TCWN March 12 -18, 2016 by TC Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 30 | No. 10 | March 12 - 18, 2016

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TURKS AND CAICOS

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SIPT PRESENTS FIRST WITNESS The long awaited debut witness in the SIPT 5 trial has finally given evidence in court. PAGE

NORTH CAICOS TEACHERS CELEBRATED DURING PAGE EDUCATION WEEK  15

NON-SMOKERS TO BE PROTECTED UNDER PUBLIC SMOKING BAN PAGE  4

TCI WELCOMES 1.3M TOURISTS TO ITS SHORES IN 2015 PAGE  7

MPS DECLARE ASSETS IN A BID TO BOOST TRANSPARENCY PAGE  8

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

Non-smokers to be protected under public smoking ban BY OLIVIA ROSE A TOBACCO control law that will make public places in the Turks and Caicos Islands smoke free will come into effect on April 1 this year. The bill which was passed in the House of Assembly in October 2015, also aims to prevent tobacco use by minors, regulate tobacco use overall and enhance public awareness of the hazards of tobacco use. As part of the bill’s implementation the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence is gearing up to roll out a massive tobacco educational campaign. Speaking to the Weekly News senior substance abuse counsellor John Malcom said the public awareness campaign will be rolled out soon in an effort to ensure that people are provided with enough information to make more fully informed decisions about using tobacco. Malcom said as part of the educational programme the department will be having a discussion on the tobacco ordinance during the breakfast show on 88.1 smooth FM on March 15. A subsequent meeting will be held with tobacco retailers, restaurant and bar owners to discuss the ordinance with them. On March 16 the department will engage tobacco importers and wholesalers to discuss the ramifications of the bill. He noted that special emphasis will be placed on protecting individuals from exposure to tobacco smoke, prohibiting and restricting

Senior substance abuse counsellor John Malcom

promotional practices. “In addition to the legislation, a national smoke free policy was devised to give a framework for the legislation. “The fact is that a lot of people are exposed to second hand smoke because of the environment that they work in, restaurants, bars where people smoke, so non-smokers are exposed to second hand smoking and we’re really concerned about that. “So this legislation is going to help curb those kinds of behaviours and activities so that persons who are non-smokers are not exposed to second hand smoke.” Malcom noted that the legislation will also give teeth to the relevant authorities to clamp down and prevent smuggling of tobacco and provide for the regulation of tobacco products to mitigate against the

Tobacco smoking in public spaces

harmful effects of tobacco in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He said: “The legislation provides for the establishment of a Tobacco Control Unit, and the Tobacco Control Unit is going to enforce the legislation. “There will be a new structure of licence fees for businesses that sell tobacco products, which means that if you have a bar of restaurant you have to get a separate licence to sell tobacco products. “Also we have these little corner stores especially in communities, corner stores that sell loose cigarettes. “We’re going to strictly enforce the age limit for people who can purchase tobacco products from this legislation.” Malcom noted that strict measures

will be implemented to ensure businesses comply with the new legislation. “Last week I was in Providenciales waiting on a ride and two men about ten feet away from me, lit up their cigarettes and when they saw the look on my face they went a little further. “But that’s a common thing around places like airports and other places where people have to congregate to access public transportation and that kind of thing. “So the legislation is going to prevent that from happening, and places like the airport now are going to have to designate an area for smoker at least 100ft from the entrance.” Malcolm said the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

is looking to intensify its counselling services. “We’re going upgrade our counselling services for people who want to quit smoking and holding educational programmes on smoking habits.” Worldwide, tobacco use is the single greatest cause of preventable death, killing a total of five million people each year including an estimated 5,600 in the Caribbean region. Tobacco use is therefore a source of tremendous concern and as such the World Health Organisation has declared that the tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Tobacco use affects all human organs and is responsible for the development of several chronic noncommunicable diseases. Although data on the burden of chronic non-communicable disease in the Turks and Caicos Islands has been limited, it is clear that chronic non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of premature death in the Latin America and Caribbean. In this region they account for half of all deaths in people less than 70-years-old and two thirds of all deaths in general. The Turks and Caicos Islands national policy for 100 percent smoke free environments is guided by the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which was signed on June 16, 2003, and ratified on December 16, 2004, by the United Kingdom.

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

BY JOHN TONER POLICE have warned people about the dangers and penalties for illegally tapping into the electricity supply. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) issued a statement on Monday (March 7) after being called to a Five Cays property where electricity was being illegally abstracted. Cops were alerted by FortisTCI revenue protection and energy agents who spotted meter boxes which had been tampered with. Black jump cables were being used to bypass the electricity into different units at the scene.

The FortisTCI agents disconnected the power and informed officers of the dangerous conditions which the boxes and electricity supply equipment were found. An RTCIPF spokesman said: “In the past the police have been called to numerous reports of this nature and have also arrested and charged people. “Electricity theft is a crime that is extremely dangerous and often in cases of abstraction the meter is bypassed very crudely. “There is obviously a risk the risk of causing fire or of children touching the exposed terminals. “Often cabling and meters damaged by tampering has an

increased likelihood of having expose copper meaning a significantly increased risk of injury or death by electrocution or fire. “Residents are warned to desist from putting themselves in such danger by committing this offence.” Criminals who steal electricity in this way can be fined up to $5,000 or sentenced to five years in prison, they can also be liable for a $100 fine for tampering with a meter box. Police would urge anyone with information about people abstracting electricity to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or by using the Crime Stoppers online reporting page at www. crimestoppers.tc.

March 12 - 18, 2016

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

SIPT presents first witness BY JOHN TONER THE LONG awaited debut witness in the SIPT trial has finally given evidence in court. Former health minister Karen Delancy became the first person to be called by the prosecution to testify against the nine defendants on trial including former premier Michael Misick. She told the court that Misick and other senior members of the PNP, including current premier Dr Rufus Ewing, were unhappy with her during her time as health minister after she pledged to clamp down on nepotism. She said: “I said to the legislative assembly when I was made health minister that I would not tolerate nepotism and that I was concerned about oversees referrals. “I was concerned about nepotism because in such a small country there is always a chance that someone will be given a contract because of their contacts in Government. “I had a reaction from those statements from Michael Misick, he was unhappy, he told me I should not have said that and that I should not have used the word nepotism. “The next day I was told that two of our top medical professionals, Dr Rufus Ewing and his wife, were threatening to resign their posts. “I met with Michael Misick shortly after that on Grand Turk at his request, I did not know why I had been asked to attend. “He told me that if the director of medical services and I did not get along I would be shifted to another ministry, he told me that the two people in question had resigned. “I tried to justify it but he said it would not change his mind. I had only been a minister for five weeks and I was not being allowed to run a department the way I thought it should be run. “Galmo Williams was there and he said if anyone had to go it would be me and not Dr Ewing.” EWING AND ASHCROFT Delancy continued: “I had a meeting towards the end of February 2004 with Dr Ewing at which McAllister Hanchell, Floyd Hall, Michael Misick and Lord Ashcroft were all present. “At that meeting Michael Misick told me I was micro managing the department. “A few days later he came to my

DEBUTANT: Karen Delancy has become the first person to give evidence in the SIPT Government corruption trial

MEETING: Lord Michael Ashcroft and Premier Rufus Ewing were present at a meeting with former health minister Karen Delancy and former premier Michael Misick

house and told me I had put him in a predicament and had a resignation letter for me to resign, I told him to go to hell. “I heard later that someone else had been sworn in as a member of the Cabinet in my place.” The mention of Lord Michael Ashcroft’s name sent a ripple of dissent through the benches and the packed public gallery as lead prosecutor Andrew Mitchell briskly informed Delancy he did not have any questions for her about the peer. She went on to say that when Misick’s time as premier was coming to an end she was one of a

groups of ministers who pushed for a vote of no confidence in him after a hurricane devastated Grand Turk. Delancy and several other ministers were unhappy at his absence from the country during the period and the lack of financial resources available to remedy the situation. The former health minister said he offered her different ministries and effectively he “threw everyone else under the bus”. Delancy said: “When he found out about the vote of no confidence he suspended the House and we went to his office.

“He said ‘I can’t believe you’re doing this to me’ and that he wanted to ‘go out gracefully’ he always maintained that he had done a good job for the country. “At a later meeting at which I thought he would tell us how he was going to step down he said he wouldn’t be leaving as he had gotten stronger. “He offered me the deputy premiership which I didn’t accept. I asked him what would happen to McAllister Hanchell and he said eventually that our ‘little group’ would break up. “He also told me that Floyd Hall

had not been frugal during his time as health minister and that I would be surprised at other things Floyd Hall had done. “When I left that meeting I was not mad at him anymore because he had thrown everyone else under the bus.” Wearing a grey dress Delancy, a born again Christian, chose to affirm rather than swear on the Bible due to her religious convictions. She was also forced to sit on a bar stool in the witness box so that everybody in court could see her. During cross examination Ralph Thorne QC questioned her evidence which was based on a statement given to the SIPT which was written up by investigators signed by her, intimating that it may not be a true representation of the facts. Thorne made repeated references to the fact that the investigators are British and that Delancy was a selfproclaimed devout Christian. He also pointed out that nowhere in her statement does she allege that Michael Misick engaged in a criminal act. The court also heard during Delancy’s evidence that Lillian Boyce, another member of the group of MPs that led an attempted coup against Misick was fired by text message following the incident. All defendants deny all the charges against them. The trial continues.

Man killed in house fire BY JOHN TONER

A HAITIAN carwash attendant has died after an explosive blaze ripped through his wooden home. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and emergency services were called to Blue Hills shortly after 12am on Sunday (February 6) to reports of a house fire. A distraught female occupant of the property told officers she had been woken up by extreme heat and discovered that her home was on fire and escaped the burning

building. When the emergency services arrived she told them her brother Arsene Pierre, employed as a carwash worker on Airport Road, was still in the house. Firefighters battled the blaze and extinguished the fire, later recovering the body of Pierre form inside the property. Neighbours who witnessed the fire told officers they were unable to get into the building and rescue Pierre because there had been an explosion in the part of the house he was in.

DEVASTATION: Arsene Pierre lost his life as flames consumed his wooden home

The cause of the fire is under investigation and a post mortem will be conducted shortly. Police are urging anyone with information about the fatal incident to

call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477, use the Crime Stoppers reporting page at www.crimestoppers.tc or contact Chalk Sound Police Station on 338-5901.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

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

SHOULD JITNEYS BE REGULATED? LEADER of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson has called for jitneys to be regulated in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She told the House of Assembly on February 29: “The safety of our children, our women and our people is of paramount importance and I am calling on the Government to address these issues.” What are your thoughts?

Must happen

What other thought is there? They are operating illegally and need to be regulated. Seems simple to me. Every other business is licensed and regulated, why is the Government refusing to regulate the jitneys?

Blood of the Islands

Without jitneys this island would not be able to survive. They are the blood of the Islands, helping each limb to be fed with oxygen. Oxygen for TCI is manpower. Are we willing to stop the blood to flow in our tourism industry body and then suffocate? Let’s observe our regular attitude when driving behind a jitney. The usual reflex is to stick close back of the jitney, observe carefully the very first pressure on the breaks and then get angry, honk the horn at its highest possible power, curse as loud as possible and show the unfriendly finger or other signs of ‘happiness’. I invite all road users to facilitate their job. Let’s give way to jitneys. When one sees a jitney customer on the roadside and has a jitney in front of him, let’s change line or slow down to allow a smooth pick up. Always bear in mind the customer on the road could be you, your co-worker or your staff. Regulating will obviously come one day but there are more important and urgent issues to address. Let’s put a little money on the table to rehabilitate some roadsides, increase the number of bus stops and identify more pick up points at key areas. Maybe we could rely on the existing public transport solution. It would simply mean to increase minimum wage by 230 percent to pay the taxi rate. The safety of our children is mentioned. As anyone, the safety of my children is my key concern on the existing road system in the TCI.

The death toll on our roads compared with the number of vehicles seems to me extremely alarming. I have a way different approach than regulating jitneys to improve safety on the road. What concerns me most is speed. What about simple speed cutting systems, some very basic vibrating notches, speed guns? I truly hope the right choice will be taken and the Government’s money and efforts will be properly allocated.

Basic needs

Ms Sharlene is right, safety is at risk! There are two reasons for regulating the jitneys. First, we need to assure the drivers are properly trained and licensed. Second, there needs to be an inspection of the vehicles safety systems. Brakes, exhaust, lights, directional signals, horn, back up alarm etc. We can pass a law to require these basic needs but who will do the work and can we depend on them? Numerous brand new Government owned vehicles did not survive which seems to indicate that under this and the previous Government you cannot physically guarantee safety by passing regulations. What minister and/or permanent secretary has the background to organise a system to fulfil these needs?

Timely petition

Why do we always have to practice crisis management in this country? Look how many lives have been senselessly loss due to the lack of satisfactory legislations to regulate jitney services. I noticed that these jitneys are competing with the regulated taxi operators for business now, so it is just a matter of time before we have another fatality, only this time it will be a tourist.

TCIG could then expect a fat law suit especially if it is an American because a jitney will neither be licensed nor insured.

Dangerous driving

Its high time that jitneys must be regulated and most of all the drivers be trained. First, most of the drivers of jitneys are undisciplined and have no road courtesy. This is very dangerous among other motorists. They suddenly stop in the middle of the road or even park at one corner blocking other motorists behind. Some don’t even know how to use their signal lights when changing roads or turning left or right. Others don’t use their hazard lights when picking up passengers on curves or blind roads especially at night. They don’t know how to use the fast lane and the slow lane as well along Leeward Highway. We understand that most of our roads have no shoulder where they are supposed to park temporarily when picking up and dropping down their passengers. However, if these jitney drivers are regulated and rules are set, the Government will be able to minimise road accidents and instil discipline among other motorists.

Why bother?

Regulation is one thing, enforcement is a whole different thing. Yes, the Government could use the revenue and yes, it would be nice if they were qualified, licensed and insured, however the cops cannot seem to enforce regular day to day traffic issues and other laws that need enforcement. This would just be another law that nobody pays attention to and there is no consequence for breaking. Why bother?

Get real

No public money for public transportation. No

concern about the working poor. No concern about the jitney drives. So what the hell do you, the Government (on either side), expect working people to do to survive? Get real!

Other issues

Leave those jitneys alone. People need to live. The Government doesn’t provide public transportation. There are more pressing issues like cleaning up the dirty, filthy streets and dilapidated buildings and infrastructure. The holes in the roads are damaging people’s cars and trucks.

Serious road risk

The PDM has been on this issue since the Government was elected three years ago. In fact I heard the question asked and answered. The Government has not responded even against the background of alleged rape and sexual assault, one case even reached the paper. But also the reckless driving and uninsured drivers and cars is a serious road risk to legal road users and unsuspecting victims. They are a loss of revenue as well and it will not cost the Government a dollar to amend the laws to regulate and make money from them. I guess the constitution and the CFO stop that too.

 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

March 12 - 18, 2016

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TCI welcomes 1.3m tourists to its shores in 2015

THE TOURISM statistics for 2015 in the Turks and Caicos Islands reveal that the chain of islands hosted 1,315,268 tourists to its shores with an 8.1 percent increase in stop-over guests. According to information released by Oehleo Higgs, senior press officer at the TCI Tourist Board, the destination continues to reach new heights with noted growth in stop-over arrivals recorded for each month of the year. Further assessment of the 1.3 million visitors in 2015 shows that 385,531 visitors were stop-over guests arriving primarily at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and 929,737 visitors came via cruise ship.

STOP-OVER ARRIVALS Moving towards the inclusion of arrivals at the destination’s fixed based operations (FBOs) to the overall stop-over arrivals, the TCI recorded 8,206 tourist arrivals via private aircraft in 2015. An outstanding 3,253 tourists arrived to the destination via private aircraft in the first quarter alone. Stop-over arrivals via private aircraft however were excluded from the overall statistical information for both years as the recordings lacked demographical details. Tourist board officials said that once the demographical details are received, this data will be added to the overall stop-over arrivals for 2015 and used in comparisons for 2016. The TCI saw an increase in stopover arrivals for each month of the year ranging from a growth rate of 23.2 percent in January to 0.7 percent in March of 2015. The first and fourth quarters of 2015 posted the greatest growth in stop-over arrivals for the TCI – with increases of 9.9 percent and 9.7 percent respectively when compared to the same periods in 2014. The first quarter accounted for 115,979 stop-over arrivals. Of significance, the month of January experienced growth of 23.3 percent, the most of any month, whilst the month of March welcomed 41,690 stop-over arrivals, the most arrivals of any month in 2015. REGIONAL DESTINATIONS PERFORMANCES The statement read that the United States remained the leading source market representing 81.7 percent of all stop-over arrivals; due in part to the accessibility, frequency of flights from most major gateways in the United States, coupled with increased airlift to the destination in 2015. Stop-over arrivals from the United States in 2015 grew by 8.8 percent in

comparison to 2014. The total number of stop-over arrivals from the United States in 2015 was 315,247. The same CTO report also showed data for tourist arrivals from the United States to other regional destinations. The data suggests that travel from the United States to the Caribbean has increased overall in 2015 compared to 2014. The destination’s second largest source market, Canada, saw a decline in both stop-over arrivals and market share in 2015. The TCI welcomed a total of 36,512 stop-over arrivals from Canada, down 3.9 percent when compared to the same period in the previous year. Canada’s market share decreased by nearly two percent. The TCI recorded the highest overall growth from Europe in the region with a 38.7 percent increase in stop-over arrivals with growth recorded in all European source markets. Stop-over arrivals from the United Kingdom grew 48.7 percent year-over-year. Similarly, stop-over arrivals from France continued its steady growth in 2015, recording an increase of 27.5 percent. Interest from other European nations including Ireland, Luxemburg, Spain and Switzerland collectively showed an increase of 45.4 percent in 2015 when compared to 2014. Together the European market recorded 11,403 stop-over arrivals to the destination in 2015, up from 8,202 in 2014. A breakdown in stop-over arrivals from the European region reveals 6,399 visitors from the United Kingdom, 1,027 visitors from France, 1,472 visitors from Italy, 386 visitors from Germany and 2,119 visitors from other European nations. Still new to the Latin American territory, the destination recorded 1,546 stop-over arrivals from Brazil, a decline of 18.2 percent when compared to 2014. Increases in visitors from the Eastern Caribbean have also been a noted trend. A total of 16,889 stop-over arrivals were welcomed from the Caribbean region, an increase of 8.6 percent year-over-year. And 4,455 stop-over arrivals visited the TCI from the rest of the world, including countries in Asia, Africa and the Pacific. Stop-over arrivals from the rest of the world increased by 13 percent when compared to arrivals of 3,929 in 2014.

CRUISE ARRIVALS While the TCI boosted its stopover arrivals in 2015, cruise arrivals took a downturn. The Grand Turk Cruise Centre greeted a total of 929,737 cruise passengers in 2015. While the total nears the 1 million visitor goal via cruise only, the number represents a decline in cruise passengers by 4.3 percent year-overyear. Similarly, the cruise centre also welcomed fewer ships in 2015, hosting 317 compared to 340 ship calls in 2014, this marked a 6.8 percent decline in ship calls yearover-year. The first quarter of 2015 showed the only significant sign of growth in cruise passengers and ship calls to the Grand Turk Cruise Centre, recording an increase in 9.4 percent and two percent respectively. The month of February saw a total of 104,928 cruise passenger arrivals in 2015, the most arrivals in any given month of the year; an increase of 44.0 percent when compared to 2014. Cruise passenger arrivals and ship calls dwindled thereafter. The second quarter of 2015 was the most underwhelming for the destination’s cruise centre.

The port accommodated 189,446 cruise passengers in the second quarter, a decrease of 15.8 percent when compared to the same period in 2014. The second quarter also saw the least ship calls; a total of 58 ships anchored at the port between the months of April to June, a 20.5 percent reduction year-over-year. The third quarter saw a similar trend. A decline in both cruise passenger arrivals and ship calls when compared to the same period in the previous year. While the fourth quarter saw a mere 0.2 percent growth in cruise passenger arrivals, ship calls were down by 1.1 percent year-over-year. According to Higgs, there is no secret that there have been grave challenges to the cruise industry in Grand Turk. “The ports underperformance is an indication that an agreeable solution to a list of unresolved matters between Carnival Cruise Lines, operators of the Grand Turk Cruise Centre, and TCI Government must be reached in a timely manner in order for Grand Turk to rebound. “CTO’s latest statistical report on cruise passenger arrivals by destinations in the region, indicate that cruise passenger arrivals

Under the tree

increased in half of the destinations.” OVERVIEW 2015 The TCI continues to see positive growth in stop-over arrivals yearover-year. The destination continued the diversification of its source markets and improved on strengthening its market share in what is considered the typical slower months for the region - August, September and October. The destination contributes the tremendous growth in visitor arrivals to a number of factors, most notably its accessibility to major gateways in the United States and an increase in airlift. Director of Tourism Ralph Higgs said that the accessibility to the TCI is perhaps the biggest contributing factor to the exceptional growth experienced in 2015. He said: “We have reliable and convenient airlift from most of the major gateways in North America, and we’ve also included direct airlift from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and airlift from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.” Higgs said that there was also CONTINUED 

By Benneth Williams

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

MPs declare assets in a bid to boost transparency BY OLIVIA ROSE THE MOST recent Register of Interests has unearthed that members of parliament own significant plots of land in the Turks and Caicos Islands and are directors in numerous private companies. Although the finances of members of the House of Assembly remain highly confidential, and while it cannot be made public by the Integrity Commission, it is mandated that the register must be filed by every member of the House of Assembly and submitted to the Integrity Commission. The register is designed to promote transparency and accountability in an effort to strengthen public trust and confidence in the parliamentary and democratic process. It also stipulates that particulars relating to the sources of income and any interest which may raise a material conflict of interest between their private interests and public duty must be listed. Members of the public are also given scope to notify the Integrity Commission if they believe or know that declarations are false or inadequate. Section 103 (1) of the constitution and 36(d) of the ordinance provide that the Integrity Commission shall maintain the register, which contains the information supplied in the

Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission

NJS Francis Building in Grand Turk

statements if registerable, interests filed with the integrity commission by every member of the House of Assembly. The obligation to file statement of registerable interests is created by section 103 (2) of the Constitution and Section 36 (b) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance as amended (the Ordinance). The register shows that Speaker of the House of Assembly Robert Hall owns in excess of 100 acres of land North and Middle Caicos to his name making him the largest single land owner in parliament. Hall also receives income from three sources these include; TCIG House of Assembly, Ananda Ltd

commission payments from Misick and Stanbrook for invoices prior to being elected to the House of Assembly. The Governor’s appointed member Lillian Misick has interests in two parcels of land, no contracts with Government and gets additional income as chairman of the National Insurance Board and a bakery she owns. Amanda Misick has two pieces of land, is a director of Smokey’s restaurant in which she has 50 percent shares. Meanwhile Finance Minister and former Chief Minister Washington Misick has investments in 11 companies and is a director of seven others. The register shows too that former Chief Minister Norman Saunders has interests in seven pieces of land, gets additional income from Caicos Fisheries Limited, a supermarket he owns and a real estate agency called South Caicos Development Company. Among his contracts with the Government, he lists a 10-year exclusive grant of a stand-alone casino licence (from August 30, 2006) for Casa Blanca casino, as well as shares, from which he is paid “dividends and advances”. John Phillips is a director in more than 28 companies including several in the Claymore Group and has interests in two pieces of land. MP Josephine Connolly has interests in five pieces of land all in Providenciales, three Government contracts, investments in seven companies and is a director of six companies. Portia Stubbs-Smith has interests in five pieces of land and receives additional income from an apartment rental. It goes on to state that Attorney General Rhondalee BrathwaiteKnowles has interests in five pieces of land in Grand Turk and obtains additional income from Knowles Construction and Development, which she owns along with her husband. Clarence Selver has six pieces of

and Hall’s taxi. It also shows that his wife owns a house in the Dominican Republic. Delroy Williams is a director in six companies, has ten contracts with the Government and owns seven parcels of land. Former Chief Minister Derek Taylor gets income from a retail store and apartment rental and owns five pieces of land. Donhue Gardiner declared interest in a five acre piece of land and has an agreement with Caicos Resorts International and is a director of Caicos Group Limited. Deputy Premier Akierra Missick is director of three companies, has three pieces of land and still receives

WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE?: It is yet to be seen whether these changes will quell public anger surrounding the edifice

Beaches bridges gaps BY JOHN TONER THE INFAMOUS ‘Beaches Bridge’ on Grace Bay has undergone some rapid changes since causing a stir last week. The prominent wooden pier which stretched from Beaches hotel property out over the white

sands and turquoise seas of the world’s number one beach is now a little less substantial. Much of the wooden battening on each side of the walkway has been removed completely or replaced with netted barriers which block less of the view to people enjoying the beach.

Last week furious Turks and Caicos Islanders took to social media to express their anger at what one woman called an “eye-sore”. Many people still feel that the structure should be removed altogether but Beaches are yet to comment on the future of the problematic promenade.

land, is a director in two companies and gets income from apartment rentals. Edwin Astwood has two pieces of land both in Grand Turk, and investments in three companies (Tubbz true Fitness Gym, The Cactus Corral restaurant and Sunset rides and tours), he also has one contact with the Government. Premier Rufus Ewing has interests in eight parcels of land totalling a little over 10 acres, five in Providenciales, one in Salt Cay and another in Grand Turk, as well as 50 percent ownership in land holding company, RNA Development, directorship in Medinco which has a pharmacy licence and is registered at Saunders and Co law firm of which he jointly owns with his wife, Dr Dawn Perry. He also has three contracts with the Government. Omnicare Medical Clinic is also jointly owned by Ewing and his wife and has contracts with NHIP and NHIB. He declared that his wife is employed with InterHealth Canada. Sean Astwood declared interests in two pieces of land both in Providenciales and five businesses from which he receives income these include the TCIG House of Assembly, Pelican Designs, Pelican Trading, Flamingo Crossings (rental) and Pelican Entertainment. George Lightbourne has interests in 14 pieces of land and gets additional income from a food store. Goldray Ewing has interests in five pieces of land and receives other income from apartment rentals. Opposition leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson declared interest in two pieces of land, one in Grand Turk and the other in Providenciales, she receives income from the TCIG House of Assembly, COMO resorts, and apartment rental. In addition to the aforementioned members, Government appointed member Ruth Black declared one piece of land, stated that she gets a pension and listed a “fund/ contribution” from the Progressive National Party (PNP) with Gordon Burton as treasurer.

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

Police to implement point system for drivers BY DAISY HANDFIELD FOR many years residents and taxi drivers in the Turks and Caicos Islands have been warned against speeding and recklessly overtaking other road users. However this continues to be an ongoing issue and has resulted in tragic situations, including road fatalities. Officer of the Road Traffic Department, Damian Mitchell, said that he believes that an effective solution will be to implement a demerit point system. Once taxi drivers and residents have been stopped several times, have received a certain amount of tickets and have matters pending before the courts, points will be deducted on their licences and it will be revoked for a certain amount of time. He said: “From time to time traffic officers go to the taxi stand and speak

to them. I know they have these courses that they attend every year, I think it is geared at letting them know the important role that they play in the community and for the Islands. “If it is not from a traffic point of view, from a civil standpoint, the country is really doing what it has to do to educate the taxi drivers on what they are supposed to do. “They also attribute their behaviour to wanting to get a turn on the stand.” Mitchell said that he believes that something positive will come out of this implementation and that taxi drivers and residents will think twice before speeding and driving recklessly on the roads. He continues to warn the TCI community at large on the penalties and consequences that accompany speeding and reckless driving. The Weekly News spoke to the president of the Taxi Drivers Association, Earle Barranco, who

said that the issue with taxi drivers speeding is something that they were addressing internally. Barranco said that he believes that the issue with the taxi drivers is increasing because the Road Safety Department is continuously putting new taxi drivers on the line without any input from the taxi union. He said: “We don’t think they are tested for skills in the industry, no English test is given; just a quiz so no knowledge of the TCI and on top of that, they are mainly young. “These people just came out of high school or college.” The president encouraged young adults to look into career paths, stating that being a taxi driver should be one of the last things that they should be looking into. He said that he has contacted a number of Government officials to speak on their complaints but nothing has been done and so it reflects on the taxi drivers as the bad guys.

& CrimeCourt

Man hit with bottle during Dock Yard fight A MAN was hospitalised this week after being beaten over the head with a bottle during a brawl. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force was called shortly before 2am on Saturday (March 5) to reports of a disturbance at Dock Yard, Providenciales. A complainant had called the police and told them he heard loud noises outside his home and discovered two men fighting, one of

whom he knew. Officers responded and found the victim who told them he had been beaten about the head and body with a bottle by another man. The victim was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-8008477 or use the Crime Stoppers web page at www.crimestoppers.tc.

Grand Turk double burglary TWO robberies have taken place in as many days on Grand Turk as a woman’s home and a supermarket were targeted. On Monday (March 7) a man alerted police at 4.15am to let them know that he noticed the door of the Dominican Supermarket on Pond Street was open. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force attended the scene and found a wooden door pulled off its hinges and a glass screen door smashed. Officers spoke to the manager who told them he had locked up at 5pm the previous day but returned to find meat, bottles of Hennessy,

coconut Bambarra rum and three cases of Budweiser missing. The day before, in the early hours of Sunday morning, police were called to a home in Breezy Brae where a woman had returned to find the place ransacked. She told officers she had locked up at 5pm only to return at 2.26am to find three bedrooms rifled through and a black iPod missing. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-8008477 or use the Crime Stoppers web page at www.crimestoppers.tc.

‘Serious injuries’ after nightclub stabbing A NIGHTCLUB brawl involving a knife has left three men requiring hospital treatment. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) were called to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre at 3.28am on Monday (March 7) where two men were suffering with serious stab wounds. Later at 4am a 19-year-old man reported to the police that he had been in a fight with two men and was suffering wounds to his right arm. The two separate incidents are being investigated by the RTCIPF and are believed to have taken place in or around the 809 Club on Blue Hills Road, Providenciales. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers web page at www.crimestoppers.tc.

Cynthia Roberts Hinsey, 25, and her nine-year-old daughter

One implementation that the Taxi Association is looking into is setting a minimum age requirement for potential taxi drivers to enter the line and a maximum age for taxi drivers to be off the line. The targeted age was an entry of 30 years of age and a retirement of 70 from the taxi stand. He said: “We are going to become very vocal in discussing our problems to the public.

“We have taken it to the Governor, the Premier and we have asked the transportation minister to meet with us and to the Tourist Board and other bodies and all of these persons know our problem and instead of alleviating the problems, there is more pressure put on us.” A fatal accident involving a taxi driver claimed the life of 25-yearold mother Cynthia Roberts Hinsey in 2013.

Widescreen heist in laundry room A TOTAL of five widescreen televisions were stolen from a laundry room at the weekend. Just before midday on Saturday (March 5) the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were called to a storage building in Long Bay, Providenciales. Officers attended the scene and met the victim who told them he had

locked up the previous day only to return and find the place ransacked. He also noticed that three 55 inch televisions and two 32 inch televisions were missing. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-8008477 or use the Crime Stoppers web page at www.crimestoppers.tc.

Missing girl returns home A TEENAGE girl who went missing from her home last week has been returned to her family safe and well. Nelrika Clarke, 14, disappeared on Thursday, February 25, prompting the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands

Police Force (RTCIPF) to appeal for information to find her. A week later on Thursday, March 3, she returned home safely. The RTCIPF thanked members of the public and the media for their help in trying to locate the girl.

Sugar and vice as tuck shop robbed A PRIMARY school tuck shop has fallen victim to a hungry robber with a sweet tooth. Adelaide Oemler Primary School alerted the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force on Saturday (March 5) after discovering that their tuck shop had been raided. A box of M&Ms, one box of

unnamed candy, one box of Munch Bars and a box of Warheads candy were all missing from the sweet shop at the North Caicos school. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-8008477 or use the Crime Stoppers web page at www.crimestoppers.tc.

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

Scholarship policy PART TWO Dear Editor, The Minister of Education has stated that we lodged 12 different claims for relief in our application for judicial review of her decision refusing to name Tristan Greene and Ryesha Higgs as national scholars for 2014. I deny that allegation and state, unapologetically, that we sought no less than 16 declarations or orders to

show: (i) that the minister was wrong to relegate the decision to the National Committee and, or (ii) that the advice the minister took was unconstitutional and or (iii) that it was irrational and or (iv) that it was ultra vires and or (v) that there were procedural irregularities and or (vi) that the minister was wrong to not take advise from the Education

Scholarship Board and or (vii) that the criterion for selection used by the CXC National Committee was biased towards the students of British West Indies Collegiate (BWIC) and or (viii) that the decision was irrational and improper and or (ix) that the National Scholarship Policy required recipients of national scholarships to be

MILLS MUSES

Living the awakened life MANY of us go about our lives without thinking of any purpose behind what we do. We seldom realise our actions are determined by society and influential individuals. And we are mere spectators to our existence. We have never trusted ourselves to think consciously about why we are in the existing situation because we fear if we raise questions unpleasant things would happen. This confirms that we live un-awakened lives, directed by others rather than ourselves. We have lived like this for so long that many feel it is quite natural and we fear to wake up to real reality so we can liberate ourselves from an arrangement not designed for our benefit but which in some ways treats us as vassals. Freeing ourselves changes our circumstances and with newly opened eyes we see a world which is ours to fashion in our own image. But we first have to wake up. When we live an un-awakened life, meaning one that lacks consciousness of our possibilities, we are unaware of our power to change things. For example, we are indoctrinated to support a particular party but feel guilty,

BY OLIVER MILLS

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

should we question its effectiveness, or that of its leaders? Even when we only see some of our MPs when elections are approaching, we feel karma will deal with them rather than make it known we are not being properly represented. We are un-awakened when we hear of budget surpluses but don’t question their validity even though our circumstances are not changing. When we see some islands being unscathed by the economic successes we sing about but say little. We are also un-awakened when we fail to question the effectiveness of various boards and see that membership comprises political sympathisers, while a political oligarchy and modern plantation owners navigate the ship. We are again not awake to the fact that we have growth without progress. This is the un-awakened state we

are in, despite flashes of unease. But what is the awakened life? It involves being sensitive to what is going on, and using free speech to place it on the social agenda. We are alive to ‘politricks,’ and expose it. We are aware of an apparently finessed system which divides us into haves and have nots, and work to make it more responsive to national needs. And we become more aware that our economy is fragile and articulate strategies to ensure its sustainability. The awakened life respects ethical values causing us to become more patriotic and openminded. It determines consequences before acting and selects the most prudent option. We then choose peace over conflict and use our moral understanding to overcome evil with good.

determined by reference to their external examination results in a single year and or (x) that the decision should be quashed and or (xi) that the minister denied the students the opportunity to be heard in breach of the rules of natural justice. I stand by every ground on which the claim was supported. The bottom line is, the minister’s decision was just wrong - plain and simple! THE OPPORTUNITY TO SETTLE THE MATTER In addition to making verbal arguments to various interested parties, no less than five letters were written before the decision as to who would be included as 2014 national scholars was made. The minister’s assertion in the Channel Four interview that correspondences began after the decision was made is therefore patently false. The first of the correspondences was dated the August 25, 2014. TCIG’s decision on the National Scholars Awardees was not released until early December 2014. Likewise, the court papers in this matter were filed in January 2015. There was every opportunity to engage the parties and come to an amicable settlement if that is what the ministry wanted or intended to do. RELIANCE ON TECHNICAL STAFF The fact that the minister repeatedly refers to her reliance on her technical staff is in short laughable. Let us not forget that the minster is a trained barrister of not insignificant experience. Further the results for all the students and from all the schools, both public and private, were in the hands of the ministry during the entire process. Had the ministry been prepared to properly consider the matter rather than dismissing the students out of hand, we would not have ended up here. It was after all just a matter of math! A LEVEL SCHOLARSHIPS The minister also stated that the applicants to the judicial review were all recipients of a local partial scholarship of $6,000 paid to BWIC annually on their behalf. This is correct in respect of Tristan Greene and Devonte Smith. However, this is irrelevant to the judicial review process as this partial

scholarship, is not unique to the applicants since TCIG pays it for all students who meet their minimum academic threshold to enrol in the BWIC’s A level programme. A more relevant issue in my personal opinion is that until the Government has in place an A level granting institution of its own, they should meet the entire costs of all Turks and Caicos Islanders who gain acceptance to BWIC sixth form as there are still in these Islands many students that do not attend sixth form simply because they cannot afford the other $6,000 that it would cost them in fees annually. PERFECT PAPERS? The grading system used in the Turks and Caicos National Scholarship Policy is that of A = Grade I, B = Grade II, C = Grade III. Likewise the ‘academic criteria’ all five iterations of them which we have seen, all adopt the same grading system. We say therefore that this is the only grading standard against which our students should be judged. SHARING OF THE SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE The minister clearly misspoke when she said in her PTV interview that the third place tie would be broken by sharing the scholarship prize. In the past, ties between national scholars have not been broken in that way and I am sure that the minister’s PS and others would advise her that to try to do so in this case would be seen as nothing less than vindictive. I have written to the minister and I fully expect that she will take every step to ensure that there is an expeditious reconsideration of the matter. I also expect that when the minister applies her mind afresh to the situation she will find that the only fair outcome would be to grant national scholarships to Ryesha and Tristan and also to give separate recognition to Devonte Smith, Natalia Williams, Ryesha Higgs and Tristan Greene as the top performers for 2014. Yours faithfully, Clayton Greene, Providenciales

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 11

National development - PART TWO

Dear Editor, Investment in our people can be shown in a variety of ways. Yes, skills training is critical, but having integrity, issues of morality, fairness and objectivity valued and practiced in daily decision-making processes on the job would result in a most productive outcome in our country. Leaders in the public service must be willing to make those tough decisions on behalf of the people, for the greater good and not for friend, family, politics and the like. That’s what the position and salary is about, making objective decisions, having high ethical and professional standards and being respected for making the right decisions for the people, country and national development - it fosters sustainability. We all can recall an incident where someone was passed up for a promotion that really deserved it and we all felt it would have made the organisation better, this may be a rare occasion but it occurs. However on the other side what happens when the person who’s promoted may be qualified/not qualified; yet unsuitable for the position, lacking leadership and integrity principles and although their output on paper appears well, the organisation is failing, persons are disrespected, work

relationship and ethics don’t exist and the organisation’s overall goal is somewhere in the distance fading away. Additionally we have all seen the effect of internal succession planning where a head of department favours one person for succession planning, not objectively, and instead of training three potential candidates invests in one person, hence that one person feels entitled, is given the job as the successor retires and the department is left in shambles. Why? Because the best of the best was not given an opportunity to try out for the part but was given to the one that was hand-picked. The other side is where the head/ leader has all the ideas in their head, doesn’t communicate this goal/vision to the others and if they were to die, transfer or move out of the service department- all is lost without them. Is this leadership or poor management? We all need to work towards the written organisational goals; this message needs to be clear, valued and shared by all in the organisation. Succession planning programmes should be outlined at all levels, with transparency and objectivity in order for the organisation to be successful and productive. This is something that should be shared with locals and contract workers and be a part of the

performance appraisal process. How many other persons have you trained or passed on a skill to that can benefit the organisation? If you were to leave the organisation, who else is there to provide the equivalent or even better service that you now provide. Or does it go over better as being wanted, as the department is left lacking after you are gone, not because of your character but because of the skillset of the one person who got to go on all the trainings, never shared anything with anyone, hence the only one that benefitted and not the department/country as what should be the intended purpose. Then, there are situations where, persons who are more qualified are making less than the new-comers (new comers fall in the bracket of those who may be qualified but have no experience, may have experience but not qualified and those who have been in the position a long time but have not produced), not that their position or job description is more demanding but because, someone up top favours them. This may result in the persons who are doing honest work and committed to their jobs to either be demotivated or provide suboptimal services to the people while others may use it as a reason to justify some dishonest act. Finally the issue of denying

persons their rightful compensation, be it increment, days off, overtime, acting allowances or whatever reason that an employer deserved remuneration and the heads of departments neglect to sort out the necessary paperwork and ensure that those below them are compensated fairly and as they would have wanted to be. Who oversees this process and ensures all our civil servants are being paid their fair share? Who gets penalised if this isn’t done? Who speaks out for the ones who are less likely to read, to know their rights, to ensure that their rights are not being violated? Isn’t this the job of the heads of departments and leaders of government to advocate on behalf of their employers’ - those beneath them? One may ask - how does this relate to national development? The way we treat people says a lot about national development. Think about it, it’s sad but these things happens every day. National development is long overdue, people investment is a must, and while we have made some strides, we still have miles to go before we sleep. This article was to simply acknowledge some of the gaps that need to be addressed to make a better TCI, to foster people development. I love my beautiful Islands, we have come a long way, but there is

much to be changed and change doesn’t occur overnight. However we must be willing to accept that we need to change as this is the first step towards a real change. Here are some little actions that can assist in the meantime - living the word of God in our daily lives and how we relate to others, having prayer and the word of God in our schools, having the national anthem and national song sang in schools every day, having flags flown high at every office/place of business and schools and each student, worker, staff member have a turn at heisting the flag. This not only will help to stimulate some TCI pride but also allow those who come to live amongst us to appreciate TCI as well. Have the national anthem and song sang at every ceremonial event. Have a snapshot of TCI history and culture as a part of the employer orientation packages for all TCIG employers. And lastly, but most important, we must love each other, treat everyone with respect, embrace our differences, work towards our weaknesses, have integrity, be fair, transparent and objective and love our country the TCI. Be persons who are respected for having integrity, competence and professionalism. The TCI Patriots, tcipatriots.blogspot.com

What’s a Trump? COMMENTARY

DURING the present period the defence in our corruption trial is keeping their pleadings out of the public’s attention. The PDA is campaigning for election. What election? The PDM is warning folks about the spread of chickenpox because the medical leaders are either asleep or sipping Gilly’s wine at a resort. Folks are turning to USA television news and social media where everything is focused on one name - Trump! Trump who inherited riches and then went bankrupt four times had supported and was socially connected with Democrat Hillary and Bill Clinton. He also supported other top Democrats, but suddenly Trump’s a Republican. Claiming he is an outsider folks are giving Trump one third of the

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

Republican primary votes. Only one sixth of the overall popular vote. With anywhere from 15 to now three Republican candidates dividing the other two thirds of Republican votes Trump has accumulated more delegates for the July Republican convention in Cleveland, Ohio. We were in Cleveland last month to bury a treasured family member. Cleveland, run for years by the Democrats, has been preparing for the convention for months by

rebuilding the city from top to bottom including the airport. We were lost after landing due to the construction. It appears Cleveland’s Democratic administration does not want Republicans and the media to focus on Cleveland’s blight but even the airport’s huge oversized guitar icon promoting Cleveland’s rock and roll museum had a broken string hanging loose! Trump pledges to support the

nominee - if Republicans nominate Trump. Trump makes fun of the other Republican candidates using childish names and gestures. In typical high roller style he talks down to everyone. His unpredictable antics have his name repeated thousands of times a day on every US news network. Now other Republican candidates and former leaders have turned against Trump returning the insults he has dished out. Trump has shown he can dish it out but has trouble when his record is used against him. In the early March television debate he tried hard to stay calm. When baited he took the hook and returned to his primary schoolyard insults. Now Trump supporters are having trouble visualising him as US president.

Trump has slogans, ‘We will make America great again,’ ‘We expect bigger and better next!’ One wonders what education level has Trump achieved? He calls his opponents liars, little, lazy and failures. He has been endorsed by some but condemned by two thirds of the Republican faithful. TCI politics seem tame by comparison. Our incumbents are trying to hold on to their 13-yearold power grab long enough to change ‘Beautiful by Nature’ to a Miami high rise. This continues to discourage sensible inward investment via on trial corruption and high tax and crime rates. Meanwhile our indicted and extradited alleged chief corrupter out on bail declares himself a candidate! Is he our version of Trump?

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

Row erupts over South Caicos Why progress is so hard airport safety continued

Dear Editor, From my understanding of the word Christianity I interpret the meaning as living a life identical to the life that Jesus Christ lived when he walked this earth over 2,000 years ago. As a nation we pride ourselves on being a Christian society but do our actions resemble the actions of Christ? I am talking about a man that denounced silver and gold, a man that got on his knees to wash his brother’s feet, God in the flesh not boasting by the name God but living equal amongst his people. Are we truly Christian or are we lying to ourselves as a nation by upholding Christian standards? Successful independence is achievable; it is not this esoteric accomplishment that only a few nations have figured out. Our greatest resource is our people, not the Grace Bay beach! Turks Islanders are an amazing group of loving, kind hearted, naturally friendly people. Hospitality is a way of life for the people, there is no real need for training, let any stranger visit South or North Caicos and let them write a report and my statement would be proven. With our greatest resource being our people, we have missed opportunities that have stopped our progress; opportunities that still stand in front of us but the nation has to wake up in order to see them. Why is progress so hard? Answers: Tourism, influence of American ideologies and politics. The tourism industry provides jobs, opportunities, funds scholarships, builds infrastructure and provides opportunities for our people that they possibly could had never imagined, for example, Delano Williams. How could I bite the hand that has fed me for most of my life? Parents working longer shifts, labour mismanagement of equal opportunities for all, overfishing of our marine life and the destruction of our ecological system is what the tourism industry has done as well. The Ministry of Education launched the ‘Save Our Boys’ programme which is a great effort but it is destined to crumble because projects like that require a community effort, and our community has become too occupied with making ends meet. Instead of boasting about the good the tourism has done, let’s talk about the ways in which tourism is destroying nationhood. The Turks and Caicos Islands are making a lot of money right

now but it will never be enough no matter how many hotels invest in our shores, because of the influence of America. Let’s say a local makes $24,000 annually, and out of that, he is able to save $2,000 at the end of the year. Where does the $22,000 go? It goes back into America by the local purchasing fuel, clothes, food, jewellery and entertainment. Every time a local buys gas or a Ralph Lauren shirt, he’s unconsciously supporting the American economy. For the local economists, this scenario is perfect because our tourism industry thrives on the sustainability of the US economy and us helping them is great. But these two important questions must be asked: What happens if the US economy fails? What can we do to keep money from leaving our shoreline? Dividing our people into three groups (PNP, PDM, PDA) seems like the way to go for independence, really? Division has always been used as a tool to stop progress hence the phrase ‘Divide and Rule’. From a biblical account, humanity once spoke one language and built a tower that reached all the way to heaven. God implemented different languages to slow down the progress

of humanity; if he didn’t divide them by language, humanity would have continued on their quest of getting to heaven. This was over 10,000 years ago and we are no different today, for our quest to heaven continues. Together we probably won’t build a tower that reached heaven, but we would create something never seen before in the western world; an authentic united nation. I urge you that the creation of a third political party will not solve the problems of our country, neither will it make any real progress, history is evident in my claim. I end on that note, and I admit my views are bias in some cases and criticism is welcomed as a learning tool. As a youth, I speak on the behalf of the youths who are unable to express themselves at this level and say that we won’t accept mediocrity. There is no historical account of Turks and Caicos having so much talented young people, and, we stand together undivided by family names and political ties in the hopes of a brighter future. Until next time! Leonardo Lightbourne, Humanitarian, blogger and president of Open Thought Openthought4u@gmail.com

Why no online shopping? Dear Editor, A great way to send a present to someone in another part of the world is to order something online in the destination country. This simply does not work for the TCI and I’d like to see that change. Say you have a cousin in Oxford, UK. You get on the web and find a local business in Oxford that supplies, say, food hampers. You order one online, pay with a credit card and hey presto, your cousin gets the gift delivered from a local source with no more postage or tax to pay. I tried to use the same technique to send a gift to my less good looking brother who lives on Provo. I wanted to send him either a gift of food or drink. Or perhaps get him

a gift voucher to spend at a great restaurant, of which there are more than a few, on the island. This proved difficult in the extreme. Correct that, I found it impossible. At best there was talk of “send me two references and maybe we could then open a credit account for you”. My suggestion is that your businesses in the TCI get wise to this possible new source of revenue and create gift voucher, gift deliveries, call it what you will. With Visa or MasterCard payments there is no financial risk and who knows, the economy might get a bit of a boost! Regards, John Newlands Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

BY JOHN TONER INTERCARIBBEAN Airways has slammed “unreliable” safety and “disruption” at South Caicos Airport. On Monday (March 7) the TCI based airline issued a statement expressing their dismay at the state of the Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) at XSC. They said they had made numerous attempts to have the RFFS upgraded to enable them to use their Embraer E120 aircraft, all of which were denied, and that on March 3 all flights were suspended due to issues with safety equipment. The statement said: “We, like the travelling public, are dismayed with the state of the Rescue and Fire Fighting Service at South Caicos. “The unreliability of the RFFS has been ongoing for nearly two years now with acute unreliability/un-serviceability or reported sabotage of equipment in recent weeks which have severely impacted our ability to deliver reliable air service to the community of South Caicos and to support the recent spike in travel to the island due to the opening of the resorts there. “During the last two weeks alone we have made numerous request to have the RFFS upgraded to enable us to operate into South Caicos with our Embraer E120 aircraft which have all been denied. “We have inquired of Turks and Caicos Airport Authority (TCIAA) what is really happening and why they are not able to ensure a reliable RFFS but have not received any satisfactory response or explanation. “It was only on February 29 that TCIAA CEO advised us that the RFFS vehicle was fully repaired, yet two days later our request to upgrade flights was refused on the grounds that TCIAA was not able to provide the requisite RFFS service for the E120. “Finally late on Friday, March 3, we received information from them that ‘due to loss of Rescue and Fire Fighting coverage ALL flights are suspended’. “Suffice to say the TCIAA CEO has not responded to our last request for updated information, so we are not in a position to advise when normal flight operations to/from South Caicos would resume. “We find it ironic that the TCIAA chooses to issue a press release (without copying InterCaribbean), while it fails to adequately communicate with InterCaribbean as a principal stakeholder at the airport. “Equally alarming, and of particular note is the fact that this is not the first time in recent weeks

the TCIAA has said that the RFFS equipment has been sabotaged, but yet we understand an offer to provide safe guarded overnight secure parking for the equipment was declined by the Airport Authority. “When all this is taken in context, one may reasonably conclude that providing the required RFFS and thus keeping the airport operating at South Caicos is of a low priority to TCIAA. “We call on the Government and the TCIAA board to examine the matters surrounding the RFFS at this airport and to provide an account to all stakeholders as the steward of this public asset.” The statement was issued in response to an incident last week in which fire trucks at the airport appear to have been deliberately sabotaged. The TCIAA appealed for information to help catch the culprits but the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said the matter has not been reported to them. A statement issued by the TCIAA refuted the accusations put forward by InterCaribbean. It said: “It is unfortunate that a release was made that did not state the facts at hand. “The facts of the matter are, that there was no suspension of normal flight operations into South Caicos on neither this weekend nor the weekend prior. “The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority has made a release to inform the public of their inability to upgrade from a normal category three operation which currently accommodates all domestic aircrafts except for the Embraer Aircraft. “This was due to past sabotage, which is outside of the control of the TCIAA. It is indeed emphasised that flight operations continued by both domestic airlines during the period in question contrary to the press release sent out by an airline. “On March 4 the TCIAA in collaboration with the TCI Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) was successful in the full restoration of the upgrade from the category three to category four to facilitate the operations of the Embraer in question. Measures have been put in place to prevent further damage from reoccurring. “The regulators, CAA travelled into South Caicos on InterCaribbean’s first flight and returned to Providenciales on the last flight, indicating that operations were normal at this time on Friday. “The TCIAA remains committed to operating in a safe and secure environment and to be in compliance with all safety standards and procedures as set by the regulators.”

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

14 NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TCI team visits Jamaica for tax update A TEAM of civil servants from the TCI visited Jamaica recently to learn about how the country handles its taxes. Eight officers from the Revenue Department were in the independent Caribbean country from February 29 to March 4, according to a Government press release. They spent much of their time with Tax Administration Jamaica where they were shown the best practices and approaches used in the field. Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and head of the public service, said: “As we continue in our quest to improve efficiency and service delivery across Government we were happy to fund and support this programme through our newly created Staff Professional Development Fund. “These types of programmes create great exposure and an opportunity for the cross sharing

The team learnt about how Jamaica handles its taxes

of knowledge to bring innovation and change to core units across Government. “We are grateful to the government of Jamaica most especially Tax Administration Jamaica for their support and assistance in this programme and look forward to future opportunities to partner with

The visitors spent much of their time with Tax Administration Jamaica

them as well.” The visiting team included Assistant Commissioner of Revenue (Legal) Nasiya Misick, four senior tax officers - Tito Cox, Cecille Francis, Audric Rigby and Keisha

Immigration officer first to win hospitality award EXPERIENCED immigration officer Deandra Dames has become the first ever winner of the newly created Star Awards category – Hospitality Hero. The award goes to a frontline employee in the public service who “demonstrates the country’s ongoing commitment to great service, who extends a wow factor to our visiting guests and who rise to unexpected occasions to a positive and memorable resolution”. A Government press release continued: “The selection process included observation of officers’ zeal and cordiality as they interacted with the travelling public, their punctuality, attendance and passenger feedback.” Dames joined the public service on November 1, 2005, as an assistant immigration officer. Prior to that she served as a teacher at the Doris Robinson Primary School in Middle Caicos and worked with two private sector organisations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “I really wanted to work in an area that will help to protect my country’s borders and to welcome genuine visitors to enjoy true paradise,” she explained. Head of the civil service Deputy Governor Anya Williams said: “On behalf of the entire public service I would like to both recognise and congratulate Ms Deandra Dames on her stellar service as an immigration officer at the Providenciales Airport which was recently recognised at the Star Awards. “The quality of the immigration function at the Providenciales Airport has significantly improved during the last few years, with

Handfield - and three tax officers Aisha Thomas, Darren Williams and Renarda Williams. Tax Administration Jamaica has implemented several successful reform initiatives over the past decade which have made them a model tax administrator in the region. The attachment began with an initial opening session at the Jamaica Programmes Branch. On day two the staff proceeded to the Constant Springs Revenue Services Centre where they observed and participated in the activities undertaken in the Compliance, Collections and Tax Services Units. On the third day they were able to go on audits with the audit team in that division. On day four the staff visited the Linstead Tax Office, which is one of the smaller offices, to review the difference in the processes between

the two offices, before the final close out session on Friday, March 4. The Permanent Secretary of Finance said: “The Turks and Caicos Islands Revenue Department has undergone significant changes in the last four years, which has seen a strengthening in the department’s manpower capacity from six to 23 members of staff and has resulted in great efficiencies in tax administration and compliance here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “This attachment was of great importance to the ministry and department and we look forward to next batch of attachments where an additional eight officers will engage in a similar programme on the island of St Kitts and Nevis in mid-April, all aimed at improving service delivery and innovation within the Revenue Department and the Ministry of Finance at large.”

TCI welcomes 1.3m tourists to its shores ... CONTINUED FROM 

Deandra Dames is delighted with her award

positive comments continuously being received from tourist that traverse through the airport. “Ms Dames has certainly played a key role in this as she continuously demonstrates a zeal for her job and is fully cognisant of the importance of her role. “We are certainly grateful to her and her colleagues for their continued service and would like to encourage them to continue serving with pride and excellence.” Given that immigration officers are the first to greet visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Minister of Border Control and Employment said: “I am elated that an immigration officer was selected as the first ever Hospitality Hero at the annual Star Awards event.

“No doubt this highlights the importance of the service that staff at the Immigration Department render to our country on a daily basis. “I have had personal experience of the warm welcome home extended to me by Ms Dames and I have no doubt she is deserving of such an award. “For this, I extend my hearty congratulations to her. I also wish to commend other serving officers for the work that they do in welcoming guest to our beautiful shores and encourage them to give of their best at all times.” Ministry officials including the Minister of Border Control and Employment, Permanent Secretary Clara Gardiner and Director of Immigration Larry Mills attended the event to celebrate with Dames.

a boosted co-op marketing campaign with the Tourist Board and some of its private sector partners. “We’ve strengthened our co-op relationship with many of the travel agents and major wholesales that sell the TCI and fostered new relationships with major wholesalers in Latin America and gained positive media exposure within the year - all contributing factors to our increases.” The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) also confirm that unaudited occupancy figures amongst its members are consistent with the Tourist Board’s figures. Stacy Cox, executive director of TCHTA, said that these are very encouraging numbers and pledged her association’s continued support to the Turks and Caicos Government and the

Tourist Board in the efforts to grow tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Moving forward, the TCI Tourist Board and its partners will continue to increase the destination’s presence within the market place by embarking on a series of travel and trade shows. Traditional and non-traditional media strategies, sponsorships, and promotional events in the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America will also continue. The board has renewed its commitment to working with wholesalers, hotel partners, airlines and cruise to sell the destination. In addition, the TCI is working to expand its hotel and tourism product beyond the traditional hub of Providenciales and Grace Bay Beach to the other beautiful islands, as demand for additional accommodation, attractions, and niche offerings has increased.

March 12 - 18, 2016

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Diagrams showing the proposed redesign of the Blue Hills roundabout

Government to fight traffic congestion BY OLIVIA ROSE THE GOVERNMENT is exploring possible solutions to address traffic congestion at the Blue Hills roundabout in Providenciales. A release from the Government said that complaints about the difficulty experienced by motorists particularly in the early working morning hours of the day have not fallen on deaf ears. It further noted that for many months the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning has been working to find a solution

to the problem. The Government has since explored a two phase project designed to address this issue. An official from the Government told the Weekly News that the first of the two phases involves the redesign of the entry to the Blue Hills roundabout, allowing the development of an additional exit lane on the Blue Hills Road through to the Leeward Highway. This will involve the widening of the Blue Hills road to four lanes at a point just before it approaches the Walkin Marine premises, this

widening continuing through to the Blue Hills roundabout. This new lane will allow for the separation of traffic going left up the Leeward Highway, from traffic travelling around the roundabout going into Downtown. This will significantly relieve congestion by allowing the free flow of traffic. The second of the two phases involves the development of an alternate road out of Blue Hills connecting into Kew Town. This second exit road out of Blue Hills will allow motorists

Proposed alternate routes out of Blue Hills which are being considered

to access the airport and southern regions of the island without having to negotiate the Blue Hills roundabout. The engineering design work for phase one of the project has already begun and works are expected to commence this year, phase two will follow thereafter. Premier Rufus Ewing commenting on the proposal said: “I am well pleased with the work completed

thus far by the Public Works team and look forward, as do the residents and visitors of Providenciales, to the finished project.” Meantime Minister of Infrastructure Amanda Misick said: “This is yet another infrastructural project undertaken by my Government to alleviate the congestion of vehicular traffic conditions in the downtown area of Providenciales.”

North Caicos teachers celebrated during Education Week BY DAISY HANDFIELD MORE than 25 teachers from North Caicos visited the Beaches Resorts in Providenciales last week to celebrate their Teacher’s Appreciation Day 2016. The resort treated educators from Raymond Gardiner High School and Hubert James Primary School to a detailed tour featuring Sesame Street friends and a grand luncheon at the resort’s Reflection Restaurant in the Caribbean Village. According to the resort’s public relations manager Elanor Finfin Krzanowski this is the third time that the resort and the foundation has hosted an Education Week teacher’s appreciation lunch for the local Government schools. She said that the charity is looking forward to working diligently with the group of educators not only to

enhance the overall operation of the schools but also work closely with the teachers by providing support. She said: “Teachers are the ones who provide education for pupils and in turn shape the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands and that position deserves to be recognised and most of all celebrated. “I am so happy the resort was able to look outside of Providenciales to recognise educators on islands that are often overlooked due to their proximity. “I am so happy that we were able to include the North Caicos educators this year to celebrate for the wonderful men and women who go above and beyond the call of duty at the Government schools.” She considered the event a huge success and an opportunity for the teachers to see the resort from a

North Caicos teachers with Sesame Street characters at Beaches resort

tourist’s perspective. In an interview she told the Weekly News that the initiative was something that the resort is looking into making bigger and better every year. She said that next year they are hoping to target teachers on other islands because she understands that many times they feel as though they do not receive as much attention. Principal of the Raymond Gardiner High School was enthused by the generous initiative from the resort and said that it felt great to

be appreciated for the role that they played in education. She said: “It is nice to be appreciated for the all the work that we do. Celebrating teacher’s appreciation day at Beaches gave the staff different feel on how it was to vacation in TCI and the management and staff went over and beyond to make us feel special. “It was an amazing day; we have created fulfilled memories to last a life time. We are very grateful.” Across the Caribbean, Sandals

and Beaches Resorts have adopted a total of 27 schools and supported thousands of teachers that are responsible for nurturing future presidents, billionaires, business tycoons, and history makers of the Caribbean. The foundation works closely with them to provide practical support by helping to maintain the school curriculum and education. Annually teachers in the Turks and Caicos Islands are celebrated during Education Week.

16 NEWS

Search still on for Miss Turks and Caicos contestants BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE FIRST casting call for girls to participate in the Miss Turks and Caicos 2016-17 beauty pageant was not as successful as organisers of the event were expecting. In an interview with the executive director of the pageant, Olincia Missick, she said that the minimum amount of girls they are looking for is six. Missick said that until that target is reached the search will continue. “We knew that that would be a challenge starting out, which is why we are so persistent in continuing on the search. “Our hope is that next year we won’t have that issue at all. “We want to use this opportunity to showcase who we are and we want to bring more prestige to the pageant so that it is a sought after event, not only for persons who would like to attend in terms

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Olincia Missick, executive producer of Miss Turks and Caicos 2016-17

of entertainment purposes but also in terms of persons who would like to participate as a contestant,” Missick said. When Missick was asked how she felt about the pressure

that accompanied her new title, she said that she is oddly excited about it and ready to put on a great show. Aside from hosting casting calls, Missick said that a

strategy that has been working for them the past few days is “networking” and reaching out to girls who they see potential in. She said: “We are going to see how all of our leads are going and we will make a call whether or not we will have another casting call depending on whether we are successful with the leads.” Missick encouraged girls between the ages of 18 and 26 who feel as though they have the potential to become the next TCI beauty queen to enter the pageant. “I would say that for all of the young ladies who have the potential to be a contestant, you should give it a try. “It is an opportunity that is pretty much once in a lifetime,” Missick said. The executive producer said that the pageant’s focus will be more than just on a pretty face and that tools will be put in place to give the next beauty queen of the Turks and Caicos Islands the exposure that is needed locally and internationally. She said that there is always drama in pageantry but living up to the pageant team’s commitments will not be one of them. For more information on participating in the Miss Turks and Caicos 2016-17 beauty pageant, people can contact Island Arrangements on 9468108.

Petition calls for animal welfare improvements A PETITION has been launched calling on the Governor to drastically improve the welfare of animals in the TCI. The petition, entitled ‘Sort out the Animal Welfare Department in the TCI’ calls for the immediate suspension of Dr Mark Butler, the chief veterinary officer, and a full investigation into the department. It also demands Governor Peter Beckingham provide a vehicle and basic equipment to the officers working on the front line of animal protection. Referring mostly to donkeys on Grand Turk the petition details horrific conditions animals have been subjected to including starvation, beating, leaving wounds unattended and abandoning mares who have recently given birth. The petition states: “Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay are home to horses, donkeys and cattle who are a part of the history of the Islands. “These animals, especially the donkeys are much loved by the tourists

but seen as pests by many locals. “The donkeys of the TCI belong to the Crown and are not privately owned. Sadly some local attitudes towards animals too often result in terrible cruelty both malicious and through neglect. “The Grand Turk office of the department responsible for animal welfare, which covers these three islands is badly under equipped and has been so for at least a year. “The actions of the heads of the department show that they are failing in their duties to run the department properly and apply the relevant legislation. “This is not a poor country and if the people and Government of the Islands will not take the responsibility to provide what is the basics in humane care for the animals, which contribute to their income through tourism, it must fall to the Governor to step in.” The petition, created by a man calling himself Arthur D, is being shared on social media and currently has 328 signatories.

Funeral announcement THE FUNERAL of Brachard Antonio Walkins will take place on Saturday (March 12) at 11am at Paradise Baptist Church in Five Cays. Public viewing will be held at Paradise Baptist Church on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 5pm. Left to cherish memories are mother Shanick Walkins, children Brachard Jr, Breontae, siblings Darvin, Christian, Ethan, Rico, Breanna, Caitlin, Shane, Rashandi, Rashara, Candice and Felicia, and a host of other family and friends too numerous to mention. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to A&S Funeral Services.

March 12 - 18, 2016

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Youth activity centre in North Caicos resuscitated BY OLIVIA ROSE YOUTHS in North Caicos now have a safe place to engage in creative, educational and entertaining activities outside of school. This comes as the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence (DMHSD) within the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services resuscitated the Youth Activity Centre formally known as the Drug Prevention Centre. At a brief ribbon cutting ceremony on February 26, Director of DMHSD, Dr Alicia Malcolm noted that the centre will enable youths to be engaged in activities that will help them lead more constructive lives. “The Youth Activity Centre is designed to provide youth in our community with positive alternative activities that are drug and alcohol free as this is an essential aspect of youth prevention. “It also offers creative, fun activities that give students a safe place, outside of school, to be with each other.” Malcom also thanked those who donated to the project, especially the Parrot Cay Resort who partnered with TCIG to complete major works to the building. “Special thanks also go out to the District Commissioner of North Caicos and all the community members who lent a hand in helping to ensure the success of the event.” Also present at the opening of the ceremony was Amanda Misick who went in the capacity of Acting Premier, brought greetings and performed the cutting of the ribbon.

Students performing at the reopening of the centre

Dr Alicia Malcolm, Director of the Mental Health and Substance Dependence Department

Founding members of the North Caicos Community Drug Awareness Group (NCCDAG) and others who contributed to the project including Paul Palouse, former chair of the NCCDAG, the Reverend Evan Williams, current president of the NCCDAG, Pastor Fuller Gardiner,

former member and Crawford Sherman, director of Parrot Cay Resort, also delivered brief remarks. Attendees were graced with performances by students from the Hubert James Primary School and the Adelaide Oemler Primary School.

TCI celebrates World Kidney Day EARLIER this week the country celebrated World Kidney Day (March 10) with talks, walks and exercise. And the fun continues over the weekend with events organised by the Turks and Caicos Kidney Foundation. On Friday (March 11) there will be an open house at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales along with devotions at the BEST Institute. And on Sunday (March 13) at 9am there will be church service at the Church of St Monica. Residents and businesses can also show their support by purchasing Kidney Foundation t-shirts, World Kidney Day pins and making donations to the Kidney Foundation

via boxes at all IGA locations in March. A press release from the foundation on Wednesday (March 9) said: “Building on the great success of our World Kidney Day campaigns over the last years we call on our community to share their activities, messages and pictures online and get involved in the fight against kidney disease. “Participants can send us messages and their pictures, using #moveyourfeetTCI4WKD “Our campaign can be followed online at www.facebook.com/ tcikidneyfoundation and on Twitter @TCIKidney. “You can also email us at prtcikidneyfoundation@gmail. com for more information about

the foundation, volunteering and purchasing t-shirts and pins.” World Kidney Day (WKD) is a joint initiative organised by the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations. It is the most widely celebrated event focused on kidney health across the globe. This year’s theme ‘Kidney disease and children’ is a reminder that everyone must think about their kidneys from an early age and that much adult renal disease is actually initiated in childhood. With 10 percent of the population worldwide having some form of kidney damage, there is a long road ahead to raise awareness about the dangers of kidney disease.

The Towers of Babel Art is our language For more information email towersofbabel101@gmail.com or visit www.towersofbabel.weebly.com

YOU ARE LOVE (TO MY MOTHER) BY NARISEL SWAN

You are the twinkle in my eye, My star in the night sky. You are the milk to my shake, The shake in my bake. You are the jewel to my crown, but sometimes make me frown. You are the circus for my clown, The up to my down. You are the blue in my sky, The hi to my bye. You are the beat of my heart, And the love of my life.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GARDENING 

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW

Mosquitoes in the garden THERE are two things that mosquitoes need; they need blood to manufacture eggs and a place to lay their eggs. Mosquitoes lay up to 250 eggs at a time in still water and will hatch in about seven to 10 days. That is why it is important to clean out water weekly, to keep mosquitoes from breeding. Mosquito hatcheries are everywhere. Many items that might keep water include wheelbarrows, tires, cans, bottles, toys, garden equipment, pool covers, pipes, tarps, drains, bins and even a bottle cap. Also remove standing water from fountains, ditches, clogged rain gutters, plant saucers, puddles and, buckets. The cistern should be sealed and its opening should have a mosquito net. If you have a pond or fountains, you might consider adding fish that would eat the mosquito

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.

larvae. To avoid mosquito bites, it’s always wise to wear long sleeves, avoid wearing perfume and scented hair products, make sure you have installed or repaired window and door screens, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET only on children over the age of two months. Another product made of Oil of lemon Eucalyptus is effective but should never be used on children under the age of three. Another thing to watch out for is dengue fever. Dengue fever is primarily a disease of the tropics

Dental myths – VOLUME ONE IN THE clinic I sometimes get asked some rather strange questions or hear some strange statements around the subject of how people care for their teeth. Some of these things are ineffective but harmless but some things can actually do more harm than good. Over the next couple of articles I wanted to consider, and where necessary correct, some commonly held misconceptions or misunderstandings concerned with dental care or treatment. MYTH: There is no need to take care of children’s teeth as they all fall out and are replaced by adult teeth anyway. TRUTH: This is absolutely wrong. Firstly, neglecting your child’s teeth will result in dental

March 12 - 18, 2016

decay and cavities. This means your child will be in pain and there is a strong likelihood that the child will require several visits to the dentist for cleaning, fillings or extractions. Losing baby teeth prematurely can impact a child’s ability to eat or speak. It can also be the cause of orthodontic problems in future. Secondly, a child who has reached the age of five or six years and has not been taught good dental habits is unlikely to change their habits overnight when their adult teeth start to come through. Over time this poor care is likely to result in decay, cavities and pain. The time to start good dental practices is as soon as a baby’s teeth start to come through. MYTH: I must not brush my teeth if my gums bleed. TRUTH: Bleeding gums is a sign

that is transmitted by the mosquito. The mosquito is a day-biting that prefers to feed on humans. Those infected with dengue can suffer from a spectrum of illnesses ranging from a viral flu to severe and fatal hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The dengue virus is passed back and forth between mosquitoes and humans and causes an extraordinarily painful ailment that exists in four known strains or serotypes. Dengue is especially dangerous to children, who generally have one infection, but if bitten again can get a more serious infection that can lead to

Are you lucky enough to have one of these plants in your garden?

dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF causes severe internal bleeding, shock, and circulatory collapse, and is usually fatal to children. Dengue is increasingly becoming a plague of global proportions and may soon eclipse malaria as the most significant mosquito-borne viral disease affecting humans. Many mosquito trapping devices are based on generating carbon dioxide (CO2) to lure the mosquitoes to the device. Once in the vicinity of the fan on the device, the mosquitoes are sucked up into the device and into a collection bag where they will die. The CO2 baited traps will catch mosquitoes. However, even an impressively large collection, may be a minute percentage of all the blood-seeking females in the area and this will not likely impact large populations of mosquitoes. These devices are only successful if the wind is low, the actual mosquito population is low and there are no other factors to attract the

THE DENTIST AND YOU  Mark Osmond BDS (Lond) LDS RCS (Eng). Mark Osmond Dental Clinic - (649) 432 3777, drmosmond@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook

of gum disease and it is advisable that you visit the dentist. In the immediate term do not stop cleaning your teeth but brush them gently with a soft bristled brush. You should not ignore the symptoms of bleeding gums as this can lead to periodontal disease and ultimately tooth loss. MYTH: Placing a tablet of aspirin beside an aching tooth can ease the pain. TRUTH: This is not advisable. Using aspirin topically (ie. directly onto the site of the pain) can damage the soft tissue in the mouth. Instead take a painkiller such Tylenol or Advil and seek treatment from a dentist. MYTH: A decayed tooth should be pulled out. TRUTH: Not necessarily. Often teeth can be saved and restored even

if the cavity is quite large. If the decay reaches the nerve, the tooth can still be saved with a root canal treatment. It is only if the tooth is beyond repair that the best option is to have it removed. If you have a decayed tooth you should visit your dentist for a dental check-up. During this your teeth with be examined and your dentist will recommend the best course of treatment. MYTH: It is better to remove wisdom teeth because they usually cause problems. TRUTH: Historically it was the practice that the majority of people had their wisdom teeth removed. This however is not the case anymore. Wisdom teeth should only be removed if they are consistently

mosquitoes in that area. Bug zappers use ultraviolet light to lure mosquitoes into a trap that will electrocute them. These devices attract many types of insects such as moths and beetles. Studies have shown that these devices do not reduce the number of biting mosquitoes, and they kill other types of insects more often than they kill mosquitoes. The best way to reduce the mosquito population is by preventing them from breeding in close vicinity to your home, by making sure your garden has no nests, as well as sharing this information with your neighbors. Gardening news: Care to share your gardening thoughts, insights, triumphs, disappointments or photos with your fellow gardening enthusiast? I invite you to now join the new active discussions gardening forum specially created for the Turks and Caicos gardeners. Please come share your comments and thoughts at tcigardening.fullforums.org

By Dr Mark Osmond causing problems and there is a sound clinical reason to do the surgery. MYTH: Regular bicarbonate of soda can be used to clean and whiten teeth. TRUTH: This is not true. Bicarbonate of soda can be very harmful to teeth due to its very strong abrasive effects damaging the tooth enamel. Special whitening toothpastes which contain bicarbonate are specially developed and contain much smaller particles that, when used correctly, will not damage teeth. Please look out for the second article on this topic that will follow in a couple of weeks. If you have any questions relating to any of these points or teeth in general, please contact Mark Osmond Dental Clinic where we are happy to assist you.

March 12 - 18, 2016

YOUR BODY 

BY Dr Craig Zavitz

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.

Does your job find you sitting most of the day? WHILE sitting can seem restful, keep in mind that staying in any one position for long periods of time can cause strain and injury to your muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. Sustained sitting can take a toll on your neck and lower back - steady compression on the spinal discs hinders their nutrition and can contribute to premature degeneration. So, if you have to sit at work, what can you do to stay pain free? Here are some tips:

TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS

First, ensure that you take regular breaks from sitting. Get up, take a walk outside around the office and stretch.

POSTURE PERFECT

Next, pay attention to your posture. Sitting incorrectly puts strain on your lower back, decreases blood flow to your working muscles and accelerates fatigue. Practice ‘active sitting’ with your feet flat on the ground in front of you, your back straight, your shoulders squared and your chin parallel with the floor. This posture will strengthen the “core” muscles of your abdomen, sides and back to reduce the strain on other areas. The stronger your core muscles, the easier it will be to maintain good posture.

CHOOSE A GOOD OFFICE CHAIR

What’s most important in preventing injury and strain is to be able to easily vary your sitting positions throughout the day. An investment in a good office chair can help a lot. The right chair for you should: Be easily adjustable to suit your size. Adapt to support your spine in various working positions. Have a backrest that supports your lower back. Have armrests, if they are appropriate to your work. Have a front edge that curves downward to promote proper posture.

STABILITY BALLS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

One recent trend is to use a stability ball at the office. While a ball is a great tool to help you tone your abs at home or at the gym, it should not replace a good chair at your work station. If you do bring the ball to work: Use the ball only for short periods. Use your abdominal, back and side muscles to maintain straight posture. Stop when your muscles feel tired. Sitting on a ball instead of a chair can actually increase the pressure on your back, especially if your core muscles aren’t strong. So, sitting a long time on the ball may lead to greater discomfort in your lower back. Do not use a ball if you have osteoporosis, balance or low back problems. Remember, stability balls are not for everyone; consult a chiropractor if you have any pre-existing injury or health problems that could impact your balance or stability.

TCI female rapper to embark on international promo tour BY DAISY HANDFIELD MORE than 15 states and provinces throughout North America and Europe will hear the lyrics of Turks and Caicos Islands’ very own female rapper, Lady Livi, as she embarks on an international promotional tour in the upcoming months. The artist said in a statement that living in a country with such a small population means there are very little opportunities in the entertainment industry. She said: “Being from Turks and Caicos Islands, opportunities like this don’t come as often. “So I am just happy and grateful it came to me and I just want to make the most of it and bring that Turks energy with me to each city I go to. “I know that we as a small island have so much to offer to the world through music, dance, sports, culture, food and so much more.” New York, Detroit, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles and Toronto are among some of the places that Lady Livi will be performing in. Lady Livi was recently featured in one of the United Kingdom’s magazines ‘Hunger Magazine’ following her performances in the Bahamas. The young talent has been mentored by some of industry heavyweights, who have been prepping her on things to expect while on tour and how to capitalise on the exposure she will gain. Lady Livi has been volunteering her services in her community of Providenciales, to help in the development of young people

Olivia Graveley, better known as Lady Liv

through sports, poetry and music, and says that her goal at this point is to become someone that the youths of today can look towards for help. “Though I am getting so much love and support for the international space that surrounds me, my biggest strength comes from home and I just wished a lot more of my people supported their home grown talents but I do believe I

can become the change in the minds of many,” Lady Livi said. Lady Livi is also poised to release her EP in 2016 featuring the single ‘Village God’. To keep up to date with her upcoming tour schedule, for bookings and for the latest news on Lady Livi, you can visit her official webpage www.ladylivi.com.

Missing Cayman boat found JUST before 11am on Monday morning (March 7) a Cayman Islands police helicopter discovered a 28ft Panga boat which had been missing since Sunday afternoon. It was found about 20 miles south west of Grand Cayman and was overturned. Further search efforts are underway around the vessel and in the nearby area but so far no survivors have been found. Police were alerted to the missing boat with five people (three adults and two children) on board at midnight on Sunday. Family members also informed police of a fisherman who stated he had seen the vessel near 12 Mile Bank between 3 and 4pm, and that water had started to become quite choppy at that time. Given the description of the boat’s location as being near 12 Mile Bank at about 3pm or after, the potential drift pattern of the boat was assessed

to be within 20 to 30 miles of that location. The Air Support Unit determined that a search and rescue could not be undertaken across this wide area in the middle of the night with only one pilot available, and that to do so would endanger both pilot and crew. The Joint Marine Unit also assessed that due to rough seas and no air support, police marine vessels could not be deployed until the morning. On Monday morning the Air Support Unit deployed the police helicopter at 8.30am to begin the search-and-rescue mission. The JMU police vessel Guardian was also deployed at 9am but encountered rough seas through the channel and sustained damage to the rear of the boat, and returned to the marine base. Two private vessels were also deployed to respond to the area

where the Panga boat was sighted. Further investigation confirmed that the mobile phone belonging to one of the men engaged in no active communication since 2.47pm on Sunday afternoon. A phone belonging to another man on the boat was disconnected at 3.41pm on Sunday afternoon. No distress calls were received from the vessel. Police have been informed that there were no life vests on the vessel. Police met with and informed the families of those on the vessel this morning. A press release from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service read: “We understand the families’ grief and anguish and express our sadness at these circumstances. “We will continue to be available to provide all information and answers to their questions and will continue the search and rescue operation.”

Regional News

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Bahamian PM promises $16M CLICO cash payout THE Bahamian PM on Monday said a collective $16 million cash payout to victims of the CLICO (Bahamas) debacle would begin before month’s end, amid warnings little has been done to prevent similar financial collapses from occurring in the future. Mr Christie’s announcement, during the mid-year Budget debate, that the seven-year wait for resolution is near to ending, was greeted with a mixture of optimism and wariness by CLICO (Bahamas) clients and their advisers. Bishop Simeon Hall, who has been waiting since February 2009 to access his pension monies, told Tribune Business that while clients should welcome the Prime Minister’s statement, the Bahamas had “got to make sure it never happens again”. His warning was echoed by attorney Paul Moss, who on Monday said the Bahamas’ failure to hold a public inquiry into CLICO (Bahamas) collapse meant “there’s room for it to happen again”. Mr Moss, who represents several former CLICO (Bahamas) staff members, told this newspaper that the Government and financial services regulators had shown they were unwilling to learn any lessons from the insurer’s insolvency through the

Bethany Butler was found stabbed to death Oct. 27, 2014. Her mother is on trial for the murder.

Cayman Islands trial begins for mother accused of killing daughter CLICO Bahamas Limited collapsed back in 2009, financially affecting some 30,000 people including more than 100 employees. Over the last seven years those affected have staged several protests.

failure to investigate its demise. And Branville McCartney, the Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader, questioned where the Government would find the promised $16 million, given that it had not been included in the original 2015-2016 Budget. Mr Christie, in his House of Assembly address, confirmed that the ‘rescue plan’ will be structured along lines first revealed by Tribune Business in late June 2015. Asserting that all former CLICO (Bahamas) clients will be made “whole”, the Prime Minister

explained that all remaining life and health insurance policyholders, who are current with their premium payments, will be transferred to a newly-created special purpose vehicle (SPV). The SPV will effectively assume CLICO (Bahamas) insurance operations until a purchaser for the remaining policy portfolio can be found. The insolvent insurer’s Executive Flexible Premium Annuity (EFPA) holders, and surrendered pension policies, will receive a cash payment capped at $10,000.

Bahamas may be ‘failed state within 10 years’ THE Bahamas risks becoming “a failed state in less than 10 years” because around 70% of its population “will be challenged” to obtain wellpaying jobs due to educational under-achievement. A newly-formed civil society group, the Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG), warns that this “educational imbalance” has created an unhealthy ‘wealth gap’ in Bahamian society. Its position paper on the issue, released on Friday, warns that a largely “semi-literate and seminumerate” Bahamian workforce lacks upward mobility, while undermining productivity and restricting gross domestic product (economic) growth. Based on 2012 BGCSE data, the ORG said that just 1,281 out of 7,117 students tested, achieved ‘A’ or ‘B’ grades. This, it warned, translated into just 18 per cent of high school leavers being suitably qualified for higher education. And, with the ‘brain drain’

stemming from a lack of economic opportunity at home, the ORG position paper added that this further undermined the prospects for “sustaining strong economic growth”. The ORG position paper has been released ahead of the organisation’s planned ‘launch’ at a March 17 ‘think-tank’ conference at the British Colonial Hilton. Its goals include a fundamental overhaul of the way the Bahamas is governed, as it believes “systemic weaknesses” in this area are now causing this nation to its competitiveness and economic standing in the world. Tribune Business understands that ORG’s founders include several well-known Bahamian businessmen, including former Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) heads, Robert Myers and Dionisio D’Aguilar. Mr Myers focused heavily on ways to address the Bahamas’ education deficiencies while at the Chamber,

so it is perhaps little surprise that the ORG plans to take up the issue. Based on the 2012 BGCSE data, the ORG’s position paper said 3,986 or 56 per cent of the candidates tested “lack cognitive skills and suitability for general employment” because they obtained ‘D’ grades or less. And, adding in the 1,892 difference between the number of students who sat BJCs and BGCSEs, the ORG paper said 5,877 - or 65 per cent - of annual high school leavers were “challenged to obtain middle income employment”. This means that close to seven out of every 10 Bahamians leave mandatory education without the skills necessary to fully participate in the global economy. And less than one in five Bahamians are capable of going on to a college degree. It added that the picture would likely be far worse if the Bahamas’ private schools were separated from their public counterparts, as the former accounts for 10,000 or just 18 per cent of students.

PROSECUTORS say Tamara Butler stabbed her 6-year-old daughter dozens of times in their family home, opening the case against the wife of a high-ranking Royal Cayman Islands Police Service officer. The Crown laid out its case Tuesday in the first day of a four-day judge-alone trial of Butler for the October 2014 killing. Police found Butler before dawn on Oct. 27, 2014, standing on a beach in East End. The body of her daughter Bethany was in the front seat of a nearby car, covered with a blue comforter. Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryll Richards told the court that she plans to present forensic, DNA and blood spatter evidence proving that Butler killed her daughter that night. She said the young girl had dozens of stab wounds to her head, neck, chest and back. There were “pools of blood” in the house, and footprints in the blood showed that the girl had gone behind the bed to

the space between the headboard and the wall. Ms. Richards said the evening before the child died, Butler had decided to shave her daughter’s head, but her husband, Lenford Butler, stepped in and stopped her. Mr. Butler had to work at George Town Police Station at midnight that night, so before he left their Savannah home, he gave his daughter his cellphone and put 911 on speed dial, showing her how to call in case of an emergency. The child locked herself in the master bedroom when her father left. She did not call. But, the prosecutor said, there was an attempted 911 call from the phone at about 10:38 p.m. Ms. Richards told the court that before 5 a.m., two patrol officers in East End, unaware of what Mr. Butler had found, came across the defendant’s car parked along the highway in East End.

Seventeen die in Guyana prison fire

Prisoners protested for three days last week in the Georgetown prison. (AP Photo)

SEVENTEEN high profile criminals were last week burnt to death from a fire lit in the capital section of the Georgetown Prison in Guyana. It was one of the worst prison incidents in the South American nation. Reports from local newspapers indicate that the fire was started by the prisoners in protest of being searched for contraband last Thursday morning. In objection, while being moved, some rushed into an empty room and barricaded the door from the prison officers, and

then one of them is believed to have lit a mattress. Officers could not open the iron door in time. Sixteen of the 17 prisoners died at the prison, while the other died at a city hospital. Most of the prisoners who perished had committed murders or were involved in high profile robberies. The three-day prison conflict ended on Friday after government officials held meetings with the prisoners and granted several requests.

March 12 - 18, 2016

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Pregnant woman fourth person in Jamaica to die of swine flu-related illness

Canada is looking to replace the bulk of troops on the ground from Brazil with its own troops.

Canada expected to takeover Haiti peacekeeping CANADA is planning to take over command of the UN stabilisation mission in Haiti and replace the bulk of troops on the ground from Brazil with its own, according to a report Wednesday. During a visit to Ottawa by UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon last month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signaled his willingness to renew Canada’s engagement on the world stage, including increasing its participation in UN peacekeeping missions. There are currently 36 Canadian soldiers deployed on UN peacekeeping missions in Haiti, Jerusalem, South Sudan, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Korea, down from a reported 3,000 at its peak in 1993. French speakers in the Canadian

military, Trudeau said in February, are in demand in hotspots in some former French or Belgian colonies, including Haiti and the Central African Republic. In addition to expressing a desire for a seat on the Security Council, the prime minister said he wanted Canada to play a larger role in preventing and mediating global conflicts, as well as post-war reconstruction. According to the daily Le Devoir, Canada wants to send 1,000 to 2,000 police officers and soldiers to Haiti to shore up security in the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere, and take over command of the UN mission from Brazil after its mission mandate expires in October. Canadian officials were not immediately available to comment.

CARICOM lobbies Portugal for support on tax concerns AS the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) continues to lobby for the removal of member states from the list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has raised the issue with newly accredited Ambassador of Portugal to CARICOM Fernando Teles Fazendeiro, seeking his country’s support. Portugal is among several European countries that have deemed some CARICOM nations as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, even as the member states insist they are in compliance with standards established by the Financial Action Task Force (FAFT), the Global Forum and other international bodies. Ambassador LaRocque told the Portuguese envoy that the Community was gravely affected by the listing, as financial services were of vital economic importance to CARICOM, and there were implications for its efforts at growth.

“It would certainly be a step in the right direction if this unjust and unfair action be rescinded,” the Secretary-General said at the new Ambassador’s accreditation ceremony at the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana. He said CARICOM would also welcome Portugal’s advocacy on the swift implementation of the 2030 Development Agenda, ensuring sensitivity towards small states, and the provision of financing for development. Ambassador LaRocque said CARICOM also wanted support for global efforts to implement the most ambitious possible climate change targets, particularly pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. He further sought support for CARICOM’s effort to stem the trend toward graduation of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from access to concessionary financing. (Caribbean360)

A WOMAN who was pregnant with twins has been recorded as the fourth patient to die from swine flu-related illness in less than a month. The 29-year-old woman, said to be carrying twins, died at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). The first person to die from H1N1related complications was a 50-yearold female doctor. A 49-year-old woman died the following week and, a few days later, an 84-year-old woman became the third victim to succumb. All the victims had other complications, including lung and heart-related illnesses. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Winston De La Haye is pleading with people at high risk for severe complications from flu to be extra vigilant and take steps to prevent infection. “Patients in the high risk groups usually have other illnesses made worse by the infection or a compromised immune system. We generally see the greatest effects in persons with non-communicable diseases, such as heart and lung related illnesses and respiratory diseases such as asthma,” he explained.

Four persons, including a mother said to be carrying twins, have died over the last few weeks in Jamaica.

Persons in the high risk group include children under five years old, pregnant women, the elderly, persons with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, asthma, and those with a compromised immune system. “Persons in the high risk group are at a greater risk of being severely affected if they get the flu virus. These persons therefore need to be extra cautious by observing proper hygiene practices and taking other measures to prevent infection,” De La Haye said, adding that they should

also seek medical help if they begin to notice flu symptoms, since it is important that treatment is initiated early so that there is a greater chance of recovery. Influenza is a viral respiratory illness with symptoms that include fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza viruses are mainly spread from person to person through droplets produced while coughing or sneezing or by persons touching surfaces contaminated with droplets. (Caribbean360)

Thirty five year old guilty of killing 15-year-old girlfriend in the Bahamas A MAN was found guilty on Tuesday of murdering his 15-yearold girlfriend Alexis Smith, who was shot to death outside a sports bar in Eight Mile Rock two years ago. A Bahamas Supreme Court jury deliberated for about an hour and a half before returning around 5pm on Tuesday with the unanimous 12-0 verdict. Basil Black, 35, who stutters, represented himself at trial and denied killing Smith. He has claimed that he was framed. A sentencing hearing is set for 9.30am on Thursday in the Supreme Court. Smith was at the Platinum Sports Bar with Black and some friends on March 29, 2014 and in the early morning hours of March 30 when she was shot in the head. Before the jury retired around 3pm, Justice Estelle Gray Evans during her summation told jurors that before they can convict the accused of murder, they must be satisfied that he intentionally caused the death of the 15-year-old. She noted that the prosecution had brought three eyewitnesses, who gave evidence that they saw Black, in the early hours of March 30, pull a

Friends and family of Alexis Smith celebrate after Basil Black is found guilty of the 15-year-old’s murder. (Photo Tribune242/Vandyke Hepburn)

silver gun from his pocket and shoot Smith in the back of the head. The witnesses all testified that they knew Black. Justice Evans also noted that Dr Mandy Pedican, who performed the autopsy, told of severe injuries that Smith had sustained from a gunshot to the head. She removed a projectile from the victim’s head and noted that due to the severity of a laceration and haemorrhage in the brain, Smith could not have survived for very long after being shot. During Justice Evans’ summation, it was noted that the three prosecution eyewitnesses had also identified Black in a police photo line-up as the shooter after he had refused to

participate in a police ID parade. Three separate photo line-ups were conducted with Black’s photo placed in different positions among a line-up of 12 individuals. “You must be satisfied that the photo line-up was fair,” she told jurors. She also noted that Black had tested positive for gunpowder residue on his hands. The samples were sent to a lab in San Antonio, Texas, where an expert conducted the test. The expert gave video evidence in court from Texas, and concluded that the residue found on the defendant meant that the accused had either discharged a firearm, had handled a gun that was fired, or had been in close proximity of one.

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

Cosby’s wife Camille takes defensive tactics in deposition CAMILLE Cosby clearly didn’t like the hot seat. The wife of embattled comedian Bill Cosby comes off as doggedly tight-lipped and defensive in a 15-page snapshot of her recent deposition in a libel lawsuit brought by seven accusers. The excerpt was released by Cosby’s lawyers Tuesday as they try to convince a judge that the civil lawsuit should be put on hold pending his felony prosecution in Pennsylvania. It focuses on several exchanges between Camille and plaintiff’s lawyer Joseph Cammarata in a Springfield, Mass., hotel on Feb. 22. The two spar repeatedly over her knowledge of the Andrea Constand case that underpins Cosby’s pending felony charges. Constand’s accusations that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her at his suburban Philadelphia mansion in 2004 are the basis for the criminal charges filed Dec. 30 against Cosby in Montgomery County. Camille Cosby claimed under questioning by Cammarata that she never read the civil complaint Constand filed against Cosby in 2005. She testified that the only details she knew about the case came directly from her husband and a lawyer. “I don’t remember,” she answered

“The Passion”, which will be narrated by Tyler Perry will be aired live March 20 on Fox.

Camille Cosby claimed that she never read the civil complaint filed by Andrea Constand in 2005.

repeatedly when asked for details on when and where she heard about the case. She said she was aware her husband was deposed a decade ago but declined to give specifics on whether the couple discussed the testimony. Sections of Cosby’s Constand depositions that were released last year revealed he admitted under oath that he obtained Quaaludes to give to women he found sexually attractive. “Have you discussed your

husband’s deposition testimony with your husband?” Cammarata asked Camille Cosby. “I don’t want to answer that,” she replied. “Well, you can’t not,” Cammarata said. “That is communication between me and my husband,” she shot back. “Okay. Well, you don’t get that privilege to just tell me … that you’re not going to answer,” the lawyer replied.

Viola Beach Stockholm crash driver may have ‘acted deliberately’ SWEDISH police believe the driver in a car crash that killed four members of indie band Viola Beach and their manager may have “acted deliberately”. Band members Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Jack Dakin and Tomas Lowe died outside Stockholm on 13 February along with manager Craig Tarry, 33. The car crashed through a barrier on a bridge and fell 80ft (24m). Police said the driver’s actions appear deliberate, but they can’t be sure if he meant to crash the car. Investigators in Stockholm said the driver went past red lights and barriers - without signs of heavy braking - before plunging off a lifting road bridge into a canal. A Stockholm police spokesman said: “It looks like he tried to drive past red lights, barriers. “All the witnesses thought it looked like he was trying to drive past... there weren’t supposed to be cars on the left. ‘It is a possibility he deliberately crashed the car, but he may have misunderstood the signs. “[It is] still subject to investigation and we are still waiting for results of

Perry to narrate modern-day version of ‘The Passion’ New Orleans is famous for its processions, but on Palm Sunday, Tyler Perry and a host of stars will take things to a new level with a live, modern-day portrayal of the last hours of Jesus’ life on Earth. “The Passion” will be aired live March 20 on Fox. The network says it “will follow the dramatic and inspirational story of Jesus of Nazareth, as he presides over the Last Supper, and then is betrayed by Judas, put on trial by Pontius Pilate, convicted, crucified and resurrected.” Trisha Yearwood will portray Mary, Chris Daughtry will play the role of Judas, and Seal will be Pilate while actor and singer Jencarlos Canela will portray Jesus.

Producers are also recruiting ordinary people to help carry a large illuminated cross through the city’s streets. Perry, who will narrate, said he wanted to be a part of the project “because I was shocked to find out how many people in this country don’t know the story of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.” “The Passion is about love, inclusion and compassion for all mankind,” he said Tuesday onFacebook. “It’s for believers and also nonbelievers. It’s for all faiths and all backgrounds. This story doesn’t just belong to one group, it belongs to humanity. Love, forgiveness and compassion, those are things that are universal to us all.”

New J.K. Rowling story earns ire of Native Americans

The four-piece Warrington-based band was officially formed in May last year.

technical investigation too.” Police confirmed the driver, who has not been identified, had no traces of alcohol or drugs and said it would have been very difficult to pass two lines of parked cars if he was asleep. They said there were no reports of heavy braking and the driver may not have been aware there was a raised bridge ahead. The car, carrying the four members of the band and their

manager, was recovered from the canal under the E4 highway bridge in Sodertalje, Sweden. In the week after the accident, the band reached number one in the iTunes chart following a social media campaign backed by Oasis singer Liam Gallagher and Tim Burgess from The Charlatans. A concert in the band’s memory at Warrington’s Parr Hall on 2 April has now sold out.

THE first story of J.K. Rowling’s “History of Magic in North America” has inflamed some members of Native American communities. The story, which chronicles wizarding from the 14th to the 17th centuries, was criticised for lumping all Native Americans into one group, appropriating their stories and “completely re-writing these traditions,” in the words of Cherokee scholar-blogger Adrienne Keene. In Rowling’s story, published on the Pottermore website, wizards existed among Native American tribes, though some faced the same scrutiny and stigmatization as their European peers. Some were “skin walkers,” people who could change into animal form, like the Animagi in Rowling’s Harry Potter novels.

JK Rowling’s new story portrays wizards in Native American tribes.

“It’s not ‘your’ world. It’s our (real) Native world. And skin walker stories have context, roots, and reality,” Keene wrote. Navajo writer Brian Young added, “My ancestors didn’t survive colonization so you could use our culture as a convenient prop.”

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment Actress Garner says movie role had on her faith ACTRESS Jennifer Garner recently revealed that her starring role in the new film “Miracles from Heaven” has bolstered her faith, leading her and her family to start attending a Methodist church each week. And in a recent interview with the Christian Post, Garner further explained how playing the role of Christy Beam — a mother whose daughter, Annabel, survived a harrowing, real-life ordeal during which she was trapped for hours inside of a hollowed-out tree — truly changed her. “Christy is such a strong woman and she’s been tested by fire,” Garner said. “There is no fire like having a child who’s ill, who’s suffering and this role changed me because it gave me a sense of that perspective, that I was pretending and that she had gone through something for real and people are still going through.” Even after wrapping the film, Garner said that the lessons she learned have stayed with her “as a constant reminder” of a variety of themes, including the absolute power of a mother’s love. And after revealing that she’s now attending church again each

Thirteen books are nominated for the Man Booker International Prize 2016.

‘Anonymous’ author on international Man Booker longlist

Starring in the drama “Miracles from Heaven” has bolstered the faith of actress Jennifer Garner.

week as a result of the film, the actress said that she’s also hoping to see “Miracles From Heaven” increase viewers’ faith as well. “I will be so thrilled if it lifts people’s hearts in that way, if it asks anyone to re-examine their own faith and their own beliefs, that would be the pie in the sky for me. I can’t think of anything better,” she told the Christian Post. As TheBlaze previously

reported, Garner grew up going to church every week — a practice that she said halted when she made her way to Tinseltown. But she recently told an audience during a Q&A following the film’s Dallas premiere that her role “Miracles From Heaven” changed all that, leading her and her children to start going to a local Methodist church again.

Sir George Martin, the ‘fifth Beatle,’ dies RECORD producer Sir George Martin, known as the “fifth Beatle”, has died, aged 90. His family thanked “everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support” after his death at home on Tuesday, his manager said. Beatles drummer Ringo Starr broke the news on Twitter and led tributes, saying Sir George “will be missed”. Sir George signed The Beatles and produced more than 700 records. He also worked with artists including Gerry and the Pacemakers, Dame Shirley Bassey and Cilla Black. “I have so many wonderful memories of this great man that will be with me forever,” said Sir Paul McCartney in a statement on his website. “He was a true gentleman and like a second father to me. He guided the career of The Beatles with such skill and good humour that he became a true friend to me and my family. If anyone earned the title of the fifth Beatle it was George. “From the day that he gave The Beatles our first recording contract, to the last time I saw him, he was

Ringo Starr (left) and Sir George Martin share the stage at the 2008 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

the most generous, intelligent and musical person I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.” Manager Adam Sharp said: “The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support. “In a career that spanned seven decades, he was an inspiration to many and is recognised globally as one of music’s most creative talents. He was a true gentleman to the end.”

A carpenter’s son from Holloway in north London, Sir George helped The Beatles achieve global success as the head of the Parlophone record label after hearing their demo tape in 1962. He took them from their mop-top pop recordings of the early 1960s to the psychedelia of Sergeant Pepper. In his lifetime, he won multiple Grammy awards and an Academy Award for the score to A Hard Day’s Night.

A BEST-SELLING author who writes under a pseudonym has been longlisted for the Man Booker International Prize. Italian Elena Ferrante is nominated for The Story of the Lost Child, the last of her “Neapolitan” series of novels. Among the other 12 authors on the longlist is Orhan Pamuk - who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2006. A shortlist of six books will be unveiled on 14 April, with each nominated author and translator receiving £1,000. The winning book will then receive a £50,000 prize - divided equally between the author and the book’s translator. The winner will be announced

on 16 May at a formal dinner at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Ferrante’s biography in the longlist announcement reads: “Elena Ferrante was born in Naples. This is all we know about her... [she] has stayed resolutely out of public view.” The author has previously stated her belief that “books, once they are written, have no need of their authors”. Her anonymity has not stopped her from gaining high profile fans such as Zadie Smith and Alice Sebold. Ferrante’s debut novel Troubling Love was published in 1991, but it is her “Neopolitan” series of four books - The Story of The Lost Child being the final instalment - that has been her biggest success.

Kesha’s mum details years of abuse by Dr. Luke: he ‘almost destroyed us’ KESHA‘S mother Rosemary Patricia “Pebe” Sebert has given a tell-all interview about her daughter and the years of abuse she allegedly endured working with producer Dr. Luke. “She was a prisoner. It was like someone who beats you every day and hangs you from a chain and then comes in and gives you a piece of bread. Luke would say, ‘You look nice today,’ and send her into hysterics of happiness because she was programmed to expect nothing but abuse,” Pebe told Billboard about her 29-year-old daughter. “Kesha’s allowed to work with another producer. But Luke gets to approve them. He gets to approve of anyone she works with. He has final say over everything….Luke almost destroyed us. And he has done it intentionally.” “I wanted Kesha to come forward a long time ago and end this relationship with Dr. Luke immediately after the [alleged] rape. But if she wanted to have a shot at the music business, she had no choice but [to work with him],” Pebe stated about why Kesha continued to work with Dr. Luke. “He saw her as a cash cow

Kesha’s mum claims she was a prisoner to rape accused Dr. Luke.

and started manipulating her all the time. She thought all her dreams were finally coming true, but this was just a f–ing trip to hell.” “Bulimia is a control issue,” Pebe continued about Kesha‘s downward spiral. “I really believe that the further this thing got with Dr. Luke, the less control she had and the worse her bulimia got, because it was the only thing [that gave her] control.” Pebe details one incident where Dr. Luke called Kesha a “fat f–ing refrigerator.”

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

Science & Technology ‘Stunning’ operation regenerates eye’s lens A PIONEERING procedure to regenerate the eye has successfully treated children with cataracts in China. More than half of all cases of blindness are caused by cataracts the clouding of the eye’s lens. An implanted lens is normally needed to restore sight, but the operation described in Nature activated stem cells in the eye to grow a new one. Experts describe the breakthrough as one of the finest achievements in regenerative medicine. The lens sits just behind the pupil and focuses light on to the retina. About 20 million people are blind because of cataracts, which become more common with age although some children are born with them. Conventional treatment uses ultrasound to soften and break up the lens, which is then flushed out. An artificial intraocular lens must then be implanted back into the eye, but this can result in complications, particularly in children. The technique developed by scientists at the Sun Yat-sen University and the University of California, San Diego removes the cloudy cataract from inside the lens via a tiny incision. Crucially it leaves the outer surface - called the lens capsule intact. This structure is lined with lens epithelial stem cells, which normally repair damage. The scientists hoped that

There are only a handful of known cases worldwide of heteropaternal superfecundation.

Vietnam twins found to have different fathers in rare case Experts describe the breakthrough as one of the finest achievements in regenerative medicine.

preserving them would regenerate the lens. The team reported that tests on rabbits and monkeys were successful, so the approach was trialled in 12 children. Within eight months the regenerated lens was back to the same size as normal. Dr Kang Zhang, one of the researchers, told the BBC News website: “This is the first time an entire lens has been regenerated. The children were operated on in China and they continue to be doing very well with normal vision.” It also showed a dramatically lower complication rate “by almost every measure, supporting the superiority of the treatment”. However, he says larger trials are needed before it should become the

standard treatment for patients. The procedure was tried in children because their lens epithelial stem cells are more youthful and more able to regenerate than in older patients. Yet the overwhelming majority of cataracts are in the elderly. Dr Zhang says tests have already started on older pairs of eyes and says the early research “looks very encouraging”. Commenting on the findings, Prof Robin Ali from the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, said the work was “stunning”. He told the BBC News website: “This new approach offers greatly improved prospects for the treatment of paediatric cataracts as it results in regeneration of a normal lens that grows naturally.”

TWO Vietnamese fraternal twins have been confirmed to have different fathers, a local genetic association has told the BBC. The twins had their DNA tested after their family noticed they looked different, said local reports. The occurrence, known as heteropaternal superfecundation, is rare with few publicly known about. It happens when a woman’s eggs are fertilised by two men within a short period of time. Professor Le Dinh Luong, president of the Hanoi-based Vietnam Genetic Association which did the DNA testing, said the results were “100% correct” in what he called “an extremely rare case”. “There are only less than 10 known cases of twins with different fathers in the world. There might be other cases but

the parents and/or the twins were not aware of it or didn’t want to announce it,” he told the BBC’s Nga Pham. He declined to give further details citing client confidentiality, but added that local reports stating the twins’ location, names and timeframe were inaccurate. Vietnamese news outlets began reporting on the case earlier this month, saying that relatives had noticed that one of the twins looked markedly different from its sibling and parents. ‘Superfecundation’ refers to the fertilisation of multiple eggs from separate acts of intercourse, and ‘heteropaternal’ means they are fertilised by more than one father It can happen when a woman produces multiple eggs in one ovulation period and they are fertilised by different men within a few days.

Meat eating accelerated face evolution Eating raw meat and making stone tools may be behind the smaller teeth and faces of humans compared with their ancient relatives. Meat and tools, not the advent of cooking, was the trigger that freed early humans to develop a smaller chewing apparatus, a study suggests. This in turn may have allowed other changes, such as improved speech and even shifts in the size of the brain. The authors conclude that cooking became commonplace much later. Prof Daniel Lieberman and Dr Katherine Zink from Harvard University have published their work in the journal Nature. The earliest members of our genus, Homo, are only sparsely represented in the fossil record. By the time the species Homo erectus appeared about two million years ago, humans had evolved bigger brains and bodies that

Early humans reduced the need for big chewing muscles by incorporating meat into their diets.

had increased our daily energy requirements. But paradoxically, they had also evolved smaller teeth, as well as weaker chewing muscles and bite

force. They also had a smaller gut than earlier human ancestors. One of the possible reasons for these changes, cooking, did not become commonplace until

500,000 years ago, the researchers found. This means that it probably did not play a significant role in the evolution of smaller chewing muscles and teeth. “If you were to go and spend time with chimpanzees, you’d find that they spend.. about half of their day chewing,” said Prof Lieberman. “At some point in human evolution, there was a shift - we started to eat less. This shift is made possible by two factors: we eat a much higher quality diet than our ancestors, but we also eat food that has been heavily processed.” The scientists evaluated chewing performance by feeding adult experimental subjects samples of meat, and the kind of vegetables our early ancestors might have consumed before incorporating meat into their diets. They measured the muscular effort required for chewing and how

well the food was broken up before swallowing. The findings suggest that by eating a diet of one-third meat, and using stone tools to process the food - slicing the meat and pounding the plant material - early humans would have needed to chew 17% less often and 26% less forcefully. In their paper, Lieberman and Zink argue: “We further surmise that meat eating was largely dependent on mechanical processing made possible by the invention of slicing technology. “Meat requires less masticatory force to chew per calorie than the sorts of generally tough plant foods available to early hominins, but the ineffectiveness of hominin molars to break raw meat would have limited the benefits of consuming meat before the invention of stone tools approximately 3.3 million years ago.” (BBC)

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

Most EU citizens want UK to remain, study suggests VOTERS in six European Union countries are overwhelmingly in favour of Britain remaining in the 28-nation bloc – but if it votes to leave, many also feel the UK should be punished by exclusion from the single market. According to a study of 8,000 voters in Germany, France, Poland, Ireland, Spain and Sweden by the University of Edinburgh and a German thinktank, a clear majority in all six states hope Britain votes to stay in the EU. But less than half the electorate in Germany, the EU’s largest economy, feel the UK should be allowed to continue benefiting from barrierfree trade in the single market in the event of a Brexit, a view shared by a quarter of those in France and nearly one in three in Spain. People in Poland were the most sympathetic, with 50% supporting Britain’s continued presence in the single market after a Brexit, a view shared by 41% in Ireland, while those in Sweden are less convinced. With Britain set to hold a referendum on its EU membership on 23 June, it remains unclear what relationship the country would have with the union were Brexit to prevail. Support for Britain’s continued membership of the union itself is strongest in Poland, Spain and

Young men point out the spot on a roof where a teenage girl was found after being allegedly raped and then set on fire in Greater Noida, India (AFP Photo/)

The majority in six member states hope Britain stays in EU, but less than half think Brexit should be allowed access to the single market.

Ireland, where eight out of ten back Britain to remain. It is lowest in France, where just more than one in two (56%) want the UK to stay in. The overriding consensus among Europe’s voters is that Britain in the EU is good for both the UK and the EU. That view is most widely held by those in Ireland, for whom the UK is its strongest trading partner. The Irish prime minister, Enda Kenny, recently warned Brexit could pose a risk to peace in Northern Ireland. In Germany, Poland and Spain, even among those who feel EU membership is negative for Britain, 40% think Britain should vote to stay. The report’s authors said this could be because of a greater commitment

towards European solidarity in these countries. Many of those surveyed wanted to see some of the reforms negotiated last month by David Cameron adapted to their countries: most voters in Ireland and France, for example, favour reducing migrants’ access to benefits. But a majority in every country were opposed to the UK having any kind of special status. “Our survey shows a willingness to reform the EU, but less so for an individual country to gain exceptional treatment,” said the report’s author, Dr Jan Eichhorn of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Science.

Clinton runs ahead of Trump in polls, Sanders does even better DONALD Trump is getting a cool reception outside the hothouse of the Republican presidential contest, and runs well behind Hillary Clinton in two new trial heat polls on the November election. Clinton is ahead by a 50-41 percent margin in a new ABC News/ Washington Post survey, and leads Trump by 51-38 percent in a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal national poll. The NBC/Journal poll gives a hint of Clinton’s political baggage. The less known Sen. Bernie Sanders leads Trump by a 55-37 percent margin. The ABC/Post survey shows that Clinton would win support from women, minorities, youthful voters and voters with college degrees. For instance, Clinton is ahead by 21 points among women while Trump is up five points among men. Clinton has a 15 point, 52-37 percent lead among the college educated, while Trump is ahead 57-33 percent with voters who did not graduate from college. Curiously, Clinton enjoys a

Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton: Both have big leads over Donald Trump in new national ABC/Washington Post and NBC/Wall Street Journal polls. (Photo Credits: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

big lead among voters under 40, a constituency she has been losing to Sanders in Democratic primaries. The Republicans’ debates have been raucous, with flying personal accusations and even a reference by Trump to his male endowment. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson told a briefing on Wednesday morning that he will not allow his 8-year-old twins to watch the verbal fisticuffs. The dignity-challenged GOP debates may have reflected

positively on President Obama, who has emphasized cool (“No drama Obama”) through his political career. The ABC/Post poll gives Obama an overall approval of 51 percent, with 43 percent disapproving the nation’s 44th president. It is Obama’s lowest disapproval figure since the spring of 2013. As well, 48 percent of those surveyed said the country has gotten better during Obama’s presidency, compared to 43 percent who answered worse.

Indian teen dies after being raped and set on fire A 16-year-old Indian girl who was raped and then set on fire on the roof of her home has died, police said Wednesday, the latest in a string of horrific sexual crimes in India. The teenager, who sustained more than 90 percent burns in Monday’s attack, died in hospital early Wednesday, the investigating officer told AFP. “Unfortunately she could not be saved despite the best efforts of the medical staff,” said Ashwani Kumar. “We have arrested the accused, who is 19 years old and sent him to judicial custody. “An investigation is on to find out more about the motive and details of the crime,” he said. The accused has been charged

with a slew of offences including rape and murder, Kumar said. “The body has been sent for postmortem. We are waiting for the report.” Media reports quoted the girl’s father as saying the suspect lived nearby in their village in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and that he had been harassing his daughter for a year despite several warnings. Women’s rights activists accuse police of often overlooking complaints of stalking, which they say only emboldens the perpetrators. The fatal gang-rape of a student on a bus in Delhi in 2012 shone a global spotlight on the frightening levels of violence against women in India.

Survey claims ‘two thirds of UK women’ harassed ALMOST two-thirds of women in the UK have had unwanted sexual attention in public places, a survey by YouGov has suggested. Out of 889 women asked, 64% said they had experienced some form of sexual harassment, with 35% saying they had suffered “unwanted sexual touching”. The survey was commissioned by the End Violence Against Women Coalition. Sarah Green, the coalition’s acting director, said sexual harassment was “an everyday experience” in the UK. The survey was published by the coalition of women’s organisations to coincide with International Women’s Day. The survey suggested that, of those who suffered unwanted sexual attention, more than a quarter were under 16 the first time it happened, and more than 75% were under 21. Of the 106 women aged 1824 who were surveyed, 85% said they had experienced unwanted sexual attention in public and 45% had experienced unwanted sexual touching. Unwanted sexual attention can

include instances of wolf-whistling, sexual comments being made, staring, and indecent exposure. The survey also suggested that 63% of women felt unsafe in public places, compared to 45% of men who were also polled. Of the women asked, 42% said they would pay for taxis to avoid public transport on a night out, while 42% would take a different route home if it made them feel safer. Those responding to the survey called for more police (53%), better street lighting (38%), and more staff on public transport (38%). Ms Green said women and girls “learn to deal with” sexual harassment, but added: “It’s time to hold a mirror up to it and challenge it. “Girls and young women are growing up in the UK today being exposed to unwanted sexual attention, harassment and assault. “They are learning to change their behaviour so they can manage these incidents because they are so regular. We need to really question any idea that this behaviour is trivial or in any way acceptable given what we can see about its impact.” (BBC)

March 12 - 18, 2016

World News

Pro-gun activist is accidentally shot by 4-year-old son A FLORIDA woman known for a strong pro-gun stance was shot, accidentally, by her 4-year-old son, authorities said. Jamie Gilt, 31, was taken to a hospital after the Tuesday shooting, and is believed to be in stable condition. A Putnam County Sheriff’s deputy was on patrol when he noticed a truck stopped partially in the travel lanes and a woman in the driver’s seat motioning for help. The only other occupant in the vehicle was the boy, who was not harmed. “She was sitting in the driver seat and he was in the back seat, behind her. He shot straight through. The bullet entered her lower back and exited through her abdominal area. It went through her and we recovered the round inside the vehicle. It was a .45 caliber (handgun),” Capt. Joseph Wells said. Authorities said the firearm was legally owned by Gilt, who maintained a Facebook page entitled “Jamie Gilt for Gun Sense,” where she regularly posted pro-gun positions. On her personal Facebook page, Gilt once bragged about her

Jamie Gilt once bragged that: “Even my 4 year old gets jacked up to target shoot with the .22.”

son: “Even my 4 year old gets jacked up to target shoot with the .22.” Both pages appeared to have been taken down by Wednesday afternoon. Detectives have not yet been able to interview Gilt because of her medical condition. Florida law makes it a misdemeanor for a person to store or leave a loaded firearm in such a way that a child could gain access to it. Authorities said they won’t make a decision on charges until they can speak with the woman.

Former U.S. first lady Nancy Reagan dies at 94 NANCY Reagan, the former actress who was fiercely protective of husband Ronald Reagan through a Hollywood career, eight years in the White House, an assassination attempt and her husband’s Alzheimer’s disease, died on Sunday at age 94. The cause of death was congestive heart failure, said a spokeswoman for the Reagan presidential library. She died at her Los Angeles home. “She is once again with the man she loved,” her stepson Michael Reagan wrote on Twitter. Reagan became one of the most influential first ladies in U.S. history during her Republican husband’s presidency from 1981 to 1989. Her husband, who affectionately called her “Mommy” while she called him “Ronnie,” died in 2004 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, the progressive brain disorder that destroys memory. As news of Nancy Reagan’s death spread, tributes poured in from Washington to Hollywood. President Barack Obama, a Democrat, and first lady Michelle Obama said Nancy Reagan redefined the role of first lady. “Nancy Reagan once wrote that nothing could prepare you for living in the White House,” the Obamas wrote in a joint statement on Sunday.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Janner sexually abused children for 33 years, public inquiry hears LATE peer Lord Janner allegedly began sexually abusing children as far back as 1955, a public inquiry has heard. The peer died in December aged 87, soon after he was found unfit to stand trial over abuse claims, owing to dementia. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse was told Lord Janner abused children over a 33year period, arranging for those “in whom he had a sexual interest” to be brought to the Houses of Parliament. His family denies the allegations. The inquiry, chaired by Dame Lowell Goddard, will be the biggest in British history. It is set to last for five years and has a budget of £17.9m for this financial year alone. Lord Janner’s case is one of 13 areas it will initially focus on. Speaking at the first preliminary hearing, counsel to the inquiry Ben Emmerson QC said: “The allegations in summary are that Greville Janner exploited children and perpetrated a full range of sexual offences against them, including what would now be termed in English law as rape. “In relation to a number of the complainants it is alleged that Janner abused his position as an MP by arranging for children in whom he had a sexual interest to be brought to the Houses of Parliament.” The offences are alleged to have taken place in children’s homes and hotels between 1955 and 1988 previously the oldest allegations to emerge against him dated back to the

Lord Janner is alleged to have committed the offences between 1955 and 1988.

late 1960s. Wednesday’s preliminary hearing was told that 17 complainants in the Janner case had been given core participant status in the inquiry, meaning they have the right to make statements, see documents and seek permission to ask questions. The inquiry has not received an application for core participant status from Lord Janner’s family. The hearing also heard submissions about the anonymity of some witnesses, and whether public hearings, due to begin in September, will be televised. Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders originally decided the peer should not be charged when the allegations emerged because he was suffering from dementia, but this was overturned by an independent review. A trial of the facts was due to take place at the Old Bailey, but was dropped when Lord Janner died. It would have heard evidence

from alleged victims, but decided only whether the ex-MP committed the physical acts of abuse - and would not have made a finding of guilt or a conviction. Referring to the Goddard inquiry as a whole, Mr Emmerson said: “The task is vast but critically important.” He continued: “Allegations of the involvement of politicians in child sexual abuse are reported on the one hand as evidence of a paedophile conspiracy... and on the other as evidence of a modern-day witch-hunt. “It is the role of this inquiry to move from the realms of rumour and speculation, allegation and counterallegation, to the assessment of objective facts.” He cited figures indicating that between April 2012 and March 2014 more than 50,000 children were identified as victims of sexual abuse, but said the true number may be as high as 450,000.

Pregnant Wisconsin woman shot dead by neighbour in dispute over loud music Nancy Reagan became one of the most influential first ladies in U.S. history during her Republican husband’s presidency from 1981 to 1989.

“She was right, of course. But we had a head start, because we were fortunate to benefit from her proud example, and her warm and generous advice.” Former first lady Barbara Bush said she and her husband, former President George H. W. Bush, who was vice president under Reagan, took comfort in knowing Nancy Reagan would be reunited with her husband, the late president. The Hollywood glitterati weighed in on social media, many of them grieving the passing of an icon they remembered having grown up in the Reagan era. (Reuters)

A MILWAUKEE woman is on the lam after cops say she shot and killed her pregnant neighbour and her unborn daughter following an argument about loud music. Shanika Minor, 24, is facing two counts of intentional homicide for the shooting death of her nine-month pregnant neighbour, Tamecca Perry, 23, and the fetus. The two women had fought a week prior about one of them blasting loud music and Minor “thought that the victim was disrespecting her,” the suspect’s mother told cops. Minor went over to Perry’s house a week later around 3 a.m. Sunday to settle the argument, brandishing a black firearm and an extended clip, according to the criminal complaint. Linda Minor, the suspect’s mother, attempted to break up the fight between the two women “trying to keep them separated” before

Shanika Minor, 24, fled the scene and is wanted by cops after the early Sunday shooting.

Minor raised the gun and pointed it at her pregnant neighbour. Perry’s two other small children “were running toward their mom” before her boyfriend stopped them, the complaint says—Minor fired

off three shots, one of which struck Perry in the chest. After she was shot, Perry attempted to run toward her boyfriend but collapsed in the dining room. Perry and her unborn baby girl could not be saved when emergency responders arrived to her house. Perry, known as Te Te, had been pregnant with her third child when she was killed and “was loved by everyone who knew her,” according to a GoFundMe page set up by her godmother to pay for funeral costs. “That’s all she talked about was her baby,” Perry’s sister told WISN News. “I want justice for my sister,” she said. “She didn’t deserve to be killed like that.” Police are still searching for Minor, who could face up to life in prison if convicted. (NYDailynews)

JOB LISTINGS SERVICES AUTO SALES REAL ESTATE

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

FLOWER GIRL

WANTED URGENTLY

FLORAL DESIGNER

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

Call: 231-3788

FOR SALE

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

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.

Assistant Spa Manager - The Assistant Spa Manager is responsible for assisting in the daily operations, management, and profitability of the spa, along with the highest level of customer service and quality work environment. • Must hold CIBTAC or related certification. Previous knowledge of SPASOFT/SALONIRIS and MBO software is preferred. • Must be a graduate from an accredited university with extensive experience of at least 3 years in a similar position with a reputed hotel. • Must have knowledge of spa therapies and ability to teach yoga and pilates that relate to the well being of all guests in a spa environment. • Must be able to perform therapies around the Pool and Beach area. (Excessive sun exposure) • Must have: good communication skills, flexibility to work hospitality shifts, PC skills, be a Team Player, self-motivated, punctual, professional and able to work under pressure. • Must speak and read English. Preferred with Asian/Gulf countries work experience. • Fluency in MS office; preferably Microsoft excel, outlook.

Spa Therapist • Must hold CIDESCO or CIBTAC certification. Previous knowledge of SPASOFT/SALONIRIS and MBO software is preferred. • Must be a graduate from an accredited university with extensive experience of at least 5 years with a reputed hotel/ chain or a luxury/Boutique Spa in massage, face therapy and nails. • Must have advanced knowledge of holistic therapy such as Reiki, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, bamboo therapy concepts that relate to the well being of all guests in a spa environment. • Must be certified esthetician and massage therapist. • Must have: good communication skills, flexibility to work hospitality shifts, PC skills, be a Team Player, self-motivated, punctual, professional. • Must speak and read English. Preferred with Asian/Gulf countries work experience. • Fluency in MS office specially Microsoft excel, outlook. Salary: Commission based

Housekeeping Supervisor

- Works with Room Attendants to ensure guest rooms and public areas are maintained to luxury standards. Assists in assigning staff daily tasks according to occupancy. Inspects work and coaches to develop consistent skills, assists in inventory and reporting. At least 2 years experience as luxury resort room attendant and supervisory experience preferred. PC skills required, Opera preferred, must have exceptional attention to detail and consistency in adhering to luxury standards. Servers - Provide guests with food and beverage service – restaurant, bar, room service, beach & pool. Able to work on feet all day, good math skill, experience in fine dining service an asset.

Steward - Clean, transport, store and generally maintain all kitchen cookware and restaurant service utensils. Clean floors, windows, walls, ceilings and equipment associated with Food & Beverage operation or as otherwise directed by supervisors.

Labourer - Must have experience in a resort, knowledge of cleaning process and attention to details. Transports, stores and generally maintain all of Food and Beverage areas.

Executive Sous Chef - Accountable for overall success of the daily kitchen operations. Exhibits culinary talents by personally performing tasks while leading the staff and managing all food related functions. Works to continually improve guest and employee satisfaction while maintaining the operating budget. Supervises all kitchen areas to ensure a consistent, high quality product is produced. Responsible for guiding and developing staff including direct reports. Must ensure sanitation and food standards are achieved.

Assistant Food and Beverage Director - Directs and supervises, under the direction of the Director of Food & Beverage, all aspects of the Food & Beverage operations for the resort, Stelle, The Beach Bar + Grill, Bar’s, In Room Dining and any private dining functions and events. Main responsibilities are to ensure proper training and supervision of team and to deliver prompt, courteous service in a manner that complies with

Gansevoort and Stelle standards. Supervises Middle Management, Servers, Server Assistants, Runners, Bartenders, Bar backs, Hostess and administrative personnel. The Assistant Director of Food and Beverage will be responsible for the effective administration, supervision and execution of programs consistent with the company standards and goals of providing excellent service while generating maximum revenue.

Resort Executive Chef - An executive chef will train and manage kitchen personnel and supervise/coordinate all related culinary activities; estimate food consumption and requisition or purchase food; select and develop recipes; standardize production recipes to ensure consistent quality; establish presentation technique and quality standards; plan and price menus; ensure proper equipment operation/maintenance; and ensure proper safety and sanitation in the kitchen. The Chef must have the ability to manage in a diverse environment with focus on client and customer service is essential to success in this role. Previous experience with control food and labor cost, demonstration cooking, menu development, and pricing and development of culinary team preferred. The ideal candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree or related culinary degree with eight or more years of industry and culinary management experience. Caribbean experience an asset.

HVAC Technician - Must be able to troubleshoot and repair different HVAC systems. Daikin system experience preferred. Troubleshoot and repair kitchen equipment. Troubleshoot and repair laundry equipment. Through proper data collection will create a preventive maintenance schedule for all electrical equipment, HVAC equipment and emergency generator. Must be able to work on electrical systems, reading and understanding blueprints. Troubleshoot and repair home appliances. Qualification: Must be a collage graduate with minimum 10 years experience in the HVAC field and hospitality field. Must be HVAC certified. Must be able to work with hand and power tools. Work on ladders and lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Must be able to work independently and have troubleshooting skills. To provide the guests and associates with a secure and comfortable environment by maintaining and ensuring that all mechanical systems are operating in accordance with the Gansevoort standards. Work in a safe and responsible manner to avoid accidents or injury.

Interested applicants can contact the Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm on (649)941-7555 ext. 6022/6016 or via email hr@wymara.com.

32 CLASSIFIEDS

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GRACEWAY SPORTS CENTRE Is looking to employ:

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Black belt in Qwan-Ki-Do • Over 10 years teaching experience • Certified in physical coaching and training

GYM MANAGER

To work 5 days per week and some weekends when needed salary $6.25 per hour

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Certified as a Personal Trainer and Group Trainer Minimum 7 years experience as a trainer and fitness instructor Degree in Sales/ Marketing and Business Communication Minimum 7 years of experience in running a business Proven results in managing companies in a successful and profitable manner Proficient in Microsoft application (Office Package), Photo Shop/ Corel Draw Website design

Wages commensurate with experience and certification Please send your resume to: info@gracewaysports.com

12086

• • • • • • •

DOMESTIC WORKER

THE TURKS HEAD INNE, GRAND TURK ISLAND

CONTACT: 231-6636

12090

MARTIAL ARTS & GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

ISLAND VILLA MANAGEMENT

ADVERTISE

IN THIS SPACE!

Is looking to fill the following positions:

ONLY

$33

3 HELPERS 1MustLABOURER be willing to work

PER WEEK

CALL 946-4664

6 days per week salary $200.00 per week.

CONTACT: 946-4445 11228

ENID BEAUTY SALON

MACKEY’S CAFÉ

Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

To work Monday – Saturday

Is looking to fill the following positions:

SECURITY

BEAUTICIAN SOUS CHEF

The general purpose of a security guard is protection of the people and property of the organization where they work. Guards will routinely inspect the property for any suspicious activities. This is to deter would-be criminal or malicious activity, such as vandalism, arson, theft and harassment.

To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

The Assistant Manager will aid in daily hotel and restaurant operations, and will be in charge of supervising other departments and divisions. They will ensure all hotel rules and policies are implemented. The Assistant manager will monitor the tasks of personnel and workers, set goals and plans to promote and improve the service of their departments. They will aid in recruitment of new employees, assist with training, coaching, and mentoring them, and have strong leadership skills. They will help to promote the business by using their strong sales and marketing skills. They will assist with all event planning and co-ordination. Accountable for monitoring company finances. • A Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Sales, Marketing, or comparable program is an asset. • Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the hospitality industry (hotel, restaurant, etc.) • Must be fluent in English. A second language is an asset

Will be responsible for the daily operations of restaurant services at the hotel. Food and beverage supervisors oversee all of the issues pertaining to a patron’s dining experience, such as quality control, staff management, inventory, health and safety regulations and customer service. Supervisors are responsible for teaching, training, and mentoring new hires to build a strong service team that will create a memorable dining experience for all guests.

CHEF/COOK Will be responsible for planning and directing food preparation. This will involve ordering, menu design, food cost analysis, budgeting, waste management, staff scheduling, supervising kitchen staff and discipline. Also looking for: Servers, Food Runners, Kitchen Helpers, Bartenders, Cleaners, and Housekeepers

12069

12079

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

ASSISTANT MANAGER:

SUPERVISOR

12089

CONTACT: CONTACT: 941-3640 OR CONTACT: 231-9209 241-2228 241-0054

This job will require security clearance and a job-related background check • Must be available full-time for night watch • Must be trained or qualified in private security for hotel/restaurants • Must complete a job-related background check • Must be fluent in English. A second language is an asset

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.01

NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE

TITLE NUMBER 50308/8

SECTION KEW RURAL

ISLAND NORTH CAICOS

Whereas, WELLINGTON STEVENSON ROBINSON of Providenciales, has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number(s) issued in the name of LLEWELYN WELLINGTON ROBINSON 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 25 day of February 2016 Signed ...........................................................................................

12093

Résumés can be submitted to info@turksheadinne.com or in person to the Turks Head Inne, Duke St., Grand Turk. (Must be legally permitted to work in Turks and Caicos Islands)

DOMESTIC WORKER

Witnessed ..................................................................................... 12095

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ALBERT CLEANING SERVICES Is looking for a

ARTHUR POOLS & SPA CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a

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

CONTACT: 243-7785

12075

D & Y RESTAURANT

BAYVIEW MOTORS

Is looking for a

LABOURER

MASON Salary $7.00 per hour send resume to P.O. Box 954

Is currently looking to employ a Labourer who will be responsible for the daily maintenance of the Building ,stocking of the shelves and any other duty that may be assigned. The individual must possess the following: • Adequate tools to perform his duties • Must be able work with little or no supervision • Must be computer literate • Must be able to work weekends • Must possess a valid driver’s License

12115

Please email all application to syrmondg@bayviewmotors.com

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

11225

March 12 - 18, 2016

CONTACT: 649-332-0771 11229

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

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

VACANCY FOR A PART-TIME CARETAKER The British West Indies Collegiate is looking for a dependable, enthusiastic and hard-working person to be the caretaker of the school, with responsibility for maintaining and repairing the school campus and ensuring that it is kept clean and safe for students, staff and other users. This is a part-time position, but may become a full-time post in years to come. There will be an initial probationary period.

• CHEFS(VARIOUS POSITIONS) • RETAIL SUPERVISOR • ACCOUNTING(VARIOUS POSITIONS) • EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER • HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER • SPA THERAPIST/ATTENDANTS • LANDSCAPING SUPERVISORS • MAINTENANCE SUPERVISORS • HVAC\MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

LINE POSITIONS

Hours of work: Normally 18 hours per week; 3.30– 6.30 p.m. on school days, and 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturdays (or as otherwise agreed). Pay: $15 per hour, negotiable if trade qualifications are held.

• FOOD & BEVERAGE COORDINATOR • BARTENDERS • COOKS • GROUNDSMEN • LABOURER • HOUSEMAN • ROOM ATTENDANTS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Complete integrity • Good handy-man skills, including M.E.P., building repair, painting and gardening. • Own vehicle • Own cellphone and computer for communication • Ability to liaise with contractors and to monitor their work • Ability to identify and order required equipment and supplies • Willingness to deal with trespassers and other threats to the school’s security • Willingness to sweep and collect debris in the play areas and car-park daily • Willingness to work additional hours during the evenings and weekends as necessary, and to attend to emergencies whenever they arise

• LAUNDRY ATTENDANTS • COMMON AREA ATTENDANTS • POOL & BEACH ATTENDANTS • DISPATCHERS • STEWARDS • SECURITY OFFICERS • PBX OPERATOR

PLEASE NOTE: Shore Club is NOT scheduled to open to the public for business until October 2016. All resumes are subject to screening. Accepted candidates will receive a call or email confirmation with a scheduled time for meeting and required documents for the actual interview.

BWIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and its staff must share that commitment. Candidates will need to provide references, a certificate of good health, and permission for an enhanced background check.

For the above line staff positions, resort experience is an asset but not a requirement. All applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work long hours, holidays and weekends. Turks & Caicos Islands citizens only need to apply to The Shore Club located on Long Bay Beach, Providenciales or e-mail: careers@theshoreclubtc.com Deadline is March 22, 2016.

Note: No services will be needed and no wages will be paid during school holidays.

Please address your application to the Principal and deliver it to the Collegiate, 51 Venetian Road, Providenciales, or send it by email to principal@bwic.tc or by fax to 941 3332.

• GENERAL MANAGER • POOL & BEACH MANAGER • HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR • POOL & BEACH SUPERVISOR • FRONT OFFICE SUPERVISOR • NIGHT & DUTY MANAGER • NIGHT AUDITOR • ASSISTANT RESTAURANT MANAGER • FOOD & BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR • BUTLERS

12083

34 CLASSIFIEDS

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

AGNES SWANN

ALBERT HIGGS

MBA CONSTRUCTION

LEYDI’S SALON AND SPA

Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

To work 5 days per week salary $8.00 per hour

per week salary $6.25 per hour

HELPER LABOURER LABOURER CARPENTER SALON To work 6 days

JATANA WILLIAMS

DELANO LEWIS

Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

DOMESTIC DOMESTIC WORKER WORKER

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

Deadline for application is March 11, 2016 Interested persons should send application via fax to 649-941-4033 c/o Alliance Realty Ltd.

12100

Is looking for a

HOUSEKEEPER

Is looking for a

LABOURER

Duties include cleaning public areas, guest rooms and laundry

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

CONTACT: 946-8289

Must be available to work holidays and weekends Must have experience in the specified duties Must be able to lift bundles up to 30 lbs Wage $6.00/hr

CONTACT: INFO@BOHIORESORT.COM

Needed for a restaurant on Grace Bay • • • • •

CALL: 649-441-3466

PROVO BEVERAGES THE TUSCANY RESORT

LABOURER Must be willing to work 6 days per week Must be trustworthy and reliable Salary $6.25 per hour Hours are from 8:00am-4:00pm

CONTACT: SERGE TUYSSUZIAN

AT 941-3637

12084

NATASHA CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients is looking to fill the following positions:

LYLY’S INTERNET CAFÉ

STEEL MAN Salary $8.00 per hour

Contact: 243-8090 DONALD CONSTRUCTION

MECHANIC Salary $7.00 per hour

Contact: 243-6070

12085

LOUIS JEAN DORSAINTVIL

Is looking for a

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

CONTACT: 941-4667

Is looking for a

COMPUTER CLERK To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

12091

Is looking for a

9495

SRF CONSTRUCTION

Organizational skills a must Solid references At least 5 years as kitchen leader Ability to train and lead is necessary Salary $50k+

Permanent status only

CONTACT: 941-7366

Is looking for a

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

CONTACT: CONTACT: 331-3887 331-2525

12107

12072

CHEF/ SOUS CHEF

NORWANI PROPERTY SERVICES

Is looking for a

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

Must have at least 3 years experience and able to work with little or no supervision. Salary start at $6.50 per hour and is based on experience.

CONTACT: CONTACT: 946-5396 231-6991

THE PINNACLE

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

12096

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

1 LABOURER

DOMESTIC WORKER

12073

WAITRESS

12086

A & J WALK IN VARIETY STORE

acting on behalf of our client: Queen of the Sea is looking for a

Is looking for a

12077

12079

MMK CONSULTANCY

12057

BAY BISTRO RESTAURANT

12075

12074

CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: 341-1288 243-7785 242-3450 241-5325 344-5413 344-5413

March 12 - 18, 2016

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

MMK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

IDEAL PETROLEUM

is looking to fill the following positions:

VILLA BUTLERS

Is in need of a

Is looking for a

VILLA HOUSEKEEPERS LABOURER PUMP ATTENDANT Salary negotiable based on number of experience

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

1085

CONTACT: 946-5663

12019

CONTACT: 649-231-6991

Tropical Destination Management (TROPICAL DMC)

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

AN ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

11973

A LOCAL FIRM IN PROVIDENCIALES REQUIRES THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF AN

INTERNATIONAL ATTORNEY

The successful candidate must be IKO certified at least at Level One and must have a minimum of three years teaching experience in this area, as this individual will be actively involved in training and providing lessons in Kiteboarding to adults and children. Must also possess the ability to speak either French or Spanish, hold a valid driver’s license and be in good health. Will be required to assist with assembling and lifting Kiteboarding equipment to and from the beach everyday for lessons. Must be personable, able to work unsupervised and trustworthy. Assistance will be required in website maintenance and social media administration. Salary will commensurate with experience. References must be furnished upon request. We will accept emails only of resumes with proof of certification. Must be submitted by March 14, 2016. Please also submit a copy of your resume to the Labour Department. Email: info@karammissick.com.

12087

The successful candidate must hold (at least) a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and hold over 10 years of experience practicing various aspects of commercial, corporate and family law. Of particular interest would be to have a specialty in FATCA legislation and regulation. It is vital for this candidate to be in good standing with the law society of the country he is currently practicing in. The ability to speak, write and read Russian fluently, and to be familiar with Russian culture, is a must in order to accommodate our Russian clientele. Excellent communication skills, an ability to manage files and work unsupervised are all essentials. Candidate must also show willingness to work long hours, including weekends and public holidays, if the need demands it. Salary will commensurate with experience.

KITEBOARDING INSTRUCTOR REQUIRED

1) Carrying of all supplies to and from event locations 2) Setting up beach arches, canopy’s, and all structures 3) Stringing lights on the beach and at wedding restaurant locations. 4) Washing of company vehicles. 5) Set up and tear down at all events in which Tropical DMC has provided the services for. Raking the beach, carrying equipment, digging holes for beach arches, climbing ladders, hanging lighting, carrying large boxes etc. You will need to be in physical shape to do this part of the job as it is extremely labor intensive. 6) Cleaning of storage units once per week. 7) Assisting with cabling for all electronic work we do with sound systems and speakers.

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO: TERESA BRUNNER TBRUNNER@TROPICALDMC.COM OR CALL 649-231-4161

The successful candidate must be a qualified solicitor/attorney with at least ten years previous experience in appropriate property disciplines, including commercial and residential conveyancing and development work; landlord and tenant; commercial lending and also corporate and commercial law. Experience in a registered land system and an offshore jurisdiction; drafting complex development, security and financing documents; excellent communication skills; and an ability to manage files and work unsupervised are all essentials. Candidate must also show willingness to be responsible for marketing and work long hours, including weekends and public holidays, if the need demands it. Salary will commensurate with experience. Please provide a copy of your application to Labour.

Please provide a copy of your application to Labour. Resumes with copies of qualifications must be sent by March 11, 2016 to tneb@lexcotci.com.

The applicant would have the following skills

The pay rate for this position is $7.00 per hour and is approximately 20 hours per week.

Is required for a growing firm in Providenciales.

Resumes with copies of qualifications must be sent by February 22, 2016 to info@karammissick.com.

HANDYMAN

4 STORE/WAREHOUSE SUPERVISORS • To take responsibility for specific areas of activity from day to day • To ensure that all areas of the shop floor are adequately staffed and that customers receive the highest standard of service • Maintaining a presence on the shop floor to assist staff in problem solving and motivating them for improved customer service • Perform the task of financial controller, managing all the books and records for the firm’s suppliers and clients • Manage all the accounting and sales aspects of the firm, including performing weekly auditing of the sales and expenses performed • Manage the inventory along the different locations and take control of transfers throughout • Must have at least 7 years experience in the retail industry and good management and leadership skills • Must be bilingual in English and Spanish, and any other language will be an asset to interact with customers • Must know how to operate Business Management System (BMS) • Must have sharp analytical skills and be willing to work at any point of any day to high quoted text responsibilities • Salary $1500.00 to $2000.00 as per qualifications

6 SALES ASSISTANTS • Must be friendly and an outgoing person able to deal with customers on a one-to-one basis • Must be willing to cooperate and work as a joint team with other staff members • Must be computer savvy especially be able to opearate POS systems • Must be willing to learn new ideas • Must be willing to work extended hours, weekends and holidays • Knowledge of speaking and writing in different languages always an asset • Must have 3-5 years experience in retail trade • Salary $5.00 per hour

6 LABOURERS • Must have 3-5 years experience • Salary $5.00 per hour CONTACT: ANANDA LTD, P.O BOX 1151, PROVIDENCIALES TEL: 339-4663 E-MAIL: JOBS@ANANDALTD.COM

36 CLASSIFIEDS

COVE CONSTRUCTION

To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour

CONTACT: 941-5548

12119

SAILROCK DEVELOPMENT LIMITED Is seeking qualified candidates for an immediate opening of

STOREKEEPER/ WHAREHOUSEMAN

• MIXOLOGIST • GARDENER • DOMESTIC WORKER • WAITER • HOUSEKEEPER • COOK • BUTLER REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 3 years in the specialized field • Excellent written and communication skills • Must be willing to work holidays and weekends Please drop your resume at the Windsong resort

GARDENER To keep the hotel grounds clean

Must be able to work weekends and holidays Salary $6.25 per hour

Only Belonger need apply

CONTACT: CECELIA RIGBY 649-946-4203

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

TCI CONCIERGE SERVICE

Is looking for a

LIVE-IN NANNY Salary $6.25 per hour

AUSTIN INGHAM Is seeking suitable applicants to fill the following opening:

LABOURER Belongers only need apply Must be willing to work extended hours Salary $6.25 per hour

12099

CONTACT: CONTACT: 341-7375

WINDSONG RESORT Is seeking a suitable qualified applicant to fill the following positions:

Send application to the Publisher, Turks & Caicos News Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 52, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. Or email: tcweeklynews@gmail. com. Sorry, no phone calls.

Is looking for a

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

Applicant must have at least 10 years’ experience as a Storekeeper/Warehouseman on large scale developments, Duties include: Maintaining a complex storage system facilitating for machinery equipment and construction materials. Tracking materials using a computer package, in order to assist with placing and monitoring orders. Applicant must demonstrate knowledge in construction duties, ability to plan and prioritize work to achieve outcome of issuing materials, demonstrate keyboard/data entry/ word processing skills and experience in the use of Microsoft Software packages and other office equipment, e.g Word, Excel, Access, and have an excellent understanding of supply procedures, programming and logistics for timely delivery of materials. Applicant must be willing to establish permanent residency on South Caicos for duration of employment. 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 will be commensurate with experience.

Qualified candidates should email a CV to hr@southcaicos.com on or before March 25, 2016. Inquires will receive a response within 48 hours.

The Weekly News is in need of a reporter. Applicant should have a good background in English and must be a clear and competent writer. Previous experience on a newspaper, magazine or broadcasting operation is essential. Ability to type well and use a camera a must. Successful person will be required to cover parliament the community, politics and the courts.

343-2230 OR 442-1349

12121

11222

• To work week days salary on commission basis • Must work weekends and holidays • Must have a minimum of 5 years lecture experience and must have an educational degree along with own transportation • Speak English and other language skills is a plus Send written resume to: darhud5@yahoo.com

THE TURTLE COVE INN

12071

LABOURER NEWS REPORTER Is looking to employ a

Application deadline March 1st, 2016

SAM’S SHOP Is looking for the following

PURCHASING

PERSON Salary $7.00 per hour

CLEANER $6.25 per hour

CONTACT: 342-2511

12113

LECTURER

SAILROCK DEVELOPMENT LIMITED Is iseeking qualified candidates for an immediate opening of

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

MECHANIC

Applicant must have at least 10 years of experience maintaining and repairing heavy equipment including, loader, excavator, bulldozer and crane. Applicant must have ability to independently troubleshoot, diagnose and repair diesel engines, hydraulic systems, brake systems, transmission/differential systems and other systems associated with heavy equipment. Duties include day-to-day maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of all heavy equipment owned by employer. Applicant must be willing to establish permanent residency on South Caicos for duration of employment. 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 will be commensurate with experience.

Qualified candidates should email a CV to hr@southcaicos.com on or before March 25, 2016. Inquires will receive a response within 48 hours.

12098

ISLAND NEWTWORK

649-946-4736

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

CLASSIFIEDS 37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

VACANCY

Sales Executive

Head of Learning & Development

Are you money motivated, great with people, driven to build strategic partnerships and possess a great attitude? Then apply to join our advertising team!

Permanent

We are looking for an enthusiastic, driven individual to be responsible for securing advertising sales for a popular publication. The ideal candidate should possess experience in advertising, marketing communications and business, have excellent communication skills and a passionate personality. Must be able to function independently and is required to work flexible hours and as needed.

DIGICEL TCI LEEWARD HIGHWAY, PROVIDENCIALES TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE JOB:

The role of Head of Learning and Development is a pivotal one for Digicel TCI. It is a role that encompasses a wide range of responsibilities that are critical to our long term success and our strategic objective of becoming an Employer of Choice. The scope of this role includes Performance Management, Succession Management, Content Development and Delivery, Executive Coaching and Business Partnering. You will also be responsible for providing leadership for a team of Learning and Development professionals – guiding, motivating and developing them to excel in their roles.

Salary plus Commission based remuneration.

Please submit résumé to coralvisionstci@gmail.com Belongers only need apply.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

TURTLE COVE MARINA LTD.

GARDENER • • • •

Maintain landscaping beds around the marina Complete any additional ground work as directed by the Property Manager Daily cleaning of our dumpster area, sidewalks, driveways, parking lot Must be willing to work on holidays and off days if asked to

MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT Must maintain the Ludington Family Memorial Garden Daily cleaning of all boat slips, cleaning all boats that are the marina’s guest Cleaning of the sewage tank area Must have the ability to maintain the marine’s irrigation system and other work as directed by the Manager • Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies Salary commensurate with experience

CONTACT: 941-3781

12118

• • • •

LABOURER NEEDED Bonded Warehouse facility requires a

LABOURER

GENERAL DUTIES: Cleaning & maintenance of warehouse and its environment, manual and mechanical movement of dry and chilled cargo. Salary: $6.25 per hour for 40 hour work-week. Please contact Cargo Express Services, in person, at 70 South Dock Road or email application to bkerr@tropical.com Application deadline: March 25, 2016 12120

• Design and develop a process of identifying and developing potential future leaders or senior managers, as well as individuals to fill other business-critical positions, either in the short- or the long-term. • Define a robust succession management process to uncover, assess and discuss talent on an ongoing basis enterprise-wide • Understand key features of a strategic talent review process, including business alignment and follow-through on action plans • Assess individual leader beliefs and capabilities specific to the development of talent and the process of succession • Determine your organization’s maturity level in the succession management matrix and the steps you can take to progress to the next level • Determine your organization’s high-potential talent • Define key and critical positions for ensuring your company’s long-term success and viability • Understand the considerations for integrating succession management with performance management, leadership development and recruiting; and, • Identify the vendors that offer strong solutions, and are best-suited to meet your organization’s highest-priority needs and long-term succession management strategy. • Development and implementation of training programs needed to meet the learning objectives of the organization which align with the business strategy and corporate initiatives • Facilitate/deliver key learning programs and develop curriculum e.g. Digicel Engage and Women in Leadership Learning series (WILL) • Design management and professional development learning programs with specific focus on CEO and SLT levels • Work closely with the People Operations leadership and business leadership to understand ongoing needs and strive for continuous improvement and upgrades in training program effectiveness • Day-to-day L&D point of contact for team HR Business Partners and Managers • Partner with organization leaders to implement innovative training solutions (e.g., classroom, e-learning, and social networking tools), that address organizational skills gaps and enable successful achievement of business objectives • Assess relevant training needs for staff individuals and organisation, in consultation with departmental heads, including assessment methods and measurement systems entailed. • Stay informed as to relevant skill and qualifications levels required by staff for effective performance, and circulate requirements and relevant information to the organisation as appropriate. • Produce organisational strategy and plans to meet training and development needs, and manage training delivery, measurement and follow-up as necessary.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE JOB • • • •

10 years + experience in Learning and Development 10 years+ in telecoms industry Experience in developing diverse and multi-lingual employees Coaching and training related qualifications

DEADLINE:

Interested applicants should forward their Resume and Cover letter to hrtci@digicelgroup.com on or before March 18th, 2016

CLARENCE M. FULFORD

COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION

CARNEY GARDINER NORTH CAICOS

Is looking for a

112115

CONTACT: 332-1735

MAID MASON Salary $7.00 To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

per hour

SEND RESUME TO P.O. BOX 954

CONTACT: 232-5459

12111

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

Is looking for a

12116

LABOURER/ GARDENER

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

BAYVIEW MOTORS

after the All-Star game after doctors discovered blood clots on his lungs. Bosh had not spoken publicly on the matter this season until Thursday, when he released a statement saying his current situation has “never been life threatening” and he does not have “deep vein thrombosis.”

MIAMI Heat’s forward Chris Bosh said Thursday he is “positive” he will be able to return this season. Bosh has not played since the All-Star break after what was initially ruled a calf strain reportedly turned into a blood clot scare. Bosh faced a similar situation last season, missing every game

Chris Bosh has not played since the All-Star break after what was initially ruled a calf strain reportedly turned into a blood clot scare.

BEST LOCAL FOOD ON GRACE BAY! Royal West Indies Resort Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Island Tele: 649-431-1689

Is currently looking to employ a

LABOURER

Who will be responsible for the daily maintenance of the Building, stocking of the shelves and any other duty that may be assigned.

THE INDIVIDUAL MUST POSSESS THE FOLLOWING:

11225

. Adequate tools to perform his duties . Must be able work with little or no supervision . Must be computer literate . Must be able to work weekends . Must possess a valid driver’s License Please email all application to syrmondg@bayviewmotors.com

DECCO (TCI) LTD

Executive Estimator

Decco (TCI) Ltd. has a requirement for an experienced Executive Estimator to join our construction team in The Turks and Caicos Islands. The Executive Estimator will be responsible and accountable for the estimating function of major construction projects throughout the Caribbean. Such responsibility and accountabilities will include: • Performing all cost estimating duties including reviewing project documentation, preparing complete and accurate budgets, feasibilities & estimates, value engineering, and communicating information to management and clients; • Researching & procuring of subcontract, labour, materials and equipment pricing; • Establishing and maintaining effective communication, coordination and professional relationships with clients, consultants, vendors, suppliers, contractors and external contacts; • Monitor and report on fluctuations throughout the Caribbean Region in respect of labour, plant & material cost, resource availability, outputs and taxation; • Risk and opportunity identification;

REQUIREMENTS:

The successful candidate will require a proven track record in cost estimating of major projects and a combination of knowledge, skills and experience, as follows:

12108

• Higher Education qualification in Cost Estimating, Quantity Surveying or Building Construction discipline, or extensive equivalent experience. • Minimum 20 years post-education experience in construction estimating, with extensive experience of leading the estimating function of high value (US$25M++) commercial, residential, resort, infrastructure, marine and energy projects in the Caribbean Region. • Minimum 15 years cost estimating experience at a senior management level within the construction industry. • Knowledge of regional, US and European forms of construction contract and project procurement proceedures. • Proficient understanding of cost controls, material requirements, building blueprints and construction requirements. • Strong IT skills, including good knowledge of all Microsoft Office and proprietary estimating software solutions. • Personal presentation and professionalism. Salary based on experience. Written applications with personal details and a full current resume showing education, qualifications and career experience to date should be sent by email to deccotci@yahoo. com and no later than XXXXXXXX 2016.

Bosh ‘positive’ he will be able to return this season

RESTAURANT MANAGER ;;The successful applicant should posses a minimum of 10 years experience in the field including ;;Applicant must be able to host and execute banquets up to 150 ;;Responsible for the selection of wines as costing and menu print ;;Use of micros POS system, Applicant should be able to both operate and program the POS. ;;Extensive experience and knowledge of wines and wine service is crucial ;;Achieves restaurant operational objectives by contributing information and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews ;;Meets restaurant financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions. ;;Plans menus by consulting with chefs; estimates food costs and profits; adjusts menus.

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.01

NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE TITLE NUMBER 10301/93

SECTION CENTRAL

ISLAND GRAND TURK

Whereas, CYNTHIA ANTOINETTE BASDEN-STILES of 115-118-232 Street, Cambria Heights, New York 11411, United States of America has declared that the Land Certificate 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 3rd day of March 2016 Signed ................................................................................................ Registrar of Lands Witnessed .........................................................................................

12103

38 CLASSIFIEDS

EDWARD JEAN

Is looking for a

MAINTENANCE

PERSON

To work 5 days per week salary $7.50 per hour

Acts on behalf of its clients to fill the following position:

Is looking for

Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

Salary $6.36 per hour

BLASTER 2 BARBERS SECURITY To work 5 days per week salary $8.00 per hour

GUARDS

12114

JOHN GRAY IVAN’S BARBER SHOP

is looking to fill the following positions:

OJ CAICOS GLASS

LABOURER

HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

$6.25 per hour

TAYLOR’S VARIETY STORE

SALES AGENT $6.25 per hour

BUSY RESTAURANT

Applicants must have at least 10 years’ experience in the commercial and residential construction industry. Salary negotiable. Fax resume to 941 7626

Salary negotiable

11224

RESTAURANT MANAGER Contact: 241-7734

GTC LIMITED

BETCO NORTH CAICOS

PIZZA CHEF

is looking for a

10893

• Must have a minimum 10 years knowledge of Neapolitan and Roman style pizza making • Must have preparation with short and long rising dough’s • Must have experience with a high temperature refractory ovens • Must be willing to work weekends, evenings and holidays • Must be available 6 nights per week • Must speak, read and write English • Must have clean police record Salary $450.00 per week bella@tciway.tc closing date March 31st, 2016

GRAPHIC ARTIST/ DESIGNER To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

• must have at least 4 years experience • Must be advanced in Corel Draw, Photo Shop, Flash, In-Design Email:betconew@gmail.com

NANNCIE PIERRE-ZAMOR

MASON To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

ASSISTANT LEAD Is looking for a

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

CONTACT: CONTACT: 243-6006 331-1977

12122

SALES ASSOCIATES

Is looking for a

ISLAND BROKERAGE & CONSULTANCY

is looking to fill the following positions:

LABOURER

PAINTER LABOURER HELPER Salary commensurate with experience Send resume to P.O. Box 954

D’S VARIETY STORE

Is looking for a

DRIVER EVANGELIST CASHIER/ STOREKEEPER To work 6 days MASON CLEANER per week salary $6.25 per hour Salary commensurate with experience Send resume to P.O. Box 954

Send resume to P.O. Box 954

CONTACT: 344-0874

YVANNE DORCIL

HAIR AFFAIR SALON

GIGI’S DELI

Is looking for a

12101

SCOOTER ADVENTURE

112112

$6.25 per hour

12109

MAID CARPENTER

ISLAND BROKERAGE & CONSULTANCY

12110

Requires an experienced is looking to fill the following positions:

SAND

12100

THE HELP DESK

BEEN CONSTRUCTION

OSPREY SECURITY SOLUTIONS

CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: 332-5031 241-5678 247-0187 333-6577

12106

Please send resume to eunike@tciway.tc. Salary commensurate with experience

11216

Able to work on a daily basis and also on 24 hour emergency calls for property management.

PABLO’S BARBER SHOP

Is looking for a

TECHNICIAN

ROBEL CONSTRUCTION

12102

EUNIKE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & CONCIERGE SERVICES

MASON TILE LAYER LANDSCAPER CLEANER

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

11217

March 12 - 18, 2016

SEEKS

Main duties will be taking care of cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Must be able to speak English, Salary starts at $6.50 per hour and is based on experience. Will have to work 6 days a week.

Deadline for applications is February 19, 2016 Interested persons should send applications via fax at (649) 941-4034 C/o Alliance Realty Ltd. Only applicants selected will be contacted.

DOMESTIC WORKER

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

HAIR

STYLIST Commission base at least 3 years experience.

SALES PERSON To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

CONTACT: 241-5564/ CONTACT: 343-8935 344-1345 332-9681 11223

DOMESTIC WORKER

40 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD

STAFF VACANCY DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Director of Human Resources, FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

DESCRIPTION

The Human Resource (HR) Director’s role is to provide expert leadership in the design, development and implementation of HR policies, programs and services including recruitment and staffing, performance management, benefits and compensation administration, organizational development, employee relation and training. The incumbent will direct the HR function and promote an employee-oriented organization culture enterprise wide that emphasizes continuous improvement, team- work, engagement, high performance and quality. The HR director will ensure that the company operates in accordance with HR policies, and government ordinances and regulations. As a member of the senior management team, the HR director will understand and successfully implement the organization’s vision, mission and values.

MAIN DUTIES

• Be familiar with all relevant labour/ immigration laws, ordinances and guidelines of relevant statutory bodies and ensure the company is in compliance with same. • Direct the design, development, implementation and revision of HR polices, practices and procedures and ensure that every aspect of human resource incorporate the vision, values and culture of the company. • Plays a leading role in the development of HR strategic objectives, departmental goals and systems. • Provide oversight and direction of HR department and activities; including HR staff development including training and coaching. • Responsible for the manpower planning and oversight of talent management program. • Oversee the payroll and benefit programmes ensuring that cost effective benefits are in place aimed at employee satisfaction and retention. • Oversee the Employee Assistance Programme, including the company’s wellness program. • Oversee the administration and maintenance of human resource information systems. • Leads the compensation program and conduct competitive market/salary survey to maintain compensation practices that help to recruit and retain top performing employees. • Responsible for the preparation of the annual HR budget, analyzing variances and initiating corrective measures. • Responsible for the recruitment process and ensures that the company’s recruitment and hiring practices and procedures are adequate to recruit and hire top performing employees.

• Ensure the resolution of disciplinary matters (inclusive of investigative support to departments) in accordance with company policies and procedures. • Provide oversight for enterprise wide training and development policies/programs and initiatives. • Responsible for the development of the HR’s business continuity plan and contribution to the related committees. • Oversee the implementation and maintenance of Investor In People accreditation. • Any other duties assigned by Vice President, Human Resource, Finance & CFO.

ACADEMIC/TECHNICAL/ MANAGEMENT: EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management/Development or other related discipline from an accredited university; Masters degree a desired plus. • Ten (10) or more years’ experience in Human Resource Management; minimum (7) seven years in senior management role/directing the HR function. • Experience in strategic planning and execution. • In-depth knowledge of applicable employment laws and regulations. • Strong understanding of human resource management principles, practices, and procedures.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Ability to build strong trust relationships and maintain positive relationships internally and externally • Ability to develop HR programs and policies based on business requirements • Ability to communicate clearly the work priorities and direction of the department • Ability to lead change processes, strong project management and time management skills • Ability to maintain confidentiality • Strong business acumen, diplomatic and negotiation skills • Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills • Tact and ability to deal with difficult situations • Solid numerical and budgeting skills • Excellent team player and team building skills • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure • Must be goal oriented and self-motivated • Must possess strong, organisational, multitasking, analytical and problem solving skills • Must have an excellent working knowledge of MS Office software programs, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and various databases. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is March 20th, 2016:

Ruth Forbes, Vice President of Human Resources, Finance and CFO FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or rforbes@fortistci.com Fax: 649-946-4532

PURPOSE:

CHANGE MANAGER

This consultative role is tasked with the implementation of the National Tourism Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan. The successful consultant will work along with the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Culture and Heritage, the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and all key stakeholders to manage and monitor the implementation of the Strategic Plan. This role will facilitate the change management process and build capacity for same within the Tourist Board. Reporting to the Director of Tourism, this position is based in Providenciales with a contract period of eighteen (18) months.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Implementation • Develop a clearly defined implementation plan regarding the five pillars of the Strategic Plan within the set time frame. • Build and maintain positive working relationships with tourism stakeholders, government agencies, and community groups; enhance Belonger participation and ownership of the Strategic Plan. • Work closely with all tourism stakeholders to facilitate the implementation, education and promotion of the Strategic Plan in the family islands. • Oversee the development of educational collateral, brochures, and advertising for the implementation of the Strategic Policy Plan. • Ensure communication and distribution of promotional, collateral and public information materials related to the strategic plan.

DELIVERABLES

• Develop a budget for the implementation and continuity of the Strategic Plan. • Develop an implementation timeline and process relative to the Strategic Plan. • Facilitate the change management process using the “Train the Trainer” approach. • Provide quarterly reports on the implementation progress and activities to the Director of Tourism, and keep the Director informed on matters of relevance. • Manage the day-to-day operations in relation to the execution of the strategic plan. • Manage the budget associated with the implementation/execution of the strategic plan. • Liaise with the Director of Tourism, government departments, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector and other relevant entities to execute/complete the strategic plan goals/activities. • Ensure the Tourist Board’ structure is aligned with the Caribbean Tourism Organization report of 2013. • Ensure that all stakeholders are consulted in the process. • To manage the implementation of the recommendations of the Strategic Policy and Implementation Plan. • Comply with the policies, procedures

and guidelines of the TCI Tourist Board; enforce and advise of any changes in laws and policies which may affect the Tourist Board • Perform other duties related to the implementation process as directed by the Director of Tourism. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS • A Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Management or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience • Three or more years of tourism management experience. • Management skills including ability to work with all Tourist Board staff and a self-motivator. • Considerable knowledge of TCI’s Strategic Policy Plan, with the ability to administer all aspects of the plan. • Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the key stakeholders, the Director of Tourism, the Board of Directors and the Ministry. • Well-developed analytical and problem solving skills. • Proficiency in MS Office software, Word, Power Point, Publisher and Excel. • Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills. • Excellent social and interpersonal skills. • Good health and high energy level. WORK ENVIRONMENT • A dynamic work environment. • Interface with relevant government ministries and departments and tourism private sector entities. • Goal accomplishment within an environment of change and flux. • Work hours may extend to evenings, weekends and holidays. • The job is performed in an office environment for part of the time and other times the job holder will be required to be out in the field. They will be exposed to a range of environments and temperatures. • The job holder will be expected to travel to locations for meetings, presenatations and activities and may need to stand for a long period of time. • Ability to travel locally, regionally or internationally. SALARY: Salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience. For consideration please submit the following documents to chairman@ turksandcaicostourism.com or submit to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Stubbs Diamond Plaza, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: • Cover Letter • Current Resume • Three (3) reference letters • Current Police Record • Resident Status

Only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted in this regard. APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 21st 2016

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 41

INTRODUCTION OF BUSINESS LICENCE CHECKLIST The Revenue Department continues to strengthen Customer Service initiatives with the introduction of a Business Licence Application & Renewal Checklist.

will not be accepted. Please note that the Revenue Department reserves that right to request any further information as deemed necessary to process a Business Licence application.

The checklist is designed to indicate to applicants the licences, clearances and other supporting documents required for each business type and activity. A checklist must be attached to all applications and incomplete applications

The introduction of the checklist is intended to increase transparency and mitigate delays in processing. The Officers of the Revenue Department are available to address any concerns.

Revenue Department Town Centre Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-338-5234 Fax: 649-941-8649 Website: http://gov.tc/revenue Email: tcirevenuedepartment@gov.tc

Hibiscus Square Grand Turk Tel: 649-338-2061 Fax: 649-946-2686

Sports Interational

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

USA defeat Germany 2-1 to win 2016 SheBelieves Cup THE U.S. Women’s National Team scored two goals in a span of six minutes to defeat Germany 2-1 and win the 2016 SheBelieves Cup in front of a record crowd of 13,501 at FAU Stadium. The USA finished atop the tournament standings with wins against three of the top five teams in the world. The crowd of 13,501 set a new record for an all-women’s

The US Women’s team finished atop the tournament standings with wins against three of the top five teams in the world.

STONE FABRICATOR

• the successful applicant must have five years experience • must be able to fabricate Caesarstone, marble and granite slab products according to specification and schedule • must be able to assist the foreman in charge at warehouse and on job site • must be able to read blueprints, layout jobs from blueprints, operate water cooled tools, match colors of materials, glue material, fill holes in materials, operate grinders, stone router and clean up after daily shifts, perform duties and direction from supervisor, • good knowledge of the English language an asset. Salary commensurate with qualifications

Please email resumes to financeassltci@gmail.com Deadline for applications is March 31, 2016

TECHNICIAN – TURKS & CAICOS

Small Company seeks to employ a Full Time Technician to assist with installation and training for Point -Of –Sale equipment. The successful applicant should possess the following:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• • • •

Minimum of two (2) years experience in technical field OR A.A. Degree in Computer Science or related field Must be Computer Literate Sales experience would be an asset

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• • • • • • •

Ability to train and confidently communicate with customers Excellent interpersonal skills Must be a “go-getter” and team player Valid driver’s license Must be a Belonger Own vehicle would be an asset Must be honest and reliable Applicants should submit resumes to:

Attn: Human Resource Manager Email: recruiter1004@yahoo.com Deadline for receipt of resumes is March 18th, 2016

MESSENGER SOUNDS Is looking for a

11230

Employment Opportunity

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

soccer event in South Florida, breaking the previous mark of 12,031 that watched the USA play Norway in Fort Lauderdale on Feb. 6, 2000. After scoring a stoppagetime game-winner against France on Sunday and the game-tying goal tonight, Alex Morgan earned the tournament’s Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards, while Hope Solo was awarded the Golden Glove after she allowed just one goal over three matches. With Germany needing just a draw or win to claim the tournament title, Anja Mittag’s long-range tally in the 29th minute left the USA needing two goals to win the competition and the response was almost immediate. Morgan evened the score with a sublime bit of skill six minutes after Germany had taken the lead.

FIRE DANCER To work 4 days per week salary commensurate with experience.

CONTACT: 3446345 OR 243-5279

Zimbabwe’s knocked Scotland out of the tournament.

World Twenty20: Scotland knocked out after Zimbabwe loss SCOTLAND were eliminated from the World Twenty20 following a limp batting performance in their must-win match against Zimbabwe. Preston Mommsen’s side failed to recover from slipping to 20-4 in the first 19 balls of their pursuit of 148. Spinner Wellington Masakadza, who opened the bowling, took a career-best 4-28 which included three stumpings. Josh Davey hit two late sixes but Scotland remain without a win in a major ICC global event. That run takes in 20 matches in total, across three previous World T20s and three World Cups, and it rarely looked like ending in Nagpur. Defeat means Scotland, who lost by 14 runs against Afghanistan on Tuesday, will fly home following their final Group B match against Hong Kong on Saturday, and

miss out on facing the likes of England, South Africa and defending champions Sri Lanka. There were some encouraging performances though, with 19-year-old slow left-armer Mark Watt again economical on his way to picking up two wickets. However, none of their top four reached double figures in a disastrous start to a runchase which should not have been out of reach on a decent wicket. Richie Berrington joined skipper Mommsen in a midinnings rescue act - the pair putting on 51 in an intelligent and calm partnership - and an unlikely victory seemed possible when Davey smoked two big sixes. However, the Scots ran out of time and wickets to leave Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Hong Kong to scrap it out for the solitary place in the next phase. (BBC)

11229

PUBLIC NOTICE BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Ordinance)

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

March 12 - 18, 2016

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sharapova thanks her tennis fans after suspension Paula Radcliffe believes that the athletes should repair their prize money.

Russian doping: Radcliffe backs prize money petition PAULA Radcliffe is backing a petition that wants Russia’s athletes banned from competition until money won by their drug cheats since 2009 is repaid. It has been signed by the former world marathon champion and a number of other athletes, agents and promoters. They believe the money belongs to sportsmen and women “whose earnings were reduced by cheating athletes”. Russia is suspended from international athletics because of widespread cheating and corruption. It hopes to get the ban lifted in time for the 2016 Olympics, which begin in Rio de Janeiro on 5 August. The online petition, which went live on Tuesday, had attracted 149 signatures by 14:00 GMT on Thursday. Among them are marathon world record holder Radcliffe, Olympic heptathlon bronze medallist Kelly Sotherton, London Marathon chief executive Nick Bitel and Berlin

Marathon race director Mark Milde. Kenya’s Edna Kiplagat, the 2011 and 2013 world marathon champion and Germany’s Irina Mikitenko, who won the London Marathon in 2008, have also signed it. “It’s an extremely good idea,” Bitel told the BBC’s World Service. “There are many, many athletes around the world who’ve been affected. “To try to leave it up to individual athletes and individual events to sue the Russian athletes who doped, that is just not practical.” Russia’s Liliya Shobukhova won the London Marathon in 2010 and claimed a hat-trick of Chicago titles before being stripped of those victories for doping irregularities. Bitel says he is determined to recover the money Shobukhova won by winning in London. “Our intention is that someone who cheats shouldn’t get away with it, but we have started the process and will pursue her so far as we can,” he said. (BBC)

Champions League: Ibrahimovic helps PSG eliminate Chelsea

Paris St.-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic after scoring his team’s second goal.

ZLATAN Ibrahimovic won’t lack for suitors when his contract expires in June -- but Chelsea will hope it won’t have to face the Swede again anytime soon. That’s because the Paris Saint-Germain forward scored once again as his side knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League for the second year in succession.

Ibrahimovic has yet to decide where he’ll be playing his football next season but a move to English football would not be out of the realms of possibility. The 34-year-old, who scored in his side’s first leg victory of the last-16 tie, steered his team into the quarterfinals of Europe’s top club competition with a hugely impressive performance.

DAYS after admitting she failed a drug test at the Australian Open in January, Maria Sharapova -- long the world’s richest female athlete -- posted a Facebook thank you note to her fans. “In this moment, I am so proud to call you my fans. Within hours of my announcement, you showed me support and loyalty, which I could only expect to hear when someone would be at the top of their profession. I wanted to let you know that your wonderful words put a smile on my face.” The 28-year-old tennis star revealed on Monday at a news conference that she’d been taking meldonium since 2006 and didn’t realise it was declared a banned substance by the World AntiDoping Agency at the start of 2016. She knew the drug, she said, by the name mildronate. Immediately afterward, the International Tennis Federation said on its website that Sharapova would be provisionally banned from March 12 “pending determination of the case.” Sharapova faces a ban of four years, although if officials deem she didn’t intentionally break the rules, any final suspension could be two years or less. The five-time grand slam champion tells her fans that she looks forward to continuing her tennis career. “I’d like to play again and hope to have the chance to do so,” she said. “Your messages give me great

Maria Sharapova revealed on Monday at a news conference that she’d been taking meldonium since 2006 and didn’t realise it was declared a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency at the start of 2016.

encouragement. This message isn’t anything else but to say thank you. Thank you very much.” She continued, “I am determined to play tennis again, and I hope I will have the chance to do so. I wish I didn’t have to go through this, but I do -- and I will.” As the tennis world continues to react to the bombshell development, Rafael Nadal -- who has been forced to deny he has ever committed doping infractions -- didn’t absolve Sharapova and said tennis is suffering. “It’s terrible what happened with Maria for the world of sport, for the world of tennis, but you have to respect the rules,” the 14-time grand slam winner told CNN. “The sport

must be clean, must look clean and in general Maria affects our image in the world of tennis. “And now she is in trouble, so she is going to a (tribunal) and we’ll see what is going to happen, but if she makes negligence, she has to pay for it.” Despite having a huge entourage, which would include an agent, coach, physiotherapist -- and doctor -- Nadal added it was up to Sharapova to know what exactly she was putting in her body. “You have a team, you believe in your team, but at the end of the day you have to know what you are taking,” he said. “So I don’t know if it’s 100% her responsibility but it’s your responsibility.”

Six Nations 2016: Wales and England spar over scrum ENGLAND and Wales have accused each other of illegal scrummaging before the Six Nations showdown at Twickenham. Asked if Saturday’s opponents have scrummaged illegally during the tournament, England head coach Eddie Jones said: “100%. Terribly illegally.” Jones says his side have a stronger scrum, adding if the laws are enforced England “will get an advantage”. Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde highlighted England’s Joe Marler is a frequent infringer at the scrum. “He definitely needs to scrummage legally otherwise we will be pointing our finger,” said McBryde. Wales, who are one point behind Six Nations leaders England with two games remaining, felt harshly done by at the scrum in their 28-25 win over England in the pool stage of last year’s World Cup. And McBryde said loose-head Marler had been “found out” when England lost to Australia in their next World Cup game.

England’s head coach Eddie Jones says his side have a stronger scrum, adding if the laws are enforced England “will get an advantage”.

“There was a big focus on the loose-heads’ angles, particularly with [Wales prop] Gethin Jenkins being highlighted,” said McBryde. “So we were very disappointed in that England game to fall on the wrong side of decisions and we felt the problem lay elsewhere.” However, Jones says he is “quite upset” by Wales’ approach to the setpiece. “They play the laws very well,” the Australian told BBC Radio 5 live.

“They pre-engage all the time, which is against the laws of the game. “And then they get penalised one or two times at the start of the game, but the referee gets sick of penalising it. “Because if the referee keeps penalising it, you know what happens? The referee gets criticised. “We really want to have a scrum contest on Saturday - it’s an important part of the game - so we are really hopeful the referee enforces the law in that area.”

Sports National

March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHL finals set for Saturday – Islanders and Gators finish Playoffs unbeaten THE Grace Bay Car Rental Islanders and the Gansevoort Gators sailed through the Playoffs of the Provo Hockey League which ran over the last three weeks to head into this Saturday’s finals in the Novice and Bantam divisions as favourites. Standing in the Islanders’ way will be the Scotiabank Sailfish, who won their last two games to make it to the championship clash. Both the Grace Bay Resorts Conchorers and the Sailfish had a win and a defeat entering the third day of the knockout round, last Saturday at the Graceway Sports Centre, but it was the latter that succeeded 5-3.

Maddox Jones scored all the Sailfish goals, four of which were scored in the first period. Gabriella Bruton led the Conchorers with a pair. The Islanders got past the Thunders 4-3 in the other Novice clash, Kate Blain led the winnings with two goals. The Gators, who had to play each team twice in the three-team Bantam Division battle, proved more dominant and are clear favourites for the title. They actually made light work of the Owls, who they are set to play in the final this Saturday. In the opening weekend of the

Playoffs the Gators led by goals from seven players, defeated the Owls 8-3, while last Saturday they cruised to a 10-2 win over their rivals. Kurt Rivers (also two assists) and Dylan Ayer (also an assist) led the way for the winners with three goals each, while Brooke Rivers added a pair and an assist. Michael Saunders scored both of the Owls’ goals. The Owls earned their place in the championship clash after defeating the Villa del Mar Flyers in both of their games. In the Midget Division the Digicel Panthers will battle the BCQS Flames.

Delano Williams finished fourth at the Gibson Relays in a time of 47.82s.

Williams to compete in UWI Invitational BRITAIN’S national sprinter Delano Williams is scheduled to compete at his Jamaican school meet, the UWI Invitational next month. The Grand Turk born sprinter, who switched allegiance to GB in 2013, finished fourth at the recently held Gibson Relays in Jamaica where he is based. Running the 400M with an injury, the former World Junior

Sanadia Forbes (left) and Akia Guerrier both finished with 40 points for the BWIC. (Photos by Gertrude Forbes)

200M gold medallist looked good initially and kept up with the field, but he soon faded to fourth place for a 47.82s finish. “I had a little injury causing me not to finish how I wanted to, but I’m going to work on it.” Williams, who still has TCI’s 100M and 200M sprint records, will have a few weeks of rest before he is back on the track.

CHHS champion boys Emmanuel Agenor and Lavardo Campbell (left) with their spoils.

East teams triumph in Coach Ford says extra training PABA All Star Weekend INTER-HIGH TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS:

propelled CHHS to victory – BWIC girls and CHHS boys tied for individual honours CLEMENT Howell High School won the 2016 Inter-High Track and Field Championships because they trained hard and smart, so opines their coach Randy Ford. Coach Ford said that the side trained over the Christmas holidays and were well prepared for the rigours of the event. “The difference this year is that we trained throughout the Christmas holidays, creating a four month general preparation period which reduced injuries and contributed to stronger athletes. Some work was done on flexibility, injury prevention and educating our student athletes on the value of rest and good sports nutrition. The victory was as a result of a general school, parents, students and coaching staff collaboration.” The national coach said that the athletes also played their parts prior to this week’s competition. “Older, more disciplined athletes, were used as mentors and we recruited some of the more academically inclined students.”

Overall he said that the athletes did not just train for Inter-High, but for CARIFTA Games and the Miami Classics. At the three-day event at the National Stadium in Providenciales this week, CHHS (875.50 points) recorded a 300+ lead to claim victory. Their rivals HJ Robinson High School did not take part in the meet, something which Ford felt disappointed about. “We however lament the absence of powerful rivals HJ Robinson High School who have always provided tough competition in the sprints.” Finishing second in the national school meet which ran from Sunday to Tuesday were the BWIC with 573.83 points. Raymond Gardiner High School placed third with 492.33 points, while Long Bay High School (with some very fast youngsters), finished fourth with 327 points. Marjorie Basden High School claimed fifth with 258.33 points, with Maranatha Academy in sixth (150), TCIPS seventh (149),

TCI Middle School eighth (41 points), Wesley Methodist ninth (25) and Alpha Christian Academy 10th with three points. BWIC’s sprinter Akia Guerrier and school mate Sanadia Forbes finished with 40 points each to tie for champion girl, while CHHS boys Emmanuel Agenor and Lavardo Campbell drew with 30 points to tie for champion boy. Guerrier ran 11.54s in the 100M, 23.96s in the 200M, 58.25s in the 400M and jumped 5.30M in the long jump to win all her events for 40 points in the Class 2 division. In the Class 1, Forbes also finished with 40 points after wins in the 100M (12.57s), the 200M 26.37s, the high jump (1.41M) and the long jump (4.70M). U15 athlete Campbell won all three of his events. The middle distance runner clocked 56.46s in the 400M, 2.09.55 in the 800M and 4.49.94 in the 1500M. The U17 Agenor won the 200M with a time of 22.35s while he finished second in the shot-put (10.29M), second in the discus (29.31M) and fifth in the javelin (33.11M).

THE senior men and high school boys’ East teams both claimed wins in the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) All Star Weekend, which was held last Friday and Saturday nights. In the main clash on Saturday night power forward Kirk Adams dominated the paint to lead East to a huge win (89-66) in the senior battle. The Hustlerz player scored 24 points and pulled down six boards. Alvardo Parker, who has been dominant for Night League leader the Harbour Ballers, added 14 points, while the young guards played their part. The West, who had previously won the All Star Games three consecutive times, were led by Darado Fulford, who had 14 points and six rebounds and Melvin Elsie, who added 11 points, five rebounds and six assists. Too many turnovers though were their undoing. In the High School battle East edged past West 69-68. Jameel Damon from TCIPS and Shardanno Clarke from Wesley Methodist led the winners with 13 points and nine boards each. Rajun Valentine, also of Wesley Methodist, added 12 points. CHHS star scorer in the recently

Kirk Adams’ MVP performance led East to a huge win over the West.

concluded Hugh Campbell Basketball Tournament Fedlor Sormera continued his shooting form with a game high 19 points and six boards for the West. Dwayne Hamilton from the Kings won the three point competition, while Abdel Dormeus, who jumped over someone sitting on a chair, won the Slam Dunk Competition. The Pastors versus Coaches game did not materialise.

March 12 - 18, 2016

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Hurricanes beat Police in rugby club clash THE Hurricanes Rugby Football Club got past the Police RFC when the two teams met on Friday night in a special clash geared to help selectors pick TCI’s national rugby team to compete in the Dominican Republic next month. The Hurricanes, who won the last TCIRFU Sevens Festival, claimed a 38-33 win over the Police team. The game was no one-sided clash, as both teams excelled on the field. What proved unique about the game were the extra players on hand. Trevor, who was named the Most Improved Player of the Year at the last TCIRFU Annual Awards, scored a try. The Grand Turk based player was one of a few in the game. Within minutes of the kick-off a blind side kick by Luis Turbyfield led Franco Mompremier to score the opening five points. Turbyfield converted the try to add two extra points. Subsequent plays found the ball regularly in open play with both sides scrapping for possession. The Police quickly gained control with

the ball being passed out from the rucking forwards via scrum half, CJ, who passed to Myron Rolle, who was able to hit the wing at speed to take the ball over the try line, to score the first of his two tries of the night. Gareth Butler then went on to covert Myron’s first and second tries. The game was never clear-cut, with play regularly going from one end of the field to the other. However as the match progressed, the Hurricanes began to assert their dominance with tries from Tyrese Taylor, Paul McKenzie, Lincoln Outten, and Davidson. Turbyfield was able to convert all but two of the kicks, which helped to take the Hurricanes to victory. Although the Police battled valiantly to the end with further tries from Sean O’Neill, Augustin Modest and Hayden Stevens; (Ugo Teixidor was able to convert all but one kick), they still came up short. Rolle’s excellent plays however earned him the Man of the Match award.

The game was full of excitement.

Six Jamaica-based students in 2016 CARIFTA Games’ team SIX TCI students studying in Jamaica have been named in a 14-member team set to compete at this month end CARIFTA Games in Grenada. The lot contains a few veteran athletes, including last year’s medal winner Woodens Corvil and dominant female sprinter Akia Guerrier. Seasoned junior sprinter Courtney Missick, who was battling a hamstring injury since last year, did enough in his victory in the 200M at the Inter High School Championships this week to get the nod. Along with Missick and Corvil, Dinthill Technical High School athlete Derrio Duncan and sprinter Devente Gardiner will also compete in the U-20 division. Ken Reyes, who had dominated the 800M for Jamaica College this season, leads the U-18 charge. His Jamaica College school mates Colby Jennings and Wilkenson Fenelus were also included. The two other under U-18 athletes are Reynaldo Germain and Delva Joachim from the Clement Howell High School. BWIC’s Guerrier is the lone U-20 female athlete. The U-18 division includes three CHHS girls (Zoe Butler, Rebecca Bernadin and Angelica Howell)

Coach Bennett Williams (right) and the U9 side in Florida.

Florida trip inspiring U9s to train harder Last year’s medal winner Woodens Corvil will lead the team in Grenada this year.

and Alivia Brooks from the HJ Robinson High School. Randy Ford will travel as head coach, with Alvirto Smith as his assistant. Also set to make the journey will be Gertrude Forbes as chaperone and president of the TCAAA Edith Skippings as team manager.

THE National U9 players who travelled to the Disney President’s Day Soccer Festival last month, have been inspired by the level of talent at the tournament and have vowed to improve, so states U9 coach Bennett Williams. “The U9 players still have a long way to go. The Florida trip has opened their eyes. Most of them are saying they need to practice every day, whether it be just juggling, passing a ball against a wall with both feet or playing with a friend, they realise

they need practice”. Despite the players’ young age, they have rebounded from the trip and have actually grown as footballers. “They have realised that they need to be able to run 25 minutes, to sprint 100 yards in a decent amount of time, to have faster eye and head movement and to recognise certain key aspects of the game,” Williams pointed out. For the head coach, he has suggested that the youngsters watch as much football as they can, so as to

study the players’ movements, runs and techniques. He said that he asked the players not to stare at the ball during the game, but to focus on the player in their position. Williams also told the players to use the moves during training to make it become second nature. “All in all, I think we played awesome, but I remain realistic and knowing my own strengths and weaknesses, I realise I have to know how to get the best out of my players, this will slowly improve.”

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016

LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

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

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March 12 - 18, 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 12 - 18, 2016