 21 points, seven assists and two rebounds, while Saundro Germain added 13 points.

For the Sonics, former Flyers, Darado Fulford, finished with a game high 30 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Dudley Lightbourne contributed 19 points and three rebounds.

The Stallions, another front runner, also showed their dominance with an easy 65-47 point win over the Spartans. Tamaurri Lightbourne scored 15 points and nine rebounds, while Levenskay Missick added 10 points. Devon Williams led the Spartans with 20 points and five rebounds and Emanio Williams added 13 points.

Jayden Robinson (youngster) and his partner Robin Spruce won the Hobie race.

partnered this time with another Grace (Reaston Brown), and the pair dominated the score-sheet over the course of the weekend.

Silver and bronze were awarded to Jovenel Joseph and Colten Greatrex, followed by Brad Gerard and Cooper Greatrex respectively.

In the Optimist class, one of the most anticipated races, eight

competitors battled for the Blue Haven Marina trophy. Two sailors finished on equal points, but on the count-back Charlie Downes claimed the win. Finishing a close second was 10-year-old Pico champion Grace Reaston Brown.

Tristan Grandsire, who just ended his first year in the sport, finished third.

FILIPINO BASKETBALL LEAGUE:

Danesh and Freedom Fighters set to battle for regular season top spot VICTORIES by unbeaten sides Danesh Quality Food Centre and Freedom Fighters have set up a much anticipated clash this Sunday at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex court.

The winner of the game will top the regular season of the Filipino Basketball League.

In their latest games, both teams recorded huge wins.

On Monday Danesh whipped Lewie and Colin Company (LCC) by a score of 102-58.

Power-forward Dennis Cimafranca exploded in the first

quarter for the winners scoring 13 of his 21 points in the game.

Tampus added 12 points. Nine players scored six or more points in the win.

For LCC Ramirez and Cacanindin (four threes) led the attack with 17 and 16 points respectively.

When Freedom Fighters played on Tuesday, they defeated Lakay by 21 points. Bueche led the attack with 21, while Mark Micabalo added 13.

Lakay were led by Sayson with 17 and Rulan with 15.

December 10-16, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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December 10-16, 2016

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The female winners this year l-r: Jen Martel, Cesca Pierce, Claire Winchester and Ella O’ Connell.

Kadis Simmons (currently in the US at university) was voted Men’s Player of the Year.

Burant, Winchester and Simmons cop top rugby awards RUGBY president Keith Burant, women’s captain Claire Winchester and university student Kadis Simmons copped the top rugby awards last Saturday evening at the Meridian Field.

Fourteen executive members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Rugby Football Union (TCIRFU) voted for the top performers of the year.

Burant, who has transformed the sport from a past time affair for expats to one of the most competitive in the islands, was presented with the Francis McDonald Award for Union Person of the Year. Winchester, who marshalled the

ladies to the RAN 7s in Trinidad, was voted as Women’s Player of the Year, while 20-year-old Kadis Simmons, who has been on fire for the Louisiana State University, copped the Men’s Player of the Year award.

Cesca Pierre, who made her presence felt in the recently concluded Tag Rugby League, was voted as the Most Improved Women’s Player, while Davidson Martin was the Most Improved Men’s Player.

Ella O’Connell was selected as the U19 Female Player of the Year and Jennifer Martel as the Best New Women’s Player. CJ Outten,

who has worked his way up to the senior team, was selected as the U19 Male Player of the Year, whereas Clifton Simeon won the Best New Men’s Player plaque.

Simmons said he was humbled with the award and felt that dedication and devotion to the sport helped him to become better. “I was proud to know that I was selected as the Men’s Player of the Year, I however still have a lot more room for improvement.”

Winchester said that the award was unexpected, but she “was over the moon to accept it”.

“As a team we have worked extremely hard this year to boost our numbers, tirelessly fundraised so we could participate in the RAN 7s and trained up to 4 times a week. The whole of the TCI Women’s Rugby team should be so proud of their achievements this year and my congratulations go not only to the other award winners, Cesca Pierce, Ella O’Connell and Jennifer Martel, but to all the girls who have dedicated their time and effort to making our team the success it is becoming.”

The event is held annual in December after the season ends.

Campbell and Bernadin win 10K CHHS event LAVARDO Campbell and Rebecca Bernadin finished as first male and first female respectively at last Saturday’s Clement Howell High School 10K event.

Frankie Forbes, 17, was the first male finisher of the 5K event. He won in 21.05.6 minutes, ahead of school mate Max Bernadin and Wesley Methodist student Levon CarMichael.

Diandra Bryan from CHHS won the female 5K in a time of

27.05.2. The 14-year-old finished in front of Over-35 runner Nugget Darlington (28.44.2) and fellow 14-year-old CHHS mate Alkana Parker.

Sixteen-year-old Rebecca Bernadin ended the 10K in 46.25.5 minutes, while 14-year-old Zoey Butler finished in 46.39.5 minutes.

Campbell, 15, clocked the fastest 10K time at 40.09.2 The event was organised by athletics coach Randy Ford.

Lavardo Campbell won the male 10K

Rebecca Bernadin was the female 10K champion

December 10-16, 2016

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December 10-16, 2016