January 9 - 15, 2016 by TC Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 30 | No. 01 | January 9 - 15, 2016

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DELANO WILLIAMS The Golden Boy

How do you measure a champion? How can you separate regular athletes from exceptional ones? Is it just about excelling on the track, or is it more? PAGE  5 FATHER OF THREE DIES IN HOSPITAL FROM MULTIPLE STAB WOUNDS PAGE  4

GOVERNMENT TO HOLD CONSULTATIONS ON BUILDING HEIGHT PAGE 6

WHOPPING 130 WITNESSES TO TESTIFY IN SIPT TRIAL PAGE  8

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Father of three dies in hospital from multiple stab wounds BY DAISY HANDFIELD FEAR has risen in the Turks and Caicos Islands following the brutal murder of Filipino Bobby Lubante. The 46-year-old father of three was stabbed multiple times in his Five Cays home and later succumbed to his injuries at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales. According to Audley Astwood, press officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), the incident occurred on December 27 at about 8.30pm. An anonymous person called 911 and reported that someone had been stabbed at the Bryant Cox Complex in Five Cays, Providenciales. Police and medical personnel responded to that location and a Filipino male, aged 46, was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. He succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 9.32pm. Lubante left a mourning wife and three young children in the Philippines. A 38-year-old Filipino man living at the same complex was also injured and was rushed to the hospital in a private vehicle. The Weekly News has been notified that he has since been released and is in stable condition. The circumstances behind the incident are still under investigation by the RTCIPF. In an interview with Alfonso Palatino, president of the Filipino Community in the TCI (FILCOM), on Tuesday (January 5), he said that the Filipino community was deeply saddened and in shock from this incident. He said: “One member of our community has passed away in the

Many mourn the death of Doric Quant Sr

Bobby Lubante

hospital and everyone was shocked upon learning of this incident. “Shocked and at the same time saddened because we know that this is a faraway place from our country. “Some of the members of the community have been considering going back for good because of the fear. “There are minor incidents from previous times that Filipinos were being targeted by burglars and robbers. “It is fearful for us to live in this country.” Palatino said that prior to this incident he met with Commissioner of Police James Smith to discuss collaboration on crime prevention in the TCI. He said that they will be touching

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

base again very soon. In remembrance of Lubante, FILCOM has organised a memorial ceremony at the Divine Providence Catholic Church in Providenciales on Saturday (January 9) at 3pm. FILCOM is inviting all nationalities and religious groups to join them for a moment of prayer and sympathy for their fallen brother. The ceremony will commence with a memorial mass in the church and then continue on with a walk from the Catholic church to the Down Town area for prayer and order in the country. Palatino said: “We pray for peace and order so that anyone living here could be living peacefully and a worry free life.” Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crimestoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers. tc. Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Car crash leaves one dead A TWO car collision in the vicinity of Sunshine Nursery on Long Bay Road, Providenciales on December 28 left one man dead. Doric Quant Sr, who was a husband, father and contractor by profession was pronounced dead at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales on that same day. According to a press statement released by Audley Astwood, press officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RCTIPF), the incident took place at about 1pm that day. He said that the police were called to the scene of a motor

vehicle incident. On arrival at the scene, police saw a blue Toyota Tacoma truck facing south east with extensive damage to the frontal section of the vehicle and also a black Hummer jeep facing south with extensive damage to the entire front. Occupants of the black Hummer were transported to the hospital by ambulance. The driver of the Toyota Tacoma truck was also transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he was later pronounced dead. The occupants of the black Hummer did not receive any life threatening injuries.

Dozens intercepted on board Haitian sloop A SLOOP originating from Haiti was detected and intercepted shortly before 3am on December 31, six miles southwest off the shore of Providenciales. The 78 passengers consisted of 67 men, nine women and two children. According to a police report, the vessel was detected by the Radar Station and intercepted by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) marine branch, where they were then escorted to the South Dock port. Officials from various police

units, Border Control, and other Government and non-governmental agencies were on hand to assist with the processing of the migrants. All 78 people were later transported to the Detention Centre for further processing and detention. Plans are currently progressing for their repatriation home within the next few days. A systematic search of the vessel was conducted and an imitation firearm was found. Investigations are ongoing. The Turks and Caicos Islands

public are encourage to contact law enforcement with any information concerning the whereabouts of any illegal migrants or on pending sloop arrivals. Police can be contacted on 911 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers. tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crimestoppers Turks and Caicos. Crimestoppers tips are received in the United States of America.

The Golden Boy January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

Person of the Year: Delano Williams

BY FAIZOOL DEO HOW do you measure a champion? How can you separate regular athletes from exceptional ones? Is it just about excelling on the track, or is it more? A good athlete excels in his or her sport, but special ones make their names both on and off the field. This is the exact reason why the Weekly News decided to name sprinter Delano Williams as the Person of the Year for 2015. Armed with his 3Ds (Determination, Dedication and Discipline), Williams silenced his critics last year with scintillating performances on the track, including a bronze medal with the British 4x400m relay team at the World Championships. He also showed a renewed level of maturity and responsibility by balancing his athletic career, his university education and his service to sports development in the TCI.

2015 was not a one-off year, the Jamaican based athlete is a world rated sprinter; the last 12 months were however important because it mirrored his youth career and erased a below par 2014 season. In the last few years Delano has been determined to prove that he is not just a junior performer. As a youth he created an iconic name for himself at Jamaica’s ISSA Boys’ and Girls’ Athletic Championships (the only nonJamaican to win the double sprint title), the CARIFTA Games (200m gold medal winner in 2011 and 2012), and the 2012 World Junior Championships (gold in the 200m). His early senior career was not as colourful and so it traversed an undulating road. Although he trained at the world renowned Racers Track Club in Jamaica, he was in the shadow of many of the seasoned athletes, including, and not restricted to, the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt and ‘The Beast’ Yohan Blake.

Delano Williams (right) helped his British 4x400m relay team to a third place finish at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China in August

Former Jamaican coach, the legendary Glen Mills, seemed not to be the correct fit for Williams, hence an average stint with the club. While he never admitted it publically, the pressure of not performing must have weighed heavily on him. He was a Nike sponsored athlete, fighting against some of the best in the world for a spot on the British track team. At home he also had his image to live up to. The Grand Turk born sportsman is a national icon. He is revered by persons of all ages. His down to earth personality and his boyhood charm have created an infallible image and to many of the Turks Islanders he is not only the nation’s most treasured athlete, but he is still the TCI’s ‘Golden Boy’. MOST IMPORTANT DECISION About 18 months ago, Williams made the most important decision to date in his senior career - he left Mills and returned to boyhood coach and mentor Neil Harrison. For many the decision was ludicrous, especially since Mills is in the higher echelons of the coaching world. The then 20-year-old was however confident in his decision. Harrison, a former teacher in Grand Turk, has been instrumental in Williams’s life and he even convinced Delano’s mother to send him to Jamaica’s Munro College after hurricane Ike had affected the capital city in 2008. Williams was forced to leave his friends, his twin sister Ashley and the only life he knew, but it paid off. Over the next few years the Jamaican born Harrison moulded Williams into a top class athlete. So in September of 2014, Williams began another stint with Harrison. “It’s not just the coaching, but it’s the support I got from him. It was only right to go back to him. “I trust him and he’s my father figure, so I know what it takes to be on top of things and do my best,” Williams had told the Weekly News after he made his decision.

Delano Williams had his best ever senior season in 2015

2015 DOMINANCE By January of 2015, Williams had a renewed sense of purpose and his energy level was over the top. He proved his decision to switch coaches was correct when he broke Bolt’s Queens/Grace Jackson Track Meet seven-year-old 400m record in late January. Running for Great Britain, the then 21-year-old stormed to 46.20s to break Bolt’s long standing 46.94s record. He also attained a personal best since his previous 400m best was 47.51s (achieved in February of 2014). In mid-February, at his second race, Williams finished second at the Camperdown Classic in Jamaica. In another 400m run, he blew past world rated sprinters Warren Weir and Kemar Baily-Cole in a time of 46.86s.

February produced another blistering performance for the TCI 100m and 200m record holder, when he split 44.70s, a personal best performance in the 400m, which propelled his University of the West Indies team to a new record (3.06.5s) at the meet. Two months later Williams was selected to represent Great Britain at the World Relays in the Bahamas (May 2 and 3). With an army of athletes to compete with, making the GB team was always a major accomplishment; Delano though did not run the finals, in which his team finished sixth. In early May, the UWI student achieved another personal best in the 400m, this time he stormed to a sub 46s performance. His 45.42s won him the Jamaica Invitational International Meet and CONTINUED 

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 9 - 15, 2016

Government to hold consultations on building height BY OLIVIA ROSE A SERIES of consultation meetings to discuss the proposed amendment of the existing building height restriction and density requirement will be held next week. This comes in the face of the Supreme Court’s decision in November 2015 to halt construction plans for a 12 storey high rise building after a joint complaint was filed by the proprietors of The Tuscany and The Venetian luxury condominiums in Grace Bay. The Office of the Premier in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning will be hosting meetings for key stakeholders and the general public, a Government release read. These meetings will be held during the week of January 11 to 15 from 9am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 5pm at the Environmental Arts Centre, the Bight, Providenciales. Key stakeholders will be grouped and notified of the date and time to which they can make representations. An additional meeting for the general public to make representation on the amendment of the building height and density will be held on the last day (Thursday, January 14) of the scheduled meetings, at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre in Providenciales. In November last year the owners of The Tuscany and The Venetian filed a complaint after they were

Aerial view of The Venetian (far right) and The Tuscany

made aware of an application to construct a 12 storey development on land adjacent to The Venetian in November 2014 by notices sent to them and notices published in the Gazette. According to official court documents obtained by the Weekly News: “This moved caused some consternation as they considered that property investors are drawn to properties such as the Venetian and the Tuscany by Grace Bay’s outstanding natural beauty.” And that the upmarket tourism which Providenciales enjoys is a

product of its low density high value development. In their view, a 12 storey development on that land would lead to substantial decrease in the value of their condominium properties and that the decline in value would be in the order of 30 percent. Judgment was handed down by Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay Hale giving them victory in the case based on the fact that there was insufficient public consultation. The CJ said that while the Director of Planning and the

Minister of Infrastructure Amanda Misick are given certain authorities, those authorities should be executed by thoroughly ensuring people who will be affected are informed and given the chance to make due representation. “Public consultation must be bona fide in that it should undertake at a stage where there is scope to influence the outcome and not after a decision has been reached. “The Government’s decision to have a second consultation was tacit acceptance, in my view that the first consultation was inadequate as alleged by the applicants.” This proper process, according to Ramsay-Hale, did not happen. In the course of inquiries it was discovered that a proposal for a change in building height was considered by the Cabinet on June 4, 2014, which agreed to open a consultation on increasing the height limit of building in Providenciales to 14 storeys (150ft). Since the Supreme Court’s ruling, no development plan has been approved in relation to planning standards including building height, density and setbacks. Minister for Infrastructure, Amanda Missick, told the Weekly News that the CJ’s ruling could steer development away from the TCI. She said: “What we are trying to do is see how best we can resolve this and expedite this in a manner not to scare developers away.”

The Infrastructure Minister disclosed that the Government is exploring all of its legal options and is looking to take the Planning and Development Bill to the House of Assembly to see how soon the matter can resolved. “We’re taking a bill to the House to validate previous development above one storey. “To tell the truth I don’t agree with the ruling, because what she’s saying is that any building above one storey in this country is illegal and that can’t be right.” When asked if the CJ’s ruling could have severe consequences for the Ritz-Carlton hotel project where the Government has already inked a $224 million deal, she said: “As it stands now based on her ruling she shut the whole country down, nothing. “Planning cannot move forward because they were advised not to process any application. “The country has been shut down, the country is on hold.” The minister adamantly stated that the CJ’s ruling “cannot be right”. She added that “this is something that we really don’t want to have a serious impact on development in the country.” The House of Assembly at its last meeting held on December 16, 2015, approved amendments to the Physical Planning Ordinance which allows for regulations to be made by the Governor.

Police give summary on holiday crime BY DAISY HANDFIELD FOUR people are in police custody in connection with multiple incidents of violence which took place between Thursday, December 31, and Friday, January 1, in Providenciales involving firearm and bladed weapons. Among those crimes was a robbery involving a female resident of Blue Hills who reported that she was robbed at gunpoint by a male, who took her cell phone and an undisclosed sum of money. The incident took place on December 31 shortly after 10pm in Blue Hills. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) launched an investigation and on January 2 a 20-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of the robbery. On January 1 at the Casino Caicos Royale in the vicinity of Turtle Cove, shortly before 5am there was a fight involving several party goers outside the casino along Turtle Cove main road. During the fight, two males

Police press officer, Audley Astwood (FILE PHOTO)

received stab wounds. One man, 25, was stabbed multiple times about his body. He was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he was treated and remains hospitalised. A 19-year-old man was arrested on January 4 at 1.30pm for the wounding offence with intent.

He is still in police custody. The second man who was stabbed was identified as a 20-year-old from Blue Hills. He was treated at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for a stab wound to his lower stomach and then released. During that same morning of January 1, two reports of shooting victims were reported to the police. The first incident occurred outside the premises of Caicos Royale Casino, located at Turtle Cove. At this location a 23-year-old man was shot in his left upper arm. He was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he was treated for his injuries, and remains hospitalised. A man, 24, was arrested later that morning on suspicion of wounding with intent. The second shooting incident occurred just shortly after 6am, in the Old Subdivision of Five Cays. A 20-year-old told investigators that he had just exited his car to check his tyre when a man known to him discharged three shots at him. One shot hit him in his head, he

then ran to a nearby house for help. He was eventually taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he was treated and remains hospitalised. All these incidents are still under police investigation. In an interview with Audley Astwood, police press officer for the RTCIPF, on Tuesday (January 5), he said that crime wise, generally over the festive season has not been very active in comparison to the festive season of 2014. He said: “I don’t have the exact figures but I am saying that based on the amount of reports that I had coming in and I know that I was a lot busier last December [2014] with press releases and that wasn’t the case this time around. “I think more people were aware and more people did much more to protect their property and I would like for people to continue doing just that. “It is most unfortunate that while we had less criminal activity that we had the unfortunate murder of the Filipino gentleman [Bobby Lubante]

in Five Cays. “I am pleased to say that we do have four persons in custody in connection with the firearm related incident that brought us into the New Year.” Astwood went on to say that it saddened him, not as a police officer but as a citizen of the Turks and Caicos Islands to have these incidents take place in public areas with a vast number of people around, but nobody willing to give the police information. “If you turn a blind eye to crime, don’t be surprised when those same crimes come back to your door step. “I would advise any member of the public who would have witnessed any of the crimes that took place to come forward. “It is not too late to give any possible information,” Astwood said. The Weekly News is still waiting on the RTCIPF to issue the statistics for crime throughout the whole of 2015. Astwood said that police are still working on the document to handover to the media.

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

Delano and coach: Coach Neil Harrison has been very instrumental in Delano Williams’s life.

The Golden Boy CONTINUED FROM

placed him as the British athlete with the best 400m time (January to May). One week later Williams also registered the best British 200m time (20.40s) for that period after a fourth place finish at the Cayman Invitational. Although he never competed in the 300m, he did exceptionally well at the Birmingham Diamond League in June. In fact, his third place finish 32.14s, was just off the longstanding British record of Douglas Walker (31.56s, July of 1998), which came as a pleasant surprise to the GB coaching staff. In late June, Williams was already a pivotal part of the British 4x400m team and his then best split, 44.60s (the best by any athlete at the final), ensured a second place finish at the European Cup Team Championships in Cheboksary, Russia. At the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China (August 22-30), the TCI born sprinter achieved one of his dreams when he medalled in

the 4x400m relay. Running the second leg, he led GB to a first place finish in their heat with another PB split (44.1s), while in the final he split 44.6s to help secure a bronze for his team. Williams referred to the podium moment as the best in his adult career. OFF TRACK Off the track the superstar has also been instrumental. His foundation, which is supported by Nike, has helped many national athletes travelling to international meets. One such example is the outfitting of the 2015 CARIFTA Games team (the 2014 team benefitted the same way). Williams has also raised additional funds. In October he organised a charity 5K and 10K Walk and Run in both Grand Turk and Providenciales. Proceeds from the events will contribute to athletics this year. The third year marketing student at the UWI also came to the TCI several times last year, as a guest, athlete and spectator.

Delano interacts with children from Eliza Simons — his old Primary school. (Photos submitted and from social networks)

As has become customary he was on hand for the JAGS McCartney Relays in May, while towards the end of the year he competed in his first ever 10K run (second place finish). His achievements did not go unnoticed and twice he was honoured. The first was on October 12, where he received the National Youth Achiever’s award for his dominance in sports at the first annual National Honours and Awards Ceremony, while at the TCI Sports Awards Ceremony and Banquet on October 24, he received the TCI Excellence in Sports award. Williams is a source of inspiration and through his exploits he has given hopes and dreams to a number of young athletes. For the young man the idea is to

The Grand Turk born sportsman was the recipient of the National Youth Achiever’s Award for his dominance in sports at the first annual National Honours and Awards Ceremony in October of last year

set practical goals and work hard to achieve them. “My aim in life is to be successful in everything I do. Put my mind to it and get the job done,” he said. Off the track the 22-year-old wants to become a real estate agent and a businessman. His athletic dream is to become an Olympian and hopefully medal winner. He is hoping that with coach Harrison at his side he will be able

to get to the Rio Olympics this year. For Williams, although he runs for Britain, he is inspired by his home and its people. “To be honest, the love and support I get from the people who actually care about my wellbeing and how I have developed as a normal Grand Turk person is a huge inspiration to me. “Despite where I run for, my heart is always in the Turks and Caicos.”

Delano flanked by fellow members of the Turks and Caicos Student Association at last year’s Caribbean Day celebration at the University of the West Indies (Mona Campus).

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 9 - 15, 2016

Whopping 130 witnesses to testify in SIPT trial BY OLIVIA ROSE AWHOPPING 130 witnesses are expected to be called to the stand during the six month long Special Investigations Prosecution Team’s (SIPT) corruption trial. On January 18, 2016, the corruption trial of former Premier Micheal Misick and eight members of his Cabinet will resume at the Myrtle Rigby Courthouse in Providenciales. According to SIPT’s lead prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, during the Christmas break the SIPT ironed out miscellaneous administrative issues. He noted that the process of establishing formal evidence could take a few weeks and thus might not be completed in January 2016. “And then when we’ve done that we’ll take stock of what we need to do by way of proving some of the formal matters and where there may be a dispute we may have to bring a witness in to prove a bank account or something like that. “And then we’ll move to the evidence from the main witnesses. “There’s a principle witness, it’s probably going to be former Governor Richard Tauwhare. “I can’t see that happening till after the Easter holidays, but he will definitely be called.” He also revealed that some of the more interesting witnesses will include the Attorney General. “The Attorney General will obviously be giving evidence because she was concerned with a number of the development agreements, and Mr Misick’s former wife (Lisa Raye) will give evidence at some stage when the evidence is being called by the Crown. “And there will be people who were on the periphery on some of these developments who will be giving evidence.” Mitchell made it clear that the prosecution’s case will be premised on financial irregularities during Misick’s tenure as Premier and other alleged misfeasance unearthed during the 2009 Sir Robin Auld report which accused him and several of his Cabinet members of widespread corruption. “As you probably heard me say in court it’s about money moving from A to B and then being distributed and the inferences that necessarily flow from that will all be a message for the judge to consider and analyze during the course of our case.” Mitchell said that immediately after opening and clarifying the facts before the court, he will go into calling witnesses. It was noted that some witnesses undoubtedly will give evidence by video link.

He went on to explain the rationale behind witnesses using the video links mechanism to testify. “And you could imagine that if we’ve got a credit card company who produce documents its hardly likely that we’re going to spend taxpayers money bringing that person from the credit card company to produce the credit card statements. “If that person is required they will attend a place convenient to them at a time convenient to us and give their evidence by video link.” On Thursday (December 17) Justice Paul Harrison dismissed all motions brought by Queen’s Counsel Ralph Thorne who is representing Michael Misick, including a pivotal argument on the specialty rule and abuse of process as “irrelevant”. Harrison ruled that the return of Michael Misick from Brazil was lawful and in conformity with an existing treaty and that there was no abuse of process. The speciality argument was put forward by Thorne, in his pursuit to persuade Justice Paul Harrison who is both judge and jury in the trial. Thorne’s argument was premised on what he described as a breach of trust between Turks and Caicos Islands and Brazil in Misick’s extradition. He said: “The specialty argument implies that if the Turks and Caicos request the extradition of Mr Misick on the basis of one charge, it becomes a breach of trust between Brazil and Turks and Caicos if, after his return, they charge him with additional offences. “That is wrong; the law regards that as being entirely wrong.” The specialty rule is a principle of international law that is included in most extradition treaties, whereby a person who is extradited to a country to stand trial for certain criminal offences may be tried only for those offences and not for any other preextradition offences. Once the asylum state extradites an individual to the requesting state under the terms of an extradition treaty, that person can be prosecuted only for crimes specified in the extradition request. Since 2009, Michael Misick and members of his Cabinet have awaited their time before the judge. THE CHARGES Floyd Hall, McAllister Hanchell, Jeffrey Christoval Hall, Clayton Greene, Thomas Misick and Lisa Hall, are alleged to have conspired together and with others to receive bribes between August 1, 2003 and August 31, 2009 to enable Michael Misick, Floyd Hall, Hanchell and Jeffrey Hall to accept inducements by unlawful corrupt payments or other rewards while they were

SIPT lead prosecutor Andrew Mitchell

serving as ministers of Government. In another count, Floyd Hall, McAlliser Hanchell, Jeffrey Hall, Lillian Boyce, Clayton Greene and Thomas Misick were charged with conspiring between August 1, 2003 and August 31, 2009 together with Michael Misick and others to defraud the Government and/ or the Belongers of the Turks and Caicos Islands whilst they – with the exception of Greene - were ministers of the Crown by acting in a way that was contrary to the economic interests of the said Government and/or Belongers in respect to Crown land. In this count the Crown alleges that contrary to the Crown Lands Policy, they agreed that Crown lands be sold to particular Belongers at a value or in circumstances that were disadvantageous to the TCI Government and Belongers. The Crown also accuses the six of agreeing that particular Belongers become owners of Crown land at a value disadvantageous to the TCIG knowing that said land was not owned by the particular Belongers on terms consistent with the relevant and prevailing Crown Land Policy. In the same charge, the six are further accused of agreeing to the sale of Crown land at an undervalue thereby reducing the revenue to be obtained from the sale including the stamp duty. The Crown further alleges that they agreed that planning permissions and/or development rights would be granted to prospective developers on terms and conditions adverse to the interests of the TCIG and Belongers. Another count names Floyd and Jeffrey Hall, Lillian Boyce, Samuel Been and Melbourne Arthur. They are accused of conspiring together between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2006 with Michael Misick and other persons to defraud the TCIG by arranging the transfer of Crown land at North West Point on terms that were contrary to the economic interests of the Crown.

Former Premier Michael Misick

A similar count of conspiracy to defraud has been laid against Clayton Greene. That charge alleges that between January 1, 2004 and July 31, 2008 he conspired with Michael Misick and other persons to defraud the TCIG by arranging the transfer of Crown Land at Juniper Point on terms that were contrary to the economic interests of the Crown. Yet another count of conspiracy to defraud has been laid against Floyd Hall and Thomas Misick. The Crown alleges that between January 1, 2006 and August 31, 2009 they conspired with Michael Misick to defraud the TCIG by arranging the lease of a Gulfstream jet on the basis that this was for the benefit the Government when in fact it was intended that the jet would be for the personal use of Michael Misick. A final count of conspiracy to defraud names Floyd and Jeffrey Hall, McAllister Hanchell, Lillian Boyce and Thomas Misick. They are charged with conspiring with Michael Misick and others between July 1, 2002 and August 31, 2009 to defraud the Progressive National Party (PNP) and its members. In this charge the five are accused of seeking and procuring donations in the name of and for the benefit of the political movement when in fact and truth the donations were applied for their own personal benefit. Alternatively or in addition to that accusation, the Crown alleges that they received and used the donations procured for a purpose which was not for the benefit of the political party. MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES Meanwhile, a charge of conspiracy to disguise the proceeds of crime was slapped on Floyd and Jeffrey Hall, McAllister Hanchell, Lillian Boyce and Thomas Misick. In this charge they are alleged to have conspired together with Michael Misick and others between

August 1, 2003 and August 31, 2009 to disguise the proceeds of crime namely: payments to the PNP purported to be political donations but which were in fact and in truth bribes paid into the PNP account for their own benefit with a view to avoid the making or enforcement of a confiscation order or avoiding prosecution for unlawful conduct contrary to the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance 1998. Additionally, Clayton Greene and Floyd Hall are jointly charged with conspiracy to conceal or transfer the proceeds of criminal conduct between February 20, 2006 and August 31, 2009. The Crown alleges that the duo conspired together and with Michael Misick and others to conceal or transfer the proceeds of criminal conduct knowing it to represent the proceeds of criminal conduct by the former Premier. Clayton Greene is charged separately with two other offences – acquiring the proceeds of criminal conduct and entering into or becoming concerned in a money laundering arrangement. In the first charge Greene is accused of acquiring $20,000 knowing or suspecting it to be the proceeds of criminal conduct of an arrangement to defraud the TCIG on or about April 24, 2006. The other charge states that the former PNP leader on or about May 19, 2006, entered into or became otherwise concerned in an arrangement whereby he facilitated the retention or control of $1 million - which was the proceeds of another person’s criminal conduct - by or on behalf of that person, knowing or suspecting that the other person was engaged in criminal conduct or had benefited from criminal conduct. In another count, Greene and Thomas Misick are separately charged with acquiring the proceeds of criminal conduct. The details of that charges state that Greene and Misick, on or about March 17, 2008, acquired $12,500 knowing or suspecting that it was the proceeds of criminal conduct of an arrangement to defraud the TCIG. Thomas Misick is further accused of conspiring with his brother Michael Misick and others between August 1, 2003 and August 31, 2009 to conceal or transfer criminal proceeds knowing it to be the proceeds of Michael Misick’s criminal conduct with a view to avoiding the making or enforcement of a confiscation order or avoiding prosecution. A charge of converting or transferring the proceeds of criminal CONTINUED 

January 9 - 15, 2016

New District Commissioners for Middle Caicos and Salt Cay MIDDLE Caicos and Salt Cay both have new District Commissioners dedicated to addressing concerns of local residents. Fredrico Johnson will be at hand in Middle Caicos and Almaida Wilson will be supporting those in Salt Cay. According to a Government press release on Thursday (January 7), Johnson’s immediate family hails from the island of Middle Caicos. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in business management with specific concentration in international business from Johnson and Wales University in Miami, Florida. The new DC is a former Beaches TCI employee, having speedily moved up the ranks from junior sales executive. Most recently he was the operations assistant manager responsible for the entire Beaches Key West Village which includes 166 rooms and over 350 staff members. During his tenure at Beaches he was the recipient of numerous forms of training and also awards, most

notably the TCHTA Ambassador Award for the year 2015. “I am grateful and honoured to be given the opportunity to perform in this role for the island of Middle Caicos a premier outer island destination in the TCI,” he said. “I am passionate about the growth of the Turks and Caicos Islands and confident that by working along with numerous government services and the stakeholders, we can implement new ideas and initiatives through the use of the internet and social media to further the growth and development of the Middle Caicos community.” He said his aim is to do this by maximising the potential and benefit of Government services and the island’s natural resources. “I look forward to working along with the people of Middle Caicos and the District Board to address the concerns of the residents on the island and to foster a greater sense of community through the development of more educational and cultural initiatives with a specific emphasis on family values.” Deputy Governor Anya Williams

Fredrico Johnson, District Commissioner of Middle Caicos

said she was pleased to be able to attract such great talent from the private sector and welcomed Fredrico Johnson to the TCI civil service. “He has great ideas for the island of Middle Caicos in helping to develop and build a better business sector and to also foster more community spirit on that island. “I certainly wish him all the best and look forward to great outcomes on the island of Middle Caicos.” Alongside that announcement was the news that Almaida Wilson has been appointed to the post of District Commissioner of Salt Cay. Wilson, a native of Salt Cay, has dedicated over 30 years to the civil service, having worked with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government from 1977 to 2012. She has served as a member of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force as well as Superintendent of Her Majesty’s Prison for over ten years from 1996 to 2007. From 2007 to 2010 Wilson performed as Deputy Director of the

Whopping 130 witnesses ... conduct was laid against Floyd Hall. It reads: Between February 5 and 16, 2006 he converted or transferred property which he knew or had reasonable grounds to suspect represented his proceeds of criminal conduct namely, the total sum of $375,000 received from Richard Padgett and others for credit for Paradigm Limited for the purpose of avoiding prosecution or the enforcement of a confiscation order. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Hall is charged along with Melbourne Wilson with converting or transferring property between May 22, 2006 and June 30, 2006, which they knew or reasonably suspected represented their proceeds of criminal conduct namely $1.8 million for the purpose of avoiding prosecution and the enforcement of a confiscation order. Lillian Boyce is charged with acquiring $1million knowing or suspecting it was the proceeds of criminal conduct of an arrangement to defraud the TCIG, on or about May 19, 2006. She is also charged with entering

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

into or becoming concerned with an arrangement whereby the retention or control by or on behalf of Michael Misick, the proceeds of Misick’s criminal conduct. The charge said she facilitated him knowing or suspecting that he was engaged in criminal behaviour. Lisa Hall is also charged with a similar offence. The Crown alleges that Hall, between March 1, 2004 and November 8, 2011 she converted or transferred $425,000 knowing or reasonably suspecting it to represent the proceeds of criminal conduct of Floyd Hall for the purpose of assisting him to avoid prosecution or to avoid the enforcement of a confiscation order. She is also accused of using $50,000 knowing or suspecting that it represented the proceeds of criminal conduct of Floyd Hall for the purpose of purchasing, in both their names, a parcel of land 10103/61 on Grand Turk between April 1 and May 31, 2006. Earlson Robinson is charged with acquiring $1 million, knowing or suspecting it to be

CONTINUED 

the proceeds of criminal conduct, namely an agreement to defraud the Government on or about May 15, 2006. Quinton Hall is similarly charged with receiving the same amount of money on or about the same day as Robinson, for the same purpose. Floyd Hall is further charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice between January 1, 2008 and August 2009. The charge against him is that he and Richard Padgett along with other persons conspired to pervert the course of public justice knowing that a judicial public inquiry was announced into possible corruption or other serious dishonesty in relation to past and present elected member of the TCI Legislature in recent years. It added that they agreed on a course of conduct that would have led to the presentation of false or forged documents to the commission designed to mislead it into believing that payments made for a corrupt or dishonest purpose were in fact for honest means.

Almaida Wilson, District Commissioner of Salt Cay

Port Authority before moving on as Assistant Supervisor of Elections from 2010 to 2011. She last served in the capacity of District Commissioner of Salt Cay from 2011 to 2012. Deputy Governor Anya Williams said that the area of District Administration is vital to the management of affairs on the outer islands. “I am certain that Mrs. Wilson’s wealth of knowledge and experience and her pride and passion for the island of Salt Cay will ensure that

she will do a great job and I wish her all the best.” Wilson said that it feels good to be back home and doing something so positive for her community. “Since leaving the civil service in 2012, I note that there have been several changes including the introduction of new District Boards to the islands, but I look forward to working with the board to make changes and to make Salt Cay the best place that it can be. “Look out for great things from Salt Cay!”

National Security Council meets in Grand Turk MEMBERS of the TCI National Security Council (NSC) met in Grand Turk in December to discuss ongoing security issues. Among the topics touched on were the increase in violent crime, prostitution, the transfer of police officers, and proposals for a new police headquarters. Attendees included Governor Peter Beckingham, Premier Rufus Ewing and the Commissioner of Police, James Smith. The Minister of Border Control and Employment, the Deputy Governor and the Attorney General who make up the rest of the NSC, were unable to attend. During the December 18 meeting members talked about the recent decision to transfer eight police officers from Grand Turk to Providenciales. The Commissioner of Police explained that the decision had been taken after careful consideration to address the higher incidences of crime in Providenciales compared to Grand Turk. A Government press release on December 22 said: “A rearrangement of working practices introduced by the Assistant Superintendent of Police would ensure that the same level of policing in Grand Turk would be maintained as at present.” The Premier stressed the need to monitor and review the impact of the change. He also commented that the introduction of District Constables will provide additional policing presence. Members then received a summary from the Commissioner

of Police of the new draft National Security Strategy. Discussion focused principally on two areas of concern expressed by the Premier – the need to introduce new measures to address human trafficking and to clamp down on establishments where there are reports of prostitution. The strategy will be discussed in more detail at the next meeting of the NSC in January ahead of wider discussion with the National Security Advisory Group (NSAG). Also discussed at the meeting was the increase in robberies and burglaries in Providenciales. The Premier highlighted the end destination for stolen goods and measures being introduced by the police to find and identify stolen property. The Commissioner of Police explained measures that were being introduced to tackle the problem including a significant increase in police presence in areas where recent incidents had taken place. The Premier called for better street lighting and the use of CCTV in areas that had been affected. Next on the agenda was concerns expressed by a leading resort in Providenciales about an alleged increase in crime including harassment of guests and measures to address them. The Governor said he will write to the owner of the hotel offering a meeting with him, the Premier and the Commissioner of Police to discuss the matter. Finally members discussed proposals for a new police headquarters.

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Opposing argument to proposed development changes

Turks and Caicos Islands politicians were invited to a prayer meeting at the Rock of Jesus Ministries in Five Cays, Providenciales

Political leaders attend a New Year prayer meeting BY DAISY HANDFIELD POLITICAL leaders of the Turks and Caicos Islands called for a time of reflection for the nation during a recent prayer meeting hosted by the Providenciales Ministerial Fellowship. The meeting was held at the Rock of Jesus Ministry in Five Cays, Providenciales on January 4, the first working day of the new year. In an interview with the president of the Providenciales Ministerial Fellowship, Bryant Cox on Thursday (January 7) he

said that overall he considered it to be well received. He said: “We had an opportunity where we prayed for the elected members who were there and I think that that speaks volumes. “It solidifies that they recognise the authority that God has and that they respect the authorities of the local pastors who are willing to call them together and pray for them. “It was an opportunity to anoint their hands and make physical contact and come in agreement that God would cover and protect them as they led and governed over these

Turks and Caicos Islands.” Cox said that the meeting lasted about an hour and a half because aside from praying for political affiliates, they prayed for the public sector, the country at large and the portfolios that these individuals managed. Premier Rufus Ewing, leader of the opposition, Sharlene Cartwright, Deputy Leader for the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Sean Astwood and the Leader of the Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA), Oswald Skippings were among attendees.

MILLS MUSES

Culture and values DOES our culture come from our values or is it that our values come from our culture? But what is culture and what constitutes values? Culture has been described as the attitudes and values that inform society and comprises those aspects of human activity which are socially transmitted. It has also been characterised as our way of life which includes everything about us and what we do. Values are the things we hold dear, what is practiced in our daily lives and what is precious to us. They provide a foundation and guide for how we behave and make us who we are. When we express delight for something it is because it squares with our values. And when we make choices it is our values that approve of what we select. Are values and culture the same or aspects of each other? Some say it is culture that produces values while others claim it is our values that make our culture what it is. Or, is it that our culture is the practical expression of our values? In the Turks and Caicos Islands, culture is now given more attention than previously.

BY OLIVER MILLS

Oliver Mills is a former lecturer in education at the UWI Mona Campus. He holds a BA (Hons.) UWI, an M.Ed. Dalhousie Univ., an MA University of London, and a Postgraduate Diploma in HRM and Training, Leicester Univ. He currently writes a Column for the TC Weekly News.

It connects with the search for an authentic identity. Some say a lot of our culture has been lost, because we did not treasure it in the past as we should. But culture lives on in the lives of the different generations. Another view is that we have been influenced by Bahamian culture without really knowing it, since we have never really questioned the basis of what we have. And what we really parade as culture in the various celebrations resemble Bahamian practices. In the process, we have absorbed Bahamian and lately Caribbean values. In our vehicles, for example, we hear Caribbean music and little of the TCI’s. In dress we are North American, and in speech, British and American. With these come the values of

January 9 - 15, 2016

these countries and little of what makes us. So culture becomes values and values culture? Should it matter? Does not the subtle adoption of the values and culture of others bake us into being like them? Are the values and culture of those we take on good for us? Do they cheapen us? And what do these people think of us as a result? If we really want to be a dignified people, then we have to further develop our own heritage with its culture and values that reflect what we have been, who we are and what we are capable of becoming. And be proud of them. Because they shape us a people. So we need to preserve them, and make them available to future generations.

Dear Editor, If you are not sure where you stand on the debate on increasing the density of hotels from 24 rooms per acre to 50 rooms per acre and the increase of building heights from 90ft to 150ft, then I beg you to ask questions and seek out different points of view so that you can form your own opinion and have a voice that the Government must take into account. The Government hired tourism experts at KPMG but it has decided to go against the experts’ recommendation not to increase density or increase height – are you happy for them to make that decision unilaterally? There is a planned public consultation for Thursday, January 14, at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex, Providenciales, so please let your voices be heard. Our tourists have said no, tourism experts say no, anyone who has seen other countries over-develop and deteriorate into lower end destinations say no. We need to say no. In fact, we have already said no. The KPMG report* states that although there is strong local support for development the preference, of two thirds of the respondents, is for luxury, low density resorts. European Plan type hotels are a distant second in terms of desired development. Tourists also do not want overdevelopment. The reason they pay the high prices is because Turks and Caicos Islands still feels uncrowded and like an authentic Caribbean country. If they want busier and more developed islands then research shows that they will go elsewhere for a much more affordable holiday. I have not heard any reasons from the Government as to why we cannot continue to develop in the low density/high end market - a much less fickle market. Increase the density and in the long term the prices will go down (that is basic economics) and the type of tourists will change. It is not only the quality of developments that affects price, it is the quantity - we will attract the tourists that simply do not have as much disposable income to spend on boat tours, on eating out, on souvenirs, on tips. I am not anti-development, antichange, or anti-Government – I am a Turks and Caicos Islander who wants to see that our country is successful long into the future. We need to ensure our kids and

grandkids have a number one beach to sell to tourists for years to come. If the Government wants to diversify our tourism offer then look at options that are not going to ruin the current offer – do not use the number one beach in the world to build up development and provide what they think a new market wants. Expand the options for the current high-end market, for example ecotourism. The Premier said in his speech in the House of Assembly in December “…They did not care about whether or not the people of these islands, Turks and Caicos Islanders have anything to benefit from these developments…” I think it is an unfounded and unfair statement that people opposing these changes do not care if locals benefit from the development. I would be disgusted if that were really the case but of all the opposition I have heard, none of them can be manipulated so much as to indicate that they do not want development for local businesses. It is in fact the exact opposite; over-development would actually be to our businesses’ detriment in the long term. As already raised in the past, according to the Poverty Assessments unemployment among Islanders in 2000 was 11.2 percent and in 2012 it was 12 percent. We can hardly argue that the increased development over the “boom” years helped our unemployment. How does the Government think it will be any different this time? The Government needs to carry out their duty and ensure the developments that they approve have long lasting positive impacts. The changes are being made without proper consideration. Although it has been acknowledged that there are huge risks to this type of development and that mitigation measures need to be taken, no such measures have been publicised. In fact the last public meeting in August was supposedly to discuss mitigation measures – did anything come of it? Why would the Government make changes without properly addressing all of the concerns? We need a national identity. And we need to be true to ourselves. Karen Savory, Grace Bay, Providenciales *See facebook page, “What is the long-term physical development plan for TCI?”

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NEWS 11

Christmas and New Year message BY GOVERNOR PETER BECKINGHAM A VERY happy Christmas to everyone in Turks and Caicos! It is tempting to start a message like this by saying that it has been another eventful year. I’m not sure that, for TCI and most of its residents, it has been any more or less significant than most years. We have, fortunately, escaped the worst of the tropical storms or hurricanes which hit some of our neighbours and we have been untroubled by some of the traumatic and dreadful events which have hit, through international terrorism, the citizens of Paris and other cities. On a brighter note it was great to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Waterloo residence in Grand Turk, which is an outstanding example in the region of TCI’s history. So overall we can look back on a year which has seen TCI take a number of steps to strengthening its economy, its tourism and its international standing. By next March the economy will have improved enough for us to pay down most of the remainder of the loan guaranteed by the UK Government in 2010, and to secure

a small loan from the commercial banks. Tourism continues to increase by leaps and bounds and 2015 saw TCI crowned by Trip Advisor as the world’s number one island destination. We are now the envy of many of our Caribbean neighbours with a growing air lift across the United States and Canada, with Fort Lauderdale and Chicago being two of the newest cities with direct flights. I’m sure many of us will benefit from the competitive air fares that these new routes bring. We should also not forget the valuable service provided domestically, and internationally, by our two domestic airlines. Growing alongside these developments we have also been able to enhance our own reputation internationally. Our tourism success is entirely dependent on our standing, and although there remains a worrying level of burglaries and aggravated robbery, and sadly some still unsolved murders, overall our security reputation is high. We wouldn’t get the number of tourist visitors if it wasn’t. Can I pay tribute here to the work of the police force; they sometimes have to put themselves in positions

of danger to protect us. TCI’s international standing was also enhanced by the magnificent achievement of Delano Williams in winning a bronze medal as a member of Great Britain’s 4x4 men’s relay team at the World Athletic Championships in Beijing earlier this year. He is a great Ambassador for TCI, I have enjoyed meeting him, and appreciated his support for my wife Jill’s Footsteps4Good walk/run in Provo. We should all wish him well for the Olympics next year. We need to protect the reputation of our environment. The thousands of tourists who come here expect to see pristine beaches and clean surroundings. I would also like to acknowledge the work of NGOs and many individuals who give up their time to protecting and cleaning up our surroundings. Walking through some of the islands for Jill’s second fund raising event I was able to see what a beautiful environment we have, but how quickly it can be ruined by litter and debris. Finally, at Christmas, we should of course remind ourselves – in whatever way we see appropriate – of the message of Christmas, about

The Governor and Jill Beckingham with their two grandchildren preparing for spending Christmas together in TCI.

sacrifice and giving. I was interested to hear our politicians, from both main parties, extolling the virtues of graciousness, peace and good will at the lovely Christmas tree lighting in Grand Turk this month. I hope that they, and all of us in

Turks and Caicos, will remember those virtues - shown to us above all in the life of Jesus - throughout 2016. Jill and I look forward to seeing as many of you as we can again next year, and we wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas, and a blessed and prosperous New Year.

COMMENTARY

New year hope ‘HOPE springs eternal,’ they say. Real hope began under the humble leadership of JAGS McCartney. He had courage, action and humility! Under JAGS we moved out from under a type of bondage called ‘grant and aid’ to internal government. JAGS believed in justice and so should we. Suddenly in 1980 JAGS was gone. Under suspicious circumstances while working with the USA’s DEA. The TCI was tied to the USA with American serviceman stationed right here. Under JAGS PDM, the TCI got the US dollar and 10 year visa access to the USA. Hope did not die with hero Jags because eventually Derek Taylor’s PDM took the helm to grow development by the book

BY DAVID TAPFER

David is a retired mobile hydraulic engineer and business executive. He has been married to Middle Caicos native Yvette Robinson Tapfer for 25 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011

after a couple of zeros failed. In the mid-1980s the DEA issue was resolved. People calling themselves ‘progressive’ progressed right into a US lockup. Progress started in the Big South then moved to the first taste of the brothers’ north. The NIB, financed by work permit holders and taxed citizens, later became a cash cow for this brothers’ bank used for political gamesmanship.

Only ‘progressive’ depositors came out whole! Honest careful PDM Government, not 12 or seven stories, drew and grew development and economic expansion reined until it was kidnapped then whisked away by the ‘baby brother’ from North Caicos. With 15 years of this new century already behind us, the Turks and Caicos Islands now looks warily forward to the 16th year of the 21st century since Jesus walked in the

Middle East. Now that embattled area has but one democratic stronghold, Israel, the people of Moses. Could the Middle East become the world’s ultimate end? With 2016 elections looming TCI progressives are holding on to selfenrichment and the importation of a disease born of homosexuality. Unchanged, this could be the TCI’s ultimate end. What tourist wants to visit a TCI with Aids? The threat of the corruption trials, global warming and a now USA endorsed Cuba was not enough for Premier Rufus. Dr Ewing had to import sickness? Middle Caicos has been bleeding native population since the days of Robert Articulate. Now under DonHue in absentia bleeding is unrestrained. The British promised a causeway culvert a year and in three to four

DonHue and Ewing years we get one. In December 2006 with the election looming, the overdue causeway was started. In December 2015 with election looming, overdue pavement repairs have begun. What is new and where is DonHue? When you elect progressives, development and employment prove permanently unlikely. Nothing stands still and when going down stops we will begin to climb back up. We have now crossed the threshold and realised a refreshed PDM freed of the negative zeros. The PDM is free now of the at large baggage of 2012. Free to begin rebuilding the TCI one more time! The 2016 elections could see hope reconstituted or our own ultimate end.

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More than 4,000 cans donated to needy BY DAISY HANDFIELD OVER 4,000 non-perishable items were donated to the National HIV Prevention Unit and the Turks and Caicos Social Welfare by Beaches Turks and Caicos Islands. A press conference was held on Wednesday (January 6) to hand over these items to representatives of both entities. During the event the coordinator for the National Aids Programme, Aldora Robinson, said that on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services, as well as the National HIV Prevention Unit, she wanted to extend a big thank you for the generous donation. She said: “We have been working with Beaches for quite some time and I can remember as far back as when we had the hospice, donations came in for sheets, linen and also food to support the clients at the hospice at that time, so we have had a long standing relationship and happy that it has continued. “We look at it as a partnership and we also thank the staff

members of Beaches who have taken the interest to share their Christmas with our clients every year. “This is a worthy cause and it’s very beneficial to our clients. “Those who do not work and are shut in, this supports them tremendously and we greatly appreciate it.” Present at the conference, Deputy Director of Social Development, Ashley Adams said that there were a number of people out there in need and she believed that they went unseen and unnoticed. She said: “We find ourselves a lot of times calling and asking churches, pastors and the community if they could help us with our clients. “This right here will do a tremendous good for our community.” Adams extended a big thank you to Beaches Turks and Caicos Islands on behalf of her ministry, staff and their clients. This is the third consecutive year that Beaches Turks and Caicos has invited all their team members to participate in their canned and non-perishable food drive. The drive was launched on

Under the tree

December 11 to January 6 to collect food items that are then donated directly to two pantries that serve the less fortunate residing in the TCI. According to a statement issued by public relations manager for Beaches TCI, Elanor Finfin Krzanowski, Beaches Turks and Caicos recognises that both organisations mentioned are vital to those social groups that live below the lines of poverty in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The HIV Prevention Unit assists directly with providing medical support services to those infected with the virus. The office also provides healthy meals to people on the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk who would not have the means to otherwise feed themselves. The TCI Social Welfare Office assist with providing financial support to the unemployed and under employed living in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They directly impact single mothers, children, the disabled and the elderly by providing them with monetary support and where possible, food and clothing in some cases.

By Benneth Williams

January 9 - 15, 2016

Christmas and New Year message BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE JAMES SMITH ONCE again we find ourselves in the holiday season, that very special time of year when we join with our friends and loved ones in sharing centuries old traditions and spending time with family and friends. I want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and remind you that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is here to protect you and look after you and that we will be working thought this period to keep you safe. Whilst having fun and spreading good cheer I would ask that people do not drink and drive, designate a driver or make arrangements to be transported by someone else. Already this year we have seen too many terrible road crashes where individuals have suffered life changing injuries, all of these could be prevented. It’s also worth remembering that at this time of the year with lots of valuable presents, burglars are on the lookout for this and will take every opportunity to take advantage of your relaxed mood. Make sure to keep your homes and businesses well secured and keep any eye on your neighbours if they are away from home. Do not leave your vehicles unattended with the keys inside or your valuable property on show,

remove it from the vehicle or store it in the boot out of sight. We continue to deal with over 6,000 calls for help each year and attempt to get you the assistance you need in the quickest possible time. Some of these calls require men and women of the police force to walk towards danger. I recognise the sacrifices and commitment police officers make on a daily basis in the interest of public safety and assure you we will carry that same commitment into the New Year. On behalf of officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force we wish you, your families and loved ones a safe and happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

FSC employee gets trademark training in Wales

AN EMPLOYEE of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) is jetting out to Wales later this month to get some specialised training in trademarks and designs. Symadia Ingham, senior trademarks and patents administrator, will spend three weeks at the UK Intellectual Property Office for the trademark and designs examiner training programme. The programme, scheduled for January 25 to February 12 in Cardiff, was initially developed to address training needs and will include participation of 13 offices. A press release from the FSC on December 22, 2015, said: “While the commission recognises that the lack of patent examiners and of regional patent offices together with the need

for modern local legislation continue to hinder development of this revenue stream for small jurisdictions it sees the TCI first participation as an essential step towards addressing the challenges the region faces with patent and trademarks registration.” The Trademark Ordinance 1981 regulates the Registration of Trademark services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Registrar of Trademarks is responsible for all registrations of marks and services in the Financial Services Commission. Over the recent years, there has been an increasing overseas interest in bringing this industry to the Islands. Trademarks Ordinance and Patent Ordinance revised edition can be found on http://www. tcifsc.tc.

January 9 - 15, 2016

Year in review JANUARY

1) Ministerial shake-up and new ministry announced

THREE ministers of Government retained their portfolios while the other three were assigned to different ministries, in a midterm Cabinet reshuffle of the Rufus Ewing-led Government. The shake-up, which Premier Rufus Ewing assured was by no means an indication of lack of confidence in any minister, was announced on January 8, 2015, at the Hilly Ewing building in Providenciales. He said the changes would ensure that the Government meets the mandate they set themselves, that of delivering for the people.

2) Gas and power prices remain high

PETROL prices and power costs remained high despite earlier Government assurances that they would plummet. The cost of gas per gallon was a low of $5.65 at some service stations – a small reduction from about $6.50 in August. According to the Leader of the Opposition the reductions were simply not enough considering that global crude oil prices had hit a five year low.

3) Court to decide on review into Blue Heron Aviation land lease

LAND obtained by the Government for expansion to the public airport was used instead for a private commercial venture, it was alleged. A judicial review was being sought on decisions by the TCI Airport Authority (TCIAA) and/or the Government to lease certain Crown land to M Aviation for a fixed based operation (FBO) at Providenciales International Airport. The application for the review also questioned the decision by the TCIAA and/or the Government to provide support and facilitation to M Aviation Ltd, Blue Heron Ltd and Signature Flight Support, who are listed as interested parties in the application.

4) Multimillion dollar private air centre opens

A LUXURIOUS multimillion dollar private air centre officially opened in Providenciales on January 12 before scores of guests. Blue Heron Aviation, which is run by US aviation company Signature Flight Support, is located off South Dock Road opposite the newly revamped public terminal at Providenciales International Airport. The $16 million contemporary facility features a large terminal with lounges and office space, 11 acres of aircraft parking and a hangar.

5) September now tentative date for corruption trial

QUEEN’s Counsel Malcolm Bishop and special prosecutor for the Special Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT), Andrew Mitchell predicted September for the start of the trial involving Michael Misick and nine others. On January 13 the Court of Appeal ruled that the trial should be stayed until the two appeals in the Privy Council were heard and determined.

6) Skippings’ forms new party to contest 2016 elections

OSWALD SKIPPINGS, former Chief Minister and leader of the PDM, signalled his intention to compete in the 2016 general elections with the formation of a new and independent alliance. He told the Weekly News on January 22 that he was putting together a cadre of independent minded people who have the country at heart and who are committed to people and not party.

7) Olint boss released from Her Majesty’s Prison

CONFESSED conman David Smith was released from Her Majesty’s Prison in the Turks and Caicos Islands on January 22 after serving just three years. Smith was convicted of multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering both in the TCI and the US in 2010 and 2011.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

He was sentenced to six and a half years in prison in the TCI and 30 years in the United States. Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles confirmed his release.

8) Premier lifts lid on hospital costs

INTERHEALTH Canada receives more than $44.4 million every year in public funds to run the country’s two hospitals, according to Premier Rufus Ewing. That means that when its 25 year contract with the Government is over in 2033 the healthcare provider will have raked in more than $1,110,000,000.

9) PDM not surprised at Skippings

LEADER of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said the party was not surprised that former party leader Oswald Skippings intended to contest the 2016 general elections independently. Skippings announced his intention to come together with other people to form an independent alliance and possibly a party to compete against the PDM, PNP and the PPP parties.

10) Police, Gov’t to contest Adams’ lawsuit

THE GOVERNMENT, the Police Commissioner and the four police officers named in a lawsuit brought by Roderick ‘Rico’ Adams, signalled their intention to defend themselves against the claim. The lawsuit, filed in 2014, accused the Attorney General, the Commissioner and the police officers of wrongful/unlawful arrest, and malicious and criminal proceedings against the 27-year-old.

FEBRUARY 1) Lenders rush to refinance TCI loan – Finance Minister

WITH an operating surplus in excess of $60 million for just three quarters of the 2014/2015 financial year, it was no surprise that the economic performance of the Turks and Caicos Islands was causing international lenders to come knocking. This was according to the Minister of Finance, Washington Misick during a press conference at the immigration and arrivals section of the Providenciales International Airport on February 4.

2) Finance Minister to receive retirement back pay

FORMER Chief Minister and current Minister of Finance, Washington Misick was to receive back pay owed to him following the 2004 increase to the retiring allowances for Chief Ministers. On January 28 the House of Assembly passed the Retiring Allowance (Legislative Service) (Special Provisions) Ordinance 2015. The purpose of the bill is to ensure that every Chief Minister who retired from office before 2003 or prior to the enactment of the retiring allowance (legislative service) (amendment) ordinance of 2004, and who did not benefit from the increase provided under the amendment, will receive the back pay due.

3) Recuse yourself Judge Paul Harrison – defendants

AN APPARENT conflict of interest arose in the corruption case and the presiding judge Paul Harrison was strongly encouraged to recuse (disqualify) himself. Harrison’s dual roles as chairman of an anti-corruption parliamentary commission in Jamaica and as the judge presiding over a corruption trial in the Turks and Caicos Islands came under fire on February 10.

4) Four killed in plane crash

FOUR people were killed when a small private aeroplane crashed in Miami moments after taking off on route to the Turks and Caicos Islands. According to CBS Miami the twin engine plane crashed on

February 11 in the area of SW 144th Street and Krome Avenue.

5) Referendum on independence included constitutional recommendations

TWO thirds of the voter population of the Turks and Caicos Islands could pass a referendum for independence, a new proposed constitutional provision stipulated. The motion was presented by Premier Rufus Ewing during the February 11 sitting of the House of Assembly. The members were discussing the report of the Constitutional Review Committee and making adjustments and additions to the chairman’s report of proposed changes to the 2011 Constitution.

6) Michael Misick to contest PNP chairmanship

LOOKING out for the people of the Islands while at the same time positioning his party to win the 2016 general elections, were reasons why Michael Misick said he would contest the chairmanship of the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) in April. The former Premier made the announcement on February 18 during a televised local programme (Average Joe).

7) Premier demands businesses give jobs to locals

PREMIER Rufus Ewing put business operators on notice that the Government would not tolerate them overlooking unemployed Islanders. “This practice of overlooking my people stops here and it will no longer be business as usual. “Moving forward, I will expect your efforts to employ, train, retain, promote and pay Turks and Caicos Islanders to be genuine, earnest, strategic and meaningful, and this expectation applies to all businesses, public, private and statutory.” The Premier made these statements on February 19 in an address to the nation.

8) No recusal and no appeal

FOLLOWING a decision not to recuse (disqualify) himself from the corruption trial, Justice Paul Harrison then refused to entertain a defence application for leave to appeal his decision. The application for leave was made by former Premier Michael Misick’s local attorney, Beryn Duncanson, while the other defendants took a neutral position on the issue of appeal. In deciding to stay on for the trial, Harrison pointed out that the arguments put forward by the defence counsels were not sufficient for him to exit the case.

9) Lime issues proposal to take over Islandcom

TELECOMS Company Lime issued a proposal to take over the assets of seven-year-old indigenous communications provider Islandcom. However Lime would not be acquiring Islandcom’s staff as part of the deal and the fate of current workers was unknown. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Lime headquarters on Leeward Highway in Providenciales on February 26.

10) TCI officials meet with regional banks

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands dipped its toes back into the sovereign bond market during a financial roadshow in Trinidad and Tobago. On February 25 Caribbean bond institutions met in the twin island republic where new investment opportunities in the TCI were unveiled.

11) No extradition request as yet from US for David Smith

AUTHORITIES in the Turks and Caicos Islands awaited a request from the United States for David Smith’s extradition. On February 23 Smith along with his lawyer, Queen’s Counsel Oliver Smith appeared in a Providenciales Magistrate Court before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner. CONTINUED 

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Warner was advised by the Crown that no official request had as yet been submitted by the US courts to the Attorney General Chambers in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

12) Last rebuilt hurricane damaged home handed over

THE SUCCESSFUL delivery of the $6.25 million project which saw 58 homes rebuilt or repaired following hurricanes Ike and Hannah in 2008 was officially marked in Grand Turk on February 26. The closing ceremony was presided over by Ambassador Paola Amadei, Head of the European Delegation to Jamaica, Belize, Bahamas, Turk and Caicos Islands Cayman Islands.

MARCH 1) Appropriations Committee scrutinises budget

THE APPROPRIATIONS Committee of the House of Assembly met at the NJS Francis Building to review the budget estimates contained in the 2015/2016 Budget. In record time the budget was sent off to the UK, approved and returned and is up for scrutiny and debate. On March 5 Minister of Finance Washington Misick presented the document to the House. It projected a $224.7 million or a nine percent increase in the Government’s spending, tax cuts, investments in education and infrastructure and the delivery of $13.4 million surplus.

2) New Director of Public Prosecution appointed

UNITED Kingdom barrister John Masters replaced Canadian JoAnn Meloche as Director of Public Prosecution in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The appointment was announced by the Governor’s Office on March 10.

3) Premier satisfied with salary review for civil servants

ATTRACTING more locals to the civil service, rewarding just work with just pay and enhancing the professional development of workers were all part of the Government’s plan for public employees in 2015. With a $9 million budgetary allocation in the 2015/2016 Budget, the Government planned to up the salaries of 1,222 civil servants under a pay and regrading system in April. The civil service has in total 1,784 employees; this figure represents 1,484 established staff and 300 wage or ancillary staff.

4) PS Finance for trial on Monday

PERMANENT Secretary of Finance Athenee Harvey on March 23 appeared before Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale for trial on two corruption related offences. Harvey faced trial for an incident on August 7, 2014, in Grand Turk on a Carnival cruise ship where she allegedly did not pay custom duties on 25 pieces of luggage upon disembarking.

5) Police launch ‘Operation Dragnet’

AT THEIR annual crime overview, senior members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) updated the press on their plans for 2015, the challenges they continue to face and strategies they will be putting in place to tackle crime. On March 18 Wayne Jones, Acting Assistant Police Commissioner for A and B divisions with responsibility for the criminal investigations division (CID) and maritime, addressed the challenges facing the RTCIPF and the methods to be put in place. “We are engaged in an operation, which we put into operation yesterday (March 17) named ‘Operation Dragnet’ which will deal primarily with the burglaries that we have been experiencing throughout Providenciales.”

6) US formally requests David Smith’s extradition

UNITED States authorities sent in the formal extradition request for admitted fraudster David Smith.

continued

Smith, who was being detained on a provisional warrant, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on March 19 before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner and was formally arrested and taken into custody. The request arrived in the Islands this week and the order was sent on to the court by the Governor, Peter Beckingham.

7) Statistics show decrease in crime in 2014

POLICE revealed that 3,247 crimes were committed across the Islands in 2014, with an overall detection rate of 24 percent, a slight decrease in both respects from 2013. Freshly minted Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force, James Smith and several of his divisional commanders on March 18 updated the press on the crime statistics.

8) PNP elections called off

THE CHAIRMANSHIP of the Progressive National Party (PNP) was declared secure as the anticipated April elections were postponed indefinitely. The Weekly News confirmed this with current chairman, Trevor Cooke on March 26. In February this publication reported that former Premier Michael Misick had expressed his intention to contest the chairmanship of the PNP. 9) CORTEZ SIMMONS GETS LIFE A SOFT spoken and composed Hilda Caley, mother of slain 25year old Kaziah Burke, expressed her relief at the murder trial verdict. “Justice has been served,” was all Caley had to say to the press after Cortez Simmons was convicted of murder on March 25. The guilty verdict, which was announced at about 5.34pm, was greeted with calm by a packed courtroom at the Myrtle Rigby Courthouse in Providenciales after a trial that spanned three weeks and three days. Burke was shot multiple times and killed on April 13, 2013, at Uncle Dough’s bar on Airport Road in Providenciales.

10) ‘Green Budget’ passed with minor adjustments

THE ‘GREEN Budget,’ as touted by Minister of Finance Washington Misick was on March 26 passed by the House of Assembly with what he called minor adjustments. He told the Weekly News that the parliamentary committee only made minor adjustments within the various ministries but that it was essentially the same budget that was tabled earlier that month.

APRIL 1) Government signs $224m Ritz Carlton agreement

ON APRIL 2 the long awaited signing of the development agreement for the luxury hotel brand Ritz Carlton was finally inked by the Government and the Desarrollos Hotel Group. Desarrollos committed to build a $224 million Ritz Carlton hotel, resort, casino and spa in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales, with construction set to start November and lasting for about three years.

2) CJ refuses to review land deal for new FBO

LYNDON Gardiner, chairman of InterCaribbean Airways Ltd, finally broke his silence on a matter he called ‘a case worse than land flipping’ by the Government. On April 1 Gardiner spoke with the media following Chief Justice (CJ) Margaret Ramsay-Hale’s decision not to allow a judicial review into the legality of Crown land acquired by M Aviation from the TCI Airport Authority (TCIAA), for a fixed based operation (FBO). The review was requested by Gardiner’s company last November and came up for a hearing in January this year. The decision was finally handed down on April 1.

3) Opposition leader scrutinises 2015/2016 Budget, finds it lacking

ALTHOUGH expressing her party’s gratitude for the pay and

regrading exercise for public workers, Leader of the Opposition said that looking at the savings trend over the past few years, the Government cannot expect people to believe they could not spend money they did not have. The PDM leader, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson was at the time addressing the House of Assembly following the presentation of the 2015/2016 Budget. “Having looked at the savings trend over the years and the revenue and contributions to the sinking fund, the Government cannot seriously expect persons to believe the new line that ‘we could not spend monies we did not have’.”

4) Too many abuses in distribution of Crown land – PDM leader

LEADER of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson called on the Government to, as a matter of urgency, review the Crown Land Ordinance. During her presentation to the budget debate, Cartwright Robinson stated that her party would not abandon its call for a comprehensive review of the Crown Land Ordinance and the return of lands to an elected representative (unnamed). “I say it is an insult and I can say that the process before the period of alleged abuses worked and we cannot understand why the Premier and his Government have not yet brought this important legislation.”

5) Lawyer argues in David Smith’s case

LAWYER for convicted fraudster David Smith challenged the contents of an affidavit related to Smith’s extradition to the United States. On April 8 attorney at law Oliver Smith threw a spanner in the works of the extradition of his client. Smith and his lawyer appeared before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner in the Downtown Providenciales Magistrate’s Court for what was supposed to have been a preliminary hearing into the United States’ official request for his extradition.

6) Comprehensive audit of money owed needed – PDM

THE OPPOSITION PDM called for a comprehensive audit of all money owed to and by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. The call was made by Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, during the sitting of the House of Assembly in March. She said: “In this complete financial statement, it would be useful to hear of the amount of monies owed outside of structured debt, but also in reimbursements or monies held in trust and also a statement of arrears.”

7) Work permits still being used to balance the budget

THE MASSIVE yield from work permits in the 2014/2015 financial year, some $17.2 million, had the Opposition once again criticising the Government for using this revenue stream as a budget balancer. PDM leader, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson during her budget presentation in the House of Assembly previously pointed to the high revenue earners – work permits and immigration fees – criticising the Government for continually using these streams to bolster their budget.

8) Minimum wage will increase on May 15, Finance Minister assures

MINISTER of Finance, Washington Misick on April 9 gave assurances that the delay in the 25 percent increase in the minimum wage was a mere administrative misstep. He told the Weekly News that: “It is very simple - it got pushed back because the necessary administrative steps weren’t taken to have it published. “It will definitely be from May 15.” He noted that the relevant ministry simply needs to go through the procedural issues to have it gazetted, and as far as he is aware that is the only issue.

9) Dozens of TCI bound Haitians perish at sea

(Reuters) - AS MANY as 40 Haitian migrants were feared dead after their ship bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands capsized in the Caribbean off Haiti’s north coast, the US Coast Guard

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

said on April 10. At least 21 dead bodies had been recovered since the ship went down, according to the Haitian government. “The Haitian Coast Guard rescued 12 survivors but advised that 19 were still missing,” the US Coast Guard said in a statement.

10) Outgoing hospital CEO wants capitation agreement in place for facility

JILL Magri, the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of the Interhealth Canada’s hospital in the Turks and Caicos Islands, said she would like to see the hospital contract changed over to the capitation method it should have in its second year of operation. Magri was at the time speaking with the media during the five year anniversary celebration of the hospital on April 10 about the improvements she would like to see put in place. Capitation is a pre-determined amount for what the healthcare of the country would cost.

11) Financial sector review lists overall public debt at $192m

THE LAST quarterly report on the economic review of the Turks and Caicos Islands finances for 2014 showed that the Government had $192,646,000 in total outstanding public debt. The report, a copy of which was obtained by the Weekly News, indicated that after the RBTT bonds of $170,000,000, which are guaranteed by the United Kingdom Government, are retired in 2016, there remains unsecured TCIG bank loans in the amount of $13,488,000 and TCI Invest loans of $9,158,000.

12) Provo tops the world

VACATIONERS were extremely pleased with the beauty, tranquillity and the hospitality of the Turks and Caicos Islands, so much so that Providenciales was rated travellers’ choice number one island by TripAdvisor. The accolade of world’s top island was announced on April 21 to much excitement and happy greetings by the Government, the Opposition, Belongers and residents across social media and the airwaves.

MAY 1) TCI banks well capitalised - IMF finds

BANKS in the Turks and Caicos Islands were found to be well capitalised more than banks in other Caribbean countries even as they continue to suffer the effects of the global financial downturn. This was the view of Hiroko Oura, team leader of a six member delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that recently conducted a financial assessment in the TCI.

2) Provo Air Centre appeals CJ’s denial of judicial review

ON APRIL 29 Provo Air Centre filed a notice of appeal of Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale’s denial of a review into the legality of Crown land acquired by M Aviation from the TCI Airport Authority, for a fixed based operation (FBO). In a statement to the press Lyndon Gardiner, chairman of Provo Air Centre stated that he had taken the next step in the process of receiving a fair hearing.

3) Privy Council hears appeals in corruption trial

ON MONDAY and Tuesday (May 11 and 12), the Privy Council was set to hear arguments related to the independence of Justice Paul Harrison and whether the correct standard of proof was applied by the judge in denying ten corruption accused a trial by jury. Judge Harrison is the jurist presiding over the trial of former Premier Michael Misick and nine others, some of whom were a part of his Cabinet while he was Premier.

4) Deputy Governor exonerated in cruise centre incident

DEPUTY Governor, Anya Williams was cleared of any breach of the code of conduct for persons in public life for an August 7,

continued

2014 incident at the Grand Turk cruise ship centre. The Integrity Commission on May 5 released the findings of the inquiry held on March 17 and May 4. “Having considered all the evidence adduced and hearing submissions from counsel, the commission found that there is no cogent evidence whatsoever of any conduct, whether by commission or omission on the part of the Deputy Governor, which amounts to a contravention of the code of conduct,” the release read.

5) Finance industry regulator develops action plan

CREATING an annual business plan, meeting with Government officials, and regular consultation with the finance sector were just some of the aims of the Financial Services Commission (FSC). The industry regulator developed an action plan following the results of an independent investigation which was commissioned by the Governor’s Office last year. Steve Johnson, a former Treasury official and adviser to the overseas territories, visited from the UK to conduct the weeklong review in January. In February Governor Peter Beckingham presented the final report to FSC chairman Sir Eroll Allen and managing director Kevin Higgins.

6) Cultural and Arts Commission dissolution sparks outrage

A BILL to dissolve the Turks and Caicos Islands Culture and Arts Commission and to repeal the Culture and Arts Commission Ordinance on May 14 met with opposition in the House of Assembly. Opposition Leader, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and other members on her side of the house made it quite clear that they did not support the dissolution of the commission. In her contribution to the bill, which was tabled by Minister of Education and Culture Akierra Missick, the party leader categorically denied it her support.

7) Gov’t recalls charge on insurance and freight

A BILL to repeal the 15 percent charge on the cost of insurance and freight was on May 14 hotly debated in the House of Assembly. The bill was tabled by Minister of Finance Washington Misick, who had in 2013 introduced the new measure effective July 1, 2013. It applied to Bills of Lading whether freight and insurance are prepaid or post-paid, at a charge of 15 percent on the value of freight and insurance.

8) Breakdown in MOU talks with Haiti

THE LONG talked about signing of a memorandum of understanding to tackle illegal migration among other things with Haiti seemed to have broken down with little to no chance of the document seeing the light of day. The revelation was made on May 14 when Minister of Border Control and Employment, Don-Hue Gardiner told members of the House of Assembly that “there is not now any proposal for a memorandum of understanding with Haiti”. Gardiner was at the time responding to a question on the status of the talks with the Haitian Government from Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson.

9) Toddler found dead in pool during party

A TODDLER was found dead at the bottom of a swimming pool during a pool party in the vicinity of the Courtyard Plaza, Providenciales, on May 16. There were a number of attempts from family members to revive the child with CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation), but all were unsuccessful. According to police press officer Audley Astwood, 911 operators received a phone call from someone stating that a three-year-old child (name undisclosed by police) was not breathing and they were seeking assistance.

10) Pay increased for regarded public servants

CIVIL servants who were tipped to receive salary increases due

to the pay and regrading exercise were the happy recipients of said increases on May 21, the Government said. The increases were targeted at those with the required technical and professional competencies, especially those working in the fields of education, health, immigration and firefighters.

11) Washy’s tirade stirs heated debate

MINISTER of Finance Washington Misick came in for both praise and some heat for statements he made in the House of Assembly on May 14 about foreign nationals celebrating their culture in the Turks and Caicos Islands. On social media, the minister’s statements sparked the most heat between those who agreed with him and residents of the Islands who felt slighted by what they perceived as an attack against foreigners.

JUNE 1) Clinton foundation backs renewable energy in TCI

THE TCI was set to benefit from a Clinton Foundation Climate Initiative and Rocky Mountain Institute partnership aimed at promoting green energy in the Caribbean. The partnership will combine the work of several initiatives: the Resilient Communities Programme of the Clinton Climate Initiative and the joint Ten Island Challenge of Rocky Mountain Institute and Sir Richard Branson’s Carbon War Room.

2) TCI wins Caribbean Tourism Organisation student symposium

STUDENTS from the TCI Community College emerged victorious from the annual student colloquium in New York during the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Caribbean week. The competition challenged students to present creative ideas for sustainable tourism projects or business initiatives in the Caribbean. 2015’s competition saw four countries battling for the top prize with the TCI snagging the first place prize in the end.

3) PDM addresses downsizing at Beaches

LEADER of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and other members of the PDM met the management of Beaches TCI to discuss the recent downsizing of their operations which left several people unemployed. In a statement to the press on June 18, the party leader outlined their meeting with the resort, but still questioned what would happen to the vacant positions and what message is now being sent young Islanders seeking employment and those still employed with the resort. “We were told initially that there were 23 persons, four of whom were Islanders, two PRC [permanent resident certificate] holders and the rest were guest workers who were recruited from overseas.

4) Man shot by police during attempted robbery

NINETEEN-year old Jeff Walkin was shot dead by police during an exchange of gunfire along Granny Hill Road in Five Cays in the early hours of the morning. According to police, the teen, along with another man, was involved in an attempted robbery at the time of the shooting. Police said that about 12.58am officers on patrol in the area responded to a call from a resident of an attempted robbery.

5) MOU with Haiti still being worked out - Governor

THE GOVERNOR’s Office confirmed that attempts were still being made to work out a suitable and mutually beneficial Memorandum of Understanding with Haiti. In an invited comment from this publication a representative from Governor Peter Beckingham’s office on June 10 conveyed that the Governor was still hopeful that the MOU would be agreed to and signed. Beckingham’s hope was however contrary to Minister of Border Control Don-Hue Gardiner’s, who in May reported to CONTINUED 

Year in review 16

the House of Assembly that he has little to no hope of one being signed.

6) Laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands 2014 revised edition published

THE 2014 revised edition of the Laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands was published, the Government announced on June 11. The 2014 revised edition came into force on June 15 and contained the consolidated text of the ordinances and subsidiary legislation of the Turks and Caicos Islands as at December 31, 2014. The new edition is in the form of loose leaf volumes bound and is accompanied by a searchable CD-ROM.

7) Increase in overall GSAT pass rate in 2015

VINCENT Zamora and Shawn Gardiner, both of Precious Treasures, as well as Alex Swaby of Oseta Jolly Primary School were the top performers in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) in the TCI. Information out of the Ministry of Education was that 445 students sat the exam, from 21 primary schools across the country on May 27 and 28. Minister of Education Akierra Missick said: “We at the ministry would like to congratulate all the candidates and their parents who worked with them over the past eight years to bring them to this milestone. “It remains a priority to ensure those children who were not successful not be daunted or too discouraged.”

8) Opposition engage top cop on crime situation

THE PEOPLE’S Democratic Movement (PDM) extended its hand to the Commissioner of Police, James Smith to assist in the apparent worsening crime situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. At a meeting with members of the press, party leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said that they requested a meeting with the Commissioner to hear of the challenges being faced and how they can as community and national leaders be of greater assistance. The party leader pointed to the spate of violent and aggressive crimes when home invasions and robberies are becoming disturbingly common place.

9) Canada to assist TCI in several areas

THE CANADIAN Government promised to lend support to the Turks and Caicos Islands in the areas of border control, police training and many others. That is according to Premier Rufus Ewing who was reporting to the House of Assembly on May 13 on a visit to the North American country by Minister of Border Control Don-Hue Gardiner and a delegation. He said there was much discussion in the area of regional security and Canada agreed to include the TCI in regional anticrime capacity building programming, with a focus on border control and police training, as specific projects of interest are developed.

10) HIV treatment programme for clinics

THE MINISTRY of Health piloted the integration of the HIV care and treatment programme into its primary healthcare clinic delivery system to provide a more holistic patient centred approach to care. That was according to Premier and Minister of Health, Rufus Ewing during his address to the House of Assembly on May 13. “We are also beginning to integrate HIV education messages into the general health education messages as we seek to strengthen our health promotion unit,” Ewing told members.

11) Governor addresses shooting incidents

GOVERNOR Peter Beckingham expressed his regret and dismay at the fatalities and shootings in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In a statement to the press on June 23, the Governor said: “I deeply regret the tragic death of three residents in Providenciales and Grand Turk in the last four months, and would first like to offer my condolences to the families of those killed. “I had the opportunity to speak briefly to the parents and relatives of Kevino Smith in Grand Turk recently. “I understand their frustrations at the absence so far of any

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

continued

arrests in connection with Kevino’s death.”

12) Another gun amnesty is not the answer – Commissioner

IN THE wake of a number of suspected gang related shootings involving guns, the Commissioner of Police and Premier met to map out an approach to the worsening problem. One of the decisions taken by the Commissioner during that meeting was that another gun amnesty in the Islands would be as ineffective as the last one, and as such would not be instituted as a first priority. That was according to Premier Rufus Ewing, who met with the media at his Providenciales office on June 23.

JULY 1) TCI Integrity Commission elected to regional ethics body

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands’ Integrity Commission was elected into the first executive committee of a newly formed integrity commissions and anti-corruption bodies of Commonwealth Caribbean. At the beginning of a five-day, first ever conference held in Grenada, an association of these institutions was inaugurated on June 22 by the Governor-General of Grenada, Dame Cecile La Grenade.

2) Premier reps TCI at CARICOM heads of gov’t meeting

PREMIER Rufus Ewing joined several heads of states from around the Caribbean in Barbados on July 2 at the 36th regular meeting of the conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The theme of the high level meetings was ‘vibrant societies, resilient economies: A partnership for implementation’.

3) Increase in crime for 2015

POLICE confirmed that for the first five months of 2015, there had been a spike in crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands. During a press conference on June 30 Acting Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams delivered the crime figures for the year to date (January 1 to May 31). For the period January 1 to May 31, there were 1,414 crimes reported in the Islands; 277 or 20 percent were detected. Forty-seven crimes which were reported in previous months were detected in January to May period, making an overall detection of 324. Average number of crimes per day was nine.

4) Marriott group execs pay courtesy call on TCI Gov’t

JOHN Willard (JW) Jr of Marriott International Inc along with Walter Stipa of Desarollos Hotelco TCI met with members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government during an official courtesy call. Present were Governor Peter Beckingham, Premier Rufus Ewing, and Cabinet ministers, as well as representatives of the Office of the Premier, Ministry of Finance, Attorney General Chambers and the Investment Unit.

5) December 1 fixed for trial of Misick and others

THE TRIAL of former Premier Michael Misick and nine others was affirmed for December 1, following moves by some defendants to have the date vacated. On June 30 the date was firmly fixed during a hearing before Justice Paul Harrison. Michael Misick, McAllister Hanchell and Jeffrey Hall applied to have the date cancelled, but their efforts were resisted by the Crown and subsequently rejected by the judge, a brief release from the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) read.

6) TCI maintains sovereign BBB+ rating

GLOBAL ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) maintained its BBB+ rating for the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a

continued stable outlook for the Islands. The good news came out on June 30 following a ratings exercise in the Islands in May. This strong grading followed TCI’s first sovereign rating in 2014 which provided global recognition of its financial reforms and fiscal success, a Government release on the rating read.

7) Blue Hills residents call on Gov’t to address their concerns

RESIDENTS of the Blue Hills community turned out in numbers to express their concerns over issues directly affecting them to their elected member, Goldray Ewing. At the top of the agenda was the escalation of crime in their community, the lack of activities for the young, the general uncleanliness of the area, the lack of jobs and the increasing numbers of illegal developments and businesses, a release from the PDM stated. They expressed their concerns candidly and without apology calling on the police and the Government to urgently address the matter of crime.

8) Taxi driver found dead in Kew Town home

SIDNEY Stuart, former driver for ex-Premier Michael Misick, was found dead in his Kew Town home in Providenciales on July 14. Stuart’s lifeless body was discovered at about 3.03pm by friends. After receiving reports of the incident, police and an ambulance rushed to the scene. The 45-year-old taxi driver was pronounced dead by a doctor in attendance.

9) Taylor continues to address the needs of Leeward

PDM seat caretaker Ezra Taylor continued to serve the constituency that had given him a near victory in 2012, a release from the party on July 13 read. Mindful of the increased number of robberies in the Leeward and Long Bay Hills areas, Taylor began a door to door campaign with a member of community policing. This gesture was well appreciated and residents were thrilled to see this partnership, the party said.

10) Dispute over unsatisfactory meals at GDT wellness centre

ELECTED member for Grand Turk South and Salt Cay, Edwin Astwood raised concerns about the meals or lack thereof provided to the senior residents of the Grand Turk Wellness Centre. During brief statements in the House of Assembly on July 20, Astwood brought the issue to the House’s attention, sparking denials and explanations from the Government benches. The PDM member said that on July 19 he visited the facility and was aghast at what he found there.

AUGUST 1) CMK discusses buyout of South Caicos development with Gov’t

Cabinet looked at proposals from CMK Sailrock Limited related to the acquisition of property from High Point development (Caicos Beach Club) on South Caicos on July 30. Earlier CMK bought the property on the auction block from Scotia Bank, which had foreclosed on it. The sale of the property, which has sparked some amount of dispute by investors and the former developers, has led to the former developers announcing their intention to sue the bank and maybe the Government.

2) Breezy Brae human remains that of Kevino Smith

FORENSIC analysis of the human remains retrieved from the bushes in the Breezy Brae area in Grand Turk confirmed that they were that of missing man Kevino Smith. Smith, who went missing since March 4, was long believed to be the dead man, but police were only given confirmation of this on July 24 by the US lab where specimens were sent off for examination some months ago.

Year in review January 9 - 15, 2016

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rodney Adams, along with Clifford Henry, Assistant Superintendent, Divisional Commander for Grand Turk and Pastor Chad Archibold broke the news to the public during a press conference on Tuesday, at the police headquarters in Grand Turk.

3) Dominican poachers captured, fined by TCI court

TWENTY-EIGHT poachers from the Dominican Republic were this week charged and taken before the court where they were each fined $5,400. The poachers appeared before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner on Tuesday (July 28) where they pleaded guilty to eight offences. The men, together with 14 unlicensed vessels were apprehended on Thursday, July 23, after Enforcement Officers from the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) reacted to a tip-off from the TCI’s Marine Police Air Patrol.

4) Former Premier’s attorney registers disappointment with CJ’s ruling

QUEEN’s Counsel Ralph Thorne and lawyer for former Premier Michael Misick made his disappointment known at the August 5 ruling of the Supreme Court on his constitutional motion. On August 4 the former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Michael Misick, through his lawyers Mr Ralph Thorne QC instructed by Mr Beryn Duncanson of Duncanson & Co, applied to the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands for declarations that 1) the court established to hear the criminal trial of Mr Misick and others is unconstitutional, 2) that the Trial Without a Jury Ordinance is unconstitutional; and 3) that the preferment of multiple charges against Misick constituted a breach of the constitutional guarantee for lawful administrative action.

5) Child shoots self in the head with uncle’s gun

TWENTY-six-year-old Daniel Been Jr, believed to be the uncle of the deceased child, was charged with carrying a firearm and keeping ammunition, both of which were used in the fatal shooting. TWO charges were been laid against a man following the tragic death of a four-year-old boy who shot himself in the head during the early morning hours of July 26 at a home in South Dock, Providenciales. He appeared in Providenciales Magistrates Court on July 29 before Chief Magistrate, Clifton Warner and was remanded to prison until September 4.

6) Hall and Gardiner bemoan lack of civic pride

THE UNWILLINGNESS of the public to provide the police with any information they may have regarding crimes and criminal activity in the Islands drew the ire of Speaker of the House of Assembly Robert Hall. On August 29 Hall addressed what he sees as a change in attitude in the Turks and Caicos Islands when it comes to crime; a topic which has been on the tongues and minds of many in recent months.

7) Imprisonment of poachers costs Gov’t $5k per day

THE DOMINICAN poachers arrested for illegal fishing in the TCI’s waters were unable to come up with the required funds to avoid the six months imprisonment time set by Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner last week. As such, the men remained at Her Majesty’s Prison at the expense of the Government, while the $5,400 fines went unpaid.

8) CJ rules on Mike’s application

SHORT shrift was given to a court filing by former Premier Michael Misick by Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale. The court application filed by Misick’s senior counsel, Ralph Thorne, QC, sought a stay of the December 1 trial, and dealt with a challenge to the constitutionality of the trial judge Paul Harrison’s court, as well as the power of the court to order a trial without a jury. Andrew Mitchell, prosecutor for the Special Investigation

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

continued

and Prosecution Team (SIPT), along with an associate, joined the hearing via video and audio link from the United Kingdom.

on this issue,” Cartwright Robinson said during the August 17 sitting of the House of Assembly in Grand Turk.

9) Another man shot and killed

16) Gov’t invests $1.4 million in Kew Town and Glass Shack roads

RESIDENTS woke up to the news of yet another fatal shooting in Providenciales this time in Blue Hills on August 6. Police told press that they called to the scene on Bay Road at about 9.24pm the night before. According to a police report, the 31-year-old man was found lying on the floor at a bar called Tropical Bar with a gunshot wound to his head. He was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he was pronounced dead by a doctor. No one else was injured in the incident.

10) Mega-One Triton to be removed from Grand Turk beach

GOVERNMENT promised to issue a request for proposals and bids for the scrapping and removal of the Mega-One Triton vessel from Governor’s Beach in Grand Turk. The decision to finally remove the vessel was agreed to during the August 5 Cabinet meeting in Providenciales. The cargo ship, was initially disabled and anchored off Government Dock in the capital, and was eventually grounded at Governor’s Beach during the passage of hurricane Sandy in October 22, 2002.

11) SIPT allegedly threatened, requests money for protection

NOT another cent, was the strong message the Rufus Ewing administration sent to the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) and a direct challenge to the UK Government to reach into their purse. The bold statement came on August 6 when local press questioned the Government on a request for additional monies by the Prosecution Team. Ewing was concerned that the body had asked for $4.3million for the provision of security for the SIPT members, in addition to what had already been budgeted in the 2015/2016 budget $8million ($4 million for the prosecution and another $4 million for legal aid).

12) Trio takes on airport land dispute

THE AIRPORT land dispute came up again with a talk show host, a reverend and a local businessman calling for a reversal of the Chief Justice’s decision not to hear the case and for her to remove herself from the case. Radio talk show host, Dr Edward Smith, Reverend Courtney Missick and businessman Gilbert Selver on August 19 called on Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay Hale to recuse herself while at the same time accused the Government of deceiving the public in the land deal.

14) PDM calls on residents to participate in immigration bill consultation

THE OPPOSITION on August 20 called on members of the public to attend all public meetings being held by the Government on the Immigration Bill and Turks and Caicos Islander Status Bill. In a statement to press, the party recalled that they had continuously voted down the Immigration Bill last year due to the Government’s failure to consult on the new provisions that are now presented and which are different from the recommendations of the people contained in three separate reports over the past 11 years.

15) Opposition calls out Gov’t on UN human trafficking report

LEADER of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson called on the Government to address the issue of human trafficking and forced labour in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The PDM leader’s call came on the heels of the United Nations report on human trafficking published recently, in which the TCI was unfavourably mentioned. “The Government has been silent on multiple reports (three that I am aware of) that include these Islands among countries where there exists forced sexual labour. “This also has negative implications for our country’s reputation. I wait to hear the Government’s official response

KEW Town residents started to see prominent roadworks being performed in the area as a result of a $1.465 million allocation in the 2015/2016 Budget. In an interview with the Weekly News on August 26, Minister of Infrastructure Amanda Missick said that the money would also cover roadworks in the Glass Shack area. She stated that the work began in the Dock Yard area and that completion of the work, between Kew Town and Glass Shack, was expected before the Christmas holidays.

17) PDM commends tourism boost and speaks on crime, sex labour

LEADER of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson congratulated the Tourist Board on the recent headlines that suggested that the TCI was moving towards all year round tourism. The party leader said that while this was a positive advancement for the Islands, she cautioned the Government not to put all its ‘eggs in one basket’. “In my budget response this year, I raise this matter of such a high dependence on tourism and the fact or reality that this industry is fickle and cannot be relied on so heavily.” She also raised the issue of internal factors that can negatively impact the Islands the booming tourism industry, namely crime, forced sex labour and interactions with tourists.

18 ) Governor approves $2.2m for SIPT security

GOVERNOR Peter Beckingham approved $2.2 million in a separate supplementary appropriation budget for the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force to provide security protection to the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT). The allocation was made after the House of Assembly had already passed a supplementary appropriations bill which did not include the $4.3 million initially requested by the Commissioner of Police.

19) Gov’t accuses UK of imperialism

ACTING Premier and Minister of Finance Washington Misick on August 26 condemned the Governor’s appropriation of tax payers’ money for the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team’s (SIPT) security needs. Responding to Governor Peter Beckingham’s announcement of the allocation of $2.2 million, $1.3 million less than was initially requested, to the police for the provision of the SIPT security, Misick reiterated the earlier stance by the TCI Government that the alleged threat was of little consequence when the country had more pressing and important needs to be met.

SEPTEMBER 1) Tourist found floating in water

A MAN who was believed to be vacationing in the Turks and Caicos Islands was found floating in waters near the Sands resort in Providenciales on September 3. According to police press officer, Audley Astwood, 911 officials received a phone call at about 10am that morning, stating that a body was seen floating in the water near the resort. It was alleged that the 85-year-old man was originally from Russia, but resided in New York.

2) Woman hospitalised after being shot nine times

A WOMAN was hospitalised after being shot nine times by a masked armed suspect in the vicinity of South Dock Road, Providenciales on August 31. In a press release issued by police officials, shortly before 10.30am that morning multiple gunshots were heard near a business place in South Dock. Shortly thereafter, a woman was discovered lying on the CONTINUED 

Year in review 18

ground with multiple gunshot wounds to her body. It was alleged that the woman was approached by a masked man armed with a firearm.

3) Father-of-three gunned down in Five Cays

A FORTY-six-year-old man died after he was shot several times a few yards from his home in Five Cays, Providenciales, on September 16. No motive was established for the brutal murder of fatherof-three Marielus Maximin, a former employee of Fortis TCI. He left to mourn, his wife Florence, who was six months pregnant and three children, aged 13 and nine, and 22-year-old Cindy.

4) Gov’t on Freedom of Information Bill

AN OPPOSITION-led Freedom of Information motion was passed in the House of Assembly on September 14, with no support from the Government benches. The motion sparked heated debate at times, with Minister of Border Control and Labour, Don-Hue Gardiner pointing out to the Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, who presented the motion, that the PDM does not direct the Government’s agenda. The contention, which was stated by the Opposition leader and later denied by the Government, was that the introduction of the bill was a promise made on the campaign trail in 2012 and one not kept to date.

5) Howell’s death deemed suspicious

THE LIFELESS body of Conrad Howell was discovered in bushes in Blue Mountain, Providenciales, on September 12 during a nationwide search by the police and scores of community members. Howell was reported missing by relatives on Friday, September 11, and was last seen on September 10.

6) Rev Howell hailed as a man of integrity and good humour

THE UNEXPECTED discovery of the lifeless body of the Reverend Dr Conrad Howell continued to stun and aggrieve many in the Turks and Caicos Islands, days after his death. Condolence messages poured in from the Government, the Governor, the Opposition and countless others over social media, with everyone praising the late Reverend on a life well lived and dedicated to the betterment of his fellow citizens in the Islands.

7) Cultivating a culture of compliance – anti-money laundering seminar

“THE LOCAL anti-money laundering compliance unit must ensure internal disciplinary measures are adhered, in an effort to protect businesses from being sanctioned for noncompliance.” This call was made by senior head and legal counsel of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Kenisha Bacchus, who was at the time speaking at a ‘Compliance in practice’ seminar on September 24 at The Palms. The compliance workshop was aimed at sensitising public and private sector officials, money laundering reporting officers (MLROs) and compliance officers on the risks and vulnerabilities of money laundering.

8) More attention to be placed on mental health

THIS year will see the establishment of a mental health group home for people living with chronic mental health conditions in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This was revealed by Dr Alicia Malcolm, Director of the Mental Health and Substance Dependence Department during an interview with the Weekly News. Dr Malcom said the centre would eliminate the need to refer people overseas who require long term care.

9) Controversial immigration and status bills passed

THE CONTROVERSIAL and contentious Immigration Bill and the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Bill were passed in the House of Assembly. And while the Opposition was still against aspects of the

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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bills and maintained that the consultation was unsatisfactory, Minister of Border Control and Employment, Donhue Gardiner was convinced that the bills would improve the lives of Turks and Caicos Islanders.

OCTOBER 1) Serious Crimes Investigation Unit to be established

PREMIER Rufus Ewing expressed grave concern about the rising level of crime in the country, and particularly that of serious and fatal nature. The concern was expressed following news of yet another gun related murder which occurred after a successful weekend of activities which sought to begin the national conversation on gun-related crime. It focused on educating young people and adults to “break the silence and stop the violence”.

bulldozer crushed and destroyed their homes and other property early October 15 in Pastors–Well Dock Yard. Awakening to the sounds of a huge machine outside their window, ravishing every obstacle in its path, was both a depressing and terrifying experience for many who illegally called the land home for over ten years.

8) Witness protection a possibility for the TCI

THE Turks and Caicos Islands could soon have its own witness protection programme, media personnel learned. The announcement was made by Larry Covington, law enforcement advisor for the Overseas Territories in the Caribbean to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Covington, who is based out of Miami, was in the TCI to meet with the Governor, Police Commissioner and Government officials to provide technical assistance for the formation of a security council.

9) Government must address drainage woes - Astwood

2) Senior pastor’s son shot dead in Dockyard

“GOVERNMENT must take a serious look, and get proper engineers to address the drainage issues facing Five Cays and the country at large.” This comment was made by parliamentary representative of Five Cays Sean Astwood during an exclusive interview with this newspaper on October 22. Astwood said residents of Five Cays and other flood prone areas were constantly subjected to prolonged flooding due to lack of proper drainage and irrigation systems.

3) Hurricane Joaquin ravages TCI

10) Gov’t called on to revisit Grand Turk beach access

THE BODY of 26-year-old Raymano Taylor was discovered lying lifeless in front of his home in Dockyard, Kew Town, Providenciales about 6am on September 28. Taylor’s body was found lying face down on the road with multiple gunshot wounds to his back, neck and shoulders. The young man was the son of senior pastor Dale Taylor of the Revival Faith Centre, Potter’s House, Grand Turk HURRICANE Joaquin raged through Turks and Caicos Islands and the eastern and central Bahamas leaving severe flooding, uprooted trees and damaged buildings in its path. A hurricane warning was in effect from September 28 for the central Bahamas and the northwestern Bahamas including the Abacos, Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island, New Providence, Crooked Island, Southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

4) DDME did not drop the ball - Director

LOCAL tour operators and vendors in Grand Turk called on the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to revisit its move to grant exclusive beach access to Carnival Cruise line, since this move was severely affecting their livelihood. In this regard an association dubbed the ‘Turks and Caicos Independent Tour Operators Association’ was formed to make an appeal to the Government for an amicable solution for all parties involved.

IN THE wake of hurricane Joaquin and what some considered unfair criticism of the department by the Premier, Director of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergency (DDME), Dr Virginia Clerveaux, set the record straight. On October 8 Dr Clerveaux made it clear that contrary to statements made by Premier Rufus Ewing last week, her department did all it could with the resources they had. “DDME did not drop the ball, we followed procedures and our procedures say that the Bahamas meteorological office is the agency with authority for disseminating information to the Turks and Caicos Islands about alerts and warnings and when information was received from the Bahamas they were disseminated to the public by multiple mediums.”

11) Mentally ill prisoners’ human rights being violated by Gov’t, says lawyer

5) Police recruit overseas crime fighting specialists

UTILITY regulators of 13 Caribbean countries discussed strategies to improve the telecommunications, electricity, natural gas, water and transportation sectors in the Caribbean. The 13th annual Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR) conference opened in Providenciales during a simple ceremony on October 28 at Beaches Resort and Spa.

THE Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force planned to recruit crime fighting specialists to help with the rising crime situation in the Islands. This announcement was made by Commissioner of Police, James Smith at a press conference in Providenciales. The money for the recruitments will come as a result of a $500,000 supplementary appropriation recently approved by the House of Assembly.

6) A Police HQ is an absolute necessity - Commissioner

SINCE his appointment as Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, James Smith continuously called for a purpose built police headquarters. And on October 14, when he met with the press in Providenciales he was no different. The Commissioner believed that the lack of such a much needed facility was seriously hindering the Force’s ability to effectively fight crime in the TCI.

7) Private developer demolishes illegal homes

SEVERAL Haitian families counted their losses after a

THE GOVERNMENT and the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands had been derelict in their duty to uphold the rights of mentally ill prisoners, as required by European Union convention on human rights. That was the view of attorney-at-law Courtenay Barnett, counsel for deceased inmate Alvin Stanford whose body was found lifeless in Her Majesty’s Prison cell on September 25. Barnett’s client allegedly succumbed after consuming his own faeces.

12) Utility regulators conference held in TCI

NOVEMBER 1) TCI’s economic and development strides lauded - Governor

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands’ economic and development strides were lauded by Governor Peter Beckingham. Beckingham, during the opening of the 13th annual Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR) conference on October 28 said the United Kingdom was impressed with the country’s economic turnaround.

2) TCI insurance broker challenges $1.5 million fine

A TURKS and Caicos Islands insurance broker challenged a whopping $1.5 million fine imposed by the country’s financial regulators.

Year in review January 9 - 15, 2016

Collin Sterling, managing director of Collin Sterling Chrystal (CSC) Insurance Brokers, took the Financial Services Commission (FSC) to court to battle the penalty.

3) Media fraternity urged to uphold integrity

MINISTER of Communications George Lightbourne urged local media practitioners to uphold professionalism, integrity and decency in the discharge of their duties. This call was made at the opening of the 13th annual Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR) conference on October 28 at Beaches Resort and Spa in Providenciales. Minister Lightbourne said: “Public service media must be transparent and must work toward the common good, the content these media houses generate must do more than just entertain.”

4) Juvenile centre officially completed

A NEW juvenile centre designed to house young offenders opened its doors on Old Airport Road in Providenciales. The Government funded the renovation, retrofitting and furnishing of the building at a cost of about $240,000, according to a press release on November 12. The facility can accommodate at least 12 juveniles (sex males and six females) in two separate sleeping quarters with shared social spaces.

5) FortisTCI introduces renewable energy programmes

FORTIS TCI, the country’s lone electricity provider, introduced two new renewable energy programmes aimed at making green power more affordable to the public. Customers with residential or utility scale solar power systems will now be able to interconnect with the electricity grid – with plans for wind power to be included in the future. The programmes dubbed ‘Customer Owned Renewable Energy’ (CORE) and ‘Utility Owned Renewable Energy’ (UORE) were launched at a simple ceremony on November 11 at FortisTCI’s main office in Providenciales.

6) Small businesses to get technical and financial support

LOCAL micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) will benefit from technical and financial support which will intrinsically foster greater development in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This came as the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) approved a $100.8 million loan for the Turks and Caicos Islands for the period 2015 to 2018. The loan which would be expended under a drawdown agreement was aimed at addressing social, economic and environmental challenges facing the country.

7) Jamaican businessman appeals court ruling in FSC case

JAMAICAN businessman Delroy Howell challenged the ruling given by Justice Robert A Shuster in his case against Kevin Higgins and the Financial Services Commission (FSC). Howell was the majority shareholder, founder and chairman of the board of directors of First Financial Trust Company, which was incorporated under Turks and Caicos Islands laws, on March 20, 2001. In October, Howell took the respondents, Higgins and the FSC, to court to recover damages for misfeasance in public office, malicious presentation of a winding up petition, loss of reputation and loss of business.

8) Supreme Court halts 12 storey building construction plans

THE SUPREME Court halted construction plans for a 12 storey high rise building after a joint complaint was filed by the proprietors of The Tuscany and The Venetian luxury condominiums in Grace Bay. The owners of the resorts filed the complaint after they were made aware of an application to construct a 12 storey building on land adjacent to the Venetian in November 2014 by notices sent to them and published in the Gazette. Judgment was handed down by Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay Hale giving them victory in the case.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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9) Lime gets $12m tax penalty write off

TELECOMS Company Lime will no longer have to pay a massive $12 million in penalties for late payment of telecommunications taxes. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government passed a motion for a write-off of the charges after a hearty debate in the House of Assembly on November 13. According to a press release from the Office of the Premier the same day, this was as a measure of good gesture to Lime, the longest standing corporate citizen of the TCI.

10) Residents start petition to stop privatisation of national parks

IRATE residents launched an online petition to the Government after it emerged that there were plans to release certain areas of the National Park for private development. The online petition was an attempt by a section of the public to repeal the Government’s consideration to convert specific areas of the park into development zones. This followed the Government’s proposal to make changes to the Turks and Caicos National Parks Ordinance.

11) DEMA clears air on ‘wise use’ clause for National Park changes

DR JOHN Claydon, Director of the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), cleared the air on issues raised by irate residents regarding changes to the National Parks Ordinance. Speaking to the Weekly News on November 24, Dr Claydon said: “A lot of people are worried that a ‘wise use’ clause means that if someone in Government thinks something is a good idea that means anything can happen at the National Park. “That’s definitely not the case. Substituting that word for ‘traditional use’ is in a very specific part of the National Park’s regulations.”

DECEMBER 1) Trial of ex-Government officials finally started

SINCE 2009, when they were accused of widespread corruption in the Sir Robin Auld report, Micheal Misick and members of his Cabinet have awaited their time before the judge. On December 7 they finally took a giant step towards that as the formal trial proceedings were set to commence. Lawyers for the nine accused appeared before Justice Paul Harrison to first deal with administrative issues before the opening statements were delivered by Andrew Mitchell, Prosecutor for the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT).

2) One of the most important elections – Michael Misick

FORMER Premier Michael Misick believes the upcoming general elections will be one of the most important to be held in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Misick, during a recording given to the media on the December 3, said this election would determine the direction the country. He urged the populace to use their votes as their voices to ensure the economic, social and cultural stability for this generation and future generations is preserved and sustained. This came as the voter’s registration process concluded on November 30.

3) Long Bay High School - a legacy for future generations

THE NEW Long Bay High School in Providenciales opened with much fanfare on November 26 and is set to take in its first batch of students in January. The brand spanking new school which was constructed to the tune of $1 million boasts spacious classrooms for form one students including home economics and information technology, and also an administrative block. The school is equipped with washroom facilities and adequate space for recreation and sporting activities. The institution will accommodate between 150 and 200

students in the first year.

4) Trial of Micheal Misick and ex-Government ministers gets underway

LEAD Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell began his argument in the long awaited corruption trial of former Premier Micheal Misick and several former Government ministers this week. He told the court that Misick is not and was never a victim of political prosecution but rather a man who “abused his powers while in office”. Proceedings finally got underway on Monday (December 7) at the Myrtle Rigby courthouse and the first few days were spent debating the practicalities of the case.

5) Fraudster David Smith applies for confiscation order to be dismissed

CONVICTED Ponzi scheme operator David Smith who cheated thousands of Caribbean nationals, mainly in Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands, out of about a quarter of a billion dollars, applied to the court for his confiscation order to be dismissed. Smith appeared before Chief Justice Margaret Ramsey Hale in Providenciales Supreme Court for his confiscation hearing on December 8.

6) CJ’s ruling on high rise buildings could deter investors – Minister of Infrastructure

MINISTER of Infrastructure Amanda Misick said the ruling handed down by Chief Justice Margret Ramsay-Hale which halted construction plans for a 12 storey development in Grace Bay could potentially scare off investors. The Supreme Court shot down construction plans for a 12 storey high rise building after a joint complaint was filed by the proprietors of The Tuscany and The Venetian luxury condominiums in Grace Bay, Providenciales. During an exclusive interview with the Weekly News on December 10 Minister Misick said: “What we are trying to do is see how best we can resolve this and expedite this in a manner not to scare developers away.”

7) Thorne says all nine defendants should be allowed to respond

QUEEN’s Counsel Ralph Thorne believes all nine defendants in the corruption trial of former Premier Michael Misick should be given the opportunity to reply to facts outlined by lead prosecutor Andrew Mitchell when the trial resumes in January. Thorne told reporters on December 15 that: “I fear a situation in which he will have this opportunity to open the case, outline the facts to the judge and that stays in the judge’s mind for the duration of this case, so I think that we should in the interest of justice be given the opportunity to reply to the facts that he outlines immediately after he’s done.”

8) Misick’s return from Brazil was lawful, judge says

JUSTICE Paul Harrison ruled that the return of Michael Misick from Brazil was lawful and in conformity with an existing treaty and that there was no abuse of process. Harrison on December 17 dismissed all motions brought by Queen’s Counsel Ralph Thorne including a pivotal argument on the specialty rule and abuse of process as “irrelevant”. This came as the second week of the six months corruption trial of former Premier Micheal Misick and members of his Cabinet wrapped up at the Myrtle Rigby courthouse in Providenciales.

9) Michael Misick maintains he is being politically persecuted

FORMER Premier Michael Misick maintained his position that he was being politically persecuted for his struggle for political sovereignty in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Misick on December 17 after Justice Paul Harrison dismissed all motions brought before the court in his corruption trial told reporters that he was being “politically persecuted”. “I’m completely innocent of all the charges, I’m being politically persecuted because of my views and because of my desire and because of the fact that I want us to develop our own country and move towards political independence and this is not something that the British Government embraces.”

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 9 - 15, 2016

Antigua government rushes to help teen allegedly set on fire by mother THE Antiguan Government has stepped in to assist a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly set alight by her mother on New Year’s Day, and has sent the teenager overseas for specialist treatment. Shaveesa Gasper suffered second and third degree burns about 60 per cent of her body when, according to reports, her mother threw kerosene on her and lit it. Prime Minister Gaston Browne said that after hearing about what had transpired, he immediately instructed his Ministers of Health and Social Transformation to utilize the government’s resources to ensure that she received the best possible care. The winner of the 2015 Teen Xplosion competition was flown out the country on Monday for treatment at a burn centre in Martinique. “The patient was flown to Martinique . . . to be treated there and then she (will be) flown to Paris if that is determined to be needed,” Chairman of the Board at Mount St John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC), Bernard Percival told local newspaper, The Daily OBSERVER. Minister of Health Molwyn Joseph said arrangements are being

Shaveesa Gasper suffered second and third degree burns about 60 per cent of her body when, according to reports, her mother threw kerosene on her and lit it.

made for immediate family members to travel to be with Gasper. “We have already secured flight arrangements in case she stays in Martinique for a couple days. “And when she goes to Paris, we have already put those arrangements in place because it is important that the child be surrounded by her close family members at this time. She

is going to be in a different place, surrounded by different people, so I think it will be reassuring for her to see family at her bedside,” he said. The Shaveesa Gasper Page has been set up on Facebook to allow people “to share positive thoughts with her when she recovers”. On Friday afternoon, as family friends and neighbours gathered at the scene of the ghastly incident, which took place sometime after 15:00h, screams and sobs pierced the mid-afternoon air in front of Gasper’s New Winthorpes home. Her immediate neighbour, who was only identified at the time as Mr George, told OBSERVER media he was alerted to the incident when Gasper ran to his house with smoke emerging from her body and the scent of kerosene. “She looked really bad, you could see the blisters on her face and her side was burned really badly,” the visibly shaken man recounted. He said when another of his family members inquired of Gasper what happened she alleged, “Her mother threw the kerosene on her and lit it.”

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Kevin Romer pictured outside court is alleged to have had non-consensual sexual intercourse with a 24-year-old woman on Athol Island on Saturday afternoon. (Photo: Lamech Johnson/Tribune Staff)

Bahamas: Man faces court over alleged sex attack on tourist A MAN was remanded to prison without bail on Tuesday after being charged in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a tourist on an island less than a mile from Paradise Island. Kevin Romer, 29, of Melvern Road stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing a single charge of rape. He is alleged to have had non-consensual sexual intercourse with a 24-year-old

woman on Athol Island sometime around 5pm on Saturday, January 2. Romer, alias JoJo, was told by the chief magistrate that he was not required to enter a plea for the offence. “It is a matter which you will enter your plea in Supreme Court,” the chief magistrate added. The transfer of the case from Magistrate’s Court to the Supreme Court will occur at Romer’s next court appearance on February 24.

January 9 - 15, 2016

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Bahamas is “one of the worst places” in the region - Opines DNA leader on crime escalation

CTO and its member countries and hotels will highlight the Caribbean as the leading choice for a romance vacation for consumers and travel planners selling the region.

CTO declares 2016 “Year of Romance in the Caribbean” THE Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has launched ‘2016 The Year of Romance in the Caribbean’, an initiative that promotes the region as a top romance destination. Through the campaign, the CTO and its member countries and hotels will highlight the Caribbean as the leading choice for a romance vacation for consumers and travel planners selling the region. “With over 30 destinations to choose from, the Caribbean region provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway highlighted by pristine beaches, secluded accommodations, an abundance of land and water activities, topnotch spa services and personalised attention that meets the needs of the most discerning traveller,” said CTO secretary general Hugh Riley. “The Year of Romance in the Caribbean will spotlight the romantic features of our region beyond the traditional times of year such as Valentine’s Day. A romantic

theme is easily embraced by all of our member destinations 365 days a year,” Riley noted. Throughout the year, the CTO in cooperation with its private sector partner, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), will assist member countries with ideas that can be implemented around the romance theme. Ideas will be developed around: first-time or second-time marriages and the renewal of vows; the most romantic locations to pop the question or say “I do”; inviting celebrity couples to get married in the Caribbean; return visits by couples who were married or honeymooned in the Caribbean; couples celebrating milestone anniversaries; and gift registries of romantic vacations in the Caribbean. “We anticipate that in addition to the ideas we provide our members, the countries and hotels will develop their own plan of action for promoting romance in their individual destinations,” Riley said.

Guyanese man who tested positive for H1N1 dies GUYANA’S Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud on Wednesday confirmed that the patient who tested positive for the H1N1 virus passed away at a media institution overseas. The male patient prior to leaving Guyana for medical treatment abroad was initially being monitored at a local private hospital. INews was told that the man had travelled from China to Guyana via the United States, but in-transited briefly in Trinidad. After falling ill the man was admitted to a private city hospital where he remained for over two weeks before being flown to the USA. During that period, blood

samples were sent to neighbouring Trinidad for testing. Those results were returned to Guyana with confirmation that the man had indeed contracted the deadly virus. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health announced earlier this week that the medical team that treated the man as well as his relatives were being monitored. Public Health Minister Dr George Norton has also announced that vaccines have arrived in Guyana to treat any other case of the flu. Among the symptoms for H1N1 are chills, fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, and diarrhoea. (INewsGuyana)

THE Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader this week said escalating crime was deterring him from investing further in Nassaubased business ventures, with the US Embassy taking just five days to issue its first crime warning for 2016. Branville McCartney told Tribune Business that any economic growth initiatives undertaken by the Bahamas would be “for nought” unless crime was brought under control, branding this nation as “one of the worst places” in the Caribbean when it came to personal safety. Emphasising that foreign investors would not risk their capital in jurisdictions that were perceived to be unsafe, Mr McCartney said his own family members were taking drastic precautions to prevent themselves becoming victims of crime. He disclosed to Tribune Business that some of his relatives were closing their businesses early at 4pm, so they could be home before dark, while others were regularly switching the vehicles and routes they took to work. Mr McCartney’s comments came after the US Embassy yesterday revealed all its staff have been banned from renting and using jet skis, an industry it described as “only minimally regulated”. The advisory, issued just five days into the New Year, urged all US tourists and residents to also shun the jet ski industry, adding that there had been five sexual assaults committed by operators against American citizens in just over 18 months. The latest is alleged to have occurred on January 2, 2016, and the advisory read: “The US Embassy in Nassau advises US citizens residing in and travelling to the Bahamas to be aware of their surroundings and remain on heightened alert to avoid being victims of crime. “Since July 2014 there have been five sexual assaults of US citizens by jet ski operators in Nassau, the most recent on January 2, 2016. As a result, the US Embassy has prohibited personnel under US Embassy Chief of Mission authority from using the services of jet ski rental operators in Nassau. This includes jet ski operators on Cabbage Beach and Cable Beach. “We strongly advise that US citizens do the same and not patronise these services. Jet ski rentals in the Bahamas are only minimally regulated.” Continuing a warning that will do little to enhance the Bahamas’ tourism and foreign direct investment (FDI) prospects, the US Embassy added: “US citizens residing in or

Branville McCartney said that any economic growth initiatives undertaken by the Bahamas would be “for nought” unless crime was brought under control.

travelling to the Bahamas should review their personal security plans. “At all times, maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security...... If confronted by armed criminals, remember your vehicle or valuables are not worth your life or anyone else’s life.” Reacting to the latest US embassy missive, Mr McCartney told this newspaper: “We can speak about investment coming to the Bahamas, and Baha Mar trying to open up, but all of that is for nought if we don’t get this crime problem under control. “We are one of the worst places in the region when it comes down to crime, and no investor wants to invest money in an unsafe jurisdiction.” With the Bahamas rocked by a new annual murder rate of 149 in 2015, Mr McCartney said “there’s no way” in which many Bahamian businesses can function properly amid the crime crisis. Using his own relatives as an example, the DNA leader said: “I have family members who close up early at 4pm because of crime. They’re taking different vehicles, taking different routes to work, and having someone else drive them. “From a business point of view, it’s affecting us tremendously. People don’t want to be out after dark. I am afraid of going home at night, pulling up at a stop sign or red light, calling people to say I’m on my way, and looking around before I get out of my car. “We have people leaving this jurisdiction, Bahamians and nonBahamians, because it’s not safe,” Mr McCartney added. “The number one priority of this government must be to get crime under control. I hope the Prime Minister is seriously taking into consideration, before anything else, getting crime under control, enforcing the law and making people realise there are consequences for

their actions. “These guys are running amok in our country. They have no respect for human life, no respect for the law, and no respect for property. It’s like the Wild Wild West.” Mr McCartney said crime was deterring him personally from investing in Nassau-based businesses, and added that such a sentiment was shared by many other Bahamians. “As a businessman wanting to invest more, I am reluctant to continue to invest personally in this country; in New Providence and Nassau, particularly, because of the crime problem,” he told Tribune Business. “Other people feel the same way. They are reluctant to get involved in investing, involved in businesses.” In other words, crime - and the fear of crime - are deterring Bahamians from investing in their own economy, and creating sustainable businesses that would employ many of their fellow countrymen. Mr McCartney said it was particularly “unfortunate” that the latest US Embassy crime warning coincided with a day in which the Government launched the online company registration and incorporation service at the Registrar General’s Department. The DNA leader agreed that this was a “move in the right direction” when it came to improving the Bahamas’ so-called ‘ease of doing business’, and would benefit business and investors. Yet this will now be overshadowed to some extent by the US Embassy’s crime warning, a development that Mr McCartney described as “very sad and very telling”. He added: “For this economy to grow, and Bahamians to be doing more business and investing in this country, crime must be taken in hand and reduced significantly.” (Tribune242)

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

LA prosecutors decline to charge Cosby PROSECUTORS in Los Angeles have declined to charge comedian Bill Cosby for two alleged sex

assault cases, one from 1965 and one from 2008. In the more recent case, involving

a 25-year-old model, a district attorney said there was insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a

reasonable doubt. For the older case, prosecutors said the statute of limitations had expired. Mr Cosby, 78, was charged in a sex assault case last week in Pennsylvania. He has denied the

January 9 - 15, 2016

claims. Dozens of women have come out with allegations against him including drugging, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape, dating back decades.

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The Lodgings

The team unveil plans for the new suites

Sandals unveils new luxury suites in Grenada SANDALS Resorts International and the Grenada government deepened their partnership in December with the announcement of a $10 million expansion of Sandals LaSource Grenada. During a ground breaking ceremony, Chairman of Sandals, Gordon Butch Stewart and Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell unveiled plans to expand the six-star Sandals resort. Speaking to local media, Stewart said that 32 luxury suites will be built to take the resort’s accommodation capacity from 225 to 257 keys.

“We have had the most extraordinary two years in Grenada where we see the demand for our brand and this destination, soar. “So we have decided to invest more in our product here, in an effort to meet the high demand the international travel trade has placed on us for Grenada.” He further disclosed that some 150-construction jobs will be generated as a result of the expansion efforts and once completed increased operational jobs will be added to the property’s fulltime complement of

employees. The Sandals chairman explained that the new lagoon nature reserve suites will accompany the most sophisticated amenities ranging from butler service, smart TVs and other traditional Sandals opulence. The Caribbean hotel mogul is of the view that travellers are looking for more on their vacation experience and believes that the industry must spare no effort redefining itself. The new luxury suites are expected to start welcoming guests by the summer of 2016.

‘The Lodgings’, is one of Provo’s newest hotels. Located downtown Providenciales, just minutes away from Provo’s international airport, it offers convenience and accessibility not just to and from the airport, but to anywhere you would like to visit on Provo (Turks and Caicos). We are within close proximity to banks, shops, many local businesses and some of the best local restaurants… The Lodgings, is ideally located. Needless to say, we are minutes from the award winning Grace Bay Beach. The Lodgings Turks and Caicos is equipped with all the modern amenities: ‘green’ airconditioned guest rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, a gym, pool & restaurant, your stay is bound to be comfortable, stress free, relaxing & productive. The Lodgings...bringing a little piece of Grace Bay downtown!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the seventh instalment of the space saga.

Star Wars breaks North America box office record STAR Wars: The Force Awakens has unseated Avatar to become the top-earning film of all time in North America, Disney says. The studio claims the JJ Abrams film has passed the $760.5m (£520m) taken by Avatar over its lifetime, but has yet to give official figures. Last month, Star Wars:

The Force Awakens became the fastest film to take $1bn (£674m) at the global box office. But Avatar - released in 2009 - still holds the global record. The James Cameron film took $2.8bn (£1.9bn) across the world, as compared to The Force Awakens worldwide

earnings of $1.6bn (£1.09bn) to date. The Force Awakens is already the fourth highestgrossing global movie of all time after just three weeks in release, but analysts believe it will have to play well in China, where it opens on Saturday (9 January), to beat the record set by Avatar.

Williams Plaza 34B Old Airport road Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Mailing Address P.O. Box 390 Providenciales Turks and Caicos By email: Info@hotelturksandcaicos.com Phone: (649) 941 - 8107/Cel:(649)242-6722/(649)231-0052 Fax: (649) 941 – 8770

www.hotelturksandcaicos.com

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January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 9 - 15, 2016

Lead Massage Therapist • Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in 5-star resort and at least 3 years working as a therapist. • Must be trained and CERTIFIED by an accredited school in all of the following: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Pre-Natal, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Reflexology, Facials, and Manicures and Pedicures. • Applicant must be certified in all the previous areas • In addition, applicant must be able to work ALL weekends and public holidays if needed and be available from 8am-8pm. • Must have own vehicle and current, clean driver’s license. • Commission based • Must have GREAT Customer Service Skills and be upbeat and positive. • Applicant needs to be fluent in English and pass an English written test. Please send resume to: relax@spatropique.com Please do not apply to this ad unless you can meet all of the above requirements. Deadline for application is January 29th, 2016 11276

January 9 - 15, 2016

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Every year the event sees thousands of residents and tourists on the Grace Bay strip

Junkanoo is a highlight for many

David Bowen, coordinator and host of the annual Maskanoo

Noriette Cherry and Jocelyn Menzies along with friends at Maskanoo 2015

Although hard at work, that did not stop Danny Buoys’ employees from enjoying the Maskanoo

All smiles at the annual street festival

Residents from the Dominican community enjoy the festival

Local craft vendors exhibit their merchandise

Thousands attend 2015 Maskanoo BY DAISY HANDFIELD THOUSANDS of people gathered on the Grace Bay strip in Providenciales on December 26 to join in on the annual Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s (TCHTA) Maskanoo festival. The street festival which celebrated six years of existence saw residents and tourists come together to enjoy drinks, food and quality

entertainment. Coordinator and host of the event David Bowen spoke to the Weekly News on Wednesday (December 6) where he described the event as “even bigger than 2014”. Bowen said that prior to the event his main preoccupation was that acts of violence would break out and ruin the event, but was pleased that this year just like 2014 saw no acts of violence and they both

ended in harmony. The coordinator and host said that Maskanoo could be described as four things in one: a street party, parade, concert and a craft fair for tourists. There was a special performance by local talent, Kew Band Links, and dance pieces by several local dance groups. Kitch Penn and his Junkanoo team, ‘We Funk’ and the children from the

Five Cays Junkanoo group spearheaded Junkanoo as attendees danced behind them. During the interview Bowen made mention that the Filipino community of the Turks and Caicos Islands have taken part in the Junkanoo segment of the festival for the last five years, but for 2015 refused to participate because of the negative press that they have received in the past. He said: “The Filipino

community were doing it for the last five years and were really doing a good job, but then they get so much bad press. “Seeing all the negative comments on the social media networks… it must be hard for them to contribute and get that kind of response… All and all, it was a great Maskanoo.” Going forward Bowen said that two of their main objectives for next year were

to increase the numbers of performances on stage and increase the number of groups participating in the parade. “I think that right now we just need to increase the entertainment value for those who are coming out to see. “That is the main focus now for 2016. “I just want to thank all of the supporters and all of the people that helped out,” Bowen said.

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 9 - 15, 2016

Bronx dad charged in murder of pregnant daughter A MENACING Bronx man, due to welcome his grandchild this May, instead battered and buried his pregnant daughter in a fatal fight over money, sources told the Daily News. William Caruth, 61, was charged with murder after the body of the 39-year-old mom-to-be was found stuffed inside a crawlspace adjacent to the basement apartment where he lived, police said. Neighbours recalled how deliriously happy Anndrea Caruth was in the months before she was strangled and smashed in the head, suffering skull fractures and brain injuries in the house that she shared with her dad. Caruth was due at her doctor Thursday to find out if she was carrying a boy or a girl, said neighbor Cynthia Cresvo. “We all know the father. He’s crazy,” said Cresvo, 52, who was planning to attend the expectant mother’s baby shower. “He was always creepy. Oh, Lord, I wanna know why he did it. What happened? Why?” The victim’s body, partially buried in gravel, was found by a cadaversniffing dog inside the Baychester home about 3 a.m. on Wednesday, police said. Her father, after killing Anndrea, busted up a concrete floor inside a closet and dumped her body into

Gun sales are reported to have risen recently in the US.

US Republicans attack Obama gun control moves Murder suspect William Caruth is removed from the 47 Precinct in the Bronx.

the crawlspace, cops said. He then placed a piece of plywood and a rug over the hole — but his coverup efforts failed to stop the odor of death wafting into the house, sources told the Daily News. A machete and a hammer were recovered from the home, and two additional buckets of gravel were found outside the residence on Corsa Ave. William Caruth, who was visited by police on five occasions for domestic incidents between 2001 and 2013, was also charged with manslaughter after cops uncovered his daughter’s remains. She was five

months pregnant. There was a dispute between the father and daughter over a second mortgage taken out on the home by Anndrea Caruth, with the dad apparently giving the cash to someone else, one source said. Records indicate the slain daughter, four years after taking out a mortgage on the property, took out a larger $280,000 mortgage in 2006. She was last seen Sunday morning. Her sister Patricia Caruth defended her father before his arrest. “My father is a loving man,” she said. “He just wants what’s best for his children.”

Cologne mayor’s ‘arm’s length’ advice to avoid sex attacks draws ridicule COLOGNE’S mayor has come under fire for advising women to stay “an arm’s length” from male strangers after alleged sexual assaults and muggings during New Year’s Eve festivities in the German city. Germany has been shocked by the apparently coordinated crime wave, in which Cologne police received more than 100 criminal complaints from women who said they had been sexually assaulted or robbed by gangs of men of Arab or North African appearance in the city centre during New Year’s Eve festivities. Cologne police would not elaborate Wednesday on the total number of crimes reported, as the figure continued to rise. Police have said that about a quarter of the complaints related to sexual assaults, including a rape, and that they believed the assaults were probably intended to distract the victims, allowing attackers to steal mobile phones and other devices. Three suspects had been identified and were being questioned, a police representative told CNN. Police were working through a large amount of

LEADING US Republicans have denounced President Barack Obama’s move to tighten gun controls. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan said the executive orders, which bypass Congress, “undermined liberty” and would be challenged in court. Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump said that, if elected, he would reverse the measures. In an emotional address on Tuesday, Mr Obama accused the gun lobby of holding the country hostage. Wiping away tears, he recalled the 2012 Sandy Hook primary school shooting in which 20 children and six adults were killed. President Obama’s executive actions involve: § Background checks for all gun sellers, overturning current exemptions to some online and gun show sellers § States providing information on people disqualified from buying guns

due to mental illness or domestic violence § Increased workforce for the FBI to process background checks, hiring more than 230 new examiners § Congress being asked to invest $500m (£339m) to improve access to mental healthcare in the US § The departments of defence, justice and homeland security exploring “smart gun technology” to improve gun safety He previously told the BBC that the failure to tackle gun control had been the greatest frustration of his presidency. However, the largest gun lobby group, the National Rifle Association (NRA), said Mr Obama’s steps would not have prevented any recent mass killings in the US. “Rather than focus on criminals and terrorists, he goes after the most law-abiding of citizens,” said Mr Ryan, a Republican. “His words and actions amount to a form of intimidation that undermines liberty.”

Austria police suspect murder-suicide after head, body parts found in lake

Cologne had been filled with revellers on New Year’s Eve.

cellphone footage from the evening to identify further suspects. Similar attacks were reported in Hamburg on New Year’s Eve, with 39 reported sexual assaults and 14 robberies, according to police in the city, while police in Stuttgart said two women had reported their phones were missing after they were assaulted by a group of men of Arab appearance during New Year’s festivities there. The crimes, which an outraged

German Chancellor Angela Merkel labelled “disgusting” and Cologne’s police chief described as offenses “of a totally new dimension,” have sparked a firestorm in Germany. The episode has prompted angry protests, fuelled public debate about Germany’s welcoming stance to migrants and unleashed a wave of anger at authorities and the media for their perceived reticence in addressing the crimes, out of a misplaced sense of political correctness.

POLICE in Austria appear to have a bizarre murder-suicide case on their hands. Authorities believe a man killed a woman and then dismembered her before encasing her head in concrete. His body was found submerged in a lake. The gruesome details began to unfold over the weekend when a suitcase with the woman’s body parts was found in Traunsee lake, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Salzburg, said prosecutor Birgit Ahamer. A police dog later found a second suitcase with more pieces of her body. The man’s body was found by divers in the lake on Monday. Attached to his hands with zip

ties were two suitcases filled with rocks. The woman’s head was discovered nearby. Investigators say the conditions of the bodies and circumstances surrounding the case lead them to believe it was a murder-suicide. “That the woman was strangled seems ... quite certain,” Ahamer said. “Because of the fact that we have found no traces of violence on the male body -- and he drowned -- so it seems that it was a suicide. Authorities believe they died sometime between December 24 and January 3. Both were 50 to 70 years old. Their identities weren’t immediately known. (CNN)

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World News

Cameron upbeat but poll shows Britons tilting toward leaving EU A majority of Britons who have made up their minds would vote to leave the European Union in a forthcoming referendum, making Britain by far the most reluctant member of the 28-nation bloc, an opinion poll published on Thursday showed. As Prime Minister David Cameron pushed for a deal from other EU leaders to improve London’s membership terms before a vote he could call as early as June, the ORB poll indicated that opposition to the European Union was growing in Britain. While 21 percent of voters are still undecided, 43 percent want to leave the EU and 36 percent want to stay, the survey showed. When the undecided are stripped out, 54 percent of voters want a British exit, or ‘Brexit’, up from 51 percent a year ago, and 46 percent want to stay, down from 49 percent. The public scepticism contrasted with Cameron’s latest declaration of optimism that a deal can be struck on his demands for changes in Britain’s relationship with Brussels, including reducing benefit rights for EU migrants working in the UK. “We believe that all these issues can be dealt with. The discussions are going well,” Cameron said in Wildbad Kreuth, Bavaria, after what he said was an “excellent meeting” with German Chancellor Angela Merkel over dinner on Wednesday.

The ORB poll indicates that the referendum could be far closer than some politicians had assumed and that the result will depend on a fifth of voters who are still undecided. “Despite the impending vote on Brexit, significantly more people report to have felt further removed from Europe over the last twelve months than closer to it,” Johnny Heald, managing director of ORB International, told Reuters. “If the Prime Minister is to avoid disaster on his watch someone needs to start convincing the public very soon on why we should remain a part of the EU.” A British exit would shake the Union to its core, ripping away its second largest economy and one of its top two military powers. Pro-Europeans warn an exit from the EU would hurt Britain’s economy and could trigger the break-up of the United Kingdom by prompting another Scottish independence vote. Opponents of EU membership say Britain would prosper outside the bloc. Cameron, who is urging fellow leaders to clinch an agreement at an EU summit on Feb. 18-19, dined with Merkel and her conservative Bavarian allies on Wednesday. “Throughout these next weeks, it is especially important that we make decisions in our own interest in order to achieve a reasonable package that will allow Great

Britain to remain a part of the European Union,” Merkel said before the dinner. In a speech to German lawmakers last month, she called Britain a “natural ally”, stressing its importance to Europe’s internal free market and its weight in foreign policy debates. She also said she was “confident” a solution would be found. Cameron was at a session of the Christian Social Democratic Union, the sister party of Merkel’s CDU, before traveling to Budapest for a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a prickly Eurosceptic conservative ally. In Hungary, he will seek support for his most contentious demand - that Britain be allowed to limit the in-work benefits paid to EU migrants, something critics say amounts to illegal discrimination. “I’m confident with goodwill - and there is goodwill I think on all sides - we can bring these negotiations to a conclusion and then hold the referendum,” Cameron said in Wildbad Kreuth. “I’ve been very heartened by the goodwill I’ve felt by fellow sister party members in the CSU here in Bavaria today.” Orban, criticized in the EU for his outspoken opposition to admitting refugees and his embrace of “illiberal democracy” at home, was

PUBLIC NOTICE BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance)

Take Notice that I, Peter Beckingham, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to ROSELENE GRAY a national of Ghana by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. PETER BECKINGHAM

Cameron’s only ally in a failed 2014 attempt to block the appointment of JeanClaude Juncker as European Commission president.

Prime Minister David Cameron is pushing for a deal from other EU leaders to improve London’s membership terms before a vote he could call as early as June.

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF Education and Training: • Post secondary degree in Culinary Arts or 8 + years industry equivalent experience. • Computer literate, functional on Excel, Ms-Word and Quickbooks and Micros. • Fluent in English both written and oral with a fundamental understanding of French and Spanish • First Aid Training

Skill Requirements: Be able to assist the Executive Chef in all capacities to include: • Work in a high pressure environment with calm, effective leadership • Planning and execution of special events. • Precise knife skills • Assist Chef in the preparation and execution of all desserts. • Produce all breakfast, lunch and dinner items with expert precision. • Cook entire menu on the line during service, including meats to temperature specifications. • Execute a proper sanitation procedure to insure that high quality food is served that accurately represents the Café. • Prepare and execute specials based on the Café’s Tex-Mex cuisine. • Be versed in a large variety of cooking techniques to include: braising, sautéing, frying, steaming, poaching, and sauce making. • Receive food orders from various vendors, checking for quality and pricing. • Be able to stand on ones feet for 10 hours and be comfortable lifting 50 pounds without physical restrictions. • Be available to work holidays and weekends with a flexible schedule. Leadership and Managerial Requirements: • Assist Chef in the training of kitchen staff to encourage growth in a positive environment. • Be sensitive to the needs of staff members and maintain a professional demeanor • Assist Chef in the ordering of food through a variety of vendors • Assist Chef with weekly and monthly inventory of items and work with the Chef to calculate food costs • Maintain a positive environment in the kitchen to encourage growth and diversity within the workplace The Sous Chef should be a natural leader who is seeking to assist others in improving their cooking ability, and also to develop strong people skills. An ambitious person who is a comfortable communicator with a confident skill set. The Sous Chef needs to be a self starter that can lead the kitchen in the Chefs absence. The right candidate should be able to open the kitchen in the morning, or be the last to leave the kitchen at night. Prioritizing and executing prep items based on the restaurants needs. He or She will assure that foods are properly labeled with the date and prep item name and consistently rotated, and stored for future use. Oversee and participate in daily cleaning duties as per scheduled by the Chef to maintain a clean safe environment for all employees to work in. Pay Commensurate with Experience. Belongers given preference Submit resume, certifications and current police record in person or email to: CHEFAMY@SOMEWHERECAFEANDLOUNGE.COM

11749

JOB LISTINGS SERVICES AUTO SALES REAL ESTATE

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 9 - 15, 2016

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

FLOWER GIRL

WANTED URGENTLY

FLORAL DESIGNER

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

Call: 231-3788

FOR SALE

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

January 9 - 15, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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AG CONSTRUCTION

BLITZ SPORTS BAR & GRILL

BLUE HILLS CONSTRUCTION

CARLA PROSPERE

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LABOURER LABOURER BARMAID To work 6 days To work 6 days

DOMESTIC LABOURER WORKER

Is looking for the following:

CONTACT: CONTACT: 347-2247 341-6787

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Is looking for a

B. ZAIDAN Requires a live in

NURSING AID To work 6 evenings per week including weekends. Must have own car. Salary $6.25 per hour.

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To work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

CONTACT: 345-2602

DISC JOCKEY (D.J.)

BARTENDER LABOURER

Must be able to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

CONTACT: 649-332-3037 11723

BLUE HILLS CONSTRUCTION is looking for a

CARPENTER To work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour

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per week salary $6.25 per hour

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per week salary $6.50 per hour.

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CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING LTD

P.O. BOX 158, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS, BWI. TEL: (649) 941 4437 FAX: (649) 946 4670 E-MAIL: CSE@ TCIWAY.TC CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING LTD. Seeks

A STRUCTURAL TECHNICIAN THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST POSSESS: • BSc in Civil/Structural Engineering • 5 years post qualification work experience • Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, Autocad

UNIT G203, 2ND FLOOR , REGENT VILLAGE WEST, GRACE BAY, P.O BOX 641, PROVIDENCIALES TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS. CELL: 649 331-3890. TEL: 649 946-8504 FAX: 649 946 8506. EMAIL: BSD@TCIWAY.TC Building Services Design Ltd. is currently seeking suitably qualified individuals to fill the following positions.

SENIOR MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER / MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER The successful applicant must be a member of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and competent in the design of HVAC systems: Duties shall include preparation of standard detail drawings including sections and isometrics of various mechanical services such as HVAC, plumbing, sanitary, sprinkler systems, swimming pools etc. using Auto CAD software and Carrier E20 software

ELECTRICAL DESIGN ENGINEER The successful applicant must be competent in the design of electrical systems: Power generation and distribution of power supply, performing electrical calculations, sizing equipment and performing computer analysis of alternate systems; must also be competent in the design of fire alarm systems and communication systems using the latest Auto CAD software. All applicants must be familiar with USA Codes and Regulations and should be a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) All applicants must have extensive experience in the installation of, including testing and commissioning of the electrical and mechanical services.

Duties will include and candidates should have experience in: • Structural design calculations and drawing work • Structural surveys • Site Inspection & Report

Applicants should have a minimum of 5 (five) years experience and a proven design track record on projects for condominium complexes, hotels, commercial and industrial facilities and residential dwellings. It is essential that all applicants must have a degree in his/her field obtained from a recognized University and registered with his/her respective Engineering Council/ Commission. The successful applicants must have the technical experience for solving design solutions and can work unsupervised in the preparation and issuing of mechanical and electrical design drawings. All applications will be considered from suitably qualified candidates who should forward a copy of their resume including relevant experience to the email/fax address below.

Salary will be $36,000.00 per annum. The suitable candidate will be able to work under their own initative, and be able to see through Design Projects from conceptional design to final drawing works.

Deadline for Application is January 30th , 2016 Please fax your application to: - 649-946-8506 – Building Services Design Ltd. Email: accounts@bsd.tc

Apply in writing to Civil & Structural Engineering Limited, P. O. Box 158, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. Contact: Chris Conway on cconway@csecaribbean.com Or fax to Labour Office, Providenciales on 946-7184

Or mail to: P.O Box 641, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11778

This position is available immediately and closing date for application is 18th January, 2016.

Please copy application to: - Labour Commissioner Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

11778

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ADVERTISEMENT FIBERGLASS HELPER/YARD LABOURER WANTED, A FIBERGLASS HELPER/YARD LABOURER AT CAICOS MARINA AND SHIPYARD. REQUIREMENTS: • Must have proven experience hauling and blocking boats in correct areas on blocks and stands • General understanding of fiberglassing and boat construction • Knowledge of materials and chemicals used in boat repair and cleaning heavily fouled surfaces • Keen attention to detail • Self motivated • Ability to work some weekends and holidays

Duties Include: - Cleaning the facilities, landscaping, washing boats, strain treatments and removal, pressure washing boat bottoms, sanding and painting boat bottoms using antifouling paint. Application: Applications must be submitted in writing and delivered by hand to Caicos Marina and Shipyard, Long Bay Highway, Providenciales. Prior experience working at a marina would be a plus. Salary paid at hourly rate of $8.00. Closing date for applications is 31st January, 2016.

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Salary $7.50 per hour PROFESSIONAL UPHOLSTERY

• Carpenter

The position requires a minimum of 5 years experience in residential, commercial, condo/strata, freehold/leasehold sales. Applicants must have successfully completed a recognized real estate course and be willing to take (and successfully pass) the TCREA real estate exam. Strong written, verbal and presentation skills, online marketing, database management and advertising experience are required; applicant must be computer literate in all Microsoft Programs including Publisher and Power Point. Own vehicle, cell phone, camera and laptop computer are essential. The position will involve working long hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays. Compensation is commission only. Resume to be sent to Louise Peterson, General Manager, Coldwell Banker Turks & Caicos, La Petite Place, Provo, TCI, email: louisepeterson@coldwellbankertci.com, cell: 231-1988, office: 946-4969.

Salary $7.00 per hour HERZOG • Asphalt Plant Technician Salary $9.00 per hour

CONTACT: CONTACT: 649-344-4540

11750

11785

11742

J.I.D. BARBER SHOP

PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE MANAGER, P.O. BOX 97, CARIBBEAN PLACE, PROVIDENCIALES, FAX 649 946 4564, WITH A COPY TO DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR, PROVIDENCIALES.

Is looking for full time experienced, professional and motivated

Y.A.3.B. CONSULTANCY ACTING ON BEHALF OF OUR CLIENTS IS LOOKING TO FILL THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: Gardener - $6.50

Local firm seeks an associate attorney with at least 5 years pqe with extensive experience in conveyancing, commercial, residential development work, also corporate and commercial law. Experience in new condominium sales, re-sales, residential and commercial property an advantage. Applicant must be an excellent communicator, willing to work long hours including weekends and holidays. Subject to experience, salary commencing at US$55K

Blue Horizons Real Estate dba Coldwell Banker Real Estate

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

A & M CLEANING SERVICES

Associate Attorney

PUBLIC NOTICE

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

Take Notice that I, PETER BECKINGHAM, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(6) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to NORDIA ALICIA KENNEDY by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

Take Notice that I, PETER BECKINGHAM, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to LENS NOEL by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

PETER BECKINGHAM

(Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

January 9 - 15, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

E. GARLAND

EPHRIAM CONSTRUCTION Is looking for 3

Is looking for a

LABOURER To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

11755

CONTACT: 241-3362 PREMIUM CUTS BARBER SHOP

CARPENTERS To work 6 days per week salary $13.00 per hour.

CONTACT: 649-431-1265

JOB VACANCY PART TIME MUSEUM REPRESENTATIVE

;;Location: Providenciales ;;Strong Communication and interpersonal skills ;;Fluency and literacy in English ;;Willing to work flexible work schedule including weekends and holidays ;;Ability to seek funding for various projects ;;Clean Police record required ;;At least five years of experience working in a Museum ;;University Degree required with ongoing Museum Studies Please submit your resume/curriculum vitae via email to: info@tcmuseum.org Closing Date is January 10, 2016. Only those short listed will be called for an interview.

11760

11790

BIG CLIFF CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a

AGNES SWANN Is looking for a

CHEVETTE MCPHEE

HENRY O’NIEL WILSON Is looking for a

WILSON GIBSON

Is looking for a

DOMESTIC WORKER To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

CONTACT: 649-941-7328

11729

BEAUFORT HOLDINGS LTD. Is looking for a

LABOURER/ CARPENTER MAINTENANCE PERSON 4 HELPERS Is looking for the following

CONTACT: 241-6307

11731

11730

CONTACT: 333-7296

LABOURER WANTED

CONTACT: 246-4769

1745

EMAIL APPLICATIONS TO JAFOOE@GMAIL.COM 11745

CEDRIC SELVER Is looking for a

BOAT CAPTAIN Must have at least 5 years experience must be willing to work 6 days per week including weekends and holidays salary negotiable.

11743

CONTACT: 231-4420

CONTACT: 332-7196

• 3 Years minimum experience in Mobile Sales • Extensive knowledge of Cell phone Parts & Components • Exceptional Customer Service Skills • Speak Spanish (non-exceptional) • High School diploma or equivalent

CONTACT 231-1162 Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

MOBILE SHOP SALES ASSOCIATE NEEDED

Treasures S & S Gift Shop is looking for a Labourer to assist with lifting boxes and stocking shelves. 2 days per week. Salary: $6.25 per hour.

GRAN SLAM

To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

11728

To work 5 days per week salary $10.00 per hour.

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

LABOURER To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.

CONTACT: 241-2316

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

CONTACT: 342-6010

CONTACT: 332-5029

11724

BARBER CARPENTER LABOURER LABOURER

11736

Is looking for a

CELLPHONE REPAIR TECHNICAIN NEEDED • 5 years Cell phone and Electronics repair experience • 5 Years Soldering Experience • Advance Levels 1, 2, 3 Repair capabilities • Speak Spanish (non-exceptional) • Exceptional Customer Service Skills EMAIL APPLICATIONS TO JAFOOE@GMAIL.COM

11746

BCS/GRACE BAY CAR RENTALS- FNM-CS/TSI MANAGEMENT Is looking to fill the following positions:

PROPERTY MANAGER

• Picking up trash, sweeping curb and dumpster areas and maintaining landscaping beds and other ground areas • Must have the ability to lift heavy items weighing up to 150lbs • Must have the ability to maintain irrigation systems and provide proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, and other grounds features Salary commensurate with experience

Rental Agents Salary $6.50 per hour Must have a valid drivers license

Labourer

Must have a clean and valid TCI Drivers License Salary $6.50 per hour

Mechanic

Salary commensurate with qualification and experience

EMAIL: BRANDITZ@YAHOO.COM 11747

34 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 9 - 15, 2016

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS Executive Assistant Manager

Job Summary: Functions as the Strategic Business Leader of the resorts’ Front Office, Spa, Youth Program and Retail operations and serves as General Manager as needed. Position oversees the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensures implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives throughout the operation. The position operation meet the brand’s target customer needs, ensures employee satisfaction, focuses on growing revenues and maximizes the financial performance of each department. REQUIREMENTS: • 8-10 years of management experience in internationally branded luxury hotels/resort including at least 2 years at Executive Committee Level • In depth knowledge of front office, spa, youth program, and retail • Knowledge of all hotel operations to act as leader of any department when necessary • Knowledge of governmental regulations and safety standards (OSHA, EPA, ADA, CFC, NFPA) • Strong organization skills • Ability to effectively manage labor productivity • Financial management skills e.g., ability to analyze P&L statements, develop operating budgets, forecasting and capital expenditure planning • Ability to use standard software applications and hotel systems – Opera (Fidelio), Micros. • Strategic planning skills • Ability to evaluate business trends, determine applicability to customer profile and modify business strategies accordingly • Ability to take constructive action without relying on directions from others • Ability to network and build relationships to grow the business • Strong problem-solving skills; encourages new innovative solutions when appropriate • Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, writing) • Must be willing and available to work all shifts and days Salary $60,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience

Spa Manager REQUIREMENTS: • Minimum of 5 years experience as spa manager at luxury spa of similar size and status • Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • Strong written and verbal skills with documented responsibility for promotions sales and marketing. • Merchandising/visual skills; experience with retail products and apparel goods. • Knowledge of current trends In luxury spa facilities and services • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts DUTIES INCLUDE: • Manage the day to day operations of the Fitness Center and Spa Facilities

• Maximize profitability by increasing sales of products and services and by managing effectively • Ensure high quality of facility and services to meet international luxury and brand standards and earn global recognition and awards • Experience developing and implementing effective preventative maintenance programs • Demonstrated experience in development budgets and cost saving measures • Develop annual operating and Capex budgets, monitoring and adjusting as needed Starting salary $50,000 per annum not including service charge.

Front Office Manager REQUIREMENTS: • Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience with at least 3 year at a management level. • Must have a Degree from School for Tourism & Hotel Management or other professional qualification. • Manage and supervise all tasks of front office personnel to ensure guests receive prompt, cordial attention and personal recognition. • Supervise the Front Office team to ensure optimum occupancy and average room rate for the purpose of maximizing revenue. • Monitor Front Office, and particularly Guest Relations personnel, to ensure priority guests, repeat guests and other VIPs receive special attention and recognition. • Promote Inter-Hotel sales and in-house facilities and monitors Front Office Marketing techniques in line with FIT marketing program. • Assume overall responsibility for maintaining standards to ensure furnishings facilities and equipment are clean, in good repair and well maintained. • Interpret computer reports and compile relevant statistics for front office. • Conduct comprehensive monthly departmental meetings to include a review of procedures and events which warrants special handling and detailed information. • Communicate to Hotel Manager all pertinent information such as the expected arrival and departure of VIPs. • Prepare efficient work and vacation schedule for Front Office Staff, taking into consideration project occupancy and forecasts and any large group movements. • Work with the Human Resource Manager to ensure the departmental performance of staff is productive. DUTIES INCLUDE: • Plan for future staffing needs and recruit in line with company guidelines. • Prepare detailed induction programs for new staff. • Analyze training needs of Front Office staff and develop training programs. • Conduct probation and formal performance appraisals. • Coach, counsel, discipline staff and provide constructive feedback to staff. • Work with the Finance and Business Manager in the preparation and management of the department’s budget. • Adhere to OH&S policies and procedures and ensure all direct reports do the same.

Starting salary $35,000.00 - $40,000.00 per annum commensurate with qualification and experience.

Pool and Beach Manager REQUIREMENTS: • Prior experience in a similar role at a property of similar size and quality • Excellent swimmer with rescue capability and first aid training • Able to operate and teach others to operate catamarans, kayaks other watercrafts • Calm under pressure and possess the ability to instill in all pool and beach staff that they are there to serve the guest quickly and courteously DUTIES INCLUDE: • Manage the pool and beach staff and providing training • Assist with preparation of budgets, complete monthly reports and inventories • Schedule staff, monitor and evaluate work performance, and disciplinary procedures as necessary Salary $37,000.00 – Commensurate with Experience, Education & Training

Food and Beverage Manager REQUIREMENTS: • 10 years experience in Food & Beverage Management in luxury hospitality with at least 2-3 years experience as F & B Manager. • Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience. • Strong track record of maintaining consistent standards, continually training outlet staffs and promoting an atmosphere of teamwork. • Strong financial skills. • Track record of building/increasing outlet revenue and average cheques. • Experience implementing new F&B concepts. • Exceptional knowledge of different types of cuisine and wine including how menus are developed, pricing guidelines and how to improve results. • Willingness to work varying schedules, split shifts, nights, weekends and holidays to reflect the business needs of the hotel. • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts. DUTIES INCLUDE: • Plan and manage the Restaurants, Room Service and Banquets, as appropriate, in order to achieve guest satisfaction, quality service, and compliance with corporate/brand policies and procedures while meeting/exceeding financial goals • Develop and implement special promotions and employee incentives. • Create department budget and financial reports, and monitor status to adjust as appropriate. Starting salary $40,000-$60,000 per annum not including service charge.

Interested applicants should apply to The Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to kitchandra.penn@thepalmstc.com, no later than end of day Friday, January 8th, 2016.

January 9 - 15, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

V R SUPERMARKET Is looking for a

LABOURER To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

11769

CONTACT: 346-0002

VACANCIES

SHARONICA GRANT DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS SPOTLESS CAR WASH CHICKENT SHACK V & M TIRE GUCCI STORE GEORGE SOLON TROPICAL BAR UNITY ONLINE SERVICES IS LOOKING TO FILL THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: LABORERS DOMESTIC WORKERS SALES PERSON WAITER SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR EMAIL: PHJEMPLOYMENT@ HOTMAIL.COM 11759

VINCENT STETHSON Is looking for a

DOMESTIC WORKER To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

CONTACT: 241-6715

A. CAPRON

BABYSITTER/ NANNY To work for 6 days a week per week salary. $7.35 per hour all inclusive.

CONTACT 431-5052

ADVERTISE

IN THIS SPACE! ONLY

$33

PER WEEK

CALL 946-4664

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ADVERTISEMENT Request for Proposals to Conduct Salary Review of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Salaries and Allowances The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College invites proposals from interested individuals, firms or companies for a Consultancy Undertaking to review salaries and allowances of its entire staff.

INTRODUCTION In 1994, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) was established by Ordinance 25 (1994), with a vision to provide quality education for all sectors of the Turks and Caicos Islands community. Having been in existence for over two decades, the institution continues in its thrust to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and dispositions that would enable them to access existing and emerging opportunities, prudently exercise their civil responsibilities, enhance their social and cultural lives and become productive citizens. The mission, therefore, encompasses, inter alia, post secondary and continuing education for the school leaving and adult population; it facilitates the promotion of personal and professional development, and the economic growth and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. TCICC has two campuses, one each located on Grand Turk and Providenciales. The College offers a myriad of programmes, inter alia: Short/Interest courses; one semester courses; Upgrade courses; Full time programmes of two to three semesters culminating in Certificates, Advanced, Certificates, Associate and Bachelors Degrees. Similar to other institutions in the region, and critical to the effective delivery of programme offerings, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College relies upon the local and overseas recruitment of highly qualified and experienced faculty and staff. Recently, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government conducted a Public Service Salary Review, inclusive of education professionals. Whilst a number of education personnel were reclassified and benefitted from varying degrees of salary

increases, the review did not include statutory bodies; therefore, faculty and staff at the TCICC did not benefit from the review, and hence, salaries are purportedly lagging behind those of professionals in similar work-related fields.

Notwithstanding that, the TCICC continues in its mission to fulfil its objective of strengthening organizational development, through the strengthening and promotion of employee recruitment and retention strategies. In this context then, the salary review is critical and is intended to bring a level of equity to salaries and other benefits for its entire staff. With this in mind, the TCICC seeks to engage a consultant/consultants to review and propose a revised salary structure for all categories of staff, and explore the feasibility of linking remuneration to job performance.

TERMS OF REFERENCE The successful consultant/s will be required to: • Undertake a detailed briefing with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Board of Governors to lead and guide the salary review process on behalf of the institution; • Review existing documentation as it relates to salary scales, job descriptions and contractual documents to get a full understanding of the scope of the consultancy; • Conduct interviews with several comparator organizations to confirm the salaries, allowances and benefits offered; • Assess the existing remuneration structure of the TCICC vis-à-vis comparator institutions and identify if, and where, gaps exist; • Consider any necessary revision to the salary structure and propose any necessary adjustments for the various categories of administrative and professional staff; • Explore the feasibility of introducing performance-related pay structure; • Present to the Board of Governors a draft report of the findings, and recommendations; • At an agreed time and venue, submit to the Board of Governors and other relevant stakeholders, a final report that reflects the

suggestions/recommendations/amendments emanating from the draft report.

ANTICIPATED OUTCOME

The development of a salary scale that is consistent with other comparator organizations in the Turks and Caicos Islands market; one that reflects equity; is consistent with corresponding local labour market and prevailing levels of pay for similar services, similar contract conditions and similar positions in other statutory bodies in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

DURATION OF THE CONSULTANCY AND DUTY STATIONING The consultancy is expected to be completed within six (6) weeks from the date of signing the contract. The successful consultant/s shall not be required to be present in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but may work in his/her/their own office with coordinated visits to the TCI as necessary.

REPORTING LINE

The work of the consultant will be supervised by the Board of Governors of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College or its designate, and as such, the confirmation of the acceptance of the final report, authorization of payment disbursements, and evaluation of work performance will be undertaken by that entity.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Proposals are to include the following: Individual’s/Firm’s/Company’s Profile Consultant’s/Consultants’ CV/s Years of experience undertaking similar assignments Methodology to be used for the consultancy Work Time Plan Reporting Cost Expressions of interest are to be sent to: The President, Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands or by email to tcicomc@tciway.tc on or before 18th January 2016.

36 CLASSIFIEDS ISLAND DRILLING LTD. NORTH CAICOS

Is looking for a

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

JOSEPH GILLETTE Is looking for a

MARTINEZ AUTO REPAIR Is looking for a

GUSTAVUS FRANCIS Is looking for a

HOLIDAY VILLAGE

is looking for the following:

Is looking for a

MALE HELPER To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

11766

CONTACT: 241-0128

CONTACT: 432-2323

CONTACT: 241-3297

PAULAMAE MISSICK

QUALITY FOOD CENTER

Is looking for a

LABOURER To work 6 days per wueek salary $6.25 per hour.

CONTACT: 232-6546

Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour email: poohbear_2314@ hotmail.com 11761

MICHAEL PAUL HORTON Is looking for a

NANNY CASHIER

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour. CONTACT: 232-7440 11774

FLAMINGO PHARMACY

VACANCIES

Vitamins and Sport Nutrition Specialist

- Bachelor’s degree in science, nutrition, health promotion or related field from an accredited university. - Must have extensive knowledge of sports nutritions and supplements. - Ability to train and educate other team members to improve product knowledge and grow sales. - Must be a personal advocate of healthy living through nutrition and exercise. - Proven ability to manage social media, marketing, advertising and promotions. - 40 hours per week including most Saturdays. - Basic salary $32-40K plus performance related bonus.

Qualified Pharmacy Technician

- Must have pharmacy technician qualification from a recognized college, including at least 1 year of classroom based learning - Eligible for registration with the Health Practitioners Board. - At least 3 years post qualification experience in a busy pharmacy. - Duties will include accurate dispensing, use of dispensary software, maintenance of pharmacy stock, NHIP billing, handling OTC enquiries. - Recent experience with extemporaneous preparations of liquids and creams is desirable. - Willing to work long shifts, weekends and holidays. - Salary $25-31K depending on experience and qualifications

Please send resume and copies of qualifications to jobs@flamingopharmacy.com or fax to 649 941 4098. Closing date January 25th 2016.

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

CONTACT: 431-2970

DOMESTIC HOUSEKEEPER Able to perform all Nanny as well as cleaning, WORKERS chores cooking, grocery shopping, and cleaning laundry. LABOURERS Salary $5.50 per hour, Salary $6.25 per hour.

CONTACT: 946-5500

11767

to work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour

11739

MORIAH MCINTOSH NORTH CAICOS

MECHANIC LABOURER 11768

To work 6 days per week salary $10.00 per hour email: islanddrillingltd@ gmail.com 11789

to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

11784

MECHANIC

DOMESTIC WORKER

NANNY/ Monday - Saturday

CONTACT: 232-4188

3 BILINGUAL (ENGLISH AND FRENCH) LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPISTS NEEDED • Knowledge of Swedish Massage required • Knowledge of Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Thaï massage and other various modalities preferred • Minimum 10 years experience in the field of desired position, preferably in a 4* or 5* hotel • Available to work 6 days a week/7 hours a day, including evening and weekends • Knowledge of a third language such as Italian or Spanish a plus. Salary: Commission. ***Belonger only*** Send your resume and copy of your diplomas to: turkoisemassage@gmail.com Closing date: January 24yh 2016

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

JOIN THE HERITAGE TEAM!

We are looking for a Claims Assistant

Heritage Insurance Company offers a variety of opportunities for growth and success and is an equal opportunity employer. The successful candidate should have: • A High School Diploma and/or prior claims experience • Must have automotive knowledge and be able to do damage inspections and appraisals and claim investigation and evaluation • Must have excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal and written) • Must have own transportation • Must be responsible, dependable, have a great attitude and be a team player • Must be computer literate Submit cover letter and resume to: Carla Blake, Heritage Insurance, The Market Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands or via email at cblake@hiccl.com. Deadline for resume submission is 1/15/16.

January 9 - 15, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

Executive Assistant Manager – Food & Beverage Provides functional assistance and direction to the Food and Beverage operation, Pool and Beach operation and interacts with resort members and individuals outside the Resort including, but not limited to suppliers, competitors and other members of the local community. Responsible for coordinating functions and activities with department heads as appropriate. EAM – Food & Beverage will be responsible for the Operations of Food & Beverage and Pool and Beach Departments, as well as the VIP facilities behind the scenes management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Planning and Organizing - To plan all operational procedures, to plan and organize all recruitment, grow revenue of the F&B Department and Pool and Beach Department and to improve service and quality. • To coordinate with the heads of P&B and F&B departments to ensure adequate coordination and operations implementation • Implement departmental strategies and action plans in accordance with the resort’s strategic and sales plans • To plan the yearly revenue target • To plan and get the desired cost price for products sold by the resort • To plan on upgrading the standards within the Resort • To liaise with the sales & marketing manager to set the strategy for the F&B department • To organize and conduct interviews • To project business opportunities in order to increase revenue • To plan, develop and implement formal training plans for personnel • To participate in preparation of the Resort strategic plan, marketing plan and goals program • To regularly update the General Manager on all operations achievements and key issues • To operate an efficient and accurate administration process in order to meet statutory, legal and internal requirements • To conduct daily briefings to ensure that all departments receive updated information • To conduct weekly briefings to improve all aspects of the resort • To attend all other meetings as required by the senior leaders team • To ensure and maintain good relations with members and suppliers

BUDGETING & COSTING -

• To delegate and control the departmental expense budget throughout the year • Control Payroll and Business Expenses of P&B and F&B Departments

• To prepare and derive the required operational cost for F&B and P&B Departments for the year • To oversee budget preparation for the year • To ensure the preparation of management team duties • To implement methods to control wastage and over production • To select suppliers with the most competent prices • To ensure that the payroll doesn’t exceed the budget • To set the profit margin targets and achieve them • To analyze potential costs • To consider aspects of re-investment • To co-ordinate and manage pricing strategies • To analyze the market needs and trends • To contribute to Sales improvement • To ensure improvement in productivity across the resort • To carry out the duty managers shift in order to meet management requirements • Manage the functioning of all employees, facilities, sales and costs, to ensure maximum departmental profit is achieved • Ensure regular upgrades of the resources of the F&B and P & B departments • To oversee the preparation, presentation and service of food products to ensure the highest quality at all times • To maintain good will, sense of fairness and an open door policy towards employees • To monitor and check resort members satisfaction • To control operating and merchandising costs • To maintain highest standards of Hygiene • To maintain good Health and Safety Standards • Implement a daily and monthly checklist for all departments. Ensure proper follow-up to attain maximum quality and efficiency • To coordinate all sales activities which are conducted in area of responsibility • To actively engage and participate in effective communications within the resort • To adhere to all the resort standards and procedures at any given time • Ensure that all Standards are being adhered to, by training all personnel and monitoring their compliance

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality or in Business Administration, from a highly reputed university • Post graduate studies in similar subjects are highly recommended • 15+ years of experience in the hospitality sector • At least 5 years of experience in a management role, preferably within a well-reputed 5* exclusive resort/ luxury country-club • Strong command of the operations of restaurants and accommodations facilities • Good understanding of procurement functions, pricing strategies as well as sales & marketing methods Domestic Worker/Housekeeper

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Ensure the cleanliness of all hotel areas • Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of all guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens • physical stamina and mobility including ability to reach, kneel and bend • ability to lift, push and pull required load (usually about 30lbs) • Ensure inventory is used properly and in supply at all times • Possess knowledge of proper cleaning supplies and chemical handling Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Labourer

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Operate, maintain and repair the property’s heating, ventilation air conditioning and refrigeration systems • Perform Laundry and Kitchen services • Perform preventative maintenance on the hotel’s systems • Pool cleaning, chemical testing, adding chemical as required • Maintain the proper use, cleaning, maintenance and storage of all tools. • Responsible for cleaning grease traps, lift stations, checking & treatment of sewage treatment plant

Electro - Mechanical Technician & Storekeeper JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Engineering course, undergraduate or vocational school graduate with good verbal and written communication skills. Must have at least eight years work experience in the field of engineering / facilities equipment operation and maintenance gained in hospitality or other industries. • Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical equipment and plumbing trouble shooting. • Working knowledge of swimming pool operation and water chemistry • Working knowledge of sewage treatment plant operation and maintenance • Knowledge of computers and its peripherals • Planning and executing preventive maintenance of suites and equipment within • Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety standards • Knowledge of basic kitchen equipment maintenance and trouble shooting • Knowledge of industry store keeping procedures • Must be computer literate and technologically savvy particularly for the ordering and follow-up processes • Must be familiar with electrical and mechanical parts

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than January 29, 2016 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1030. Email: sheba.wilson@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

11787

Is looking for the following:

FEMME APPAREL Is looking for a

SALES PERSON

KITCHEN STEWARD DOMESTIC WORKER

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

CONTACT: SUSAN MOORE 649-946-6141

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Must have 3-5 years experience salary negotiable CONTACT: 245-9452

11794

11815

ALTAGRACE BROWN

DOMESTIC CARETAKER WORKER To work 6 days Is looking for a

per week salary $6.25 per hour.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS: • 5+ years experience in business planning, forecasting, project planning, procurement and logistics • Solid technical background with understanding and/or hands-on experience with ecommerce and/or web technologies • Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office • Experience with general business operations • Excellent negotiation and communication skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Business Applications can be submitted online at www.momentous.com.

Marketing Manager

We are looking for an experienced Marketing Manager who will take on the management of a number of marketing initiatives with the goal of delivering on time, within budget and within scope. • Intimate understanding of traditional and emerging marketing channels • Excellent communication skills • Ability to think creatively and innovatively • Budget-management skills and proficiency • Analytical skills to forecast and identify trends and challenges • Familiarity with the latest trends, technologies and methodologies in graphic design, web design, production, etc. • Intimate understanding of traditional and emerging marketing channels • Excellent communication skills • 4+ years of agency experience (advertising, marketing and/or public relations) • Bachelor’s Degree in Arts, Social Science and/or Business. Applications can be submitted online at www.momentous.com.

Assistant General Manager

We are looking for an Assistant General Manager for a retail food location in Grace Bay. Must be available to work nights and weekends. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Managing and executing opening and closing procedures • Making sure the store runs smoothly during opening hours • Recruit and train staff • Deal with any enquiries and complaints and monitor customer service • Serve customers as needed • Support the General Manager with scheduling • Ensure quality of products • Manage deliveries Applications can be submitted online at www.momentous.com.

11765

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

LABOURER To work 6 days per week salary $7.00 per hour

11807

CREATIVE NAIL CARE Is looking for a

per week salary $6.25 per hour

CONTACT: 331-5214

STEPHEN WILSON is looking for a

DOMESTIC WORKER NAIL TECHNICIAN To work 5 days To work 6 days per week salary $250.00 per week.

7776

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager who will take on the management of key business projects with the goal of delivering every project on time, within budget and within scope.

Is looking for a

Contact: CONTACT: CONTACT: 343-3739 649-246-2226 231-2763 Is looking for a

Project Manager

BASNEAL BIEN AIME

Is looking for a

COSMO TRIPODI

Momentous Ltd. is seeking qualified individuals for the following openings. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and requirements will be considered. All candidates must be willing to work unusual hours including weekends and public holidays. All candidates must be non-smokers. Applicants will be required to pass a written skills test. Only suitably qualified Islanders should apply.

ANA JULIA INGHAM

CONTACT: 347-7889

DOMESTIC WORKER to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour email: sw@gtclaw.com

CAICOS EXPRESS AIRWAYS LTD.

PILOT

Requires a

With the following minimum qualifications: • Total time 1200 hours minimum • 600 hours multi-engine • 200 hours on Type C402 • License: Commercial Pilot • Multi-engine and Instrument ratings • Radiotelephone license • First Class medical certificate • Should be between 25 – 40 years old • Salary commensurate with experience • Must be willing to work weekends and holidays

RAMP AGENT

• Must have airline/aviation management experience; • Familiar with GSE maintenance procedures; • Must be flexible to work various shifts, weekends, or irregular shifts; • Knowledge of applicable FAA regulations, including standard security program and FAR 107/108 NFPA and OSHA regulations or Bachelor’s Degree in business; • Five years’ progressive management experience including ground handling of commercial aircraft, or wide- and narrow-body aircraft. Salary commensurate with experience Please fax resumes to (649) 941 3864 or email to info@ caicosexpressairways.com Deadline for receiving resumes is Friday, 22nd January 2016 BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY

11786

BLUE HORIZON RESORT MIDDLE CAICOS

11799

38 CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

KAADEN AGENCY Acting on behalf of our clients is looking for a

WAITRESS

Must have 3-5 years experience salary negotiable. CONTACT: 231-6565

MMK CONSULTANCY SERVICES Acting on behalf of our client Palm Grove Hotel is looking for a

HOUSEKEEPER Must have 3-5 years experience salary negotiable.

CONTACT: 232-2267

11814

VACANCY Someone to test telephone numbers for us in Cockburn town.

• • • •

DOMESTIC WORKER To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

11800

CONTACT: 231-5170

4-6, maybe more, test assignments per month. Each test assignment takes about 5-10 minutes maximum. M-F, working hours only. No calling costs – everything reimbursed, plus test payments. • Must live in Turks, have land line & mobile phone, have knowledge of Excel Spreadsheets, and must be reliable. This can turn into steady work as long as you are reliable. Work from home. Start date: immediate End date: None. Project will continue indefinitely.

Send Resume for consideration Slevenson1121@gmail.com

LABOURER

Interested candidate may contact 2423256 regarding employment.

REGISTERED NURSE REQUIRED

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

Is looking for a

is seeking employment for the following:

11816

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! ROSELEE J. MISICK

B & M CONSTRUCTION

• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing from a recognized University and at least 3 years post qualification experience • Must be available to work part time hours between 8am to 8pm daily, plus weekends, holidays and overnight to meet the needs of the clinic • Must be eligible for registration with the local Health

Practitioners Board

• Must have experience in operating theatres assisting with gynecology cases • Must be willing to be flexible to meet the needs of the clinic • Must be highly computer literate • Must have experience with medical billing software, QuickBooks and AdvantaChart • Salary commensurate with experience

Please send CV to dr-gray@live.com or fax to 941-2386. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

11756

January 9 - 15, 2015

11788

CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING LTD.

Is seeking a

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER The successful applicant must possess: • Membership of the Institution of Structural Engineers • BSC in Civil/ Structural Engineering • 10 years post qualification work experience • Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, Autocad, ESA Prima Win, Tedds and STAAD Pro

STRUCTURAL TECHNICIAN The successful applicant must possess: • BSC in 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 • Overseeing a design team 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 January 18th, 2016 Apply in writing to Civil & Structural Engineering Limited, P.O. Box 158, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Duties will include and candidates should have experience in: • Structural design calculations and drawing work • Structural surveys • Site inspection and report Salary will be $36,000.00 per annum The suitable candidate will be able to work under their own initative, 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 January 18th, 2016 Apply in writing to Civil & Structural Engineering Limited, P.O. Box 158, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Contact: Chris Conway on cconway@csecaribbean.com or fax to Labour Office, Providenciales on 649-946-7184

11792

11791

40 CLASSIFIEDS

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

EAGLE REFERENCE CAR WASH SEEKS

DOMESTIC WORKER

Main duties will be domestic duties. Must be able to speak English, Salary starts at $6.50 per hour Will have to work 6 days a week. Deadline for applications is December 18, 2015. Interested persons should send applications via fax at (649) 941-8472 Only applicants selected will be contacted.

ETS LTD.

KITEBOARDING INSTRUCTOR REQUIRED The successful candidate must be IKO certified at least at Level One and must have a minimum of three years teaching experience in this area, as this individual will be actively involved in training and providing lessons in Kiteboarding to adults and children. Must also possess the ability to speak either French or Spanish, hold a valid driver’s license and be in good health. Will be required to assist with assembling and lifting Kiteboarding equipment to and from the beach everyday for lessons. Must be personable, able to work unsupervised and trustworthy. Assistance will be required in website maintenance and social media administration. Salary will commensurate with experience. We will accept emails only of resumes with proof of certification. Please submit on or before December 25, 2015. Serious inquiries may also send a copy of their application to the Labour Department. Email: info@karammissick.com.

11735

Wishes to recruit a

Technical Coordinator Duties include coordinating the technical operations of a multifaceted, three-pronged consultancy firm, developing operational procedures and logistics, drafting contracts, managing the operation of activities in line with established procedures and budgets, preparation and review of project implementation and reports, and liaise with clients both locally and internationally etc. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Business Management or related field, minimum 10 years experience in technical operations & business management, accounting management experience, must be computer literate, punctual, responsible and have the ability to work on your own initiative, valid TCI driver’s license, own transportation, willing to work weekends and holidays, & clean police record. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please forward resume to the Manager, ETS Ltd., Long Bay, Providenciales or email them to consult@ets.tc.

VACANCY

UNDERWRITING ASSISTANT Heritage Insurance Co (Caribbean) Ltd is seeking to fill the post of Underwriting Assistant. The successful candidate should: - Have insurance knowledge and experience - Have excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal & written) - Be responsible, dependable, have a great attitude and be a team player - Must be computer literate. Submit cover letter and resume to: Carla Blake, Heritage Ins. Co (Caribbean) Ltd, via email at cblake@hiccl.com. Deadline for applications is December 30, 2015. 11737

11730

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

The Somerset Strata Management Co. Ltd is seeking a suitable qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently.

LABOURER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on heating, cooling, and ventilation systems Paint and repair drywall along with performing routine maintenance jobs and repairs around the property

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be a team player with a desire to deliver excellent customer service to our guests Previous experience in this area would be an asset Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience Qualified Belonger candidates are requested to submit a CV by e-mail to:

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands. 1. Parcel 60004/237 North West & North Central, Providenciales. Single storey with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room, kitchen and laundry room on 0.20 acre. Registered Proprietor: Oscar O’Brien Forbes 2. Parcel 10501/51 South Suburbs, Grand Turk. Two storey with both lower and upper levels consisting of two bedrooms, one bathroom, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and family room on 0.50 acre. Upper level is 70% completed. Registered Proprietors: Mary Hazlyn Joseph-Roberts & Samuel Stephen Roberts

Joanna Ivasiuk The Somerset Resort on Grace Bay Jivasiuk@thesomerset.com

The auction will be held at the office of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 22nd day of January 2016.

Submissions for this job position should be received no later than February 1, 2016

A reserved price will be fixed on all parcels and a deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids. 11802

January 9 - 15, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

SANCHEZ & WILLIAMS CAFÉ Is looking for a

SUNSET PHARMACY

SKY PILOT

is looking for a

Is looking for a

BARMAID

SALES CLERK To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

DOMESTIC WORKER To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

CONTACT: 941-3751

JSMS/ PRICE CLUB

L.P.S. / YVON PETIT

THE MISSION CHURCH OF GOD

Is looking for a

11726

CONTACT: 347-6113

11720

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour. CONTACT: 231-2397

Is looking for a

CLASSIFIEDS 41

Training Officer An exciting full time opportunity Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Turks and Caicos Islands An opportunity has arisen for a dynamic individual to work as a Training Officer in one of the oldest police forces in the World. Ministry: Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Closing Date/Time: Thursday 21st January 2016, 11:59 PM Eastern Time Salary: $33,000.00 Annually Location: Grand Turk

JOB PROFILE:

Under general direction, the position organizes and coordinates training for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, as well as assisting with design and delivery of some training programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

LABOURER BAKER MISSIONARY To work 6 days To work 6 days Salary $6.50 11723

CONTACT: 332-5029

per week salary $6.50 per hour CONTACT: 649-342-2548

11725

per hour. CONTACT: 341-1268

11727

per week salary $6.25 per hour

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

SPA THERAPIST

• Deliver spa treatments and techniques • Massage Therapy, Body Therapy, Aesthetician, Nail Technician, Body Wraps and Therapeutic Baths • Promote a sense of well being and other therapeutic benefits for clients • Create a relaxing atmosphere for clients • Must be the consummate professional at all timesv • Immaculate appearance • Excellent customer service • Have patience • Be sincere about caring for people • Be confidential • Must be certified and have on the job exposure to all area of a spa

1. Research, source and organize training programs, seminars, workshops and conferences for clerical, supervisory, technical, and lower-level management personnel. 2. Network with various training agencies and resource personnel for expert training support 3. Assist with the design, implementation and evaluation of existing and proposed programs; recommends appropriate changes. 4. Assist with the annual Training Needs Analysis, and the analysis of the findings. 5. Track monthly budget expenditure for all training programs, seminars, workshops and conferences, and prepares reports for higher level consultation 6. Prepare and distribute training aids such as instructional material, handouts, evaluation forms, and visual aids; sets up audio-visual equipment and makes professional presentations when necessary. 7. Overall co-ordinate training workshops and programs. 8. Schedule the appropriate classroom and ensure that all logistics are in place for training. 9. Conduct Orientation sessions for ministries; conducts other lower-level training programs when necessary and according to professional standards 10. Maintain and update a training database 11. Prepare monthly training reports for higher-level consultation 12. Track the transfer of learning following training and provide reports to the Human Resource Manager – Training for further planning and action 13. Adhere to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and Public Service codes, rules and regulations 14. Perform other related tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in Education/Human Resource Management/related field or equivalent is preferred. • At least 2 years’ experience working in a similar business environment/role. • Application procedure: • Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a cover letter and two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer) as well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the passport photo page. Shortlisted candidates must submit a Police Clearance/Certificate. Applications should be addressed to: James Smith, Commissioner of Police, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Old Airport Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Email to: Rex.Swann@tcipolice.tc with the subject line: Training Officer/ APPLICATION. Successful applicants will work in accordance with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Ordinance, TCI Laws, Ordinances, and Public Service Ordinance. Closing date is 21st January, 2016.Following a paper-sift, successful applicants to be called for interview will be notified by 29th January 2016 with interviews taking place on the week of Monday 1st February to 5th February 2016.

Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

INTERESTED PERSONS CAN CONTACT OUR HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT NO LATER THAN JANUARY 2, 2016 @ (649) 946-8550 11722

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities, All applicants will be considered on an equal basis that determines their suitability to the post applied for. The selection process will be conducted on three principles of merit, fairness and openness. Applications without all supporting documents will not be processed. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted. 11779

URIAL MUSGROVE

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

LAS BRISAS RESTAURANT

¿TIENES

WILFREY AND TONY BARBER SHOP

Is looking for a

LABOURER

To work 5 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.

CONTACT: 241-4049

CONTACT: 946-5306

11744

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

HAY ESPERANZA REUNIONES DE ALCOHÓLICOS ANÓNIMOS MIÉRCOLES 8:00PM & DOMINGO 10AM TOMAS 247-8628 POR DETALLES

Is looking for a

BARBER To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour

CONTACT: 231-0882

11753

SALES CLERK

T & C ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

SUPERIOR LAUNDROMAT

PROBLEMAS

CON LA BEBIDA?

Is looking for a

THE HELP DESK ACTING ON BEHALF OF ITS CLIENTS:

LAUNDRY REPAIRMAN TECNHICIAN $8.00 per hour

QUINTIN SELVER

DOMESTIC WORKER – $6.25 per hour.

CONTACT: 241-7734 11748

is looking for a

LABOURER To work 6 days

per week salary $6.25 per hour

CONTACT: 946-8236

THE SOMERSET STRATA MANAGEMENT CO LTD Is seeking a suitable qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently.

GARDENER

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete ground work as directed by the Property Manager which may include picking up trash, sweeping curb and dumpster areas and maintaining landscaping beds and other ground areas • Must have the ability to lift heavy items weighing up to 150lbs • Must have the ability to maintain irrigation systems and provide proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, and other grounds features

COMMON AREA ATTENDANT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Clean and maintain guest public areas within the hotel • Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment, in order to prevent damage to floors and fixtures • Maintain an inventory of cleaning and toiletry supplies • Polish furnitures, metal work, and chrome using appropriate cleaning and polishing compounds

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a team player with a desire to deliver excellent customer service to our guest • Must have clear English communications skills (written or oral) • Previous experience in this area would be an asset Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience Qualified Belonger candidates are requested to submit a CV by e-mail to: Joanna Ivasiuk

The Somerset Resort on Grace Bay jivasiuk@thesomerset.com Submissions for this job position should be received no later than February 1, 2016

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• • • •

Replace washers, faucets and seals on malfunctioning plumbing equipments Repair leaky faucets and clean clogged drains Perform a wide variety of general building maintenance repairs and services Assist as directed in the operation and maintenance of mechanical systems such as: plumbing, ventilating, air conditioning, steam system, automatic temperature control, electrical and pool filtration as needed • Perform preventive maintenance procedures in a manner responsive to guest satisfaction

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be trained and certified by an accredited school in the following areas: Plumbing/Electrical/Mechanical and A/C related trades • Must be a team player with a desire to deliver excellent customer service to our guest • Must have clear English communications skills (written or oral) • Must have at least 5 years in plumbing, wood finishing, painting, A.C repairs, and carpentry Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience Qualified Belonger candidates are requested to submit a CV by e-mail to:

Joanna Ivasiuk The Somerset Resort on Grace Bay Jivasiuk@thesomerset.com Submissions for this job position should be received no later than February 1, 2016

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

11783

42 CLASSIFIEDS

January 9 - 15, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 43

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD

DEPUTY DIRECTOR A rewarding career opportunity awaits you in the Country’s most important sector. The Tourist Board has an exciting opportunity for the ideal candidate. This position is based in Grand Turk. Reporting to the Director of Tourism, the successful candidate’s key result areas are: • Destination Marketing • Product Development • Statistics • Quality Assurance • Administration Essential Duties: 1. Destination Marketing 1.1 Assist with the development and implementation of the TCI Board of Tourism’s marketing strategy and strategic tourism plan, with special emphasis on Grand Turk and the surrounding islands. 1.2 Market TCI as a tourism destination to stimulate economic development; attend consumer and trade shows, conduct familiarization trips, site visits and sales missions. 1.3 Build and maintain positive working relationships with tourism stakeholders, government agencies, and community groups; enhance Belonger participation and ownership in the tourism industry. 1.4 Assist with the development of annual advertising plans, creative messaging, and media buys. 1.5 Plan, coordinate and monitor special events relative to the TCI and overseas Tourism Calendar. 1.6 Work closely with all tourism stakeholders to facilitate the expansion of tourism in Grand Turk and the family islands. 1.7 Ensure communication and distribution of promotional, collateral and public information materials. 1.8 Oversee the development of marketing collateral, brochures, and advertising for the promotion of Grand Turk and the Family Islands. 2. Product Development 2.1 Develop an annual product development plan and provide leadership, guidance and support with regards to implementation of the activities in the plan, including Community, Cruise and Cultural Tourism product development activities. 2.2 Identify new tourism products based on market and consumer research, and maintain and enhance existing tourism products in keeping with the annual product development plan of the destination. 2.3 Identify sources of financing for product development.

2.4 Liaise with the Director of Tourism, government departments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and other relevant entities to execute product development plans and activities. 2.5 Ensure that product development information on the destination is collected and shared with all offices, including the overseas offices and other relevant stakeholders, so that they are apprised of new products in the destination, the status of existing products etc. 2.6 Work closely with the National Trust on Heritage Sites and attractions development and maintenance. 3. Statistics 3.1 Provide guidance and oversight in all offices with respect to the collection, analysis and distribution of statistical information for the destination. 3.2 Ensure that other tourism statistical data and tourism-related data is being sourced that would be of interest to the destination and ensure distribution of same to the relevant stakeholders. 3.3 Must be aware of trends and practices in established and emerging markets. 3.4 Oversee the accurate analysis of tourism data collected by the statistics unit and prepare quarterly reports on findings. 4. Quality Assurance 4.1 Promote the importance of standards to industry stakeholders and encourage them to participate in the Board’s Site Inspection and Quality Assurance programme to benefit their business. 4.2 Provide guidance and oversight with respect to the Board’s Site Inspection and Quality Assurance programme to ensure its effectiveness and desired impact and seek to strengthen and expand the programme as needed 4.3 Provide guidance to the introduction and implementation of new tourism/hospitality standards that are relevant to TCI tourism products and services, which are intended to give the destination a competitive edge. 4.4 Oversee annual grading and rating of all TCI accommodation. 4.5 In conjunction with Revenue Control ensure that all TCIG accommodation taxes are paid. 5. Administration 5.1 Provide input into the development of the annual budget of the TCI Tourist Board. 5.2 Participate in the development and management of Grand Turk’s and surrounding islands’ annual budget. 5.3 Manage the day-to-day operations of the Grand Turk Tourism office. 5.4 Provide quarterly reports on tourism activities

5.5 6. 6.1 6.2

6.3

to the Director of Tourism, and keep the Director informed on matters of relevance. Prepare quarterly reports and make presentations on the economic status of tourism within the destination. Other Function as deputized Director in the absence of the Director of Tourism. Comply with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the TCI Tourist Board; enforce and advise of any changes in laws and policies which may affect the Tourist Board. Perform other duties as directed by the Director of Tourism.

Skills/Qualifications/Competencies: • A Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Management or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the travel/tourism industry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Three or more years of tourism management experience. • Management skills including ability to supervise and motivate employees. • Considerable knowledge of TCI’s tourism products and services, with the ability to administer all aspects of tourism programmes. • Ability to contribute to the development of marketing and strategic plans. • Ability to assist with the annual operating budgets encompassing all activities and operations of the TCI Board of Tourism. • Ability to maintain effective relationships with the key tourism stakeholders, staff in all offices, the Director of Tourism, and the Board of Directors. • Ability to develop, coordinate and evaluate travel and tourism promotional activities. • Well-developed analytical and problem solving skills. • Proficiency in MS Office software. SALARY: Salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience. For consideration please submit the following documents to chairman@ turksandcaicostourism.com or submit to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Front Street, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. • Cover Letter • Current Resume • Two (2) reference letters • Current Police Record • Resident Status

Only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted in this regard. APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 29th 2016

January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports National

PABA Night League resumes on Friday THE Hustlerz, with a lone win in six tries in 2015 will attempt to start 2016 with wins when the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Night League resumes this Friday at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex court. The Hustlerz will open against the 2-4 Predators from 19:00h. The other clash on Friday will see the Knights taking on the Police Badgers. The Knights are also 2-4,

while the Badgers are 4-2. Saturday evening will start with the speed and high flying duo of Galvin Hall Jr. and Darly Francois from HAB Sonics against the prolific scoring of Randy Rigby and Lofton Seymour from the Kings. The Sonics are 2-3, while the Kings are 4-2. The Hustlerz second game will be on Saturday night against the undefeated Harbour Ballers.

The Sonics with a 2-3 record will look to reach .500 when they battle the Kings on Saturday evening.

TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER A rewarding career opportunity awaits you in the Country’s most important sector. Are you able to perform professional level accounting duties in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, legal and regulatory requirements? Are you highly efficient and able to prepare, analyze, verify, reconcile and maintain the organization’s financial transactions? The Tourist Board has an exciting opportunity for the ideal candidate. Reporting to the Director of Tourism, the successful candidate’s key result areas are: • Accounting • Fiscal Responsibility • Budgeting and Financial Reporting • Audit ESSENTIAL DUTIES Accounting • Manage accounts payables invoices and contractual agreements for all goods and services and ensure timely settlement of all scheduled payments. • Manage payments due to the TCI Board of Tourism (advertising, road shows, events). • Prepare monthly payroll, including payment of employee and employer NHIP and NIB contributions within the required time frame. • Ensure all advance accounts are acquitted on a monthly basis to accurately report the spending against budget for the Tourist Board. Fiscal Responsibility • Assist with the planning, development, organization and implementation of the TCI Board of Tourism’s fiscal function and performance. • Enhance/develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures of the TCI Board of Tourism by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the organization. • Provide financial advice and knowledge to the Director as required and others within the TCI Board of Tourism’s financial discipline. • Provide strategic financial input and leadership on decision making issues affecting the TCI Board of

Tourism. • Optimize the handling of bank and deposit relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash position. • Protect the organizations assets by establishing, monitoring and enforcing internal controls. • Regularly handles confidential data and restricts communication of information only to authorized persons. Budgets and Financial Reporting • Preparation of the Tourist Board’s annual budget to accurately reflect the funding requirements of the Tourist Board. • Continually monitor spending against the budget and advise the Director of any anticipated overspends to ensure action can be taken. • Manage budgets and control expenses effectively to ensure spending is in line with budget and forecasts. • Provide timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports and financial trends in order to assist the Director and the Board in performing their responsibilities. • Provide continual improvement of the budgeting process through education of persons functioning at the Executive level on financial issues impacting their budgets. • Provide status of financial condition of the TCI Board of Tourism by collecting, interpreting and reporting of key financial data. • Produce both internal and external financial reports to the TCI Board and TCI Government reporting within the legislative time frame. • Preparation of the annual financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for audit. Audit • Coordinates the information required by outside examiners and auditors as appropriate. • Promptly respond to audit queries. • Respond to and act on audit recommendations to ensure changes are implemented to mitigate the

audit issues arising. Other • Comply with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the TCI Board of Tourism. • Perform other duties as directed by the Director of Tourism REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE • A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Business Management, with at least five (5) years working experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Five (5) or more years experience managing an accounting function in a public or private sector environment, with prior audit and payroll management experience. • Proficiency in MS Office software with an emphasis on Word and Excel. • Possess intermediate knowledge of financial systemsQuickbooks. • Ability to read, analyze and interpret financial reports, legal documents and government regulations. • Ability to prepare reports, write business correspondence and effectively present information and respond to queries from Management, Board members and the general public. SALARY: Salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience. For consideration please submit the following documents to chairman@turksandcaicostourism.com or submit to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Front Street, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. • Cover Letter • Current Resume • Two (2) reference letters • Current Police Record • Proof of Resident Status

Only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted in this regard. APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 29th 2016

January 9 - 15, 2016

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Fenelus on fire in Taiwan Super League NATIONAL footballer Marco Fenelus feels at home with new football team Tatung Football Club, which is competing in the Taiwan Super League. Prior to the Christmas break, Fenelus was his team’s leading scorer and second overall in the eight-team league with six goals. Tatung were also leading the league with 17 points from five wins and two draws. The 23-year-old forward is one of TCI’s most talented players, and he showed a lot of promise at the youth level. He was outstanding at junior college (Western Texas College), while he continued his dominance with NCAA 1st division college

team Cal State Fullerton University Titans. In 2014, not only did Fenelus score for the TCI against BVI in the Caribbean Cup preliminary qualification round, but he also led the Titans with eight goals. His dominance resulted in him being drafted by the New England Revolution in the Major League Soccer 2015 Super draft. The Haitian born was picked in the third round of the draft, but the club did not sign him. He then had discussions with the San Antonio Scorpions, but that did not progress further. Ironically the Scorpions had wanted to sign him in 2014, but he opted to enter the draft.

Kendrew anticipates exciting PPL season – Grand Turk United to compete PRESIDENT of the Provo Premier League (PPL) Steve Kendrew is excited about the 2016 season which kicks off this Saturday at the TCIFA Academy Field. Eight teams, including Grand Turk United will compete in the league which is scheduled to run until May. “I think the league will be better than ever with two additional “local” teams involved and a team from Grand Turk for the first time.” Full Physic (made up of mostly last year’s Academy players) will compete along with AFC Academy (now young players), Sharks, Cheshire Hall, Beaches, Teachers, Rozo and GT United. The league, currently without a sponsor, will see a lot more competitive games, since most of the teams have gotten stronger. Kendrew said that Sharks have recruited a few extra players. “Sharks are stronger this year and Coach Gary Brough is confident.” The PPL head added that Beaches have 30 plus players

President of the PPL Steve Kendrew feels the league will be “better than ever” this season.

at their disposal. Full Physic is being managed by local lads and TCI national team players, James Rene and Marcdonald Fenelus. The Grand Turk side will play two games every time they travel to Providenciales. The league starts at 18:00h on Saturday with the Academy team taking on Full Physic; followed by Rozo against Cheshire Hall. GT United’s first double header will be on January 23rd, when they will play Teachers and Rozo in back-to-back clashes.

Marco Fenelus has scored six goals in seven games to date in the Taiwan Super League.

Fenelus said that he had been in discussion with Tatung since March of last year, but it was not until

September that he signed with the team. As per norm with new foreign players, the contract is for one year.

“I’m happy, country looks nice; the people are friendly, teammates are fun, it’s been great so far.”

Brooks hopes for scoring consistency in 2016 COLLEGE forward Ashley Brooks is hoping to score more baskets in 2016 for the Paul Quinn College Tigers. The starter, who got his first taste of collegiate level basketball in the US last year, has been a dominant force on the boards and in defence. In the scoring department he started slowly and steadily improved, but he is yet to achieve the level he wants to be at. “My first, I’ll say six games, were rough for me offensively because I was just getting adjusted to the speed of the game in college, but I began to pick it up and I’ve become more consistent in scoring in more recent games. In 2016, I hope that I can build on my consistency and continue to add to my numbers.” Brooks, who was born in Florida, but grew up in Grand Turk, has an average of seven points and seven rebounds per game. SMART THINKING The 20-year-old starter said he is not thinking about the NBA at the moment. “It’s honestly not in my mind right now, but if my hard work provides me that opportunity then of course. If I get good enough then it’s first (career wise), but I’m making sure I don’t put all my chips in that basket because anything can happen.” Brooks, who is studying computer

Ashley Brooks is currently averaging seven points and seven rebounds per game.

science, will look to get into the working world after his degree. “Once I get my degree I’m thinking of getting a job in the US. My college provides me the opportunity to network with cooperate America, so I’ve made a lot of connections as far as jobs are concerned.”

Ashley’s parents Angela and Desmond Brooks are from GT. After high school at HJ Robinson, he studied computer studies at TCI’s Community College, before he got a scholarship to Texas CYM Academy through coaches Ray Evans and Kevin Harvey from Blazers Elite Academy.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 9 - 15, 2016

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January 9 - 15, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 9 - 15, 2016