Weekly News PS Finance cleared Volume 29 | No. 28 | July 11 - 17, 2015
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Following months of investigations and criminal action being brought against her by the Integrity Commission, Athenee Harvey has been cleared and reinstated to her position as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance.
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STOP Bullying
Ladies from Soroptomist International Caribbean network recently joined primary aged students, parents and residents in an anti-bullying march along Leeward Highway, Providenciales.
Crimestoppers hotline IS not being used
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Demand for TCI real estate doubles in 2015
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Governor impressed after tour of Turks PAGE Head Brewery 14
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 11 - 17, 2015
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 11 - 17, 2015
Crimestoppers hotline is not being used BY DELANA ISLES DESPITE its touted anonymity, the Crimestoppers Miami based hotline for residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands to safely report crimes or criminal activity, is not being used. This is according to Assistant Commissioner of Police, Wayne Jones during a recent meeting with the media. Jones bemoaned the lack of information coming out of this medium and once again urged people with information on criminal behaviour or activities to call the numbers provided (1-800-8477), a secure network which is answered only in Miami, Florida, USA. “I don’t know why or what reason
whatsoever that people are not using the Crimestoppers. “Some of you probably remember where the director of Crimestoppers was hauled before the court last year and questioned pertaining to where he got his source of information as it relates to a drug arrest that was made over there. “He refused to volunteer that information to the court and decided that if he had to be sentenced for contempt of court he would have gone to prison to serve his time,” the Assistant Commissioner recalled, making a case for the security of the network. Jones pointed out that this shows how serious Crimestoppers take any information that is passed on to them
Visa waiver rumours denied THE GOVERNMENT issued a statement this week reassuring the public that police records can still be used as travel supporting documents. A press release on Thursday (July 9) read: “The Ministry of Border Control and Employment wishes to advise that contrary to a rumour that has been circulating in the public domain, United States Embassy representatives confirmed that
there is no intention to cease the acceptance of Turks and Caicos Islands Police Records as a valid travel supporting document under the visa waiver provision which is currently extended to holders of a Turks and Caicos Islands passport.” It added that travellers are cautioned that where an application for a US visa was denied, a police record is unlikely to be sufficient for entry into the United States.
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 Rebecca Bird - News Editor Delana Isles - Senior Reporter Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1
from any individual. “So we encourage you again, if you have any information, please come forward and share it with us and we will make sure that we execute it.” When questioned, he said that no information has ever come back to TCI police as being reported to Crimestoppers. “In the past we have offered so much money as reward for information, $20,000/$30,000 and no one has come forward. “I want to specifically state that no person’s name is mentioned, it’s just the information.” Commissioner of Police James Smith, who also spoke with the press, said that to be fair, he and the police know that people do not generally trust them. However, he said that whenever information is given to the local authorities they treat it in the same manner as Crimestoppers. “What happens is that when individuals give information to a police officer, that police officer submits that by a variety of means, an analyst keeps that information and sanitises it by taking out the informants name and any other information by which the individual can be identified. “Useful information is then collated into a package which our investigators use to do their work; so it is the same confidential process.” Smith added that his officers are told not to handle information in confidence, as they will be dealt with seriously and they know this. “But there seems to be a legacy of distrust and we are trying to build that trust back and I think that will only come through time and with officers interacting with members of the public and building trust. “It is not going to be a quick fix, but I would just like to give that reassurance that we will treat information when it comes directly to us with confidence,” the Commissioner assured.
Demand for TCI real estate doubles in 2015 THE DEMAND for Caribbean real estate, particularly in Turks and Caicos Islands, has doubled during the first six months of 2015 compared to the same period last year. This is according to analysis of enquiries conducted by Caribbean luxury property specialist 7th Heaven Properties. A statement from the agency this past week, noted that analysis of enquiries received via the 7th Heaven Properties website and the company’s magazine The Caribbean Property Investor indicates that interest in residential and commercial real estate in the Caribbean has increased dramatically across all price brackets. Some of the highlights are as follows: the majority of enquiries originate from the USA, Canada and the UK with enquiries from American and Canadian buyers more than doubling and enquiries from British buyers up over 30 percent. Particularly high increases in enquiries for residential real estate in St Kitts and Nevis, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Antigua and the Dominican Republic and that enquiries for properties in all price brackets are up. With properties priced from $1 million to $2 million more than doubling, and the proportion of enquiries for properties priced below $1 million increasing from 39
percent to 44 percent. St Lucia and Jamaica have also seen a notable increase in enquiries for commercial real estate, including hotels for sale and land for development. According to Walter Zephirin, managing director of Londonbased 7th Heaven Properties: “Enquiries for Caribbean real estate have increased dramatically during the first half of this year as economic growth in the USA, Canada and the UK has stimulated buyer confidence.” He added that growth in demand for Caribbean property has been underpinned by the impressive performance of the region’s tourism sector, particularly in locations such as the Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the continued success of highly attractive citizenship by investment programmes in St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua. “The outlook for the second half of 2015 is extremely promising with a strong sales pipeline. “A succession of announcements on increasing airlift to the region and major resort developments linked to Robert de Niro in Antigua and Barbuda and Leonardo DiCaprio in Belize, as well as the first licensed casino in Jamaica have boosted the Caribbean’s profile and enhanced its accessibility and appeal to buyers,” Zephirin said.
Police officer found guilty of wounding
Chevell McPhee
OFFICER with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Chevell McPhee was found guilty of wounding in Magistrate Court #1 on the Old Airport Road in Providenciales on Tuesday (July 7). McPhee was ordered to either pay a sum of $1,500 or spend seven months in Her Majesty Prison in Grand Turk. The Weekly News asked police
press officer Audley Astwood if the officer would be discharged from or disciplined by the force, but he could not confirm, leaving it at: “There is a possibility.” McPhee was placed on suspension with pay after he was accused of wounding a suspected burglar during interrogation at the police headquarters in Providenciales in September 2014. (DAISY HANDFIELD)
July 11 - 17, 2015
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Corruption charges dropped and PS Finance reinstated FOLLOWING months of investigations and criminal action being brought against her by the Integrity Commission, Athenee Harvey has been cleared and reinstated to her position as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. Harvey resumed work on Tuesday (July 7) with full effect, the Governor’s Office advised. On Monday (July 6) the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) chose not to proceed with the criminal action which was set for trial this week, and the corruption related charges were subsequently dropped. Harvey was charged following an incident which took place on August 7, 2014, in Grand Turk at the Carnival Cruise Centre where she did not pay custom duties on 25 pieces of luggage upon disembarking a cruise ship. In a statement to the press, the DPP, John Masters explained that upon reviewing the evidence, he was able to establish that while in the past there had been a practice of allowing the release of luggage
in similar circumstances, there was not a clear policy of how to deal with ad-hoc applications to release unaccompanied luggage at ports of call. “The evidence revealed that Ms Harvey had a bona fide belief that she should have been allowed, like others before her, to have luggage offloaded and when there was confusion whether the luggage should be released she questioned the decision making process. “It appears that unfortunately at times the exchange became heated and emotional,” Masters said. He noted that at the time of raising the issues Harvey was on vacation and clearly not acting in her capacity as Permanent Secretary. “The DPP’s role is not to make judgment on the behaviour of individuals but merely assess the evidence provided and come to a decision of whether the elements of the offence have been made out, whether a jury is ‘entitled at law’ to convict an accused and whether there is a realistic prospect of conviction.” Masters added that after
assessing the evidence provided and ignoring everything that is not relevant, he formed the view that the prosecution against Harvey should be discontinued. In a statement released by her lawyer, Jamal Misick, Harvey expressed her satisfaction at the action taken by the DPP. The statement read as follows: “Much of the information published in various news media has been inaccurate. “Ms Harvey was not charged with evading customs duties. She was charged with one count of allowing herself to be put in the position where her personal interest conflicted with her public duties as PS in the Ministry of Finance and two counts of delaying the Collector of Customs and another officer in the performance of their duties, with a view to obtaining a benefit for her and others. “The charges brought by the Integrity Commission were legally and factually flawed from the outset and were based on a number of false premises.
Athenee Harvey has been reinstated to her position as Permanent Secretary in the Finance Ministry
“The first false premise was that Carnival Dock was not a port of entry and that Ms Harvey and her family had no right to offload their baggage at the Carnival Dock. “Carnival Dock is a licensed dock under the Docks Ordinance and is an authorised port of entry for passengers and goods. “The second false premise was that the baggage which accompanied Ms Harvey and her family were cargo. This is incorrect. “Passenger accompanying baggage is defined in the Customs Ordinance as property carried for a passenger on a vessel or aircraft, whether in his personal possession or not but does not include any article intended for sale or commercial use.
“It is not alleged that the contents of the baggage were for sale or commercial use. It was alleged that Carnival Dock was not a port of entry for passengers and therefore the baggage had to be treated as cargo. “The third premise was that Ms Harvey was in a position of conflict because she was seeking to clear her baggage at the Carnival Dock. This is nonsense. “There cannot be a conflict where the private interest being asserted is one that is enjoyed by the public generally. “Every passenger arriving on a cruise ship is entitled to get off the ship continued
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DPP to receive report on police shooting – Commissioner THE OFFICE of the Director of Public Prosecutions is set to receive the report from officers of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF) who are investigating the shooting of Jeff Walkin last month. Last week, TCI Police Commissioner James Smith, who had invited the RCIPF to conduct the investigation, said that it is more or less complete. “I have asked them to independently give the report on the incident to the Director of Public Prosecutions, not because of any criminal behaviour coming forward from it, but because I want it to be completely independent. That was the whole purpose of bringing them here,” Smith told the press. He firmly stated that he does not
want to receive the report, as he wants the DPP (John Masters) to have a look at it and then give him his considered view that everything that should have been done, had been done, whether the incident was properly managed and handled, and whether the enquiry has been fully completed. The report was expected to have been completed and submitted to the DPP’s Office this past week, but up to press time, efforts by this publication to ascertain whether this had been done were unsuccessful. The independent probe surrounds an incident whereby police shot and killed Walkin during an exchange of gunfire on June 6, in the vicinity of Granny Hill, Five Cays.
The shooting occurred when cops arrived at about 12.58am after receiving reports of a robbery in commission. When officers arrived on the scene they encountered the 19-yearold Walkin and another man, who engaged them in an exchange of gun fire. Walkin was subsequently fatally injured, while the other man escaped. He has since not been located by police. Following the death of Walkin, Commissioner Smith called on the Cayman Police Service to conduct an investigation into the shooting. Five officers of the RCIPF arrived on island to conduct the probe and submit their findings at the end of the exercise. (DELANA ISLES)
Jeff Walkin
Commissioner of Police James Smith
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 11 - 17, 2015
A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day
The only way a jury trial would work with Misick, Cabinet members and relatives, is a change of venue to a remote location overseas.
law and local reality that the SIPT failed to properly assess and take into account. It does show a severe weakness in the prosecutorial strategy, legal approach and decided sign of incompetence. Maybe the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Attorney General (AG), and the SIPT leadership should consider resigning. Could the leader of the Opposition and the Premier demand their resignations? It does beg the question whether the SIPT and the AG’s Chambers are equipped at all to handle complex financial matters such as these with all of the nuances that will confront noncommercial legal counsel. Convictions may not be possible. One wonders if there is a strategy to let these people go. Former ministers are not being charged with any land scams, hospital deals, etc. Plots designed to make nonsense of the entire process so that certain people will go free. Really and truly games are being played, right left and centre.
Why are you here, SIPT?
Only privileged few are given juries
UK LAWYERS trial
A JURY of seven Belongers last week delivered a not guilty verdict for the two UK lawyers accused of cheating the public revenue of millions of dollars. The facts of the case as presented by the SIPT and the subsequent verdict caught many by surprise and have raised questions about the SIPT’s ability to prosecute (without a jury) the other defendants they have taken to court. What are your thoughts?
What a waste
The SIPT clowns make our local cops look like Sherlock Holmes! What a horrendous waste of money!
No faith in SIPT
Public faith in the SIPT (if there ever was any to begin with) must now be at an all-time low! Considering the number of apparently high-powered people they have on staff and as consultants and counsel, the length of time they have been resident in this country, and the HUGE number of dollars their efforts have been sucking up, one would expect their prosecutions to be enormously successful – slam dunks, to use the sports vernacular. “But are they really? For reasons unknown to any but the most-connected of us, the land disputes surrounding the Shore Club has been kept from the public record, so we have no way of knowing how onerous this settlement may or may not have been.” The conflict-of-interest trial of Clyde Robinson was a resounding defeat for the prosecution, and now we have Messrs. O’Sullivan and Kerr being totally exonerated by a jury of their peers. Is this legal juggernaut the best Her Majesty’s Government could assemble? Or is this simply a ‘make up’ to Ms Garlick after getting her knuckles rapped in the bribery affair involving BAE and the Saudi Government. Indeed it is tough to know, but right now it looks as though the SIPT would have difficulty convicting Stevie Wonder of being blind!
Too many close ties for jury trial for Mike et al
This was a case which could be properly heard by a jury because the defendants are not known to the population and are not related in any way to the defendants or the original or new owners of the property. The dozen or so defendants in the case at bar coming up in December are related to numerous people. If a jury was to be formed the people related could not serve. Those that benefited from the corruption with land, money or jobs could not be allowed to serve either. Therefore the folks remaining will certainly convict. If any of the defendants are innocent the experienced Jamaican seasoned judge will determine this.
Utter bull kaka, These people are financial rapists. This is why we can’t get anywhere. I don’t know why the SIPT was here in the first place. Very little has come out of this case. We may have been better of just taking our loss and moving on. Implementing better policing of public funds. For every dollar they uncovered, they got 75 cents. That is not helping the country.
SIPT games
Looking at the facts of the case, the prosecution brought a bad case to court. They focused purely on the value of the entire transaction instead of the value of the land or landed items. The stamp duty ordinance and its schedules speak only to immoveable property ie. land and fixtures which permanently form part of the ‘land’. The problem with the prosecution’s case was that they brought only a charge for the $10 million on the transfer deed but did not bring evidence to show that the land, buildings, improvements was valued in excess of $10 million. So where could a charge of that nature stick. There are persons who worked on the premises that assert that the library alone, ie the fittings, the fixtures, the shelves, the staircase was worth more than $5 million alone. Yes $28 million changed hands but the prosecution presented no evidence to show that out of that money that the land was worth more than the $10 million the attorneys submitted. Local issues arose as well wherein personalities like Gordon Kerr, a lawyer who has been in the Islands since the mid-1980s made quite an impression on the local populace. His popularity was like that of a rock star and he was wildly popular. It has also been stated that Kerr was much like a local, kind hearted, gave to the needy, maintained the needy over the years and was a man that became an integral part of the TCI brotherhood. Having crossed over to ‘our side’ it would be hard to convict a man like that. It is against this background, of fact,
This case was of no surprise, the evidence was not convincing or persuasive to convict the accused; any ignorant after hearing that evidence would conclude the same thing. However it is rather unfortunate that only the white and privilege among us could be given the human decency of a free and fair trial with a jury and nicely paid QCs. The ability of the SIPT to prosecute the others charged and set to be stage tried by a non-jury and single judge hand selected by the British chief is in my mind is inevitable, because there is no balance here. The accused all cannot afford legal representation because their funds are frozen, contrary to these white lawyers funds. Also there is no jury, contradictory to the reason of popularity, whereas these lawyers by virtue of the high profile of character witnesses that testify on these lawyers behalf which by no doubt would render them as popular or even more popular than the other accused of corruption, given the amount of years living in these Islands and virtue of their profession. It is a shame that the British and the judiciary both are not concerned about the fact that justice should not be only done, it should always be seen as done fairly. If they were not shameless they would in the absence of a jury appoint at least a three panel judicial arbitrary committee to hear and bring balance to the apparent upcoming crucifixion and modern day legal slaughter.
A loss for the country
Well we have to uphold the law but there is no doubt in John Public’s mind that the country was robbed of public revenue. Maybe the results here will also increase the debate about trial by jury. Not sure if this result has anything to do with the SIPT’s ability to prosecute. Here, the SIPT’s loss is the country’s loss so there is nothing for us to rejoice over and damn the SIPT. Look at the lawyers on the front page of the newspaper who are rejoicing in a decision against the TCI. Check the big picture. Remember the lawyer who was involved in
the TCI Bank closure with poor people’s money? These men once vied for political leadership to represent TCI Islanders. What are we learning here?
Laughable
Keystone Cops on an island holiday.
Scam sham
The entire SIPT investigation is a sham to scam the TCI out of millions of dollars if you ask me. In the five plus years they’ve been here they have managed to recover nothing more than half a building in need of repairs from one Turks and Caicos Islander who willingly settled. I wouldn’t say they’ve earned their keep here and it’s high time we demand they leave. This case was a complete waste of funds which could have been better spent on education and much needed infrastructure.
Justice is not selective
The law of our land says: ‘Justice must be fair and impartial, and justice will not be sold’ when some of the malfeasances are sold justice, and some not investigated and some not charged for the crimes that Sir Robin Auld suspended our parliament over. The jury may wisely choose to send a message to the SIPT lawyers and legal prosecutors that the law must be impartial, and justice must not be selective or sold; by issuing such a verdict as this one.
Are Belongers capable of understanding these cases?
I think we must recognise the limitations of Belongers with respect to the type of legal cases the Turks and Caicos Islands is involved with. International money movement and tax related cases involve complex rules and regulations that few, if any, Belongers have ever been involved in. That is not to say that the SIPT has the legal experience required to win such cases and the loss of one case does not indicate a serious problem with the SIPT’s ability. Well, you have chosen to question the SIPT’s ability to win such cases I would also question the ability of a group of Belongers’ acting as a jury to fully understand the legal nuances of such cases and render an unbiased verdict. It is possible that the prosecution’s case would have been won if only a judge was given the task of sorting through the intricate case that was presented in this instance.
Become a contributor Want to become a contributor or have a suggestion for a Talk Back topic for us? What questions do you think we should be putting to the public? And what are your thoughts on it? Call our news team on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com
July 11 - 17, 2015
The Mark Fulford Inspirational Award By Marguerite Anderson IN SEPTEMBER of 2010 a young man entered Raymond Gardiner High School (RGHS) and subsequently came under my tutelage. At the time, he embarked on the study of one of John Steinbeck’s powerful and thought provoking novels known as ‘The Pearl’. During one of the lessons he came upon a profound quote which has resonated in this young man’s life over the years. In the story the main character Kino says of himself and of his people: “We must break free from the pot that holds us in.” Today, the recipient of the 2015 Inspirational Award has mirrored those ambitions for he has broken free of that metaphoric pot which, for his entire high school years, threatened to keep him captive. He is a young man who has endured countless obstacles but who pushed hard against the wall of potential failure. There were times when the lack of resources for school could have been his excuse for giving up but he has aptly demonstrated the motto of the Raymond Gardiner high School’s 2015 graduating class - In pursuit of excellence; Undaunted by failures. When I got the task of gathering data and nominations from the graduating body of students, votes poured in for this young man - not just from his classmates of 5A but also overwhelmingly from his batch mates in the Alpha-Stream.
Amid grave personal struggles, he has made amazing academic leaps and has, today, earned the accolade being bestowed upon him. As a student of RGHS he has made his mark both in academics and in other areas of school life. He competed well in this year’s National Aids Debate despite his lack of experience in competitions of such nature. He is a leader of the school’s student body as he serves in the capacity as prefect. Additionally, this young man is a Carifta gold medal winner and has helped to colour the school’s reputation of producing the finest among the TCI’s athletes. He is a gentleman from sole to crown, and is always ready and willing to assist others. He is an innovative young man who often demonstrates initiative - he sees when something needs to be done and never says no whenever asked to take on a challenging task. Attributes such as these have earned this young man, our athletic champion, Woodens Corvil, the honour of being the recipient of the 2015 Mark Fulford Inspirational Award. Fulford decided to give back to young students by founding The Mark Fulford Inspirational Award to encourage students of Raymond Gardiner High School to beat the odds and stigma in life. The criterion for the award is a student who exhibits an ambitious attitude, who has shown great improvement academically and who excels socially.
Corruption charges dropped... continued from
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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and take his or her personal baggage with him or her if they wish, subject to inspection by customs officers. “Ms Harvey and her family enjoyed that same right. It is a right that has been utilised by many arriving passengers on cruise ships in the past. “In this case the usual declaration approved for use at the Carnival Dock was completed and signed off by the relevant customs officer. “The Integrity Commission has not been able to identify how the customs officers were delayed in the performance of their duties. “The truth of the matter is that no customs officers were, in any way, delayed or hindered by Ms Harvey. “A conversation took place between Ms Harvey and the collector. “Similarly, there has been no identification of the alleged benefit to be obtained. The benefit of getting off the ship with accompanying baggage was a right that all passengers enjoyed. “The charge of Ms Harvey and the subsequent pursuit of these proceedings were a waste of public resources and have put Ms Harvey to
unnecessary expense. “The Ministry of Finance was deprived of the services of a senior public officer for a considerable period of time. It was appropriate for the DPP to discontinue the criminal proceedings.” Meanwhile, the Office of the DPP is in the process of finalising a system, similar to that used in other jurisdictions, where generally charges will not to be laid without first consulting with the Office of the DPP. This is to ensure the synergy and proper case management that is necessary for effectively carrying out investigatory and prosecutorial duties across agencies. The DPP also proposes to reach out to the Collector of Customs with a view to encouraging the development of a proper protocol and training that reflects the law and good management. “Everyone should know exactly where they stand when dealing with border control agencies. “Most important, is that no individual should be treated differently to anyone else because of the position in the community or Government that he or she may hold,” the DPP said.
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Blue Hills residents call on Gov’t to address their concerns LAST week, 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. The residents also vented their frustrations over the lack of police visibility in the community with some accusing the police of being a part of the problem. According to the party’s statement, residents felt that more must be done to mend police people relations as the matter of trust was central to people coming forward with tips and information. “The practice of the Marine Branch to not tow boats was also raised and as a result a recent incident was shared in which it was reported that there was a refusal to help a stranded boat to safety. This invoked anger among the residents. “The residents felt that the lack of activities for youth is a problem that cannot be ignored and called on the Government to review the work permits policy and to address the issues in the Labour Department as they felt that the provision of jobs
Elected member for Blue Hills, Goldray Ewing
would assist greatly in occupying the youth’s time,” the statement read. The general cleanliness of Blue Hills or the lack thereof was another highly debated topic and before the meeting was over an agreement was formulated as to how to deal with the garbage situation and also a decision made on the ‘Bluetification’ of Blue Hills’ beach front. Another sore and pressing issue raised was the illegal shantytown development in the Blue Hills area; a major concern for all the residents present at the meeting. The PDM said that the situation posed, among residents, critical
Under the tree
questions in an effort to understand why there was no activity from the Attorney General’s Chambers, Crown Land Unit and the Planning Department. As a result, the residents have called on their elected member to demand an answer on their behalf, and Ewing has committed to raising this issue further at the next sitting of the House of Assembly, and to report at the next town hall meeting. Also raised was the memorandum sent to lessees from the Land Unit regarding lease payments. Residents admitted that some people are finding it very hard to meet the lease payments because they are unemployed, have been unemployed for a while now and also because the cost is high and competing with the need for basic provisions. “They have again called on the Member of Parliament to ask the Government on its behalf for more time to arrange the financing for the freehold title or to bring the payments up to date as they believe that 30 days is insufficient for Crown land holders to comply,” the statement read. A final point of discussion was the matter of the sale of goods without a business licence and where there are business licences, people selling out of their homes. The residents of Blue Hills expressed their disapproval of this apparent shift in culture and lawlessness and are calling on Government officials to step up and do their job, the PDM said.
By Benneth Williams
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NEWS
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Friends raise funds to help exclassmate fight drug addiction BY DAISY HANDFIELD IN EFFORTS to assist a past classmate who is battling drug addiction, a group of friends decided to unite and host a family fun day to generate funds and send the young man abroad for treatment. The event will be held at the Small World Learning Centre, across from the Quality Supermarket in Providenciales this Saturday (July 11). Public relations officer for the North and Middle Caicos Relief Foundation, Shekerah Handfield, and president Eunica Davol told the Weekly News on Wednesday (July 9) that their target goal is to raise a sum of $6,500 to fly their classmate out to Jamaica to participate in a 12 week programme. Davol explained that the classmate reached out to them, asking for assistance with his drug addiction problem. They decided to come together as
a group and help the man to combat his cocaine dependence. She said that if all of the funds were not raised during the event that they would continue to do more food sales. “We are also asking for donations, if anyone feels the need or urge to do so, we are asking and we are hoping that people do it.” The president said that the group has also received assistance from the Reverend John Malcolm, who works for the Drug Prevention Unit and has assisted with finding a suitable rehabilitation centre in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. He has also helped the group in obtaining a roundtrip ticket from the Government to send the man away. Handfield said that they are still in the process of selling food tickets for the fun day which will go for $15 each. The price includes the main course, a soft drink and a dessert.
During the day there will be other activities such as domino tournaments, bouncy castles and water slides, along with drinks and snacks. Davol added that the North and Middle Caicos Relief Foundation is a non-governmental and non-profit organisation. She said: “Even though we are only helping this one individual at this time, in the future we are hoping, as an organisation, to help others who are in similar situations. “The organisation is named after those two islands, which is where we are from but we expect and would like to help anyone else in the TCI community that we come in contact with.” If anyone is interested in helping out the young man or would like to support the fun day, they can contact Davol at 244-7823 to lend any assistance or purchase tickets to the family day.
Radio personality Royal Robinson, FILCOM president Alfonso Palatino and Philippine Embassy delegate Petrona Bargado were guests on Faith 98.80
Family funday to be held this Saturday to raise funds for a worthy cause
Petrona Bargado converses with Filipino workers at Beaches Resort
Delegate from Philippine Embassy in Washington visits TCI BY DAISY HANDFIELD FILIPINOS in the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed a visit from the welfare officer of the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, Petrona Bargado, on July 2. Bargado from the Philippine Overseas Labour Office’s visit was extended until July 5 and she was invited by the president of the Filipino Community (FILCOM) Alfonso Palatino. In an interview with Palatino
on Thursday (July 9) he said that FILCOM requested the visit because there were a number of topics that they wanted to be educated more on. “There are benefits that the Filipino members can get, like a funeral grant, and death benefit, scholarship for their children among others.” He said he was elated about the visit and appreciated the support received from Bargado. Palatino added that the group will be exploring more opportunities to serve their countrymen.
The president said that there are programmes and services that are still top priority at this time, so they are looking forward to more coordinative efforts between their group and the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. During the visit, Bargado conducted a radio interview with Royal Robinson on Faith 98.80. She expressed her gratitude to the TCI community for welcoming Filipinos to the Islands and recognising their skills and talents.
She also attended a meeting with the TCI’s Immigration Board where they discussed labour and immigration matters pertaining to Filipino nationals. Bargado also conducted an Overseas Worker’s Welfare Administration (OWWA) outreach programme for members for the Filipino Community during her stay. OWWA is a Philippine government agency attached to the Department of Labour and Employment. Its mandate is to protect and
promote the welfare of overseas workers and their dependents. Bargado met with management and staff Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Regent Palms. In a brief statement she said: “I had the privilege of meeting and greeting our overseas Filipino workers in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. “The Filipino Community, led by Al Palatino, their president, and other officers, gave OWWA a warm welcome.”
July 11 - 17, 2015
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FortisTCI president and CEO Eddinton Powell with Daylon Joseph
FortisTCI employee Daylon Joseph seconded to Canada ELECTRICAL engineer Daylon Joseph is the latest FortisTCI employee to benefit from the Fortis Group of Companies relationship, and the organisation’s focus on developing its people. Daylon will undertake a one-year engineering secondment in Canada, which began on Monday (July 6). FortisTCI president and CEO, Eddinton Powell, said: “We congratulate Daylon, and expect that this experience will be both challenging and professionally rewarding. “This secondment is evidence of the commitment of FortisTCI and our parent company Fortis Inc to continuously invest in our people and make available local and overseas opportunities. “The electricity industry is undergoing unprecedented transformation that is bringing tremendous challenges, but also creating a wide range of opportunities.
“Our workforce must be ready to meet these challenges and opportunities.” The opportunity will afford Joseph greater exposure to different types of utility systems and new challenges and with the necessary academic qualifications and professional experience, Joseph will spend six months of his temporary employment abroad at FortisAlberta in Alberta, Canada, and a further six months at other Fortis Canadian utilities. Joseph’s responsibilities will include designing and maintaining electrical distribution standards, and solving technical problems associated with the design and operation of lines and equipment. As a member of the Fortis Group of Companies, employees have access to an array of international opportunities, both professional and academic. Joseph is also a past electrical electronic engineering scholarship recipient of FortisTCI.
Woman sexually assaulted by two men By Daisy Handfield A WOMAN was sexually assaulted by two unknown men in the vicinity of Kischo’s parking lot in Providenciales during the early hours of Saturday (July 4). The 22-year-old woman, who is confirmed to be from the Dominican Republic, is said to have accepted a ride from the men before the attack occurred. The Weekly News contacted the Sergeant Ensa Wilson from the Special Attention and Domestic Violence Department of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force on Tuesday (July 7) who declined to give any information on the incident. Police press officer Audley Astwood confirmed that the incident did occur, but was also
unable to go into details of the matter. According to information received, this newspaper can confirm that police were able to determine that the perpetrators used condoms to commit the heinous act, which were discovered on the scene the following morning. And that added that DNA results confirmed that that a sexual assault occurred. Astwood is advising residents and visitors to the TCI not walk at nights in dark areas, to be aware of their surroundings and be accompanied if possible. He also advised women to be very careful of accepting rides from strangers, especially in the night time. Police are continuing their investigations into the matter.
Fraud alert: Anna Casey Lourdes THE FINANCIAL Intelligence Agency Turks and Caicos Islands (FIA-TCI) has warned the public to be on the alert for a female fraudster going by the name of Anna Casey Lourdes. In a public statement last weekend, the agency warned that reports have revealed that the fraudster is using fictitious identification and other documents in an attempt to enter into business arrangements particularly with law firms and real estate companies and may be ‘shopping’ until an unwitting person or entity falls victim to the fraud. Her modus operandi is as follows: the fraudster purports to be a wealthy investor looking to purchase real estate in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Once the entity shows interest in conducting business with the subject, the relevant customer due
diligence documents requested will be provided to show proof of ‘her’ identity; however these documents have been identified by relevant authorities as forgeries (see forged UK passport identification page in picture for subject). Once the entity accepts the documents and is ready to proceed with the transaction a forged cheque is sent to them. Shortly after that cheque is sent, the entity receives correspondence from the subject indicating that they no longer wish to proceed with the transaction and gives instructions for the return of the money. This may be in the form of an advance until the cheque has been cleared or a request for a loan against the amount. The FIA-TCI cautions that the other side to the scam is that instead of sending a forged cheque the
subject may convince third parties to send money to the entity on her behalf. And once the money is sent she will provide excuses not to complete the transaction and request that the monies be sent to a different account. If anyone is in receipt of emails of this nature they are reminded to carry out proper due diligence to avoid becoming victims of this fraud, the agency warned. Email addresses that have been used by the subject are: anna.caseylour@aol.com, annacaseylourdes@yahoo.com, annacaseylourdes@gmail.com, and c.annalourdes@gmail.com. Anyone who has been victim, or had their entity targeted by the fraudster is being advised to contact the Financial Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force on 941- 4448/4450.
Mercy committee meets A STANDARD application form is now being drafted for members of the public to apply for mercy. This was the decision taken at the July 2 meeting of the Mercy Committee, chaired by Governor Peter Beckingham and attended by other members Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Mervyn Cox and Oral Selver, and secretary to the group Carmelita Rolle. A statement from the Governor’s Office following the meeting noted that the committee agreed to prepare a standard application form for people to apply for mercy, rather than rely on individual applications which sometimes contained inadequate information. They also agreed with the Attorney General’s suggestion that they should provide short guidelines to applicants.
These guidelines, the statement read, will draw on procedures in the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions, and both the form and guidelines will be available later this year from the Governor’s Office, and on websites. In considering the outstanding applications, of which there were approximately 15, the committee noted that a majority were now covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Ordinance, which provides an opportunity for a person with a criminal record to apply to the Police Commissioner to remove offences from their police records, subject to certain conditions being met. As a consequence, the committee agreed to meet the Commissioner and his staff to discuss ways to make the application process more accessible.
Commenting on the meeting the Governor said: “I am grateful to members of the Mercy Committee for giving up their time to consider and advise me on these applications. “As I noted in our opening prayer, we need to remember that these decisions can have a substantial bearing on individuals’ futures. “The welcome enactment of the Rehabilitation of Offenders’ legislation should enhance the process, as will our decision to introduce a standard template for applications, and more detailed guidelines.” The committee intends to meet again, around the third quarter of this year, when they are in receipt of further applications. Other members of the mercy committee are Father Bernard Been and Emily Saunders.
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Dominican Consul revisits TCI DOMINICAN Consul Franklin Grullon visited the Turks and Caicos Islands on July 1 to 4 to help with documentation and to speak to the Dominican community. The invitation was extended to him by president of the Dominicans United Committee, Candido Moreno, who told the Weekly News that during this visit the consul took the opportunity to visit a number of Dominican establishments, take any passports that needed to be renewed and answered any questions that people had. Candido confirmed that the reason that there is not a proper consulate office set up in the TCI is because the committee itself has to be better organised in order to obtain the level of credibility that they are looking for. He explained that he will visit the TCI whenever there is a complex situation that he has to deal with and also upon request by the president of Dominicans United. During Grullon’s visit, he
The deplorable state of the police, the SIPT, and the FCO Franklin Grullon, Dominican Consul responsible for the Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
provided the Dominican community with a direct contact number in case they had any pressing issues to deal with. The Consul has held the post to
represent Dominicans in the Turks and Caicos for over a year now and is also the Consul for Dominicans in the US Virgin Islands and in Puerto Rico. (DAISY HANDFIELD)
MILLS MUSES
Recurring challenges in Caribbean education WHENEVER you read a Caribbean newspaper, and there is an article on education, familiar issues are presented as if no reforms have taken place. It seems that the more things change, the more they remain the same, which means that the root cause is not dealt with, so the challenges recur. David Jessop has written an article which in my view restates the education issues which have bedevilled Caribbean education, and makes some suggestions regarding what is needed. He states that apart from producing an elite group, the region’s secondary education system is failing to produce students with the credentials necessary for the Caribbean to succeed in the competitive services-based industries. He further says that although CSEC results have improved, a 2014 CXC report states that from 2012 to 2014 the entries for the January exams sittings declined by 25 percent, and those for May/ June fell by 4.5 percent. Jessop then argues that the region’s approach to education needs redefining to ensure it produces individuals with the required competences. Jessop again states that two chief executives recently noted that companies have to institute their own skills development
BY Oliver Mills
Oliver Mills was born in South Caicos, acquired a diploma in article writing from the Writer’s Digest School in the United States, and worked as training manager for the Turks and Caicos public service. He is currently an adjunct lecturer in the Business and Hospitality Departments at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
programmes, and one says of a particular country that there are labour shortages in the construction and hospitality industries, poor attitudes, a disdain for the service industries and a lack of continuous skills training, which were negatively impacting key sectors. He then recommends a change in thinking, from the primary level upwards. We know that Caribbean education is still elitist. The different types of secondary schools reflect this. And despite the stress on technical and vocational education it is still seen as inferior to an academic education. The traditional high schools are still seen as tickets to success and the technical and vocational schools programmes are regarded as irrelevant to the needs of industry. This is why the services based industries are running their own.
Although the CSEC results are improving, what about the level of the grades? What about the numbers of those not allowed to sit the exam? And why are the graduates of foreign institutions preferred by the service industries? If education is not linked to the economy then what is it for? It is therefore not surprising that there are labour shortages, a lack of continuous skills training and a poor attitude to the service industry in some countries. The system lacks the will to transform the psychology of its citizens who are the ones entrusted to sustain the economy. Caribbean education lacks proper professional management and the values to ensure it is fit for purpose. The challenge is to take politics out of education and replace it with reforms that really deliver.
Dear Editor, In a rare moment of candour the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) admitted they were not performing their jobs, but their explanation was that they lacked the resources to do so. Although it is nice to have their admission, it is obvious from the recurring sprees of violence, and the unprecedented US Government warning about crime in the TCI, that something has gone terribly wrong with crime management in the TCI. The statements expressed by the RTCIPF in March 2014, however, is as close as the public will get that there has been an almost total failure of TCI’s policing service, and by implication by the Governor, who is responsible for policing. Despite RTCIPF’s admission, is the breakdown in policing really the result of inadequate resources? That statement is a cop out, particularly when millions of dollars are poured into the pockets of police officers and prosecutors every month, and has been for more than seven years. The truth is not that the police lack resources, but that the lion’s share of TCI’s crime fighting resources are poured into the pockets of a few dozen white Brits, who with the help of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have hijacked the entire criminal justice system, focusing on priorities of the FCO, with insufficient funds being spent protecting citizens or tourists from violent crime, solving them, or creating the type of programmes that might engage young adults. Instead dozens of out-ofretirement English cops have been living it up at five star TCI resorts, jet setting to North America, Europe, and the Middle East, following up on spurious rumours at the public’s expense, and living a life they could not otherwise afford. This export of the UK’s legal services, that has been thrust upon the TCI by the FCO, is big business for London, with a half dozen or so white FCO-appointed barristers with their hands deep in the pockets of the TCI treasury, with no effective oversight in what has become endlessly running investigations and trials. With defendants that are all black, facing allegations that involve white developers bribing black politicians. The prosecutions are so obviously racist that only an out of touch all-white group with myopia can’t see it, or who because of a lack of effective oversight are too arrogant to feel it matters. On January 24, 2013, the highly respected Professor Trevor Munroe,
an executive director of Jamaica’s National Integrity Action group and a member of the global corruption fighting group Transparency International, wrote to the TCI Governor about what he politely termed the “uneven application of the law” in the TCI. His concern was the deals Garlick’s SIPT hatched with white developers and businessmen while blacks are being prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. That letter was given scant attention. Six months after Munroe’s letter the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) sent a ministerial fact finding mission to the TCI, and they too had concerns. They published their findings on July 11, 2013. CARICOM found widespread sentiments that: (1) no regional people are on the SIPT, giving the impression that it is intended to treat Belongers as crooks and target only Islanders for prosecution, that (2) justice is for sale to foreigners while locals face criminal charges and jail time, that (3) there is a complete disconnect between TCI and British narratives and perspectives, and that (4) there are widespread concerns over the UK’s manipulation of TCI’s criminal justice system, including removal of the right to trial by jury, changes to the laws on the collection and admissibility of evidence, etc. More than two years later, in what can be described as a snub, there has been no public response by the UK government to that important regional body’s report but, more alarmingly, there has been no substantive movement on any of the recommendations in the report, except for what can only be described as an admission of guilt. Immediately after Munroe’s and CARICOM’s criticisms the SIPT struck a civil settlement with one of their black defendants, and in a bizarre turn that speaks volumes about the integrity of the criminal justice system, on a completely unrelated matter the SIPT, who are privately engaged by the FCO to pursue political corruption in the TCI, laid criminal charges against two prominent and long standing white residents (one Irish and the other Scottish), on a closed inquiry involving a property sale in 2006 (seven years earlier!), that is unrelated to the subject for which they were engaged. The purchase was immediately flagged at the time, but ultimately ignored by all prior authorities. Clearly the only reason for those prosecutions was to rehabilitate the SIPT’s reputation as a racist team. continued
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Continued Hundreds of thousands of dollars later, the prosecutions have fallen flat on their face. Two years later, however, the SIPT remains white and all-British, right down to their support staff, which is shocking when you consider that London, the city from which most of its members are drawn, is multicultural, but also when the UK Government is acutely aware of the injustices that are metered out by police forces that do not reflect the ethnic makeup of the communities they serve. Save for the two white defendants in the separate unsuccessful trials they engineered to rehabilitate their reputations, the SIPT’s defendants remain all black. The SIPT also continues to doggedly pursue non-jury trials for their black defendants, on the foot of legislation they engineered under an interim administration that was headed by a Governor who regularly commented on the guilt of the SIPT defendants, a remarkable phenomena in a criminal justice system where defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and where the Governor appoints the persons who hire the local judiciary. The point is that while governing involves tough decisions about the allocation of scarce resources between competing ends, and reasonable persons will always argue over the split, the manner in which TCI’s financial resources are allocated in crime fighting simply cannot be defended. Garlick and her team have relieved the Treasury of more than $60 million over the last seven years in the longest running gravy train in the country’s history, while the local police force has remained under resourced, under trained, and wholly ineffective. Just prior to March 2004 the entire police force in Providenciales was operating with just one vehicle, and at times none. That’s right. None. As ridiculous as that might sound it is true. But it is not just crime. The treasury has been plundered at the expense of every Government service, and the generally deplorable state of public schools, education, the scholarship programme, investment in capital projects, infrastructure, and job creation are just a few victims. The UK government has done a grave disservice to the TCI, and local Government seems content to have had the FCO agree to just the return to elected Government. For starters they should all be ashamed of themselves, the Governor should resign, local Government at a minimum needs to insist that the SIPT reflect the cultural and ethnic makeup of the country, and it needs to bring sanity back to the allocation of this territory’s resources, insisting that the UK Government foots the bill for its racist and resourcedepleting SIPT. Better yet, good riddance and a one way ticket to London is in order. John Thompson, Providenciales
My homework on political independence -Part one AS PROMISED in my previous column I have done my homework on political independence and these are my findings: After the British took many of Spain’s Caribbean territories away from her in the 16th and 17th century, she placed her concentration on sugar and cotton plantation development and supplying Europe with much needed tropical products. After emancipation very little was done to invest in the infrastructure of the British West Indies as the plight of ex-slaves and their descendants were deteriorating year by year. Between 1900 and 1945 social and economic conditions in the British Caribbean were at an all-time low. Labourers worked long hours on sugar estates, trade unions were not legally recognised, disease and malnutrition was common, teachers were untrained and underpaid, insufficient schools, no universities and illiteracy was widespread. Additionally, infant mortality
was high, housing was poor, and medical services were inadequate. Are these the conditions facing the Turks and Caicos Islands right now? I think not. Nevertheless, the Moyne Commission investigated these conditions and made several recommendations to the British government. These realities were accompanied by the philosophy of Marcus Garvey instilling black pride and nationalism into the minds of the Negroes in the Caribbean, and the demonstrations of trade union leaders such as Alexander Bustamante, and Uriah Butler who fought for working class West Indians. After the achievement of universal full adult suffrage (the right to vote to all citizens), Caribbean politicians such as Eric Williams and Alexander Bustamante insisted that their territories needed independence for the following reasons: They feared that uniting with other West Indian countries in a federation would hinder their economic and constitutional progress. Secondly, they felt that the territories would be better off as independent countries as this would give their leaders the power to promote their national interests, and
By Jas Walkin
BIOGRAPHY: Jas was born with a physical disability and diagnosed with a mild form of muscular dystrophy. His early childhood was characterised with trying to fit in in a regular school environment unequipped to cater to special needs students. With support from family, teachers and the community he graduated as valedictorian of Raymond Gardiner High School and has been a graduate teacher for the past last nine years.
to develop their national economy. Thirdly, they felt that Britain wanted only to exploit the territories and not develop the region. Fourthly, these leaders felt that the masses would benefit more if the leaders were in charge of the development of their own territories. Moreover, the United Nations promotion of decolonisation encouraged the political leaders to insist upon getting their independence. Finally, they were also encouraged by the fact that in 1947, India, one of the poorest colonies in the world was given its independence. If India could benefit from independence, they felt that they could also benefit. My fellow Belongers, search deep within your hearts and examine
whether or not the persons who are championing independence for this country are thinking the way Dr Eric Williams and Sir Alexander Bustamante was thinking when they fought for their independence. Is this country facing the economic and social plight that Jamaica and Trinidad faced in the fifties and sixties? Can we honestly state that Britain is the main reason for the current struggles? Who do we really need independence from: Britain or our very own selves and leaders who have created the frustrations in this country? I told you that I would do my homework. This is only a portion of it; the best is yet to come.
COMMENTARY
Prime examples AS YOUNG people grow and mature they look to their parents, teachers, politicians, supervisors, friends and neighbours as examples to follow. Hopefully those folks held up as prime examples, deserve that designation. Unfortunately the Turks and Caicos Islands as a country or territory has recently become targeted by the world powers as untrustworthy. The tax hungry world powers have passed laws to prevent and/ or monitor their citizens from moving pre-tax funds to countries outside their jurisdiction. This includes Switzerland, the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. There are others. Because of known and alleged corruption within the Government of the TCI we have become a bullseye on this target. Our Financial Minister has said TCI does not deserve this designation. It is clear this minister does not understand
reality. Not only the reality of his own party and family members but his own personal history. An entire TCI Cabinet headed by the minister’s brother is now waiting for a corruption trial. Previously his party was targeted by the USA for drug violations. We as voters now years later, want to ask, are any of today’s ministers involved in or using illegal drugs? What a terrible example for young folks that would be. Another example; many of our young people are influenced by friends and certain politicians. Young people are now demonstrating through their criminal activities the proceeds of unrealistic promises and policies made and of course not kept. Once again there is a debate in the United States over gun control. It is a common fault of progressive governments to blame a tool, the gun, when it is their own policies which create false easy money, easy living hopes that cause a crime wave. The Turks and Caicos Islands
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
is an example against gun control. If you are caught owning an unregistered firearm you are subject to an automatic five years in jail. Gun amnesty yields no weapons. Yet everyday unregistered illegal guns are used in robberies and killings. In at least two instances we remember when registered legal gun owners stopped illegal gun toting criminals. We are not promoting a gun toting Wild West TCI. That went on in the past between a certain former minister and her husband. The worse of examples. When I ask the youngest children of Middle Caicos
what they want to be when they grow up many say a policeman. Young children do love the example of the look of police uniforms. Maybe we need to have our teachers wear well designed uniforms and let the kids wear their normal clothes. That could set up our treasured teachers as well deserved prime examples! The parents would save the cost of uniforms and use the money against the cost of documents now needed to register their children for their education.
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Governor Peter Beckingham and Galmo ‘Gilley’ Williams tour the Turks Head Brewery
July 11 - 17, 2015
Experience the different flavours of Turks Head Beer, the TCI’s very own.
Governor impressed after tour of Turks Head Brewery THE COUNTRY’s only brewery, Turks Head Brewery, welcomed Governor Peter Beckingham last week Wednesday (July 1) for a tour its facilities and spanking new machinery. Following his tour, during which he unfortunately did not sample the refreshing brew, the Governor was very impressed that the Turks and Caicos Islands, with such a small population size, has its own brewery. “Congratulations to Turks Head Brewery on leading the way in such a great example of local manufacturing,” he said. He added: “It is wonderful for Turks and Caicos Islands to have a
company producing the country’s own beer, and producing our own Bambarra rum. I can’t think of many communities of just 35,000 people having the privilege of producing their own beer.” He said that the Turks Head beer is now rightly acclaimed by many of the main tourism resorts in the Islands as an essential product to offer visitors, who evidently enjoy the novelty, and the taste, of sampling a local brew. “I enjoyed enormously my visit to the brewery - although regret it was too early in the day to taste the product. “It was fascinating to see how such
an enterprise has gone from strength to strength since it started here as a water producer in the late 90s, and has been developed with local partner Gilly Williams into an enormously and deservedly popular beer.” Beckingham noted that with sales of the beer reaching over one million units a year, and the introduction of a new plant to enhance productivity, Turks Head beer, and the various local rum products, is another way of ensuring that the TCI is a remembered destination by all overseas visitors. Turks Head produces lager, amber and light beers all year round, catering to resident and visiting
communities. “We have done a few ‘seasonals’ including the Stout, the Summer Wheat Ale, and the Island Hopping Ale (an IPA). “The stout was so popular that it is now a regular production brew,” David Bozzer, manager of the brewery told the Weekly News this week. The Turks Head Stout - although not quite a Guinness, the world’s most popular dry stout – can rival the Irish beer for taste and texture, with slightly less alcoholic potency, but equally smooth. He added: “We will be rereleasing the Summer Wheat in a
month or so, with a look to do the IPA again in the fall. “Other recipes we are toying with releasing are the seasonal Chocolate Coffee Porter (using the locally roasted coffee) and a Pale Ale (not to be confused with an India Pale Ale – IPA).” Bozzer said the brewery is currently undergoing a summer expansion, adding over 50 percent to their brewing capacity. “After the installation we will be inviting the local media houses to tour the facility and check us out.” The Turks Head Brewery opened in 2001 and is owned by four partners.
Education team attend Commonwealth conference A TEAM from the Ministry of Education took a trip to the Bahamas recently to attend a Commonwealth conference. The 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (19CCEM) in Nassau ran from June 22 to 26 under the theme ‘Quality education for equitable development: Performance, paths and productivity.’ More than 800 delegates from across the Commonwealth’s six regions attended the week-long series of meetings. Discussions included a range of educational issues focusing on quality standards, teaching and learning, teacher development and performance. Further talks covered skills and paths that meet the dynamic needs of learners, global qualification standards, ICT integration in education and training, opportunities for economic growth and investment, and the overall quality of education
across the Commonwealth. The Turks and Caicos delegation was led by the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, Akierra Missick, Permanent Secretary Cherylann Jones, Director of Education Edgar Howell, Sherlaine Been, teacher and Head of the English Department at HJ Robinson High School, and Youth Ambassadors Donte Francis and Kershelle Bain. Prior to the event Missick said: “The 19CCEM promises a unique opportunity for ministers to discuss issues affecting member countries from both regional and global perspectives. “I am looking forward to be part of discussions on policy, practice and strategic actions that are required to respond to the post-2015 development goals. “Additionally my team has so far enjoyed exploring trends and innovative good practices in Commonwealth education and looking
at developing those good practices best suited to Turks and Caicos.” She said that members of the TCI delegation attended sessions on the ‘Financing of Education: Public Schools vs Private School for Profit’ that reinforced the notion that governments have an obligation to develop and strengthen their public schools systems. “Further, that governments must regulate private schools to ensure that all schools meet national standards, ensure universal access, and equal opportunities for all children,” she said. “Education is a public good whether it is offered publicly or privately. “Based on the National Plan, we are on the right track but will work on more collaboration and strengthen areas such as, teacher quality and efficiency, the development of school leaders, implementing policies to improve learning environments such as ICT integration, and financing
Team from the TCI at 19CCEM opening ceremony
tertiary education opportunities.” It was officially opened by the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Perry G Christie on June 23. In his welcome, he called for a greater emphasis to be placed on education: “Not merely at the policy
level but to ensure that policies become real, and are enacted.” The CCEM is the largest Commonwealth ministerial meeting and includes four parallel forums, covering youth, civil society, teachers and stakeholders.
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CRIME BLOTTER Police appeal for information on wounding victim
appearance, the Chief Magistrate made an order for the Cannabis to be destroyed.
Police arrest and charge several suspects in Provo
Louis Jeune Yviol
POLICE are investigating and requesting information into an incident where a Haitian man was found with multiple wounds at Aviation Drive on Friday (July 3). Emergency services were called to Aviation Drive area in Down Town, Providenciales, about 12.32am last week Friday, where they found Louis Jeune Yviol with wounds to his head, chest and legs. The 27-year-old man was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre with life-threatening injuries. He has since been flown out to Port-au-Prince for further medical treatment. An investigation into the incident is underway and police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or any suspicious activity in the area to come forward. If anyone has information on the incident, they can call police at 941-4448 or Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477, which is answered in Miami, Florida.
Man fined $500 for cannabis possession
THIRTY-three-year-old Marlo Glinton of Bay Road has been charged with possession of a controlled drug and fined $500 by a magistrate. Glinton appeared before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner on Thursday (July 2) and pleaded guilty to the charge. He has been given two weeks to pay the fine in full. The man was arrested on July 2 when at about 5.58am officers attached to multiple units executed a search warrant at a home on Bay Road in Blue Hills, Providenciales. During a search of the home, police located and seized 2.7 grams of cannabis. The charge of possession of a controlled drug was laid on Glinton after officers concluded their investigations into the cannabis found at his home. During Glinton’s court
ON MONDAY (July 6) officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force arrested and charged a number of suspects for various offences. Fifty-seven-year-old Albert Cox of Five Cays was arrested and charged for theft of three bottles of Johnny Walker Black Whisky from IGA supermarket. The theft is alleged to have occurred on Saturday, July 4. Cox was placed on bail and appeared in Providenciales Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Another man, 29, of Venetian Ridge, Providenciales, was arrested for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, using an offensive weapon so as to cause fear and malicious injuries to property. The arrest was made following a report made on Monday. He remains in police custody. Meanwhile, a 28-year-old man of Five Cays was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The man, no name provided, was arrested in connection with a report made on Saturday, May 6. He was later given police bail pending further investigations. Another man, 20-year-old Genmessome Presandieu alias Rolyn Cassema of Haiti, was arrested and charged with unlawful entry, escaping custody, two counts of assaulting a police officer, having a firearm with intent to resist arrest, having ammunition with intent to endanger lives and resisting arrest. He has been refused bail and is expected to appear in court soon.
Bandits break in, ransack Turtle Cove home
THE ROYAL Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are also investigating a burglary of a home in Turtle Cove, Providenciales, which was reported to Chalk Sound Police Station on Wednesday (July 8) at about 9.57am. The complaint was lodged by the caretaker of the home. The home was ransacked and nothing could be determined to be missing until an inventory of the items in the home are verified, police said. The scene was photographed and processed by of scenes of crime officers and further investigations are being carried out by Criminal Investigations Department. Blue Hills home burgled POLICE are also investigating a burglary of a home in Blue Hills, Provo which was reported to Chalk Sound Police Station on Wednesday (July 8). Reports are that the complainant
secured his home at 7.45am and departed; on returning at approximately 12.40pm he discovered that his home was broken into. Missing is a black Sony flat screen television, and a black Dell laptop. During an initial investigation, police were able to recover a black Sony 32” inch flat screen television and a silver kit near the complainant’s home. The scene was photographed and processed by of scenes of crime officers and further investigations are being carried out by Criminal Investigations Department.
Kew Town home broken into
ANOTHER burglary, this time in Kew Tow, is also engaging the attention of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police. The burglary was also committed on Wednesday (July 8) at about 7.50pm. Police said the caretaker of the home found the premises ransacked, but nothing could be determined to be missing until an inventory of the items in the home have been verified. Investigations are being carried out by Criminal Investigations Department.
Home invasion being investigated
POLICE are investigating the invasion of a home in South School Lane, Grand Turk, which was reported to Grand Turk Police Station on Thursday (July 9) at 2.13am. Reports are that the complainant secured her home at 12am and went to sleep. At approximately 12.21am she awoke to see a man standing over her. She screamed and the man exited through one of her doors. Police said that nothing was reported missing, however, investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Alleged thief arrested and charged
FORTY-five-year old Marielus Maximum of Five Cays has been arrested and charged for theft. The theft is alleged to have occurred on June 2. Maximum was given bail to appear in the Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, July 27.
Haitian man sentenced to two months
TWENTY-year-old Genmessome Presandieu alias Rolyn Cassema of Haiti has been sentenced to two months in prison on two counts. He appeared in Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (July 8), on charges of unlawful entry and escaping custody.
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Be cautious when using ATMs, police warn POLICE are reminding community members about the importance of remaining vigilant and security conscious when using Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) to withdraw money. Safety tips to remember: • Memorise your personal identification number (PIN). Do not write it down or keep it in your wallet or purse. Do not tell anyone else your PIN. • Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Do not become so involved with your transaction that you are not aware of changing conditions around you. • Identify an ATM with maximum natural surveillance and visibility from the surrounding area. This will create a perceived notion of detection by a criminal and increases the potential for witnesses. • Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car in close proximity to or at a distance from the ATM location. • If you are involved in a confrontation and the attacker is armed with a weapon and demands your money or valuables, COMPLY. Your safety is more important.
• Shield the ATM keypad from anyone who may be standing or parked nearby or anyone crowding you in an attempt to view your transaction. This may be an attempt to determine your PIN or they may be waiting for you to throw your transaction receipt away. • Make sure you retain your transaction receipt. Do not throw the receipt away at the ATM site. • Immediately report any stolen or lost ATM card to the proper entities. • When leaving an ATM location make sure you are not being followed. If you are being followed, drive or walk immediately to a police station, crowded area, well-lit location or open business. Shout for help if you need to. This will bring attention to your situation. People can contact any police station if they have any concerns or questions or see anything suspicious in their area. If you have any information regarding any crime or suspicious activity, police encourage the public to ring Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477. All contact will remain anonymous.
Safety tip for parents HERE are some safety tips to keep in mind: Always refer to the emergency number as ‘nine-one-one’ not ‘nine-eleven’. In an emergency, a child may not know how to dial the number correctly because of trying to find the eleven button on the phone. Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street so that police, fire, or ambulance workers can easily locate your address. If you live in an apartment building, make sure your child knows the apartment number and
floor you live on. Too many adults know where they live but do not know their exact address. It is not enough to say that you live in Blue Hills near the Chick Shack. In order for emergency services to reach you quickly, you must be able to give the name of the street your home is on and also your home number. In an emergency, time is always of the essence! All crime and safety tips are provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
DEMA hosts town hall meetings for fisheries update TOWN hall meetings will be held throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands during July to discuss amendments to the Fisheries Protection Ordinance. The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) will be hosting the events to update interested and affected residents, a public notice on Tuesday (July 7) said. The proposed amendments include: 1. A ban on pelagic long-line fishing. 2. A special licensing requirement for trap boats carrying more than 20 traps, including registration, reporting and trap placement restrictions. 3. A minimum and maximum size restriction for Nassau Grouper. 4. A minimum size for all snapper species, excluding red and black snappers.
5. A minimum size for bonefish. 6. A ban on gill nets. 7. Regulations for stone crab. 8. A ban on the taking of sea cucumbers. 9. A ban on commercial export of sharks and rays. 10. Regulations governing the taking of lionfish. The first meeting was held in South Caicos on Wednesday (July 8) at 6.30pm at the DEMA Office. Subsequent meetings will be held in Providenciales on Friday (July 10) at 6.30pm at Five Cays Community Centre, in North Caicos on Monday (July 13) at 6.30pm at Adelaide Oemler Primary School and in Grand Turk next Wednesday (July 15) at 6.30pm at Dillon Hall. Questions or concerns can be directed to DEMA via email at environment@gov.tc or on 3384161.
16 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 11 - 17, 2015
Human Rights Commission visits Northern Ireland
A section of the gathering at last month’s Rotary changeover ceremony at Crackpot Kitchen
Norma Goodridge is new Rotary President THE ROTARY club of Providenciales has selected a new president and board to serve in its 2015/2016 year, which is themed ‘Be a gift to the world’. Norma Goodridge was officially named as the new president of the local arm of the club during a dinner and changeover ceremony at CrackPot Kitchen in Gracebay on June 27. She precedes Bloneva Williams. In her acceptance speech, Goodridge quoted Rotary International president KR Ravindran on the spirit and nature of this year’s theme. She read: “All of you who have been given so many gifts and you have now been given this great gift – one year to take all your talents, all your gifts, everything that you are and can become and be a gift to the world. “One year to take that potential and turn it into reality, one year to lead the club and transform the lives of others, the time is short yet there is so much to be done.” For the TCI’s part in achieving these goals, the new president named her board, which will help her to advance Ravindran’s goals for the international Rotary community. The board members area Carla Peta Gay Blake – president elect; Paul Jobling- vice president; Karl Isaac - treasurer; Joy Mckenzie – secretary; Thasheena Adderley and
Gail Caesar as project directors; Alvin Parker - club service director, Ralph Partrick – new generations director; Andrew Thomas - sergeant at arms; Bloneva Williams in charge of foundations and Kyle Knowles as public relations director. Goodridge also laid out her plan of action for her year, the first of which is shaping up for the club’s 20th anniversary next May. “We have to develop a group to organise what, when, where and how it will happen for that time. “Our second plan is financial excellence, to set the right direction and raise funds and that all members be engaged in some way or other and have a thorough knowledge of what the club is doing. “Our third plan is renewal, that as many members as possible attend a conference of some kind regularly.” The president observed that her journey to becoming the leader for the 2015/2016 year made her realise how little she knows of Rotary. “We need to plan a programme of renewal that will help us understand the many tentacles of Rotary at all levels. “Our fourth and final plan is making a difference; that we assist in establishing and developing projects that will become visible and selfsustaining, that we interact and work with other non-profit organisations to assist us with this plan and make a difference to the TCI and also be a
The new Rotary of Providenciales President and board members
gift to the world.” Goodridge said she is very proud of the club’s achievements, and that she is inspired by the work of former and current members who push the boundaries and made headways with projects that challenged the social thinking of society. “We would like to strengthen this club, especially in public relations so that the public at large will know about the charitable work our club will carry on during this Rotary year and the future of the club’s ability to make a difference.” She added that the public relations director will ensure that all projects embarked on will be known to all, as they continue to make a huge difference in the lives of people in the TCI. “We do want to have some fun during the year; we want to make a difference and we want to understand more about this great organisation of which we are members and be a gift to the world,” she said. Part of the evening’s activities include showing recognition and appreciation for the hard work, dedication and commitment of the club’s many members with a pinning and gift giving ceremony. Attendees were then treated to a sumptuous dinner prepared by the amazing Crackpot Kitchen chefs, following which they danced the night away to the sweet sounds of live music. (DELANA ISLES)
THE TCI Human Rights Commission engaged in a week long working visit with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) recently. Director of the local organisation Doreen QuelchMissick was joined by chair Cheryl Astwood-Tull and two members Finbar Grant and Alces Dor for the trip. The week-long visit included active engagements with the director, deputy director and key staff members, as well as with the chief commissioner who is fulltime in the office and also serves as chairman. According to a press release from the TCI commission on Monday (July 6): “The learning exchange provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange through the presentation from respective representatives of the commission, looking at the functions, powers and strategic objectives and examined the role of national human rights institutions.” The visit included meeting key stakeholders and visits to the various offices of the Northern Ireland executives engaged in the protection and promotion of human rights. “During the various
discussions, it was soon realised that there are so many commonalties and the human rights issues are the same,” the release read. “Of great interest were the visits with the Criminal Justice Inspectorate, the Assembly Ombudsman, Equality Commission, Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority with a focus on Mental Health, and the WAVE Trauma Centre. “The centre provides support for victims and survivors of the long fought conflicts that existed in Northern Ireland over the years.” The delegates also had the opportunity to visit the Interpeace/Peace line areas of Belfast and toured the various communities. Quelch-Missick said that the TCI Human Rights Commission values the partnership that it has formed with the NIHRC. She added that she looks forward to their support in efforts towards obtaining accreditations by the UN Accreditation Body the ICC. In 2013 the TCI commission forged a relationship with the Northern Irish body - the oldest established human rights commission in the United Kingdom.
First responders attend incident training AN INCIDENT Command System Training (ICS) workshop kicked off in Providenciales on Thursday (July 9). The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) is hosting the three day training until Saturday (July 11) at the Five Cays Community Centre. Participants were selected from TCI Fire and Rescue, the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force, the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), Ports Authority, Ministry of Health, Environmental Health and Airport Authority Fire Services, who are first responders in emergency events. Prior to the event DDME Director Dr Virginia Clerveaux, said: “The training will be highly beneficial to the Turks and Caicos Islands particularly to senior officers, who will be called upon to carry out the disaster risk management mandate in responding to emergencies. “In June of 2014 15 persons were trained in ICS. This new training will increase the number of persons trained in ICS to further strengthen the capacity of first responders in embracing the ICS concept.” The workshop will provide an introduction to ICS and will
cover introduction to the ICS, the ICS features of the ICS concept, incident facilities, incident resources management, ICS assignments and united command concepts. The overall goal of the ICS training is to improve on the preparedness of the agencies to work with the system in large magnitude incidents where the ICS can be operationalised. This is especially as it relates to natural and man-made events such as structural and commercial fires, cruise ship, aircraft and vehicular transportation accidents, search missions and rescue operations, oil spill and HAZMAT incidents, mass events such as celebrations, parades, concerts and public rallies, visits by famous dignitaries and mass shelter operations. ICS is a standardised, on-scene, all hazard incident management concept designed to allow its users to coordinate the response to an incident. Hosts of this year’s training are General Earl Arthurs, Caribbean disaster management specialist, and Joanne Parsed, programme manager of preparedness and response at the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 17
An amazing view of Mudjin Harbour at the baggage claim area
Locally based photo company adds visual splendour to PLS airport Superintendent Kendall Grant
Lime’s new general manager Delleriece Hall”
PDM celebrates with TCI trailblazers THE PEOPLE’s Democratic Movement (PDM) celebrates and congratulates local trailblazers who are changing the course of history in the fields in which they serve. The party sent out hearty congratulations to Delleriece Hall, who was last week announced as the new general manager of Lime’s operations in the TCI and who is heralded by the company as “one to take Lime to the next level”. “We are proud of Mrs Hall and salute her as well for being the first female executive in the local Lime family. We wish her the very best in all her endeavours.” Police Superintendent Kendall Grant, who was also last week announced as the first TC Islander to have graduated from the 10 week
FBI Course in Quantico, came in for praise from the Opposition. “He has certainly left his mark capturing several awards. We are especially proud of the Inspirational Award, the Spirituality Award and Leadership Award. “We encourage him to make every effort to show true with each award,” the party encouraged. The PDM welcomed Superintendent Grant back home and said they look forward to hearing how he will use the skills learned to enhance the workings of the police department. “We wish him the very best in all his future endeavours. “We are indeed proud of these two trailblazers and invite us all to celebrate their achievements.”
Dozens attend disaster damage training A THREE day ‘Damage and Needs Assessment’ training event was held at the Sands Hotel earlier this week. The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Department of Planning hosted the Providenciales course from Monday to Wednesday (July 6 to 8). A Government press release on July 2 said: “Devastation caused by natural disasters in the Turks and Caicos Islands in past years, including the most recent Tropical Storm Cristobal during August 2014, has highlighted the critical need for the Turks and Caicos Islands to be better able to rapidly and accurately assess the damage caused by a disaster
as well as identify the needs for immediate assistance in relief and reconstruction.” The objectives of damage and needs assessments are to determine the nature and extent of a disaster, damage and secondary threats, needs of the population, resource availability and local response capacity, options for relief assistance, longer-term recovery and development, and needs for international assistance. The training drew more than 25 people from various agencies, both Government and nongovernmental. It was conducted by CDEMA facilitators Joanne Persad, programme manager of preparedness and response, and General Earl Arthurs, Caribbean disaster management specialist.
THE PROVIDENCIALES International Airport now has visual splendour to the once lacklustre walls, thanks to a locally based photo company, Paradise Photography. According to a statement from the company, the photographs displayed on the walls of the airport are all inspired by the Turks and Caicos Islands’ landscapes, mainly of the coastal calm and tranquillity that the country is world renowned for. The vivid artwork with sharp appearance is placed inside of the advertising frames as filler for adverts to be sold and as a decorative additive for frames to enhance the terminal’s ambiance. According to the company’s Christine Morden: “Paradise Photography is proud of the strong partnership with John Smith of the Airport Authority and Ralph Higgs of the Tourist Board who had a vision to turn the walls of the airport into a beautiful art gallery of the Turks and Caicos Islands that promotes each island.” The photos on display are extremely large in size, with some as long as 20-feet. The large size photos are difficult to create and are carefully created using a complicated photographic technique of stitched panoramic images in which a minimum of six photos that are hand-stitched
together in Photoshop to create one single image that is panoramic in appearance. Stitched panoramic images are a trademark of Paradise Photography and what many of its clients seek out in order to have a high impact product. The image makers that are part of the Paradise creative team have a fine art background which allows them to present their subjects in an artful composition, Morden said. “The human eye sees in 180 degrees, which is a panoramic view, so we like to present our clients with a panoramic image that most closely resembles what we see in the environment around us,” she added. Through a unique combination of art and design, a one-of-a-kind art piece is displayed in the VIP Lounge within the airport which is a mounted cluster wall canvas. The piece is a 40”x60” beachscape which looks like a 3D puzzle comprised of nearly 20 canvases of different heights and dimensions. “As an artist, it brings such joy when our clients display our photos from the Turks and Caicos Islands in their homes, offices or even on their Facebook pages. “Paradise Photography plays an important role in promoting tourism and the Turks and Caicos Islands. “Continuing to take high impact and striking images, whether it’s a
photo for an ad campaign, magazine cover, wedding album, or family wall portrait helps to increase the recognition and visibility of these beautiful islands.” “The airport thoughtfully selected each image with a vision of showing the beauty and diversity of the Islands,” terminal and marketing manager, Lavern Reynolds said. “We wanted to have the location of each photo known to encourage persons to visit the location that they saw in the photo.” The project has been a multi-year – almost a decade long - project of travelling to the other islands and cays of the TCI in search of the most beautiful landscapes. “I remember travelling many times to the same location just to get the perfect photo with the correct light and conditions,” Morden said. She added: “It was like being on a safari. The photo trips often lasted several days where I had the opportunity to meet and interact with the residents of the different islands and to get a feel of what was so special for that island, beyond just its natural beauty.” Paradise photography has been working with Interspace Airport Advertising TCI, a subsidiary of Clear Channel Airports since they began operations in the TCI about five years ago.
TCI Gov’t signs sustainable energy roadmap THE INAUGURAL Summit of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) concluded with the Turks and Caicos Islands joining other territories in adopting a sustainable energy roadmap. The roadmap, developed collaboratively with the energy experts in the OCTs, addresses the key strategies and actions to be implemented, complementing and promoting existing national strategies on sustainable energy. Susan Malcolm, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, signed on behalf of the country. She was joined in Brussels, Belgium, on June 17 by Deputy Secretary Desmond Wilson and Malike Cummings, Energy and Utilities Commissioner. Malcolm said: “The summit fostered exchange on the possible
contribution of OCTs for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the annual Conference of Parties, which will take place later this year in Paris. “It also allowed ministers and technocrats to provide guidance regarding sustainable energy priorities for the thematic programming under the European Development Fund.” The OCT Sustainable Energy Roadmap is intended to facilitate and support the path towards lowering fossil fuel dependency and increasing energy efficiency, and the uptake of renewable energy technologies; further assisting OCTs in the transition towards sustainable energy. Cummings added: “I was able to make a presentation highlighting the unique challenges faced by the overseas countries and territories, in
particular the TCI. “It also unveiled targeted solutions and actions to overcome the barriers for sustainable energy development.” The endorsement of the OCT roadmap is a crucial deliverable in confirming funding for renewable energy. This is one of the focus areas for both the Caribbean Regional Programme ($44.2 million) as well as the Thematic Programme ($17.7 to $19.9 million), by the European Development Fund. Participants of the summit included OCT and EU member-state Government officials, Members of the European Parliament, European energy research institutes, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the European Commission, the International Energy Agency and other stakeholders.
Lifestyle... 18
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
How does your garden grow
BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR
Denis is a passionate landscape architect who enjoys the creative process and his clients’ joy when projects come to life. Contact Denis at Nature Splendor for your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs. For more information call 332-3381 or email denis@naturesplendor.net.
Cherry tomatoes LOVE the idea of growing tomatoes, but daunted by a brown thumb and over paying at the grocery store? Grab a pot and some cherry tomato seedlings. Even here in the Turks and Caicos Islands they’re easy to grow, and even one plant will bear a steady crop of bite-size fruits all season. Start with the cherry tomato seeds. Fill the container with seed starting soil and sow the tomato seeds about 1⁄8 inch (0.3 cm) into the soil. Place the planted cherry tomato seeds container somewhere where it will receive full sunlight.
Once the seeds emerge into seedlings they will require as much sunlight as they can get in order to grow as sturdy and firm as they can. You can transplant the cherry tomato plants from the container to your garden one to two days after they’ve sprouted. On the day that you plant them, make sure to water them liberally with a mixture of water and nitrogen fertiliser. You will want to handle the plants very, very carefully when transplanting them. Do not touch or disturb the roots, as disturbing them
could result in transplant shock. When planting the plants in your garden, it is recommended that you space the plants apart by at least 24 inches from one another. Continue to water the cherry tomato plants on a regular basis. If you are able to make the choice, it is recommended that you water your plants deeply rather than watering them lightly but frequently. When the water soaks deep down
into the soil, the deeper roots will benefit from it. Continue to fertilise the cherry tomato plants on a regular basis. Before the plants blossom, focus on giving them fertilisers high in nitrogen. After they blossom, switch to giving them fertilisers high in phosphorus and potassium. Make sure to keep water and moisture off of the leaves as much as possible. Wet and humid conditions
are prime for bacterial and disease growth, and tomato plants are particularly vulnerable to disease. Wait approximately 50 to 90 days. During the wait period you should continue to take care of your plants with water and fertiliser to maximise the fruit quality and the harvest quantity. The wait period is the average amount of time for tomato plants to mature.
POLICE SAFETY TIPS
Prevent gun violence
SHOW children how to settle arguments or solve problems without using words or actions that hurt others. Set the example by the way you handle everyday conflicts in the family, at work, and in the neighbourhood. Don’t forget that common courtesies like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” help ease tensions that can lead to violence. Discourage name-calling and teasing. These can easily get out of hand, moving all too quickly from ‘just’ words to fists, knives, and even firearms. Teach children that bullying is wrong and take their fears about
bullies seriously. Take a hard look at what you, your family, and your friends watch and listen to for entertainment from action movies and cop shows to video games and music lyrics. How do the characters solve problems? Do they make firearms and other violence appear exciting, funny, or glamorous? Are the real-life consequences of violence for victims and families clear? Talk about what each of you liked and didn’t like. Stick with friends and family who steer clear of violence and drugs. And encourage your children to do the same. Research shows use of alcohol and other drugs is closely linked
with violence, including the use of guns and other weapons. Be sure you know where and how to report potentially violent situations or concerns about conditions in the neighbourhood that could lead to violence. Ask police for help in identifying what to report, when, to whom, and how. Support police efforts to get people to turn in weapons, or even objects that might be mistaken for real weapons. This will go a long way in making our community safer. Support police in their efforts to keep guns, knives, and other weapons from menacing the everyday lives of children and teens.
By Audley Astwood Audley, a former police detective and broadcaster, is currently the press officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. His main focus is on crime prevention and community policing. For more information call 941-4448 or visit www.tcipolice.tc.
Encourage children to report any weapons they know about in or near school to staff or the police. Look around to see what happens to young people after school hours. Are there supervised programmes for younger children? Opportunities for teens and preteens to work with children, get or give help with homework, tackle neighbourhood problems, or learn art, music, sports, or computer skills. Start a discussion of neighbourhood views on weapons in the home, children playing with toy weapons, children and violent entertainment, and how arguments
should be settled. An informal social gathering or a Neighbourhood Watch meeting could provide the opportunity. Support police, prosecutors, judges and other legal officials who enforce laws designed to prevent gun violence. This weekly column is written as part of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s crime prevention initiative. For more crime prevention tips, security awareness tips and home safety reminders, please log on to www.tcipolice.tc or www.facebook.com/rtcipf.
July 11 - 17, 2015
Lifestyle... ECO Tip Lynn Robinson has lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 12 years and works at Big Blue Unlimited as a diving instructor, eco guide and boat captain. She is passionate about the environment and does regular beach clean ups while walking her three potcakes. Her other passion is running and can often be seen training for marathons and ultra-marathons.
By Lynn Robinson
Styrofoam - Plastic’s evil twin ON JULY 1 New York City became the latest and largest city to impose a ban on single use Styrofoam items, a move which will certainly pave the way for more cities, states and countries to follow suit. There are many health and environmental problems associated with Styrofoam but because it is cheap and light it has become a staple product to use, especially with takeout food and drinks. Like plastic it has become a common sight alongside the side of roads and on many once pristine beaches. Wildlife is suffering greatly from the ingestion and suffocation of little pieces of Styrofoam which are mistaken for food. The biggest health concern is the danger associated with Styrene, the basic building block of polystyrene. This is used in the manufacture of plastics, rubber and resins and workers are potentially exposed to Styrene, a possible human carcinogen which also causes symptoms of depression, headaches, fatigue, weakness and irritation of the skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract. Toxic chemicals also leach out of these products into the food they contain, particularly when heated in a microwave. It is estimated that Americans alone throw away about 25 billion Styrofoam coffee cups a year and packaging makes up for a large amount of unnecessary waste which is difficult to recycle, one of the main reasons for New York City enforcing the ban. Styrofoam is a huge problem in the Turks and Caicos Islands too. You only have to attend one of the many events on island to see huge volume of ‘clam shell’ food containers used and carelessly discarded with no regard to the
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
environment. Thankfully things are slowly changing and a handful of businesses are starting to make a change. The Race for the Conch Eco Sea Swim last weekend saw Flamingo Cafe (Ricky’s) setting a great example by offering their take-out food in cardboard boxes, as did Blue Haven’s catering stand on Long Bay Beach for the Windvibes event the following day. Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come in the Islands and we can start to see more businesses making a change for the future of the planet. Consumers can also help reinforce this change by choosing to purchase food and drinks from the vendors that are using eco-friendly packaging. “Everyone has power. But it doesn’t help if you don’t use it.” Sylvia Earle.
Healing at the speed of light DO YOU suffer from acute or chronic pain? Do you have painful conditions that have not responded to conventional treatments? Perhaps it is time to try Therapeutic Laser treatments. Therapeutic Laser offers treatment for both acute and chronic pain conditions providing patients with a safe, effective and painless therapy that uses the body’s own natural healing systems to relieve pain, increase joint mobility, increase tissue integrity and promote cell regeneration. Within a short period of time patients who have been incapacitated or restricted by pain for years regain the active and healthy lifestyles they knew before their injury or illness occurred. Therapeutic Laser treatments work by supplying billions of photons of light to the body. Tissue is repaired when the body absorbs the laser light on a cellular level and transforms it into chemical energy. Most patients notice results within four to six treatments and a 90 percent efficacy rate is routinely achieved. Theralase lasers stimulate tissue repair at a low power level therefore no pain or discomfort is experienced during treatments. Therapeutic Laser treatment is effective in treating the following conditions: -Low back pain -Neck pain -Arthritis -Heel pain -Shoulder pain -Tennis/Golfer’s elbow -Knee pain -Tendonitis
Weekly Recipe
Lemon garlic tilapia INGREDIENTS • 4 tilapia fillets • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 tablespoon butter, melted • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes • Pepper to taste DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Rinse tilapia fillets under cool water, and pat dry with paper towels. • Place fillets in baking dish. Pour lemon juice over fillets, then drizzle butter on top. Sprinkle with garlic, parsley, and pepper. • Bake in preheated oven until the fish is white and flakes when pulled apart with a fork, about 30 minutes. • This is a delicious and healthy recipe that takes no time at all to make. You can bake it or even grill it.
YOUR BODY Dr Craig Zavitz is a Canadian chiropractor registered in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He specialises in gentle manual therapies, activator, therapeutic laser, and smoking cessation. To make appointments call 941-5252 or email craig@gracebaychiro.com. For more information visit www.gracebaychiro.com.
-Sprains and strains -Carpal Tunnel Syndrome -Hip pain Dr Gifford-Jones MD recommends cold laser therapy. “The appeal of laser therapy is that it is non-invasive, non-toxic and safe. “It seems logical to try laser before resorting to the possible side effects of drugs or the complications of surgery.
BY Dr Craig Zavitz
“After all, the Lord said ‘let there be light’.” Theralase laser is available exclusively at Grace Bay Chiropractic with Dr Craig Zavitz. To book an appointment call 9415252. For more information on the benefits of laser therapy check out our website: www.gracebaychiro.com or email craig@gracebaychiro.com.
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Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Dominican Republic and Haiti escalate war of words IN an escalating war of words with repercussions on the island of Hispaniola where around 20 million people call home, the Government of the Dominican Republic on Wednesday accused Haiti of veiling their problems with the immigration issue. Dominican envoy to the OAS, Pedro Verges said the Haitian Government’s criticism of the Dominican Republic’s programme to regularise foreigners aims to focus attention away from Haiti’s problems with its current electoral process. He said the latest hurdle which Port-au-Prince seeks to use against Dominican Republic’s right to its sovereignty is to instil the terror of an alleged humanitarian crisis that would emerge upon by receiving its nationals once the regularisation programme concludes. “It’s the first time we hear of a country that it has nationals to spare in their territory. Make no mistake.” After listening to Haitian Foreign minister Lener Renauld, and the position of various countries who spoke during the session, most of which support Haiti and requested a protocol that respects human rights, Verges reiterated the Dominican position. He said for too long many states, especially in the region, have used
The Dominican Republic’s controversial immigration policy has caused a rift between the two nations.
policies whose proponents never carry out in their countries. “Needless to say we’re not a perfect society, but those who criticize us aren’t either, and while we share some of the same shortcomings, irresponsibility is not one of them…hypocrisy and shamelessness are evident in many cases.” He said the Government of Haiti, through its Foreign Minister, accommodates the inner reality and distorts it. “In the Dominican Republic there’s not statelessness, there has been no deportations since November 2013.”
Verges said the Haitian government failed to document its nationals, a process which had international support, and has been supported by prominent Haitians, including its ambassador in Dominican Republic. “Still in the Dominican Republic we are waiting for the Haitian government to fulfill its promise.” Once the Dominican official concluded a visibly upset Renauld asked to speak, to accuse Dominican Republic of treating his nationals as outcasts. “Why treat Haitians like a nation of pariahs? Their sense of history escapes them?”
Venezuela begins cutting ties with Guyana; warns it won’t back down in border dispute “WE are victims of dispossession. I say this to our friends and also to our enemies: No one will ever get Venezuela to renounce her historical rights to the Essequibo.” With those words, and the announcement that Venezuela is recalling its ambassador in Guyana Reyna Margarita Arratia, reviewing relations with that CARICOM nation, and scaling down embassy staff in Georgetown, President Nicolás Maduro sent a strong message to his neighbour that his country would not be backing down from its claims of maritime territory. Addressing Parliament on Monday, Maduro also blasted his Guyanese counterpart, David Granger, accusing him of taking part in a campaign to make Venezuela look bad. The decision to scale down relations with Guyana comes just a few days after Granger announced that Georgetown would continue commercial and cultural relations with Venezuela, despite heightened tension between the South American
Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro sent a strong message to Guyana that his country would not be backing down from its claims of maritime territory.
neighbours caused by the rekindled maritime dispute. Maduro issued a decree on May 25, claiming sovereignty over territorial waters in the Essequibo region of the Atlantic Ocean that encompasses an area equivalent to around two-thirds of Guyanese territory, including a large part of the Stabroek Block, where US oil giant
ExxonMobil discovered oil recently. Guyana says Caracas agreed to relinquish the Essequibo following a ruling by an international tribunal in 1899, but later backtracked on that decision. Venezuela says the 1899 ruling was unfair and insists the territory is still in dispute. Caracas, which has the world’s largest oil reserves, claims the “operating zones”, which intrude upon Colombian and Guyanese waters, are necessary for national security. However, Guyana has insisted the move is illegal and also threatens the offshore territory of other Caribbean states, and has approached the United Nations to settle the border dispute once and for all. Guyana received the backing of the Commonwealth and then from CARICOM when Heads of Government of the regional grouping met in Barbados last week. Colombia, which is also in a border dispute with Venezuela, condemned that country for its territory grab. (Caribbean360)
July 11 - 17, 2015
Poll: Majority oppose independence in Bermuda MORE than 7 in 10 voters (72.7%) oppose independence for Bermuda, and that position has not changed since 2012 (when it was 77% or from 2014 when it was 71.9%). The only significant difference by subgroups was for race. While both groups opposed independence for Bermuda, Whites and Others, at 84.5% were more strongly opposed to it than Blacks (67.2%). Black support for independence stood at 25.8%,
while for Whites and Others it was 8.8%. Notes: Category totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. The 2015 survey was conducted among 407 registered voters between 15APR15 and 10MAY15 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.8%. Some 75% of respondents were obtained by landlines, 11% by cell phones and 14% via the internet. Data for all demographics were weighted to reflect the 2010 Census. (Today in Bermuda)
Bahamas on ‘slippery slope’ without VAT THE Bahamas would “be on a really slippery slope” without Value-Added Tax (VAT), a former finance minister believes, because government’s costs will continue to increase on an annual basis. James Smith, also a former Central Bank governor, told Tribune Business that VAT’s implementation had given the Bahamas an opportunity to avoid going down Greece’s road to a debt default, provided it consolidated the benefits of fiscal reform. He warned, though, that the Government would have to be “eternally vigilant” in ensuring it met its increased revenue/reduced deficit targets, given that it was “so easy” to relax and fall back into a debt spiral. “We won’t see it now, but one of the most impactful things the Bahamas has done is actually the introduction of VAT,” Mr Smith told Tribune Business, “and being able to broaden its tax base to include the services sector. “I think the cost of running the Government is going to escalate year in, year out, and unless we have an increase in the tax base, these deficits will continue to pile up and we will be on a really slippery slope.” Mr Smith’s comments will likely be opposed by fiscal hawks, who believe the size of government in the Bahamas is too big, and that recurrent expenditure can be reduced - not increased. However, the Christie government’s ‘like-for-like’ spending in 2015-2016 is forecast to increase by $100 million year-over-year to $1.944 billion. The addition of $100 million that has been reclassified from the ‘capital’ to the ‘recurrent’ budget has taken the Government’s total fixed-cost spend for the current Budget year to $2.044 billion. The Prime Minister, in his Budget speech, touted a $90 million reduction in the GFS fiscal deficit
projection for 2014-2015 as a sign that the Government was making progress in its plans for fiscal consolidation by eliminating that ‘red ink’. But, warning that it could not relent and ease up, Mr Smith told Tribune Business: “We have taken that [VAT] move, and have to ensure we consolidate. “Now there’s breathing space, we have to move a bit more prudently in managing the fiscal affairs. My fear is it’s so easy to slip into these things. “You’ve got to be eternally vigilant and not relent on these targets for the next three-four years, as you’re not running a terrible deficit,” the ex-minister of state for finance added. “There are other things going on, and we have to move forward with fiscal reforms and use our resources much more efficiently.” Mr Smith, meanwhile, warned that Greece’s economic crisis, and debt default, had the potential to “trigger a second stage” global recession. The southern European country, labouring under a 340 billion euro debt burden, voted at the weekend to reject the latest European Union (EU) and creditor proposals to solve the crisis. That vote raises questions over whether Greece will remain in the EU. Mr Smith suggested there would be “a lag” in terms of the Greek crisis’s impact here, and there was unlikely to be an “immediate effect” on the Bahamas. He warned, though, that the global economy’s interconnected nature meant any fall-out in Europe would find its way across the Atlantic eventually, possibly manifesting itself in reduced trade with the US that resulted in unemployment and an economic slowdown in the latter nation.
July 11 - 17, 2015
Regional News
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Cayman will implement OECD Baha Mar fiasco: 13 days to break automatic exchange this year deadlock after court adjournment
THE ministry of financial services has announced that Cayman will implement the OECD common reporting standard later this year. The CRS standardizes the global automatic exchange of information for tax purposes. Automatic exchange of information will ultimately lead to the transmission of large amounts of data, such as the investment income of individual taxpayers, from one tax authority where an account is located to the tax authority where the taxpayer is resident. It enables resident tax authorities to validate whether taxpayers have correctly reported their income. Although the main focus is on exchanging information about financial accounts, other types of income such as pensions or real estate transactions could become relevant. Financial Services Minister Wayne Panton said implementation of the common reporting standard will further strengthen Cayman’s
already-recognized participation in international efforts to improve tax compliance. “The CRS is an important progression in ensuring international tax compliance, across country borders,” he said. “By implementing it via the enactment of local regulations, Cayman continues to show our full participation and strength, as a member of the growing network of countries worldwide that engage in international tax cooperation.” More than 90 jurisdictions around the world have committed to the implementation of the common reporting standard to agreed timetables. Cayman is one of more than 50 jurisdictions committed to undertaking the first automatic exchanges of tax information under the CRS by 2017. In March of this year, Cayman launched a portal for the automatic exchange of information, which will be an important operational component of the CRS.
MAJOR stakeholders in the multibillion dollar Baha Mar resort development in the Bahamas have been granted 13 days by a judge to negotiate a solution in getting the stalled project over the finish line. Attorneys for the relevant parties appeared before Justice Ian Winder in the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning for an expected full hearing on Baha Mar’s application for the judge to extend a ruling in the resort’s on-going Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States. The judge last week delayed the hearing by five days to allow the government and the resort’s lender – China Export-Import Bank – to be heard as parties on the application to get an approved extension from the Supreme Court in The Bahamas for its debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing approval by the Delaware court to take effect. “I’m obliged to asked for an adjournment,” Roy Sweeting, Baha Mar’s attorney said on Tuesday. He also noted: “The adjournment is to allow the parties to engage in negotiations to resolve the issues.” He added that Damian Gomez and Brian Simms, representing the Crown and China EXIM Bank respectively, had agreed to the move in earlier discussions. Mr Sweeting suggested a hearing
date be set close to July 20, where proceedings were to resume in the Delaware court. “I can hear the matter on the 20th (of July),” said Justice Winder. Mr Gomez replied: “We have no objection to the adjournment.” “All of the parties, including the applicant have agreed to meet, in good faith, (to) resolve the outstanding issues,” he added. He also revealed that on Monday evening, Mr Simms’ client, “the president (of China EXIM Bank) spoke with the Prime Minister (Perry Christie) and wishes for immediate talks with all parties in Beijing.” “There is a commitment to seeing this project through,” Mr Gomez added, emphasising that “this is a matter of extreme urgency and we wish to have a date to put parties to work on actually resolving the issues.” Mr Gomez, also minister of state for legal affairs, took note of the presence of a number of attorneys in court holding “watching briefs” for Baha Mar’s creditors, which, he said, “speaks to their significance to the economy.” Mr Sweeting noted that there were 13 days between the present proceedings and the hearing scheduled for July 20 in a Delaware court and expressed concern of
applications being made by other creditors making applications to be joined as parties to the pending request while negotiations were taking place among the major stakeholders. Mr Simms, in his contribution to the brief hearing, also agreed to an adjournment and recommended that a status hearing prior to the July 20 substantive hearing “be a chamber (hearing) update as to not prejudice the negotiations in any way.” He also suggested that the creditors could make applications at another hearing. Justice Winder expressed concern with having a large number of parties involved in the application. Mr Gomez said counsel for other creditors have approached the respondents “with intent to be in a watching brief situation.” He said depending on the outcome of the negotiations, “there may not be a pressing need to limit the amount of counsel.” Lester Mortimer, lawyer for Cable Bahamas Ltd, told the court that he would be following the proceedings closely on his client’s behalf before a determination is made as to whether it would become a party to the proceedings. Cable Bahamas is one of Baha Mar’s creditors.
Bermuda: ‘Bean might be replaced as PLP leader’
The designation, which was made at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting in Bonn, Germany, is the first for Jamaica and also the first “mixed” (cultural and natural) site for the Caribbean.
Jamaica’s Blue Mountains now a UNESCO World Heritage Site THE UNESCO World Heritage Committee has unanimously agreed to designate Jamaica’s Blue and John Crow Mountains as a World Heritage Site. The designation, which was made at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting currently underway in Bonn, Germany, is the first for Jamaica and also the first “mixed” (cultural and natural) site for the Caribbean. “We are pleased to learn that the Blue and John Crow Mountains is now recognized as a World Heritage Site,” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “It will enhance
the appeal to visitors from around the world who travel for culture and heritage.” The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is now one of just 32 mixed sites in the world, and joins the ranks of the Taj Mahal, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the Great Wall of China. The Jamaica Tourist Board credits a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment and its agencies, and the Ministry of Youth and Culture, funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), for their efforts towards the inscription. (Caribjournal)
EFFORTS are being made to oust Marc Bean from his position as leader of the Progressive Labour Party according to sources within his own party. Members have pointed to poor poll results and a string of controversies including Mr Bean’s continuing court case reportedly linked to an incident involving former One Bermuda Alliance senator Toni Daniels. One senior member of the PLP told The Royal Gazette: “I am aware of efforts being made to replace Mr Bean as leader of the party.” This newspaper’s most recently commissioned poll, in May, showed Mr Bean had a 27 per cent favourability rating, compared with 34 per cent for PLP deputy leader David Burt, 48 per cent for Premier Michael Dunkley and 32 per cent for Deputy Premier Bob Richards. At that time, 36 per cent of people said they would vote OBA in a general election, compared with 33 per cent for the PLP. While Mr Burt is seen by many as the most likely candidate to replace Mr Bean, some are said to be keen for a more experienced politician to take the reins. Shadow Tourism Minister Zane DeSilva is also said to have had ambitions for the top job
In the Royal Gazette most recent poll, Bean had a 27 per cent favourability rating, compared with 34 per cent for PLP deputy leader David Burt.
for some time. The next PLP leadership contest is not due until October 2018 but according to sources a special delegates conference could be called before then if a majority of MPs want a change in leadership. Last October, Mr Bean received a leadership challenge from Shadow Immigration Minister Walton Brown, but he was overwhelmingly endorsed by delegates, winning by 85 votes to nine at Devonshire Recreation Club.
But members are said to have grown frustrated that Mr Bean has continued to court controversy, including the accusation by the OBA that he verbally threatened MPs in the House of Assembly, which led to a motion of censure against him in May. Such incidents, said one member, have distracted from the party’s attempts to establish itself as a credible Opposition capable of taking over the Government. Another source close to the party said that some older members have said they will not vote in the next PLP leadership election if Mr Bean is in the seat. The source said: “They can call a special delegates conference. It is not just a question of changing a leader — they feel that the PLP has now reached a crossroads where it has to talk about a change in leadership and their present outlook in terms of how they are moving.” That source said Mr Bean was initially popular because his outspoken manner was seen as a direct contrast to former Premier Paula Cox, who lost the 2012 general election. “So they almost went the other way,” the source said.
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Majah Hype performs as one of his characters to a sold out show in Provo last weekend
Chef Nik thanks everyone for showing the massive support for the first ever Comedy Jam last weekend
Comedy Jam a huge success, more in store – Chef Nik INTERNET sensation and New York-based Caribbean funny man Majah Hype took centre stage at Brayton Hall in Providenciales last weekend at a sold out show. Best of the Best Comedy Jam, the first of its kind was put on by Crackpot Kitchen Promotions on Saturday (July 4) attracting a huge and diverse crowd with Hype as its main attraction. Collin Nigel McPherson, better known to his fans as Majah Hype, was raised in east Kingston, Jamaica, and has become widely popular on social media (Facebook and Instagram) for his amazing impersonations of several Caribbean and African accents and reactions to hilarious scenarios. The show, which was MCed by the TCI’s own Bianca Harvey and Obrian Forbes, also featured star comedians Penhyrn Brooks and Thalia Robinson with other live performances by Suga and Spice, the V6 Band Boys and DJ Shakes. Local beauties also graced the stage with daring, authentic and fabulous designs by fashion guru Jermell Williams. Following the show, Chef Nik told the Weekly News that overall the show was a great success with rave reviews. He also extended warm and heartfelt thanks to all the supporters
and sponsors for partaking in the event. But there is much more in store for those hungry for more of the same, and Crackpot Kitchen Promotions will be hosting another spectacular event this November. Promising that it will be bigger and better, Chef Nik said he is already scouting around for a bigger indoor venue for the next show as Brayton Hall will not be big enough, as it was barely adequate for the audience last Saturday. He promises two major international acts this November, although who they are will be revealed at a later date. That show will be another spectacular showing and will follow the same format as the July 4 event, Chef Nik said. The TCI culinary ambassador said he is passionate about providing adult and mature entertainment for people from all walks of life in the Islands. Particularly for people who do not frequent the singing shows and other fetes across the islands – events that people can attend, have a relaxing seat and be entertained by a variety of performances. He also promised a lot of diversity and said the TCI public can look out for a lot more in terms of entertainment from him in the future. (DELANA ISLES)
July 11 - 17, 2015
Local fashion models were also part of the attraction at Comedy Jam weekend
Majah Hype and other acts performing at Brayton Hall
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Entertainment AC/DC drummer sentenced to house detention PHIL Rudd, a drummer with rock group AC/DC, has been sentenced in New Zealand to eight months in house detention for drug possession and making threats to kill. Rudd, 61 and born in Australia, had originally denied the charges but changed his plea in April. The Tauranga court heard he threatened to “take out” a former employee. A subsequent police raid on his house in Tauranga found a stash of marijuana and methamphetamine. His sentence will be served at his beachfront home in Tauranga, with Judge Thomas Ingram warning he would be jailed if he breached the
The 61-year-old has been sentenced in New Zealand to eight months in house detention for drug possession and making threats to kill.
conditions, New Zealand media reported. The court had heard how Rudd had fired several employees after the failure of his solo album in August last
year. Then in September, he telephoned an associate in Australia saying he wanted one of those former employees “taken care of”.
Grande apologises for ‘I hate America’ comments ARIANA Grande says she’s proud to be an American after her unpatriotic comments at a doughnut shop went viral. The pop star made headlines Tuesday for her comments in a video in which she declared “I hate America” after seeing a platter of large doughnuts. With growing backlash over her remarks, Grande released a statement to the Daily News in which she apologized for her “poor choice of words.” “I am EXTREMELY proud to be an American and I’ve always made it clear that I love my country,” she said. “What I said in a private moment with my friend, who was buying the donuts, was taken out of context and I am sorry for not using more discretion with my choice of
The pop star made headlines Tuesday for her comments in a video in which she declared “I hate America” after seeing a platter of large doughnuts.
words.” In the video obtained by TMZ, which also showed her kissing backup dancer Ricky Alvarez, Grande voiced her
disgust for the sweet treats and those who enjoy them. “What the f--- is that?” she sneers. “I hate Americans. I hate America.”
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Entertainment
Cosby admitted he gave woman drugs before sex US comedian Bill Cosby admitted he obtained sedatives with the intent of giving them to women he wanted to have sex with, court papers from 2005 show. The unsealed files, obtained by the Associated Press news agency, show Mr Cosby made the admission in a sex abuse civil case brought by a woman. That case was settled for an undisclosed sum in 2006. Mr Cosby, now 77, is facing a series of sexual assault accusations dating back decades. He has denied the claims. Mr Cosby has never been criminally charged. The documents came to light after the AP went to court to compel the release of the documents. Mr Cosby’s lawyers tried to stop the release of the papers, arguing it would embarrass their client and reveal personal information. ‘I GAVE HER QUAALUDES. THEN WE HAVE SEX’ In his 2005 testimony, Mr Cosby admitted that he obtained Quaaludes in the 1970s, with the intent of giving it to women he wanted to have sex with. The case was brought by Andrea Constand, a former employee of
Whoopi Goldberg says that Bill Cosby is innocent until proven guilty.
The comedian is best known as Dr Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show in 1984-92.
Temple University - the Philadelphia college with which Mr Cosby was once closely associated. The comedian said he had given the sedatives to at least one woman and “other people”. Later in the deposition, he said: “I meet Ms T (another woman whose name was redacted to preserve her anonymity) in Las Vegas. She meets me back stage. I give her Quaaludes. We then have sex.” His lawyers said that at least two of those accusing the comedian had knowingly taken the sedative.
Mr Cosby also admitted to offering money to Ms Constand, and other women who had made allegations, in the form of educational trusts. Testifying later in the case, Mr Cosby said that he had given Ms Constand one and a half pills of the over-the-counter antihistamine drug Benadryl. Mr Cosby has yet to comment on his released testimony. Best known as Dr Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show in 1984-92, the comedian is facing a number of allegations dating back to the 1960s.
Goldberg gets threats over defence of Cosby WHOOPI Goldberg has been defending Bill Cosby ever since the many rape allegations against him surfaced. But Wednesday on The View, she was defending herself – adamantly, at times indignantly – in the face of threats she said she’s been getting for her stance on the matter. “People have been coming after me and saying they’re going to snatch my family,” the cohost and comic, 59, said in a bracing monologue. “It’s like being Frankenstein, people coming after you with the fire and they’re going to burn you.” She didn’t apologise for her stance. Quite the opposite. She
reiterated that Cosby, 77 – who admitted in 2005 court documents, unsealed this week, that he gave Quaaludes to a woman and then had sex with her – should be considered innocent until proven guilty. “Not any of you threatening me or telling me you’re coming after me because you don’t like what I said is going to change the fact that no one has convicted him, he has not been arrested,” said Goldberg, who said the threats came after she discussed the matter Tuesday on The View. “The bottom line is, that’s the law,” she added. “Innocent until proven guilty.”
Rihanna thinks Brown needs a bad gal, Karrueche too timid RIHANNA thinks that Chris Brown and Karrueche Tran split was imminent long before it happened earlier this year. Tran and Brown split in March after she found out like the rest of the world that he has a 1-year-old daughter name Royalty. Rihanna people are telling us that she was surprised that they lost that long although she wasn’t wishing any ill will towards them. “RiRi know Chris much more than most people around him, she knows that he is a hot head and a womaniser, so a regular chick is not going to work with him” sources close to the Bajan pop star told Urban Islandz. “She (Rihanna) really thinks that the only thing that can tame Chris and keep him in check is a bad b**ch, someone who can stand up to him. When they were dating there was always issues with other women and RiRi wasn’t going to have none of that,” our source added. The “BBHMM” singer people also told us that she has no plans to get back together with Chris Brown
With a cast on his leg, lead singer Dave Grohl performed from a throne of sorts, made of guitars, at a Washington concert on Saturday.
Injured Foo Fighters singer performs from throne Rihanna and Chris Brown had a history together.
but still genuinely love and care about him. “They both genuinely love each other and thinks that they are soulmates but I don’t think she is going to run back into his arms just like that, he will have to work to
get her back and prove his worth,” sources said. Rihanna was spotted on several dates with French soccer stud Karim Benzema last month. But our source told us that they are just two friends having a good time.
THE Foo Fighters had to cancel a European tour last month after lead singer Dave Grohl broke his leg, but they were back in fine form on July Fourth. With a cast on his leg, Grohl performed from a throne of sorts, made of guitars, at a Washington concert on Saturday. From the images, it looked like he was having a great time returning to the stage after a few
weeks’ absence. The singer fell off stage during a June 12 show in Sweden. He ended up with a broken fibula. July 4 was the 20th anniversary of the debut of the band’s selftitled album, so it was surely a special performance. The band posted more images of Grohl performing on their Facebook. (CNN)
July 11 - 17, 2015
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Science & Technology Deafness could be treated by virus, say scientists SCIENTISTS say they have taken a significant step towards treating some forms of deafness after restoring hearing in animals. Defects in a baby’s DNA are behind roughly half of cases of hearing loss in early life. The mouse study, published in Science Translational Medicine, showed a virus could correct the genetic fault and restore some hearing. Experts said the results could lead to treatments within a decade. The team in the US and Switzerland focused on the tiny hairs inside the ear, which convert sounds into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. But mutations in our DNA can leave hairs unable to create the electrical signal - leaving people unable to hear. VIRAL THERAPY The research team developed a genetically modified virus that could infect the hair cells and correct the error.
The hairs in the ear detect changes in pressure and convert them into electrical signals.
It was tested on “profoundly deaf” mice, which would not notice being at a loud rock concert (with sound levels at 115 dB). Injections of the virus into the ears led to a “substantial improvement” in hearing, although not to normal levels. The animals could hear the equivalent of the noise inside a moving car (85 dB).
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They also altered their behaviour in response to sounds throughout the 60-day study. Dr Jeffrey Holt, one of the researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital, told the BBC News website: “We’re very excited about it, but we’re also cautiously optimistic as we don’t want to give false hope. It would be premature to say we’ve found a cure.
Drug could help slow half of breast cancers, study suggests A CHEAP and safe drug could help half of women with breast cancer to live longer, scientists suggest. Their study, published in Nature, is in its early stages, but hints that the hormone progesterone could be used to slow the growth of some tumours. The UK and Australian researchers say the findings are “very significant” and they are planning clinical trials. Cancer Research UK said the study was “highly significant” and could help thousands of women. Hormones play a huge role in breast cancer. They can make a cancerous cell divide by hooking up with “hormone receptors” on the surface of a cancer. One of the most successful breast cancer drugs, tamoxifen, bungs up the oestrogen receptor. Cancers with progesterone receptors were known to be less deadly, but the reason why was unclear and they have not been explored as a treatment. Now a team at the University of Cambridge and the University of Adelaide have studied cancer cells growing in the laboratory.
They show that the progesterone receptor and the oestrogen receptor are closely linked and that the progesterone receptor can make the oestrogen receptor less nasty. Cancer cells growing in the laboratory grew to half the size when treated with progesterone and tamoxifen than when given tamoxifen alone. One of the researchers, Prof Carlos Caldas from the University of Cambridge, told the BBC News website: “It appears you control the tumours better, but to prove it is better in women with breast cancer we need to do the trial. “It could be very significant. In early breast cancer you could increase the number of people being cured and in advanced breast cancer, where we’re not curing, we could control the disease for longer.” The researchers are in the first stages of planning a clinical trial. About 75% of women have breast cancers with the oestrogen receptor and of those, 75% also have progesterone receptors. It suggests roughly half of women could benefit.
July 11 - 17, 2015
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology Opal discovery on Mars may be key to proving ancient life on Red Planet
The international research group followed 954 people from the same town in New Zealand who were all born in 1972-73.
Ageing rates vary widely, says study A study of people born within a year of each other has uncovered a huge gulf in the speed at which their bodies age. The report, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, tracked traits such as weight, kidney function and gum health. Some of the 38-year-olds were ageing so badly that their “biological age” was on the cusp of retirement. The team said the next step was to discover what was affecting the pace of ageing. The international research group followed 954 people from the same town in New Zealand who were all born in 1972-73. The scientists looked at 18 different ageing-related traits when the group turned 26, 32 and 38 years old. The analysis showed that at the age of 38, the people’s biological ages ranged from the late-20s to those who were nearly 60. “They look rough, they look lacking in vitality,” said Prof Terrie Moffitt from Duke University in the
US. The study said some people had almost stopped ageing during the period of the study, while others were gaining nearly three years of biological age for every twelve months that passed. People with older biological ages tended to do worse in tests of brain function and had a weaker grip. Most people’s biological age was within a few years of their chronological age. It is unclear how the pace of biological ageing changes through life with these measures. Prof Moffitt told the BBC: “Any area of life where we currently use chronological age is faulty, if we knew more about biological age we could be more fair and egalitarian.” She argued the retirement age may be unfair for those “working at their peak” who then had to retire. The researchers said it was unexpected to find such differences so early, but that the findings could help trial methods for slowing the pace of ageing and ultimately have implications for medicine.
Ancient monkey skull reveals tiny but complex brain IN 1997 a 15 million year monkey skull was discovered, and for the first time researchers have peered inside to see what secrets it holds. What they found was surprising -- the brain was small but very complex. The skull comes from an ancient monkey known as the Victoriapithecus, and it was examined using X-rays and a 3D computer model based on the X-rays. The brain is said to have been “tiny” in relation to the monkey’s body size, coming in at more than 50-percent smaller than comparable modern monkeys. The level of complexity, however, was surprisingly high. Scans of the skull show the brain had many folds and wrinkles, and that the monkey likely had superior smelling abilities compared to modern monkeys. This was due to an olfactory
bulb that turned out to be thrice the size researchers had anticipated. In comparison, modern monkeys have “very small” olfactory bulbs, something believed to have been a trade-off that came with improvements to their vision. Victoriapithecus may have had both, however — an excellent sense of smell and good vision. The discovery also turns a long held belief about primate brain evolution on its head. Researchers have thought that primate brains likely became larger before forming folds and wrinkles, but this latest discovery -- which comes from the oldest Old World skull so far discovered -- shows that the brain had such characteristics while still tiny. (Slasher Gear)
RESEARCHERS have discovered traces of opal on Mars, leading them to believe it may help prove that the Red Planet was once home to life. The gemstone was discovered in a Martian meteorite, which fell to Earth in 1911. The opal was discovered by Glasgow University earth scientist Martin Lee and his team while examining the Nakhla meteorite, which fell from Mars to Egypt over a century ago. After studying the space rock with a scanning electron microscope, the researchers found trace amounts of the gemstone, confirming readings from Martian rovers that opal indeed exists in the Red Planet’s crust. The gemstone was likely created by the interaction of water with silica. It is the first time that a piece of Mars on Earth has been found to contain opal. But the findings – published in the journal Meteoritics and Planetary Science – could represent something much more significant than the mere presence of a gemstone. According to the researchers, the opal may prove that life once existed on the Red Planet. “We know that on Earth opals like these are often formed in and around hot springs. Microbial life
The opal was discovered by Glasgow University earth scientist Martin Lee and his team while examining the Nakhla meteorite, which fell from Mars to Egypt over a century ago.
thrives in these conditions, and opal can trap and preserve these microbes for millions of years,” Lee said in a statement. “If Martian microbes existed, it’s possible they too may be preserved in opal deposits on the surface of Mars. Closer study of Martian opals by future missions to Mars could well help us learn more about the planet’s past and whether it once held life,” he added. The finding could be a foundation for future research of the Martian
surface, which could focus on the study of opals to understand the history of the Red Planet – including the possibility of ancient life. This is not the first time that Nakhla has provided scientists with valuable information. In 2013, the same team discovered the first direct evidence of water dissolving on the surface of the Red Planet. Named after the Egyptian town on which it fell in 1911, Nakhla is owned by the Natural History Museum in London. (RT.com)
Brazil introduces new caesarean birth rules NEW rules have come into force in Brazil aimed at reducing the country’s high number of caesarean births. Eighty-five per cent of all births in Brazilian private hospitals are caesareans and in public hospitals the figure is 45%. The new rules oblige doctors to inform women about the risks and ask them to sign a consent form before performing a caesarean. Doctors will also have to justify why a caesarean was necessary. They will have to fill in a complete record of how the labour and birth developed and explain their actions. Each pregnant woman will now be assigned medical notes which record the history of her pregnancy, which she can take with her if she changes doctors. The new rules are designed to reduce unnecessary surgical procedures, and ensure pregnant women are aware of the risks associated with caesareans. However, experts say that a scarcity of maternity beds and wards equipped to deal with natural births means that for many women in Brazil, caesarean birth is seen as the best option. “The best way to guarantee
The caesarean rate in Brazil is more than 50%.
yourself a bed in a good hospital is to book a caesarean,” Pedro Octavio de Britto Pereira, an obstetrician and professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, said in an interview with BBC Brasil last year. Women who want to give birth naturally in a private hospital have reported finding all the beds are reserved for scheduled deliveries. There have been numerous reports of women going into labour without a caesarean scheduled and being forced to travel from hospital
to hospital in search of a bed. Researchers say many women also see caesareans as more civilised and modern, and natural birth as primitive, ugly and inconvenient. In Brazil’s body-conscious culture, where there is little information given about childbirth, there is also huge concern that natural birth can make women sexually unattractive. Many doctors prefer caesareans too, as they can plan the time of a birth, and feel more protected from litigation.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Greece debt crisis: Banks stay shut as endgame looms THE Greek government has extended bank closures and a €60 (£43; $66) daily limit on ATM withdrawals until Monday. The curbs were imposed on 28 June, after a deadlock in bailout talks with creditors led a rush of withdrawals. The European Central Bank has decided not to increase support for Greek banks until the debt crisis is resolved. Greek PM Alexis Tsipras says he will submit “credible” reform plans on Thursday - ahead of a Sunday deadline by the EU to find a solution. An emergency summit will involve all 28 EU members - not just the 19 eurozone countries. European Council President Donald Tusk has warned that this was now the “most critical moment in the history of the eurozone”. “The final deadline ends this week,” he said after emergency talks of the eurozone leaders in Brussels on Tuesday. Greece is desperate for a third bailout to avoid bankruptcy and possibly crashing out of the euro currency. “The bank holiday is extended to July 13,” the finance ministry said in a statement late on Wednesday. The announcement came after the European Central Bank - which has been providing emergency liquidity to keep Greek banks from collapsing - said it would leave its current level
There are fears that Greek banks may be running out of cash.
of support unchanged. Greece’s last international bailout programme expired on 30 June and it missed an International Monetary Fund (IMF) payment. Mr Tsipras, speaking during a fractious debate on the Greek debt crisis in the European Parliament on Wednesday, criticised previous bailouts for turning Greece into an “austerity laboratory”. He was speaking after the Greek people decisively rejected the latest proposals from creditors in Sunday’s referendum. In an address in Washington on Wednesday, IMF Managing Director
Christine Lagarde reiterated that debt restructuring alongside a programme of reforms was the only way forward for the stricken Greek economy. “Greece is in a situation of acute crisis, which needs to be addressed seriously and promptly,” she said. Meanwhile, the Greek government has insisted that there is no threat to food and fuel supplies. In a statement, the Ministry of Economy, Infrastructures, Maritime Affairs and Tourism “reassures both the Greek citizens and the visitors (tourists) that there are adequate food supplies in the market and that their prices remain stable”. (BBC)
Baltimore mayor sacks police chief months after riots BALTIMORE’S mayor has sacked the US city’s police chief, saying his leadership had become a distraction from fighting a “crime surge”. Mayor Stephanie RawlingsBlake said she was replacing Police Commissioner Anthony Batts with his deputy, Kevin Davis, for an interim period. The city was rocked by riots in April when a black man died after suffering injuries in police custody. Six officers were charged over the death of the 25-year-old, Freddie Gray. Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Mayor Rawlings-Blake said Mr Batts had “served this city with distinction” since becoming police chief in October 2012. But referring to the city’s high homicide rate, she said “too many continue to die”. “The focus has been too much on the leadership of the department and not enough on the crime fighting,” she told reporters, adding: “We need to get the crime surge under control.” The city has seen a sharp increase in violence since Freddie Gray’s death on 19 April, with 155 homicides this
Police officers complained that they were poorly equipped and badly led during April’s riots.
year, a 48% increase over the same period last year. On Tuesday, the police department announced that an outside organisation will review its response to the civil unrest that followed Mr Gray’s death. The US justice department is also conducting a civil rights review of the Baltimore force and Mr Batts has been criticised by the city’s police union.
Earlier on Wednesday, the union released its report into the police handling of the rioting. It said officers had complained “that they lacked basic riot equipment, training, and, as events unfolded, direction from leadership”. The report also said “officers repeatedly expressed concern that the passive response to the civil unrest had allowed the disorder to grow into full scale rioting”.
July 11 - 17, 2015
Berlusconi bribery trial: Ex-Italy PM convicted FORMER Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi has been found guilty of bribing a senator in 2006 in an attempt to bring down the then centre-left government. A Naples court sentenced Berlusconi to three years in jail and banned him from holding public office for five years. The four-times prime minister denied the charges. He will not have to serve his sentence because a statute of limitations comes into effect later this year, before any appeal can be held. The billionaire was accused of giving 3m euros (£2.5m; $4m) in 2006 to Sergio De Gregorio, then a senator from the anti-corruption Italy of Values party, to switch to Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party and thus undermine the government of the time. The trial was held in Naples as it was the seat occupied by Mr De Gregorio. Italy’s former prime minister is appealing against a prison
Silvio Berlusconi lost his parliamentary immunity last year when he was expelled from the Senate over a tax fraud conviction.
sentence for having sex with an under-age prostitute and abuse of office, and another for leaking a confidential police wiretap. He was also found guilty of tax fraud last year - his first definitive conviction. (BBC)
Florida man breaks ex-wife’s ‘toy’ in half, accuses her of ‘cheating’ on him with it HE’S nobody’s tool. A Florida man with an extensive history of domestic battery was arrested after he allegedly flew into a fit of jealous rage and broke his exwife’s sex toy. Triston Horne, 36, apparently couldn’t stomach being replaced by a machine during a visit to his exwife’s home in Bradenton, on July 1, and took his anger out on the object, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office charged in his arrest report. The victim told police their marriage had to be nullified shortly after they tied the knot, when she learned that Horne was already married to another woman. They went their separate ways but the woman said her sons still look as Horne as a father figure. She had invited him to spend the night so he could take her to work in the morning, and the two were reportedly smoking cigarettes in her bedroom when a disagreement escalated into a fight, police said. During the melee, Horne allegedly busted in on his ex-wife in the bathroom and accused her of cheating on him with a sex toy. He grabbed her hand and twisted it despite her pleas to let go, she told police. Horne eventually did but only so he could go back to the bedroom and return with his evidence, which he
Triston Horne, 36, apparently couldn’t stomach being replaced by a machine during a visit to his ex-wife’s home.
promptly broke in half. That’s when the victim told Horne to leave, and she and her 16-year-old daughter physically pushed him out of the house. Horne allegedly returned later that night, broke into the house and stole his ex-wife’s cell phone. Horne said he took it because she broke his phone, the victim told police. Dave Bristow, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, told the Daily News he did not know what type of sex toy Horne broke.
July 11 - 17, 2015
World News
29
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Irish Banking Inquiry:
Ex-PM Cowen says impact of financial crisis could not have been avoided
Chilean law already allows medical use of marijuana with government approval.
Chile lawmakers approve marijuana decriminalisation bill A BILL which will allow Chileans to grow small amounts of marijuana for medical, recreational or spiritual use has been approved by the country’s lower house of Congress. The measure will allow each Chilean home to grow up to six plants. Up to now, planting, selling and transporting marijuana has been punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The new bill will go before a health commission and then the Senate for approval. Members of the lower house approved the bill by a wide margin, with 68 in favour and 39 against. However, some lawmakers criticised the result, saying it would
encourage drug use. A Chilean municipality began planting the country’s first medical marijuana in October, as part of a government-approved pilot programme. However this bill, if passed, will also decriminalise recreational use. Several other countries have eased restrictions for medical or personal use of marijuana in recent years. In the US, more than 20 states allow some form of medical marijuana and Colorado and Washington have legalised it for personal use. Uruguay became the first country to create a legal marijuana market in 2013 and earlier this year Jamaica decriminalised personal use of the drug. (BBC)
ISIS using encryption to evade FBI TERROR groups such as ISIS are using encrypted programs to prevent law enforcement officials from accessing their communications with recruits, presenting a major new obstacle to tracking terrorists, FBI director James Comey told lawmakers Wednesday. “This is not your grandfather’s al Qaeda,” he told a Senate panel. Comey said ISIS is using social media platforms to reach out to potential recruits and “lone wolves” who’d conduct individual attacks and directing them to smartphone messaging applications that are encrypted end-to-end -- locking law enforcement out. He said ISIS has 21,000 Englishlanguage followers on Twitter now, turning that into a fertile recruiting tool. With this use of social media, Comey said, recruits have a “devil in their pocket all day long that says ‘Kill, kill, kill.’” Comey’s comments come as technology companies develop encryption capabilities that are so difficult to crack the companies themselves are locked out, with an
eye on protecting consumer data. Comey’s FBI and the National Security Agency want technology companies to have a way to break the code if presented with a search warrant. “We are moving inexorably to a place where all of our lives, all of our papers and effects, all of our communications will be covered by universal strong encryption,” Comey said. “That is a world that in some ways is wonderful and in some ways has serious public safety ramifications.” He added: “Our job is to look at a haystack the size of this country for needles that are increasingly invisible to us because of end-to-end encryption.” Comey’s FBI and the National Security Agency have called for the government to have more access to encrypted communications. Deputy Attorney General Sally Quillen Yates, testifying alongside Comey, echoed those calls on Wednesday. “We are creating safe zones where dangerous criminals and terrorists can operate,” Yates warned. (CNN)
FORMER Irish prime minister (taoiseach) Brian Cowen has said the impact of the financial crisis in the Republic of Ireland could not have been avoided. Mr Cowen faced further questions on Wednesday at the inquiry into the causes of the Irish banking crash in 2008. He said he took responsibility for his role as leader of the country in the downturn. But Mr Cowen said his policies while in power were “plausible” He said the Irish government’s decisions were stress-tested against threats, but there was a “clear misjudgment of the risks and potential impacts”. Mr Cowen also said his approach was “broadly shared” even by political opponents. He said at the time the public was questioning if spending on improved services and other investments was happening quickly enough. Mr Cowen said if his government had spent less during the boom, the country would not have suffered as severely from the late 2000s. However, he said that would have also meant fewer jobs and lower growth before the crash, which “would have in turn reduced our ability to come out of recession as quickly as we have”. “One way or the other the impact of the financial crisis has made the serious adjustment in the public finances which could not have been avoided in any event,” he said. Mr Cowen said that a bank guarantee was a safer option than nationalising Anglo Irish Bank which he said would amount to an open-
Brian Cowen was Irish finance minister from 2004 to 2008 and became prime minister (taoiseach) months before the banking crisis began.
ended guarantee. He denied that he had overruled the then finance minister Brian Lenihan, who had favoured immediate nationalisation. “I did not think nationalisation should be a first course and I said so,” he said. Mr Cowen said the two men had weighed up their options privately in his personal office, and that he had assured Mr Lenihan that Anglo could be nationalised if necessary some time in the future. He said there was a consensus that Anglo could not be allowed to fail as it would cause a run on other banks and a meltdown of the entire system. “It was Wall Street 1929 stuff,” he said. Mr Cowen apologised that there was no accurate and full note of the meeting, which, he said, would have been helpful. He again denied that he spoke
about banking during a golfing and dinner meeting at Druids Glen golf club with three serving or former Anglo figures, including chairman Sean FitzPatrick, just two months beforehand. During his first appearance before the inquiry last week, Mr Cowen apologised for the “hardship and distress” caused to Irish people by austerity policies. However, he said the policies were “necessary” during the banking crisis. The Republic of Ireland’s banking sector had to be almost entirely nationalised when the bursting of a property price bubble coincided with a global financial downturn in 2008. However, two years after issuing the blanket guarantee to prevent a run on Irish banks, Mr Cowen’s government was forced to concede the banks’ debts were too big and had to seek an international bailout.
Iraqi court sentences 24 men to death over massacre near Tikrit A BAGHDAD court sentenced 24 men to death by hanging Wednesday over a June 2014 massacre committed by militants near the Iraqi city of Tikrit, said a spokesman for the Supreme Judicial Council. Four others were acquitted, the spokesman, Abdul Sattar Bayrakdar, said in a statement released by his office. ISIS claimed to have executed hundreds of recruits and soldiers captured last year outside Camp Speicher, a fortified Iraqi base near Tikrit. Mass grave sites were uncovered when Iraqi soldiers and Shiite militias seized Tikrit, the hometown of former President Saddam Hussein, from ISIS fighters this year. Bayrakdar said sufficient evidence
had been presented for the court to convict, “including the confessions of the defendants in the investigation phase, which matched the facts and the records of forensic evidence.” The statement did not give details of who the men were, when they were arrested or whether they were affiliated with ISIS. In the past few months, Iraqi security forces have detained dozens of people accused of having links to the massacre, mostly from Salaheddin province. Human Rights Watch described the “Speicher Massacre” -- as it has been dubbed in Iraq -- as the “largest reported incident” where “ISIS captured more than 1,000 soldiers fleeing Camp Speicher ... then summarily executed at least 800 of
them.” Based on satellite imagery and witness testimony, the rights group last year was able to identity a number of mass grave sites inside Tikrit and the presidential palace complex. The palace complex became ISIS’ headquarters after the militants occupied Tikrit. Nine months later, Iraqi soldiers and Shiite militias retook the city after a fierce battle. The missing soldiers’ families gave DNA samples to the Iraqi Ministry of Health last year so authorities would be able to match them to unidentified bodies the government might find. Many questions remain unanswered about what happened last June and how hundreds and perhaps more than 1,000 Iraqi soldiers ended up in the hands of ISIS. (CNN)
30
Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate
Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Brama Kumaris
Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands
Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101
www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com
FOR SALE
July 11 - 17, 2015
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
Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788
Female with Associates Degree in Business Administration Looking for a detailed-oriented position in Banking, Accounts Receivable or Collections (Tax) Officer Responsibility for tracking and resolving outstanding payment issues and generate weekly aging reports in a timely manner. (Having knowledge of general accounting principles and proficient at MS Excel.) Applicant displays a positive proactive and assertive attitude, with strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask and a strong communicator both paper and over the phone. Summary duties include but limited to: Excellent customer service and administrative performance Make daily collection calls on delinquent accounts Conduct account audit research and analysis Prepare and maintain various daily and monthly reports Maintain an accurate aging report Indentify and execute the necessary process adjustment Reconcile A/R to the G/L Interact with customers to resolve outstanding issues including discrepancies Initiating and Making appearances in court if necessary
Contact 441-4990 for interview
Is looking for a
Is looking for a
labourer To work 6 days
contact: 232-1001
contact: 241-8978
11765
To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.
LEW & JEN CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a
labourer To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
contact: 232-7317
PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE LIQUIDATOR OF BAFSL BRITISH ATLANTIC FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED (in LIQUIDATION) DISTRIBUTION: CHEQUES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION FROM JULY 3 2015 FROM THE OFFICES OF PRICEWATER HOUSECOOPERS AT ABACUS HOUSE ON THE LEEWARD HIGHWAY REQUIREMENTS FOR A POLICYHOLDER WHO HAS AN ACCEPTED CLAIM IN THE LIQUIDATION TO PICK UP A CHEQUE: • POLICY NUMBER • PROOF OF IDENTITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PICKING UP A CHEQUE ON BEHALF OF A POLICYHOLDER WHO HAS AN ACCEPTED CLAIM IN THE LIQUIDATION: • LEITER FROM THE POLICYHOLDER CONFIRMING WITH A COPY OF THEIR ID THAT THE NAMED INDIVIDUAL CAN PICK UP THE POLICYHOLDERS CHEQUE • POLICY NUMBER • PROOF OF IDENTITY OF INDIVIDUAL PICKING UP THE CHEQUE
per week salary $6.25 per hour.
WEEK ENDING JULY 10,2015 lOAM TO 12AM AND 2PM TO 4PM WEEK ENDING JULY 17,2015 lOAM TO 12AM WEEK ENDING JULY 24,2015 TO AUGUST 31.2015 9AM TO OAM NOTE:IF POLICYHOLDERS FROM THE OTHER ISLANDS HAVE DIFFICULTY IN PICKING UP THEIR CHEQUE PLEASE CONTACT JOSEPH.P.CONNOLLY@TC.PWC.COM QUEUES; THE LIQUIDATOR WOULD SUGGEST THAT IF THERE IS A LONG QUEUE POLICYHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER RETURNING AT A LATER TIME/DATE. NO POLICYHOLDER WILL BE PREJUDICED BY THE TIMING OF THE COLLECTION OF THEIR CHEQUE AND CHEQUES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP TILL THE END OF AUGUST. 11805
Is seeking a
• Must be able to care for animals, light cleaning, light maintenance • Assist elderly couple • Must have CPR Certification • Must be able to work flexible hours • Must have a valid and clean TCI Driver’s License • Must have own transportation Wages starts at $6.00 per hour
Contact: 231-4479
A local law firm requires the services of a
Barrister
Who has been called to the Bar of England and Wales and who has also been called to two or more Bars in the Caribbean including the Turks and Caicos Bar. The successful candidate must possess over 30 years experience in legal practice and be an appointed Queen's Council with experience as a Judge and an Arbitrator. Duties include providing legal council and assisting with the operations and proceedings of various types of Litigation matters. We welcome applications from any Belonger who may have the foregoing qualifications and experience.
All applications must be submitted with copies of degrees and certificates on or before July 15th, 2015 to info@karammissick. com. Please DO NOT call and no unscheduled visits. Feel free to send a copy of your application to the Labour Department. 11774
NATASHA DORVAL Is looking for a
MEPCO International (T&C) Ltd. Requires qualified and experienced
Electricians
labourer to work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.
contact: 242-2557
DOMESTIC WORKER WANTED
HOURS:
DAVID C. BLACKBURN
Butler
domestic worker
11764
JOB SEEKER
PORT ATLANTIC CONSTRUCTION
11738
Must be able to work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.
BEATRICE CRIAR HARVEY
11763
DOMESTIC WORKER WANTED
contact: 347-3362
CLASSIFIEDS 31
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Working hours: 8 hours per day Wages: $5.50 per hour Must be able to clean yard, wash vehicles, small maintenance around the property, operate small machines (lawnmower, cutter, blower) Work on weekends if necessary Contact: NEON HOLDINGS LTD. Tel: (649) 941-7923 During working hours 11784
Applicants MUST have completed an Electrical Apprenticeship and have a qualification from a recognized governing body and also have at least 10 years experience on large commercial projects. Salary negotiable depending on level of experience.
Please fax resume to 941 7626 11745
BAY BISTRO Is looking for a
HEAD CHEF Must possess the following qualifications:
• 10 years experience • Must have knowledge of QuickBooks, Microsoft windows • Hiring, training, discipline of kitchen staff • Must be able to work weekends and holidays • Food inventory , cost and pricing Salary commensurate with experience
Contact: 432-2355
11783
July 11 - 17, 2015
32 CLASSIFIEDS
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PORTS OF CALL RESORT
3 J’s Enterprise SEEKS
Gardener / Bar Maid Handyman Seeks to hire for immediate employment a
Graceway IGA Supermarket / Kwatcha Holdings are seeking suitable qualified applicants to fill the listed positions:
General Manager Summary of Duties
The position is the general overseer of all aspects of Grace way Supermarkets. This includes providing leadership and motivation to promote the consistent execution of standard practices, policies and procedures. Setting the tone and leading the stores culture/environment to ensure success in all aspects of customer service, profitability, operations, people development, merchandise presentation and merchandise assortment.
Required Specifications and qualifications
• Over ten (10) years experience in supermarket retail and wholesale management with a minimum of five (5) years in a senior management position to include management of individual departments. • Experience in company expansion projects with the ability to lead and develop new store concept, design, layout, format and operations. • Proficient in the understanding of retail and wholesale accounting and good business practices related to documentation and record keeping. • Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and a proven record in the ability to achieve the budgeted financial and operating results, including sales, profitability, and wage percentage. • Experience managing and developing the human resources activities, maintain and develop organizational culture, values and reputation in market and with all staff, customers, suppliers, partners and governmental bodies. • Must have the ability to identify, develop and direct the implementation of business strategy and report to shareholders on organizational plans, financial disclosure and operational performance. • Ability to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Duties will include landscape maintenance, garbage collection and general handyman duties around the Resort. Position will be six days per week, and will require long hours in the sun. Good command of spoken English is mandatory.
Interested applicants may send their resumes to mgmtsupport@tciway.tc, or drop them off at the Front Desk of the Resort. 11771
Summary of Duties:
Deadline for applications is July 2, 2015. Interested persons should send applications via fax at (649) 9414034 C/o Alliance Realty Ltd. Only applicants selected will be contacted. 11755
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
Notice of Sale by Public Auction
Meridian Mortgage Corporation Ltd. as Chargee, pursuant to its charge and the Registered Land Ordinance, hereby gives notice that it will cause to be sold the property listed below by Public Auction, to be held at the office of Meridian Financial Group, Le Vele Plaza, Grace Bay and Providenciales at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 17th of July, 2015.
Title No. 61113/385&386, Long Bay Hills, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. The subject property is located in the Long Bay Hills section of Providenciales between Leeward Highway and Long Bay Beach. Both lots are vacant land covered in light to medium native vegetation, located on a paved road within the subdivision. The property is a short drive from the Grace Bay area, the Conch Farm and Heaving Down Rock. Sporadic residential developments nearby.
Salary rate will commensurate with experience and qualifications
Wine Specialist
Must have some experience and able to speak English, Salary starts at $6.50 per hour and is based on experience. Will have to work 6 days a week.
Location Description
This position is responsible to promote and demonstrate fine wine knowledge throughout the island to increase sales among high profile local restaurants and retail accounts / customers while including managing logistics of wine shipments and consolidations in various wine worldwide countries. Requirements include:
Required Specifications and qualifications
• Ensue a good range of well priced quality wines is available • Create marketing and sales programs to increase sales • Purchase all wines, spirits and beers from local and international suppliers for Graceway Supermarkets • Create marketing and sales program to increase sales, maintain and develop the established distributorships, create additional exclusive distributorships and representations • Experience in whole sale distribution and retail of wines and spirits is essential • At least 5 – 7 years experience in international procurement of wines and spirits including working at the consulting level with large distributors is required • Previous years of retail, grocery management experience will be an added plus • Must be able to show strong background and understanding of French, Spanish and Italian wines
Title
Absolute
Proprietor
Julian Garland
Approximate Area
0.50 acres
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST, FROM MERIDIAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION LTD.
Deadline for submission of applicants is July 3rd 2015
Meridian Financial Group P.O. Box 599 Le Vele Plaza Grace Bay Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands, B.W.I
Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com
Tel. (649) 941-3082 Fax (649) 941-3223
Salary rate will commensurate with experience and qualifications
11773
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PLANTATION HILLS
INVEST Turks and Caicos
Is looking for a
labourer To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
contact: 241-4070
11767
W.C SECURITY SERVICES Is looking for a
security officer 11782 11782
Salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 331-4110
JACQUELINE A. SMITH Is looking for the following:
Hairbraiders Domestic Worker Labourer Carpenter Barber
Salary $6.50 per hour
Contact: 243-4214 11787
ADVERTISE
IN THIS SPACE! ONLY
$33 PER WEEK
CALL 946-4664
CLASSIFIEDS 33
Chief Executive Officer Reporting to: Board of Directors Location: Invest Turks and Caicos Offices - Providenciales
Job Summary:
The Chief Executive Officer is the chief executive of Invest Turks and Caicos and is responsible for the success of the organization. Together with the Board, the incumbent is expected to lead the implementation of the TCI Government’s economic development vision, attract significant investments to the various inhabited islands and support sustainable development throughout the entire Turks and Caicos Islands. These investments will be expected to build a successful, sustainable economy and provide improved opportunities for employment and growth. As well, the Chief Executive Officer will be actively engaged through the Agency in supporting trade and small business development. The Board has delegated responsibility for day to day management operations to the Chief Executive Officer and s/he has the authority to carry out those responsibilities, in accordance with the direction and policies established by the Board. The incumbent will ensure that the organization has motivated staff who produce positive results using international best practices. The position involves overseeing a staff of up to twelve persons who are predominately highly trained investment professionals. The incumbent is expected to be a systems thinker who is customer focused and goal driven. The Chief Executive is expected to be a strong leader who can develop a cohesive team within the organization and across TCI to drive new investment to the country.
Key Objectives:
1. To manage the day to day operations of Invest TCI through planning, organizing, coordinating, directing and controlling the functions of the Agency. This includes implementing a rolling five year Strategic Plan, complete with annual marketing plans and budgets and monitor financial and operational performance and ensuring that the organization has a full complement of operating policies and procedures for internal operations and for dealing with prospective investors and daily operations. 2. To develop an outstanding lead generation and the market intelligence capacity and after care services to ensure that they meet international best practices. 3. To ensure the effective, efficient and economic use of human, financial and physical resources 4. To engage constructively with various government Ministries, other relevant organizations and various agencies and the private sector, both locally and internationally to support quality investment projects and to market the country. 5. To generate significant foreign direct investment to the country and to support and encourage domestic investors to participate in the economy. 6. To lead investment promotion and trade missions to various locations and conduct awareness marketing to raise the profile of TCI as an investment destination. 7. To develop and manage a program of legislation review and reform for various developmental programmes that encourage Inward Investment and seek opportunities for expansion and extension of Investment potential though various agreements. PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS Education and qualifications: A master’s degree in finance, business, economics or related field, or its equivalent, from a recognized institution of higher learning.
Experience and Knowledge:
Ten or more years of senior management experience at a public or private
enterprise/company/agency engaged in investment development and/or marketing. Clear evidence of leadership skills, successful lead generation results and marketing along with ability to mentor and grow staff.
Skills:
1. Strong track record of competency in current and previous employment. 2. A sound knowledge of investment, promotion, strategic planning, project management and execution, especially as related to projects in the TCI and Caribbean region. 3. Strong track record of staff management and successful program/ project implementation. 4. Consistently displays integrity and model behavior 5. Develops people and builds teams. 6. Excellent Leadership Qualities 7. Strong Writing and presentational skills. 8. Excellent Communication and interpersonal skills- innovative, creative and forward thinking 9. Good computer skills. 10. Adept in use of MS Office XP or later, particularly Excel and Word, and ideally Access or similar database to basic level, internet and email.
Personal Qualities:
1. Open and engaging demeanor with enthusiasm to achieve further growth and progress. 2. Able to generate and share ideas. 3. Hands-on approach. 4. Willing to take personal responsibility 5. Able to win trust and personal credibility 6. Persistence and personal resilience. 7. Willingness to personally deliver quality to business clients. 8. Willingness to understand different cultures, lifestyles and associated points of view. 9. Willingness to understand the values associated with small communities.
Other Requirements:
1. Fluent English 2. Willingness and ability to travel by air, land and sea. 3. Qualified Belongers, either living in the TCI or abroad, are encouraged to apply. 4. Willingness to work outside normal office hours as needed from time to time
Salary and Allowances:
Salary is in the range of $120,000 to $150,000, including benefits and is negotiable based on qualifications and experience.
Application Procedure
Interested persons should submit a resume, along with their contact information, cover letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page. Applications should be addressed to the Investment Promotion Expert, Turks and Caicos Islands by July 16th, 2015 and can be delivered in person to the Investment Unit, Down Town, Butterfield Square (next to Lapels) prior to the deadline date or emailed to investturksandcaicos@gmail.com. The subject line in the email should read “Chief Executive Officer”. Envelopes should have the subject Chief Executive Officer clearly marked on the front.
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.
34 CLASSIFIEDS PORT ATLANTIC CONSTRUCTION
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Been Construction
ARCHITECT POSITION AVAILABLE
Requires a
Providenciales Telephone: 343-7924
Domestic Worker/ Softball Coach
Fully qualified Architect required for the following role: Job Summary • The successful applicant will be expected to undertake the traditional role of a professional Architect. • This includes detailed architectural design work, planning submissions, preparation of tender documents, construction contract administration, contract cost control and direct liaison with clients, consultants and contractors.
Must be willing to work weekends and public holidays. $5.00 per hour.
Salary starts at $6.50 per hour.
Please contact 231 6920
11789
Essential Skills/Experience • RIBA Parts 1-111 Professional Qualification • Fully qualified RIBA/ARB registered Architect. • Minimum 5 years post-professional qualification experience as Project Architect with direct Client liaison. 11790
Labourer, Mason, Carpenter
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
Notice of Sale by Public Auction
Meridian Mortgage Corporation Ltd. as Chargee, pursuant to its charge and the Registered Land Ordinance, hereby gives notice that it will cause to be sold the property listed below by Public Auction, to be held at the office of Meridian Financial Group, Le Vele Plaza, Grace Bay and Providenciales at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 17th of July, 2015.
Location Description
Title No. 10405/40, East Suburbs Backsalina, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands. The subject property comprises 0.44 acres with a two storey, modern building constructed in 2005, with five retail/office units on the ground floor and partitioned office space on the upper floor with open decks at either end. The five lower units are designed for convenience store, a laundry, a restaurant, a gift shop a management office. There is a small detached commercial workshop building adjacent on the parcel.
Title
Absolute
Proprietor
Pedro Manuel Ariza
Approximate Area
0.44 acres
July 11 - 17, 2015
• Minimum 5 years experience in contract administration and cost control on JCT contracts. • Minimum 5 years experience in managing an architectural team. • A strong background of technical detailing. • Excellent skills in AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Photoshop, Sketch-up, Excel and Word a pre-requisite. • Experience in the design and production of presentation and marketing materials including website programming. Salary rated according to experience, between $4k & $6k per month. Interested applicants should contact Mr. C Davies via e-mail by July 23, 2015 with current CV to info@coasttci.com or in writing to the address below. Only applicants meeting the minimum requirements listed above will be contacted for interview within 5 days of receipt of their application.
Only suitably qualified Turks & Caicos Islanders need apply. Coast Architects, 82 Cherokee Road, PO Box 941, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands 11804
CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE An affiliate of A Touch of Love Ministries International Center
Accepting Applications for Teachers Positions: Math/IT and English/Literature Requirements:
• Bachelors/Masters degree in Education from reputable institution • Minimum of 5-7 years teaching experience in primary and secondary education
Position: Pre-K /Kindergarten Requirements:
• Early Childhood Certification from reputable institution • Certificate of Fitness from Department of Education • Minimum of 3-5 years teaching experience in Pre-K and Primary education
Position: Monitor/Teacher’s Assistant
To assist the Supervisor/Teacher in the general operation of Learning Center as set out in the Accelerated Christian Education’s Procedure Manual. Individual must be discreet, steady, thorough, peaceful and efficient; consistently and diligently supporting the Supervisor/ Teacher in the Learning Center
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST, FROM MERIDIAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION LTD. Meridian Financial Group P.O. Box 599 Le Vele Plaza Grace Bay Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands, B.W.I
Additional Qualifications for All Positions:
• Experience with Christian education curriculum • Must provide three references with telephone numbers and addresses including one from current Pastor • Must be a born-again, spirit-filled Christian, active in church and known to your Pastor. Qualified applicants must be of good moral character and reputation; must have excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt to a flexible working environment; must be enthusiastic and creative with an excellent work ethic, and a willingness to build character and Christian values in students. Salaries will be based on qualification and experience. No phone calls please Applications should be addressed to:
Tel. (649) 941-3082 Fax (649) 941-3223 11779
Attn: Executive Board Champions for Christ International School of Excellence 1145 Leeward Highway, P.O. Box 751, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI Or you may Email: championsforchristtci@gmail.com or Fax: 877-580-8743
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
RENEWABLE TCI
QUANTUM COMPANY is seeking a
With the following qualifications:
LIVE IN DOMESTIC CAREGIVER To assist in house work
Essential Qualifications:
Must speak Spanish and be between the ages of 35-50 Salary $1,040 per month. 11772
• Current First Aid Level 2 Certificate • Police check/ clearance
Contact: 346-7041
Qualifications: Certified scuba instructor, boating experience, computer repair and networking experience required. To Apply: Please send your CV to hhertler@ fieldstudies.org by July 21, 2015. Start Date: Sept 2015 11776
11770
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
OCEAN CLUB RESORTS
IS LOOKING FOR QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION OF:
ROOM ATTENDANT/ HOUSEKEEPER
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School For Field Studies, South Caicos
Strenuous physical labour requires one who is able and willing to walk up and down flights of stairs, perform heavy lifting, and other physically demanding functions. Must have an eye for details, and be willing to work collaboratively as part of a team. All applicants must be able to present a clean Police Record if offered a position. Wage commensurate with experience. Individuals must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a flexible schedule dictated by business demands. Ability to speak English is mandatory. Please drop off resumes at the Ocean Club Front Desk to the attention of the Human Resource Manager, or via email to diane@oceanclubresorts.tc. Preference will be given to experienced and qualified Belongers. Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.
Job Summary: Assist the Site Manager, Center Director, and Dive Safety Officer at the South Caicos field station
Center Director - Center for Marine Resource Studies Job Summary: Coordinate all operations, academic, facilities, etc. at the South Caicos field station Qualifications: PhD, prior university level teaching experience required. Certified scuba instructor, marine lab management experience preferred.
To Apply: Please send your CV to hhertler@ fieldstudies.org by July 21, 2015. Start Date: Sept 2015 11777
11791
Point Grace
SAILROCK DEVELOPMENT LIMITED Is seeking qualified candidates for
a luxury Resort in Grace Bay, is looking to hire immediately an
Accounting Assistant / Owners’ Liaison Assistant This is a new position within the Resort, and will appeal to and challenge an outgoing individual with some degree of accounting education or experience, initiative and attention to detail. The Accounting Assistant portion of the role will involve the development of familiarity with all facets of resort accounting. The Owners’ Liaison Assistant aspect will include providing backup to contact between the Resort and its Owners, coordinating correspondence, payments, maintenance and everything else required to keep their units in first-class condition. Compensation will be commensurate with ability, and this position will participate in the Resort’s distribution of service charges. If you think this position sounds like a good fit for you, please either drop off your resume at the Resort, or forward it to humanresources@ pointgrace.com, for immediate consideration and a prompt response. 11778
DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION
To act as Owner’s representative for the construction of infrastructure, hospitality and residential components of Sailrock Development. Job responsibilities include developing and monitoring project budgets and schedules, management of quality assurance program and acting as Owners representative to all parties involved in the construction process including vendors, contractors, design professionals and government entities. Applicant will have a minimum of 15 yrs experience in delivering Design-Build for commercial, historic restoration, retail, residential and hospitality's projects. Applicant will also have a minimum of 15 yrs experience managing multidiscipline design teams as a Construction Project Manager both as a consultant and as a direct employee of the project Owner. Experience required in design, construction management as well as site and infrastructure development. Applicant will have a solid background in estimating, budgeting, bidding, contract management, scheduling, project planning and quality control. Applicant must be fluent in Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Schedule and Adobe Graphics Suite. Applicant must have a degree in Architecture or Engineering or Civil Engineering, and must be willing to establish permanent residency on South Caicos for duration of employment. In addition to the above qualifications, applicants must have strong verbal and written communication skills and be highly organized. Candidates must be able to work well independently and in a team environment, exhibit a positive attitude and an outgoing professional manner. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Qualified candidates should email a CV to tweldon@southcaicos.com on or before June 17, 2015. Inquires will receive a response within 48 hours.
11776
• Knowledgeable in preparing nutritious meals for patient • Ability to remember drugs and their administration timing • Skilled in performing housekeeping, pet care and providing companionship
Please submit your resume to bukalajanus@ yahoo.ca no later thank July 11th, 2015
School For Field Studies, South Caicos
Assistant Site Manager - Center for Marine Resource Studies
Caregiver • Skilled in assisting patient • Knowledgeable in attending to skin, nail and oral care needs of the patient • Experienced in checking blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature and other vital signs • Hands on experience in assisting patients in toileting, shower, dressing, bathing and maintaining their personal hygiene
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36 CLASSIFIEDS
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS HALLMARK TRUST LIMITED Is seeking an
BRANCH MANAGER Scotia Centre, Cherokee Road, Providenciales
Job Grade: A82 Annual Salary: $67,150 - $83,900 - $100,700 This senior leader will be accountable for the overall effectiveness, efficiency and success of their team. Reporting to the Senior Sales Leader, you will achieve negotiated financial results by planning, monitoring and taking action on all aspect of branch activities, e.g., sales, customer service, staff performance, operations compliance, controls and related actives.
Required Qualifications:
• University degree in business administration or related discipline, MBA preferred. • 3-5 years progressive leadership experience in a similar capacity. • Knowledge of financial software packages as well as Microsoft applications e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. • Knowledge of sales management, coaching and business development techniques. • Knowledge of expense control and revenue generating requirements. • Ability to think analytically, strategically and innovatively. • Strong communications, interpersonal and organizational abilities. • Ability to conceptualize, design and implement change initiatives. • Strong commitment to self-development. • Strong ability to lead, achieve results and motivate staff. • Valid driver’s license and transportation required (mileage allowance to be paid).
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST (IT) based out of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
• The ideal candidate will possess a university degree at a recognized technical university and have a minimum of 5+ years experience as a software developer at a major bank and or financial institution. • The position will require liaison with a financial institutions in the Caribbean and Latin American and therefore require proficiency in fluently speaking, reading and writing in both English and Spanish.
Interested people should submit a detailed resume of qualifications to: HALLMARK TRUST LIMITED - Attention: Human Resources P.O. Box 656, Courtyard Plaza Suite 1A Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
Key accountabilities include: • Participate in the growth of retail deposit business and contribute to Bank profitability • Develop and implement measures to ensure customer service is consistent with the Bank’s standards. • Contributes to the maximization of the Bank’s profitability • Contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of the Bank’s image in the communities served by personal involvement in the social and professional life of the community and ensuring other senior officers do likewise. • Maximizing profitability by effectively controlling branch operations/expenditures. • Effectively managing and control the loan portfolios at an acceptable level of risk. • Ensuring that national and international compliance laws/requirements are implemented and sustained. Scotiabank offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package with tremendous opportunities for personal and professional growth to the successful candidate.
Please submit applications no later than, July 17, 2015 to: Alexandria Missick – Manager, Human Resources Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Ltd Providenciales, TCI E-mail:alexandria.missick@scotiabank.com
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MARIE CONTRACTING
Harbour Transport Ltd.
Is seeking for a
PO Box 611, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, B.W.I. Tel. (649) 941-4398 Fax (649) 941-3401
labourer contact: 342-1073
11754
To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
Marine Supervisor
Applicant must have 15 years of marine experience required for dredging and underwater marine maintenance and repair. Applicant must have excellent management and organizational skills. Applicant must be prepared to work long hours and weekends as required and to be on call for emergencies. Applicant must have a clean police record.
Please reply with certification and references to 941-5660 11814
A newly established micro lender providing emergency financing.
Hiring immediately
LOAN/CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER
Candidate must have worked in the financial sector with experience in loan administration to include: • application, approval and servicing • strong understanding of customer and market dynamics • excellent verbal and written communication skills (Spanish a plus) • computer literate including proficiency in Excel and QuickBooks
Contact: 331-8228
11786
11812
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
Complimentary Qualifications:
• Knowledge of customer life cycle needs and current economic and political events. • Knowledge of retail lending, investment, deposit and transaction services, product features, benefits, self- servicing channels, and related pricing policies and procedures. • Knowledge of commercial banking products as well as packaged products for small business lending, independent business and related policies and procedures. • Understanding of loan limits, application requirements, risk analysis techniques and credit adjudications. • Knowledge of the sales and service management process as well as merchandising guidelines. • Working knowledge of key products and services offered by other financial institutions and alternative sources of financing. • Knowledge of operations and human resource policies and procedures with special emphasis on compliance and performance. • Knowledge of retail collection policies and techniques.
• The position will also entail development and writing code for propriety software for use in banking systems/ABM Machines and e-commerce, in both English and Spanish, with an emphasis on the development of an e-wallet program. • Software development and integration, e-commerce, website creation, biometric security systems and firewall protection. Salary will commensurate with experience
Send resume to: info@paydayloanstci.com
July 11 - 17, 2015
CLASSIFIEDS 37
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
MANAGER FOR IMPORT COMPANY • • • •
Should possess at least and Undergraduate College Degree 5 years experience in a management position in the food service industry 3 years experience in a restaurant/ hotel/ institution Extensive knowledge of the wholesale food industry and have a proven track record of meeting quarterly sales targets • Proactive to create and implement innovative marketing program to grow market share in a very competitive environment with exclusive new product lines for the TCI
Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services On behalf of his clients: Estel Plumbing is seeking employment for the following:
1) Labourer
Interested candidate may contact 241-0397 for further details regarding employment. Dolmen Construction is seeking employment for the following:
The dynamic and enthusiastic candidate must:
• Must be able to dissect restaurant menus and produce product lists • Be fluent in speaking and writing English (working knowledge of a second language French or Spanish would be beneficial) • Possess excellent communication and presentation skills to interface with local customers and foreign suppliers in a clear, effective and courteous manner • Strong knowledge of mathematics for cost effective shipping logistics, food costing/ pricing and inventory control • Expert proficiency in QuickBooks Manufacturing and Enterprise, Ms Excel, Office Works and Outlook is mandatory • Willing to identify and train personnel about company standards and impart product knowledge • The candidate should be a self-starter who is willing to work weekends and public holidays with a strong moral compass and knowledge of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its Hospitality Industry • The candidate will be expected to develop avenues of strong corporate stewardship thereby contributing to improvements in the local community • Must own vehicle and have a valid Turks and Caicos Islands Driver’s license
Contact: 345-7212
11785
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
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MASSAGE THERAPIST • Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years handson 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 July 10th, 2015
1) Labourer
Interested candidate may send their application through ricardofulford@gmail.com regarding employment. Ricardo Fulford Immigration and Labour Consultant, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cel: 1(649)346-1125
11798
HERZOG CARIBBEAN LTD. Herzog Caribbean Limited is seeking a qualified individual to fill the following opening. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualification and requirements will be considered.
GENERAL MANAGER
Summary of Duties
This position provides for the general management oversight and direction of all business aspects of Herzog Caribbean Ltd. This includes providing leadership and motivation to promote the consistent execution of standard practices, policies and procedures. Applicant should have a strong knowledge of business plan development and implementation.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
• Responsible for the management and direction of staff for the execution of roadway construction contracts for both government and private owners; • Responsible for management of the quality control process of all products and materials used for roadway and airport projects; • Responsible for the day-to-day liaison with governmental agencies for integrating planned work into the communities without impacting local community activities or traffic patterns; • Responsible for directing staff in preparing bids and estimates for private and public contracts; • Responsible for financial oversight and contract compliance for all awarded projects; • Responsible for regular liaison with Herzog Caribbean Corporate office in the United States; • Responsible for attending meetings both in the Caribbean and the United States to provide business status reports to owners and executives of the company; • Responsible as needed for providing management assistance and direction to other Herzog Caribbean projects in the Caribbean; • Responsible for the overall financial stability and profitability of the business; • Responsible for directing staff in the safe operation of construction equipment’ • Responsible for developing and maintaining an overall safe work environment for employees; • Responsible for managing and directing staff to maintain Cash Flow Operations, (Budget and Financial Controls), Budgeting (Monthly Variance Analysis of actual/budgets). • Responsible for directing staff in the development of accounting and financial protocol for the processing of accounts payable and receivables.
Academic Qualification and Experience Required: • Minimum of an A.A. Degree in Civil Engineering • Minimum of 10 years of experience in the construction industry • Knowledge of roadway construction and survey • Knowledge of hot mix asphalt plant works • Knowledge of concrete works • Knowledge of safety and quality control • Knowledge of tender biddings • Strong construction and financial background • Proficient in Heavy Bid, Primavera, AutoCad & Microsoft Office Tools
Functional Skills:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills • People management skills • Proven track record of successful leadership • Excellent negotiating skills • Local knowledge of how to successfully do business in the Turks and Caicos and other Caribbean Islands
Please submit resume and completed job application to the attention of Human Resources Manager. Job application forms can be obtained at Herzog Caribbean Limited’s administration office located at C 5-6 Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway or call (649) 941-8007.
Senior Investigative Officer Job Purpose and Key Responsibilities
(c) To conduct or have oversight of the conduct of investigations and inquiries into all contraventions or breaches of the Code of Conduct, provisions of the Constitution (relevant to the Commission), the Integrity Commission Ordinance and the Political Activities Ordinance; (d) To conduct and manage investigations into allegations of corruption and to participate in good governance reviews of public bodies; (e) To act as the Commission’s liaison with the DPP, the RTCIPF and other law enforcement agencies on matters referred for further investigations and or prosecution; (f) To manage the inflow of information, reports and complaints to the Commission and to establish and manage an effective system to this effect; (g) To provide expertise and advice on all investigative and enforcement related issues and to function as a lead member of the investigative and enforcement team reporting to the Commission through the Director.
Qualifications/Experience:
• The appointee should preferably hold a good Bachelors degree or equivalent, in Law Enforcement, Forensic Auditing, Accounting, Law or similar; • Minimum of ten years substantially relevant experience required in areas such as: Complex financial crime investigations and criminal prosecution, fraud or corruption/forensic auditing or accounting. Proven experience in interviews and interrogation involving both cooperative and hostile witnesses, and subjects of investigations. Recent and relevant senior policing, fraud squad experience would be particularly valued.
Technical and related Skills:
• Comprehensive knowledge of investigative strategies, methodologies and techniques, which
• • •
• • •
may include experience in complex litigation strategy; Ability to conduct witness interviews, handle depositions or otherwise elicit relevant testimony; Strong writing and editing skills; experience collecting and reviewing documentation to identify relevant evidence. Outstanding ability in gathering, analyzing and synthesizing information from multiple sources and/ or formulating perspectives to make clear, timely and well-reasoned decisions and recommendations. Knowledge of the legal and government system in TCI or other Overseas Territory. Strong IT knowledge and the ability to drill down into IT systems and computerized data to discover hidden information. Good analytic and evaluation skills to identify procedural or compliance weaknesses, and strong problem solving ability;
Competencies and Other desirable qualities include:
• Possession of the highest standards of integrity and probity, and understanding of fiduciary responsibilities to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands; • The ability to work effectively in teams, as well as being able to work independently and under pressure; • Ability to demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity in sharing knowledge and information; • Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills and inter-personal skills; • The applicant will particularly demonstrate suitability for a role that involves driving forward good governance, integrity and anti corruption messages in the sensitive political and fragile financial milieu of a small Overseas Territory.
Remuneration
Salary is $72,000.00 to $78,000.00 per annum (circa) but negotiable depending on qualification and experience.
Application procedure
Applicants are requested to submit their CV together with an accompanying letter demonstrating why they would wish to work with the Commission and what particular attributes they would bring to its work. Certified copies of qualifications as well as the names and letters of two referees must be submitted with your application. The deadline for applications is 24th of July, 2015, with a view to commencing work latest by early September, 2015. Please note that only applicants selected for interview will be notified. Applicants who had previously applied for the post of the Investigative Officer need not apply.
Applications should be returned to the Secretary, TCI Integrity Commission either by email, fax, or mail. Direct mail should be addressed to Mrs. Wanda Ariza, Secretary, The Integrity Commission, Franklyn Missick’s Building, Church Folly, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. The contact details are: e-mail: secretary@integritycommission.tc; Tel. 9461941; Fax. 9461355.
NEPTUNE VILLAS
LAS BRISAS RESTAURANT
Is looking for a
is looking for the following:
labourer
Waitress Cook
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
contact: 946-5306 11801
Palm Grove Townhomes It is for and advertisement for a domestic worker the qualifications are as follows; work permit (if not a resident), wages will be $7.00 an hour (payments made per week), a clean police record and also available upon request (this is whenever they are called via telephone). The telephone number for applicants applying for this job position is 1-649941-3082
contact: 649-946-5306 10802
SAMUEL K. OWUSU Is looking for a
Mechanic To work 6 days per week salary $10.00 per hour.
contact: 242-2824
11809
JOB VACANCY NOTICE (a) To have oversight the day-to-day administration of the Enforcement and Investigative Unit of the Integrity Commission; (b) To manage and assist personnel of his Unit in ensuring that the Commission effectively and efficiently discharges its mandate as an AntiCorruption Agency through: • the promotion of integrity, honesty and good faith in public life of the TCI; • the robust implementation of and compliance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Persons in Public Life, Integrity Commission Ordinance, Political Activities Ordinance and the Constitution to the extent relevant to the Commission.
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PROVO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Invites qualified applicants for the following:
Principal Teachers
Successful applicants must: • Be a committed born again Christian preferably of Baptist faith • Have a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree in the appropriate academic areas • Have degree(s) from a recognized college or university • Have a valid teacher’s certification or diploma in education • Applications must be made in writing along with full curriculum vitae, and names of at least three (3) references, one being that of your church pastor. Mrs. Martha Harris Provo Christian School, P.O. Box 305 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Email: provochristianschool@hotmail.com Deadline for applications is August 7th, 2015
ROSELORE DUMEE Is looking for a
labourer To work 5 hours per week salary $6.50 per hour.
contact: 432-1778
11756
38 CLASSIFIEDS
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS 39
RA SHAW DESIGNS LTD.
ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTSMAN/ REVIT OPERATOR RA Shaw Designers Ltd. is in need of a Senior Draftsperson with experience in Architecutural detailing imperative that interested individuals must be proficient in Autodesk Revit Software. • Successful applicant will possess a comprehensive understanding of building science and architectural design, with good communication skills and team attitude, and with a minimum of 5 years experience in the industry in addition must have: • Minimum 5-10 years drafting and design experience • Revit Architectural 2014 and Autodesk 2015 Building Design Suite • Strong knowledge in residential construction and Architectural Technology • Responsible for creating and maintaining AutoCad/ Revit standards, procedures, details and will manage the detail library and drawing archives • AutoCad Certified Associate • Ability to meet project budgets and schedules • sketchUp Salary commensurate with experience
LABOURER Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
interested individuals can contact: 649-941-4394 ext 102
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Chef De Cuisine Education and Training:
• Post secondary degree in Culinary Arts or industry equivalent experience with at least 8 years experience working as a Chef De Cuisine or Executive Chef • Fully functional on computer with a full knowledge of Excel, MS-Word and Quickbooks and Micros • Deep understanding of menu planning complete with cost analysis, portioning and design. • Full knowledge of a broad range of inventory control measures with the ability to develop and execute. • Detailed understanding of all staffing requirements and all paperwork associated with it including work permits and National Insurance. • Fluent in English both written and oral with a fundamental understanding of French and Spanish • First Aid Training
Skill Requirements: • • • •
Extensive experience in the preparation and execution of Mexican and Tex Mex cuisine Plan and execute special events on or off premise for a diverse clientele. Precise knife skills Execute a large variety of desserts from scratch including cakes, custards, mousses, ice creams, sorbets, and gelatin stabilized desserts • Execute naturally leavened breads and breakfast pastry from scratch • Produce all breakfast, lunch and dinner items with expert precision. • Cook entire menu on the line during service, including meats to temperature specifications. • Prepare and execute a variety of specials utilizing seasonality and quality as the catalyst • Be versed in a large variety of cooking techniques to include: braising, sautéing, frying, steaming, poaching, soup making and the Mother Sauces. • Develop and cost recipes to accurately reflect the long term goals of Somewhere Café and Lounge • Execute a proper sanitation procedure to insure that high quality food is served that accurately represents the Café • Receive food orders from various vendors, checking for quality and pricing. • Implement training of kitchen staff to encourage growth and success in a positive environment. • Must have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to both engage staff and guests in conversation • Must be a natural leader with the ability to lead by example, demonstrating at any moment the willingness and ability to do the job of any of those working with and/or under him/her. • Mediatory and conflict resolution skills with the ability to recognize potential problems in advance. • Must be able to co-ordinate schedule requirements for a large staff • Must be able to keep detailed records of all employees up to date. • Demonstrates the ability to multi-task under extreme pressure. • Strong mathematical skills as it applies to accounting, budgeting, menu costing and recipe conversions • Execute weekly and monthly inventory of items with a focus on budgeting, cost analysis and planning • Maintain a positive environment in the kitchen to encourage growth and diversity within the workplace • Be able to stand on ones feet for extended hours, and be comfortable lifting 50 pounds without physical restrictions. • Be available to work holidays and weekends with a flexible schedule. Salary Commensurate with Experience
Send CV, References, residency status to: chefamy@ somewherecafeandlounge.com to be considered. 11793
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the largest readership in the turks & caicos
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS SHAPHAN HINSON is looking for a
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons, to fill the post of
General Manager PAINTER Job Description
General Manager must possess a broad range of skills and be multifaceted. The ideal candidate will have a variety of daily, weekly, and monthly duties, must be forward thinking anticipating the needs of the operation, and possess strong conflict resolution skills. The GM will be responsible for all facets of the operation ensuring its financial viability while supervising, (both front of house and back of house) to maintain a harmonious and consistent execution of service standards, product offered and cleanliness. The GM will work closely with kitchen management and front house management to offer support in the implementation, execution and enforcement of company policy and procedures.
SHINING STARS PREPARATORY SCHOOL
To work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.
contact: 347-1875 11769
SUPER CLEANING SERVICES
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER • Applicant must be in possession of a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent • Must also have a loving, caring and cooperative attitude Applications, along with two references and proof of qualifications must be sent in writing to: The Principal Shining Stars Preparatory School 11 Academy Ave, Downtown, Providenciales To reach no later than August 30th, 2015 Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
TCI SERVICES PLS
Is looking for a
Education and Training:
• Post-secondary degree in Hospitality Management or industry equivalent experience of at least 10 years as General Manager • Fully functional computer skills with a full knowledge of Excel, MS-Word, Quickbooks and Micros • Deep understanding of menu planning complete with cost analysis, portioning and design. • Full knowledge of a broad range of inventory control measures with the ability to develop and execute. • Detailed understanding of all staffing requirements and all paperwork associated with it including work permits, National Health Insurance and National Insurance Board. • Fluent in English both written and oral with a fundamental understanding of French and Spanish • First Aid Training • Certified in the safe service of alcohol • Detailed training and understating of Oenology. • Certified in food safety and health. • Fully proficient in accounting.
Responsibilities:
• Work with Executive Chef - estimate food consumption, place orders with suppliers, and schedule delivery of fresh food and beverages. • Resolve customer complaints about food quality or service. • Direct cleaning of kitchen and dining areas to maintain sanitation standards, and keep appropriate records. • Monitor actions of staff and customers. • Maintain budget and employee records, prepare payroll, and pay bills, or monitor bookkeeping records. • Use of computer software to monitor inventory, track staff schedules and pay, and perform other record keeping tasks. • Check quality of deliveries of fresh food and baked goods. • Maintain stock of supplies such as tableware, cooking utensils, and cleaning items. • Arrange for weekly, monthly maintenance and repair of equipment and other services. • Ensure sales and cash balance on a daily basis • Recruit, hire, and oversee training for staff. Schedule work hours for servers and bar staff. • Creation and execution of special events and promotions. • Maintain relationships with customers and staff. • Evaluate health and safety practices against standards. • Maintain standards of quality and cleanliness • Implement creative promotional ideas working with vendors and staff. • Guide, direct, and train staff. Coordinate the work and activities of staff. • Understands the necessity to work days, nights weekends and holidays. Salary Commensurate with Experience
Send CV, References, residency status to: manager@ somewherecafeandlounge.com to be considered. 11794
11817
SANCHEZ AND WILLIAMS CAFÉ Is looking for a
Is looking for a
Cleaner To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
contact: 245-8939 11792
sales clerk
Bartender To work 6 days
To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour. email: msimmons@ tciway.tc
11795
40 CLASSIFIEDS
per week salary $6.25 per hour. contact: 649-231-2397
11816
REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.05
NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE TITLE NUMBER 10405/106
SECTION ISLAND EAST SUBURBS GRAND TURK
60602/83
NORWAY & FIVE CAYS
PROVIDENCIALES
Whereas, CECIL DENNIS SWANN, of Providenciales as personal representative of ISAAC OLIVER SMITH deceased, has declared that the Land Certificate(s) for the above mentioned title number(s) registered in his/her/their name was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found. Take notice that I, Brandie Anderson, Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new land certificate for the said title six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette. Dated this 25th day of June 2015. Signed .......................................................................... Registrar of Lands Witnessed ..................................................................... Kerisa Gardiner
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10815
July 11 - 17, 2015
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Sports Interational Biggest ever Jadot Cup raises over $30,000 for charity OVER 80 golfers representing 21 teams made the 15th annual Jadot Cup golf tournament the biggest ever. Along with a well-attended dinner, the philanthropic event was able to raise over $30, 000 for charity this year. According to Jadot Cup Chairman and TCAAF Director Terry Drummey “The 15th annual Jadot cup was the biggest and best so far. “Our congratulation to this year’s winning team: Francois Hubert, Steve Johnson, Tony Arata and I! A special thank you also goes out to all the companies that donated along with Wine Cellar, Kobrand and Dave and Sean from the Provo Golf Club, who helped to make our 15th year quite a success.” RECORD BREAKING FUNRAISER
The winning team at this year’s Jadot Cup golf tournament.
Director of Golf at the Provo Golf Club, Dave Douglas highlighted: “This year’s Jadot Cup event was a record breaking fundraiser for the Provo Golf Club in its 15 years of operation.” In conjunction with the golf tournament the Wine Cellar hosted its 15th Annual Jadot Cup dinner at Seven Stars, Grace Bay on Friday, 26th June 2015 with a no-holdsbarred menu of delectable
Island Fire Supplies Ltd. Requires a fully qualified
Fire Alarm Technician email resume to ifs@tciway.tc
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• For Commercial and Residential Installations • Must have at least 10 years experience in the installation, maintenance and repairs of Fire Alarm Systems, Suppression Systems and Fire Sprinklers. • Knowledge of Gamewell FCI, Simplex and Fire Lite systems is a must • Salary negotiable depending level of experience.
dishes, intriguing wines, and exciting surprises at every turn. The sold out event was enjoyed by all and a portion of the proceeds was donated to the TCAAF. A silent auction was held during the evening to raise further funds for the Youth Centre. Mr. Galmo Williams, TCAAF patron, said: “Kudos to Seven Stars’ team for an unforgettable food and wine pairing. Their staff’s professionalism and courteous manner was icing on the cake; a special ‘thank you’ to our sponsors, who donated excellent prizes which inspired wallets to open eagerly. We would also like to thank the patrons that bid generously on the silent auction prizes knowing that it was all going to a worthy cause. The weekend’s events not only helped to raise awareness of the TCAAF but also assisted with funds towards its flagship
project - the Edward Gartland Youth Centre in Downtown, Providenciales, which opened its doors six years ago. The Centre which caters to young people between the ages of 1118 years old has had over 1600 young people registered. Centre Director Roxann Wake-Forbes stated: “We
are especially grateful to all the local companies that lend their support to such a worthy cause every year. All of the funds we receive go directly towards various extracurricular programmes and projects for the young people who frequent the centre and the operational
costs of the centre. Being able to make a difference in the lives of the youth in the Turks and Caicos Islands through the various programmes, including volleyball, basketball, tennis, art and craft, computers and dance to name a few, is very rewarding.”
HALLMARK TRUST LTD. Hallmark Trust Ltd seeks candidates for a
Project and Compliance Manager The successful candidate must have at least 10 years experience formulating statements of work for complex projects, directing multiple persons to complete the project and meeting the expectations of the Board of Directors. The successful candidate must also have experience in compliance and be able to draft and manage contractual agreements. Excellent writing and verbal skills are essential. Post secondary education is necessary. This position also requires working with international clients and being able to speak English, Danish and Swedish.
SPOTLESS CLEANING SERVICES
Reply to Brian Trowbridge: btrowbridge@hbtl.tc
Is looking for a
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION
domestic worker to work 5 days per week salary $6.50 per hour interested person should send resumes via fax to:
649-941-3338
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BRIAN AND DENISE TROWBRIDGE
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JANUSZ BUKALA, c/o Garland & Co., Unit 12, Commercial Building, La Vista Azul, Turtle Cove, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, hereby gives notice of his intention to sell by Public Auction the following property pursuant to his power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands: PARCELS 60808/12,24,41,42 & 43, THE BIGHT & THOMAS STUBBS, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (the ''Property").
The Property consists of five (5) contiguous vacant parcels of land. Parcel 60808/12 fronts onto the north side of Leeward Highway just west of the Zanzi Bar Restaurant, is zoned for commercial use and contains approximately 0.77 acres. Parcels 60808/24,41,42 & 43 are zoned for residential use and contain approximately 0.65, 0.76, 0.64 and 0.54 acres, respectively. See below a plan showing the Property.
ANNOUCEMENT Brian and Denise Trowbridge wish to advise that they have sold Hallmark Trust. We wish to thank all of our customers for their loyal patronage. We also want to thank the staff of Hallmark for their loyalty and dedication.
The registered proprietor is Utopia Properties Ltd. The Auction will be held at the offices of Garland & Co., Unit 12, Commercial Building, La Vista Azul, Turtle Cove, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands at 10 o'clock in the morning on Friday, July 24, 2015.
The new ownership is committed to taking Hallmark Trust to new levels of excellence.
A reserve price will be fixed on the Property. A deposit of 10% of the amount of any accepted bid is due within twenty-four (24) hours following acceptance of a bid, failing which the bid shall be deemed to have been rejected.
We wish them every success.
For more information, contact Alvin Garland of Garland & Co., Unit 12, Commercial Building, La Vista Azul, Turtle Cove, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Telephone: (649) 941-5905. Email: garlandalvin@gmail.com.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Sports Interational FIFA rankings:
Senior Commercial Account Manager
Wales enter world top 10 for first time
(Scotia Centre, Cherokee Road, Providenciales) Job Grade: A82 Annual Salary: $67,150 - $100,700 The Senior Account Manager is responsible for developing business and directing the business development efforts of a commercial team in order to meet business goals in assets, liabilities, and fee revenues. Reporting to the Commercial Banking Manager, you will be responsible for the effective and profitable management of a selection of the Commercial Banking Centre’s most important customer relationships in addition to achieving negotiated financial results by planning, monitoring and taking action on all aspect of commercial activities, e.g., sales, customer service, staff performance, operations compliance, controls and related actives. Required Qualifications: • Minimum 5 years commercial banking experience, preferably with an international financial institution. • MBA or Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with emphasis on Finance • Knowledge of credit procedures and the ability to analyse complex financial information • Knowledge of commercial and retail banking products, investment, deposit and transaction services product features, benefits, and related pricing policies and procedures. • Excellent communication, presentation, leadership and organization skills. • Good marketing, selling and negotiating skills, able to work effectively in a team environment • Self-motivated and able to function with limited supervision. • Knowledge of risk analysis techniques and credit adjudication policies and processes. • Knowledge of the legal, regulatory, compliance and audit requirements. • Proficiency in Microsoft Windows including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. Complimentary Qualifications: • Knowledge of customer life cycle needs and current economic and political events. • Knowledge of commercial lending, investment, deposit and transaction services, product features, benefits, self-servicing channels, and related pricing policies and procedures. • Knowledge of commercial banking products as well as packaged products for commercial lending, independent business and related policies and procedures. • Understanding of loan limits, application requirements, risk analysis techniques and credit adjudications. • Knowledge of the sales and service management process as well as merchandising guidelines. • Working knowledge of key products and services offered by other financial institutions and alternative sources of financing. • Knowledge of operations and human resource policies and procedures with special emphasis on compliance and performance. • Knowledge of commercial collection policies and techniques. Key accountabilities include: • Effectively manage and control, at an acceptable level of risk, an assigned portfolio of accounts. The portfolio is comprised of local commercial and corporate accounts, including those related to the development of resort and Condominium Real Estate Projects, which are often complex accounts. • Ensure delivery of high quality customer service. • Create and execute a business development plan to acquire new customers. • Foster revenue growth from both assigned accounts and prospects. • Effectively supervise and develop subordinate staff to fill the needs of the Branch and longer-term requirements of the Bank. • Ensure all regulatory, compliance, AML & ATF, and global sanctions requirements are met and strict adherence to the Bank’s policies and procedures are followed. Scotiabank offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package with tremendous opportunities for personal and professional growth to the successful candidate.
Please submit applications no later than, July 17, 2015 to: Alexandria Missick – Manager, Human Resources Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Ltd Providenciales, TCI E-mail:alexandria.missick@scotiabank.com
WALES have achieved their highest FIFA world ranking, entering the top 10 for the first time. Chris Coleman’s side have moved up 12 places to 10th, with England one place above in ninth, up six places. Wales’ previous highest ranking was 22nd and as recently as August 2011, they were as low as 117th. They enter the top 10 after Gareth Bale’s goal secured a 1-0 win over Belgium in a
Euro 2016 qualifier in June. They are three points clear at the top of Group B with four games remaining as they bid to reach their first major finals since 1958. Wales find themselves above reigning European champions Spain in the rankings, with Vicente del Bosque’s side down two places in 12th. “It’s a remarkable achievement but it’s testimony to all the hard work the players
have put in,” Wales coach Osian Roberts said. “They turn up for every camp, they work hard and buy into the game plan. “They deserve every credit for getting us to where we are in terms of the rankings, although we are fully aware in many ways it counts for nothing - it’s about qualifying. “Our sole focus is on qualifying and getting out of this group.”
CAICOS OIL LTD. SOUTH DOCK ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES TEL: (649) 941-7872 / 941-7873 FAX: (649) 941-7874
LABOURER
Cleaning and maintaining of yard and help with the loading and offloading of fuel tankers. Assist with warehouse duties. Must be willing to work weekends, and some holidays. WAGES/SALARY: 8.50 per hour. Interested persons should submit their resume along with a cover letter to the following: The Manager Caicos Oil Ltd., P.O. Box 653, South Dock Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands The deadline for receipt of all applications is July 31st, 2015
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NOTICE Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulation, 1990
An applicant PR 12244 by HANS MARCUS MALKMUS & KATHRIN CHRISTIN KORTSCHAK for the development of (4) two bedroom villas, and (2) one bedroom villas, change of zone to medium residential has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on 60813/21, The Bight & Thomas Stubbs on Providenciales. Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. HANS MARCUS MALKMUS & KATHRIN CHRISTIN KORTSCHAK
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Sports Interational MANAGER, COMPLIANCE AND LEGAL SERVICES Job Grade: A80 Annual Salary: $54,000 - $67,800 - $81,400. Full-Time. Managing Director’s Office, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Island Chuck Blazer, 70, worked undercover with prosecutors in the United States after pleading guilty to charges of bribery, money laundering and tax evasion
FIFA imposes life ban on Blazer FIFA has banned former executive committee member and ex-CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer from all football-related activity for life. Blazer, 70, worked undercover with prosecutors in the United States after pleading guilty to charges of bribery, money laundering and tax evasion. In May, several FIFA officials were arrested on charges of racketeering, fraud and money laundering. A FIFA statement said
Blazer “committed many and various acts of misconduct”. Overall, 14 people were indicted, with the US justice department alleging bribes and kickbacks estimated at more than $150m (£97m) over a 24-year period. Blazer was the second highest official in FIFA’s North and Central American and Caribbean region (CONCACAF) from 1990 to 2011 and also served on FIFA’s executive committee between 1997 and 2013. (BBC)
International Transfer Company Limited (C.A.M.) in the Turks and Caicos Islands) seeks to employ a
Transfer Clerk
Applicants must
• have at least one year’s experience as a Transfer Clerk • be willing to work on weekends and holidays • have basic knowledge of computers and good typing skills • have excellent communication skills • produce a clean Police Record BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY Please send all application to: Stanfield Greene, Graceway House Building A, Suite 201, Leeward Highway Providenciales
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BUYWISE BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE Is looking for a
Jewelry Artist That can work 6 days per week salary $8.50 per hour plus commission. contact: 649-243-8574
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The Manager, Compliance and Legal Services is responsible for providing support in the coordination of the overall Anti- Money Laundering regime for Turks and Caicos Islands and supporting Management in fulfilling their compliance responsibilities by promoting adherence to Scotiabank Guidelines for Business Conduct, the Group Standards for Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-terrorist Financing and any supplemental policies, procedures, guidelines or codes of conduct applicable to the TCI; as well as protecting the interest of the Group in legal matters; anticipating and advising on legal issues that may affect its operations. I. Specific Accountabilities • Assist in the maintenance of an adequate Compliance Network that will ensure that the units within Scotiabank TCI are operating within the regulatory framework applicable to their business activities, personnel practices and premises. • Provide support in ensuring that regulatory requirements are considered, identified and addressed with regards to the development of new products, programs or business initiatives. • Provide support in developing and carrying out review programs that will confirm compliance to regulatory requirements is in place. • Provide support in reviewing, on an annual basis, plans developed by support groups to monitor operational risk. Assist the Corporate Manager in periodically consulting with support functions and ensure plans have been executed and documented, and coordinate the submission of information, of an exception nature, to Sr. Management and the board of Directors where warranted. • Provide support in ensuring that adequate policies, practices and procedures have been defined and implemented to enable ongoing compliance to applicable local regulatory requirements . • Provide support in ensuring that adequate training programs are developed to support the reliable implementation of regulatory requirements. • Provide support in ensuring the instances of non-compliance to regulatory requirements are
being identified, appropriately reported and adequate action plans are developed to ensure corrective action and non-recurrence. • Provide support in ensuring that all required reporting activities are completed in an accurate and timely manner as prescribed. II. Complexity of Position
In order to perform the functions of the position, the following competencies are required: • Formal training in law (to deal with documentation/other complexities involved in the business and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the field; • Formal training in Compliance and membership in a recognized professional compliance association (e.g. Association of Certified Anti-Money laundering Specialists-ACAMS or International Compliance Association-ICA), and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the field; • Good knowledge of business activities undertaken by Scotiabank TCI; • Thorough knowledge of the regulatory/ supervisory structure of the local financial markets, current banking regulations and industry standards; • Sound knowledge of the Bank’s policies, procedures, operations, organization, internal controls and the Scotiabank Group compliance process; • Excellent communications skills, both written and oral, as well as analytical and negotiation skills, • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to prioritize/delegate and deal with the workload to meet deadlines, • Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with local regulators, external auditors and management personnel; • Ability to review complex documents and material and effectively absorb relevant content and assimilate this in a practical and coherent way; • High degree of computer literacy. The incumbent operates independently within the guidelines, policies, directives and established precedents.
Please forward your application no later than Friday, July 24 ,2015 to:
Alexandria Missick, Manager, Human Resources Scotiabank (TC) Ltd. Providenciales, TCI E-mail: alexandria.missick@scotiabank.com 11821
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July 11 - 17, 2015
July 11 - 17, 2015
Sports National
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Bien-Aime gets FIFA executive voting rights -Becomes first woman elected to a non-female designated seat -Says position most significant in footballing career TCI has another reason to be proud of our flagship sports ambassador, Sonia Bien-Aime. She now has voting right in the most powerful sporting body in the world. And although she is the second woman to have accomplished this feat, she is the first to have broken the gender barrier en route to the position. When Burundi’s Lydia Nsekera was elected to FIFA’s Executive Committee with voting rights in May of 2013, she was designated to a female-only seat. Bien-Aime on the other hand was elected to a former male-only seat. The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football said
Wednesday that the TCIFA’s president was elected Saturday when its executive committee met in Vancouver, British Columbia. She took over FIFA’s chair representing the Caribbean—a position that was always held by a man. Embattled CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb, of the Cayman Islands, who was provisionally fired in late May for corruption allegations, was its last occupant. Bien-Aime was gracious in her acceptance speech and thanked CONCACAF for their revolutionary stand. “My selection to the FIFA Executive Committee with full voting rights is attributable to a
“Race for the Conch” EcoSeaSwim breaks all records The 6th annual Turks and Caicos “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim 2015 on Saturday July 4th saw almost 200 swimmers glide their way through the turquoise waters of Grace Bay competing for a conch trophy or just for personal best achievements. Swimmers as young as six and as old as 72 from USA, Canada, Barbados, Brazil, Trinidad, and TCI challenged themselves in 2.4 miles, 1 mile, and 1/2 mile events. A 100 metre children’s race for youngsters just getting into open water swimming was also held. The near perfect conditions, festive atmosphere, and superb organisation drew high praise from participants, with many swimmers from overseas vowing to return with more of their fellow swimmers, friends and family. Several swimmers were thrilled at seeing a giant manta ray below them along with sightings of barracudas, sting rays, and star fish along the course. Gary Sangmeister from
Pennsylvania took first place in the 2.4 mile Men’s Division in a time of 1 hr 1 min 19 sec, while Cathy Gainor from Maryland took the women’s top spot in a time of 1 hr 5 min 1 sec. Fifteen-year-old Nadja Martinovic from New York won the 1/2 mile in a time of 14 min 12 sec in the Women’s Division. The top male 1/2 mile swimmer was Matthew Cronan from Minnesota in a time of 15 min 9 sec. In the 1 mile Men’s Division, Eric Stull from Pennsylvania beat three-time defending champion and local swim star Dan Redmond in a time of 24 min 16 sec, while Melanie Mahaney, also from Pennsylvania, won the Women’s Division in a time of 26 min 54 sec. This year, Olympic gold medallist (1984 Los Angeles) Rowdy Gaines, active in several swim events this past week, swam in the 1 mile race, but not to compete. World class open water marathon swimmer Yuko Matsuzaki swam the 1/2 mile, also non-competitively, with youngsters
myriad of factors. It speaks volumes to the enlightened and genderneutral approach that CONCACAF adopted in making this selection. It is in fact a ground breaking decision by CONCACAF and one that shows that though we have experienced some challenges, we nonetheless as a Confederation have the fortitude and foresight to make bold, radical yet grounded and reasoned decisions.” She said that the selection is also in recognition of the work that she has done in football at all levels, especially in recent times in the area of women’s football. “The expectations I have were nurtured during what I would call my “apprenticeship” as a co-opted
Sonia Bien-Aime is now FIFA’s representative for the Caribbean.
member, and they are not grand nor complex nor unachievable. They are simply this: to do what I can to represent the interest of my confederation and contribute to the
goals and objectives of our parent organisation FIFA as we all take collective strides along this uneven road to develop and grow the game that we all love.”
Swimmers were thrilled with the event. (Photo Credit: Agile LeVin)
new to the sport to give them support. “We were pretty happy with the higher than expected turnout,” said Chloe Zimmermann, Co-Race Director. “Only embarrassment was that we ran out of conch medals. But we promised to have more made by Stanford Handfield and send to everyone who didn’t get one.” Co-Director Ben Stubenberg stated, “We are very lucky to have top notch and very reliable volunteer teams providing safety, course and beach set-up, registration, timing, and all the other logistics that make for a successful event. We could not have done it without them or the solid sponsors behind us.” Race organisers modified the race course to cover the area in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe heading east toward Coral House to provide more safety control and allow spectators to follow the action more closely from the beach.
The Provo swim race has become widely recognised overseas and on the must-do “bucket list” for many international open water swimmers. The Daily News of Open Water Swimming has called the event “One of the World’s Most Gorgeous Swims.” Both Mr. Stubenberg and Ms Zimmermann emphasised that while the race this year drew in more than $300,000 in additional tourism revenue, it must serve as an inspiration and catalyst for more Turks & Caicos Islanders to learn to swim, with some developing into competitive swimmers. In keeping with the “EcoSeaSwim” part of the name, race organisers noted that only biodegradable straws were used on the beach and biodegradable plates for serving food at Rickie’s. Fresh, local coconut water served by CocoVibes to all swimmers replaced
sugary energy drinks. Last Saturday’s “Race for the Conch” was preceded by several swim events earlier in the week, including Ms Matsuzaki’s 2nd solo, non-stop 25 km swim from North Caicos to Grace Bay on July 1, swim clinics led by Mr. Gains, an open water swim tips class by Ms Matsuzaki, and a TCI Swim Federation fundraiser. Windvibes on Sunday at Long Bay rounded out the week of water sports. Beneficiaries of the money raised by the charity swim race are Provo Children’s Home, TCI Swim Federation, and Reef Fund. Organisers Mr. Stubenberg and Ms Zimmermann are planning for an even larger number of swimmers next year, including more swim teams, further raising the profile of the Turks and Caicos as a destination for outstanding swim racing and training.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 11 - 17, 2015
LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos
.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road
QUICK SALE
CALL 232-3508 or 946-4664
July 11 - 17, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 11 - 17, 2015