TC Weekly News January 7 - 13, 2023

Local boat captain and crew hailed as heroes after rescue

– Four passengers were stranded at sea after private plane crashed

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Four people who were left stranded at sea after a private plane they were travelling on crashed just off the coast of Grand Turk, in the Turks and Caicos Islands were rescued by a local boat captain and his crew.

Shortly before noon, on Tuesday, January 3, a call was placed to the 911 Operations Centre stating a small private aircraft en route from St Kitts and Nevis to Providenciales with four persons, crashed 17 miles southeast of the airport, a Police report said.

According to reports, the three passengers were St Kitts and

Nevis nationals and were all pilots onboard a Cessna 340A.

The distress call triggered immediate search and rescue efforts by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, supported by several local agencies including the boating community as well as international enforcement.

However, while earlier reports claimed the rescue was the result of this intense operation which combined the expertise of the police, emergency personnel, and the US Coast Guard, a local certified dive master and Boat Captain of Deep Blue Charters, Kellison Talbot, and his crew Anthony Forbes and Jervis

Simmons who risked their lives to rescue the stranded individuals, were hailed as the heroes of this harrowing ordeal.

The combined operation which was described as “intensive and exhaustive” was called off around 3.30 pm when all four individuals were rescued and transported to the isle of Grand Turk where they received medical attention.

Commenting on the rescue, Assistant Superintendent (ag) of Police Michael Francois thanked the public for their assistance and extended special thanks to the fisherman for doing an “exceptional job” in the search and rescue.

He said: “I especially want to thank fisherman Kellison Talbot who did an exceptional job in this rescue.

“He displayed courage and selflessness by placing his life on the line.

“Additionally, from the initial

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Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) help passengers after the rescue operation-RTCIPF photo

Two of the passengers receiving medical attention in an ambulance in Grand Turk-RTCIPF photo

Boat Captain, Kellison Talbot (left), being embraced and thanked by regiment officers

Police cordoned off a section of the beach and established a Command Centre- RTCIPF photo

2022

Josephine Connolly Still she rises

BY GEMMA HANDY

It takes courage to make a comeback. And recent years have been a rollercoaster for Josephine Connolly. The businesswomanturned-politician has certainly encountered her fair share of tumult – and at high altitudes, turbulence is aggrandised.

There was the elation of being elected to the House of Assembly in 2012 - despite being a political novice - and more again when she was made a Cabinet minister under her former party, the PDM. Then there was the blow of being ignominiously fired, the trepidation that comes with crossing a political floor when she joined the PNP, and finally the triumph at being elected for a third time in February 2021.

Every step was played out in the public arena for dissection. That’s the thing about small communities; they can be a comfort in a crisis but destructive after an indignity.

A lesser woman might have been crushed by what Connolly described in 2019 as an “orchestrated social media campaign” against her when she attempted to walk the political road alone as an independent member of the House.

But what the critics hadn’t bet on was Connolly’s strength of spiritand her dogged determination to finish what she’d started.

Almost two years after being entrusted with what is arguably the Islands’ meatiest portfolio – tourism – while the pandemic posed the biggest challenges the sector had ever faced, Connolly is flying high.

Last year saw record numbers of visitors flock to the destination, despite what some may have viewed

as a risky decision to continue to bar anyone not vaccinated against Covid-19.

It is Connolly’s “steady hand” at the helm of the TCI’s mainstay - which has kept the territory “punching way above its weight” - that sees her named Weekly News Person of the Year 2022 by publisher W. Blythe Duncanson.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was flattered,” she chuckles, recalling the telephone call from Duncanson with the news. “I said, me? You’re sure?

“I was very happy. Recognition and positive feedback are important for everyone. It makes me very proud.”

If one was able to craft the ideal personality to oversee the promotion of the Islands to international visitors, they’d definitely share an abundance of traits with Connolly. She’s not just a people person but a savvy businesswoman too, with a head for both figures and marketing.

Her entrepreneurial expertise was born several decades ago in the unassuming environs of Salt Cay.

“I am a proud Salt Cay girl,” she smiles. “We have some lovely people. You will find us everywhere – in every government department, in every church. We make things happen.”

Growing up with no electricity and with daily walks to the public tank for water was “difficult”.

“We had to use what we had. We spent our time keeping busy; we had the Girl Guides, we had Sunday School, and we had playtime when we would play marbles, cricket, our own ring games,” she says.

“When I look back at where I came from, I am proud of myself.

What my mum and dad instilled in me was hard work; everything had to be done by hand back then – washing the dishes, scrubbing the floors, carrying water on your head.

“But it made me a strong woman. Today I am not afraid to work and I thank my parents for that.”

As a small child aged just seven, part of Connolly’s and her younger sister’s responsibility was to open up their mother’s store each morning.

“As little as we were, if anyone came in for a carton of milk or a bottle of kerosene we were sensible enough to sell it. We didn’t even know what teamwork meant then but my sister and I worked like a

team.

“If someone came in for gas, my sister would say, you take care of the oil and I will go behind the counter. That’s where we got our entrepreneurial spirit from.”

Connolly started her first business – a car rental firm – in Grand Turk in 1988 with five Jeep Wranglers. Tropical Auto Rentals quickly expanded when she moved to Providenciales in 1991.

“It’s been very successful over the last 30 years. In 2000 we became the Kia distributor for the TCI,” she says.

“In 2002 I was cofounder and subsequently director of Connolly Zahm Properties, a prominent real estate company which eventually merged with Sotheby’s.”

More companies that she built from the ground up followed. Connolly Kia Motors is her car distributorship and Connolly Productions is the entity behind her radio station 88.1FM.

Connolly has been married for almost 30 years to Joseph Connolly, a former senior partner with PriceWaterhouse Coopers. The couple have 26-year-old twins – Mark, a chef by profession, and Anne-Marie, a journalist.

It was while the twins were in school in England that Connolly decided to take a sabbatical. From 2004 to 2010, she attended the University of Central Lancashire, earning first a BSc in politics

From business mogul to Tourism Minister, the “proud Salt Cay girl” credits the power of positivity with her bold political comeback

‘When I look back at where I came from, I am proud of myself’ – Josephine Connolly

Josephine Connolly: Still she rises

and management, followed by a Master’s in human resource management.

Two years after graduating from the latter she took her first steps into the political sphere. It was a monumental time for the TCI, coming on the heels of three years of direct British rule.

Connolly was elected as an atlarge candidate for the PDM and subsequently appointed Deputy Speaker by unanimous vote at the first meeting of the House in November 2012. Four years later she again won her seat and was made Education Minister. But it was to be a short-lived affair thanks to a fallout with the then Premier.

Still, Connolly remained loyal to the PDM as a backbencher before attempting a stint as an independent. She quickly discovered the pitfalls of that; the chances of effectively influencing government without the backing of a party are slim to none.

Her desire to “focus on the needs of the people” prompted her decision to switch allegiances and join the PNP.

Connolly admits being booted from her ministerial role was a blow to her confidence. Coming back was a “difficult journey”.

“But I am a strong woman, I decided to pick up the pieces and move on,” she says. The support of her family and surrounding herself with “positive people” also proved crucial.

Asked how it felt to return to the House of Assembly in February 2021, she’s resolute.

“I was excited, I had some unfinished business, and I wanted to be able to prove to the people of this country that I can represent them,” she enthuses.

“I was elated to go back; I felt like I was walking on the moon.

My heart is good, people know me and they knew me from before politics.

“I have received nothing but love and encouragement from the party, the executive and the members of the PNP, and especially our leader Honourable Washington Misick who has been very supportive to me.”

Politics is in her “blood”, Connolly says. Her father served three terms as the representative for Salt Cay. Her sister has also served a trio of terms.

“I feel like I have an obligation to help my country and I like helping people,” she continues.

Last year – a “year of recovery” for tourism – was a busy one. A highlight for Connolly was seeing the cruise industry firing on all cylinders again, delivering an economic shot in the arm to Grand Turk.

In November, the cruise centre

welcomed the arrival of the brand new Carnival Celebration liner. The leviathan – the largest in Carnival’s fleet and carrying almost 6,000 passengers – made its first port of call to the capital isle on its maiden voyage.

“That was the standout moment for me last year,” Connolly says. “I love Grand Turk, I spend a lot of my time there and the resumption of cruise ships has been great for the economy.”

Another success of 2022 was being elected as the new Vice Chairman for the British Overseas Territories on the Caribbeans Tourism Organization’s Executive Committee in September.

What is currently consuming Connolly’s attention is helping establish a destination management marketing organisation. Its composition will include key industry players, from taxi drivers to lawyers, while its regulatory

arm will ensure smooth operations including how the Islands are advertised.

There have been many who have questioned if TCI’s breakneck pace of development puts it in danger of sacrificing its unique identify – a notion Connolly rebuffs.

“We have mechanisms in place and a policy for each island, called the community enhancement programme,” she explains.

Every development must be sympathetic to the respective island’s mores.

“You can’t come and say you want to build 10 storeys in Salt Cay or North Caicos. We have our policies in place so when investors come they know exactly what we are accepting for each island,” Connolly adds.

The most important part of her role as Tourism Minister, she says, is “making sure we sustain what we have”.

Right now, the future looks bright.

“Every hotel and Airbnb was full for Christmas and in November 2023 we will welcome Virgin Atlantic here for the first time.

“Over 80 percent of our GDP is derived from tourism, and if you add construction to that it’s over 90 percent. We are doing very well as a country, we sometimes have as many as 26 flights arriving on a Saturday or a Sunday,” Connolly continues.

“Tourists continue to keep us at the top of their minds; we are the envy of the Caribbean.”

So is that trickling down to all Islanders?

“Our people need to take the bull by the horns,” she responds. “We have made available through TCInvest the financial assistance for every Turks and Caicos Islander who would like to start a business.

They must take advantage of that.”

To focus on her ministerial duties, Connolly has taken a step back from her businesses, entrusting them to the aegis of her son. But she remains embroiled in her civic activities. She’s president of the Girl Guides Association, patron of the Soroptomist Club of Providenciales and an energetic member of the annual In The Pink fundraiser, which last year raised a colossal $87,000 for the National Cancer Society.

Asked what she’d like her legacy to be, she’s given that some thought.

“If people look back and say I’ve made a positive difference to this country I would be happy,” she says. “The most important lesson I’ve learned over the years is that this is a small island, we must treat people the way we want to be treated.

“I would advise anyone thinking of entering politics – or business –to stay positive, treat setbacks as challenges and keep your eyes on the prize.”

Losing her mother in 2021 was tough, Connolly says, but she’s grateful for the values she was taught.

“What my parents instilled in me I instilled in my children; I am very proud of who they are. I look at myself as a very honest person and I think my integrity speaks for itself,” she says.

“I’m a product of my life experiences, living and working in the Turks and Caicos and surrounded by not just my direct family but the larger family that we are all a part of,” Connolly adds.

“I love the people of these Islands. I am a blessed woman and I share my blessings with others; that’s what makes me feel good at night.”

Josephine with husband Joseph and twins Mark and Anne-Marie

Josephine Connolly with former US First Lady Michelle Obama

Tourism Minister Josephine Connolly says the future is bright for the TCI’s mainstay

‘Stateless no more’, ten children receive their BOTCs from Governor Dakin

BY DELANA ISLES

“This changes everything,” one young man remarked to the Governor over the Christmas holidays as he was presented with his British Overseas Territory Citizenship (BOTC).

The young man is one of ten children who call the ‘Provo Children’s Home’ their home. They all received their BOTCs in time for Christmas, a move the Governor said was expedited with the help of key persons in government departments.

The number of ‘stateless children’ in the Turks and Caicos Islands has been an issue for many years, one that the Human Rights Commissioner Sabrina Greene recently told Weekly News she intends to address as a matter of importance in 2023.

In 2016, the United Nations recorded the number of stateless children at 2,000, in a published situational analysis of children in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

These children are primarily born in the TCI to parents who are not from the Islands, and as a result find themselves unable to get legal documentation that will allow them to live and work freely in TCI.

His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin, who presented the

citizenship certificates to the 10 children just before the holiday, said: “It’s been a long time in coming. The adults who spend so much of their time supporting these children have been relentless in the pursuit of this. Genuine champions.”

He said, so too have officials - Permanent Secretary James Astwood and before him Permanent Secretary Althea Beenwho showed real leadership on the issue.

“All worked assiduously to ensure that citizenship could be proved and provided within

the established process, not straightforward because of the nature of many of the children’s

back-stories and the need to access documentation.

“Between us, we’d promised to have these matters resolved by Christmas - I’d told the children this in September when they’d explained to me the problems they faced - and so it was good to show our children that adults can and will keep their promises,” the Governor said.

He added that the children are a fantastic example of the potential in these Islands: “First-class track and field athletes, football players, an amazing vocalist and “A-grade” students were with me this week.”

He related that as he presented the certificate, one young man said to him ‘This changes everything’.

“He is right, it does. It means these young people can now

contribute productively to the future of these Islands, it means they can travel to represent the territory in sport, they can stabilise their future and much more.”

He reminded residents that as wards of the state, he and everyone else, carry many parental-type responsibilities towards these children. As such, it is a moment to be shared by all.

“So perhaps we can all wish all of them the very best for the coming year, as they celebrate their first Christmas with citizenship, and for the years beyond.”

He stressed that this was not a Christmas gift, as the children had a right to it, but that it was a promise kept.

“And it’s the promise of a better future that is one of the many reasons that makes Christmas so magical.”

A family is grieving the death of a loved one over the holiday season due to Covid-19.

The most recent death is that of a middle-aged patient, who on December 20 presented to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales with severe symptoms.

Marked as the Turks and Caicos Islands’ 37th COVIDrelated death since the start of the pandemic, hospital officials reported in December that the patient was critically ill when they showed up at the emergency department.

They later succumbed to the illness. The hospital also reveals that the patient was Covid-19 positive and unvaccinated with chronic medical conditions.

Members of the public are

advised to continue observing all the precautionary measures against the deadly disease, including getting vaccinated.

If you have symptoms suggestive of Covid-19, please take all safety precautions and stay home unless you seek to take a Covid-19 test. For further information, please contact the Ministry of Health Covid-19 Hotlines at 232-9444 or 333-0911. If your symptoms are severe, please call 911.

All persons, particularly the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, are strongly encouraged to consider taking the Covid-19 vaccine and the booster vaccine, which remain available through the Primary Health Care Clinics throughout the TCI.

His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin has accepted the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) recommendation to extend Her Ladyship, Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang’s contract until March 2026.

The Governor said he was very pleased to accept the JSC’s recommendation, given the zeal exhibited by the Chief Justice, and the changes she has made to better the judicial system of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Reflecting on these changes made by the “very low-key and very effective Chief Justice”, Governor Dakin said: “Her Ladyship landed at the very beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. What a moment to arrive in a new land, without one’s family, taking on a role of national importance.”

He said he recalls being asked if there was anything he believes the TCI needed in its next Chief Justice, “my reply was we needed a “reformer”.

He said Her Ladyship has certainly been that, as TCI helped lead the way regionally delivering virtual trials during the pandemic.

He recounted her successes: “A mediation centre and associated rules have been established.

There is now a restorative justice programme, and a new judicial and legal education institute has been established, and civil procedure rules will help modernise the courts.

“Wider access to legal aid is now available and a lawyer is provided to visit a prisoner in police custody. A panel and process, to recommend Kings Counsel, is now in place.”

He said Her Ladyship has

championed legislation clarifying the responsibilities of the Chief Justice and taken over responsibility for Justices of the Peace to create a regulated environment for their quasi-judicial work.

Additionally, last week a contract was signed by the Chief Justice to deliver electronic filing and the Chief Justice’s website provides new resources, which includes practice directions.

She also chairs the monthly criminal justice stakeholder group that allows all those who lead in the justice sector to come together to solve shared challenges.

“And of course after the death of Judge Paul Harrison, her Ladyship also chose to take on the most complex trial in TCIs history linked to the SIPT investigation,” the Governor reflected. (DELANA ISLES)

His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin

New judge, specialised investigative resources for cops will assist judiciary’s functions

– DPP

BY DELANA ISLES

Director of Public Prosecutions, Eugene Otuonye K.C. in his penultimate address to the Judiciary reflected on the challenges and successes of his department during the Opening of the 2023 Law Year.

Otuonye, who said he will be demitting his post by, or before, January 2024, shared with the members of the judiciary gathered at the Supreme Court Annex in Providenciales, that his department continues to strive towards prosecutorial service of the highest standards, despite obstacles to success.

Obstacles, he said, he is confident will be rectified having been given the assurance by the Governor, who sought his counsel as to what the department needed to make it stronger.

Addressing the restructuring of the DPP’s Office, the Director noted that the Organised and Serious Crime Unit was brought forward and implemented following the upsurge in gun and gang-related murders and other serious crimes in late 2022.

“It is one thing to establish a Unit like this, but another thing to equip it with the necessary, technically skilled staff and other expenditure

associated with the effective discharge of the unit’s mandate.”

He expressed profound thanks to the Governor, the Deputy Governor and their offices for providing his office with the added impetus to fast forward the establishment of the Organised and Serious Crime Unit.

“At the height of the upsurge and while support and assistance were rolling in for the Police, the Governor reached out to me, not once but twice, with the question, DPP what help do you need? He indicated, and rightly so, that the support for police was coming in,

but the result of their work will largely end up in my office in terms of prosecution. I knew that too well. How can I and my office support you in this regard, he inquired.

“I gave him my shopping list for more senior and technically skilled prosecutors. Inevitably, I included in that list the need for specialised investigative resources for the police on a longer-term basis to allow for the culture of technical and professional excellence in investigations, to be embedded and of course for skill’s transfer.

Local boat captain and crew hailed as heroes after ...

report received, the RTCIPF acted without hesitation by cordoning off a section at the beach and established a Command Centre.

“The force, along with officials from the department of disaster management and emergencies, the fire department, and emergency services all worked tirelessly in our search for the missing individuals.

“The force also extends its gratitude to the Air Support unit from the Coastguard and Customs and Border Protection,” he added.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick who commented on the incident said the “true spirit of the Turks and Caicos Islands was exemplified

by the heroic actions of a number of young Turks and Caicos Islanders”.

He added: “After The Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority (TCIAA) was notified of a small, private aircraft travelling from St Kitts to Providenciales with four souls on board reported difficulties South East of Grand Turk. The local Department of Disaster Management was informed an all agencies were brought together to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts.

“But it was the actions of ‘Deep Blue Charters’ captain Mr Kellison Talbot, assisted by Anthony Forbes and Jervis Simmons who braved their lives to save the passengers who were

in distress.

“I pay homage to their bravery and unselfishness as they were instrumental in saving lives so early in this New Year.”

He continued: “Their actions are commendable and on behalf of my government, I pay tribute to their fearlessness and as good ambassadors of our nation.

“Additionally, I offer my governments’ thanks to the teams at DDME, airports authority, the US Coastguard, maritime police, commercial airlines and local boat captains.

“The Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, hospital, ambulance, regiment and Red Cross all for the role each of you have played.”

“I also did not forget to indicate that an extra judge (especially for the Criminal Court) was now overdue for the TCI judiciary in the prevailing circumstances.”

The Director noted that he later became aware that the Chief Justice had separately and independently made similar requests.

He expressed confidence that with the funding support of the government, every request in their shopping lists will be met come the next financial year.

“In relation to the Office of the DPP, there will be three new posts established - one more post of Principal Public Prosecutor (bringing them to two) and two more Senior Public Prosecutors bringing them to five.

“This is good and great news for the ODPP and indeed for TCI criminal justice system,” Otuonye noted.

STATISTICS FOR 2022

Addressing the work of his office, the Director noted that the criteria for measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of a prosecutorial agency like the ODPP is as difficult and it is misunderstood even by well-meaning assessors.

He said the rate of convictions and acquittal, or dismissal have become misleading criterion, for it underplays the impact of the work and activities of other critical human and institutional players in the criminal justice system.

“While the conviction, acquittal or discharge rate may more reflect the state of the criminal justice system, it can hardly be used to assess the effectiveness of a prosecutor, whose primary focus and aim is not to seek conviction at all costs but to act as a minister of justice,” he stated.

Presenting a summary of the DPP’s case statistics, Otuonye relayed that approximately 219 cases passed through the Magistrate Courts in 2022.

Out of this number, 185 convictions (or 84% conviction rate) were recorded. The offences involved include drugs, burglaries, wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, theft,

immigration, fisheries, and other miscellaneous offences.

He said out of the 66 Supreme Court cases disposed of, there were 50 convictions - arising from either guilty pleas by the defendants or return of guilty verdicts by the judge or the jury.

This represents a 76% conviction rate.

There were seven not guilty or simply dismissed recorded; with 16 cases withdrawn, which represents the 24%. The offences involved include: one attempted homicide, eight rape and related sexual offences, two forgeries; five wounding with intent and other offences against the person; 18 firearm and ammunition offences and 12 drugs offences.

Additionally, there were three appeals to the Court of Appeal, two firearms offences, which were dismissed and one murder appeal that was allowed.

There was one murder appeal to the Privy Council, judgment for which is being awaited.

The Director however noted that case statistics for January to March 2022 are not reflected in this summary, as his officers are still working with the judicial administration to harmonise the cases. Once completed, he said further and better details of these statistics will be available in the ODPP website.

“Notwithstanding the impact of other institutional partners and the above statistical information, I remain of the view that my colleagues and I must continue to press against all odds to deliver a prosecutorial service of the highest standards.

“We are still not there yet.

“However, it is a goal we have resolved to pursue more robustly and vigorously this year, bolstered hopefully, by more resources in ODPP, the Police and the Judiciary in the next financial years.”

Otuonye noted that this will be complemented by the completion, before the end of the 2022-2023 fiscal year of three critical and enabling policies that will address issues of Disclosure, Sufficiency Hearing, and Plea Bargain.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Eugene Otuonye K.C.

from all members of the public on a variety of topics

Multi-agency investigation leads to capture of 95 migrants on Christmas day

On Christmas day, dozens of illegal migrants were detained in the TCI, after arriving on a trade vessel from Haiti.

This comes as an intelligenceled search operation was carried out by a multi-agency team on the trade vessel ‘MV Family Express’, which entered TCI waters.

The search conducted by the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services’ Immigration and Customs departments, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, discovered 95 migrants on board the vessel.

Whilst a number of persons

attempted to escape, officers managed to secure the vessel and those on board were transported to the detention centre in South Dock, Providenciales Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon Arlington Musgrove said in a statement on Friday, December 30th.

Commenting on the operation, Musgrove said: “This is the latest operation in our intelligence-led focus on border-related crime.

“My government remains committed to a clear zerotolerance approach as we continue to crack down, disrupt networks and prosecute persons

involved in the smuggling of illegal migrants.”

He stressed that the Christmas Day operation demonstrates the commitment, and readiness of law enforcement officers to combat attempts to breach TCI’s borders.

A joint investigation supported

by the United States Department of Homeland Security and Homeland Security Investigations, who have Special Agents temporarily based in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s arrival.

about this vessel, or about any immigration or customs offences, are encouraged to share anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 1-800-8477 or directly and anonymously to HSI, online at https://www.ice.gov/tipline, or by phone at 1-866-347-2423.

Officers from the Immigration Task Force swooped down on the home of Police Special Constable Paul Agenor on New Year’s Eve morning, arresting him along with four undocumented persons.

On Monday, January 2, Paul Edouard Agenor, aged 41, was charged by the Immigration Department with the offence of harbouring. He appeared at the Magistrate’s Court on January 3 where he was granted bail.

The four Haitian men encountered at the property – Joseph Agenor aged 65, Sonlove Agenord aged 25, Ismaelle Desavine aged 29 and Sanley Onorab aged 22 – have all been charged with illegal entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands and remain in custody pending their imminent appearance at the Magistrate’s Court.

Commenting on the

multi-agency operation, Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: “Whilst not commenting on the circumstances of Paul Argenord’s arrest due to the matter being sub-judice, I can confirm that this officer was already on administration leave in connection with another matter.

“All allegations of misconduct are taken seriously. Aside from the criminal process, Paul Argenord’s position as a Police Officer will of course be reviewed as a matter of course.”

The Immigration Department has thanked members of the public for their cooperation in this arrest and are urging more people who may have information regarding immigration offences to report it anonymously via Crimestoppers, by calling 1-800-8477.

Just a day after residents in the TCI ushered in a new year, a vessel carrying 128 illegal migrants from Haiti was intercepted in TCI waters.

The attempt by the migrants to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands was thwarted during the early hours of January 02nd by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (Marine Unit).

According to an initial police report, officers from the Marine Branch acting on information

received from the Maritime Operations Centre intercepted the illegal sloop two miles from South Dock.

The irregular migrants, (123 males, four females, and one minor) were subsequently detained around 1 am on January 2nd.

The vessel and those persons on board were handed over to the TCI Regiment and Immigration Enforcement Officers for processing.

The Royal Turks and Caicos

Islands Police Force is urging the public to notify the closest police station or to contact Crime Stoppers and give any information about illegal activity anonymously.

Residents were reminded that Crime Stoppers calls are answered in Miami and in Houston by MiamiDade Crime Stoppers which is a non-profit and not a police agency.

The calls are anonymous and cannot be traced in the United States or the TCI.

MV ‘Family Express’-the vessel carrying 95 illegal migrants - RTCIPF photo

US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers and TCI Immigration officers -RTCIPF photo

The art of giving is a life-changing experience

I believe one of the greatest acts in life is giving. The art of giving is such a rewarding and life-changing experience. I know some of you may say that you do not have any money to give but you can give your time, you can give support and encouragement to others, you can even give people space to breathe and grow. You can also give them the tools and directions on what they need to do to improve their conditions.

Therefore, let us learn to make giving a part of our lives on a regular basis. I don’t believe that God has us on this earth just to look after ourselves but rather to give and help others.

Everybody needs money and so if you have money, give some of your money to help others. I know some people who have very little money, but they give their last to

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

help others. Some of you may say some of these people need to find a different job to make more money so they can help themselves. The truth is some individuals have multiple jobs and still cannot make ends meet. I honestly believe that if all the rich people in the world can give to those in need, we can alleviate poverty.

Many people prefer not to give money because they feel it is a

waste and it may encourage others to become lazy and dependent. However, this is always not the case. If you are struggling with giving money, then show people what they need to do to become successful. Some people really do not know what to do and there are others who know what to do so if you know what to do, then give people the tools and instructions on what they need to do.

Another thing is many of us are so preoccupied with our businesses and careers in that we have little time for anything else. However, we must find the time to help others. I admire many of those associations who volunteer their time to train our young men and women in sports. More of us need to do this. Perhaps if we give more of our time to young people, we can reduce some of the violence that is taking place. After all, the gangs are finding time to groom them. Therefore, give some of your time in the churches, the workplace, the community, and schools so we can train others to be productive and effective people in the community.

Many of us are also too negative and do not support one another. Everybody needs some sort of support and encouragement. If

you cannot do it, pray to God, and ask him to give you that spirit of support and encouragement. The thing is, some of us want to receive support but we don’t want to give. I believe if you support someone, that person will also support you. Let us practice giving support. Many people feel alone and discouraged but those feelings can be eliminated if you can give them the support and encouragement they need.

There are some circumstances in which you need to give people some space. Some people need that space to breathe and grow. Some of us interfere with and torment people so much that they do not have time for themselves.

The art of giving will make the world a better place by making a positive impact in the lives of many and by saving the lives of others.

Political instability in neighbouring Haiti could have a cascading effect in the TCI

A humanitarian crisis looms and now, more than ever, Haitians are fleeing extreme poverty. In the heightened episodes of political instability, armed gangs have captured a huge part of the capital city of Port-au-Prince and there are fears of a boil over, as the TCI finds itself too close to escape.

The risk of a massive inflow of migrants is inevitable and the struggle to intercept sloops across the passage before reaching land remains an exigent task ahead. If this battle is to be won, all

stakeholders, including lawmakers, the UK, paramilitary forces, entrepreneurs, and residents alike must get involved.

Amid the hostility in Haiti,

law enforcers in the TCI must be on the alert, systems and legal frameworks should be upgraded and response ready to shoulder any security breaches. It is essential that policymakers develop plans, strategically deploy adequate human resources and conduct random surveillance from the air and joint operations on land and sea.

One may ask, why should the TCI be so concerned about what’s happening in neighbouring Haiti, approximately 190 miles to the south? The answer to the question is, the political miscarriages befalling in the French Republic could have profound social, political and economic spill-over effects in the TCI.

It could warp the government's fiscal policy, exhaust the nation’s financial and human resources, and disrupt its immigration policy for

the long term.

Similarly, it can compromise TCI National security and safety, like the recent unnerving gun violence in Providenciales, if the authorities ignore the French Republic’s current situation.

I am adamant, lawmakers in the TCI should help in Haiti’s political and economic dilemma. Foremost, Haiti’s stability rest in the hands of Haitian people; and therefore, they must elect a government with integrity and without allegiances.

Likewise, the Haitian Diaspora has a significant role to help institute a robust anti-corruption contingent to assist in reforming law enforcement services and ensure the legislative body function adequately.

Haiti has produced a pyramid of rogue leaders and endless coups d’état, which has often resulted in the leaders’ expulsion or assassination.

If Haiti’s residents work with the Diaspora, they can eradicate the violence dispensed across Portau-Prince and rupture the current affiliation between politicians, gangs and law enforcement.

To expedite support, the TCI and international stakeholders must first understand the gravity

of Haiti’s instability, which can be traced back to its brutal colonial past. Haiti was forced to compensate France with 150 million francs for the loss of properties during the slave revolt in exchange for sovereignty. The US joined the wagon; it stopped sending aid, and isolated Haiti from the rest of the world; hence, suffocating the country’s economy.

Ideally, the US must cease fanning Haiti’s political flames and make meaningful financial and security contributions to assist the nation to curb its unending conundrum and so should France and other international actors.

We are witnessing international support for Ukraine in its resistance against Russia’s invasion. Equally, why can’t the global community extend a similar support to the Haitian people, to enable them to alleviate poverty and secure their communities?

Undoubtedly, the US reluctance to assist Haiti is ‘colour-coded’ and the TCI and other neighboring countries should address this issue to the international community.

If Haiti’s problems persist, the TCI must be on constant alert to avoid any possible mass influx!

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

BY D MARKIE SPRING

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

What matters most?

What is the best gift you have ever gotten? I asked a few people this question and the responses were quite varied. A brand new pair of headphones, a surprise visit from a loved one, the birth of a child (as I look back on this answer I think they meant the news that they were pregnant), a surprise trip, and tuition help. There was an entire category of gifts that were special because of who they came from. A child’s painting, a family heirloom of a cup and saucer, a photo, and a grandmother’s wedding ring.

When I flipped the question and asked “what was the best gift you gave to someone?” the responses took a while before they started coming. Not because the people I spoke to were not gift givers, but because it’s the receiver’s value of the gift that makes it what it is. In that same vein when the question was tweaked to “what gift have you given that made you feel good?” the answers came flooding out. Food for a family in need, money to help a child through school, advice, and on and on it went. When the gift met a need, showed compassion, or cost the giver something, it seemed to have more impact on the giver than the receiver.

OCTOPEN

KENYATTA E. LEWIS

Kenyatta Lewis is the pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel, a growing church committed to taking followers of Jesus deeper and going further in their faith. Besides loving, serving, and helping people he has watched the extended Director’s cut of the Lord of the Rings trilogy multiple times.

Who does not love receiving gifts? We all love it and more so when it comes from someone special, and fills our imagination, however, many of us are turning our backs on the most amazing gift of all; God’s love.

The greatest gift that God has given us is HIS LOVE. Where does it say that in the Bible? John 3:16 tells us that God so loved us, that He gave Himself as a gift to us so that we could have life. We were dead spiritually with no idea how to be made alive, and even if we did know how, we had no way of making it happen; so God, because He loved us so much, died for us so that we could be alive spiritually, emotionally and physically.

But get this, not only were we spiritually dead, and heading to an eternity without Christ, we were his enemies (Romans 5:8) and yet HE still loved us. Who does that?

Who puts HIS life on the line so that HIS enemies can be free? Jesus did when He died. That’s love and even then it does not come close to touching the boundaries of God’s love for us.

God also placed HIS love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) and when we practice showing that love to others, it becomes a sign to everyone that God is our Father and HIS life is in us (1 John 4:7-8), that we are HIS followers (John 13:35) and that we have been saved from living in darkness (1 John 3:14).

How many of you like things to be simplified? Guess what, when Jesus was asked what was the greatest law, as in which law was foremost, he said “Love God, love your neighbours” and he went on to say that every other law (613 of them), everything God has asked us to do, hangs on or is based on

one thing; loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:34-40).

One of Jesus’ disciples recorded Him giving a new commandment to follow, (John 13:35). Want to guess what it is? Love each other as God has loved you.

Less you think that the idea of love is only found in the New Testament, Jeremiah, writing about

600 years before Jesus came said that we should not boast in wisdom or might but in knowing God. And what is it that you need to know about God to know God? You need to know that HE practices love, justice, and righteousness (Jeremiah 9:23-24). To know God is to know that God is love (1 John 4:8) and that God practices love.

Loving God and loving others will fulfil every commandment that God has given. So everything that God is doing in us, for us, and through us is designed to turn us into people who are transformed by love to love.

Love matters most. Receive it and share it today.

YOU. ARE.LOVED.

Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.

Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

Committed to prosperity and romance

This is not going to be one of the annual regurgitated New-Year'sResolutions that never make it past the 5th of January. I want 2023 to be a year of action. So I remove all of the self-convincing lies I often tell myself in the form of “resolutions”. I am not going to the gym and I am not going to take on a new hobby. Do not get stuck in futile resolutions like me. Instead, pick a handful of attainable tasks that you want to accomplish this year. Do not call them resolutions though call them “commitments”.

Go on, ask and commit to the raise that you are so well deserved. Commit to that business plan you so desperately want to see through and build the courage to text that person you’ve been crushing on for

years.

BY DAVIDSON LOUIS

Let 2023 be "The Year of Commitment". While you are chasing the money bag, do not forget about your love life. Take time to indulge, explore and find romance. Have wild passionate sexual encounters if need be, after all, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit.

WASTE NO ONE'S TIME, INCLUDING YOURS

If (s)he does not come correct, do not wait for the 10th date to make a decision. You know what you want. And whoever comes into your life, should as well. Make it clear what your goals are. If they aren’t met, pick up the check and leave. Be nice though, I am not asking you to go and burn bridges.

FLIRT MORE

If you do not have a ring on your finger, flirt till you drop! Literally, flirt until you find Mr(s) Right. Remember that this body is not eternal, and one morning, it too will fade away. So while gravity hasn’t pulled down on your most valuable assets, make them work. A good flirt is instant gratification to say that “you still got it”_ so go on, make me proud.

GO GET IT

You know that business plan you’ve had on your computer for years. Print it and show it to someone you trust. Test drive it, but do take on all of the criticism you receive. If it can be funded alone, this is the year to get on with it. If you need external

funding, prepare a five-minute pitch and take it to the bank.

KEEP A LIST

In university, I was once told to always keep a list of my accomplishments. Write everything you achieved somewhere. In a meeting with your boss, pull it out. It shall bear witness to your productivity.

TAKE MORE RISKS

If it makes you nervous, go for it. Take calculated risks. You will surprise others but you will mostly surprise yourself on just how rewarding it is to step out of your comfort zone. Note to self.

What would you commit to this year? Do tell on louisedens@ gmail.com

Rachel Wolchin once said: “If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have had roots instead of feet.” On this quest to self-discovery, TC Islander Davidson Louis vowed to travel, write, paint, laugh and forgive. Subsequently, he hopes to find himself and or, leave behind a few pieces of himself. Contact him at hello. octopen@tcinews.tc

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics

Turks & Caicos: Out with the old and in with a new purpose

For my fellow Turks and Caicos islanders, as this year makes its exit and the New Year is about to come up on the big screen, we have to: look at ourselves; think hard about some things; and ask ourselves some serious questions about where we are and where we would wish to be.

This outgoing year has not been a good one for our country. In this year 2022, we have seen an outrageous level of crime, carnage in loss of life, and assault on our borders with illegal migration on a ‘never-before-seen’ scale.

The crime, often fatal, has involved children with their life all in front of them; young people with so much to offer; and adults still with important contributions to make. And the assault on our borders has come from ‘a stone’s throw’ next door in our neighborhood to as far away as southeast Asia.

These are not small problems that we should accept as ‘ho-hum’ because someone, or an entity, should be liable for these ills.

As a so-called UK Overseas Territory, we do not need a supersleuth Sherlock Holmes to uncover who that is. It is without doubt the British government. If we were passing out grades for performance for this year, and a number of previous years, the UK would get a solid ‘F’ grade report card to frame on the walls of their Parliament and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). But this involves more than issuing report cards.

BY BEN ROBERTS

Ben is a Turks & Caicos Islander and a writer and published author. His book ‘Jackals of Samarra’ can be found at Amazon.com, and other Internet book sites. He can be contacted at: grandt730@aol.com.

Liability is a serious matter here, so besides report cards, our country and citizens should really see about taking action in filing some form of lawsuit such as with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague or the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in Port of Spain, Trinidad. That is unless Turks and Caicos elected government and citizenry are fine with the current state of affairs. In truth, such an action is long overdue.

Earlier this year the governor took to the news media in addressing the Turks and Caicos Parliament regarding the raging crime. The man’s presentation was shameful. He admitted that addressing Parliament was not something he did often; blamed victims for being partly responsible for the crime problem by not providing information; limited blame to himself by claiming he and the locally elected Premier shared powers that were roughly equivalent; blamed the UK Parliament and FCO for not addressing the problem when we never heard any such complaint during his whole tenure in the Turks

and Caicos; and arrogantly and dismissively vowed that neither he nor his Chief of Police would step down anytime soon by heeding and giving in to calls by our citizenry that they do so. In short, his address was meandering, insulting, and showed his ‘governing’ to be less than desirable. Now newsflash! The governor is leaving this year to be replaced for the first time in Turks and Caicos/British governance history by a woman. And not just any woman, but a non-Caucasian woman! So much for the governor’s hard-nosed ‘gutting-it-out’ and ‘take-it-orleave-it’ stance.

But this new development of a first-time woman and nonCaucasian governor might be bigger than this man from Birmingham. It might be that he has served his purpose of seeing to UK interests and designs in the TCI, and now they want to play this mind-game of pretending to show the wider world that they are progressive, and the Turks and Caicos that they are kinder, gentler, and on our side by sending us a woman, and one with a skin colour similar

Carbon monoxide poisoning suspected in children’s death

Two young females, ages six and seven tragically lost their lives on Christmas Eve (December 24) after possibly being exposed to fatal levels of carbon monoxide.

The Five Cays community was plunged into sadness and grief a day before Christmas when the devastating news circulated.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

According to a statement, initial reports were received at around 5.39 pm via a call placed to the Police Control Room.

Officers were promptly dispatched to an area known as Club Med Housing within the Five Cays Community.

Upon arrival, the officers discovered the six and seven-yearold girls unresponsive, while a third female-aged 12-was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she remains in a serious condition”, the RTCIPF stated.

Head of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit (SPPU) of the RTCIPF, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Grantley Williams commenting on the tragedy said: “It is suspected that this tragic incident might have been the result of carbon monoxide poisoning, due to a generator being used at the home.”

Williams reminded the general public that it is extremely dangerous to operate generators in enclosed spaces.

He said: “This can end in

catastrophe, with persons dying due to carbon monoxide poisoning; the effects of such lethal gas will most likely go unnoticed until it is too late.”

“Both the Department of Social Development and the SPPU are conducting several interviews into this incident, one person remains in custody as part of the investigation.”

The RTCIPF urged anyone with information surrounding this tragic incident to contact investigators at (649) 232-6696 or contact Crime Stoppers.

All calls are answered in the United States and managed by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers which is a non-profit and not a police agency.

The calls are anonymous and cannot be traced in the United States or the TCI.

to ours. Rumour is that many fellow citizens are applauding and welcoming this move as an admirable, to-be-desired action by the British. Nonsense! She represents the interests of the British Crown just the same as her outgoing predecessor and all before him. Black, brown, white or, green, she would not have an FCO career and be advanced through their diplomatic pipeline if she did not. Moreover, in Turks and Caicos we have had a change like this before, one level down, when the Attorneys General were all White and we got one who was from among us in a TCI female citizen with black skin like ours. Can anyone honestly say that that change, with that current AG, has improved our lot vis a vis British colonial governance? Moreover, it should be remembered that during slavery the plantation owner almost always saw to it that his Slave Driver to get things done was a black like his slaves. This individual turned out to be more vicious than the Master because, in impressing his Master that he was looking out for his interests, it ensured his advancement in what was a brutal ‘dog-eat-dog’ system of human misery and despair. Furthermore, in the choice of this lady, with no input or acceptance from our citizenry, nothing has changed for centuries. They still unilaterally decide to send us a single individual to govern us, a population of over 50,000 souls, while we do not have a

single person to represent us in their Parliament since the days of sailing ships. Atrocious! Now, do you see why this is not some newer, gentler, progressive move by the Colonial Master that is the UK Government? Same ‘chum’ for going on four centuries.

In the TCI, we need to understand something. This is the 21st century. The world has changed and is still changing. We are not owned by the British. We, as humans, are not owned by anybody. The Creator decreed no such thing. Emperors, monarchs, kings, and lords did. But who are they to do so? This paraphrased quote should tell you how unqualified they are to claim ownership of anyone made in the Creator’s image just as them: “An emperor or king, great as he might be in wealth and power, cannot even stop the lowly spider from making its home in the ceiling of his private bedchamber.” See what I’m saying? But beyond the individual human being, Turks and Caicos as a country does not belong to the UK as a colonial territory. History shows this to be a falsehood that has prevailed through the centuries and through time. For this approaching New Year we, of Turks and Caicos, need to move with a purpose in realising the true wealth of our country; the historical fact vs. fiction of our country; and move with every speed to ensure that what belongs to Turks & Caicos is secured for our citizens and their progress. Happy New Year to All!

DECR launches 'Nature School' for tour operators

Local tour operators and guides will be able to learn more about the biodiversity, and vital ecosystems of the TCI at the DECR’s Nature School.

The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) said the 'Nature School' which will be launched soon, is a free, voluntary opportunity for tour operators and guides to bolster their tours while acting as environmental stewards for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Nature School will be hosted for one hour, on the last Thursday of each month with the objective of teaching operators and guides about biodiversity, and vital ecosystems of the TCI and the wider Caribbean region, the

department said in a statement this week.

According to the Department, the overall aim is to ensure tour operators and guides are wellinformed and knowledgeable, which will improve guest experience, and lead to an empowered tourism product that sustainably interacts with the environment.

Although the training is free; registration is required.

Operators and guides can register with the DECR at aavenant@gov.tc or call 338-4170 for more information.

In-person classes are currently only offered on Providenciales, but allowances will be made for those wanting to join virtually.

‘Bright future ahead, despite challenges of the year past’

– Premier tells nation in New Year’s message

DELANA ISLES

The Turks and Caicos Islands has much to look forward to in 2023, despite the challenges of 2022, which saw the territory being sunk to a record low in criminal activity.

Updating residents of his projections for the New Year, Premier, Hon C. Washington Misick noted that despite the global and local challenges, the TCI economy continues to perform well, and the outlook for 2023 and beyond is very positive.

“Our star performer, tourism as well as government’s targeted efforts to reduce the adverse economic effects from the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia/Ukraine war have contributed to the positive economic performance.”

Fresh investments in the tourism industry as well as the re-opening of the Grand Turk Cruise Port have accelerated the territory’s economic recovery, the Premier said.

Additionally, stay-over arrivals increased in 2022 and all indicators are that this trend will continue throughout 2023, and 2024. The cruise ship sector is projected to completely recover by the end of 2023.

He added that with some good investments in the pipeline, the government expects the tourism sector to continue its robust performance.

Growth in Construction

Misick related that construction grew at about four per cent in 2022, and this excellent performance is expected to continue into 2023 and beyond.

Construction will be boosted even more by foreign direct investment in tourism-related projects, an increase in domestic private sector investments, the government’s infrastructural development; and communitybased initiatives.

“My government will shortly introduce legislation to ensure that local contractors and trades are protected and get a bigger slice of the domestic construction industry.

He said imports especially of construction supplies for commercial and residential developments to accommodate a growing international clientele

increased in 2022.

This trend is also expected to continue in 2023.

Sharing some figures, the Premier said that: “Between the start of the financial year in April and the end of October revenue increased by 11 per cent over the same period last year.

“Expenditure increased by 20 per cent due to additional spending on security and social intervention measures. The unemployment rate declined to 8 per cent in 2022 and is projected to fall to 7 percent in 2023.

“Our GDP is projected to increase from $924m in 2020 to $1.24bn in 2023.”

He said the government will continue to monitor and make changes as global economic headwinds continue to affect TCI.

He promised: “We will always act decisively in the national interest. We will continue to provide value for money, prudently manage expenditure, increase revenue, and put systems and resources in place to create an efficient and effective public service.”

CHALLENGES AND ACTIONS

Reflecting on the challenges of 2022 and the actions taken to mitigate them, Misick noted that even though it appeared that the Covid-19 pandemic was behind us, and all sectors of the economy were looking great, two months later the Russia/Ukraine war reared its head.

Worsening the supply chain issues, triggering excessive spikes in the cost of fuel and food and causing uncertainty in the global economy, the war is still negatively impacting the cost of living in the TCI.

“I know that you are feeling the effects as the prices of goods and service increase frequently.”

Pointing to several measures that the government introduced to help residents and citizens deal with the increased cost of living –such as stimulus, fuel tax reduction, increased in social assistance, to name just a few – the Premier noted that the fourth quarter of the year was a very challenging time for all as violent crimes increased.

“The highest duty of my

government is to keep our citizens, residents, and visitors safe. The criminals will have no refuge. Those who murder with impunity will be hunted down and swiftly brought to justice.”

He stated that additional resources have been, and will continue to be, provided to police to tackle gun and other serious crimes with new crime-fighting equipment and additional manpower.

This was done as part of a $67.3m allocation to ensure public order and safety.

This funding will also see the installation of new CCTV camera systems throughout communities, starting with the most vulnerable.

Further investments include 24 UK detectives for a New Drugs and Guns Unit, some of whom are already on the ground; seconded officers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force; new laws to harshly

punish those who are wreaking havoc in TCI; and tougher penalties for gun crimes.

The police are also now legally authorised to investigate, stop and search, detain, and break up gang activities.

In collaboration with international partners, the TCI has also increased its aerial and sea surveillance to further strengthen its borders.

Also, in 2023, the territory’s immigration laws will be amended, ensuring that anyone caught breaking the law will face stiffer penalties, including the revocation of PRC and status.

The Premier urged: “We must come together and defeat the criminals who terrorise our communities. Don’t harbour criminals and if you see something call Crime Stoppers.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has announced several reassignments to ministerial portfolios and executive changes for the New Year.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick, said the portfolio and executive changes are aimed at enhancing efficacy across Government Departments.

In a statement on Saturday, December 31, he said: “The ministerial and executive revisions were taken as part of a wider initiative to enhance efficiency and effectiveness on my government’s overall service delivery on promises made in the Citizen’s Contract.”

As part of the Ministerial Portfolio changes, the Departments of Labour, Customer Services and Employment Services will be assigned to the Ministry

of Immigration and Border Services.

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) will be assigned to the National Security Secretariat.

The Turks and Caicos Gaming Commission will be assigned to the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade and the Department of Special Needs will be assigned to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services.

In keeping with the Executive Reassignments, Mr Wesley Clerveaux will now serve as the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, Heritage, the Environment and Religious Affairs.

Mrs Cheryl Ann Jones will now serve as the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services.

Commenting on the reassignments, Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service said: “The pool of permanent secretaries offers TCIG the exceptional ability to reassign individuals as necessary to achieve an elected government’s agenda. Both Permanent Secretaries Clerveaux and Jones have provided over a decade of public service executive leadership and are invaluable to any ministry assigned. The realignment of their talents will help TCIG deliver on key initiatives laid out by the government.”

All reassignments took effect on January 1, 2023, with the exception of the Department of Special Needs which will complete migration to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services on 1st April, 2023.

Premier, Hon C. Washington Misick

TCI’s Tourism Minister first to be spotlighted by regional tourism body

The Caribbean Tourism Authority began a series late December spotlighting individuals it deems to be ‘notable in travel and tourism’, picking the TCI’s own Tourism Minister, Hon Josephine Connolly as its first personality spotlight.

The series is aimed at familiarising people with the leaders and executives within the Caribbean region who are “charged not only with providing a vision and roadmap for success, but also bearing much of the responsibility for ensuring that this sector thrives and flourishes in a sustainable manner”.

First up, is Minister Connolly.

“Minister Connolly was

appointed in February 2021, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and oversaw Turks and Caicos’ phenomenal tourism performance during a most challenging period. She attributes that success to effective collaboration with the Ministry’s tourism partners and other industry stakeholders.

“The veteran government official, who previously served as Minister of Education, started her career in the private sector in Providenciales in 1991 and has amassed experience in the automobile and media industries.

“In July 2012, she was elected as one of the five all-island members of the House of Assembly and

subsequently was elected as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. In 2016, she was again elected as an all-island member, and in 2021 she was elected for a third term as an all-island member.

“Under her leadership, the Ministry is overseeing the establishment of a destination management organisation to transition from the existing tourist board.”

Minister Connolly is quoted in the spotlight piece as saying: “That

is something that we are working on at the moment ... we realise that we want everybody to be included in the destination management organisation, including the taxi drivers, the vendors, even the lawyers. Whatever we do in Turks and Caicos, it has to do with tourism”.

She explained that since more than 70 per cent of the territory’s GDP is derived from the tourism sector, sustainability is key to the future.

“We are beautiful by nature and have warm people. We have everything that you would ever want to see and do in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We not only have sand and sea, we will give you the greatest experience that you would ever dream of,” she assured.

An active community volunteer, Minister Connolly holds a BSc. in Management and Politics and an MSc. in Human Resource Management from the University of Central Lancashire.

ON TOUR

Acting Sergeant Andre Lewis and Constable Israel Isaacs visited the Charles Hubert James Primary School in Kew, North Caicos on January 4. The officers received a personal tour of the school's Fresh Pick Garden from a group of enthusiastic students and purchased some produce for consumption. Officials at the school commended the officers for “this excellent show of community policing. Their professionalism, friendliness and social skills are commendable.” (RTCIPF photo)

Hon Josephine Connolly: Minister of Tourism, Turks and Caicos Islands

Jaseth ‘Pam’ Wilson grows with Kids Camp and Entertainment at BTC

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: The art of child care takes patience, creativity and some would say, lots of energy. Assistant Manager and administrator for the Entertainment and Kids Camp departments at Beaches Turks & Caicos (BTC), Jaseth ‘Pam’ Wilson is among those Kids Camp team members who are well trained in making the vacation experience for families who visit the resort, a memorable one.

Wilson herself has been growing with the resort since 1999, when she started her career as a babysitter. Her ambition has seen her apply herself in each area of assignment, and thus, she has cemented herself as an integral member of the team, known for her stellar work ethic and sharing her knowledge with those around her.

The 23-year veteran is committed to always give her best and shares that her driving passion is to ensure the children left in her care are well taken care of while allowing parents to enjoy their vacation at the resort.

“I have grown with this company from being a babysitter, earning a Bachelor’s degree and now being trained as a leader. When I started out, my dream was to grow and therefore, to seize the many career opportunities that this company had to offer. This growth started within the first two years of my employment when my leaders recognized my potential and set me on a path to earn my certification in early childhood education, communication skills, supervisory management, and leadership skills,” Wilson shared.

Described by the late founder of the Sandals and Beaches resorts, the Honourable Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart as one of his ‘trusted babysitters’, from her early days, Wilson cared for the younger Stewart children whenever they visited the resort, back in the day.

“Regardless of who my charges are however, and while I have grown professionally within the company, the opportunities that I have had to help in the development of each and every young guest placed in my care, have

made my experience here at BTC most rewarding,” Wilson added.

Having worked with Wilson for over 10 years, General Manager James McAnally was pleased to share his own insights, stating that, “Pam is among our resort’s most industrious team leaders. She is a creative genius whose ability to grow a team is commendable. As a leader who has expertise in the areas of entertainment, kids’ camp and animation, Pam has grown in her own right and has also ensured that she has brought others along for their own development as well.”

Entertainment department manager, David Ellis also added, “Pam is that leader who is always willing to try something new to excite the guests. She is fond of children and can be counted on to take the initiative to help train the newer team members. She has shown the true strength of leadership as she is able to guide the team and ensure that guest satisfaction is guaranteed.”

Throughout the resort, Wilson is also known as an ardent Sandals Foundation ambassador and volunteer, always among the first to sign up for activities and give of her time. Assistant Food and Beverage Director, Devon Williams was also quick to commend Wilson. “We have volunteered for many years with the Sandals Foundation and it is this passion of giving back to the communities that Pam has shown as a caring leader whose compassion has created a pleasant relationship with whomever she interacts,” Williams said.

Wilson has done extensive training at several Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica, Bahamas, and Barbados. While she has created outstanding relationships with team members wherever she goes and during her time at other resorts, she highlights the leadership interactions she had with Jeremy Jones, (former BTC General Manager), now Corporate Director, Resort Operations, Jamaica, as being one of those mentors who has helped in guiding her professionally.

Jaseth 'Pam' Wilson

Jaseth 'Pam' Wilson (left) shares information with Christina Valere Entertainment Playmaker at the Entertainment hut

Jaseth Wilson (left) and Devon Williams pack a bag with school supplies for a Sandals Foundation activity

Returning Islander, Sharlene Grant-Richards appointed Head of Immigration

Sharlene Grant-Richards - the new Director of Immigration and Visa Services in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services - promises to make a positive contribution to the department.

This week, the Office of the Deputy Governor finally announced the appointment, following months of speculation that Grant-Richards had been handpicked for the post.

Commenting on her appointment Grant-Richards stated: “It is an honour, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to return to my beloved country Turks and Caicos Islands after 25 years in the United Kingdom as your new Director of Immigration.

“With a multifaceted and strong background in law enforcement and the wider criminal justice system both nationally and internationally, I believe that I can make a positive contribution to the department.”

She continued: “These are remarkably interesting times, and we are individually and collectively engaged in the ongoing struggle to maintain and uphold the laws, rules and principles that underpin successful delivery of Immigration and Border Services in our country.

“This role will no doubt present many challenges and complexities to say the least, but I have accepted this challenge and I will do my endeavours best to fulfil my duties with integrity, fairness and the vigour that is required as we shape and build the future of immigration in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Grant-Richards holds a Master of Law (LLM) (2018), a Bachelor of Law (2007) and a Legal Practice Post Graduate Diploma (2009).

She is a qualified lawyer in the TCI, having been called to the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar in 2018. She is also well experienced

in law enforcement, serving for more than ten years in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the Metropolitan Police Service in the United Kingdom.

She also served for ten years as a Magistrate (JP) in the United Kingdom and has previously worked with the UK’s National Crime Agency attached to the Interpol Department.

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams in extending congratulatory remarks to the new Immigration Director noted that it is a critical role that carries very significant and wide-ranging responsibilities as it relates to national security and border protection in the TCI.

Williams said that in addition to her previous experience in law enforcement in the TCI, GrantRichards returned to the Islands in

2018 to complete her supervised practical requirement to be admitted to the Turks and Caicos Bar, working as a member of the Attorney General’s Chambers and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for a period of three months to fulfil this requirement.

“As we continue to progress

the setting up of a new Border Force Agency and work to further strengthen and improve our immigration policies, practices and procedures here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mrs GrantRichard’s legal background will be an asset to this role,” the Deputy Governor stated.

TCI officials make The King's 2023 New Year’s Honour List

Permanent Secretary for Health, Lewis received the OBE: Officer of the Order of the British Empire,

Permanent Secretary, Finance, Harvey received the OBE: Officer of the Order of the British Empire, for her services to the economy in the TCI.

The New Year Honours 2023 Overseas and International List: Order of the Bath and Order of the British Empire was released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on December 30.

Speaking to the awards on his social media page last weekend, His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin said both women represent two sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ response to the Covid-19 pandemic; Lewis as Permanent Secretary of Health and Harvey as Permanent Secretary of Finance.

Both portfolios had to be kept in balance from March 2020 until the present day.

“The fact TCI came out of the pandemic stronger than it went into it, is due to an extraordinary number of people but any who worked closely with either, for

the last three years, will attest to their contribution and the personal, professional and organisational pressures they managed for these Islands,” Governor Dakin said.

He related that Lewis started in Government as a Library

Assistant in 1986. She then went on to become a secretary at the HJ Robinson High, then onto personal secretary to the Minister of Health and Education, and then to administrative officer, under secretary and deputy permanent

secretary.

In 2012 she was made a Permanent Secretary.

“As well as our COVID response Desiree was instrumental in the development of Legislation for the TCI Sports Commission,

the National Health Insurance Board, the National Epidemiology and Research Unit, the Health Contract Management Unit, the Health Disaster Unit and led on initiatives such as the first Mental Health Home in the TCI, and the construction of the Wellness Centre on Grand Turk,” the Governor said.

Athenee Harvey-Basden, having completed a Masters Degree, first worked in reinsurance in Florida, taking summer jobs in the TCI Government.

She then worked as a financial manager in the Treasury, then as the acting accountant general, helping to draft and implement the Public Finance Management (PFM) legislation, and from 2012 to the present, she has been the Permanent Secretary of Finance.

The Governor commended her for having led an excellent team, maintaining the TCI’s BBB+ sovereign rating, the establishment of a Trade Department, National Wealth Fund, and the reduction of the TCI Government's debt from $160m to less than $1m.

“Her team, working to ministerial direction, drafted and executed four stimulus packages.”

The Governor added: “I am delighted for them and delighted that TCI gains two new Honours.”

They will travel to the Palace for their investiture later in 2023.

Permanent Secretaries Desiree Lewis and Athenee HarveyBasden have been conferred with the Order of the British Empire by His Majesty King Charles III.

for her services to Health in the TCI.

Sharlene Grant-Richards appointed Director of Immigration and Visa Services

Permanent Secretary, Desiree Lewis OBE

Permanent Secretary, Athenee Harvey-Basden OBE

Ona Glinton

Primary to become fully-fibre connected with Flow donation

Students at the Ona Glinton Primary School were ecstatic that their school has been earmarked as the next institution to receive a technology upgrade.

The upgrade – to the tune of $40,000 – is coming from FLOW TCI, Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation (CWCF) and the Ministry of Education.

Announced on December 23, the donation is part of Flow’s 2022 Mission Week celebrations.

Over the last six years, the CWCF and Flow have invested $190,000 in upgrades to transform and enhance learning in schools specifically in Grand Turk, and a total of $270,000 in upgrades to schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Joanne Missick, Flow TCI’s country manager said: “It was a proud moment for me to join the students and administrators of the Ona Glinton Primary, especially as it is my alma mater, as part of this year’s Mission Day exercise along with members of my senior leadership team.”

She said this is the third school in the nation’s capital to receive a significant donation from the Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation to aid in enhancing the e-learning

and e-testing experience for students and teachers.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the school, Principal Rhoda Williams remarked: “Your gift is a long-awaited need here at the Ona Glinton Primary School. It is going to make learning much easier for the boys and girls and help our students to further maximize their potential and continue to make us proud."

Michael Coakley, Vice President, Head of Communications, Liberty Latin America, said each year their contributions grow and more of their people get involved in activities focused on supporting learning, taking care of the environment, enabling digital access, and providing disaster relief.

He stated: “This is a testament to who we are and why we feel it is so important for us to give back in the communities where we live and operate. I am thankful to all those who enthusiastically volunteered their time to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people across our region.”

Hon Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, expressed her gratitude for the timely donation to the school.

“The strong partnership between

Trio arrested onboard

A white Baha boat, powered by two 250 hp outboard engines was recovered by alert marine police as the suspected thieves were attempting to flee onboard the vessel.

The theft occurred sometime around 4am on December 30, at a boat slip in the Leeward community.

Law enforcement officers at the Grace Bay Police Station were immediately alerted to the theft and was thus on the lookout for the boat.

Police said that they spotted a vessel that fitted the description of the missing boat

at 2:30 am the following day.

The boat was spotted by ranks at the Radar station who reported a suspicious vessel leaving Five Cays.

Police officers attached to the Marine Unit and the Operation and Response Unit were immediately dispatched.

The vessel was intercepted, and police officers observed it to be the missing Baha boat.

Three men who were onboard the vessel were apprehended.

They are now in police custody assisting with the investigations

the Ministry of Education, Flow TCI, and the CWCF has resulted in numerous benefits for our children over the years.

“This donation will help to

foster a love for lifelong learning, leverage the potential of our children to take advantage of 21stcentury learning experiences and prepare them for competitively

meaningful participation in the global environment. We commend the CWCF team for selecting the OGPS as a beneficiary for the $40,000 investment.”

Electrical pole erupts in flames following theft attempt

An electrical pole erupted in flames on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, following a power theft attempt, FortisTCI has reported.

FortisTCI said an investigation is underway into a case of attempted power theft in the vicinity of Caicos Lodge near Leeward Highway, Providenciales that occurred on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, which set a power pole on fire.

In a statement on Friday, December 30, Fortis TCI said: “Evidence of a tool kit and other gear abandoned at the scene indicates that the individual(s) attempted to tap into what was thought to be a low-voltage circuit and instead encountered an energised high-voltage line.

“FortisTCI utility workers

reported to the scene, and the hazardous situation was contained in a safe and effective manner.”

The Power company reminded residents that power theft can lead to serious injury or death from electrical shock or fire.

“When an electric current is diverted, or attempts are made to stop, under-register or bypass a metre, the dangers and risks to the individual, the general public, and others significantly increase.

“Power theft by any means or scheme also creates hidden dangers for power grid safety and affects the power supply's quality.

“Persons are urged to desist from this practice to protect themselves and the lives of others.”

The utility company said it will

continue to monitor system data, investigate any abnormal electrical changes that are typical of possible power theft, and conduct field inspections to identify any signs of metre or equipment tampering.

“If power theft or metre tampering is detected at a premise or location, the police will be notified, and the service may be disconnected. Power theft is a criminal offense punishable by fines and prison sentences.

“If you suspect power theft in your area, help keep our communities safe and report it to the relevant authorities. Contact 946-4313 to make a report for further investigation by FortisTCI. Reports can also be made anonymously”, FortisTCI said.

Flow TCI will upgrade the technology at the Ona Glinton Primary school in Grand Turk to the tune of $40,000 (Ministry of Education photo)

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JANUARY

It further explained that most patients admitted with Covid-19 since the vaccination programme began are unvaccinated.

Senseless murders close out 2021 but count almost 50% of 2020

Two murders in the space of four days closed off a year that saw a reduction in murder count when compared to 2020.

The year ended with 13 murders, many of which no charges have been laid and for which investigations are still ongoing.

However, the 2021 murder count is a drastic reduction from 2020 - a year that saw a steep rise in violent crime, recording 22 overall murders.

That year’s alarming figure was a significant increase over the 2019 figure of 13.

However, December was the most deadly month for the territory, recording four murders in four weeks. All of the victims succumbed to gunshot wounds.

in the territory.

On Wednesday, January 12, the PDM leader bemoaned the lack of action, proper and complete information, innovation and proactivity from the government in their response to the pandemic.

He said the local picture of Covid-19 is now worse than it has ever been, yet there is no urgency from the government in response to this.

“We are seeing a lack of urgency and a lack of leadership in response to this new Covid-19 wave in our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands,” the opposition leader said.

Modernisation of Judiciary to continue in 2022 – Chief Justice says

The Turks and Caicos Islands 2022 Legal Year opened with promises of a modernised court and the establishment of courts for North and South Caicos in 2022.

Officially declaring the year open was the Chief Justice, Hon Justice Mabel Agyemang.

Speaking to the judiciary’s continuing and upcoming projects, the Chief Justice said they intend to progress their works towards a purpose-built court, e-judiciary and courts in the family islands.

DPP recorded 86% conviction rate in 2021-Director says

The overall conviction rate for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution shows an 86% conviction rate in the supreme court and 76% in the magistrate courts.

But concerns remain at the unwillingness of witnesses and some victims to testify.

This is according to Director of DPP, Queen’s Counsel Eugene Otuonye, who was at the time speaking in support of a motion to open the judiciary’s 2022 legal year.

The Director said that approximately 259 cases passed through the magistrate courts in 2021. Out of this number, 197 convictions - a 76% conviction rate - were recorded.

The offences included 45 burglaries in both the supreme and magistrate courts; 30 theft offences; 77 immigration offences, and 31 drug offences in both the supreme and magistrate courts combined.

637 Covid-19 cases recorded in three days

A whopping 637 new Covid-19 infections were recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the span of three days.

As the Ministry of Health ramped up its free community testing for Coronavirus at various locations across the territory, cases climbed exponentially in the past week.

The numbers peaked on January 11, 2022 when 388 infections were identified in 24 hours.

Mardi Gras is the cruise line’s largest ship to dock in TCI

Grand Turk sees largest cruise ship

The largest ship to ever dock at Port Grand Turk recently sailed in amid some celebrations from crew and local officials.

On January 6, the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed the newest and largest Carnival ship, Mardi Gras, to the destination for the first time.

CDC bumps TCI once again to Level 4 warning

The Turks and Caicos Islands is back at level four on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.

According to the CDC, a level four warning indicates that the territory is at very high risk for Covid-19 and they are advising Americans not to travel to the Islands.

“Because of the current situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands, even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading COvid-19 variants,” the CDC said.

KB Home was prosecuted for hiring illegal workers

KB Home Center has been convicted on three counts of employing undocumented workers.

Spike in Covid-19 cases impacts services at TCI Hospital

A spike in Covid-19 cases has impacted staffing levels at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

As Covid-19 cases skyrocket, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital in a statement on Wednesday, January 5, said an increased number of persons presenting with viraltype symptoms suggestive of possible Covid-19 through the emergency departments has impacted staff levels, triggering contingency plans.

“Consistent with what is being observed internationally, the majority of persons treated in the emergency departments are being safely discharged to home isolation and follow-up by public health.

“We currently have two adult patients admitted with confirmed Covid-19, vaccinated, and currently in stable condition’, the hospital said.

Astwood chronicles PNP Govt’s pandemic failures

Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood believes that the government has lost all control of the Covid-19 situation

The prosecution followed an operation by the Immigration Task Force from the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.

Investigator in Grand Turk to investigate Denise Buck’s murder

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting has given reassurance

Cheshire Hall Medical Centre

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Edwin Astwood

Carnival

Denise Buck was brutally murdered by suspected home intruders on January 3

Year in review 2022 Year in review 2022

to the concerned residents of Grand Turk that investigators are working hard to solve the recent murder of long-standing resident, Denise Buck.

These assurances were given during a press briefing with the media on Friday, January 21.

OMICRON is here – TCI confirms first case of highly contagious variant

The highly contagious and dreaded OMICRON variant which is spreading like wildfire around the world has officially been confirmed in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Health officials had long suspected the presence of the Coronavirus variant following a sharp increase in cases over the past weeks.

FEBRUARY

Merchandise imports increased by $30.6m during the 1st half of 2021

Merchandise imports into the Turks and Caicos Islands during the first half of 2021(January -June) totalled approximately $215.6m, representing an increase of $30.6m or 16.9 per cent in imports when compared to the same period in 2020.

A report compiled by the Strategic Policy and Planning Department (SPPD) and the Customs Department revealed that food imports increased by 17.3%, machinery and transport equipment decreased by 9.9%, while imports of beverages and tobacco recorded an increase of 22.3% and chemicals imports increased by 13.3%.

$50,000 allocated to help fight crime

The government has allocated an additional $50,000 to address the recent uptick in crime across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The funds, which were part of the Supplementary Revised Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 2021/2022, will go towards “enhanced policing initiatives” to further reduce the incidents of serious crimes.

This is according to Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Erwin Jay Saunders, who told the House of Assembly this week, that his “government refuses to accept that the current crime level is here to stay”.

Amended Immigration Bill 2022

passed

The newly Amended Immigration Bill 2022, which aims to crack down harder on human smugglers and harbourers was passed in the House of Assembly last week.

The changes to the existing immigration ordinance will see persons found in breach of the law being subjected to fines of up to $20,000 and jail time of up to 14 years.

The Turks and Caicos Islands government is moving to amend the existing immigration legislation to stiffen penalties for human traffickers and harbourers. As the territory continues to see an influx of illegal vessels from neighbouring Haiti, compounded by other related illegal immigration issues, the government is preparing to sharpen existing laws to better address these problems.

“Public interest” corruption trial drags past six-month deadline

The March 2022 starting date of the retrial of corruptionaccused ex-Premier Michael Misick, McAllister Hanchell and Thomas Misick appears to be facing some delays.

With less than two weeks before the beginning of Marchwhich is the proposed start of the Misick and Hanchell retrial - the first retrial of Floyd Hall, Jeffrey Hall, Melbourne and Clayton Green is still ongoing in the Providenciales Supreme Court.

TCI assumes leadership of UK Overseas Territories

Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon Charles Washington Misick, recently assumed the presidency of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA).

The Premier was elected President of UKOTA Political Council during the Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on Thursday, 10 February 2022, according to a statement issued by the Government on Wednesday, February 23.

Shiprider bill headed to parliament- says Premier

A bill that will give legislative teeth to the recently inked Shiprider Agreement between the TCI & Bahamas aimed at combatting human trafficking will be introduced to the House of Assembly next week.

Premier

Increasing the minimum wage alone will not solve the economic woes faced by citizens.

This point was driven home by Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick, who says his government is working to improve the quality of life and the standard of living for citizens in a more holistic manner.

THE Progressive National Party (PNP) Government has made “significant strides”, during its first year in office despite “setbacks”.

In the face of onerous challenges fuelled by the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Washington Misickled government has developed “policies and programmes” that would steer the pandemic-battered territory on the quickest path out of the “economic and health crises”.

This is according to Premier Charles Washington Misick, who said his government is holding steadfast to the promises made to “deal with Covid-19, turbo-charge the economy, create jobs, cut the cost of living, provide quality healthcare, improve the quality and access to education and create a more secure TCI.”

Some Covid-19 protocols lifted and discontinued

FOUR waves of Covd-19 infections later, the Turks and Caicos Islands is lifting most of its protection protocols, opening up the territory further, but keeping the mask mandate in place.

While many countries - even within the Caribbean are choosing to do away with masks - Minister of Health, Hon Jamell Robinson on Thursday, February 24, said that of all

“We mean business”

– Premier Misick says – Government to propose stiffer penalties for human traffickers and harbourers

Increasing minimum wage alone will not solve the problem –

Gov’t made significant strides; despite setbacks – says Premier on one year anniversary

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick

TCI, Bahamas signed ‘Shiprider Agreement’ on Thursday, December 2nd, 2021

Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang

Tracy Knight, UK Representative for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG), head of the TCIG London Office and UKOTA Chairman- Office of the Premier photo

Year in review 2022 Year in review 2022

the measures put in place by the TCI and other countries, the mask mandate appears to be the most effective in controlling the spread of the virus.

Americans rowers pull into Provo on Caribbean Sea journey

PIC 1- Americans set world record in TCI, CAPTION (Greg and Daley as they pulled into Providenciales last weekend)

Greg Maud and Daley Ervin, two Americans who have been rowing across the Caribbean for almost a month, landed in the Turks and Caicos Islands last Sunday to some excitement.

They rowed a small 24x5 feet row boat, and landed in Providenciales from Antigua on board the vessel.

The initial journey from Antigua was set to be the United States, but they encountered some weather and diverted briefly to Providenciales - their intention a 1,500 mile journey from Antigua to Miami.

MARCH

UK imposes sanctions on Russia

As the world watches Ukraine fight to preserve its democracy against Russian tyranny, the government of the United Kingdom has firmly stated its position on the matter.

On February 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into neighbouring Ukraine under the guise of a “special military operation” that has now erupted into a fullfledged war.

Police offering $500 per illegal gun during month-long amnesty

Police are once again trying to get illegal guns off the streets of the TCI by offering gun owners a chance to turn in their weapons, this time with a monetary incentive.

Five hundred dollars is the offer for each illegal gun. This announcement was made by Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams announced during a press conference on Monday, February 28.

The amnesty commenced on March 1 and will run until the end of the month.

conducted by the Police Force, Immigration and the TCI Regiment in response to an illegal sloop from Haiti which made landfall in the ‘Bluff area,’ located in the southwest Providenciales, led to an intense encounter which resulted in approximately 40 pounds of marijuana being confiscated, a police source told the Weekly News.

Five Days of relentless crime

The Turks and Caicos Islands is two weeks into a gun amnesty, but criminal elements have chosen to ramp up gun crimes.

Over the period of five days - March 11 to 15 - there have been four armed robberies, two non-fatal shootings and three gun fatalities.

Commissioner of Police addressed what he termed “the unacceptably high number of serious and violent crimes” across Providenciales over the past few days.

“This level of violence, perpetrated by young men, has left a trail of tragedy across these beautiful islands that is unacceptable in any civilised society.

$15m in economic relief expected in coming months – Premier

Consumers in the Turks and Caicos Islands can expect some $15m worth of economic relief in the coming months.

Immigration Officer dies in Leeward Highway accident

A gruesome accident over the weekend on Leeward Highway claimed the life of a young immigration officer.

The tragic accident has plunged family, friends and colleagues of the deceased, who was identified as 26-yearold Doniesha Capron, into grief following the tragedy.

TCI Govt promises

On Tuesday, March 15, Premier Charles Washington Misick made the announcement during a press conference. The relief announced is intended to offset the financial strain on consumers due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

interventions

in light of Russia/Ukraine conflict

The economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands will no doubt be affected by the conflict in Ukraine, and in light of this, the government has promised to provide some relief.

Last weekend, Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick announced that his government is considering interventions in relation to the economic impacts resulting from the Ukrainian crisis.

Over 11000 Turks and Caicos Islanders have received a $500 stimulus payment from the government.

As the Turks and Caicos Islands and the rest of the world continue to reel from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the government on January 27, 2022 committed $6.5m in its Citizen Inflation Adjustment Stimulus to help ease the economic burden on residents.

A large quantity of marijuana was seized by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police on Monday following a highspeed car chase off Millennium Highway, Blue Hills.

On Monday, February 28, 2022, a joint operation

TCI mourns death of funny lady ‘Peppa’

Well-loved local comedian Dellerise Bottex, better known as ‘Peppa’, passed away last month at the age of 40.

She died on February 23, after a period of hospitalisation.

The super funny lady from the island of North Caicos was one of the most recognisable comedians in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is working assiduously to be fully compliant with the European Union’s international tax legislation and practices to be removed from its grey list.

The territory was recently grey-listed by the EU for not complying with all international tax standards.

This comes as the European Council recently published its biannual list of non-cooperative jurisdictions (black list) and an (Annex II – so-called “grey list”) for jurisdictions that have met some but not all of the benchmarks.

‘Joint Forces’ make major drug bust following high-speed car chase

Over 11000 Islanders receive stimulus; 1,324 applications deferred

‘Bite is greater than the Bark’says Finance Minister – As TCI placed on the EU's tax “grey list”

Images shared on social media show large portions of drugs wrapped in plastic on the roadside- NewsLineTCI photo

Deceased - Doniesha Capron

Local comedian Dellerise ‘Peppa’ Bottex died following a period of hospitalisation

Residents wait at the treasury, downtown Providenciales to uplift their stimulus cheques

Year in review 2022 Year in review 2022

APRIL

Joint Border Force to better protect TCI’s

of the PDM, Hon Edwin Astwood, Deputy Leader Robert Been, and former government minister Karen Malcolm on Tuesday, April 19, in a call for action against the spiralling crime situation in the territory.

India.

ports

of entry in the works

The establishment of an allied border force to better secure and monitor TCI’s ports of entry is in the pipeline.

Minister of Immigration and Border Services Hon Arlington Musgrove made this disclosure.

Fortis says no reduction in electric bills

Despite the government's 2.5% reduction in the Customs Processing Fee (CPF) on imported products including fuel, electricity bills are likely to increase once oil prices continue to rise.

This was revealed by FortisTCI’s Vice President of Finance, Aisha Laporte on Thursday, April 7.

MAY

Revenge killing suspected as murder defendant gunned down

Cortez Simmons, long associated with the public shooting death of Kaziah Burke in 2013, was himself recently gunned down, prompting police to once again address the pervasive culture of revenge killing.

Simmons, 38, was shot by two armed assailants in the car park of a nearby gym along Leeward Highway in Providenciales, at about 10:30 am last Saturday, April 30.

The police response to the crime scene was swift, with a notice of the territory’s fourth murder disseminated to the public within half an hour, and the Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting addressing the incident a day later.

They were detained and eventually transferred to the Immigration Centre in Five Cays until August 24, 2020. The men retained local counsel, who filed for their release. The Supreme Court ruled that they must be released from the facility because, among other things, they had applied for political asylum.

The Washington Misick-led Progressive National Party (PNP) Government ended the last financial year on March 31, 2022, with a whopping operating surplus of $89.9m.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Erwin Jay Saunders made this disclosure during his presentation of the 2022-2023 national budget in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

Saunders said some $67.6m from the surplus was placed into the country’s cash reserves, which increased it from $121.7m (the balance at the start of the financial year on April 1, 2021) to $189.4m – the closing balance at the end of the 2022 financial year.

Government to inject $15m to boost armed forces in the TCI

A whopping $15m will be spent to upgrade systems and equipment for the armed forces in the TCI over the next financial year.

This upgrade will boost the capacity of various front-line services.

“We are investing over US $15m for systems and equipment upgrades for the TCI Regiment, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), and Border Control”, Premier Hon Washington Misick announced during his budget address on May 5.

Public outrage as rapist pastor gets ‘light sentence’

PIC1-Salvation army pastor sentenced (Rapist Pastor, Derrick Miller jailed for 11 years)

Queen’s Baton takes a trip around TCI

The historic Queen’s Baton arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands this past week, it then travelled around the sister islands that make up the archipelago for three days. Arriving first in Providenciales, by way of the international airport, on Wednesday, April 6, the baton then travelled on to North and Middle Caicos, then to South Caicos, Salt Cay and Grand Turk, touring each island.

TCI’s criminal justice system too slow – Commissioner of Police

The Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting is of the opinion that a significant number of trials in the TCI are failing due to the slothful pace of the criminal justice system.

During a recent interview with Drexwell Seymour, Botting said although the Covid-19 pandemic has compounded the trial process in many ways, the lengthy delivery of justice in many criminal cases has been a bane for many in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

PDM blasts Govt for “absentee approach to crime”

“Silence and inaction” are what the people can expect from their “good good” PNP government, says opposition members.

Ezra Taylor, PDM’s National Chairman, joined the Leader

Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Erwin Jay Saunders said a large number of illegal structures in the TCI morphing into shanty towns could “tarnish” the territory's tourism brand.

To this end, the Government has allocated $2m in the territory’s 2022-2023 budget to address unlawful settlements across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Coupled with this, an additional $2m to offset legal costs for arbitration was also made available as the Government looks to tackle the issue of illegal housing more proactively.

“If these illegal settlements continue, they could tarnish our tourism brand and drive away our major revenue source”, he said during his presentation of the territory’s annual budget on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, in the House of Assembly.

Big cash payout for Sri Lankans detained by immigration

The false imprisonment and breach of the constitutional rights of seven illegal immigrants from Sri Lanka by the TCI Immigration authorities have led to a big cash payment in the sum of $532,500 in damages.

The Sri Lankans were among a group of 29 of their fellow countrymen who were arrested on October 19, 2019, on board a sloop along with several Haitians and a man from

The public is outraged that a pastor – who abused his elevated position of trust to groom and rape two children - was only granted 11 years in prison when he could have gotten the maximum of life.

Derrick Miller, a 48-year-old native of Guyana and former leader of the Salvation Army Church in TCI, was finally sentenced for his heinous crimes last week.

Miller appeared in court to hear the long-awaited written judgement delivered by Justice Tanya Lobban-Jackson, for crimes he confessed to on March 4, 2022.

Director

THE Turks and Caicos Islands has seen a tremendous increase in visitor arrivals during the first quarter of 2022

Government ends financial year with $89.9m surplus- says Finance Minister

Shanty towns could “tarnish” TCI’s tourism brand – says Deputy Premier

TCI on track to make "full recovery"-Tourism

The Queen’s Baton arrived at the Providenciales International Airport this past Wednesday to a high-level reception

TCI Regiment, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ((RTCIPF), and Border Control officers during a multi-agency operation

Visitors arrivals -(Tourists at the Providenciales International Airport)

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and is on track to make a “full recovery”.

The pent-up demand for global travel post-Covid-19 is auguring well for the Turks and Caicos Islands which continues to see record-breaking arrival numbers since reopening its borders.

As the tourism sector continues to rebound, some 311,913 visitors arrived in the territory during the first quarter of the year, according to preliminary data released by the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board on Tuesday, May 24.

accommodation, weather, safety, internet speed and bars and restaurants to find the best tax havens in the world.

The study, which was recently conducted and shared with the Weekly News, revealed that the Turks and Caicos Islands scored 72.5 out of 100 based on safety, rent costs, weather and entertainment spots such as bars/restaurants.

TCI needs more inclusive growth – Premier Misick

The Premier, Hon Charles Washington Misick said it is imperative for the TCI to find innovative ways to foster inclusive growth and retain more money deriving from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the local economy.

As the Turks and Caicos Islands boast of an enviable post-Covid-19 economic recovery, Premier Misick said his Government is keen on ensuring that broad swaths of the population benefit immensely from the growth in key sectors.

He made these remarks at the Third Annual Economic Conference on Tuesday, May 24, at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Village and Spa.

The key area of focus of this year’s conference was the development of a roadmap for investments in the Turks and Caicos Islands, including the Government's vision, policy changes, and investment opportunities that benefit Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Masked gunman opens fire on young men at Dockyard bar

Police are calling on anyone who may have information about a shooting in Dockyard over the holiday weekend that left two wounded to come forward.

At about 12:57 am on Monday, June 6, a group of young men were hanging out at a night spot in the Dockyard when an unidentified masked man approached them and opened fire, wounding two.

After multiple reports from witnesses, police descended on the scene, but the victims had already been transported to the hospital.

TCI Govt says no to UN’s Haitian refugees asylum request

Amid escalating insecurity and gang violence in Haiti, the number of desperate people resorting to risky sea crossings has sharply increased and has prompted the UN to call on regional Governments to step up protection for refugees.

In response to the UN's request, Minister of Immigration and Border Services Hon Arlington Musgrove said: “We cannot accommodate them in the TCI”.

He described the United Nation’s request as an “unconscionable expectation” of Caribbean nations, noting that the organisation’s suggestion concerning the deteriorating situation in Haiti is both “reckless” and “misguided.”

Thirteen young men and women who eagerly responded to join the territory’s growing crime-fighting team have since graduated.

The newly minted police constables had their passing out parade last Friday, May 27, in Freeport, Bahamas where they had undergone five months of rigorous training.

The group, which performed exceptionally well, took part in intense training in all areas of policing: law, work practices, practical exercises, physical training, driving, deportment and drill. Training was conducted at the Bahamas Police Training College, Northern Campus in Freeport.

MSMEs to gain more from Foreign Direct Investment

A new investment policy that will ensure Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is channelled into the development and support of TCI’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is in the pipeline.

The policy will seek to transform the development incentive for the FDI in an effort to maximise and support the development of Domestic Direct Investment, according to Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick.

During his address, at the Third Annual Invest TCI Economic Conference, Misick said the Government along with Invest TCI is in the process of fine-tuning the policy which will be unveiled soon.

TCI ranked as one of

best tax havens

The Turks and Caicos Islands came in fourth place out of 40 countries for the World’s Best tax havens, finding itself above Singapore and behind Jersey, a new study reveals.

Anti-money laundering experts from Smartsearch. com extrapolated data from a number of destinations and evaluated factors such as taxation, monthly rent for

Hon Lewis Edwin Astwood III laid to rest amid emotional ceremony

Family, friends and government officials gathered this week for the official funeral of the late Hon Lewis Edwin Astwood III, the first Deputy Chief Minister at the introduction of ministerial government in 1976.

The home-going service for Hon Astwood – spoken highly of as a man of the people and pillar of the TCI society - was held at the Paradise Baptist Church in Five Cays, Providenciales, on Wednesday, June 8.

In attendance along with family and friends were the Governor, the Premier, deputy governor, ministers, former leaders, members of the house of assembly, along with ranks of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, some of whom served as pallbearers.

Embracing a “Casino Royale” theme, the TCI Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) spared no details to ensure guests’ senses were delighted from arrival to departure as the association celebrated 30 years.

On May 28, the association marked three decades as an organisation with an electrifying ‘birthday’ party that delivered an unforgettable experience for all in attendance at The Shore Club.

Thirteen strong: RTCIPF welcomes another batch of police constables

world’s

TCHTA delivers dazzling night to remember at 30thanniversary gala

Newly minted Police Constables are ready to fight crime and bring order

Lewis Astwood funeral (Hon Lewis Edwin Astwood III laid to rest amid emotional ceremony)

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JULY

Twelve and a half years and almost $23m in taxpayers’ money spent.

Civil recovery efforts, underway in TCI since December 2009, were never going to be swift – or cheap.

Still, anyone hoping the process launched in the wake of the commission of inquiry would help restore government coffers will be disappointed to learn the money clawed back to date is still outweighed by the costs.

Around $22.4 million has been recouped so far – in what is said to be one of the largest asset recovery programmes in the world – with just over another $7 million due for collection.

Figures confirmed to the Weekly News reveal that for the $22.8 million price tag there have been a total of 86 recoveries to date.

The process has however also returned several thousand acres of Crown land to the Government.

Mother’s cry for help in vain – 32-year-old dies in car crash before receiving mental health intervention

A mother’s desperate plea for mental intervention for her 32-year-old son fell on deaf ears--hours later he died in a fatal road collision.

On Saturday, June 25, 2022, 32-year-old Garrick Tucker of Grand Turk met his demise in a tragic accident that occurred along Pond Street.

According to a Police statement, around 1:27 am on Saturday, the Control Room was contacted by a caller who reported a vehicle accident.

Officers subsequently responded to the scene where bystanders pointed out a male, who appeared to be unconscious, lying on his stomach, drenched.

Tucker who appeared to be the driver of a white SUV which was mangled almost beyond recognition, was then transported to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre for medical treatment.

Shortly after, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 2:27 am on Saturday, June 25, 2022, according to the Police.

Dozens of complaints have flooded social media from frustrated residents in the TCI about unusually high power bills, some double, or triple what they were in previous months.

Residential electricity rates have been surging for months and have climbed even higher last month, according to Turks Islanders who are now calling on the Government to intervene.

On Wednesday, June 29, the territory’s main energy provider FortisTCI disseminated electricity bills for the month of June to citizens across the Islands. However, consumers noticed a sharp jump in their bills and took to the local social media page “Speak Your Mind TCI” to vent their frustration.

Jon Betlejewski, a resident of Providenciales said: “Fortis robbing us, the increase in monthly bills is timed. It has nothing to do with what we use; a Turks Islander should get a meter and measure it versus what they say you use. It's one thing to have high rates... it's another to steal!

“Even now with one less person bill is magically the same and I can predict my bill amount on the month.”

significantly over the next several months”, which will cause a further increase in the fuel factor and ultimately an increase in electricity bills.

“Similar to the rising prices at gas stations, grocery stores, and across other sectors, the utility industry is also recording the same upward trend due to global market factors,” the company said in a statement issued on Friday, July 1.

In response to frustrated residents who flooded social media last week with dozens of complaints about unusually high power bills, the company said it empathises with customers and remains committed to keeping them informed about global trends and how they affect the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands could expect to see even higher power bills in the coming months as global fuel costs continue to soar.

FortisTCI, the territory’s main electricity provider has warned that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to affect the supply and cost of fuel worldwide, and significant increases in fuel prices are expected to continue in the upcoming months.

The utility company informed that its fuel supplier, Sun Oil Ltd has indicated that the cost of fuel will “rise

Recently the judiciary launched its first ever support unit for victims of crimes, with the chief justice cited as not wanting the legal justice system in these Islands to be “rendered nugatory, its victories pyrrhic and justice be subjected to mockery.”

Fast forward, two weeks later, a man who admitted to sexually assaulting a minor child, has been freed after a mere one year, and set for deportation to his native land.

One year, for sexually assaulting a child. A mockery. Residents were outraged, taking to social media, under the police force’s post of the egregious sentence, to vent their frustration.

The convict is Haitian national Jean Erold Paulidor. He appeared in the Grand Turk Magistrate Court on June 20, where he pleaded guilty to the offences of sexual assault and unlawful entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands.

One commenter succinctly summed up the views of everyone: “He spent less than a year for sexual assault on a minor and unlawful entry? What type of kangaroo court system this is? “Someone help me here please if I misunderstood. Now he is being deported so he can return next year under radar! I hope he has been fingerprinted. He needs a few years for the crime then deportation.”

Massive fire erupts at Provo Landfill site

– Health Minister

Clouds of thick, black smoke billowed over parts of Providenciales on Monday after a massive fire broke out at the landfill site in Wheeland.

Firefighters struggled to contain a raging blaze which burned throughout the night at the solid waste disposal site (commonly known as the dump).

Operations at the facility were suspended around 1:30 pm following a report to the fire department.

Civil recovery costs near $23m – AG warns process unlikely to wrap up this year

TCI residents shocked and outraged at unusually high energy bills

FortisTCI tells residents to brace for even higher power bills

“Kangaroo court system” sets admitted child molester free after one year – Residents outraged

warns that malicious fires carry lengthy jail sentences

Deceased - Garrick Tucker

A resident shows how his bill has drastically increased over the months

Fire tenders struggle to contain the blaze on Monday afternoon

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Subsequently, both the domestic and aerodrome fire services, water trucks and heavy equipment contractors, and stakeholders were all on the ground to help suppress and monitor the massive inferno which raged for hours on end.

Following hours of coordination and on-ground assessments, Hon Jamell Robinson said a full investigation will be launched to ascertain the cause of the fire.

He warned residents that malicious fires to properties carry harsh penalties.

This is according to Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment & Trade Hon Erwin Saunders who said his government is acting with “feverish haste” to cushion the adverse effects on residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Our government wants our people to live their best lives, and if we fail at that because of global inflation, we will fail trying; but I truly believe Mr Speaker, that we will overcome this”, he said during his speech in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, July 26.

Saunders hammered home the dire situation around the world and in the US as commodity prices have been at or near record-high levels for months, initially fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic and further galvanised by the war in Ukraine.

Senior Public Prosecutor, Sophia Thomas has been found guilty of professional misconduct by a Jamaican legal disciplinary panel following a complaint by a defendant in a case she prosecuted in 2017.

The complaint was filed in 2019 by accused fraudster, Jamaican bank manager Lowell Spence, and last week, the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council of Jamaica found Thomas guilty of misconduct.

Missing man found in shallow grave

– One in custody assisting with the murder investigation

Less than a week after being reported missing by family members, 32-year-old Eder Etienne was discovered buried in a shallow grave in the Kingston area.

Etienne was last seen on Thursday, July 28, wearing a black shirt and full-length jeans.

The Haitian man, who lived in the Bight, Providenciales, was reported missing on August 5, and on August 7, police appealed to the public for information about the man’s whereabouts.

Class action lawsuit against Meridian

A class action lawsuit against an alleged predatory lender, is the first of its kind in recent history with hopes to set precedence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Caribbean region for the financial services industry.

Legal documents filed in the Supreme Court on July 14th, 2022, reveal that lead attorney Beryn Duncanson and others have brought a class action lawsuit against Meridian Corporation Mortgage Limited, the Meridian Trust Company Limited, the Meridian Mortgage Fund and the trust company’s Managing Director Keith Burant for their alleged predatory lending practices for single and multifamily properties including homes, condos and apartment buildings.

The lawsuit requests a Court-ordered Accounting by Meridian for all their mortgage lending and Restitution of all monies due to the Class of all Borrowers as well as Investors in the Meridian Mortgage Fund (past and present).

Chief Justice rules corruption defendants have case to answer

Former deputy premier, Floyd Hall, ex-government minister Jeffrey Hall, and local attorneys Clayton Greene and Melbourne Wilson will see their trial to the end, the chief justice has ruled.

On Monday, July 18, Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang dismissed the defendants’ no case submissions, which were submitted to the court at the conclusion of the Crown’s case against the men.

The four men – who are before the court on corruption and money laundering charges - do have a case to answer, the chief justice found.

TCI’s inflation and soaring cost of living mirrors crisis in the USDeputy Premier

The inflation and the sharp rise in the cost of living in the Turks and Caicos Islands is mirroring the same situation in the United States.

Night out leads to murder of young man

A night out with friends last weekend led to tragedy for 22-year-old Justin Cox Beckles.

Described as ambitious, polite, and friendly, Beckles is the latest victim of violence, shot at the Rock Plaza in the Blue Hills community, in what police have since labelled a murder.

According to reports, the young man, who was out with friends visiting a number of night spots around the Islands, ended up at the Blue Hills Plaza, where surveillance cameras caught him on tape.

A day after the public appeal, August 8, the commissioner in an update on the matter, reported that members of the public had responded to their plea, providing information that not only led to the discovery of a body purported to be Etienne’s, but also to the arrest of a man- Keniel Dovervil.

AUGUST

One arrested in Cox-Beckles murder

One man is in police custody in connection with the murder of 22-year-old Justin Cox Beckles, and police are calling on witnesses to the senseless murder to come forward.

On July 24, the late FortisTCI employee was shot and killed while out with friends at the Rock Plaza in Blue Hills, Providenciales, sometime around 3am.

On Tuesday, August 2, Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting updated the public that Brian Francis was taken into custody and was being held on a court approved additional seven days as officers gather more information.

Adverse decision against TCI Prosecutor by Jamaican committee under scrutiny

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution of the Turks and Caicos Islands has called into question the decision of a

Multiple shots leave one dead, another injured

Paulanjo Gardiner aka ‘Loopi’ was killed last weekend in the South Dock area, after being shot numerous times.

The shooting occurred at about 11:45 pm on Friday, August 12, as Gardiner along with female occupants in the car were leaving a location in the Five Cays community in Providenciales.

Eyewitness reports are that upon being shot, Gardiner crashed his vehicle into a pole. Police immediately converged on the scene, cordoning off the area.

Gardiner was shot several times, resulting in his death, and a woman in the vehicle he was driving also received serious injuries.

TCI’s roadways to improve with $20m upgrade

To improve road users' experience, the Government will pump a whopping $20m over the next three years into upgrading the busiest highways and roads in the TCI.

To this end, preparatory works are ongoing as the Government gear up to commence upgrades and expansion projects along the Leeward Highway, and other main thoroughfares.

– DPP Eugene Otuonye

Jamaican Legal watchdog against one of its prosecutors on secondment to the sister Caribbean Island.

Beryn Duncanson

Justin Beckles was shot and killed during a night out

Paulanjo Gardiner murdered

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Massive vaccine dump imminent as uptake remains low

Large amounts of expired Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines will be discarded soon, as vaccination rates continue to lag in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The pace of people getting Covid-19 vaccines or booster shots in the islands has plummeted in recent months, resulting in many doses going unused.

The Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine which has been steadily supplied by the United Kingdom Government to the territory currently has a shelf life of six months.

Minister of Health and Human Services Hon Jamell Robinson speaking to the Weekly News on Thursday, August 18 said: “Presently we have two batches of Covid-19 Pfizer Vaccines which are due to expire 30th of September and 31st of October respectively.

“Unfortunately, we can’t say specifically how many will be discarded but can confirm that uptake has remained slow.”

$5m earmarked for infrastructure upgrades in Grand Turk

The Government has earmarked $5m for a number of infrastructure upgrades and community improvement projects in Grand Turk.

Grand Turk will receive a facelift soon as the Government prepares to roll out projects to enhance the nation’s capital, according to the Minister of Physical Planning, Infrastructure, and Development (PPID) Hon Akierra Missick.

During a recent interview, Missick explained that separate and apart from the Grand Turk Enhancement and Sustainability Fund, an additional $5m was allocated in this year’s budget under her Ministry for works on the island.

She said that Grand Turk is an “amazing island” and one that the administration is very keen on developing, due to its history and relevance

Robbers strip SNAP Centre of vital supplies

The bar is at zero at how low the criminals will go, as seen by the latest act of criminality in the Islands.

Officials reported this past week that the SNAP Centre –which caters to children with special needs – was stripped of several much-needed items in one attempt of burglary and that a second attempt was made five days later.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services reported that items such as cleaning supplies, school supplies, food items, appliances, television, microwaves, towels, sheets, comforters and other specialised manipulatives were stolen from the Centre on August 12.

“This blatant, criminal act has impacted the lives of our society's most vulnerable as the life skills room and early childhood programme has been completely derailed,” the ministry said in a statement this week.

Three prisoners freed for ‘good behaviour’

The parole board has released three prisoners from Her Majesty’s Prison this week – T-Jon Wilson, Devaughn Ewing, and Simon Jean.

Posting the news first to his Instagram account, HE Governor Nigel Dakin spoke of the prison’s efforts to rehabilitate inmates, noting that the three men who are now freed, have all taken part in the programmes aimed at equipping prisoners with life skills that will hopefully reduce the recidivism rate.

The governor wrote: “It's the end of a long journey in prison of consistent good behaviour, and investment in themselves.

“All have held positions of responsibility and trust in the prison, and some have been on day release not least working at my Residence.”

Parolee T-Jon Wilson was serving a seven-year sentence for a firearm offence committed in 2019. He will remain on parole until April 2024, which would have been the end of his prison sentence.

Devaughn Ewing was serving time in prison for an incident in 2019, whereby he was seen on CCTV firing a gun into a crowd, hitting two persons – one an American citizen and a local man.

Ewing pled guilty to the charge against him and was sentenced to eight years. He will remain on parole until January 2024.

Simon Jean, a Haitian national, is set for deportation upon his release.

Ten high school teachers quit

The Minister of Education, Hon Rachel Taylor said her Ministry is working “assiduously” to find replacements for ten teachers who recently resigned from high schools in the TCI.

As schools prepare to welcome back students for a new term following a two-month long summer break, the Education Ministry is grappling with a worsened teacher shortage.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, August 25 Taylor said: “Currently, we have 10 teachers who resigned as of Monday in critical areas, because these are specialised areas in high school, mathematics, science, and home economics”.

Taylor, who recently returned to the TCI following a trip to Jamaica as part of Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick’s delegation, pointed out that the territory could be looking to Jamaica and other countries to help fill this gap.

Although the Minister did not divulge any reason behind the sudden resignations, the Weekly News was reliably informed that some teachers who left the field were under immense pressure as a national teacher shortage continues to grow.

Government to spotlight Dock Yard’s illegal settlements in new case study

The Dock Yard community will soon become the focal point of a new case study as the government prepares to address illegal settlements throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Dock Yard, sometimes referred to as Duck Yard, is a predominantly informal and unregulated Haitian community located at the back of Kew Town, Providenciales.

As part of its efforts to regularise housing in the TCI, the Government is undertaking an in-depth study of informal settlements throughout the territory in an attempt to understand the ecosystems of such communities.

Dock Yard has been identified as the most prominent of these communities and will be used as the case study location, according to a statement issued on Wednesday, August 24.

Taxi licenses are reserved for Turks and Caicos Islanders, but according to a former chief minister, Islanders are being discriminated against, while foreign nationals are being given preferential treatment.

The accusation - levelled this week by Hon Oswald Skippings - centres around the issuance license plates for native-owned taxis.

In a Facebook post on Monday (August 29), the former leader stated: “It is becoming more and more difficult to quietly endure the audacious, challenging, and belittling insults from foreign nationals and non-native Turks and Caicos Islanders who have somehow managed to get opportunities and privileges that our natives Turks and Caicos Islanders are unable to acquire.

“One such example is the situation with the Road Safety Department in Providenciales where native Turks and Caicos Islanders are unable to get license plates to fully operate their taxi business, and therefore deprived from operating at the airport from where the real financial benefits are derived.

“It is incredible yet true that while there are a few that find themselves in this discriminatory unfortunate situation, there is one particular gentleman that has had a taxi license since 2016 and in spite of endless efforts to get a plate or be allowed to operate at the Providenciales airport, he has been denied while persons who have recently acquired status have been given license plates.”

PDM promises to rebuild healthcare sector if elected in 2025

‘Not too early to campaign for 2025’, appears to be the mindset of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), as the party is promising major improvements in the health sector if elected in the next general election.

In a campaign-themed statement this week, Leader of the Opposition and PDM leader, Hon Edwin Astwood laid out what a PDM government will do for the people of TCI should they recapture the government.

The main factor was rebuilding the healthcare system of the territory and continuing the work they had already started during their administration.

TCI to partner with Jamaica and Bahamas on illicit firearms, drugs trafficking

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is looking to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jamaica and the Bahamas to crack down on the transnational movement of “guns, drugs, and other undesirable goods”.

Due to the proximity of the islands to the US, they are targets for these illegal activities.

During a national press conference last week, Minister of Immigration and Border Security, Hon Arlington Musgrove said: “With the understanding of the movement of transnational shipment of guns, drugs, and other undesirable goods, I think it's important for us to understand the role the Jamaican government plays just through its global and regional position, so we will be seeking to commence discussion to enter into an MoU with Jamaica and The Bahamas on this matter.”

A weekend of suspected gang-related violence in Five Cays has left four dead, residents fearful, and law enforcement scampering to bring law and order to the embattled

– Governor convinced parolees have turned their lives around

highlights “discriminatory” taxi license plate issuance

Killer weekend: Four murders in 24 hours in Five Cays – residents cower in fear as police response slow in coming

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community.

Throughout most of the weekend, shots rang out in the Five Cays community as young men with big guns boldly walked the streets, scaring residents and according to some reports, even the police.

As the ordeal unfolded, first in the wee hours of Saturday morning, 12:05 am, social media was flooded with reports of residents hiding under their beds, and in closets as a succession of rapid gunfire broke the still of the night.

When a cease in the gunfire came, and police arrived on the scene, they found four people shot, with two of them critically injured and clinging to life.

Police found the victims in the vicinity of Pompey’s Bar, along Reese Street in Five Cays.

Reporting on the shooting incident later Saturday morning, police said they discovered Assam Astwood and Keno Taylor riddled with bullets and clinging to life.

Then on Sunday, September 4, at about 8:27 am, police received yet another call, informing them of more "shooting" in the Five Cays community.

Upon arriving at the scene, they found the lifeless body of a man lying face down with several gunshot wounds about the body in the vicinity of The Office Bar.

While conducting a search of the property, officers found the body of a woman, also with several gunshot wounds.

The couple was identified as Stuart Harris and Tamia Simmons.

death of a man near Grants Gas station in Millennium Highway, Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The latest murder brought recent firearms-related killings in the territory to a whopping six in just 10 days.

Although details of the shooting remain limited, a preliminary police report explained that at around 2:57 pm on September 13th, 2022, multiple calls were placed to the Police Control Room of gunshots in the vicinity of the gas station.

Acting on the information received, local law enforcement officers aided by a helicopter from the Cayman Islands descended on the scene where they observed the lifeless body of an unidentified male with gunshot wounds to the head close to the Gas station's store.

King Charles III proclaimed

Sovereign of the TCI

Over the last month, the territory has seen a disturbing upward trend in gun violence, and organised crime gangs with international affiliations, fighting for control of drugs, money, and territory in the islands.

In September alone, 11 brutal firearm murders were committed, bringing the total number of murders for this year to 22.

Sunday evening double homicide rocks Blue Hills

new

(FILE NAME: Proclamation - Pic 3: King Charles III assumes the throne)

On Sunday, September 11, 2022, King Charles III was proclaimed the new Sovereign of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Charles Philip Arthur George, Queen Elizabeth II's eldest son ascended the throne as King Charles III, following the passing of his mother.

His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin read the proclamation of the new Sovereign on Sunday, during a ceremony at his Waterloo, Grand Turk residence.

The ceremony held a day after the Proclamation in London, was mirrored in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and all other Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.

With splendour and circumstance, the proclamation was well attended by leaders of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

(FILE NAME: Double homicide Pic 1: Deceased- John Beckford, a boat captain at Island Vibes Tours - Pic 2: Deceased- Arnold Walkin is affectionately known as “Arnie”, a security officer at WC Security Services)

Police are investigating the murders of two men who were brutally gunned down on Bay Road, Blue Hills a short distance from each other on Sunday, September 25.

A peaceful and relaxing Sunday evening turned into a nightmare in Blue Hills as the sound of gunshots pierced the air and sent residents cowering in fear.

Shock and despair quickly followed as residents discovered the lifeless bodies of two men on the ground near the Kareem Walkin Basketball Court in Blue Hills.

The Weekly News was informed that the deceased John Beckford, a boat captain at Island Vibes Tours and Arnold Walkin affectionately known as “Arnie”, a security officer at WC Security Services were hanging out in the vicinity of the basketball court when they were approached by men in a car who opened fire killing them both on the spot.

OCTOBER

The Govt is ready to do “whatever it takes” to return the Turks and Caicos Islands to its calm and peaceful state. On the agenda is the formulation of a number of new legislations aimed at imposing harsher punishments on gun crime in the TCI.

Premier Hon Washington Misick said his government has directed the Attorney General’s chambers and the Commissioner of Police to undergo “a thorough review of national and internal security legislation to augment existing laws” and to identify new legislative precedents with a view of making punishment harsher for offenders and harbourers.

The territory’s leader made these remarks at a press conference on Monday, September 5, following a weekend marred with four execution-style murders stemming from gang rivalry in the Five Cays community.

Early morning brutal murder under investigation

The body of Ellington ‘Billy’ Been was discovered in the vicinity of a Downtown Providenciales hotel, with several gunshot wounds to the head.

On Thursday, September 8, police responded to a call to the 911 centre at about 6:47 am of a dead body at a location off Aviation Drive. Upon arriving at the scene, cops found the man lying on the ground amid a pool of blood with several gunshot wounds to the head.

Details into Been’s brutal murder are scarce and police are asking anyone with information to notify the closest police station or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and give any information of illegal activities anonymously

Man gunned down near Grants Gas station in Blue Hills

A murder investigation has been launched following the

Horticulture to media production, graphic design to BBQ donuts, six local young men have taken the initiative and ventured into business for themselves.

Assisting them with these ventures with a combined grant of $132,500 is the Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI).

The awardees are Moses Carter for Prolific Creation, Kristoff Malcolm for Caicos Pro Wash, Sean Pratt for Caicos BBQ Donuts, Gregston Been for Genesis Next Media, Jamel Ward for JAWS Graphic Design Studio, and Tevin Ramsey for Turks and Caicos Horticulture.

The small business assistance grants were offered under the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Programme.

Invest TCI commended the awardees for embracing their enterprising spirit, demonstrating exceptional business creativity and innovation with their various small businesses.

US activist among climbing death toll in Turks and Caicos Islands

The United States has issued an advisory against the Turks and Caicos Islands after one of its citizens was recently gunned down while on vacation in the territory.

Kent Carter, an Arlington real estate agent and leader of the local NAACP chapter was one of two fatalities this past Sunday, October 2, when criminals opened fire on a vehicle that he and his girlfriend were travelling in.

The other person who died in the brutal attack was the tour guide, who was driving the couple back to their accommodation after a daytime excursion.

The TCI government has requested police reinforcement from the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Barbados, to help stem the upsurge in violent crime and incessant bloodshed in the territory.

The boost in manpower is only one component of the Government's plan to tamp down crime which is seemingly spiralling out of control.

At about 6pm along the Long Bay Road in Providenciales men armed with high powered guns pulled alongside the vehicle carrying the tourists and hotel employees, proceeding to shoot indiscriminately into the vehicle.

Carter, a veteran, used his body to shield his female companion just as the shooting broke out. The couple was in the Islands to celebrate Carter’s 40th birthday.

A police officer who responded to the scene of the shooting was also injured in the attack when the fleeing gunmen opened fire on the police vehicle, shooting it countless times.

Govt ready to do “whatever it takes” to fight crime – Says criminals and harbourers will soon face harsher punishments

Six young men receive small business assistance from Invest TCI

More boots on the ground to fight crime – Premier appeals to UK, US, and Caribbean for assistance

Kent Carter shot and killed while on birthday getaway in Turks and Caicos Islands

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resignation

–Governor

Governor Nigel Dakin said he would not accept the Commissioner of Police's resignation because “it would help the gangs and not the territory”.

He told the House of Assembly on Monday, October 3 that the Police Commissioner, Trevor Botting, has led during this period with distinction and personal courage”.

Nevertheless, as a crime wave of epic proportions, fuelled by gang rivalry and an atmosphere of fear, grips the Turks and Caicos Islands, calls for Mr Botting to resign have increased.

Governor Dakin, however, feels that Mr Botting, who was appointed as the Commissioner of Police for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in July of 2019, “has the hardest job in the Territory”.

Joint exercise to monitor inbound vessels from high-risk countries commences

The monitoring of vessels from high-risk countries is a top priority for local law enforcement as they work to stem the flow of illicit drugs and weapons entering the TCI.

Joint exercises between the department of Customs, the department of Immigration and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force started on Sunday, October 16, and continued into the week.

“In an effort to bolster border security, the exercise was geared towards maritime enforcement activities including small cargo vessels and commercial vessels,” Police reported on Wednesday, October 19.

Bahamian police officers already making an impact in the TCI

Twenty-four seasoned police officers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force were sworn into the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, on Friday last, as the territory faces a national crisis due to the proliferation of transnational crime.

According to Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting, the visiting lawmen hit the ground running.

Along with the cohort of officers, Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Kendall Strachan, was sworn in as a special constable as part of the special cooperation between the two governments.

During a national address on Monday, October 10, the Commissioner of Police expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Bahamas for the support given to the TCI and by extension the Force.

UK detectives to arrive in three weeks- says Police Commissioner

A large contingent of experienced UK detectives will arrive in the TCI in the next three weeks to support the work of the Police Forces’ serious crime unit with investigations of murders and gang-related activity.

As the territory experiences an unprecedented uprisal of ruthless gangs and reprisal murders, the territory’s leaders Governor Nigel Dakin and Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick reached out to the United Kingdom Government for assistance to tamp down on crime which has escalated to crisis levels.

To this end, an Anti-Gang Unit of 24 detectives from the UK & other Caribbean countries, funded by the United Kingdom to an initial tune of £3 million, is being established to combat violent crime.

Whilst there remains a legal influx of vessel traffic within the TCI waters, police said the monitoring of regional and international vessels from countries deemed high-risk remains a priority for all law enforcement agencies within the TCI.

TCI did everything possible to avoid being blacklisted by EU –Finance Minister

Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade Hon Erwin Saunders said it is “not easy” for small island nations like the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) to meet the European Union’s requirements to avoid being blacklisted.

His comments were made after the TCI, the Bahamas, Anguilla and Trinidad & Tobago were recently added to the European Union’s tax haven blacklist for not complying with international tax benchmarks.

The finance minister told the House of Assembly last Wednesday that the government and other stakeholders devoted lots of time, energy and resources to avoid the dreaded blacklist.

“I certainly feel that we should not have been identified as non-cooperating because we are cooperating.

TCI records 28th murder following fatal shootout

Paul Missick is the latest casualty in the rising murder count – a historical high of 28 in TCI as of October 26 for 2022, police have confirmed.

Twenty-eight murders later, police are still grappling with the crime situation in the territory, and with many boots on the ground, some calm has descended, even as the number of murders continues to rise.

The second victim is Louis Francis; both men were gunned down at about 6pm on the aforementioned date, in the vicinity of the James Stubbs building along Leeward Highway in Providenciales.

High school boys accused of rape on school grounds

Rape allegations were made against three teenage boys, who are alleged to have sexually assaulted a teen girl on school grounds.

All the teens are said to be of school age, and reports –which police have since confirmed – are that the incident occurred at the Helena Jones High School in Grand Turk.

The incident reportedly occurred last Wednesday, when the female student went to use the bathroom and was accosted by the teenage boys; they then proceeded to sexually assault her in the facility.

A report was made to the welfare department, investigations were launched, and the trio was arrested for questioning.

Royal Navy warship arrives in TCI to help combat crime wave

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tideforce has arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands to help the territory tackle an upsurge in violent crime.

The 39,000-tonne Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker will be used as a platform for operations, bringing with it a Wildcat helicopter, which offers a surveillance capability and can support security operations, as well as specialists police firearms officers.

This is the first time a naval ship has been sent to deal with organised criminal violence by drug gangs in a British Overseas Territory.

Foreign Secretary, The Rt Hon James Cleverly, MP, in a statement on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 said the UK has a moral and constitutional responsibility to “support and protect the people of the Overseas Territories, who are a valued part of the UK family”.

NOVEMBER

Dock Yard’s triple massacre shocks TCI

The gruesome slaying of a family in the Dock Yard community has sent shockwaves throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, as residents continue to reel from weeks of incessant bloodshed.

On Tuesday, November 1st, residents of Dock Yard, a Haitian settlement aback Kew Town Providenciales awoke to the sight of a grisly triple homicide.

The lifeless bodies of two adults (a male and a pregnant female) along with a male child aged three were discovered in a vehicle, parked among several abandoned vehicles.

Another female child, age seven who witnessed the

Botting’s

would help the gangs and not TCI

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting swears in Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Kendall Strachan as a special constable

Cargo search of a Haitian vessel at South Dock last week

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tide force in TCI waters

Royal TCI Golf Club voted number one in the Caribbean

The Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club is number one in the Caribbean as voted by USAToday’s 10Best Top Ten, ranking first among the Caribbean’s 70 courses.

Commenting on the designation, Dave Douglas, Director of Golf said: “This successful result was a collective team effort in which we are both honoured and overwhelmed.

“Our goal was to be voted #1 in the Caribbean and that dream has come true. The award was made possible through the teamwork of the entire staff which includes the grounds crew who keep Royal Turks and Caicos impeccably maintained, the friendly clubhouse

staff who organise each golfer’s day, through to the golf operations team who keep our customers interests as their goal. Together we will celebrate the entire 2023 and would like to thank everyone for their support.”

Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club has set an impressive history of multi award-winning milestones. This latest achievement is the fourth year in a row it has collected a “top ten” award and since 1992 has been voted #1 Sports Activity by US News and has numerous Trip Advisor accolades.

This was the fourth nomination for the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club (formally known

as Provo Golf Club) and the competition was tough.

The ranking is as follows: Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, Punta Espada Golf Course, Corales Golf Course, Puntacana Resort & Club, Cinnamon Hill

at Rose Hall, Old Quarry Golf Course, Tierra del Sol Course, Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course and Baha Mar Royal Blue Golf Course

Douglas said 10Best is a unique award since no business pays to be listed and independent readers help pick the 10best in any category.

Travel experts select the top twenty nominees in the contest, and it is up to readers to make the final decision by casting their vote.

Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club promoted voting via Facebook, Instagram and through their following of Turks and Caicos’ residents and Islanders.

Prince Harry accuses Prince William of physical attack in book – report

PRINCE Harry has claimed his brother William physically attacked him, according to the Guardian, which says it has seen a copy of the Duke of Sussex’s memoir, Spare.

The newspaper reported that the book sets out an argument between the pair over Prince Harry’s wife Meghan.

“He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor,” the Guardian quotes Harry.

Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace have both said they will not comment.

The palaces - which represent Prince William and the King respectively - seem to have adopted the strategy that any controversial claims will fizzle out faster without a response.

Meanwhile, in a new clip previewing an interview with ITV, Prince Harry refuses to commit to attending the King’s coronation in May.

He says there is a lot “that can happen between now and then” and the “ball is in [the Royal Family’s] court”.

Prince Harry’s memoir will not be published until next Tuesday, but the Guardian said it obtained a copy amid what it called “stringent pre-launch security”.

BBC News has not yet seen a

copy of Spare.

According to the Guardian, the book says the row was sparked by comments Prince William made to Prince Harry at his London home in 2019.

Prince Harry, the paper says, writes that his brother was critical of his marriage to Meghan Markle - and that Prince William described her as “difficult”, “rude” and “abrasive”.

The Duke of Sussex reportedly writes that his brother was “parrot[ing] the press narrative” as the confrontation escalated.

Prince Harry is said to describe what happened next, including an alleged physical altercation.

“He set down [a glass of] water, called me another name, then came at me. It all happened so fast. So very fast.

“He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor.

“I landed on the dog’s bowl, which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me. I lay there for a moment, dazed, then got to my feet and told him to get out.”

The revelations create the bleak impression of a family fight, right at the centre of the monarchy, that shows no sign of being reconciled.

This is still the territory of an acrimonious divorce rather than the reconciliation.

Separately, the memoir claims Prince William “howled with laughter” when he saw his brother dressed in a Nazi costume before a fancy dress party in 2005, the New York Post reports.

Harry was 20 when a picture of him in the outfit was published in the UK press.

The New York Post reports Harry asked William, and his future wife Catherine, whether he should wear the costume, or dress as a pilot - and claims the pair laughed and said the Nazi uniform.

Martin Pengelly, a journalist for the Guardian’s US website who wrote its story about Harry’s book, said he had not approached Prince William’s communication team.

The reporter said that his article is “a report on Harry’s book, which he’s written, it’s Harry’s account”.

Mr Pengelly told BBC Radio 5 Live: “We carefully, obviously in reporting it, didn’t call it a fight because Harry says he didn’t fight back.”

Prince Harry writes that his brother urged him to hit back and he refused to do so, according to the Guardian, but Prince William later looked “regretful, and apologised”.

Photographs suggest Prince Harry regularly wore a dark necklace at events such as the Invictus Games, and on foreign tours with Meghan, as recently as

September 2019.

While publishers at Penguin Random House are yet to confirm whether the leaked excerpts from the book are genuine, Prince Harry has recently spoken of his troubled relationship with his brother.

In the couple’s Harry and Meghan Netflix documentary, Prince Harry describes a meeting he attended with his brother, and father, the now King.

Prince Harry described the conference in early 2020, which was also attended by the late Queen, as “terrifying”.

“It was terrifying to have my brother scream and shout at me and my father say things that just simply weren’t true, and my grandmother quietly sit there and sort of take it all in,” he said.

The Guardian says Prince Harry details a meeting with Charles, then Prince of Wales, and Prince William after the funeral of his grandfather, Prince Phillip, in April 2021.

If this leak is accurate, perhaps the most poignant image is of King Charles caught in the middle, asking his warring sons not to make his life a “misery”.

In a trailer for a sit-down interview, which will be broadcast on 8 January ahead of the book release, the prince said: “I would like to get my father back, I would like to have my brother back”.

Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club has set an impressive history of multi award-winning milestones. This latest achievement is the fourth year in a row it has collected a “top ten” award and since 1992 has been voted #1 Sports Activity by US News and has numerous Trip Advisor accolades.

The book sets out an argument between the pair over Prince Harry’s wife Meghan.

MICHELLE PARKER, FORMER MISS TCI BUILDS LEADERS AT BTC

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: A leader who believes in ensuring that she cultivates new leaders within the hospitality industry, the Key West Village manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos (BTC), and former Miss Turks and Caicos Islands Michelle Parker, has provided more than 27 years of stellar service to the resort she calls home. Equipped with her training in social work and youth development, this veteran has helped in building a solid reputation in grooming younger leaders in whichever department she has managed.

Michelle entered the industry and joined the BTC family in September 1995 as a front office agent. She displayed tremendous work ethics and at the end of her three months probationary period, she was promoted to supervisor in that area. Michelle has grown exponentially within the organization, moving up to front office assistant manager, then front office manager, to Manager on Duty and now Village Manager.

Throughout her tenure, she has undertaken advancement courses such as the Art of Selling, Professional Communication and Leadership, Guest Certified Specialist, Creative Management, and Customer Service through the company’s Sandals Corporate University (SCU)

While reminiscing about the early days at Beaches Turks and Caicos’ Michelle has fond memories of her first interaction with the late founder, the Hon. Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart; the first visitor arriving to the resort and the first complaint from a guest.

“We were in the departure lounge with a few travel agents, when he came in and said, ‘ladies and gentlemen, travel agents, one minute… this is one of my loyal staff members,’ by way of introducing me. That experience still lingers with me as one of the standout interactions with the former chairman,” Parker shared.

“This company allows each team member to learn something new daily. For anyone dreaming to excel in the hospitality industry, my advice is simple - make that start with Beaches Turks and Caicos and allow yourself to grow within this organisation. In order to be successful, you have to be passionate about what it is you like to do and be determined to become a ‘mover and shaker’ as you learn what brings success in the industry,” noted Parker.

In highlighting the mentorship and support that she has received over the years, Michelle recalls guidance along her professional journey from former General Managers at BTC.

“One of the main reasons for me remaining a part of this organisation these many years, is the fact that they look out for the development of their workers. This company, through its leaders ensures that they add value to each employee by consistently providing opportunities for training and development. The leaders in this organisation encourage open communication which I am confident is a boost to team members’ growth and by extension, the growth of our island communities. Every team member has the opportunity to voice

his or her opinion and be assured that they are valued,” Parker added.

While emphasising the leadership acumen of Michelle Parker, General Manager James McAnally shared, “Michelle’s strength as a leader is phenomenal. She has helped to groom all the teams that she has had the privilege of leading at this resort. She’s a mentor and a friend who is firm and fair, and keen on inspiring the younger generation of workers to excel as ambassadors within the industry.”

Patrice Beckford, concierge supervisor and former Ultimate Award Team Member for the entire Sandals and Beaches group, shared her appreciation for Michelle’s guidance, noting that, “Ms Parker is one of those gentle giants who is always willing to impart her experience in the hospitality industry and never hesitates to teach her team the fundamentals of excellence. She believes in youth development and empowering those under her guidance to learn and uphold the Sandals and Beaches way of world-renowned and award-winning service.”

Michelle who is an ordained minister is also a staunch advocate for volunteerism which has led her to form and manage a non-profit organisation, Without Walls Outreach Ministry even while she finds time to volunteer with the Sandals Foundation. Without Walls provides mentorship and guidance for at risk youth throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Michelle Parker (right) shares with Patrice Beckford at the concierge desk at Key West Village

Michelle Parker

WHAT A CELEBRATION!

—TOYS,

JOY AND HUGS ABOUND AS SANDALS FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREATS WITH HASBRO THRILL THOUSANDS

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands, December 28, 2022—The holidays are undoubtedly a joyous occasion in the Caribbean, with jingle bells and allround cheer echoing throughout the air. This year, the Sandals Foundation made it even more memorable for children across Providenciales with a little help from Santa and his elves hand-delivering some 1,500 assortment of toys and games.

The beaming faces and smiles of wide-eyed children at the Enid Capron Primary School, Thelma Lightbourne Primary and the Lower Bight community were only topped by the warm hugs that greeted the philanthropic organisation’s ambassadors from Beaches Turks and Caicos as they served students over three days in mornings of sweet treats, games, and toys donated by American toy company, Hasbro.

According to Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of Sandals Foundation, the activities were designed to bring laughter, joy, and happiness to children throughout the region, making this time magical.

"The holiday season is in full swing, and for us, it is a time of generosity, kindness, and love as we share joy and hope with the children we’ve worked with throughout the year”.

Clarke also added, “The sheer joy radiating from the volunteers as they distribute toys to the children, combined with the warm embrace they receive from that overjoyed child, is priceless ".

More than 14,000 fun and educational toys and

games are being distributed to children ages 3 to 13+ right across the Caribbean, with the customary highenergy celebration that has been known to characterize the Sandals Foundation team and the incredible partners of Beaches Turks and Caicos, the Ministry of Education, and the Member of Parliament for the Lower Bight that help make the activities possible.

James McAnally, General Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos shared that the purpose of volunteerism has resorted in the team sharing the joy of the season with the communities. “As we share with our communities this season, all of the resort's leaders made sure to join hands and hearts as we give back to our communities. We are all Sandals Foundation Ambassadors here at Beaches Turks and Caicos, and giving back for us has created an atmosphere of care as we move forward as a team."

Sandals Foundation Ambassador Bernard Florvil, Mason within the Maintenance department shared his joy of being involved in the activities. “Within the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort, being involved as a Sandals Foundation Ambassador gives me the opportunity to give back my time to these communities and especially the children. Being able to experience the satisfaction that these children show with the receipt of each gift creates a sense of joy that makes me want to continue giving back of my time,” Williams noted.

Principal of the Thelma Lightbourne Primary, Robin

Cox-Foster said, “this partnership with the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort and the Sandals Foundation along with our school has provided a meaningful opportunity for more than 400 of our students to receive Christmas gifts. Our parents are extremely grateful because the gifts that their children have received are unique and of high quality.”

Sophia Garland, Principal of the Enid Capron Primary added, “thanks much to the Sandals Foundation and the Beaches Turks and Caicos for providing Christmas gifts for more than 350 boys and girls here at the school. The partnership with these organisations have been long standing but for 2022, post the pandemic, we were able to have our children enjoy treats and gifts from Sandals Foundation and the team at Beaches. We are very grateful.”

The Sandals Foundation’s annual Christmas toy distribution has become a tradition for children in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Grenada, and Barbados. This year, the joy was also spread to the resort’s newest island home of Curacao.

"Thank you to our partners at Hasbro for continuing to help us make the season even more special for children across the Caribbean, and to our team members who add the magic touch with gift wrapping and distribution, bringing joy to many young boys and girls," said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at Sandals Foundation.

Decardia Powell student at Enid Capron Primary shows off his gift

Some grade 3 students at the Enid Capron Primary school show off their gifts that they received from the Sandals Foundation and BTC

James McAnally, BTC's GM and Santa for the day hands a gift to a student at the Enid Capron Primary School

China Covid: Celebrity deaths spark fears over death toll

THE growing number of Chinese public figures whose deaths are being made public is prompting people to question the official Covid death toll.

The death of Chu Lanlan, a 40-year-old opera singer, last month came as a shock to many, given how young she was.

Her family said they were saddened by her “abrupt departure”, but did not give details of the cause of her death.

China scrapped its strict zeroCovid policy in December and has seen a rapid surge of infections and deaths.

There are reports of hospitals and crematoria becoming overwhelmed.

But the country has stopped publishing daily cases data, and has announced only 22 Covid deaths since December, using its own strict criteria.

Now only those who die from respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia are counted.

On Wednesday the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that

China was under-representing the true impact of Covid in the country - in particular deaths.

But the deaths of Chu Lanlan and others is sparking speculation about greater losses than those reported on official accounts.

According to the specialist news website Operawire, Chu Lanlan was a soprano who specialised in Peking Opera - a theatrical art in which performers use speech, song, dance and combat movements to tell stories - and was also involved in charitable causes.

On New Year’s Day news of the death of actor Gong Jintang devastated many Chinese internet users.

Gong, 83, was known to many households for his performance in the country’s longest-running TV series, In-Laws, Out-laws. His portrait of Father Kang had captivated fans for more than two decades since the show first aired in 2000.

The cause of his death is unclear, but many social media users linked it to the recent deaths of other older

people.

“Please god, please treat the elderly better,” his co-star Hu Yanfen wrote on Chinese social media platform Weibo.

“R.I.P Father Kang. This wave have really claimed many elders’ lives, let’s make sure we protect the elderly in our families,” one user wrote on Weibo.

Acclaimed scriptwriter Ni Zhen was also among recent deaths.

The 84-year-old was famous for his work on the 1991 film Raise the Red Lantern, which is widely considered to be one of the best Chinese films by critics.

Meanwhile Hu Fuming, a former journalist and retired professor of Nanjing University, died on 2 January at the age of 87.

He was the main author of a famous commentary published in 1978 that marked the start of the China’s “Boluan Fanzheng” period - a time of eliminating chaos and returning to normal after the upheaval of the Cultural Revolution under the country’s first Communist leader Mao Zedong.

The death of Chu Lanlan, a 40-year-old opera singer, last month came as a shock to many, given how young she was

Year in review 2022 Year in review 2022

government’s “unfriendly countries” list.

slaughter of her family sustained serious injuries during the shooting and was taken for medical attention hours after the tragic ordeal.

Residents in the area attempting to piece together the heinous crime, recalled hearing gunshots the night before the bodies were found, some even said they called the police to report that gunshots were fired in the vicinity of Timber Crest, Kew Town.

Passenger injured after car stopped and shot at

An escalation of gun crimes in the territory over the past week, after a brief period of calm, has left one woman nursing a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

Reports are that at about 7:13pm on Sunday, October 30, shots rang out in Blue Hills, prompting residents in the surrounding area to call in with reports to the police.

In a statement on the incident, Police said a female driver and her friend were travelling along Millennium Highway in the Phase two community when she was stopped by another vehicle.

Upon stopping, the woman told police that the occupant in the other vehicle opened fire on her and her passenger. While she escaped injury, her female passenger was shot, sustaining a gunshot wound to her left shoulder.

Investigation launched into Wheeland fatal shooting

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a man whose body was recovered this past Monday in the Wheeland, Blue Hills community.

Police said that at about 8:56 am residents alerted them to the presence of a person that was lying motionless on the ground in Parker’s yard.

Upon arrival at the scene, the unnamed man was confirmed dead from a gunshot wound.

Anti-gang

leaders to get 25 years

It is now a criminal offence for anyone living in the Turks and Caicos Islands to be in or become a member of a gang or to harbour, conceal or recruit gang members.

This offence carries a penalty of 10 years imprisonment for a first conviction and a penalty of 20 years imprisonment for any subsequent convictions, while a gang leader would be liable to imprisonment for 25 years.

Attorney General, Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles who had presented the bill to the House of Assembly for debate on Thursday, October 20, said the bill is intended to dismantle the growing gang culture fuelling increasingly violent and deadly crimes in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Anti-gang bill also makes it an offence for a person to take retaliatory action against another person or any of that person's relatives, friends, associates or property where inter alia the other person refuses to comply with an order of a gang leader or gang members.

The counter-sanctions list approved by the Government of the Russian Federation includes foreign states and territories that commit unfriendly actions against Russia, its companies, and its citizens, Russia's leading news agency, TASS said on Sunday, October 30.

The government noted that according to the decree, Russian citizens and companies, the state itself, its regions and municipalities that have foreign exchange obligations to foreign creditors from the list of unfriendly countries will be able to pay them in Russian rubles.

Bellefield Landing Welcome

Centre and Port Office officially opened to the public

It is now official, visitors to the twin island communities of North Caicos and Middle Caicos will be welcomed in style upon arrival at Bellefield Landing.

On October 28, the Welcome Centre was officially opened to the public by Minister with responsibility for the Ports, Hon Arlington Musgrove, who ceremoniously cut the ribbon to the new Ports Authority Office Building and Welcome Centre.

PPID minister Akierra Missick loses post in Cabinet reshuffle

Cabinet reshuffles in the middle of an administration’s term in office are quite common, but the latest change which leaves former infrastructure minister, Hon Akierra Missick without a ministerial post has sparked widespread rumours.

The one-time deputy premier – under the Rufus Ewing Administration – and two-time elected official has served in ministerial office for ten years as of November 9, first being elected in 2012.

However, an abrupt decision by Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick, saw Missick’s ministerial appointment being taken away.

The rumours abounded, prompting the Leeward and Long Bay elected official to issue an official farewell statement on the revocation of her Cabinet portfolio.

Thanking the Premier for the confidence he reposed in her to serve as leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly and PPID Minister, Missick said it was her distinct honour and a privilege to have served in the two capacities in the past 20 months.

“The Premier can appoint and revoke any Cabinet minister's appointment whenever he sees fit, and he is not obligated to offer any reasons for that decision. As politicians, we must be mature enough to appreciate and understand that.”

Local law enforcement officers deployed in TCI-Bahamas maritime operation

Police Constable Ernais Ewing of the Royal TCI Police Force and TCI Regiment Marine Anderson Raphael this week set sail on the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Vessel: HMBS BAHAMAS as part of the Shiprider Agreement between the two countries.

In December 2021, at the Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) conference, the TCI and the Bahamas signed a Shiprider Agreement to allow for cooperation in maritime law enforcement.

Blue Hills man charged with Brian Williams’s murder

Jouvly Inelus, a 30-year-old resident of Blue Hills, Providenciales has been arrested and charged with the murder of Brian Leon Williams Jr.

Police slapped the murder charge on Inelus last Saturday, November 12, following investigations into the November 3 murder of the young father.

The shocking display of violence was discovered after neighbours reported hearing shots being fired at a location known as Enid Forbes Yard, in Hopeland Close in the Blue Hills community.

Police offers $10K reward for information on Brandon Rahming

Police have ramped up their appeal for information leading directly to the arrest of violent criminal and gang leader, Brandon Leonardo Rahming with a $10,000 reward.

The 32-year-old resident of the Bight, Providenciales, who is wanted in connection with murder, drugs, and illegal firearm, is also known to reside in Freeport, Bahamas.

On Thursday, November 17, police issued another wanted bulletin with the updated monetary reward for information leading to Rahming’s arrest.

guns

arrested

Multiple shipments of firearms and ammunition bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands were seized last November by officers from the US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Customs and Border Protection.

The Turks and Caicos Islands and 10 other British Overseas Territories (BOTs) have been added to the Russian

The Agreement allows for TCI and Bahamian vessels or aircrafts - jointly crewed by specially trained officers - the ability to transit back and forth across the border to help secure it from threats to national security.

The bust, which resulted in the arrest of suspects and disruption of the criminal network’s ability to traffic firearms, took place following an investigation in the United States and through collaborative work between officers from the Turks and Caicos Islands Customs Department and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

legislation passed – 10 years jail time for gang involvement; gang

Russia adds TCI and 10 other BOTs to its list of “unfriendly countries”

US Homeland Security intercepts shipments of

heading to TCI – Smugglers

Akierra Missick

The completed Bellefield Welcome Centre

As part of the 40th anniversary celebration of its parent company, Sandals Resorts International, the Sandals Foundation invested over US$1000 in the installation of two new road signs to bring awareness and drive traffic to the craft hub—the Cultural Marketplace.

Located in Providenciales, the artisan market which houses the enterprise of some twelve crafts men and women is the ideal space for purchasing beautiful uniquely woven straw baskets ideal for many occasions. The project was identified by the Sandals Foundation as part of efforts to support the infrastructural development of small businesses and community market, as well as strengthen local economies.

Holiday shopping for authentic local arts and crafts will be enhanced this year at the Cultural Marketplace with the installation of brand new signs by the Sandals Foundation.

Cultural Marketplace Vendors Welcome

Holiday Shoppers with Vibrant New Road Signs

Various wooden ornaments and trinkets, some of which are unique to the Turks and Caicos Islands, adorn the vendor tables throughout the Cultural Marketplace, which received much-needed road signage this year from the Sandals Foundation.

An assortment of carefully curated crafts including colourful bowls, mats, and hats are some of the items that can be purchased from the vendors at the Cultural Marketplace. Through investment from the Sandals Foundation, the artisans are able to share these offerings with locals and visitors alike, keeping the culture of their communities alive.

Year in review 2022 Year in review 2022

Vicious gang leader Brandon Rahming shot dead

The hunt for wanted man, murderer, and vicious gang leader, 32-year-old Brandon Leonard Rahming is finally over, police confirmed Wednesday evening.

A shooting in the Downtown Providenciales area of Dockyard, ended in death for the wanted man during a police operation.

At about 11 am on Wednesday, November 23, police officers arrived on the scene and challenged a group of men believed to be carrying illegal weapons.

Consequently, Rahming was shot and killed by police officers. However, police have not yet clarified the circumstances that led to the man being shot.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Reports from residents are that the criminal was riddled with bullets.

Virgin Atlantic confirms London, Heathrow to TCI flights in 2023

Virgin Atlantic is the latest airline to announce flights into the Turks and Caicos Islands, further connecting the TCI to the rest of the world.

The airline will be launching a year-round twice weekly service to Providenciales, TCI to go on sale on January 11, 2023, for flights starting on November 15, 2023.

In a statement on Friday, November 18, the airline’s operational team advised that both routes will be operated on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.

who commit serious offenses including murder in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In fact, Misick the Leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP) Government said a policy to strip serious offenders of their legal status in the territory is currently being drafted.

National ID cards to be rolled out in 2025

A National Identification Card which will replace NIB, NHIP, and Status Cards will be rolled out in the Turks and Caicos Islands by 2025.

The National ID card project when brought to fruition will be the linchpin of the Government’s E-Government programme designed to make doing business in the TCI easier and further propel the territory into the digital age.

Bloodline Row: Government clarifies its position on thirdgeneration citizenship

At a November 21 public meeting the Minister of Immigration, Hon Arlington Musgrove announced the government’s intention to take an amended Immigration Bill to the House of Assembly, with a specific aim of granting third-generation Turks and Caicos Islanders the opportunity to apply for citizenship.

Following up on this announcement, comments made by the Premier, Hon Charles Washington Misick sparked some confusion and displeasure.

TCI delegation visits Bahamas for bilateral talks on national security

Governor Nigel Dakin and Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick recently led a delegation to the Bahamas for bilateral talks on issues of national security and foreign affairs with an aim of enhancing the operational relationship between TCI and The Bahamas.

The TCI delegation was greeted by Bahamas’ Minister of Housing and Transport, Hon JoBeth Coleby-Davis upon arrival.

As both nations face similar threats with issues relating to border security, informal settlements and development in Haiti, the series of meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations to help tackle these problems.

First mental health facility opens in TCI

The opening of the Centre of Hope, the TCI’s first mental health facility was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

On Thursday, December 8, the Department of Mental Health, and Substance Dependence within the Ministry of Health, hosted a ceremony to commemorate the opening, naming and dedication of the facility.

The project, which commenced in 2016, has gone through many phases and now that it is a reality, places TCI among the many countries in the world that has specialised mental health care facilities for its population.

DECEMBER

Premier Hon Washington Misick said his government is “fully on-board” with revoking the legal status of people

The Premier told the meeting: “One of the things we have to do is decide what our population is going to look like, in the next 10, 20, 30, 50 years… we have to make a decision in this country whether we want to expand our population, by our own bloodline.”

Many residents were displeased and perplexed why the government would want to grant citizenship to any additional group, while the territory is losing its young bright minds because of the lack of opportunities for them on island.

Others also questioned why the focus is on Bahamians, as people of TCI lineage are from other countries as well.

First Female Governor appointed to Turks and Caicos Islands

(FILE NAME: (FILE NAME: - Pic 1-

Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam will in June 2023 take over the role of Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced on Thursday.

Taking over from His Excellency, Governor Nigel Dakin,

Policy to strip status of serious offenders being drafted- Premier

Brandon Rahming was fatally shot by police officers

TCI delegation- Bahamas Pic 1: The TCI delegation travelled to the Bahamas on Sunday (December 4) and was greeted by the Bahamas’ Minister of Housing and Transport, Hon JoBeth Coleby-Davis (middle) upon arrival

Year in review 2022 Year in review 2022

the new plates, which will see each inhabited island receiving their own unique designs.

The old plates will be phased out during the next year as persons renew their vehicle registration.

Each plate will have its island’s symbol in the top left corner. Grand Turk plates will sport the cactus, Providenciales, and image of the beach, Middle Caicos a straw work, North Caicos will be green fields and vegetation, Salt Cay will be salt ponds and South Caicos will have a lobster.

residents saw 35 people losing their lives, a police officer suffering serious injuries and distress and upset caused to families and friends of victims.

Her Majesty’s Prison

superintendent

gets new

Ms Daniel-Selvaratnam – who serves as the current Governor of Anguilla - brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Ms Daniel-Selvaratnam, who has an impeccable pedigree, has served in various leadership roles in the British Government, first as a Policy Advisor in the Department for Constitutional Affairs, from 2004 to 2007, steadily climbing the ladder to her new role as His Majesty’s Representative in the sister British Overseas Territory.

CCTV-compatible license plates launched

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has introduced new vehicle registration plates, just two years after the last set, and while many motorists have still not gotten the old ones.

On Wednesday, December 14, the police force unveiled

“The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is a relatively small force, but we stepped up, we did not shirk the challenge and officers stood strong in the face of the most serious threats.”

These were the words of Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting during his address at the Police parade last Friday (December 16) in Downtown Providenciales.

Reflecting on a challenging year – made more so in the last four months – the commissioner said the unprecedented threat to national security and safety of the TCI and its

Veteran prison official, Michael Woodbine is the new head of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Her Majesty’s Prison) in Turks and Caicos Islands.

Although no official announcement has been made by the government (at press time) Woodbine confirmed the news on his Facebook page last week, December 15.

Speaking of his new appointment, Woodbine stated: “I’m looking forward to the challenges and exciting opportunities the TCI will offer, coupled with the apprehension of leaving the family behind for now.”

Woodbine replaces Dave Bowden, whom he credits for having brought order to the TCI’s prison’s system.

December power bills to also reflect 15% fuel factor reduction

Residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands can expect to see the 15 per cent reduction in the fuel factor rate also applied to their December power bills, however, the standard rate calculation will return in January for some islands.

Fortis TCI said the reduction will remain relatively stable in December, with further reductions in the fuel factor rate across some service territories.

The increase in the fuel factor rate came as a result of the Russia/Ukraine war which disrupted the supply chain and created an unstable global economy

RTCIPF receives new armoured SWAT truck to boost crime fighting

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) has received a significant boost to its fleet of vehicles when Premier Hon Washington Misick handed over a spanking new armoured tactical truck late December.

The Alpine Pit-Bull VX, commonly referred to as a SWAT truck, is the first of two vehicles purchased at a cost of $400,000 each and was handed over to Commissioner Trevor Botting and the force's senior leadership.

The armoured SUV truck, designed to withstand artillery fire and ammunition, will be an important tool in combatting crime and broader national security challenges.

The vehicles which will be used during certain tactical operations are outfitted with bulletproof glass windows which are passivated even for close-range shots from highpowered rifles as the glass layer absorbs and disperses the energy of each explosive attack.

Police Chief reflects on gruelling 2022 – UK, Bahamas and local cops commended for their resolve and commitment

Incoming Governor of TCI, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam)

New Registration plates rolled out; police promise there are enough plates for everyone in stock

Three brand new, fully equipped, Dodge Sports Utility Vehicles were handed over to officers of the RTCIPF in Grand Turk on Thursday, December 15)

Regional News

Bahamas expects “significant” influx of migrants—Immigration Minister

LABOUR and Immigration Minister Keith Bell said officials anticipate a “very significant” influx of migrants from Haiti and Cuba to The Bahamas in the days ahead amid growing economic turmoil in the two countries.

He said law enforcement officials will remain on high alert for migration activity and also committed his ministry to ensuring “that anyone who comes here through illegal means” will be repatriated as quickly as possible.

Much like The Bahamas, the US, particularly the Florida Keys, has seen a marked increase in migration activity over the last several months, which has resulted in hundreds of interceptions.

Most of the migrants are said to be from Cuba and Haiti who are escaping food shortages and rising inflation, among other issues.

Mr Bell told reporters there were more migrants repatriated last year than has been seen in a long time.

“That was quite significant, but again, to us, it does not necessarily mean that we are not only having success, but it talks about the level of activity in the area which is increasing,” he said before attending this week’s Cabinet meeting.

“And we know that the Ukrainian war is having a significant impact in Cuba and Haiti has pretty much imploded and so the CARICOM governments, along with the United Nations and the United States, we’re looking to see how we can best address the issues in Haiti holistically.”

When asked if officials were expecting to see a surge of Haitian

and Cuban migrants, the minister said they were.

“Yes, we anticipate a very significant increase in migration from those two countries,” he continued. “What I think we ought to indicate to the Bahamian people is that we have, well, all of our law enforcement agents, the police force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and certainly the immigration department, they are out there with their watchful eyes.

“In addition to that, we have the joint operation between The Bahamas, the United States and Turks and Caicos, which is also monitoring the situation.”

He also issued a plea to local fishermen, advising them that “if you see these vessels, then please call the law enforcement agents” so that workers can do their job.

“I’m satisfied and I want

to commend all of our law enforcement partners for the work that they’re doing, including the US Coast Guard, who are out there intercepting these people,” he also said. “And I ask the Bahamian people to continue to pray for the people in Cuba and Haiti, as those countries go through very, very serious crises.”

According to Mr Bell, there are currently some 345 migrants being housed at the department’s detention centre. The majority of them are women.

“In addition to that, we would have had 198 Cubans which make up those numbers in the detention centre and so it is obviously a concern for us,” Mr Bell also said.

The Bahamas saw a rise of irregular incidents of migration to the country last year, particularly in March.

BVI police confiscated some 11,000kg of cocaine in 2022

COMMISSIONER of Police Mark Collins, says that during this year, 2022, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have confiscated 11,000 kilograms of cocaine.

In a recent appearance before the Stand Finance Committee (SFC) in the House of Assembly, Collins said this was in addition to the seizure of 68 firearms and just over 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

In the meantime, the top cop told the SFC one of two persons arrested for murder by police earlier this year was connected to 36 of those firearms.

Lawmakers were also told that the RVIPF’s Major Crime team has dealt with six homicides in 2022,

with one of those matters being successfully concluded.

Commenting on other areas of crime, Collins explained that crime in the territory has slightly increased in the areas of sexual offences, domestic violence and drug-related matters but it has decreased for burglaries robberies and serious offences.

He also said that domestic violence is significantly the most reported crime in the BVI.

The commissioner further explained to lawmakers that a domestic violence forum has been established with a partner agency to manage the response to this challenge. (Caribbeanloopnews/ CMC)

THE Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) says 2022 was the most violent year against journalism in the Western Hemisphere with Mexico and Haiti accounting for at least 29 deaths within the media industry.

The latest killing in Haiti occurred on December 18 when Francklin Tamar, 38, was shot while travelling on a motorcycle, according to local media.

The journalist died on his way to the hospital and the attack near his home in the Carrefour-Feuilles sector in downtown Port-au-Prince, was the ninth related murder of journalists in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

IAPA in condemning the murder reiterated a recent call made by seven organisations for

governments to combat violence against journalists.

The other journalists murdered this year in Haiti are Fritz Dorilas, killed November 5; Romelo Vilsaint, October 30; Tess Garry, October 24; Frantzsen Charles and Tayson Lartigue, September 11; Maxihen Lazarre, February 23; Wilguens Louissaint and Amady John Wesley, January 6.

“2022 has the negative connotation of being the most violent year against journalism in the Western Hemisphere of which we have any record,” said the chairman of the IAPA’s Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information, Carlos Jornet.

IAPA president, Michael Greenspon said the killings in Haiti, “again demonstrate the risks

of violence against communicators, victims of aggressions and abuses by gangs, demonstrators, and the police.”

He has called on the authorities to “investigate with a sense of urgency and responsibility” the nine cases.

At least 16 journalists have been killed in Mexico in 2022, the highest number the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has ever documented in the country in a single year. In a country characterized by corruption and organized crime, it’s unclear how many were targeted directly because of their work. CPJ research has confirmed a journalism-related motive for at least three of the deaths and continues to investigate the others. (Caribbeannationalweekly)

File: Along with the cocaine, a quantity of firearms and ammunition were also seized

Most of the migrants are said to be from Haiti and Cuba who are escaping food shortages and rising inflation, among other issues

Some nine journalists were killed in Haiti in 2022

Haiti and Mexico accounted for nearly 30 cases of journalists being murdered last year

Regional News

Bermuda: Professor gives black market warning if cannabis legalised

BERMUDA needs to learn lessons from Canada about beating the black market in cannabis if it legalises the drug, according to a leading expert.

Professor William Bogart, who has written extensively on drugrelated law issues, also urged that Bermuda pay special attention to protecting children if cannabis was made readily available, such as banning “edibles” – candy-styled variants of the substance.

Despite cannabis being legally available in Canada since 2018, roughly half of sales are still done on the illicit market, according to Mr Bogart.

The former professor of law at the University of Windsor emphasised that Bermuda would need to set tax levels on the sale of cannabis carefully to enable the over the counter market to out perform the illicit trade in the drug.

Bermuda’s move towards legalising the consumption and production of cannabis is stalled after Rena Lalgie, the Governor, announced last September that she had been “instructed” by the British foreign secretary to refuse to give Royal Assent to the Cannabis

Licensing Bill, despite it having passed the House of Assembly.

This meant that reform of drug laws could not be enacted, leading the Governor to call for negotiations between Bermuda and London on the issue.

Mr Bogart, who is a regular visitor to Bermuda, said of the situation in Canada: “It was wishful thinking to believe that as soon as legal cannabis came in that

the illicit market would evaporate.

“If you are making millions of dollars and you are not paying tax, then you are going to try and hang on to your revenue.

“People are migrating to the legal market in Canada but it’s a long way to go.

“The three driving factors are access, quality and price. The challenge for Bermuda is to ensure adequate access to the legal market.

“With legalised cannabis, the purchaser knows the strength. Tax is a crucial issue. The industry say they need to have a rate of return for it to be viable.

“While the public health attitude

is that a level of tax needs to be in there, not just to cover regulatory costs, but to try to stop problematic use.

“The tax level is too high say the legal dealers – and that stops people from buying legally, they say.

“Tax would be a very important issue that Bermuda would need to sort through – price is a driver in terms of the legal or illegal markets.

“A big chunk of the market, about half, is still in the illicit market in Canada.”

Mr Bogart said that special attention was needed in relation to children and cannabis.

He said: “Campaigns like ‘Just Say No’ were not effective for most children.

“We need to look at what influences drug use – is the child doing well in school? Are they being influenced by their peer group, or parents who are using drugs?

“In Canada there has not been a big spike in cannabis use among children – legalisation didn’t become a driver.

“We need to focus on why children use drugs – alcohol, nicotine, cannabis.”

He added: “I would not favour edibles. Children are mistaking edibles for candy. What Bermuda could do is to delay edibles.

“Legalise cannabis if you want to, but delay edibles for one, two,

three years, until you can assess the impact edibles have had on children in Canada.

“In this area I would come down on the side of protecting children.”

Mr Bogart said that any move to legalise cannabis would need constant monitoring.

“Bermuda would definitely need an evidence-based review, one that is not based on pressure groups who are on one side of the argument or another, but a review looking at evidence over time.”

Britain’s decision to block reform of cannabis laws in Bermuda has attracted international attention.

Despite David Burt, the Premier, insisting in 2021 that refusing to give Royal Assent to the Cannabis Licensing Bill would “destroy” relations between Bermuda and Britain, he has been guarded in his public comments since London blocked the move to reform drug laws.

Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General, said the Government stood by its policy commitment.

In the wake of the decision from Britain, she said: “The Government of Bermuda intends to continue to advance this initiative, within the full scope of its constitutional powers, in keeping with our 2020 General Election platform commitment.” (RoyalGazette)

Sale to help put Bermuda in the pink

THE Bermuda Tourism Authority is hoping to inspire visitors to book trips to the island this month through an initiative offering discounts on a range of hotels.

The annual Pink Sale offers visitors up to 50 per cent off at resorts for those who book their stay before January 30.

US$25 fee for checked bags on international Cayman

From 1 Feb. 2023, it will cost Cayman Airways passengers a fixed fee of US$25 per bag, for the first two items of checked luggage on all international flights.

According to a press release from the national flag carrier, the airline’s standard weight allowance “will remain as one of the most generous in the industry at 55lbs per bag”.

The airline stated the move will bring customers in some markets a fee reduction of up to US$10, but a slight increase of up to US$5 in others.

The existing baggage

allowances and fees for domestic flights between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac and Little Cayman will remain unchanged, according to CAL.

Passengers travelling in business class are entitled to fly with three free checked bags, on all routes.

Sir Turtle Rewards platinum level members can travel with two free checked bags and those with gold status will receive the first checked bag free.

The airline’s rates for additional checked bags remain unchanged. (Cayman Compass)

The Coral Beach and Tennis Club and the Grotto Bay Beach Resort are both offering up to 50 per cent off for select periods, while Rosedon and Newstead Belmont Hills will offer up to 40 per cent off.

Discounts will also be offered by Azura, Coco Reef, Cambridge Beaches, Hamilton Princess, Rosewood Bermuda, Royal Palms and Willowbank as part of the promotion.

A BTA spokesman said: “The Pink Sale makes a trip to Bermuda even more alluring. “Prospective visitors will have the chance to experience the best of Bermuda while receiving up to 50 per cent off at one of the several participating resorts.

“The Pink Sale offer must be booked between now and January

30, with travel windows that vary per property.

“While visiting the island, visitors are encouraged to try many of the island’s adventures, including whale watching, beach activities, golfing and walks along the historic railway trail.”

Stephen Todd, head of the Bermuda Hotel Association,

said the annual promotion and associated advertisements have helped to drum up hotel occupancy during the shoulder season.

“The overall benefit has in turn helped to reposition Bermuda as a year round tourism destination which is in keeping with one of the key objectives of the BTA tourism plan,” Mr Todd said.

Bermuda’s move towards legalising the consumption and production of cannabis has been stalled

The airline stated the move will bring customers in some markets a fee reduction of up to US$10, but a slight increase of up to US$5 in others.

The annual Pink Sale offers visitors up to 50 per cent off at resorts for those who book their stay before January 30.

Putin deploys Russian warship with Zircon hypersonic missile, TASS says

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin has dispatched one of his country’s most modern warships armed with advanced hypersonic missiles on a long voyage through the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and into the Indian Ocean, Russian state media reported Wednesday.

The frigate Admiral Gorshkov set off from an unnamed northern Russian port on Wednesday after Putin spoke with the ship’s commander and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu via video link, according to a report from the TASS news agency.

Putin boasted that the ship was carrying Zircon hypersonic missiles, long-range weapons that travel more than five times the speed of sound and are harder to detect and intercept.

“It has no analogues in any

country in the world,” Putin said, according to TASS. “I am sure that such powerful weapons will reliably protect Russia from potential external threats and will help ensure the national interests of our country,” he added.

Russia tested the Zircon system in late 2021, firing from the Admiral Gorshkov in the White Sea and hitting a naval target more than 400 kilometers (250 miles) away, according to reports at the time.

The current mission would be its first deployment in a potential combat situation.

“The main efforts during the campaign will be focused on countering Russia’s threats, maintaining regional peace, and stability together with friendly countries,” Shoigu said in the TASS report.

Russia’s war against neighbouring Ukraine is now in its 10th month, but that conflict was not mentioned specifically in the TASS report.

And whether the Zircon missile could be brought to bear in that war is uncertain.

If it works as advertised by the Russians, it is a fearsome weapon.

The US-based Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance says the

Sean Patterson Jamaica shooting was contract killing, police say

The murder of a British tourist in Jamaica was a “contract killing” by “unknown assailants”, police have said.

Sean Patterson, a personal trainer from Shepherd’s Bush, west London, was found with gunshot wounds to his upper body and head in St James, officers said.

He was found at midday on Monday near the pool of his holiday accommodation in Bogue Hill, St James.

Jamaica Constabulary’s deputy commissioner called it “a contract killing that emanated from Britain”.

In a video statement on Wednesday, Fitz Bailey went on to say Mr Patterson, 33, had arrived in Jamaica on 29 December with another man who was also from London.

The pair had spent several days at an apartment before checking into the villa in Bogue Hill on New Year’s Day.

HID IN BUSHES

Later that day, the commissioner said, the two Brits had met up with a third man - from Kingston - who would be present when Mr Patterson was shot and killed.

All three men had stayed at the guest house in separate rooms and the following day at around noon,

Mr Patterson and the Jamaican man had gone to the villa’s pool deck.

“[The Kingston man] reported that his back was turned to [Mr] Patterson when he heard several loud explosions [which] sounded like gunshots,” Mr Bailey said.

“He reported that he looked around and saw a lone man dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt with a handgun shooting [Mr] Patterson.”

The witness reportedly fled and hid in bushes.

The commissioner concluded by saying local authorities were working with their international partners - including UK police - and were making “significant progress” in the case.

The Foreign Office previously said it was “supporting the family of a British man who died in Jamaica and are in contact with the local authorities”.

The Gleaner newspaper reported that 198 murders were recorded in St James last year. (BBC)

Zircon is “a maneuvering anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile” with a range of somewhere between 500 and 1,000 kilometers (310 to 620 miles).

The alliance says its speed has been put at Mach 8, or almost 9,900 kilometers per hour (6,138

mph). Hypersonic is defined as any speed above Mach 5 (3,836 mph).

“If that information is accurate, the Zircon missile would be the fastest in the world, making it nearly impossible to defend against due to its speed alone,” the alliance says on its website.

Venezuelan opposition votes to abolish parallel government

VENEZUELA’S opposition has voted to dissolve its parallel government and remove its leader, Juan Guaidó.

The move comes four years after Mr Guaidó declared himself president following the re-election of Nicolás Maduro in disputed polls.

He was recognised by many Western countries, including the US, but failed to oust the left-wing president.

The vote shows how most opposition politicians in Venezuela have lost faith in Mr Guaidó.

The National Assembly voted 72 to 29 to abolish his interim government.

Lawmakers also voted to appoint a commission to govern the country’s foreign assets, as

they seek a united front ahead of elections scheduled for 2024.

Venezuela’s long-running political and humanitarian crisis has seen some seven million people flee the country since 2015.

In November, Venezuela’s government and the opposition signed a preliminary agreement to find a way out of the country’s political crisis.

During talks in Mexico, the two issued a joint statement requesting that billions of dollars frozen abroad be released to help fund social projects.

It followed years of failed attempts to solve a political deadlock.

In response, the US said that it would allow the American oil company Chevron to resume some activity in Venezuela. (BBC)

Sean Patterson, a personal trainer from Shepherd’s Bush, west London, was found with gunshot wounds to his upper body and head in St James, officers said

Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president on 23 January 2019

Putin boasted that the ship was carrying Zircon hypersonic missiles, long-range weapons that travel more than five times the speed of sound

Pope praises ‘wise, tender’ Benedict at solemn burial

POPE Francis has joined pilgrims in St Peter’s Square to preside over the funeral of his predecessor, who resigned from the papacy in 2013.

The dome of St Peter’s basilica at the Vatican was shrouded in mist as the cypress-wood coffin containing Pope Benedict XVI’s body was brought out and placed on the steps.

There was applause from the faithful who had gathered for the funeral.

Benedict was then interred in a tomb beneath the basilica.

Clergy from around the world had come - cardinals in red vestments, nuns and monks in their dark robes.

Pope Francis was brought out on to the dais in a wheelchair.

Latin chants sung by the Sistine Chapel choir echoed across the square. The mood was solemn and subdued.

Daniele, a teacher, who had met the former pontiff at a church in Rome, told me the weather matched the occasion. “The fog represents the mystery of Pope Benedict, the mystery of death and life.”

During the Mass, concelebrated by cardinals, bishops and priests, Pope Francis spoke of “wisdom, tenderness and devotion that he bestowed upon us over the years”.

“Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom,” he said referring to Jesus, “may your joy be complete as you hear his voice, now and forever.”

Some 50,000 mourners came to the funeral, according to

police. Official delegations were there from Italy and from former Pope Benedict’s home country of Germany. Other leaders, including the king and queen of Belgium attended in a private capacity.

Benedict’s death brings to an end the era of a pope and a former pope living side by side in the Vaticanan unprecedented situation brought about by Benedict’s resignation almost a decade ago.

In February 2013, I stood watching in St Peter’s Square as he flew away from the Vatican in a helicopter, at the end of his pontificate.

Utah shooting: Eight family members including five children found shot dead in home

A FAMILY of eight - including five children - have been found shot dead inside a rural home in Enoch City, in the US state of Utah.

Officials did not disclose a motive for the shooting or the exact relationship between the family members.

Police found the bodies on Wednesday while conducting a welfare check at the property.

City manager Rob Dotson said the town of about 8,000 people was in shock.

“This community at this time is hurting. They’re feeling loss, they’re feeling pain and they have a lot of questions” Mr Dotson said in a video

statement.

He added that the family was well-known in the town, and that police would release further information as the investigation continued.

Enoch City is a small agricultural town in the southwestern part of the state, about 245 miles (394km) south of Salt Lake City.

The five children attended schools across the Iron County School District, which released a statement expressing its sorrow.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox tweeted his condolences for those affected by the “senseless violence”. (BBC)

The ceremonies surrounding his death have been simpler than those for a sitting pope.

Over the past few days, some 200,000 people came to the Vatican to pay their respects to the former pontiff, as he lay in state in front of the main altar in St Peter’s Basilica.

On the day before the funeral, I joined the long line of visitors and mourners queuing to view his body. Dressed in red and gold

vestments, he had a rosary clasped in his white, waxy hands.

There was no display of usual papal regalia like the silver staff, a sign that he was no longer Pope when he died.

But in line with tradition, a lead tube containing an account of Benedict’s papacy, as well as other items, including Vatican coins minted during his reign, were placed in the coffin.

At the end of the service, the

choir sang “May the angels lead you into paradise.” Pope Francis placed his hand on the wooden coffin in a final prayer, before it was carried away, to be sealed and placed in another coffin of zinc and an outer one of wood.

It was buried in the crypt under St Peter’s Basilica, where Pope John Paul II was originally interred in 2005 before his body was moved up to a chapel, after his beatification.

While many leading figures have praised Benedict since his death - paying tribute to his theological studies - there has also been criticism, particularly by victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.

The Snap Survivors network said the former pope “virtually ignored the burning problem of clergy sexual abuse during his tenure in office”.

“In his more than 25 years as the world’s most influential religious figure, Pope Benedict XVI fell short in protecting children and adults around the world.”

In St Peter’s Square, feelings about the former pope were mixed. Gaia from Sardinia said that while Benedict had been “a very good pope, I prefer Pope Francis. I think that he’s closer to people in 2023”.

Simona from Monza in northern Italy told me she was concerned that Francis might follow Benedict’s example and retire. (BBC)

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards set to be labelled as terrorist group by UK

THE UK is preparing to formally declare that Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) is a terrorist organisation.

The legal change would mean it becomes a criminal offence in the UK to belong to the group or support its activities.

Whitehall sources said no announcement was imminent and many details remained to be sorted out.

But they said it was “broadly correct” to say the government intended to proscribe the IRGC.

The proscription - first reported by the Daily Telegraph - would follow a similar decision made by the US in 2019.

And it would mark a further hardening of the UK’s position towards Iran after intelligence agencies said the country posed a direct threat, citing 10 plots against British or UK-based individuals over the last year.

There were reports last November of an Iranian hit squad

The IRGC is estimated to have more than 190,000 active personnel

targeting British-Iranian journalists in London.

The IRGC last week arrested seven people with links to the UK in relation to anti-government protests that have been sweeping through Iran in recent months.

Proscribing an organisation is a formal legal process carried out under the Terrorism Act 2000.

The government has to assess not just the scale of a group’s terrorist activities but also the specific threat it poses to the UK and British nationals overseas. It would make it an offence not just to belong to the organisation but also express support for its aims, meet its members or even display its flag or logo in public.

Clergy from around the world joined Pope Francis and thousands of mourners in St Peter’s Square

Kevin McCarthy: Three ways the House Speaker stalemate could finally end

TWO days of voting are in the books, and the US House of Representatives isn’t any closer to electing a Speaker.

In fact, the chamber may be farther away. Kevin McCarthy, who has served as the party’s House minority leader for four years, has 20 Republicans standing between him and the gavel - and they aren’t budging.

Matt Gaetz, one of those socalled “Never Kevins”, described Mr McCarthy as a “desperate guy” and said his request was simple: “For him to drop out of the race.”

Mr McCarthy, for his part, pushed for the House to adjourn until Thursday, guaranteeing a third day of voting.

“I don’t think a vote tonight will make a difference,” he said, insisting that progress was being made. “But a vote in the future will.”

With that in mind, here are three ways that future vote could turn out:

KEVIN MCCARTHY

PREVAILS

The current strategy from Kevin McCarthy appears to be to fight a war of attrition. His supporters will keep placing his name in nomination until those in opposition get tired of voting against him. Doing the same thing but expecting different results may

be the definition of madness, but it may also be their only option until they can figure out what the recalcitrant Republicans really want.

If Mr McCarthy is able to craft some sort of deal, he would almost certainly have to offer more power and influence to his opponents, allowing them to declare victory.

The challenge for him is that any further concessions - and CNN reports he has one more up his sleeve - will ultimately weaken his hold on power. It will also make it more likely that he could be unseated when the really tough fights - on things like the budget and raising the debt ceiling - take place later in the year.

Mr McCarthy could also hope that Democrats tire of the fight and stop showing up for the speaker votes, lowering the margin necessary for Mr McCarthy to win a majority. At least so far, however, Democrats appear to be relishing the Republican chaos.

And already, some Republicans - like Ken Buck of Coloradoare hinting that Mr McCarthy should step aside for an alternative candidate, like his deputy, Steve Scalise of Louisiana.

KEVIN MCCARTHY GIVES UP

Surrender has to be considered a possible, even likely, outcome for

Mr McCarthy after two days of failure. At some point, the rankand-file Republicans who are currently supporting Mr McCarthy may decide the best move is to give the hardline Republicans their scalp and try to move on. And if even a few of them break ranks, the floodgates could open.

“We’re starting to get some open conflict on the floor as well as behind closed doors,” Mr Buck, who has voted for Mr McCarthy all six times, said on Wednesday afternoon. “We have to choose a speaker and move forward.”

Mr Scalise, the Republicans’ chief vote-counter, is perhaps the choice best positioned to be a candidate acceptable to both the conservative hardliners and the rest of the House Republicans. He is considered a staunch, southern conservative and has literally bled for the party, having been seriously wounded in the 2017 attack on Republican members of Congress during a baseball practice. The biggest obstacle at the moment is that he doesn’t seem to want the job.

Other possibilities include

firebrand congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio and Jim Banks of Indiana, the head of the conservative Republican Study Committee. Neither seems capable of unifying the entire party behind them, however. (Byron Donalds of Florida was the nominee of the anti-McCarthy Republicans three times on Wednesday, but the novice congressman has been more of a vessel for anti-McCarthy sentiment than a serious candidate.)

THE TWO PARTIES AGREE ON COMPROMISE CANDIDATE

Democrats and Republicans in the Ohio state House of Representatives joined together on Tuesday to reject a more conservative speaker and elect a moderate compromise candidate. Could such a thing happen in the US House of Representatives, as well?

There’s been plenty of such speculation, as Mr McCarthy’s predicament became clearer in recent days. Some of that has been fanned by his supporters as a warning for conservative hardliners to fall in line, but some of it

is real.

Don Bacon, a centrist Republican from Nebraska, has previously expressed an openness to working with Democrats to elect a compromised speaker if Mr McCarthy fails. Fred Upton, a former Republican congressman from Michigan with moderate credentials, has expressed an openness to presenting himself as a coalition pick (there is no requirement that a speaker has to be a current member of Congress). And there’s been some talk of sweeteners for Democrats, like rule changes that would allow them to introduce legislation or more committee power.

All of this would require a sizeable number of Democrats to go along with the plan, which in today’s sharply divided partisan environment seems unlikely in the extreme. And any Republican who works with Democrats will instantly be persona non grata among most conservatives.

Given that the House is already in uncharted territory by modern standards, however, no options are too far-fetched at this point. (BBC)

Anglican Church and UK condemn desecration of Jerusalem graves

THE Anglican Church and United Kingdom have expressed “dismay” at an attack on a historic cemetery close to Jerusalem’s walled Old City.

More than 30 graves at the Protestant Cemetery on Mount Zion were desecrated on Sunday. Crosses were broken and headstones toppled and smashed.

Jewish extremists have been blamed for the vandalism.

“We have noticed that hatred speech and hatred crimes are on the rise,” Anglican Archbishop Hosam Naoum said.

Standing next to the vandalised grave of the second Anglican

bishop of Jerusalem, Samuel Gobat, he said there had been a recent increase in spitting at Christians and attacks on their holy sites.

“This is only an indication that we are not in a place where people can tolerate each other or accept each other,” Archbishop Naoum added.

“We see more exclusion, more segregation and that is what really grieves us in this city of Jerusalem.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the most senior cleric in the Church of England, called the desecration of the graves “a blasphemous act” and expressed

hope that those responsible would be brought swiftly to justice.

“As we continue to pray for peace in the Holy Land, I stand with Archbishop Hosam Naoum and other Jerusalem church leaders in calling for respect, protection, equality and justice for its Christian community - who are the Living Stones of the Church,” he added.

In a tweet, the British consulate in Jerusalem said: “This is the latest in a string of attacks against Christians and their property in and around the Old City. The perpetrators of religiously motivated attacks should be held accountable.”

Kevin McCarthy has served as the party’s House minority leader for four years

Anglican Archbishop Hosam Naoum said hate speech and hate crimes were on the rise in Jerusalem

JOB PURPOSE:

This is a technical position within the Civil Aviation Authority, in which the officer is responsible for the issuance of Air Traffic Service licenses, flight crew validations and aircraft maintenance engineer license. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the organization’s aims and objectives are achieved as it relates to his/her functional area.

Location: Grand Turk/Providenciales

Nature and Span of Control Reports to: Head of Flight Safety

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Associates degree and /or Advanced specialist qualification in subject area

• Information Technology proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook

• Previous experience in Personnel licensing

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hours of work: regular government hours, with the incumbent having to put in additional hours occasionally to meet deadlines

• Work is performed in an executive office environment

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Issue Air traffic Services licenses

• Issue Flight Crew and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License Validations

• Ensure that the licenses submitted for validation are genuine and meet ICAO/OTARS requirements

• Establish the proper limitations to be attached to the validation (e.g, privileges, expiry dates)

• Issue Air Traffic Controller Licenses

• Keep proper records of all actions

• Update clerical records in support of the issuance of Licenses and validations

• Issue CAA and designated examiner’s authorizations

• Assist with issuing RVSM and air space authorizations

EXAMINATION TASKS

Examination tasks are complex and require a high level of experience and expertise in the various areas of licensing (typically flight crew, aircraft maintenance personnel and air traffic controller). Executing the function also requires the highest degree of technical and ethical integrity as well as good judgement. The examination tasks include:

• Designing written examinations for flight crew members, aircraft maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers personnel who intent to apply for the issue or renewal or validation of licenses

• Reviewing, evaluating and marking written tests

• Coordinating with the AVMED those aspects related to medical examinations and the issuance of medial assessments, in compliance with Annex 1 provisions and supporting guidance in Doc 8984

LICENSING TASKS

Licensing tasks cover the routine tasks associated with the physical issuance and maintenance of personnel licenses and include:

• Drafting detailed procedures for licensing staff

• Evaluating foreign licenses and certificates, and taking appropriate action, including consultation with the State of license issue as necessary

• Reviewing the limitation and recent experience of flight crew members,

maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers and taking the necessary action

• Issuing and renewing licenses, adding ratings and issuing temporary approvals or special authorizations.

REGULATORY TASKS

Regulatory tasks cover the development and maintenance of the regulatory support of personnel licensing and include:

• Drafting and amending specific operating procedures related to the training and licensing of aviation personnel

• Enforcing licensing laws and regulations; and

• Developing procedures, taking into account best practices and applicable quality standards

ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS

Administrative tasks include:

• Maintaining an up-to-date, efficient and secure record system for licensing, certification, designing, approval and authorization actions

• Maintaining currency of all regulatory material and PEL documents in use by staff

• Drafting and promulgating examination schedules

• Printing and collating examination papers and distributing them in order to meet the published scheduled times

• Handling routine correspondence in respect of requests for matters such as study guidance material, dates of examinations, application forms and examination fees

• Dealing with the public when necessary on matters related to:

• Scheduled examinations

• Licence, rating, approval or examination applications; and

• Requests for regulatory interpretation

• Handling routine correspondence with respect to applications for licenses or rating, flight tests or other routine clerical matters

• Processing all licence/ validation applications and preparing the material for review and action by technical licensing officers

• Completing licence/ validation forms and preparing licenses for official signature; and

• Managing the PEL Department computer database

COMPETENCIES

• Understand the Privileges and limitations of foreign licenses and ratings provided for validation

• Ability to understand the technicalities and associated aviation “jargon”

• Ability to handle personal confidential information with discretion

• Ability to communicate with senior management personnel within the aviation industry

• Mature personality, capable of dealing with a range of Licensing and flight operational issues with individuals

• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize workload

• Team player

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of the ICAO Annex 1, AN(OT)O, and OTAR parts associated with PEL

• Knowledge of the Licensing regulations and processes of the USA, EASA and other Major Licensing States

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-242-8650

CONTACT: 342-8847

EVAN MCDONALD CLARE

Projetech Construction Management & Services Ltd., wishes to recruit the following key staff to join its team. These opportunities have arisen due to a substantial increase in potential workload. We encourage Turks and Caicos Islanders to apply. In some instances, recent graduates with a strong drive to succeed may be considered. For each role remuneration and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Successful candidates must be prepared to work flexible hours, including holidays and weekends.

PROJECT MANAGER

Preferred applicants should be able to demonstrate suitable experience as a Project Manager on large commercial and residential building projects, together with a suitable professional qualification in Construction Management. A proven track record demonstrating the ability to complete projects on time, within budget, to a high standard of quality, and all within a demanding schedule must be shown. Strong leadership, communication and organization skills are essential, together with experience with very high quality finishings. Experience with Construction Management Software packages such as Procore, UDA, or similar would be an advantage.

QUANTITY SURVEYOR

Preferred applicants should be able to demonstrate suitable experience as a Quantity Surveyor on large commercial and residential building projects, together with a suitable professional qualification in Quantity Surveying. General duties will include preliminary budgeting, the preparation of detailed Bills of Quantities, project estimating, the procurement of materials, labour and subcontractors, financial forecasting, and reporting, managing all contractual and legal issues, and general commercial control in all aspects. A proven track record demonstrating the ability to manage all commercial aspects of construction projects must be shown. Strong leadership, communication, organization and presentation skills are essential.

PROJECT SITE ENGINEER

Preferred applicants should be able to demonstrate suitable experience as a Project Site Engineer on large commercial and residential building projects, together with a suitable professional qualification in Construction Technology. A proven track record demonstrating the ability to complete projects on time, within budget, to a high standard of quality, and all within a demanding schedule must be shown. The main role of this position is to accurately provide line and level for the trades and the successful candidate must be fully conversant with setting out techniques using GPS, Total Station, Theodolite etc. Strong leadership, communication and organization skills are essential, together with experience with very high quality finishings.

GENERAL FOREMAN

Preferred applicants should be able to demonstrate suitable experience as a General Foreman on large commercial and residential building projects, together with a suitable professional qualification in Construction Management. A proven track record demonstrating the ability to complete projects on time, within budget, to a high standard of quality, and all within a demanding schedule must be shown. Strong leadership, communication and organization skills are essential, together with an in-depth knowledge of construction trades and techniques using very high quality finishings.

Applications must be made in writing and should include career history and the names and contact details of at least two references. Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders should also submit copies of their application to the Labour Department. All applications will be properly reviewed and suitably qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applications should be received by 16t February 2022 and sent to:

JOB

The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking to fill the below mentioned position. The ideal candidate will possess extensive high-end luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently. Position requires a flexible schedule which includes holidays, weekends and evenings and extended hours on occasion.

HOUSEMAN

JOB SUMMARY:

• As a Houseman, you are responsible for cleaning guest rooms, carrying linen and replenishing amenities to deliver an excellent Guest and Member experience.

• A Houseman is always working on behalf of our Owners, Guests and working with other Team Members

• Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace

• Must work PM shifts as business demands according to the operations policy

• Must work weekends and holidays

• Base salary range: $7.00 - $8.00 / hour to commensurate with qualification & experience.

• Benefits: Service gratuity, vacation & employee meals.

POOL & BEACH ATTENDANT

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for the opening and closing of the beach and pool area. Ensures that all pool, beach and watersports equipment is kept in a clean, sanitary and safe condition at all times; also, be aware and alert of safety and maintain pool and/or beach regulations i.e., no diving at pool, appropriate flags to be used at beach. Assist guests and owners to enhance their enjoyment of the pool and beach to include cabanas, non-motorized equipment, amenities, and promotion of the hotel experience.

Base salary range: $8.50 - $9.50/ hour to commensurate with qualification & experience.

Benefits: Service gratuity, vacation & employee meals.

ROOM ATTENDANT

JOB SUMMARY:

• To ensure that all guestrooms are cleaned to established standards.

• Stocks Room Attendant cart to the established standards

• Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent vocational training

• Minimum 1-year experience as hotel cleaner or in janitorial / cleaning position preferred

• Full Time position only

• Must speak, read, write, and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace

• Must work weekends and holidays

Base salary range: $7.00 - $8.00 / hour to commensurate with qualification & experience.

Benefits: Service gratuity, vacation & employee meals.

JEM HOSPITALITY LTD

COOK

Prepare food items for customers in a timely and consistent manner per company menus and recipes, including special requests by guests and patrons. Determine food and supply needs based on rotating menus. Inspect food products and supplies as needed. Ensure work environment and stations are clean and sanitized. Check food before it is served to customers. Control and minimize waste and comply with outlined safety regulations and procedures. 2-3 years food service or restaurant experience required. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds. Comfortable standing, stopping, squatting, twisting, and moving frequently. Familiarity with general kitchen equipment and appliances. Must be comfortable and able to fulfill all kitchen porter duties. Strong working knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods, and safety and sanitation practices. Ability to read, comprehend, and follow recipes. Must be able to work day and evening shifts, weekends and public holidays.

Salary Range – $6.50-$7.50 per hour depending on experience.

DIVE INSTRUCTOR/BOAT CAPTAIN/ RETAIL ATTENDANT/MAINTENANCE

Dive professional required for watersports operation in South Caicos. All candidates must possess a minimum of a PADI, SSI or NAUI Instructor certification level and be first-aid and CPR certified. Must be friendly and courteous with at least 2 years dive shop/resort experience. Candidates must have excellent communication skills and the ability to conduct clear dive briefings and supervise divers of all levels safely as well as carry out dock/boat/ equipment maintenance and handle 42/46 ft dive boats.

Salary range based on experience - $25k-27.5k per annum plus service charge, plus guest gratuities.

DRIVER

Driver with Valid Bus Driver license needed to Transport passengers to and from airport and excursions. The Driver shall be responsible for the care of Vehicles including cleaning, ensures the safety of all passengers, assist guests with getting on and off the bus as needed, performing inspections of the bus before and after each route and attending safety meetings as required. Exceptional customer service skills, diplomacy, good manners, and tact are paramount. Valid TCI Bus Drivers License is required.

Salary Range – $7.00-8.00 per hour depending on experience.

FRONT DESK AGENT

Front desk Agent experienced in large Resort setting needed to perform as the face of the Hotel and coordinate the daily operational functions of a large Resort property. The Front Desk Agent is responsible for the check-in and check-out of all guests, maintaining accurate house folios for internal and external parties, perform routine balancing, reporting and filing of all functions. Coordinates the duties for all support departments, including but not limited to Housekeeping, Maintenance and Food & Beverage. Highly competent with Property Management software and experiences with all MS Office systems are essential. Confident Point of Sale user is an asset. Exceptional customer service skills, diplomacy, good manners, and tact are paramount.

Salary Range – $7.00-9.00 per hour depending on experience.

All applicants are required to produce a clean police record. All positions require fully flexible hours during working days, nights, weekends and public holidays. Employment includes enrollment in national health insurance and national insurance as specified by Law

APPLY WITH RESUME AND COVER LETTER VIA EMAIL TO: MARSHA BLANCHE

EMAIL: MARSHA@MISICKSTANBROOK.TC TEL. (649) 946-4732

CONTACT:

SOUS CHEF

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Post secondary degree in Culinary Arts or 8 + years industry equivalent experience.

• Computer literate, functional on Excel, Ms-Word and Quickbooks and Micros.

• Fluent in English both written and oral with a fundamental understanding of French and Spanish

• First Aid Training

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

Be able to assist the Executive Chef in all capacities to include:

• Work in a high pressure environment with calm, effective leadership

• Planning and execution of special events.

• Precise knife skills

• Assist Chef in the preparation and execution of all desserts.

• Produce all breakfast, lunch and dinner items with expert precision.

• Cook entire menu on the line during service, including meats to temperature specifications.

• Execute a proper sanitation procedure to insure that high quality food is served that accurately represents the Café.

• Prepare and execute specials based on the Café’s Tex-Mex cuisine.

• Be versed in a large variety of cooking techniques to include: braising, sautéing, frying, steaming, poaching, and sauce making.

• Receive food orders from various vendors, checking for quality and pricing.

• Be able to stand on ones feet for 10 hours and be comfortable lifting 50 pounds without physical restrictions.

• Be available to work holidays and weekends with a flexible schedule. Leadership and Managerial Requirements:

• Assist Chef in the training of kitchen staff to encourage growth in a positive environment.

• Be sensitive to the needs of staff members and maintain a professional demeanor

• Assist Chef in the ordering of food through a variety of vendors

• Assist Chef with weekly and monthly inventory of items and work with the Chef to calculate food costs

• Maintain a positive environment in the kitchen to encourage growth and diversity within the workplace

The Sous Chef should be a natural leader who is seeking to assist others in improving their cooking ability, and also to develop strong people skills. An ambitious person who is a comfortable communicator with a confident skill set. The Sous Chef needs to be a self starter that can lead the kitchen in the Chefs absence. The right candidate should be able to open the kitchen in the morning or be the last to leave the kitchen at night. Prioritizing and executing prep items based on the restaurants needs. He or She will assure that foods are properly labeled with the date and prep item name and consistently rotated and stored for future use. Oversee and participate in daily cleaning duties as per scheduled by the Chef to maintain a clean safe environment for all employees to work in.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

WRITERS/ PHOTO JOURNALIST

Candidates must have at least five (5) years’ experience working full-time for daily newspapers and/or news/features magazines, reporting on hard news, features and parliamentary/court proceedings. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS GRAPHICS PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ PAGINATOR

This position requires someone with at least five (5) years’ experience working with Macintosh or PC computers. Must be skilled in the make-up of advertising and pagination. Proficiency using InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop software for print is essential. Some technical, networking and web design knowledge an asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

COURT REPORTER

College or high school graduate with at least five (5) years’ experience in community reporting. Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON

Candidates

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The

Science & Technology

UK weather: 2022 was warmest year ever, Met Office confirms

Last year was the UK’s warmest year on record, the Met Office has confirmed.

The average annual temperature in 2022 was more than 10C for the first time, the national weather service said.

The mean temperature across the 12 months was 10.03Ctopping the previous all-time high of 9.88C in 2014.

It means 15 of the UK’s top 20 warmest years on record have all occurred this century - with the entire top 10 within the past two decades.

Dr Mark McCarthy, head of the Met Office National Climate Information Centre, said: “Although an arbitrary number, the UK surpassing an annual average temperature of 10C is a notable moment in our climatological

history.

“This moment comes as no surprise, since 1884 all the 10 years recording the highest annual temperature have occurred from 2003.

“It is clear from the observational record that human-induced global warming is already impacting the UK’s climate.”

All four nations set records for heat in 2022, with England seeing the highest average temperature at 10.94C, followed by Wales (10.23C), Northern Ireland (9.85C) and Scotland (8.50C).

A spell of heatwaves in June 2022 led to the UK experiencing its fourth warmest summer on record - and temperatures broke the 40C mark for the first time, leading the Met Office to issue its first-ever red warning for extreme

heat.

The record of 40.3C was recorded at Coningsby in Lincolnshire on 19 July.

The hot summer and months of low rainfall also dried up rivers, damaged crops and fuelled wildfires, with an official drought declared in large parts of England.

The Met Office said that a UK mean temperature of 10C would

have been expected once in 500 years in a natural climate - before humans started producing the emissions responsible for climate change with activities such as burning fossil fuels.

But it said this was now likely to occur every three to four years.

A recent report on climate extremes in the UK found that recent years have seen both higher

maximum temperatures and longer warm spells.

That trend is predicted to continue. It is possible that by 2100, the UK could see 40C days every three to four years.

By this point, the Met Office said - with medium levels of greenhouse gas emissions - the 10C average temperature could occur almost every year. (BBC)

FDA approves diabetes drug for weight loss in teens

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the diabetes drug Wegovy (semaglutide) to treat obesity in teens, according to Novo Nordisk, which makes Wegovy.

The news comes weeks after a study found that the obesity and type 2 diabetes drug semaglutide is just as effective in adolescents with obesity as it is in adults with obesity.

The drug is injected once a week and is used under the brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy.

Wegovy has been approved to treat children as young as 12, according to Novo Nordisk.

APPROVAL COMES AFTER MAJOR STUDY

The study, which was published in The New England Journal of Medicine in December, found that adolescents with obesity who took the drug and practiced lifestyle interventions experienced a 16% reduction in body mass index (BMI) within 68 weeks.

The drug also led to improvements in cardiometabolic health issues.

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, is currently only approved for adults with obesity or obesity-related health conditions. It works by suppressing appetite, which then reduces caloric intake and leads to weight loss.

The researchers say the

new findings shed light on a promising new treatment option for adolescents with obesity — especially at a time when childhood obesity rates are soaring.

“I am hopeful that this will be a real breakthrough. We still need more studies to support its efficacy as well as more insurance companies willing to cover it,” Dr. Gina Posner, a board-certified pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, told Healthline

The researchers compared the effectiveness of semaglutide to a

placebo in 201 adolescents with obesity between the ages of 12 through 17.

In the study, 134 of the participants received 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide subcutaneously once a week and adhered to lifestyle interventions for 68 weeks. Among the total participants, 67 received a placebo and adhered to lifestyle interventions for 68 weeks.

After the treatment period, the research team tracked the health of the participants for an additional seven weeks.

They found that those who took

semaglutide experienced a 16.1% reduction in BMI compared to their baseline BMI. Those who took the placebo had a very slight increase in BMI.

In addition, 73% of those who took semaglutide lost at least 5% of their body weight compared to 18% of those who took the placebo.

They also experienced improvements in various cardiometabolic risk factors, including lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, waist circumference, and glycated hemoglobin levels.

Those who took semaglutide and experienced weight loss also

reported better quality of life.

Similar to adults, the most common adverse effects of semaglutide in adolescents were gastrointestinal issues, but the symptoms were mild and shortlived.

According to the researchers, the benefits of semaglutide were significantly greater than the other weight-loss drugs approved for adolescents with obesity.

But, other trials comparing semaglutide to other weightloss drugs for adolescents have not yet been carried out.

HOW CHILDHOOD OBESITY IS CURRENTLY TREATED

Current guidelines for young people with obesity recommend multiple lifestyle interventions, however, research has generally found that it’s more difficult to achieve long-lasting weight loss results with lifestyle interventions once obesity has occurred

If young people are unable to achieve their weight loss goals through lifestyle interventions, pharmaceutical medications are available, but the options are limited.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had already approved three weight loss drugs for adolescents with obesity — liraglutide (Victoza), orlistat (Alli, Xenical), and phentermine–topiramate (Qsymia).

Fifteen of the UK’s top 20 warmest years on record have all occurred this century - with the entire top 10 within the past two decades.

Wegovy has been approved to treat children as young as 12, according to Novo Nordisk

Science & Technology

Study says 6,000 to 9,000 steps daily keep heart attacks at bay among older adults

HOW many steps should you walk daily to keep heart attacks at bay, considering 10,000 steps are seen to be the golden mean in fitness conversations? A new study has shown that older adults, mostly over 60, may significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by walking between 6,000 and 9,000 steps per day. Published recently in the journal ‘Circulation’, it analysed data from over 20,000 people in the US and 42 other countries.

Lead author, Dr Amanda Paluch, from the University of Massachusetts, has said that for every 1000 steps added, there was an incremental reduction in CVD risk. The average age of subjects was 63 years with 52 per cent of the study group being women. Compared to people who walked 2,000 steps per day, researchers found that individuals walking between 6,000 and 9,000 steps daily had a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, by 40 per cent to 50 per cent. Monitoring and promoting steps per day is a simple metric for clinician–patient communication and population health to reduce the risk of CVD, the researchers have said.

“This study echoes the findings of several other large scale studies, which have shown that somewhere between 7,000-10,000 daily steps is ideal for general and cardiovascular health. These

are not very difficult to achieve. If you are mindful and take conscious steps to increase your physical activity, such as using the staircase more, parking your car a little further away, running small errands on your own, you can meet your target effortlessly. You don’t need to target it from day one, but can build up gradually. Start by making an effort to increase by 500 steps daily for a week, and then a further 500, every week, till you hit your goal,” says Dr Aashish Contractor,Director, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.

Dr K Srinath Reddy, honorary

China Covid: EU

officials ‘strongly’ urge testing for travel

EUROPEAN Union officials are “strongly” recommending that all member states insist on negative Covid tests from Chinese arrivals before they travel.

Travel in and out of China gets easier from Sunday, as part of the scrapping of the “zero-Covid” policy.

China is currently seeing a surge in Covid cases, with reports of hospitals and crematoriums being overwhelmed.

Some EU countries have already introduced testing - despite earlier advice that it was “unjustified”.

Wednesday’s recommendation on negative tests came from the

EU’s Integrated Political Crisis Response group (IPCR), a body made up of officials from the EU’s 27 governments.

IT ALSO ADVISED THAT:

All passengers on flights to and from China wear face masks Random testing of flights from China be introduced, and Wastewater monitoring be conducted at airports.

The recommendation comes a day after the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, said an “overwhelming” number of member states favoured restrictions on Chinese arrivals.

distinguished professor at the Public Health Foundation of India, feels this study reinforces the message that walking is beneficial for keeping the heart and blood vessels healthy, providing evidence that it works well for older people too. “A dose response relationship was shown, with increasing benefit as a person moves from 3000 steps to 9000 steps a day. While this is not a form of moderate or high intensity exercise, which trains the heart, walking over 6,000 steps a day can lower insulin resistance in muscles, benefiting heart and blood vessels while lowering inflammation. It can

also keep blood pressure and body weight under control. There are other benefits too at older ages, like better balance and less falls, avoidance of constipation, more mental alertness and less risk of depression. Brisk walking, at around 100 steps per minute, is especially useful. The total count can be achieved over a day without straining oneself,” he says.

According to Dr Ambuj Roy, Professor of Cardiology, AIIMS, New Delhi, “We can say that the study reaffirms the role of physical activity in protecting the heart and brain attacks. Any level of activity is beneficial and the benefit is incremental with increasing

amount of activity till at least 15,000 steps a day. The amount of benefit seen with exercise is equivalent to established therapies like BP reduction medicines and statins and would be additive when both are prescribed. In fact previous studies have shown benefits of exercise beyond heart health and have shown to reduce incidence of diabetes, acid reflux, sleep apnea and depression,” he says.

Dr Bhushan Bari, consultant cardiologist, says there is no overstating that physical activity has beneficial effects on heart health. “This study has special importance for people who are working from home and don’t find time to walk at all. Even a small increase of 1,000 to 2,000 steps can help a great deal. Effects are more pronounced in at-risk individuals like Diabetes, Hypertension and Dyslipidemia,” he says. “There are innumerable studies that have shown that physical activities like walking and running are very helpful in preventing health hazards. The scientific reason behind this is any physical activity will increase the heart rate. A heart rate more than 100 during activity will increase the cardiac output and blood circulation. This will cause consumption of blood sugar and fat forming agents like triglycerides and cholesterol,” adds Dr Sanjeev Jadhav, heart lung transplant surgeon. (Indian Express)

France, Spain and Italy have already introduced testing - but others, such as Germany, had been monitoring the situation. England, outside the EU, requires pre-flight testing on China arrivals from Thursday.

Despite the recommendation, it’s not known if an EU-wide policy will be introduced - but individual states can set their own policy.

The advice from the IPCR is a change in tack from the body’s disease prevention agency, which last

week advised against the introduction of mandatory Covid tests.

The ECDC said testing was “unjustified”, given the high rates of vaccination in Europe, and that variants circulating in China were already in the European Union.

The average age of subjects was 63 years with 52 per cent of the study group being women

All passengers on flights to and from China are asked to wear face masks

Messi returns to Paris Saint-Germain training after Argentina’s World Cup victory

LIONEL Messi has returned to the Paris Saint-Germain training centre after winning the World Cup with Argentina last month.

A tweet from the club’s official account on Wednesday reads: “Welcome back Leo,” accompanied by a video of the 35-year-old arriving at the complex.

A separate post shows images of Messi being greeted by teammates in the dressing room, including Brazil star Neymar.

Messi returns to the French club at an important time, with the team having lost for the first time this season against Lens last weekend.

PSG’s lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table has been cut to just four points as a result.

The team’s next game is against Chatearoux in the French Cup on Friday – a game that may come too soon for Messi.

His return to Paris comes on the same day his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled at his new club Al Nassr.

The Portugal star signed for the Saudi Arabian club last week after his high-profile exit from Manchester United in November last year.

And on Tuesday, the 37-year-old was presented to fans in Riyadh,

referring to his multiple on-thefield accomplishments as to why he made the move out of Europe.

“I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life, in football … In Europe, my work is done. I won everything,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said. “I played for the most important clubs in Europe and for me now, it’s a new challenge.”

Ronaldo added: “I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs – in Brazil, in Australia, US, even in Portugal – many clubs tried to sign me, but I give the word to this club for the opportunity.”

(CNN)

ASB Classic: Raducanu retires in tears with ankle injury 11 days before Australian Open

EMMA Raducanu criticised the “slippery” courts at the ASB Classic in Auckland after retiring from her second-round match with an ankle injury.

The Briton left the court in tears after rolling her ankle during the second set against Slovakia’s Viktoria Kuzmova, with the score 6-0 5-7.

It is just 11 days before the Australian Open begins in Melbourne.

“The courts are incredibly slick, so to be honest it’s not a surprise that this happened to someone,” said Raducanu.

The British number one, who didn’t drop a game in the opening

set, told New Zealand website Stuff: “It’s difficult to take. I’ve put a lot of physical work in the last few months and I’ve been feeling good and optimistic.

“So to be stopped by a freak injury, rolling an ankle, is pretty disappointing.”

The match was played on an indoor court because of persistent rain in Auckland.

Raducanu, who said she would assess the injury over the next few days, tried to play on after receiving medical attention but withdrew two points into her opening service game at the start of the third set.

The 2021 US Open champion had an injury-blighted 2022 season,

retiring from five matches, but said she was injury-free and feeling “good” following an exhibition match in December.

She began 2023 with victory over teenager Linda Fruhvirtova in her opening match in New Zealand in preparation for the season’s first major.

Elsewhere, Coco Gauff beat fellow American and former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 6-4 6-4 to reach the Auckland quarter-finals.

The 18-year-old number one seed will next play China’s Zhu Lin, who defeated seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams 3-6 6-2 7-5 in a

FIFA president Infantino calls on fans to ‘shut up all the racists’

FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed his support for two Lecce players who were racially abused in an Italian Serie A match on Wednesday, calling upon fans to “shut up all the racists.”

During the match between Lecce and Lazio in Italy’s top division, French defender Samuel Umtiti and Zambian forward Lameck Banda were subjected to racist abuse.

Under an Instagram post with pictures of two players, Infantino wrote: “Solidarity with Samuel Umtiti and Lameck Banda – let’s shout it loud and clear: NO TO RACISM!

“May the huge majority of fans, who are good people, stand up to shut up all the racists once and for all!”

A tweet posted by Lecce’s

official account after the game read: “The racist chants were drowned out by those of encouragement. All the Lecce fans started to shout one name – Samuel Umtiti.”

Umtiti himself responded to Infantino’s post online, writing: “Only football, pleasure and joy. The rest doesn’t matter.”

In response to CNN, Serie A said: “The league always condemns all forms of discrimination in football, the same will do for yesterday’s episode.”

Serie A also said sanctions for the abuse would be handed down by the Giudice Sportivo, which is part of the Italian Football Federation as opposed to the league itself.

In a statement released Thursday, Lazio said it “has always opposed all forms of racism and discrimination with all available means.”

rain-interrupted match that had to be moved on to an indoor court.

Zhu won the final four games of the match as she came from 5-3 down in the deciding set. Williams

served for the match at 5-4 but the Chinese world number 84 broke and saved four break points as she held serve to move 6-5 ahead before again breaking serve.

Gianni Infantino has voiced his support for Samuel Umtiti and Lameck Banda after they experienced racial abuse during a game

A tweet from the club’s official account on Wednesday reads: “Welcome back Leo,” accompanied by a video of the 35-year-old arriving at the complex

Raducanu has been plagued by injuries since winning the 2021 US Open title

Masters: Invite sent to US golfer Scott Stallings’ namesake

US golfer Scott Stallings was handed a shock after discovering his Masters invitation had been sent to another person of the same name.

The 37-year-old tweeted he had been “checking the mailbox five times a day” for his invitation before receiving a direct message from another Scott Stallings.

The three-time PGA Tour winner posted the message from his namesake, which included: “I’m 100% sure this is NOT for me. I play but wow! Nowhere near your level.”

The message began: “Hi Scott. My name is Scott Stallings as well and I’m from GA (Georgia). My wife’s name is Jennifer too!!

“I received a FedEx today from the Masters inviting me to play in the Master’s Tournament April 6-9, 2023.

“It’s a very nice package

complete with everything needed to attend. I think we have some confusion because of our names, our wife’s names and geographical location.”

He then attached a picture of the invitation adding: “I’m really not kidding I promise.”

Stallings’ tweet was viewed more than 10 million times on the social media site and many of the replies called on the golfer to invite his namesake to the Masters as his guest.

Others also urged the ‘other’ Scott Stallings to caddie for the professional at the traditional Par3 contest held on the Wednesday before each Masters.

Stallings is ranked 54th in the world and his last PGA tour victory came in 2014 at the Farmers Insurance Open.

The 87th Masters tournament takes place at Augusta National from April 6-9. (BBC)

Cape Verde renames national stadium in honour of Pele

CAPE Verde’s national stadium is to be renamed after Pele, the country’s prime minister has said.

The 15,000-seater Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde, located just outside the capital Praia, will become the Pele Stadium.

The news comes after Fifa’s president Gianna Infantino proposed - while speaking at Pele’s memorial service in Brazilthat every country should name a stadium after the footballing legend who died on 29 December, aged 82.

“As a tribute and recognition to this figure that makes us all great, I manifest the intention of naming our national stadium as “Pele Stadium”, in an initiative that, I believe, will be followed by several countries around the

world,” Ulisses Correira e Silva wrote on Facebook.

“With the physical disappearance of Edson Arantes de Nascimento, King Pele, who soon became a planetary figure, an icon of the masses showing that sport has the power to unite the world, it is now our wish to pay tribute to him,” added Mr Silva in a statement that stressed the importance of Pele to Portuguese-speaking countries like Cape Verde.

“Cape Verde and Brazil have a history and culture that go hand in hand, considering they are two sister countries, linked by language and very similar identities.

“Pele was and always will be a reference in Brazil, in our Portuguese-speaking countries and

in the rest of the world, being an idol that links several generations.”

Pele is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country, and was named Fifa’s Player of the Century in 2000.

At Monday’s memorial to Pele in Santos, the city where he played club football, Infantino said that Fifa would be asking “every country in the world to name one of their football stadiums with the name of Pele”.

However, South Africa’s Football Association president Danny Jordaan has since raised concerns that this could cause potential issues with stadium naming rights. (BBC)

STOP us if you’ve heard this one before - Harry Kane made some more history and saved Tottenham yet again.

At half-time at Crystal Palace, Spurs - without a win since the World Cup - were in trouble.

Then Kane happened.

His header from Ivan Perisic’s cross early in the second half ended a 10-game run of Spurs conceding the opening goal in every game.

His second, a low drive from Bryan Gil’s pass, put Spurs in control. Then he had a hand in Matt Doherty’s third and set up Son Heung-min for the fourth.

It ended 4-0 as Spurs moved to within two points of fourth-placed Manchester United.

Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness, who started his career at Spurs, said: “I think they will finish top four simply because of him. You don’t have to play well to win games because you have goals. He is Mr Goals.”

Kane’s double takes him to within two goals of Jimmy Greaves’ all-time Spurs scoring record. Kane has 264. The late Greaves netted 266 between 1961 and 1970.

This was Kane’s 300th Premier League appearance.

Scott Stallings’ most recent PGA Tour win was at the Farmers Insurance Open in 2014

Cape Verde’s national stadium was built in 2010 and the Blue Sharks have played there since 2014

Harry Kane is the Premier League’s second top scorer this season behind Erling Haaland

SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW

Sport in the Turks and Caicos Islands made positive strides in 2022 with the full return of a number of sport, including cricket. This was coupled with intense grass root development projects in several disciplines.

The Covid-19 pandemic restricted athletic growth and measures were implemented by a number of stakeholders to ensure overall development.

The leadership position of the Sports Commission should also be lauded.

Under the tutelage of the Director of Sport, Jarrett Forbes and his team, they were able to pick up the pace of sport development and navigate through social issues, including through partnerships with the likes of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for the Police Action League.

The governing body also implemented innovative projects and hired a number of former athletes and those in the twilight of their careers.

All in all, sport in 2022 provided an impetus for growth.

JANUARY

In the first month of the year, the athletic season was in full swing and TCI’s fastest female, the enduring Yanique Haye-Smith again proved that she was getting better with age.

The then 31-year-old clocked 53.44s to finish second at the Carolina Challenge hosted by the University of South Carolina.

While Yanique was still aiming to compete at the highest level, some of the other big names in the TCI were transitioning to the working world and it was due to the insight of Forbes.

The Sports Commission hired former 400m specialist Angelo Garland as the Sports Performance Coach; high jumper Kivarno Handfield as the Facilities Supervisor and former sprinter Roshano Cox as the Sports Development Officer (Twin Islands).

The trio joined the likes of Ifeanyi Otuonye, TCI’s most decorated male record holder (long jump-indoor and outdoor-and the 4X100m, the 4X200m and the 4X400m

relay).

Mr Forbes said that the appointments were all designed to build capacity within the Sports Commission.

National sprinter Emmanuel Agenor also broke his 60-metre record in January. The then 21-year-old had clocked 6.81s, marginally faster than his 2020 record of 6.83s. Prior to that, Darian Forbes held the record (6.95s) for 16 years before Devante Gardiner equalled it many years later.

Towards the end of January, the Provo Sailing Academy’s young sailors Lawrence Coleman Reaston-Brown and Scarlett Browning held their own against a packed field at the Bahamas Nationals which was held at Montagu Bay in Nassau.

Nine-year-old Lawrence finished fourth in the white fleet, while in the larger blue fleet, twelve-year-old Scarlett finished 26th. It was their first high-level international meet and although they had challenges from 25 quality USA optimist sailors and numerous Bahamians, they left with invaluable competition experience.

FEBRUARY

Haye-Smith continued her dominance in February after she copped a gold medal in the 400m dash at the Fasttrack National Invite at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility in Staten Islands NY.

She registered a blistering 53.03s to win the event but fell short of her national record at 52.72s.

Otuonye, 27, also proved his resilience. The seasoned long jumper leapt to 7.60m despite fouling four of his six jumps at the Tyson Invitation Meet in Arkansas, USA.

The quiet, but dominant Rebecca Bernadin also excelled in February, after she broke her national indoor 800m track record at the SWAC Indoor Championships in the US.

The Lincoln University student clocked 2:15.72, which was over three seconds faster than the previous record, which was held by Haye-Smith, who had clocked 2:19.02 at the KMS Opener in Virginia on December 5, 2021.

Bernadin finished fourth in the meet, which was held at

Yanique Haye-Smith won a silver in the 400m in January

Roshano Cox is a former seasoned sprinter

Provo Academy sailors competed against a packed field at the Bahamas Nationals in late January.

Angelo Garland is the 4X200m and the 4X400m national record holder

Kivarno Handfield is a national high jump specialist and the national indoor high jump record holder

SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW

Crossplex Blvd, Birmingham, AL.

Also in track and field, teenager Tayjo Oppong-Adjei continued his dominance by shattering his national junior records in the discus and shot put when he competed in the McKinley/Wint Class Track and Field Meet in Kingston, Jamaica.

The national athlete added over a metre to his shot put throw and over six metres to his discus. In Class 1 (17-19 age group), shot put, he registered a mark of 17.29m, which was considerably farther than his previous best of 16.02m, which he achieved at the TCI CARIFTA Trials in May of 2021. Prior to that, at the Excelsior Meet in Kingston in early March 2021, he had registered a PB of 13.20m.

TCI’s senior shot put record is held by Michael Fulford, who achieved 12.52m in March of 1986.

The world record in the event is 23.37m.

Seniors use a 16-pound shot put, two pounds lighter than what the Under-20 use.

In the discus, Oppong-Adjei registered a best throw of 48.34m, which was considerably better than his previous best of 41.81m, which he also achieved at the TCI CARIFTA

Trials in May of 2021.

In softball, the British West Indies Collegiate (BWIC) Spartans were flawless en route to the 2022 Inter-Scholastic Softball League title.

In the final, played at the Downtown Ball Park in Providenciales, BWIC dominated, winning by a 28-8 margin over Clement Howell High School.

Marjorie Basden finished third after an 18-12 win against Wesley Methodist.

Pioneers, who won the Mideast Regional Championship title.

Although he only scored two buckets, the 6’7” player was able to make several stops and pulled down needed boards in the 76-70 victory against Grace Christian University in Wyoming, MI.

The Pioneers went on to win the national title a week later.

In early March, cricket returned to Provo after a two-year hiatus.

In the clash, Garvin Bruno scored a half-century to lift the Caribbean All-Stars to a comfortable victory against GK Super Kings.

MARCH

In March, Oppong-Adjei broke his national discus record again. The then 18-year-old improved the record to 50.52m.

Of his six throws, one was a foul and the other five were beyond 48.34m (49.8m, 48.49m, 49.87m, 49.63m and 50.52m).

In basketball, then 23-year-old Shadarno Clarke played his part for the Campbellsville University team, Harrodsburg

In cycling, seasoned cyclist Fred Registre finished as the top rider at the Commonwealth Day Race.

The TCI Elite and Masters cyclists battled over 30 miles on the Leeward Highway. In the end, it was the explosive Men’s Masters’ rider Registre who finished ahead. He clocked 1:23:00.

In hockey, GBCR Islanders; the L’Heureux and Co Canadiens; and the Projetech Pirates won their respective

Teenager Tayjo Oppong-Adjei shattered his national junior records in the discus and shot put in February.

Rebecca Bernadin broke her national indoor 800m record in February

Shadarno Clarke helped his university team to the Mideast Regional Championship title

The Caribbean All-Stars registered an impressive victory after two years away from cricket.

BWIC Spartans were flawless to the softball school title in February. (BWIC photo)

SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW

titles when the 2021-2022 Provo Hockey League (PHL) concluded at the Graceway Sports Centre.

The finals proved to be scintillating plays with several close games, especially in the Bantam and Midget divisions.

In the latter stages of the month, the best young athletes were on show at the CARIFTA trials, but it was seasoned sprinter, Delano Williams, who proved that he is still the fastest in the TCI.

The then 28-year-old who decided to open his season at home, romped to victory in the 100m in a time of 10.91s, just ahead of Courtney Missick (11.06s and Wilkenson Fenelon (11.27s).

APRIL

April started with Ona Glinton Primary School securing a whopping 10 first-place victories to dominate the InterPrimary Schools National Track and Field Championships

The Grand Turk school fully dominated, not only did they win the most gold medals, but they won the most overall medals (10 gold, four silver and five bronze, for a total of 19 medals).

Oseta Jolly Primary finished with five gold, two silver and three bronze (10 overall).

Enid Capron also finished in the top three with three gold, four silver and five bronze for a grand total of 12.

Also in track and field, TCI Jamaica-based student Antwon Walkin stormed to a new national U17 discus record, which helped Kingston College to register their 33rd victory in the Boys division of the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships (Champs) at the National Stadium in Kingston.

The 16-year-old finished with a bronze medal in the discus after an impressive throw of 47.78m, just short of Calabar’s High Matthew Blake, who finished second with a top throw of 47.91m.

He bettered his previous record of 47.03m in two of his throws. His second throw was 47.53m, before he registered his podium finish throw at the end.

In swimming, history maker Jayden Davis won TCI’s first gold medal at CARIFTA Aquatics.

The Projetech Pirates won the oldest age division in the 2021-2022 Provo Hockey League

Delano Williams is still the fastest Turks Islander (Gertrude Saunders-Forbes photo)

Ona Glinton Primary dominated the Inter-Primary Schools National Track and Field event

Some of the cyclists at the Commonwealth Day Race

SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW

Not only did the preteen win the country’s first gold medal, but he also won the second as well. So dominant was his performance that he finished with a whopping four medals in the 11-12 Boy’s Age group at the Championships.

In his age division, Jayden captured the coveted 50m freestyle ‘sprint’ title. Prior to that, he won the 100m fly, while he finished second in the 50m fly and the 100m free.

Meanwhile, in football, the SWA Sharks became the first TCI football club to not only take part but to win a game in a sanctioned CONCACAF club tournament.

The top local club won their final clash and lost two close encounters when they took part in the Caribbean Club Shield in Puerto Rico.

As reigning Provo Premier League champions, the Sharks

were invited to the April 15-24 tournament.

In their victory, the Sharks marched past Bonaire’s SV Real Rincon 3-1 with 17-year-old Callum Park, one of the future stars of the TCI, scoring the first goal of the game.

His opener in the fourth minute set the tone, before forward Junior Paul, who is a dominant scorer in the PPL, made it 2-0 in the 50th minute. Jeff Beljour made it 3-0 in the 66th minute of play before Real Rincon pulled one back in the 78th minute.

Meanwhile, TCI’s young athletes broke a national record and won a bronze medal in the 2022 CARIFTA Games, which was held in Jamaica.

TCI’s lone medal at the Games came from Wooslyn Harvey, who finished with bronze in the octathlon. The

youngster was very competitive as he tallied 4888 points, just short of the Bahamas’ Lynden Johnson, who finished with 4894 points and a silver medal.

Meanwhile, Lynn Antoine broke TCI’s long jump record while competing in the U20 Girls Long Jump event.

She pushed the record from 4.98m (made by Tashy Forbes in 2004) to 5.12m—which placed her eighth overall.

In rugby, TCI defeated the Bahamas and Central American side Belize in the Rugby Americas North Sevens in Nassau, Bahamas.

The TCI team registered a 20-10 win against the Bahamas and a 36-7 win against Belize. Continues next week

Wooslyn Harvey finished with a bronze in the Octathlon at the CARIFTA Games.

Antwon Walkin registered a new discus U17 record in April

Jayden Davis won TCI’s first gold medal at the CARIFTA Aquatics in April of 2022

Lynn Antoine broke the TCI long jump record at CARIFTA.

The SWA Sharks became the first TCI football club to not only take part in but to win a game in a sanctioned CONCACAF club tournament