TCWN April 1 - 7, 2023

Illegal shacks in the Bight and Five Cays demolished

Several dilapidated informal structures were bulldozed in the Bight and Five Cays, Providenciales last week.

The recently established Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) organised and carried out the demolition of shabby structures erected on Crown land and private property by squatters.

The exercises got underway on the 23rd and 24th of March, 2023 as part of the government’s ongoing initiative to contain informal constructions across the territory.

According to the ISU, these activities were conducted with the full support and cooperation of the proprietors of the land affected.

In Five Cays, the lands affected are owned by the Crown and are being occupied unlawfully, in contravention of the Crown Land Ordinance.

The unit informed via a press statement that several precautionary measures were taken at each location to ensure the physical safety of the persons who were impacted by this effort.

It said certain systems are in

place when carrying out such activities, including relevant notices, checks to ensure “no one remains in occupation of any of the structures to be demolished” and that the water and electricity are properly disconnected.

The development control engineer is also on-site to monitor the demolition works.

The ISU reminded residents that it is unlawful to commence or engage in any construction activities, including site clearance, without proper planning permissions and that any buildings so constructed will be dismantled in accordance with the laws of the islands.

The unit’s strategic lead Mr Carlos W. Simons, KC said: “Our aim is to build a safe environment in compliance with all relevant laws and we look forward to the full cooperation of all citizens and residents.”

ignoring the planning codes and in the worst cases, persons are unable to obtain registered title to lands.

Published

Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large)

Cord Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large)

Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com

Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours)

Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews

Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1

Instagram: @tcweeklynews1

During the Units’ first press briefing last month, Simons explained that many of these informal communities have been developed without regard for public health, “national or personal security considerations, and without any thought to proper utility or emergency services delivery”.

He said: “The problem is this, over many years, there have developed in the TCI, communities in which structures have not been built in compliance with planning laws and regulations, and oblivious of the basic principles of land registration and ownership.

“This is the inevitable result of

“In some instances, persons have allegedly paid thousands of dollars for land, which they then developed, believing that the land transaction was legitimate.

“In other instances, persons have illegally squatted on Crown and Private land.”

He pointed out that a combination of issues including a lack of enforcement measures has resulted in several virtually selfcontained communities that are outside the pale of the national development effort.

He added: “This is unsatisfactory for any patriotic TC Islander who would be hoping for continued progress towards the development of an albeit small but affluent high tech cohesive society challenging

the pre-eminence of other regional British Overseas Territories (BOTCs) such as Cayman, Bermuda and the BVI.” Simons opined that informal structures also diminish the territory’s tourism image as many of them are often deemed eyesores.

He said: “Over approximately the same period of time that these informal settlements have developed, the TCIG has been very successful in promoting the islands as a high-end tourist destination. Informal settlement activities detract from this image, depress land values and negatively impact personal and national security.

As mentioned before, the TCI is the only BOTC that is challenged in this way and the resolution of the problem can only enhance the country’s image and enhance its competitive edge.”

An aerial view of bulldozers removing illegal structures - (ISU photo)

A number of unoccupied homes were destroyed

Her Excellency Anya Williams sworn in as Governor –

as

TCI bids fond farewell to the Dakins

BY DELANA ISLES

The First Female Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Her Excellency Anya Williams was sworn in this Wednesday during a ceremony that honoured both her and outgoing Governor, His Excellency Nigel Dakin.

Hosted at the St Monica’s Anglican Church, along Leeward Highway in Providenciales, the proud moment in the Island’s history was witnessed by scores of residents lining the roadway as the uniformed services bestowed their final and first salutes to the two Governors.

The rafters lifted in song, voices beautifully capturing the poignant essence of the occasion – both sad - for the end of what many have described as a “phenomenal term in office” for Governor Dakin –and happy that a daughter of these ‘beautiful by nature’ Turks and Caicos Islands is recognised for her distinguished service to the territory, entrusted for an extended period, to lead the Islands.

Williams will act as Governor of TCI effective March 29 until June 29, the longest period she, or any other native Islander, has sat at the helm.

Anglican Priest, Canon Mark

Kendall presided over the hourlong service, which saw remarks by the Premier, Former Premier and Chief Justice.

Premier, Hon Charles Washington Misick read from the Gospel of Matthew 22, verses 34 to 40; while former Premier, Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson gave a reading from the book of Proverbs, chapter 11, verse 1 to 14.

Her Ladyship, Mrs Justice Mabel Agyemang read a verse from Psalms 121.

Governor Williams gave a brief but heartfelt speech after signing the Oath of Office, as a beaming

Governor Dakin joined the congregation in rousing applause.

“As I stand here today, I am honoured. To be here as the acting governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, my beloved home for the period March 29th to June 29th, 2023.

“On November 3rd, 2003, I joined the Turks and Caicos Islands public service and on October 15, 2012, I was appointed as the second Deputy Governor of the TCI.

“During my tenure as Deputy Governor over the last 10 years, I have worked directly with four different governors, three elected

governments, and have acted in the capacity of the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands a total of 855 calendar days.

“Today I give thanks first and foremost to God for his continued blessings on my life and for allowing me to be where I am today. I am grateful.”

Governor Williams expressed her thanks to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, specifically the Director of the Overseas Territories Directorate, Paul Candler and Deputy Director Adam Pyle, for

Incoming acting Governor HE Anya Williams and outgoing Governor HE Nigel Dakin were hosted at an elegant service at the St Monica Anglican Church followed by a march past by the uniformed services of the TCI (TCIG photos)

AUDIT REPORTS ON NHIB

The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Assembly recently scrutinised independent auditor reports on the Turks and Caicos Islands National Health Insurance Board (NHIB).

Karen Malcolm appointed as CEF National Coordinator

Mrs Karen Evadne Malcolm has been appointed as the National Coordinator of the Child Evangelism Fellowship, Turks and Caicos Islands Chapter.

Mrs Malcolm said that she is “eternally grateful to God and CEF” for the opportunity to continue to impact the lives of the children of the Turks and Caicos Islands with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I believe in CEF’s mission statement, to evangelise boys and girls, disciple them in the word and establish them in a bible believing church. We are living in an era when children have so many distractions; providing an avenue for them to consistently hear God’s word and experience his love, will change their lives. I can see souls saved and a new generation of believers’ birth from the CEF Ministry in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Mrs Malcolm was born at the family’s home in Back Salina, Grand Turk. She is the tenth of 12 children (eight girls and four boys) born to parents Alexander and Ida

Adams (deceased).

Her mother was a founding member of the New Testament Church of God in Grand Turk.

At the age of twelve, she accepted Jesus as her personal Lord and Saviour and was baptised shortly thereafter.

She is a member of the New Testament Church of God, Providenciales where she served as Sunday school teacher and Superintendent, District Youth Director for Providenciales and North Caicos and Women’s Ministry President among other positions.

She is also a member of several Non- Governmental Organisations.

Mrs Malcolm is also a former Banker, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and Minister of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

She is married to Walter Malcolm and together they are the parents of five wonderful children and three grandchildren.

CEF which started in 1937, is established in over 190 countries.

Man arrested for attack on Prison boss

A newly released prisoner is once again locked up on remand at His Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk after an alleged attack on the Prison superintendent.

Reports on the alleged attack indicate that it occurred on March 15, when Trevorson Saunders, having completed his prison sentence that same day, attended a night-time event in the nation’s capital.

Reports out of Grand Turk

The Committee chaired by the Leader of the Opposition Hon Edwin Astwood examined audit reports from Auditor General, Sandra Stephens-Malcom for financial years 2016-2020. In a statement issued prior to the PAC meeting, the Auditor General said for the significant deficiencies identified during the audit, recommendations to add value to the operations for improved financial management and accountability were made to the NHIB. She said: “Recommendations were made around matters of governance (as an example: lack of maintenance of reserves), revenue and contributions receivable (as an example: properly identifying and accounting for contributions receivable), and medical expenses and payables (as an example: monitoring of claims). What are your thoughts?

Accountability

Where are the missing funds? Why has no one been held accountable for the missing “contributions receivables”? Is this another “Let’s sweep it under the table” deal? We do need recommendations as to the way forward with NHIP and how they handle “contribution receivables” but most of all WE NEED ACCOUNTABILITY!!!

Better management need

problems with yesteryear solutions. Modern problems require modern solutions. The Government must keep a closer eye on these operations, many people are at the mercy of the treatment abroad programme which has time and time again proven to be ineffectual.

Throwing money into a sinkhole

the auditors examine the debt structures on which the hospital system sits. That could well reduce the cost of health care and the kind of billing presented to NHIP. Yet with a small population base, the NHIP system is unsustainable. Adding to the high costs coming from the hospital system, the whole plan is doomed to serious long-term financial issues.

are that Saunders saw that the newly appointed prison boss, Michael Woodbine was also in attendance, ran up to him with what appeared to be a firearm in his hands and threatened him for perceived ill-treatment while incarcerated.

The fearful crowd dispersed, and Saunders was arrested for the attack the following day.

He is now on remand at the penitentiary awaiting a hearing on the matter.

This is a small out dated problem that can be solved by a competent administration. The big problem is about to arrive unless they and the NIB have managed reserves exceptionally well. This problem is hitting institutions globally. The smart ones are getting on top of it now. If they don’t then a nightmare is coming. Waiting two years just to get the board alerted will add to the crisis. They need to be on top of this now.

Going around in circles

NHIB has had these recurring challenges for years, when exactly will these issues be fixed? It’s foolhardy to approach age-old

When it comes to NHIB, the Government appears to be throwing good money in a sinkhole, it’s best to go back to the drawing board and revise the operation structure of this statutory body. The TCI people deserve accountability and timely transparency.

Follow the money

The National Health Insurance Plan in the TCI is the victim of a number of hapless measures such as bad management and an ill-conceived premise for implementation. A population of less than 50, 000 residents, most of whom are transient, could not be the basis for a solvent medical insurance plan. The numbers are just not there. Real accounting must go to where the money is finally destined. A better way of administering healthcare in the TCI is to have

Positive steps

It is a positive development when an opposition decides to use its powers to provide much-needed oversight over a government, especially where the seat allocation is 14-1. A Public Accounts Committee is vital as it will be able to question government spending, decisions and underlying premises for expenditure.

At best, these exercises may prevent excesses and the possibility of another Commission of Enquiry. Self-Governance of this nature shows that a country is ready to really governs itself.

BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR

Want to become a contributor or have a suggestion for a Talk Back topic for us? What questions do you think we should be putting to the public? And what are your thoughts on it?

or

Mrs Karen Evadne Malcolm

“A phenomenal term in office”

BY DELANA ISLES

“And so, it comes to an end, and it ends where it should in TCI, a church,” said now former Governor of TCI, His Excellency Nigel Dakin as he shared a final thought on his official Instagram page.

Describing his outgoing service at St Monica’s Anglican Church in Providenciales as “full of grace and typical good humor”, Dakin revealed that he chose the hymns that were so beautifully song by the high-level congregation gathered to bade him and his wife Mandy Dakin farewell in their official capacity.

In attendance at the event –which doubled as a swearing-in ceremony of the acting Governor Anya Williams – were current Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick and Former Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, both of whom served during Dakin’s four-year tenure.

Also in attendance were the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood, members of Cabinet, members of the house of assembly, the attorney general, chief justice, senior officials, leadership and members of the police and military, prominent local businessmen and women, school children, and other residents of the Islands.

Nigel Dakin, CMG is one of the TCI’s longest-serving Governors, a tenure that is noted as one of the most eventful.

Describing his last days in the territory, the now former Governor recalled that he spent the days following his last Cabinet meeting

TCI says profound thanks to Governor Dakin

in video conference with a strong US and TCI delegation working through contingencies linked to Haiti’s continued deterioration.

The Dakins were also treated to a special farewell reception by the Premier, followed by another they hosted for top-ranking officials.

He noted that the important person at Wednesday’s church service was new acting Governor, Anya Williams, saying: “I very much wanted to swear her in publicly, in church, and there was a huge burst of applause as she finalised her oath.”

Dakin said he and his wife are grateful for the time they were allowed to spend in and with the people of the TCI.

“How do Mandy and myself feel? We both wiped a tear in the church. It’s been an extraordinary four years for us. We’ve come to love and care for this territory not for its beaches and beauty, that’s here of course, but its people.

“You made us both so welcome and so many of you - some close to us and some who introduced themselves in person or virtually - said an encouraging word just when it was needed. That meant a lot.”

Sharing his final words, he wrote: “While we are now gone, TCI, you will never - ever - be forgotten. You became part of us and that’s the best leaving gift anyone could have.”

SHARED SENTIMENTS

Residents have been vocal over the years in their support for the

Governor, openly sharing their thoughts on how to better position the TCI, and upon his leaving they expressed their gratitude for his respectful leadership of the Islands.

One commenter wrote: “Farewell. Thank you for the best 4 years. You did numerous good deeds & left a high goal for the future governors to beat! Wishing you & Mandy all the best on your future endeavors.”

Another: “Thank you for giving everything to the TCI, wishing you and Mandy loads of happiness

wherever your next adventure lies.”

An excellent job, another proclaimed: “Thank you for your service! You did an excellent job. Wishing you and Mandy both the best in your future endeavors.”

Positive contributions, one person recalls: “Farewell Governor Dakin, you have contributed to the country in a positive way. Wishing you all the best.”

Dakin’s tenure was hailed as amazing: “H.E. you were amazing during your term here with us

in TCI and I must say that every interaction with you was both pleasant and positive, you were never in a rush when you were talking to me {us}, you will be missed. I am sending best wishes, blessings to you & Mandy as you start your next chapter.”

PROFOUND THANKS

Among the many positive comments and recollections, those shared by the current Governor HE Anya Williams during her swearing-in ceremony stood out, as she reflected on the challenges

Her Excellency Anya Williams sworn ...

CONTINUED FROM  5

the confidence reposed in her. One that allows her to assume the role of governor of these islands for the prolonged period.

“I expressed my thanks to the Premier and to the Cabinet of the TCI, the executive management team and the entire civil service of the TCI, all past and present, for their hard work, dedication and support, as together there is much that we have done and that we will continue to achieve.”

Leadership is not easy, she observed, noting that it requires a lot of support, both on a professional and a personal level.

Thanking her husband Darren, children, Darius, Cassandra and

Brooke, her parents, siblings and extended family for their unwavering support and encouragement, the Governor became emotional as she spoke of her late brother Brandon.

“Today I remember especially my beloved Brandon who I will forever cherish in my heart. I ask God for His grace, his guidance as he leads, guides, blesses and keeps me.”

Commenting on Dakin’s term in office – four months shy of four years - Governor Williams recalled how eventful those years were, and the grace and integrity with which he guided the islands.

“Your tenure in the TCI can be considered as being extremely

eventful, having included: a pandemic, an election and change of government during a pandemic, a hurricane and many other challenges.

“However, there were also a significant number of accomplishments, most importantly the commissioning of the first Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment and the launch of the National Security Secretariat, which will forever form a part of your legacy.”

She continued: “As you bid farewell to these islands in the capacity of Governor, we extend our profound thanks to you and Mandy for your service to these islands and wish you well on your new life’s journey.”

Former Governor, HE Nigel Dakin and his wife Mandy Dakin bid farewell to TCI (Governor’s photo)

Former Governor Nigel Dakin at his final church service in the TCI in his official capacity (Governor’s photo)

Sloop heading to West Caicos with 184 migrants intercepted

A whopping 184 illegal migrants were recently detained in TCI waters following the interception of a vessel en route to West Caicos.

On Tuesday, March 21, around 1:08 pm, Marine Branch Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force intercepted a grey and black Haitian migrant vessel having received reports of a suspicious boat heading towards West Caicos.

The latest interception is the ninth operation for the year thus far.

According to a statement from the RTCIPF, the migrant vessel was found carrying 30 females and 154 males.

Subsequently, the illegal migrants were handed over to the Immigration Task Force.

Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams said: “I would like to congratulate the Marine

Branch for yet another successful operation.

“We remain grateful for the collaborations between our regional and international partners. Several agencies, including the RTCIPF Marine Branch, Maritime Operations Centre and the Immigration Task Force jointly identified and intercepted this sloop, preventing over 100 irregular migrants from entering

“A phenomenal term in ...

CONTINUED FROM  7

both of the Dakins experienced, and the accomplishments achieved.

“On a personal yet sad note, during their service to these Islands, Mandy (Dakin) sadly lost her father in May 2020 and in January 2021, the Governor lost his father as well, which was an extremely difficult occasion for both and their families.

Notwithstanding this, Governor Williams said Dakin had many highs during his tenure.

She recalled: “In June 2020, the governor announced the appointment of the first commanding officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, which paved the way for the establishment of a full-fledged

regiment here in TCI.

“In April 2022, he visited Windsor Castle for his investiture ceremony, which had been delayed since 2020 to receive his CMG from the now King Charles.

“In September 2022, from the steps of Waterloo in Grand Turk, he proclaimed The King.

“In February 2023, the Turks and Caicos Islands had its first royal visit in over 50 years, with the visit of the now Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and now in March 2023 Governor Nigel Dakin bids farewell to TCI after three years, eight months and 116 meetings of the Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

She expressed profound thanks

the TCI illegally.”

The public is being urged to notify the closest police station or to contact Crime Stoppers and give any information about illegal activity anonymously.

Crime Stoppers calls are

answered in Miami and in Houston 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 the Governor and his wife for their service to the territory.

Stating: “For a phenomenal term in office marked with hard work, dedication and sacrifice, we say a profound thank you to you Governor Nigel Dakin.

“We also express our profound thanks to Mrs. Mandy Dakin for her service to these Islands and for the remarkable work that she has done with Footsteps4good, the Red Cross, the prison and other NGOs here in TCI.

“Governor Nigel and Mandy you both have made a lasting impression on these islands, and as you go on this new journey in your lives, we wish you well and be safe.

“A profound thank you.”

Fortis TCI’s fuel factor graphic

Fuel factor rate decreased by 18% in March- says Fortis TCI

Fortis TCI said the fuel factor rate on March electricity bills has declined by up to 18% across some service territories as market fuel prices continue to fall, lowering the cost of electricity.

The territory’s sole electricity provider updated the general public on the fuel factor trend via a post on its official Facebook page on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

“The fuel factor rate decreased from $0.2623 to $0.2141 per kilowatt hour (“kWh”) for Providenciales, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos customers, reflecting the 18% decline.”

The utility company further explained that the fuel factor rate for Grand Turk and Salt Cay customers decreased by 13% from $0.2576 per kWh to $0.2218 on the March electricity bill.

“Since the beginning of the year, the fuel factor rate for customers in South Caicos has decreased by 10% from $0.2709 in January to $0.2420 in February. The fuel factor rate for March will become available next week.”

Fortis TCI reminded residents that the fuel factor rate rises and falls with fuel prices.

“We will continue to keep you informed as the market remains volatile.”

The fuel factor rate (or power cost adjustment) is a mechanism used to recover the cost of fuel used to produce the electricity consumed by each customer.

It is calculated monthly and is based on the fuel consumed for the specific period and determined by the actual price of fuel at the time it is purchased, from the supplier, Sun Oil Limited.

FortisTCI is a governmentregulated utility and operates pursuant to the Electricity Ordinance and the company’s licenses and takeover agreements.

As outlined in the law, increases and decreases in the price of fuel are passed on to customers through the fuel factor or power cost adjustment.

The fuel factor rate is authenticated monthly by the Electricity Commissioner.

The illegal vessel was intercepted by Marine Officers - (RTCIPF photo)

Homeowners to get up to $50,000 in assistance for house repairs

Homeowners in the Turks and Caicos Islands will soon benefit from thousands of dollars in financial support from the government to repair their homes.

The programme which targets eligible homeowners, who are still struggling to carry out repairs to their homes after the passage of storms, forms part of the government’s recently approved National Housing Policy.

Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID) Hon Jamell Robinson, during a recent interview on Radio Turks and Caicos, explained that the policy will not only address the severe housing shortage and promote first-time home ownership but also support existing homeowners.

He explained that his Ministry is working to implement three main programmes, within the policy framework which is replete with eight medium and long-term goals.

“So the three that we’re looking

at is: one, that we offer significant concessions to build large-scale housing, either on crown land or private land to try to get a lot more units.

“Programme two is the programme that we do home improvements, once we have the portal set up persons will be able to apply and based on the criteria they’ll be able to get up to $50,000 worth of assistance.

He further pointed out that the funds will be disbursed in tranches based on the cost of repairs which has to be substantiated by Government assigned contractors.

He said: “So it’s not a $50,000 cash in hand because we will get a suite of contractors to be able to do these works on our behalf.

“So once we deem you qualified, you get the person to go and make the assessment, come back and say I will repair this to put this home back into a state of living that is adequate.

“We would have had persons

who would have suffered from Hurricane Ike time in 2008, Irma and Maria in 2017 and Fiona so we have a number of people across the country that aren’t in a position just yet to be able to lift their living standard to a good state”, he added.

COMMUNITY RENEWAL

Simultaneously, the Community Renewal and Infilling programme which seeks to increase the availability of affordable homes for low- and moderate-income families will be launched as well.

Minister Robinson said: “The last programme that we are going to be focusing on from now going forward in the near future is the Community Urban Renewal and Infilling programme, essentially we want to bring persons back into the historic neighbourhoods across the country so we will assist with the demolition of all properties, kind of like clearing that space and trying to build houses for the more vulnerable persons and bring them

back into those neighbourhoods, so again that would have criteria too, and we’re looking to officially launch the three programmes sometime next month, mid-April to have that officially go out.” Cabinet approved the National Housing Policy on February 22, 2023.

Under this policy, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government will be able to provide better access to adequate shelter, affordable accommodation and housing options throughout the islands.

The National Housing Policy includes various programs and initiatives that will address the housing needs in the TCI under four categories, these are Social and Equitable Housing; First Time Owners; Existing Homeowners; and Community Renewal Programmes. The approval of this policy outlines the various programmes that the department will be implement in three phases: shortterm (6 months-1 year), mediumterm (1-3 years) and long-term (3-5 years).

CABINET MEETING SUMMARY

Turks and Caicos Islands

His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 6th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 15 March 2023 at the Governor’s Residence on Grand Turk. All Members were present with the exception of the Hon Minister of Health and the Deputy Governor, away from TCI on business.

AT THIS MEETING CABINET:

• Noted a list a list of nominations received by the National Honours and Awards Committee for awards in 2023 and approved those that were in line with the Ordinance.

• Discussed proposed amendments to the Immigration Ordinance and agreed next steps.

• Approved measures for the introduction of the digitisation of border services in the Turks and Caicos Islands, including an immigration management system, biometrics for non-citizens and automation technology at the border (aka e-Gates).

• Noted the impact of the moratorium on the issuance of new visas to Haitian nationals originating out of Haiti and approved next steps.

post Cabinet meeting statement

• Approved amendments to Schedule 7 to the Regulations under the Immigration Ordinance, to include fee structures for police officers, nurses and teachers who qualify to become Permanent Residents.

• Approved planning application SC 841 for the rezoning of Parcel 20314/217 from low density residential (3 units per acre) to high density residential (610 units per acre) in order to construct a two-story building comprised of ten apartments/ancillary facilities in Cockburn Harbour, South Caicos.

• Approved a revised Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement (FSPS) 2023-27 to include funding for road improvements and electrification across all islands funded from cash reserves and for this to be submitted to the UK and onward to the House of Assembly.

• Approved the Turks and Caicos National Wealth Fund (Amendment) Bill 2023 seeking to establish the Citizens Empowerment Fund and for this to be submitted to the House of Assembly.

• Was updated on the status of the TCI National Health Insurance Board and the National Health Insurance Plan and

agreed next steps.

Approved amendments to the Hurricane Fiona Relief Policy to streamline the process of claims for qualifying persons.

• Approved the extension to the Customs (Import Duty Exemption) (No. 2) Order 2022 and (Customs Processing Fee) (Variation of Rate) (No. 2) Order 2022 (the Order), exempting the payment of Import Customs Duties and Customs Processing Fee on the importation of Breadbasket Items to 30th of September 2023.

• Approved an extension on reduced rates on the importation of fuel by 25% and on Customs Processing Fee by 2.5% on the importation of all goods with effect from 1 April 2023 for a period of six months.

• Approved the re-printing of uncollected cheques related to Part I of the Inflationary Economic Stimulus that would have become stale-dated on February 2, 2023, policy changes and extended the period for collection to six months.

• Approved for the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services to request the UK to extend the appointment of a program

and change manager to the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services, and agreed next steps.

• Approved as a matter of policy for the Premier’s Delivery Unit, which will formally be renamed the “National Delivery Unit”, to continue for a further year, subject to the public procurement process.

• Was updated on the further steps being undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism to transition the Tourist Board to the DMO and agreed next steps.

• Noted a paper setting out the sharing of biometric data with the US Government (BITMAP) and confirmed its earlier approval of next steps towards the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the USA.

• Was updated on the recent Northern Caribbean Security Summit attended by a strong TCI delegation led by HE the Governor, Minister for Immigration and Attorney General.

• Members were also updated on issues relating to the Office of the Governor.

Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.

Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID) Hon Jamell Robinson

The dialysis nurses are unsung heroes

You are simply the best

For the past six years and three months, I have been on dialysis, and I have interacted with some amazing people in the medical profession, individuals that sometimes go unnoticed and are taken for granted. There is a demand for nephrology nurses throughout the world but unfortunately, the demand has exceeded the supply and so there is a shortage of nurses.

Therefore, I am appreciative and grateful for the nurses that are here and those that I have met over the years namely, Cristal, Sharlene, Simone, Eddie, Yanique, Ferdie, Lawrence, Allan, Santos, Obee, Kaydeen, Mama D, Jeddi, Julie, and Viela.

There is a perception in some corners that some of the nurses do not care and that they are only here for the US dollars. I know that based on my personal experience

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

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.

and observations, the nurses really care about us.

The nurses not only provide us with medical advice, but they encourage us in other areas. They remind us about our diet, they follow up on us and they show concern. They hold and walk with some of those patients that have visual or physical impairment issues.

Several times while I was on dialysis, I had panic attacks. All

three nurses on duty came to my rescue and encouraged me to calm down and helped me to overcome the panic attacks. Another reason why I know they care, as soon as the machine buzzes or a patient calls them, they run to that patient.

The number of persons on dialysis is increasing every month and due to the current capacity of the hospital, there are four shifts for dialysis patients. The first shift

starts at 6:00 am but the nurses are there by 5:30 am and if the technician is on vacation, one of them will be there by 4:30 am to ensure that the machines are in order. The last shift starts at 8 pm and ends at midnight. However, the nurses do not leave until 2 am as they must clean up after the patients have left and then they must clean the machines.

These nurses are specialists, and they know what they are doing. I remembered an incident happened to me and I had to go to the emergency and so blood had to be extracted from me, however, because both of my arms had fistula or graft in respectively, the nurses at the emergency were unsure where and how to extract blood and they had to call dialysis nurses who came to emergency and took the blood for me.

We do not have any local nurses

in dialysis. As a result, I appreciate people from other countries. This is why I make it my business to treat people right no matter where they are from. We must accept the fact that we need people from other countries. Furthermore, with the shortage of nurses, it may be a challenge to replace the nurses when they leave. I am throwing this challenge out to those that do not treat the nurses right, please take the time and reflect on the role the nurses play in your life. Don’t look down on them or talk down to them or treat them as slaves. They are humans and they are unsung heroes.

Of course, all nurses are unsung heroes, but this article is dedicated to dialysis nurses. I love the nurses in the dialysis unit, and I want to publicly thank them for their contribution in extending my life and the lives of others.

TCI must innovate to tackle the invasion of sargassum seaweed

Tourism, the impetus behind TCI’s economy is generating a gross domestic product of around $943.3 million, is all indication that the TCI’s tourism sector is thriving bountifully!

In the past, world phenomena, like September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in America, natural disasters and the recent COVID-19 pandemic marred economic sustainability in the TCI. And now, a 5000-mile bloom of seaweed is threatening tourism across the Caribbean and the TCI is likely, more than not, to be impacted

BY D MARKIE SPRING

severely.

CNN has confirmed, the 5000mile wide of sargassum seaweed – spanning from Africa’s west coast to the Gulf of Mexico – is pushing westward and expected

to grow and peak, and reach the Caribbean in late June to early July this year. This, scientists say, is the biggest bloom ever recorded and supposedly, it will move northward once arriving in the region.

Recognizing this, researchers are concerned about the impact of these algae. When sargassum dies and rots on beaches, it releases a stench, which harbours bacteria and pests. It threatens wildlife and once the seaweed reaches the coast, the bloom degrades water quality, ecosystems, coral and infrastructure, and pollutes air quality. Undoubtedly, this will discourage tourists from visiting the TCI, as we’ve seen in Mexico, Florida and parts of the Caribbean.

Nonetheless, sargassum is practically innocuous. Whilst in the open ocean, it provides great

benefits, as it furnishes habitats and food for more than 120 different marine species. This variety of seaweed also aid in forming sand dunes, which helps to restore eroded beaches and serves as bio-fuel and landfill; in addition to, its ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

Though costly; however, sargassum can be controlled to some extent – manually and by mechanized equipment, and there are a few options the TCI can deploy. While, most of these possibilities are deemed impractical; still, the best recourse remains the Elastec beach bouncer.

This is a boom used to avert sargassum, sea grass and other encroaching seaweeds fashioned to guard marine life, floating trash, debris, beaches and tourism. The boom is moored to particular areas, where it will shift with the wind and current – either down the coastline or out at sea. However, there must be some consideration when installing such a mechanism. The safety of wildlife should be a priority, such as turtles that require access to the beach for laying eggs. More so, the

beach bouncer is manufactured in blue – aesthetic to the beautiful landscape that beach lovers can still enjoy.

An appropriate location, mooring and installation of the boom are central for effectiveness, as it must endure loading and currents. Placing the apparatus in low wave energy will boost its functionality, reduce quality and anchor size, and maintenance time.

Although tourism has produced new economic milestones for the TCI, there are still countless realities that cannot be eluded entirely. While these enigmas of life, on one hand, raised many doubts over the heads of the authorities, the intrigue emanating from these unsolved mysteries is equally undisputed.

Sargassum bloom is growing and this remained a mystery even for scientists, and since the TCI does not wish to diversify its economy away from tourism, it must find ways to control this phenomenon or risk grave economic upheaval.

Seemingly, this menacing seaweed invasion looks like the new normal!

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.

Be still

Over the last few weeks, we have been looking at ways to RESET our lives. In short, to do so, we need to expose and reject the lies we believe about God, and ourselves. Following that, we must take on the task of finding and applying His truth to our lives. We looked at the three Rs that can help us to reset; REST (as in get sufficient sleep, take a day off, have retreats, take a vacation), REDUCE (as in setting priorities for your life, plan around them, and prune those things that need to be out of your life), and RELATE (work on your relationship with God, your family, and others). Before we go any further, let me say that the work of Dr David Murray has largely influenced these ideas. Now that you’ve mastered those three Rs, it’s time to relax.

RELAX

For some of us, Life can feel like a

sprint triathlon, but instead of the sporting events, we move swiftly from one project to another, one life crisis to another, and one disappointment to another. And it just feels as if things are not slowing down and we can’t stop. Here is what God says in Psalm 37:7 “Be still before the Lord”. In another psalm, it says “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). What we need to do when life feels like a sprint triathlon is to RELAX. Here are some ways you can do that;

1. Practice to turn off and tune in daily

a. Turn off your phone, or at least do not have it with you for one non-sleeping hour per day. Use the time you have to be quiet, enjoy solitude, or slow down and think.

b. Limit checking personal emails and messages to a few times per day. It would vary for each of us,

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.

but a good number to start with is 4-6 times when you dedicate yourself to checking emails and messages.

c. Read – Not electronically, but a paper book. While audiobooks are easily accessible and require less effort on our part, it should not replace paper books, after all, that’s listening and not reading. Take up a book, and set a goal, it may be to read 10 pages or a chapter; it may be 30 minutes, whatever it is, set a goal and spend time reading. It has been said that “Reading doesn’t just improve your knowledge, it can help to fight depression, make you more confident, empathetic and a better decision maker” (Michael Grothaus). Another person said that people who read books regularly are happier and more likely to feel that their life is meaningful

and worthwhile. And if you are like “What should I read?”

I would say it depends on your interests, and what stage you are in life. However, the one caveat I would add is that since we have to be careful what we feed our minds, make sure you’re reading books that are edifying.

2. Practice to turn off and tune in weekly

a. Once a week fast a day from all things related to the Internet; news, sports, social media, especially the things you know you spend way too much time doing, that doesn’t nourish your mind. Practice taking a day away from it and use that time to slow down and enjoy the company of those around you. A good way to do this is to play games.

b. Play games – Try the all-time favorite game for Harvest

Bible Chapel, Taboo. If you happen to attend one of our socials, you can expect to witness and or participate in a spirited game of taboo. The point is this, play is important for healthy living. You should create the time to play with your family and friends, be it board games, soccer or a oneon-one basketball game. The end result is playing helps you to relax.

Now the important thing to note is that I am not calling you to retreat from the world, these suggestions are designed to help us to stop, see that life is a gift, and be better equipped to live a meaningful, purposeful life that brings honor to God. Especially in a world where going as hard as you can for as long as you can lead people into all sorts of mental and physical devastation. So relax, your life depends on it.

What’s on your bucket list?

“Every man dies — Not every man really lives,” William Ross. “The only people who fear death are those with regrets,” Author Unknown.

If you don’t live your days by personal goals and plans, chances are you spend most of your time caught up in a flurry of day-today activities. Ever felt that your days are passing you by without any tangible output to speak of? What did you accomplish in the past three months? What are your upcoming goals for the next three months? Look at the things you did and the things you’re planning to do next — do they mean anything to you if you are to die today?

Having a bucket list reminds you of what’s really important so you can act on them. Write it on your bedroom wall, your phone or on a piece of paper and keep it with you in your wallet. Whatever you do, have a bucket list that comprises all of the things that you dream of

BY DAVIDSON LOUIS

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

experiencing.

Here are some eight things you should have on your list. If you have done any one of them. Well done!

TRAVEL ALL AROUND THE WORLD

Go as far as you can and travel with all of your senses. Indulge in everything. Surprise yourself. Try things that seem to be utterly foreign. It is by travelling that you find yourself. It is by seeing things in a different way that you would find comfort in what you have and

who you are. Cambodia was an absolute treat. I highly suggest it.

GO ON A CRUISE

They can be expensive, but I am sure it is worth it. It is my hope to go on a cruise for my 30th. I want to replace the scene in Titanic where Jack held Rose on the far front of the ship.

FALL IN LOVE

And you will know, when you know. Open your heart and let love in. Yes, you risk being trampled on, but how the heck

can one find love if you’re

guarded?

FLY FIRST CLASS

And this is coming from the most frugal person ever lived. But one must experience the finest things in life. Fly first class, at least once. Eat at a Michelin, and order the lobster. The financial impact will have very little implication five years later. The experience however, will last a lifetime.

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

Do so, and then travel to that country to truly dive in that language. Madrid is one of my favourite places in the world, my Spanish is still “muy malo”, but I love it.

GO SCUBA DIVING / SNORKELING

There is a different world that you can only see when you go below this one you are used to. Diving is

truly a remarkable trip that most people should take more often.

CONNECT WITH PAST TEACHERS

Make them proud. Or even surprise them. They were there in your most beginning stage, they would love to know what you have accomplished. I always have the best time with my old teachers. I am ever so grateful for them.

LET

SOMEONE KNOW

HOW MUCH HE/SHE MEANS TO YOU

Candid in its purest form. If you truly feel for someone, let them know. It is a good thing to echo your love. Do make sure it is to the right person and is at the right time. You can easily make a fool out of yourself.

What’s on your bucket list? I’d love to hear from you. Share at louisedens@gmail.com

Storytelling through weaving knowledge of the Turks and Caicos

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, culture plays a crucially important role in our lives.

As we continue to grow and define ourselves as a collective, that is, a distinct group of people with a specific cultural heritage and identity, it has become increasingly important to explore, and nurture these cultural practices, as these traditions present themselves at every junction of our society, enmeshing themselves as part of the wider Turks and Caicos Islands social fabric—stitching together different cultural expressions to create a single cultural tapestry.

The Turks and Caicos Islands have a rich cultural history, which spans centuries, giving us an overview of the life of the Lucayans, the past inhabitants of these Islands; the horrors of colonialism, and effects of imperialism; the civil rights movement spearheaded by the Honourable James Alexander George Smith McCartney (JAGS), first Chief Minister of these Islands, to a contemporary and cosmopolitan Turks and Caicos. In short, in the Turks and Caicos Islands, culture in its various forms provides us with a great deal of perspective on our common past, that is our shared history, highlighting our past struggles, the ideas which help in the shaping of our identity. In the same breath, culture, or rather, cultural history helps us to understand our present reality, as well as helps in chartering our joint, and interwoven future - our shared destiny as a nation.

To begin to access the history

BY STEVEEN ULYSSE

Steveen Ulysse is a PhD student in Sociology at the University of Glasgow, with a Master’s degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Manchester, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and International Relations. Ulysse’s research mainly focuses on ideas of culture preservation, identity, cosmopolitanism, as well as African and Caribbean philosophies.

of the Turks and Caicos, thus, to understand the history of these Islands, and to carve our place in the region and globally, we must begin to view our oral traditions as legitimate forms of knowledge, and not just stories told to us by our grandparents to pass time.

Much of that rich, layered, and complex history is readily available in the mental banks of our elders, those who have lived these experiences, and serve as guardians, as well as teachers of these traditions. What needs to happen, is a return to continuous conversation with the elders of the Turks and Caicos, and the rest of the population, as it used to happen, through the art of storytelling. Storytelling is a staple across the Caribbean Region and has a welldocumented presence on the shores of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a means of sharing knowledge through conversation. Storytelling, as it is in the Turks and Caicos Islands, traversed the horrors of the middle passage in the memories of enslaved Africans, to find a home in the cultural traditions of the Turks and Caicos Islands, creating

a distinctly Turks and Caicos way of sharing, and safeguarding information – as culture is information, it is data, and as such, culture is valuable.

In this context, storytelling is a sacred practice, through these stories, we are able to view, and examine our identity as Turks and Caicos Islanders, we are able to examine who we once were, define who we are, and explore who we want to become.

Indeed, as Turks and Caicos Islanders, we are aware of the rich history of these Beautiful by Nature Islands. When I think of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I think of our pristine beaches, which continue to be ranked number one in the global tourism sector, and its importance to our local economy, and well-being of our community. I think of our specific language, how we localise English to suit our needs, to reflect our multiplicity, as stated by Dr Rev Conrad Howell, the author of our national song - “This Land of Ours”.

I think of our artwork, particularly our straw works,

how these works bind each of us together. Straw work is the ultimate expression of Turks and Caicos culture, the interweaving of different materials, to create a beautiful end product.

However, due to the availability of other works, straw work is no longer as common as it once was. Nonetheless, make no mistake, straw work is alive and well, especially in the Twin Islands of North and Middle Caicos, and we are going to North Caicos, to visit the formidable forces who are keeping this craft going.

During my youth, I spent most of my summers on the beautiful Island of North Caicos, and I remember sitting with my grandmother, an educator, and avid expert straw worker. I would watch her fingers move with dexterity, and precision, creating all manner of elegant pieces –some of which she would sell at the local market, and some she would keep, to distribute between her grandchildren. It was through these times together that I started to grasp the importance of straw work, and other Turks and Caicos Islands art forms, not simply because of the overwhelming importance of straw work in the TCI, but also because of the cultural education I received during my grandmother’s communing with a craft she has spent decades honing, and perfecting - straw working!

Through these conversations with my grandmother, I learned about family knowledge, the different connected roots, and branches. Through these conversations, I learnt about our

Uncle Lou, and how he fell down the well - this showed me the importance of wells in our national progress, so important that wells are immortalised in this song. Through these conversations, I began to understand the sweetness of Rake N Scrape, not just as music, but as a tool of freedom, for the liberty of expression, it once gave those who came before us, and its impact today.

Straw work is a lengthy and complex process. At times, my grandmother would start a project, stop, to share a story, only to return to the fanner grass, and dried palmtops, re-working her way into the old pattern. So, straw work is a reflective process, it allows us the room to be free, and creative, being able to create hats, purses, and Ipad cases - the list of what you can create through straw work is unlimited.

In January 2017, BBC published an article titled “Turks and Caicos: Where women hold the top jobs”, highlighting the incredible progress the Turks and Caicos Islands have made in relation to women in politics. However, the same is true at the cultural level, women like my grandmother have and continue to shape discourse around straw work. In a way, these women are the guardians of important traditions, without them, these traditions would be no more. Straw work, much like storytelling, is like a recipe, it varies from region to region, but their importance remains crucial to the overall picture, and so is their safekeeping for the next generation of Turks and Caicos Islanders.

CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED

Do you have a subject of interest that you’d like to share with our readers?

Perhaps you’re a great cook and have created lots of delicious recipes that use local ingredients. Maybe you have ideas on how to save money when shopping and know where to find all the latest bargains. Or are you an entrepreneur who would like to share tips on setting up a new business?

We need regular contributors of 400 word articles on a variety of topics for our Lifestyle pages. Get in touch with us at the Turks and Caicos Weekly News and pitch your idea for a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly column. You will have your name in print along with your business contact details if requested. It’s a great way to share your knowledge and promote your business or start-up.

TCI high school debating champions to participate in regional tourism debate

SIX high schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands are gearing up to participate in a National Tourism debate, as part of a wider regional debate competition.

The territory is the fifth Caribbean country to join the Regional Tourism Debate Competition, aimed at fostering a greater appreciation for tourism and hospitality among youths; while developing articulation and critical thinking skills of high school students.

To this end, the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism launched the National Tourism Debate Competition in the TCI on Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Ocean Club Resort, Providenciales.

Speaking at the launch, the Tourism Risk Manager within the Ministry of Tourism, Heritage, Agriculture, and the Environment, Mr Brian Been explained that the competition will see students delving into the history and sustainability of tourism in the territory.

He said: “The National Tourism debate is a local friendly debating competition centred on tourism and developing the articulation and critical thinking skills of high school students who are vying for the title of national debate champions.

“The debate encourages youth to focus on tourism-related issues and concerns and it improves your understanding of related careers, and opportunities that exist within tourism.”

He explained that the regional competition, now in its 13th year, was last held digitally in 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

SYNERGY

Minister of Tourism, Heritage, Agriculture, and the Environment, Hon Josephine Connolly lauded the partnership between her Ministry and the Ministry of Education and acknowledged the hard work and dedication of coaches and teachers as they prepare students to represent the TCI at the competition.

She said: “This is synergy, working together for one Turks and Caicos Islands and I am confident that you will make the most of this competition.

“To the coaches and teachers, your love for excellence in your students and the time dedicated to your institution is appreciated.”

She told students who attended the launch, that the journey over the next few weeks will be one of “exploration and discovery”.

She said: “You will develop

a greater sense of place within society and you will understand the rules that await you within our great industry. I am confident that this debate will provide a valuable platform for you and showcase your talents.”

Minister of Education, Hon Rachel Taylor who echoed similar sentiments, said it is crucial for her Ministry to give students opportunities that will help them better comprehend the tourism and hospitality industry.

She said: “Research has shown that debating gives students the chance to hone crucial leadership abilities including public speaking, collaboration, communication, and the capacity to express a point of view in a constructive and logical way.

“Dedication to rational and critical thinking is at the core of debating.

“Students must scrutinise the facts and sources they use, consider all sides of an issue, and look for methods to support their arguments.

“In addition, students must be able to refute contrary facts, support their own beliefs with evidence, and spot logical errors and weaknesses in the arguments.

“We’re not just competing amongst ourselves in the country, we’re now going to take it at a regional level and based on what I’ve seen demonstrated at the Science Fair, I’m excited.”

She stressed that her ministry will continue to partner with other ministries and the private sector in an effort to build the human capital of our youth.

A number of Education and Tourism Officials attended the launch of the debate along with principals and students from the

participating schools, including Mr. Mark Garland, Deputy Director of Education, Mrs Michelle-Ann Tulloch, the Executive Director, Mr Trevor Musgrove, President of TCHTA and TCREA Ambassador, and Mrs Stacey Cox, CEO of TCHTA.

The six schools that will participate in the debate competition are HJ Robinson High School, Marjorie Basden High School, A. Louise Garland Thomas High School, Maranatha Academy, Wesley Methodist and Clement Howell High School.

The stages of the competition will include a local showdown which consists of three rounds, a preliminary round, semi-finals, and national finals. The national champions will compete for the regional trophy.

The dates for the competition will be announced soon.

Education and tourism officials attended the launch of the debate competition

Several students at the launch of the debate competition

The Progressive National Institute hosts awards cocktail reception

On Friday last, in the tranquil surrounds of the Somerset Resort, supporters and awardees gathered at the Tapas for an evening that was wrapped in the ambience of gratitude.

It was an evening of giving, laughter, new friendships and partnerships.

A recognition of corporations and individuals who have contributed immensely to the constituency of ED7.

The “Commitment To Serve” award is named in honour of the Member of Parliament for ED7, Hon Samuel E. Been.

This was the second presentation of its kind made to persons involved in the sustaining and development of the ED7 Constituency.

The Progressive National Institute, a non-profit organisation, registered within the Turks and Caicos Islands in a statement said: “ Its mission is to serve the people of these islands through education, environmental projects and safety, human rights protections, and collaboration with other agencies to meet the needs of the people of the islands for which the organisation exist.”

PNI has been instrumental in various projects throughout the Turks and Caicos.

The Institute has worked in conjunction with Hon Been for

the refurbishment of the Ashley‘s Learning Centre playground with Graceway Communities and the “ED7 Rejuvenation Week” which saw the removal of some 175 derelict vehicles from the constituency of ED7.

“Our focus is on the building up and out of our communities and affording our citizenry with the best tools to live their best lives”, the Institute said in its release.

PNI joined with the Sackmans of Barbetta House to lead the successful event which recognised the following corporations, organisations, and individuals: CBMS LTD, A & J Trucking Ltd-Removal of derelict vehicles during the ED7 Rejuvenation Week of 2022

Mr Derrado Dean- Removal of Large debris from throughout the ED7 constituency as well as assistance with road repairs.

The ORHARD TCI- Food delivery programme during the height of COVID through a wellorchestrated food delivery and clothing programme.

The Strand Resort- The completion of the road project on Cooper Jack, The luxury resort development in Cooper Jack, The sponsorship of feeding clothing and Kids Christmas party for the ED7 and ED9 constituencies.

The institute stressed that all awardees are well known for their acts of kindness; humbled and surprised to be honoured.

“We are delighted that Hon

supports the work of our organisation as we support him in the success thus far of his tenure as the representative of the largest constituency within the Turks and

Samuel

Caicos.

“We continue to encourage those that have the opportunity to support and give, to seek us out to share in the joy of giving.”

PNI Chair Ms Eunece Morris; AI Expert, Mr John Bridgewater; Mrs and Dr Randall Thompson, Lady Sackman

Hon Samuel E. Been and Derrado Dean (recipient)

Hon Samuel Been presented with a gift from PNI’s corporate sponsor, Mr Alan Sackman of Barbetta House

The Hon Members of Parliament show their support: Hon William Belliard, Hon Samuel Been and Hon Jameka Williams

Been

Impactful ‘Lady in me’ and ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ programmes return

Equipping young men and women of the TCI with the tools they need to navigate the often-challenging adolescence and teen years, while also imparting invaluable lessons as they look to the future is an important task.

One taken on by the Department of Social Development and Welfare, through their annual ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ and ‘The Lady in Me’ mentorship programmes targeting at-risk youths.

The programmes returned on February 17 and ran until the 28, hosted first in Grand Turk and North Caicos this year.

The Grand Turk workshops were held under the themes ‘Walking with Purpose’ for the My Brother’s Keeper programme for young men and ‘You are Royal’ for the Lady in Me programme targeting young ladies.

The Grand Turk programmes were hosted on February 23 and 24 at the HJ Robinson High School for the boys, and at the Salem Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on February 28 for the girls.

Another event for the girls was hosted in North Caicos under the theme ‘Taking Control of the Power to Say No’ on February 17.

The programme targets children aged 12 to 17.

The main objective is to target those critical periods of growth and development, imparting positive values, morals and thought processes into the territory’s young people.

As such, tremendous focus was placed on promoting physical health, mental, emotional, and behavioural well-being.

The aim is to build selfawareness, interpersonal relationships and strengthen selfesteem by showing the youths how to examine their adolescent values, competencies, belief systems, feelings, motivations, critical thinking, and communication skills.

At the end of the interactive sessions, the teens expressed feeling more self-aware, developing a sense of pride, selfrespect, and self-worth.

Public figures were invited by the Department to educate and enlighten the young people.

In Grand Turk, speaking to

the young men were: Temard Butterfield about ‘Positive Values and Attitude’; Andre Morgan ‘Respect and Boundaries’; Pastor Devron Thomas ‘Decision making and Consequences’; Police officer Francois on ‘Conflict Resolution’; Leonardo Lightbourne spoke on ‘How to develop Healthy SelfEsteem’; Pastor Terry Tanis on ‘Dealing with family problems’; and again, Leonardo Lightbourne addressed ‘Planning for Personal Success’.

Presenters for the ‘Lady in Me’ sessions in Grand Turk were Pastor Ruth Ariza, who spoke to the young

women about ‘Positive Values and Attitude’; Ashley Forbes spoke about ‘Respect for Boundaries and Authority’; Tonya Greaves on ‘Building and Maintaining Healthy Relationships’; Caroline Dickenson on ‘Decision Making and Consequences’; and Praveen Chassang on ‘Personal Development’.

In North Caicos, Synobia Forbes spoke to the youths on the topic ‘Who Am I’; Denrika Youth and Jenna Waite spoke to ‘Self-Esteem, Self-Confidence, and Self- Love’; Nichole Gardiner spoke on ‘Sexuality,

Promiscuous Behaviour, and its Consequences’ and Kacy Higgs addressed ‘Decision Making and Forgiveness’.

The participants actively engaged with the presenters, with many of them expressing that the sessions were beneficial.

Fifty adolescent girls and fifteen adolescent boys were impacted.

The ‘Lady in Me’ workshops in Providenciales will be held on April 26 and 27, at the Gustarvus Sports Complex, with an expected 100 girls in attendance.

The programmes are funded by UNICEF. (DELANA ISLES)

Several adolescent and teenage girls attended the ‘Lady in Me’ workshops put on by the Department of Social Development and Welfare (TCIG photo)

Hon Temard Butterfield was one of the positive male role models invited to speak to young men about the importance of having positive values and attitudes (TCIG photo)

Appellate court washes up water woes

– affluent Leeward community at the centre of dispute

BY DELANA ISLES

The Court of Appeal has declared that no one company has exclusive rights to supply water to the Leeward neighbourhood in Providenciales.

The dispute heard in February this year was between the Leeward Water Services Limited and Provo Water Company Limited and the Attorney General Chambers. A decision was handed down this March by the three appellate justices.

Defending the appellants were King’s Counsel Conrad Griffiths and attorney Murray Snider; with Jonathan Katan KC and Mark Harvey for Provo Water and attorney Khalila Astwood-Tatum for the AG Chambers.

The appellant had appealed a decision by Justice Michael Hylton (who was in 2022 an acting judge of the TCI’s Supreme Court) who held and declared, upon the hearing of a preliminary question, that the Water and Sewerage Ordinance CAP 8.03 does not prohibit the

appointment of more than one water undertaker for any specific geographical area.

In their appeal, Leeward Water sought a declaration that, except where Section 34 of the Ordinance applies, there can be only one water undertaker with respect to a particular geographical area.

A second declaration that Leeward Water is the sole water undertaker with respect to the Leeward Area, and as necessary, rectification of the Instrument of appointment in favour of Provo Water as to exclude at a minimum the Leeward Area.

The appellant also sought an injunction restraining Provo Water from encroaching into the Leeward Area and taking any actions to provide water and sewerage services in the Leeward Area.

FACTS OF THE CASE

On December 6, 1996, Provo Water Company Ltd. was appointed as a water undertaker under the Ordinance for the Island of Providenciales, including the

Port Health Unit will benefit from PAHO training

Port health officers in the Turks and Caicos Islands will undergo technical training from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to ensure they are fully equipped to help prevent, control and reduce the risk of entry of infectious diseases into the country.

To this end, the department is instituting essential technical Port Health training to support the officers in their roles, to ensure they are fully equipped to carry out their duties.

Training will be conducted in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Office, a recent statement from the Unit said.

The Port Health Unit stressed that the emergence of Covid-19 has necessitated the need for increased surveillance for early detection of diseases to enhance public health actions and prevent outbreaks.

Leeward Area for a period of 65 years.

Leeward Water Services was first appointed as a water undertaker under the Water and Sewerage Ordinance on February 6, 2007, for one year, with the ability to renew its licence on an annual basis.

According to court documents, at some point, Leeward’s 2007 licence was not renewed and on April 1, 2019, Leeward was issued with a new instrument of appointment for a period of 10 years.

However, by that date, Provo Water had begun providing water services within parts of the Leeward Area.

In their court filing for judicial review, Leeward stated that it has been the historic supplier of water in the Leeward area of Providenciales but as a result of Provo Water recently starting to install a water supply system in the Leeward Area, it commenced action in the Supreme Court against the competing company and the Attorney General.

The initial court action, heard by Justice Hylton resulted in defeat for Leeward, with the judge finding that the Water and Sewerage Ordinance does not permit for only one licensed water supplier for any geographical area.

However, in its appeal, the company asserted that the judge’s interpretation of the Ordinance was faulty.

The company said: “The Ordinance as a whole makes clear that there can be only one such water undertaker and sections 25, 34, 35 and 39 can only be read as permitting a single water undertaker.”

Leeward Water said the Ordinance on its true construction only permits a single supplier of water and that is consistent with the language of the Ordinance and the nature of public utility supply.

However, Provo Water and the Attorney General contend for the completely opposite view and assert that the Ordinance permits the appointment of more than one supplier of water in a particular geographical area.

DISMISSED

Following arguments from both sides of the bench, the Appellate Judges dismissed the appeal. Referencing section 4 of the Interpretation Ordinance which allows general application of plurality where the use of indefinite articles “a” and “an” - as used in Section 22 of the Water and Sewerage Ordinance – the justices said they did not find anything within the Water and Sewerage Ordinance which suggests contrary intention that would displace the general application of the Interpretation Ordinance.

Stating in their written judgement: “In all the circumstances therefore, the Court affirms the decision of the Learned Judge that the proper construction of section 22 of the Ordinance does not prohibit the appointment of more than one water undertaker for any specific geographical area.”

Leeward Water Services Ltd. has been ordered to pay costs to Provo Water and the AG Chambers, to be taxed in default of agreement.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands is a hub for tourism, welcoming visitors at our ports from all over the world by air and sea.

“There are two major ports of entry, the International Airport in Providenciales and the Carnival Cruise Centre in Grand Turk.

“Our active ports make the TCI susceptible to the introduction of infectious diseases”.

Coupled with the prevention and control initiative, the Unit is also tasked with supporting the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).

The stated purpose and scope of the IHR are “to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease in ways that are commensurate with and restricted to public health risks, and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade.”

Port Health teams

Since the IHR are not limited to specific diseases but are applicable to health risks, irrespective of their origin or source, they will follow the evolution of diseases and the factors affecting their emergence and transmission.

The IHR also require states to strengthen core surveillance and response capacities at the primary, intermediate and national level, as

well as at designated international ports, airports and ground crossings.

Currently, two teams make up the Port Health Unit.

On Providenciales, the team includes Port Health Coordinator, Clevesha Outten and Port Officers, Darlene Lightbourne, Hattie Handfield, Gladstone Malcolm, Romello Delancy, Tinell Garland and Rashawn John.

On Grand Turk, Port Health Officers, Christopher Swann, Gabrielle Roberts, Kamazia Williams, Omar Garland and Rochelle Vanalstine-Nunes.

The teams will be tasked with inspecting and monitoring ports while enforcing public health legislation in order to protect the health of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

TCI lifts mandatory Covid-19 vaccination requirements for travellers

The Turks and Caicos Islands will be fully open for tourism, without any Covid-19 travel restrictions or entry requirements, beginning April 1, 2023.

This comes as the territory has recorded a rapid decrease in Covid-19 infections and zero new Covid-19-related deaths in recent months.

The updated rules will no longer mandate travellers to submit proof of vaccination against the virus before arriving here.

The changes to the territory’s long-standing requirements were announced by the Minister of Health and Human Services Hon Shaun Malcolm during a press briefing on Friday, March 24.

Minister Malcolm explained that the decision to drop the arriving passenger regulations was made by the Cabinet at a meeting on March 22, 2023.

At the time of his announcement, Minister Malcolm disclosed that the territory only had three recorded active cases in the country.

He said: “However, this is no indication that as a country and as a people, we should become relaxed, Covid-19 remains a threat albeit low, and we must still exercise caution.

“As the minister responsible for health, I continue to urge residents and visitors to continue to practice safe hygiene and habits.

“Build your immune system, take the Covid vaccine or booster to protect yourself or your loved ones, the life you save could be your very own.”

Reflecting on the territory’s Covid-19 journey and the road to recovery, Malcolm stressed that the Turks and Caicos Islands was not unique to the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Government has had to make difficult decisions to ensure the health and safety of its population and visitors as well.

He said: “Over the past three years, the Turks and Caicos Islands like other countries in the world faced unprecedented challenges as a result of Covid-19 Pandemic during the earlier to mid-stages of the pandemic, and as we approach what has been considered the tail end of the pandemic.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands faced the onslaught of individuals being infected with the disease and the harsh reality of Covid-19.

“As a country, we saw the introduction of various public health measures such as social distancing, the wearing of masks, restrictions on social gatherings,

border closure, just to list a few.”

He opined that the territory has done “exceptionally well” as it relates to managing the pandemic’s impact as he credited the difficult decisions made by his predecessors.

Malcolm underscored that the territory was able to turn the tide against the vicious disease, through the introduction of a rigorous Covid-19 vaccine programme which saw over 80 % of the eligible population being inoculated.

“Through the assistance of the governor, and the UK government, the Turks and Caicos Islands was one of the first islands in the Caribbean region to receive vaccines.

“With the introduction of the vaccine, this meant additional

changes to the existing regulations and as such, the arriving passenger regulations. Decisions were then taken to enhance the regulation by stating all visitors entering the Turks and Caicos Islands must be fully vaccinated with one of the approved vaccination, published by the World Health Organization.

“Whilst the World Health Organization has not declassified Covid-19 from a pandemic status, like many other countries, the Turks and Caicos Islands is not being severely impacted by this disease at this time.”

HASSLE-FREE TRAVEL

Following the announcement, Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly lauded the

removal of entry restrictions, as she stressed that this will allow visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands to have a hassle-free travel experience.

She said: “We are thrilled to announce this new development and to safely welcome visitors back to our beautiful island destination,”

“Our top priority has always been the health and well-being of our residents and travellers, and we are confident that we can continue to maintain a safe environment without these restrictions.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to providing a secure and enjoyable travel experience for all visitors and the Ministry of Tourism encourages travellers to continue to practice

healthy hygiene habits and to follow any local guidelines or regulations put in place during their stay”, she added.

Over the duration of the pandemic, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government has worked closely with national public health officials to implement stringent health and safety protocols to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

From July 2020 to April 2022, the Ministry of Tourism created and enforced a robust testing and vaccination campaign which included the development of TCI Assured, a quality assurance portal, to ensure that the majority of the local population was vaccinated, and in doing so, provide an added layer of protection for visitors.

CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED

Minister of Health and Human Services Hon Shaun Malcolm during a press briefing on Friday, March 24.

Minister of Tourism Hon Josephine Connolly

Transformation: towards a neuro-inclusive world for all

BY MELISHA I. WILLIAMS

Sunday, April 2 marks an important day for all of us. It’s World Autism Day, a day to raise awareness and understanding about autism spectrum disorder. This year’s theme is “Transformation: Towards A Neuro-Inclusive World for All.” Autism affects millions of individuals worldwide, and we must come together to show our support and solidarity for those with this condition.

Autism is a neurologically complex condition that impairs a person’s social interaction and communication capacity. It’s a complex condition that affects people differently, often accompanied by sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, and difficulty with social interactions. Unfortunately, people with autism often face stigma and discrimination in our society, making it even more challenging to access the support and resources they need. That’s why this World Autism Day is so important. It’s a day to recognize the challenges faced by people with autism and to celebrate their unique strengths and abilities. We must unite as a community to advance the inclusion and acceptance of persons with autism.

It is essential to understand that autism is not a choice or behavior that can be changed. It is part of an individual’s identity and should be accepted and valued for who they are. Individuals with autism have unique strengths and talents and can contribute significantly to our

society if allowed.

It’s time to remove obstacles and create an environment where persons with autism may live in understanding and harmony. We must endeavor to provide an environment where people with autism may live their lives to the fullest while still receiving respect and decent treatment. Together, we must work to make this a reality.

Neurodiversity is a term that has become increasingly important in recent years, and yet it still needs to be widely understood. Simply put, neurodiversity recognizes a natural variation in how our brains work. It means there is no “normal” way for a brain to function, and each individual’s brain is unique. This recognition is important because it challenges the assumption that there is only one correct way of thinking, learning, and behaving. It allows us to celebrate the differences in our cognitive and neurological makeup and recognize the strengths that come with these differences.

Many neurological differences include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, and many others. Each of these conditions is unique and comes with its own set

of strengths and challenges. Recognizing and celebrating these differences is essential, rather than trying to fit everyone into the same mold. We can do this by creating accommodating environments and understanding different ways of thinking and processing information.

Importance of Recognizing Neurodiversity

As a society, we tend to have a narrow definition of what is considered “normal,” and those who do not fit this narrow definition are often stigmatized and excluded. This is particularly true for individuals with neurological differences. But we must understand that neurodiversity should not be feared or rejected. It is simply a natural variation in the way our brains are wired. And just like biological diversity, it should be celebrated and valued.

We live in a world where people with neurological differences are often marginalized and excluded, which can devastate their mental health and well-being. They may face discrimination, bullying, and rejection, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. But when we recognize

and celebrate neurodiversity, we create a more inclusive and welcoming world. We begin to see each individual’s unique strengths and abilities rather than focusing on their differences. And this can lead to greater acceptance, understanding, and empathy. When we recognize neurodiversity, we also create a more innovative and creative society. Different ways of thinking can lead to new ideas and approaches, benefiting us all.

Stigma and Misunderstanding of Neurodiversity: Autism

There are many misconceptions about autism that create stigma and prevent us from truly understanding and accepting individuals with autism. Recognizing and breaking down these myths is essential to creating a more inclusive and tolerant world.

One common myth about autism is that it is caused by bad parenting or childhood trauma. This is not true. Autism is a neurological condition present from birth and not caused by external factors. Understanding this and avoiding blaming parents or individuals for something beyond their control is essential.

Another myth is that all individuals with autism are the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning individuals can experience various symptoms and abilities. Each person with autism is unique, with their own strengths and challenges.

A third myth is that individuals with autism lack emotions or

CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED

Do you have a subject of interest that you’d like to share with our readers?

Perhaps you’re a great cook and have created lots of delicious recipes that use local ingredients. Maybe you have ideas on how to save money when shopping and know where to find all the latest bargains. Or are you an entrepreneur who would like to share tips on setting up a new business?

We need regular contributors of 400 word articles on a variety of topics

for our Lifestyle pages. Get in touch with us at the Turks and Caicos Weekly News and pitch your idea for a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly column. You will have your name in print along with your business contact details if requested. It’s a great way to share your knowledge and promote your business or start-up. CONTACT US NOW AT

empathy. This is not true at all. Individuals with autism often feel emotions very profoundly but may have difficulty expressing them in a way that is easily recognizable to others. It is essential to recognize and validate their emotions, even if they may be expressed differently than what we are used to.

So how do we break down these myths and create a more inclusive world for individuals with autism?

We can start by educating ourselves and others about the true nature of autism. We can raise awareness, foster understanding, and celebrate the distinctive talents and skills of people with autism. For far too long, individuals with neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia have been stigmatized and misunderstood in our society. This has resulted in many negative consequences for these individuals and their families.

The isolation and alienation that many people with neurological impairments experience are among the most severe effects of this stigma. They are frequently considered unusual and excluded from social, educational, and career chances. This can intensify their illness by causing them to feel lonely, depressed, or anxious.

Additionally, this stigma can also result in discrimination and prejudice towards individuals with neurological differences. They may face difficulties accessing healthcare, education, and employment, severely impacting their quality of life.

We must work towards a world that values and embraces neurodiversity. Education and awareness are vital to breaking down the barriers of stigma and misunderstanding. By educating ourselves and others, we can learn to appreciate individuals with neurological differences’ unique strengths and abilities.

Furthermore, we must advocate for equal access to resources and opportunities for individuals with neurological differences. This includes advocating for inclusive education and employment practices that value diversity and accommodate the needs of individuals with neurological differences.

Finally, we must empower individuals with neurological differences to be confident in their abilities and advocate for themselves. This includes

Transformation: towards a neuro-inclusive ...

complex challenges daily.

providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed, such as early intervention programs and access to healthcare services.

Valuing Neurodiversity

We live in a world that values conformity and sameness, but this narrow view of what is expected and acceptable can leave many people feeling excluded and undervalued. It is important to encourage diversity and inclusion in all facets of our lives and to acknowledge and appreciate the unique talents and capabilities of people with neurological impairments.

The first step towards valuing neurodiversity is celebrating differences. We must recognize that everyone is different and that these differences make us unique and valuable. When we celebrate differences, we create a world where people feel accepted and valued for who they are rather than judged for how they differ. This means promoting acceptance and respect for all individuals, regardless of their neurological differences.

The second step is recognizing individuals with neurological differences’ unique strengths and abilities. These individuals may have different ways of processing information or interacting with the world, but they also possess unique talents and abilities that can benefit society. For example, individuals with autism may excel in fields that require attention to detail or strong memory. At the same time, those with ADHD may be able to hyperfocus on tasks and think creatively. By recognizing and valuing these strengths, we can create a world where everyone can contribute to the best of their abilities.

The final step is promoting diversity and inclusivity. This means actively working to create a world where individuals with neurological differences are included and valued in all aspects of society. This can be achieved through education and awareness and by advocating for policies and programs that promote inclusion and support for individuals with neurological differences. We can also work to create more inclusive spaces and communities where individuals with neurological differences feel welcome and valued.

CHALLENGES FACED BY INDIVIDUALS WITH NEUROLOGICAL DIFFERENCES AND THEIR FAMILIES

The challenges faced by individuals with neurological differences and their families. Whether it is autism, ADHD, or other neurological conditions, these individuals and their families face unique and

Firstly, let’s talk about the daily challenges individuals with neurological differences face. These challenges can vary depending on the condition but often include communication, social interactions, and sensory processing difficulties. Imagine feeling overwhelmed by the noise and bustle of a busy supermarket or struggling to communicate your thoughts and feelings to others. For many individuals with neurological differences, these challenges are a daily reality that can be exhausting and isolating.

Unfortunately, the challenges don’t stop there. Individuals with neurological differences and their families often face limited access to resources such as therapy, support groups, and specialized education. These resources can be crucial in helping individuals with neurological differences to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. However, they can be expensive, difficult to access, frustrating, and overwhelming to many families.

This is why support and understanding from the community are so important. Individuals with neurological differences and their families need our support to help them navigate their challenges. We can do this by creating more inclusive environments, advocating for increased resources and funding for research, and simply taking the time to understand and appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences of those with neurological differences.

Remember that behind every individual with a neurological difference is a family who loves and supports them. These families need our support and understanding as much as the individuals themselves. They often bear the burden of caring for their loved ones, managing appointments and therapies, and advocating for their needs. Let us be a source of support and encouragement for these families, acknowledging their challenges and offering a helping hand whenever possible.

IMPORTANCE OF EARLY AND INTENSIVE INTERVENTION

One of the most significant challenges individuals with autism and their families face is accessing early and intensive intervention. Early intervention is essential as it may significantly improve the lives of those with autism. They can learn vital abilities like selfcontrol, social interaction, and communication that are needed for success in the future.

Intensive intervention refers to using evidence-based approaches to support individuals with autism. These approaches are designed

to address the unique needs of individuals with autism, such as communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral challenges. Intensive intervention can also involve working closely with families to provide support and education on how to support their loved ones with autism best.

Research has shown that early and intensive intervention can significantly impact the lives of individuals with autism. It can improve their communication, social skills, and behavior. It can also increase their independence and improve their quality of life. Early intervention can also positively impact the families of individuals with autism, reducing their stress levels and improving their overall well-being.

Unfortunately, access to early and intensive intervention is not always easy for families of individuals with autism. There can be long waitlists for services, limited availability of evidencebased interventions, and a lack of financial resources to access these services. Communities must work together to assist those with autism and their families.

We have a unique chance and duty to help people with autism and their families as members of a caring and inclusive community. We can do this by advocating for increased access to early and intensive intervention services, supporting organizations that provide these services, and educating ourselves and others about the unique needs of individuals with autism.

We must also ensure that individuals with autism and their families feel welcomed and included in our communities. We can create sensory-friendly environments that accommodate the needs of individuals with autism. We can also promote inclusive events and activities that allow individuals with autism and

their families to participate fully in our community.

Moving Towards a NeuroInclusive World

We have a unique opportunity and duty to make the world more inclusive for everyone as members of a caring and inclusive community. A world where individuals with neurological differences can live their lives with dignity and respect and where they can reach their full potential.

A world where individuals with neurological differences are valued and respected and where their unique perspectives and experiences are celebrated. This moral and practical necessity is necessary to build a genuinely inclusive and diverse society.

The first step towards building a neuro-inclusive world is advocacy and support. We must advocate for policies and programs promoting inclusion and support for individuals with neurological differences. This involves promoting more money for therapy, education, research, and laws that safeguard the rights of those with neurological disabilities. We can also support organizations that work towards these goals, such as autism advocacy groups or organizations that support individuals with ADHD.

The next step is educating our communities about the importance of neurodiversity and inclusion. Many still hold misconceptions and stigmas about neurological differences, leading to exclusion and discrimination. Educating our communities about the unique strengths and challenges of individuals with neurological differences can promote a greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.

Finally, we need to empower individuals with neurological differences to take control of their lives and achieve their full potential. This entails giving them the tools

and encouragement they require to achieve through treatment, instruction, or job chances. We can also promote self-advocacy and encourage individuals with neurological differences to speak up for themselves and their needs.

By taking these steps, we can create a neuro-inclusive world where everyone is valued and respected for their unique perspectives and experiences. We can build a world where individuals with neurological differences can thrive and achieve their full potential and enrich our communities through their contributions.

IN CONCLUSION

As we strive towards a neuroinclusive world for all, it is essential to remember that transformation is a journey, not a destination. It requires a shift in perspective, a commitment to education and advocacy, and an unwavering dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity. We must continue to value neurodiversity, recognize the challenges faced by individuals with neurological differences and their families, and work towards removing the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding neurodiversity. Let us stand together as a community, united in our efforts to create a world where everyone, regardless of their neurological differences, can thrive and be celebrated for who they are. We can build a more tolerant and inclusive society that values each person’s unique skills and abilities by embracing neurodiversity. Let us strive towards this goal and work towards building a world that is truly accepting and accommodating for everyone. Let us embrace and celebrate neurodiversity. Let us recognize each individual’s unique strengths and abilities and work together to create a more inclusive and welcoming world.

Public Appeal

Royal Turks and Caicos Islands

Regional News

AccuWeather forecasts 11-15 named storms this hurricane season

US private forecaster AccuWeather expects this year’s hurricane season to be near-average with 1115 named storms.

Of those named storms, one to three could become major hurricanes with top sustained winds of 111 mph or higher during the season which runs from June 1 to November 30.

One of the factors in this year’s hurricane season being less active is the expected transition to an El Niño weather pattern.

In early March, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Centre (CPC) declared an end to the La Niña weather event that had been in place through the past three hurricane seasons.

El Niño pattern causes the winds at higher levels of the atmosphere to dip southward and deep into the tropics more frequently, resulting in more episodes of vertical wind shear.

Vertical wind shear causes thunderstorms and convective clouds within emerging tropical disturbances to be tilted, disrupting tropical development, AccuWeather’s Senior Meteorologist and Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said.

Kottlowski noted hurricane seasons with emerging El Niño patterns tend to be less active than normal.

strong hurricanes, as we saw with [Hurricane] Ian.”

According to the forecaster, an

Other factors that will affect

Jamaica to get millions in reparation funding from UK Guardian Trust

He however warned: “Even if this season were to turn out to be less active than normal, abundant warm water could lead to the development of a couple of very Jamaica and other regions are set to benefit from millions of pounds in “substantial” restorative justice funding over the next decade after the sole shareholder in the United Kingdom, Guardian Group, apologised for the media company’s links to transatlantic slavery.

Tuesday’s apology coincided with The Guardian’s disclosure of academic research tying the newspaper’s founding financial backers to slavery.

The quantum of proposed compensation to Jamaica was not declared, but the Scott Trust said that it expects to invest more than £10 million (US$12.3 million) in restorative justice support for descendant communities in the Caribbean nation, as well as the southeastern United States’ Sea Islands/Gullah Geechee.

The research findings showed that much of the wealth of founder, journalist and cotton merchant John Edward Taylor, and other financiers, was derived from chattel slavery.

Sir George Phillips, one of 11 Guardian investors in Manchester’s cotton and textiles industry tied to slavery, co-owned a sugar plantation in the western Jamaica

that the media company’s editorial positions, in its early decades, often supported the cotton industry and, therefore, the exploitation of enslaved Africans.

The trust also committed to deepening its coverage of the Caribbean, South America, and Africa, as well as of black communities in the UK and the US; funding journalism training for persons from under-represented backgrounds; and financing further slavery research through the Wilberforce Institute at the University of Hull.

The academic research was commissioned in late 2020 by the Trust and conducted by the University of Nottingham.

The Scott Trust’s restorative justice initiative will be overseen by a four-member advisory panel of experts to guide and review its programme. Consultation will be had with descendant communities in Jamaica, the US, and the UK, as well as other experts and stakeholders.

Ole Jacob Sunde, chair of the Scott Trust, said that the organisation was “deeply sorry” about the role of Taylor and his partners.

“We recognise that apologising

and sharing these facts transparently is only the first step in addressing The Guardian’s historical links to transatlantic slavery, which was a crime against humanity,” Sunde said.

“In response to the findings, the Scott Trust is committing to fund a restorative justice programme over the next decade, which will be designed and carried out in consultation with descendant communities in the US, Jamaica, the UK and elsewhere, centred on long-term initiatives and meaningful impact.”

And Katharine Viner, editorin-chief of The Guardian News & Media, said the media entity was facing up to the fact that its founder and partners sourced their wealth from “a crime against humanity”.

“As we enter our third century as a news organisation, this awful history must reinforce our determination to use our journalism to expose racism, injustice and inequality, and to hold the powerful to account,” Viner said.

The Guardian campaign will likely give wind to the advocacy of reparation advocates, who claim that Jamaica is due almost a third of £7.5 trillion in compensation for slavery. (Jamaica Gleaner)

One to three of the named storms could become major hurricanes

the hurricane season include the warmth of sea surface temperatures active areas such as the Caribbean

Sea and Gulf of Mexico and the strength of the African easterly jet wind pattern. (Cayman Loopnews)

Chair of the Scott Trust, Ole Jacob Sunde

parish of Hanover. In 1835, Phillips unsuccessfully attempted to claim compensation from the British government for 108 people enslaved on the plantation. British slave owners received

compensation of £20 million after the abolition of slavery in 1834.

The Scott Trust acknowledged and apologised for the origins of the wealth used to fund The Guardian and expressed regret

Regional News

‘Lawless’ Haiti plagued by corruption and deadly gang violence fuels humanitarian crisis

THE situation in Haiti has become so dire that the U.S., Canada and the U.N. have once again turned their attention to the Caribbean nation as gang violence reaches new extremes and violent deaths mount.

Haitian gangs have turned to extreme measures with atrocities akin to those reported during the genocide in Rwanda, according to a Haitian doctor in an interview from his home in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

Lawlessness, torture, civil war and “The Purge” were all used to describe what the reality looks like for people living within the western borders on the island of Hispaniola.

“Even staying in your house, you don’t feel safe. What you see is people walking in the street with big guns. Guns like it is a war scene, they have M-16s, AK47s, Galils. They have grenades, they have smoke, they have everything,” the doctor, who wished to remain anonymous due to security concerns, told Fox News Digital.

A series of natural disasters since 2010, a crippling economy, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent assassination of then-President Jovenel Moïse has pushed Haiti into a state of chaos, and as a result, it is now the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and gangs have taken over.

In

flee the poverty and violence in Haiti, but the level of danger in the Caribbean nation continues to rise to unprecedented levels.

“The gang’s control everybody,” said Jack Brewer, founder of a global foundation that has been in Haiti since the devastating 2010 earthquakes. “Kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking –that’s their business.”

In a move to assert control over the people of Haiti, the gangs have resorted to extreme violence against the public and those they view as their chief threat: police.

Haitian citizens.

“It’s passing to another level,” the doctor said. “Before, they used to kidnap people on the street. Now they are getting inside of people’s homes.”

The doctor explained that initially people with well-paying jobs were targeted at their businesses for ransom payments, but as kidnappings became more prevalent, people stopped leaving their homes.

burnings and murder, often right in front of family members.

“They kill you. They torture you,” the doctor detailed. “There was a video of a man who was kidnapped. He couldn’t find the money, and they started burning plastic in his hand. Can you imagine the torture?”

Police officers have found themselves on the top of the list when it comes to the abuses handed down at the hands of the gangs.

public to find. Due to the extremely graphic nature the footage and images, they were omitted from this report.

Fox News Digital could not independently verify the individual identities of the men in the videos or images.

The targeted killings have resulted in a near complete loss of the police force in Port-au-Prince explained the doctor.

“There is no police presence. There is no police,” the doctor added. “Its completely lawless. If you call the police they’re not coming.”

Another major issue with police officers having been targeted is that their uniforms, cars and weapons have been seized by gang members who disguise themselves as officers to pull people over and hold check points where people are then kidnapped or extorted for money.

Corruption has played a major role in the loss of the police force and a loss in faith in the Haitian government.

The U.N. estimated earlier this year that 70 percent of Port-auPrice was controlled by Haitian hangs, but the doctor said he believes it is more than this.

Hundreds of thousands of Haitians have flocked to the U.S. border in desperate attempts to A doctor must pay damages after removing the wrong ovary from a woman.

Kidnappings have not only become a top earner for the gangs, they have perpetuated an everescalating situation of terror for

The gangs instead have begun sending letters containing a threatening bullet, or even breaking into people’s homes to demand exuberant funds – and when families or individuals can’t pay up, the gangs resort to torture,

Fox News Digital reviewed numerous images and videos that allegedly depicted police officers who had been stripped of their clothing, beaten, killed and then apparently dragged through the streets before being left for the

“It’s 99 percent,” the doctor argued. “Even if you don’t see them with guns in the streets, they have spies, they put people on motorcycles to watch what is happening on your street, in your area, to inform them. They’re everywhere.”

Bahamas: Doctor told to pay damages after wrong ovary removed

Justice Indra Charles ruled that Dr Raleigh Butler removed Marsha Stuart’s right ovary when he was supposed to remove her left one.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Dr Butler is an outstanding gynecologic oncologist but, unfortunately, he removed the wrong ovary,” she wrote in a recent judgment. “This was not an error of judgment but was of such a nature that no reasonably well-informed and competent gynecologic oncologist could have made.”

According to the ruling, Ms Stuart was experiencing pain on the left side of her body when she sought medical help. Eventually, Dr Delton Farquharson, a general and vascular surgeon, referred her to Dr Butler. Dr Butler performed

an operative laparoscopy at Doctors Hospital on March 24, 2010, but Ms Stuart continued to experience excruciating pain.

Ms Stuart claimed that during a visit to Dr Butler’s office postsurgery, she told him she felt like her left ovary was still there. She said Dr Butler dismissed her concern and prescribed her stronger painkillers.

She said the doctor ordered a subsequent scan that revealed her left ovary was intact and the right one was gone.

“Ms Stuart stated that she was in utter shock, disbelief, pain and disgust and, at all material times, it was always discussed, known and agreed that the left, not the right ovary would be removed,” the judge wrote.

“Ms Stuart stated that the pain continues up to today and, in her

opinion, Dr Butler made a terrible error and has been negligent in the performance of his duties towards her.”

In her lawsuit, Ms Stuart alleged Dr Butler removed the right ovary without her consent, removed the right ovary even though it was healthy, failed to tell her he removed the right ovary, failed to take or exercise reasonable care and skill, and failed in his duty towards her.

Although Dr Butler’s contemporaneous notes after the surgery said he removed the woman’s left ovary, he argued during the trial that he wrote this in error and that he intended to put “right”, not “left”.

“He maintained that he was not negligent and asserted that there were compelling factors for him to remove Ms Stuart’s right ovary,”

the judge wrote.

“Dr Butler,” wrote Justice Charles, “has refused to accept liability for the removal of Ms Stuart’s healthy right ovary and tube. He admitted that his contemporaneous notes after the surgery record that he removed the left ovary and tube but he explained that he made those notes late in the evening on the night of the surgery and, in error, he wrote ‘left’ instead of ‘right’.”

“That error ‘left’ can be found at least three times in the notes. Nonetheless, he asserted that there were compelling factors for him to remove the right ovary instead of the left; chief among them, if I understood him well, is the lethality of ovarian cancer which spreads rapidly and can result in death within 3-5 years. It is also difficult to diagnose.”

Dr Butler testified that he examined Ms Stuart’s left ovary during the surgery and concluded it was normal. He said her right ovary, on the other hand, had adhesions and a “firm calcified mass.” He said he discussed the ovaries with Dr Farquharson and they agreed to remove the right one.

To justify the removal of the right ovary, Dr Butler cited Ms Stuart’s previous scans and history of pain and elevated blood results; the appearance of the right ovary during operation; and the negligible impact of removing one of a woman’s ovaries, among other things.

“He acknowledged that the right ovary was sent to pathology for analysis. The final diagnosis was that there was a corpus lute cyst,” Justice Charles wrote, adding that this cyst is normal and nonthreatening.

2022, more than 55 security officers were killed in Haiti

King Charles becomes first British monarch to address German parliament

King Charles III on Thursday became the first British monarch to address the Bundestag, the German parliament, paying tribute to the deep historical bonds and longstanding ties between the two nations.

The British sovereign is in Germany on the inaugural state visit of his reign with the Queen Consort until Friday.

Alternating between German and English, Charles said it was a “great honor” to be addressing the Bundestag on Thursday, adding he was proud to be in Berlin to “renew the special bond of friendship between our two countries.”

He said the friendship between the two nations “meant so much to my beloved mother,” who spoke often of her visits to the country.

Charles discussed the war in Ukraine, and praised the countries’ support of Kyiv.

“Countless lives have been

destroyed; freedom and human dignity have been trampled in the most brutal way. The security of Europe has been threatened, together with our democratic values,” he said. “Even as we abhor the appalling scenes of destruction, we can take heart from our unity –in defense of Ukraine, of peace and freedom.”

The monarch’s speech also touched on cultural connections, technology and even soccer –referencing England women’s football team’s 2-1 win against Germany at Euro 2022.

“In the long and remarkable story of our two countries, there are many chapters yet unwritten. Let us fill these with the restless pursuit of a better tomorrow. The legacy of our past, and the great promise of our future, demand nothing less,” he concluded, before receiving a standing ovation which lasted nearly two minutes.

Earlier on Thursday morning, King Charles met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Following his address at the Reichstag, the King will visit a refugee centre supporting Ukrainians displaced by the war. It was a grand entrance for King Charles and Camilla when they arrived in Germany on Wednesday afternoon with a 21-gun salute and a flypast.

It was a day of many firsts. Even before landing, the royal couple’s plane was escorted by two Typhoon fighter jets as it entered German airspace in an unprecedented sign

of respect.

After touching down, King Charles became the first head of state to be greeted with a full ceremonial welcome at Berlin’s famous Brandenburg Gate – a symbol of the country’s division during the Cold War and subsequent reunification.

Despite the overcast spring weather, hundreds of well-wishers turned out in the historic Pariser Platz, waving German and British flags. They were rewarded with a walkabout after King Charles and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier inspected a guard

of honor in the shadow of the monument.

The three-day trip is Charles’s 29th official visit to Germany, though he has traveled to the country on more than 40 occasions. The British government will be hoping the trip helps reinforce relations with European allies following its departure from the European Union.

President Steinmeier referenced Brexit during a speech at a lavish state banquet hosted in King Charles and Camilla’s honor on Wednesday night.

Nashville school shooter hid guns in parents’ house

The shooter who killed six people at a school in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday bought seven guns legally and hid them at home, police say.

Investigators say the suspect’s parents felt the 28-year-old should not own weapons, and did not realise the guns had been concealed in their house.

Six people, including three children age nine, were killed in the attack at the Covenant School.

The suspect was under “doctor’s care for an emotional disorder”, police say.

They believe it was the school that was targeted rather than any particular individual but have not indicated any motive.

Tennessee has no laws that allow police to seize guns from violent suspects.

Despite the absence of such socalled red-flag laws, police said they would still have sought to have the weapons confiscated if authorities had had any warning that the suspect could have posed a threat.

The pupils killed in the attack were Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney.

Three adult employees at the privately run Christian school also died: Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61.

Ms Koonce, the head of the school, and Ms Peak, a substitute teacher, were both close friends with the Tennessee governor’s wife.

Governor Bill Lee said his wife, Maria, had planned to meet Ms

Peak the night after she was killed. Police have spoken to the parents of the suspect, Audrey Hale, who was killed by police less than 15 minutes after the attack began.

Hale, who identified as transgender and was a former student at the school, was armed with three guns, including a semiautomatic rifle.

The attack took place after

the killer conducted surveillance of the premises, drew maps and wrote what police described as a “manifesto”.

A police spokesman said the attacker did not target any person in particular, but did target “this school, this church building”.

Hale’s parents thought the suspect had owned only one gun, but that it had been sold.

They believed the suspect “should not own weapons”, and were unaware the suspect “had been hiding several weapons within the house”, said Nashville Police Chief John Drake on Tuesday.

The weapons were legally purchased from five shops around the city.

The killer “was under caredoctor’s care - for an emotional disorder”, Chief Drake said, without providing further details.

If there had been reports of suicidal or violent tendencies, he added, police would have sought to confiscate the guns.

“But as it stands, we had absolutely no idea who this person was or if [the suspect] even existed,” he said.

Police received the first call

about the incident at 10:13 local time (15:13 GMT) on Monday.

The suspect drove to the school in a Honda Fit and got into the building by firing through one of the doors, which were all locked.

Video later released by Nashville police shows the shooter opening fire to shatter glass panes on the front doors, then wandering the school’s deserted corridors - at one point walking past a room labelled “Children’s Ministry”.

In the CCTV footage, the suspect is wearing what appears to be a protective vest and carrying an assault-style rifle in one hand, with a second weapon visible hanging from the left hip.

The suspect fired shots on the ground floor before moving to the building’s second floor.

As police cars arrived, the shooter fired on them from the second floor, striking one vehicle in the windscreen.

“We believe there has been some training to have been able to shoot from a higher level,” Chief Drake said.

He said the suspect had stood away from the glass to avoid being an easy target for police.

Audrey Hale, who identified as transgender, was a former student at the school

King Charles III is welcomed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Chancellery on Thursday in Berlin, Germany

World News

Migration dilemma leaves Rishi Sunak confronting an expensive mess

The rows about small boat crossings over the Channel are the ultimate example of a political bind.

An international issue, demanding a national response, provoking local anger.

The crossings have shot up. The prime minister has promised to stop them.

At least part of what we are seeing in the debates over sorting places for migrants to stay is the consequence of a failure to do that.

Another element is the colossal backlog of asylum claims that need to be processed. But a significant part of all of this is a generational challenge lots of rich countries will face.

Courtesy of globalisationsmartphones, the internet, satellite television - it has never been easier for poor people in low-income countries, or those caught up in wars, natural disasters or, perhaps in future, the consequences of climate change, to be aware of a richer world they might prefer.

What they might easily conclude is a rational decision to seek a better life. Which means rich countries, and their governments, have to conclude what a rational response to this is.

How can a country be sustainably compassionate, if indeed that is what it chooses to be? And what would that look like, when both of those words would be contested?

Rich countries now have to

confront what to do about all this, often still in possession of rules and conventions that pre-date the era of the jet aeroplane and mass international travel.

And they - we - confront these challenges burdened by the weight and contradictions of the dilemmas they generate.

What to do practically, politically, logistically, financially, morally?

Right now, the government confronts an expensive mess.

SOLUTIONS SOUGHT

As my colleagues Daniel Sandford and Callum May reported earlier this month, more than 51,000 asylum seekers are currently being put up in nearly 400 hotels around the UK.

It is costing the taxpayer £6m a

day. The government is desperate to find a solution.

Something cheaper, something more obviously basic (in the hope that that itself acts as a deterrent) and big sites that can house a lot of people.

Former military bases have long been top of the wanted list for ministers - land and buildings relatively easily acquired, that can be converted and up and running quickly. Or so they hope.

The political strategy here is this sort of thing is always going to annoy some people, but fewer bigger sites will annoy fewer people, while housing plenty of people.

The thing is, those they are annoying are getting angry and getting organised.

Conservative-controlled

Braintree District Council has asked the High Court to block plans for a migrants site on an old RAF base in Essex.

And a legal battle looms between the Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council and the government over a similar plan in Lincolnshire.

BOATS FLOATED

Some senior voices in government were talking up the prospect of ferries and barges also being used to house migrants - leading to some excitable newspaper front pages.

Strikingly, while floating accommodation was mentioned by the Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, there isn’t yet any detail about the plans.

One figure who worked in government under Labour recalled

to me a similar desire to use ships, then to accommodate prisoners.

Suffice to say they were more than a little sceptical that the idea will ever see the light of day.

They recalled one minister back then being packed off to Rotterdam to look at an ailing old boat the Dutch government wanted rid of.

But it was concluded it was so decrepit it probably wouldn’t make it over the North Sea and the whole plan was quietly dropped.

The challenge is finding the boats, finding the places to put them and building the associated infrastructure, such as offices nearby on land, to make the whole thing work.

Ministers now do still seem to be pursuing the idea - as BBC South’s political editor Peter Henley reports Portland Port in Dorset has been approached by the Home Office to provide space for what is called an “accommodation facility”.

But there are no further details.

Critics of the government say a legacy of mismanaging the asylum system means all these problems now stack up. And it is unquestionable the problems are massive.

But it is also unquestionable that the next government, of whatever political colour, will inherit much of the same set of problems.

And they are the same set of problems so many other similar rich countries confront - and will continue to confront for decades to come. (BBC)

Margaret Ferrier: MP faces Commons suspension for Covid train trip

MP Margaret Ferrier should be suspended from the Commons for 30 days for breaching Covid rules, the standards committee has recommended.

The suspension would likely lead to a by-election in her Rutherglen constituency if it was imposed.

Ms Ferrier spoke in parliament in September 2020 while awaiting the results of a Covid test.

She then took the train home to Glasgow after being told she had tested positive.

She lost the SNP whip and has since pleaded guilty to breaching Covid rules. She was sentenced to carry out 270 hours of community service.

The charge stated that she had failed to self isolate and had “exposed people to risk of infection, illness and death”.

MPs will vote on whether or not to follow the recommendations of the committee - and would

generally back its suggested punishment.

Any MP suspended from the Commons for at least 10 days can be recalled and a by-election held if at least 10% of the registered voters in their constituency sign a petition calling for it to happen.

Labour would have high hopes of winning any by-election in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency.

Ms Ferrier had a majority of 5,230 at the last general election when she won it for the SNP, with Labour finishing second.

She has been sitting in the Commons as an independent MP since losing the SNP whip.

The parliamentary commissioner for standards, Daniel Greenberg, began an investigation into her conduct on 12 October following Ms Ferrier’s self referral.

He concluded that she had put her own personal interest ahead of the public interest by

not immediately self-isolating in London, and had therefore caused “possible risk of harm to health and life for people she came into contact with”.

The commissioner also said her actions had “caused significant

damage to the reputation and integrity of the House of Commons as a whole, and of its members generally” and noted that people in many other walks of life would have been sacked for a similar breach of the lockdown rules.

‘INDICATION OF REMORSE’

Ms Ferrier told the commissioner her self-referral was “an open acceptance” and an “indication of remorse” that she had brought parliament into disrepute.

But she maintains that she did not put her personal interest above that of the public.

Glasgow Sheriff Court was told last August that she had taken a Covid test on Saturday 26 September 2020 because she had a “tickly throat”.

While awaiting her results, she went to church on the Sunday and gave a reading to the congregation, and later spent more than two hours in a bar in Prestwick, Ayrshire.

She then travelled to London by train - which had 183 passengers on board - on the Monday and spoke in the Commons later that day before finding out a short time later that she had tested positive for the virus. (BBC)

More than 51,000 asylum seekers are currently being put up in nearly 400 hotels around the UK.

The MP spoke in the House of Commons while awaiting the results of a Covid test

SPRINKLER DRIP IRRIGATION

IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN

To install, test, and maintain irrigation equipment including sprinklers, pumps, water lines, and suction valves, to operate heavy machinery for trenching and install wiring systems. Salary: $1,600 Monthly

CONTACT: 649-341-3168

BELONGERS CAN APPLY/RENEWAL

35711

CONTACT: 244-3581

CONTACT: 346-0444

CONTACT: 649-241-5612

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

Setting up workstations. Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers.

picking

disposal

trash and clean windows and door frames.

Salary: $7.00

CONTACT: (649) 242-5730

726 Leeward Highway Is seeking to employ a HENRY JEROME ERSTINE FRANCOIS

OFFICER

DOMESTIC WORKER

Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry. ENOS N GARDINER

help by sounding alarms.

ENCOURAGED

TO

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-8095

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and etc.

Salary:

CONTACT: 341-2841

SEND A COPY OF

TO

35651

GRAND TURK Is seeking to employ a CONTACT: 332-5963 NEW BIRTH KINGDOM MINISTRIES TCI CONTACT: 000-0000 35751 Responsible for music department as a musician. Setting up and maintenance of music equipment's. Assisting with Praise and worship practice and worship service. Salary: $1000.00 per month PERMIT HOLDER NAME: FRESNEL CIMEUS Long Bay Is seeking to employ a NORVILUS METTELUS CONTACT: 649-232-3264 35663 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

General

BIG BLUE COLLECTIVE

#2 MARINA ROAD, LEEWARD MARINA, PROVIDENCIALES

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SCUBA DIVING/WATERSPORTS INDUSTRY

Big Blue is looking for Turks and Caicos Islanders with outgoing personalities and physical coordination to join a team of knowledgeable and experienced guides to conduct educational and environmentally conscious eco-tours and boat charters throughout the Caicos Islands.

Scuba Diving Instructors

Seeking qualified Scuba Instructors to conduct PADI dive courses and tours.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Preference will be given to Turks Islanders and those with professional boating experience or Captain’s license.

• Be living (or be willing to live) on Providenciales and be punctual, reliable and able to work long days, public holidays, and weekends.

• Qualified OWSI or MSDT with 3+ years experience teaching and guiding with high end clientele.

• Experience conducting snorkel tours, guiding kayak and paddleboard tours and asset

• Experience maintaining dive equipment and asset

• Ensure in current teaching status with current First Aid qualifications.

• Marine biology background and experience in eco watersports and asset

• The work schedule is varied and provides up to 6-days work per week.

• Must have the personality for sales, public relations and education

DUTIES:

• Teach and guide diving per the PADI safety standards.

• Ensure proper maintenance and cleaning of all dive equipment

• Prep trips with needed coolers and additional items as needed

• Conduct snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding trips.

• Maintenance of dive equipment if qualified.

• Work towards gaining a local captains license.

• Salary range: $110 to $150 per day plus gratuities depending on previous experience.

Positions currently held by work permit holders. Applicants should apply to the email address below.

Kiteboarding Instructors

Seeking qualified IKO kite instructors to teach kite courses.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Preference will be given to Turks Islanders and those with extended teaching experience.

• Must be a qualified IKO Kite Instructor with 2+ years experience teaching.

• Other duties include assisting with sales and conducting kite tours and other watersports activities offered by the company.

• Experience in kayaking, paddleboarding, SCUBA diving and snorkeling are all assets

• Experience in boat handling or holding a captain’s license is an asset.

• The work schedule is varied and provides up to 6-days work per week.

• Must be willing to work long days in the sun.

Duties:

• Teach kite lessons of all levels

• Guide downwinders

• Repair kite equipment

• Ensure daily storage and cleaning of all equipment

• Ensure kite truck and trailer are clean and well maintained.

• Run jetski support

• Transport all equipment needed to teaching location

• Salary range: 20-30% of course fee (Course rate $175 per hour) plus gratuities. Average monthly income $3000.

Positions currently held by work permit holders and Turks Islanders. Applicants should apply to the email address below.

Kitchen Helper

Looking for a suitable candidate to help prepare food for boat charters.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Fluent in English with good speaking and reading skills.

• Willing to start at 5am, work long days, weekends and public holidays.

• Have prior experience in kitchen health and safety standards.

DUTIES:

• Prep food daily for following days trips.

• Prep coolers in time to be ready before trip start times.

• Clean coolers and clean office premises.

• Baking, prepping and cooking meals for trips

• Cooking staff lunches daily

• The work schedule is varied and provides up to 6-days work per week.

• Salary ranges from $8-$12 per hour

The position is currently held by Turks Islander and work permit holders. Preference will be given to Turks Islanders.

Sales Representative

Big Blue Collective is seeking a motived, energetic, and experienced salesperson to work with our team in a dynamic tourism excursion and retail environment.

DUTIES FOR THIS POSITION WILL INCLUDE:

- Service and retail sales with the goal of growth to the overall business.

- Implementing and monitoring sales strategies in a competitive market.

- Customizing new designs for company apparel brand.

- Inventory control and ordering.

- Answering inquiries via phone and email; making sales and reservations with solid knowledge of all products and services (training provided).

- Greeting and signing in guests in a professional, friendly manner with direction and information to keep the arrival flow seamless.

- Ensuring payments are collected, entering, and balancing of daily income.

- Must be willing to work long hours, weekends, public holidays while remaining flexible.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

- Mature, self motivated, confident, honest, and energetic that has a passion for working with the public and has a strong voice.

- Must speak strong English. French or Spanish also an asset.

- Minimum high school graduate with strength in Math and English.

- Minimum 3 years sales and sales related marketing experience or 3 years front desk/reception experience/retail sales management. This is not a beginner position.

- Education and experience in textile or graphic design.

- Experience in promotions and marketing services.

- Experience with Quickbooks POS inventory and stock control

- Good understanding of the ecotourism industry with d a passion for conservation.

Starting position pay is $125-$150 per day plus service charge depending on experience level and will start with a 3-month probationary period. Position is currently open.

CANDIDATES SHOULD APPLY VIA EMAIL TO CAREERS@BIGBLUECOLLECTIVE.COM BEFORE THE 15TH OF APRIL 2023 AND INCLUDE A RESUME AND COVER LETTER WITH A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF WHY THEY BELIEVE THEY ARE A SUITABLE CANDIDATE TO WORK IN THE ECO-TOURISM / WATERSPORTS INDUSTRY. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDERS. SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN POLICE RECORD AND PROOF OF

Prince Harry says Royal Family withheld information from him on tabloid phone hacking

THE Royal Family made a deal with British tabloids to publicly ignore phone hacking accusations, according to a statement from Prince Harry.

“The policy was to ‘never complain, never explain,’”

Harry wrote, according to People magazine. “There was no alternative; I was conditioned to accept it. For the most part, I accepted the interest in my performing my public functions.”

The prince said other members of the Royal Family withheld information from him so that he wouldn’t bring legal action against the tabloids.

“That has only become clear in recent years as I have pursued

my own claim with different legal advice and representation,” he wrote.

Harry and six more prominent Brits, including Elton John, are suing Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. They claim the company’s journalists used illegal tactics to obtain private information.

Harry submitted a lengthy witness statement in the case, which was released to media outlets on Tuesday.

”Associated’s journalists are criminals with journalistic powers which should concern every single one of us,” the Duke of Sussex wrote, according to the Guardian.

Melissa Joan Hart: I helped kids flee shooting

US actress Melissa Joan Hart has said she helped children flee after the Nashville school shooting.

“I am bringing this claim because I love my country and I remain deeply concerned by the unchecked power, influence and criminality of Associated.”

Tuesday was the second day of a four-day hearing that will determine whether the case can proceed. Harry has attended both days of the hearing, making a rare appearance back in London.

Associated Newspapers has argued the case should be thrown out on two technicalities: the accusations concern outdated actions, and crucial evidence should be suppressed because it was part of a 2012 public investigation into ethics in British journalism. (NYDailynews)

In an emotional video on Instagram, Hart said her children go to school near The Covenant School, where an attacker opened fire on Monday.

The Sabrina The Teenage Witch actress said she and her husband helped a class of kindergartners escape and reunite with their families.

Three children and three adults were killed in the shooting.

The children were nine-yearold pupils at the Christian private school. The adults were all staff members.

Hart said that she and her husband were in the area on their way to attend conferences at their children’s school when the shooting unfolded on Monday morning.

They then assisted with family reunification efforts as pupils from The Covenant School began to flee.

“We helped a class of kindergartners across a busy highway. They were climbing out of the woods. They were trying to escape the shooter situation at their school,” Hart said, appearing visibly upset.

“So we helped all these tiny little kids cross the road and get their teachers over there, and we helped a mom reunite with her children.”

Hart noted that this is the second time a mass shooting had occurred in her community.

She previously lived in Connecticut and her children attended a school near Sandy Hook, where a gunman opened fire and killed 20 children in 2012.

“This is our second experience with a school shooting with our kids being in close proximity,” she said.

“I just don’t know what to say anymore,” she added later in the video. “It is just, enough is enough. Just pray. Pray for the families.”

“Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler has his next job already on deck — a reboot of “The X-Files.”

Chris Carter, the eight-time Emmy-nominated creator of the seminal 1990s sci-fi series, let the cat out of the bag during an interview celebrating the 30th anniversary of the show.

“I just spoke to a young man, Ryan Coogler, who is going to remount ‘The X-Files’ with a diverse cast,” he revealed on CBC radio show “On the Coast with Gloria Macarenko” this week. “He’s got his work cut out for him because

we covered so much territory.”

Carter said Coogler, whose latest movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’’ received five 2023 Oscar nominations, will have to contend with today’s cultural landscape

— a stark contrast from when the series premiered 30 years ago.

“We’re so steeped in conspiracies now,” Carter added.

“The X-Files dealt with a central conspiracy, but now the world is so full of conspiracies that I think that it would be a different show.”

Originally launched in 1993 on Fox, “The X Files” became

a pop culture touchstone and skyrocketed the careers of stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Before it ended in 2002, a movie was produced to expand on the show’s stories surrounding

the investigations of unusual cases involving supernatural elements. Another movie was produced in 2008, after the show ended. The series was revived in 2016 but was canceled after two seasons.

Melissa Joan Hart said this is the second time a mass shooting had occurred in her community

The prince said other members of the Royal Family withheld information from him so that he wouldn’t bring legal action against the tabloids.

“Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler

‘Black Panther’ director Ryan Coogler to develop ‘X-Files’ reboot with ‘diverse cast’

According to Deadline, Coogler’s production banner Proximity Media is currently under a five-year exclusive deal with Disney Television. (New York Dailynews)

‘The Night Agent’ Renewed For Season 2 By Netflix

A day after Netflix unveiled record opening weekend viewership for The Night Agent, the streamer announced that it has picked up a 10-episode second season of the political conspiracy action-thriller series from creator Shawn Ryan and Sony Pictures Television. This marks one of the fastest renewal decisions for Netflix, which typically waits for data on a series’ 28-day performance before pulling the trigger.

“The last week has been a whirlwind as we’ve finally been able to share The Night Agent with the world,” said series creator, executive producer and showrunner Ryan. “To see the tremendous reaction to the show has been a great joy and is a credit to

our cast, our writers, our directors, our crew and our partners at Sony Pictures Television and Netflix. We couldn’t be any prouder or more excited to get cracking on Season 2 to share the further adventures of Night Action with our newfound fans.”

Inspired by the novel of the same name by Matthew Quirk, The Night Agent debuted on March 23, raking in 168.7M hours viewed in its first few days on the streamer, the third-best Season 1 premiere week of viewing for any Netflix original with a Top 10 finish in 93 countries.

“We’re proud to see The Night Agent deliver a breakout performance and become instantly embraced around the world,” said

Jinny Howe, VP of Drama Series, Netflix: “Shawn Ryan has created a spy thriller sensation that viewers cannot get enough of, with a stellar cast featuring Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan and Hong Chau, and we’re here to bring them more of the action and suspense they love.”

The Night Agent‘s first season, which was inspired by Quirk’s novel, centred on low-level FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Basso) who works in the basement of the White House, manning a phone that never rings — until the night that it does, propelling him into a fast moving and dangerous conspiracy that ultimately leads all the way to the Oval Office.

In an interview with Deadline

The Night Agent debuted on March 23, raking in 168.7m hours viewed in its first few days on the streamer

last week, Ryan said that the initial pitch for the show to Netflix “was that each season would tell its own, mostly self-enclosed, a beginning, middle and end story, and any future seasons would include a few but not most of the characters that we saw in the previous season. That was the original plan; I think it’s still a pretty solid plan.”

He would not elaborate who besides Basso will be back next season, which opens a new chapter for Peter as a Night Action agent, but revealed questions that would be answered as the story ventures beyond the original source material. (The following includes a general reference to Season 1 storylines with no major spoilers.)

Adele extends Las Vegas residency with 34 more concerts

ADELE isn’t saying goodbye to her Las Vegas residency any time soon.

The “Hello” singer on Sunday added 34 concerts to her “Weekends with Adele” residency, which was previously scheduled to conclude with Saturday night’s show at The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace.

The new performances will take place at that same venue between June 16 and Nov. 4, organisers announced Sunday.

The official confirmation came hours after Adele teased to her audience that the residency would

go on and that a concert film would follow.

“Playing to 4,000 people for 34 dates is not enough, and I know that,” Adele told the crowd Saturday, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “So I am coming back for a few weeks in June, and I’m going to release it to make sure anyone who wants to see this show can see it.”

The London-born Adele — a 16time Grammy winner known for hits such as “Rolling in the Deep” and “Easy on Me” — began her Vegas residency last November. The first leg also included 34 concerts.

The official confirmation came hours after Adele teased to her audience that the residency would go on and that a concert film would follow

Nick Cannon says he takes care of the needs of his children mothers

Nick Cannon, who has fathered 12 children by six different women, has opened up about how he supports his expanding family.

“The Masked Singer” host revealed that, although it’s not easy, he doesn’t give his babies’ mothers a set “amount of money” or a “monthly allowance.”

“What they need, they get it,” said Cannon, who clarified that he is “not on the government.”

“There’s never been something that one of the mothers of my children has asked for and they didn’t receive,” he explained during an interview on “The Home Team Morning Show” this week.

Cannon’s current brood includes 12 children between the ages of 3 months and 11 years, including twins Monroe and Moroccan,

whom he shares with pop diva Mariah Carey.

Despite any personal relationship upheaval, the “Wild-N-Out” creator — who joked “that’s why they call me the provider” — said he has a deep appreciation for the multiple women he’s impregnated.

“When you really understand, like, ‘Yo, this woman has given the greatest sacrifice and sacrificed her body to bring a child [into the world], and that’s the best gift any man could ask for,’” he shared. “So regardless of what goes on in any scenario, I’mma always show love and respect. I’ll never say anything disrespectful or bad about any of the mothers of my children.”

The 42-year-old Lupus survivor also credited the group of women — which includes “Selling Sunset”

castmate Bre Tiesi, former “Price Is Right” model LaNisha Cole and former radio personality Abby De La Rosa — for putting up with his lifestyle.

“Anybody that could put up with me and everything from my

schedule to ... being in the media and stuff like that, like, that’s a queen,” he shared. “I truly just honor everybody in my family because it ain’t easy.”

Last week, Cannon went viral for revealing that his former girlfriend

and co-star Christina Milian is one particular ex he wishes would have been on his list of baby mamas. However, in speaking with “The Home Team,” he said he doesn’t know if he will father any more children. (NYDailynews)

Nick Cannon also has two children with Maria Carey

AUTO SALES

REAL ESTATE

QUINCY

CARTWRIGHT

MAINTENANCE WORKER

The pay is $6.75 an hour and this is for Work Permit Renewal.

SHANETTE

plasters.

Salary: $8 hourly MASON 202 Palm Circle, Leeward Palms Is seeking to employ a

35666

BELONGERS ARE

OSPREY SECURITY SOLUTIONS LTD

ENCOURAGED

BELONGERS

SALARY $3,500.00 PER MONTH

The Role requires a tract record of excellent leadership, risk management and personnel management skills. Must have experience in coordinating security across multiple remote sites and be flexible to work at any time around the 24-hour

period. Possess a certified qualification from a recognized security training body at managerial level or above. Must have at least ten-year experience in private security provision and five years of Police experience.

CONTACT: 333-6577 TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED

IS URGENTLY LOOKING FOR A FLORIST

Applicant must have experience as a Floral Assistant or Florist. Must have extensive knowledge of tropical flowers, foliage and potted plants, including their names, seasonal availability and lifespan. Candidates must have experience using current styles in floral design while at the same time understanding the traditional use of certain flowers for weddings, funerals etc. salary commensurate with experience.

CONTACT: 231-3788

35650

TURKS HEAD INN LTD GRAND TURK

Grand Turk TCI Is seeking to employ a

• Turks Head Inn Ltd is looking for two (2) Domestic Workers at Grand Turk, TCI area. Not limited to Cleans and sanitizes hotel and guest rooms.

• Vacuums and sweeps floors, carpets, and rugs.

linens.

• Cleans and sanitizes bathrooms, showers, toilets, sinks, and countertops.

• Replenishes toiletries and towels.

• Empties trash receptacles.

SUBMIT RESUMES TO: TURKS HEAD INN @ EMAIL ADDRESS TURKSHEADINNE1830@GMAIL.COM APPLICANTS WHO ARE TC ISLANDERS SHOULD SEND COPIES OF THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE LABOUR BOARD.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

but not limited

to maintaining landscaping, trimming shrubs, spraying, picking

have knowledge of maintaining

be a team player with a desire to deliver excellent

customer

GUSTAVE ISRAEL

HERITAGE HORSEBACK RIDING

Cleaning property, picking up yard waste, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

$7.00 Hourly

LABOURER BABYSITTER

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and etc.

$7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-1844

35598 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

Brush and groom, feed, handle and exercise horses, and lead them to their stables. Check horses for lameness, common injuries, ailments and infections. Give first aid, medication or other treatment to horses.

Salary: $12.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-232-3264

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

HOWARD GARDINER

TEL: 231-1803

Glass Shack, Providenciales Salary: $6.25 per hour

General cleaning of premises, garbage removal etc.

HEMINGWAYS'S RESTAURANT

TEL: 941-8408

The Sands, Grace Bay, Providenciales

BELONGERS MAY APPLY WITH LABOUR EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT

DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT:

35552

MUSIC TEACHERS

CASHIER

CONTACT: 241-3716

J.M.A BARBER SHOP

vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. $6.50 Hourly Cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair, trimming beards, or giving shaves. $7.00 Hourly CLEANER BARBER The Bight Is seeking to employ a JOHN WILLIAMS

Airport Rd., South Caicos Is seeking to employ a AGNES

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning outside the property with a sweeper, pick up yard waste and collecting leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 247-1864

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Cleaning outside the property with a sweeper, picking up yard waste and collecting leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames.

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 246-3355

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

MASON

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/ or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters. $7.00 Hourly

Installs pipes and fixtures, installs supports for pipes, equipment, etc. $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-346-6359

CONTACT: 241-9020

TO THE LABOUR BOARD

SWANN

Central Square, Whitby North Caicos Is seeking to employ a

Rate: $6.50 per hour

35603

$7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-1844

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE

JUSTIN FRANCK BERLUS

Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a KALL’S KICKIN KITCHEN Long Bay Is seeking to employ a

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

35571

35563 COOK BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO

SEND A COPY OF

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

$11.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 232-3899

CLEANER

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-3579

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

MASON HELPER

Candidate must have ASME operations experience and be efficient in maintaining a fleet of Diesel and Propane Trucks.

AND CAICOS ISLANDER APPLICANTS MUST SEND THEIR CV/DOCUMENTS TO PROVOGAS@GMAIL.COM OR CONTACT (649) 242-3131 FOR

Cleaning outside the property with a sweeper, pick up yard waste and collecting leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-4156

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

GARDENER

Soil cultivation, digging and forking, mulching, watering weeding and seed sowing

Salary: $6.50/ Hourly

CONTACT: 649-245-5955

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

2 FISHERMEN

Must have some knowledge of using fishing equipment such as fishing reels and fish traps.

based on Catch

2 PLANT WORKERS

Must be able and willing to clean seafood. $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-231-0293

DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT: 232-8096

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 247-1444

• Visit the site, estimate, and plan.

• Provide all tools and materials.

• Adhere to building code.

• Manage all employees. Salary: $2,500.00 Monthly

CONTACT: 345-8238

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

LABOURER/ GARDENER

To weed, shape trees, water plants, maintain the cleaning of the yards, pick up and throw out trash of the managed Salaryproperties. $6.50 per hour

CONTACT: 649-245-4153 OR

UPMBS.TCI@GMAIL.COM

DOMESTIC WORKER

Duties: To help in an Electrical Service business SALARY: $6.50 per hour

CONTACT: 241-2579

Cleaning outside the property with a sweeper, pick up yard waste and collecting leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames.

CONTACT: 341-1406

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc.

CONTACT: 246-7583

DOMESTIC WORKER

Duties: Regular household chores, And Laundry. SALARY: $6.50 per hour

CONTACT: 343-1691

DOMESTIC WORKER

Duties: Regular household chores, And Laundry.

$6.50 per hour

CONTACT: 341-8501

CATHOLIC TEACHERS

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, cleaning bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-348-7539

SONIA GIBBS

Duties include but not limited to: Carrying out daily cleaning including sweeping, moping, cleaning windows, dusting etc.

Must be willing to work weekends and holidays as required.

Ability to speak a foreign language (e.g. Spanish and Creole) would be helpful.

ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

• Prepares budgets and records and sends invoices for services or products rendered by company employees that have been approved by management. They handle cash transactions and perform other administrative duties as needed, such as about financial reports.

• Maintain & update Asset Register including

FULL TIME RENTAL AGENT

depreciation & reconciliation to general ledger.

• Supports company operations by maintaining office system.

• Completes general operational and maintained inventory.

• Job experience atleast 3 years

• Must be willing to work 5 to 6 days per week.

• Driving license is a must.

• Salary range: $9.00-$11.00 per hour

CONTACT: 432-2211

• Must be fluent in English with the ability to compose emails etc.

• Must be Customer Service Oriented

• Must be willing to work on weekends, holidays and at nights as required

• Minimum of 2 years working experience

• Knowledge of computer software

• Must be 21 years or older

• Three references required

• Must have a Valid Driver’s License, clean Police Record and Valid TCI Status

Applicants without a Valid Driver’s License will not be considered for an interview

Salary will be based on qualifications and experiences

BLUSH SALON STUDIO

Millenium Highway Unit# 4 Grant’s Plaza, Providenciales

CONTACT: 649-231-7201

SKYLINE

DISTRIBUTORS LTD. IS LOOKING FOR QUALIFIED APPLICANTS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS;

All interested applicants, please send resumes to PO Box 762. Preference will be given to experienced and qualified Belongers.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Reporting to the Managing Director, most senior responsibility for all aspects of the business. Previous experience, including recruiting staff, marketing and sales, budgeting, performing office and administrative functions, promoting the business activities, customer interaction, vendor relationships required. Full control of COGS to comply with budgets, maximizing revenues through price negotiations, maintain inventory control, communicate between management and suppliers on order fulfillment, ability to multi-task and work under pressure within a fast-paced work environment. Strong negotiation, mathematical, analytical and communication skills. Must have a vehicle, valid drivers’ license and be willing to work holidays and weekends. Must have a 4-year college degree with a related field and/or 5+ years’ experience in a business of this nature. Strong negotiation, accounting, mathematical, computer/POS and analytical skills. Detail oriented, excellent communication skills. Salary: $48,000 + per annum, depending on experience.

MARKETING & SALES SUPERVISOR

Reporting to the Managing Director, most senior responsibility for all aspects of the Marketing & Sales Operations, sales and costs analysis to comply with budgets, maximizing revenues through sales techniques, product sourcing and pricing structures, inventory control, inventory and account reconciliations, web-site design and update, customer interaction, vendor relationships. Must have a vehicle, valid drivers’ license and willing to work holidays and weekends. College degree with background in marketing/finance or related fields, 3+ years’ experience in operations control or sales. Strong computer/POS and analytical skills. Detail oriented, excellent communication skills, cooperative attitude, hands on work ethic. Salary: $42,000 + per annum, depending on experience.

Is

Duties: shampooing, cut, styling and treatment.

Duties: Acrylic, design, manicure, and 3D

SERVICE

Millenium Highway Grant Plaza

Providenciales

CONTACT: 649-244-4241

General laborer duties

Basic Salary: $300.00 weekly

WASH BAY SUPERVISOR

• Must have 5 years’ experience

• Planning and managing logistics rentals, dispatching and customer services.

• Meeting, optimizing and coordinating with rental agents liase with managers and negotiating discounts on rentals.

DOMESTIC WORKER WANTED

software’s, excel, Europcar, QuickBooks, and computing

• Ensure all rentals are properly cleaned in and out before they are sent to the airport.

• Ensure all vehicles are properly repaired mechanically and body repaired.

SALARY: $1367.59 bi-weekly

• Full knowledge rent centric, CONTACT: 649-441-8515

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD EMAIL: FRANTZ@GRACEBAYCARRENTALS.COM

JOB VACANCY

Andaz Turks and Caicos Residences at Grace Bay is a luxury boutique hotel nestled along the shore of the world’s number one beach Grace Bay. We are seeking determined and energetic professionals who provide discreet yet personalized and attentive service that well defines the Andaz Turks and Caicos experience.

Senior Project Manager - As the Senior Project manager you will be responsible to plan, direct, manage and provide oversight of assigned design and construction projects to ensure that Andaz Turks and Caicos Residences’ goals and objectives are met within prescribed schedule and budget parameters. Effective communication with FF&E, OS&E and GMP contract management as well as the field staff and technical staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises management of construction projects; monitors and coordinates work performed by architectural, engineering and construction firms.

• Inspects, approves, and accepts or rejects completed projects for the company, ensuring correction of deficiencies and that work is performed to conformance of established standards.

• Leads project delivery resources/team (typically larger more experienced team) providing project guidance and direction to achieve project goals.

• Responsible for inventory management and for enhancing operational efficiency.

• Plans and coordinates formulation of design alternatives and solutions for corporate and branch construction projects; provides conceptual estimates, feasibility studies and cost estimates, program development, preparation of space plans, block plans and determination of telephone, data, power, and furniture requirements.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders on process and timeline for projects

• Facilitates request for service and repair. These requests include adding or reconfiguring workstations, ordering furniture, coordinating repair of existing furniture, processing building work orders and requests for security access cards for associates and vendors.

• Prepares, reviews & negotiates contracts, purchase orders and

REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field required.

• Certifications in Project Management or any field

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience

• Proof of completed projects in relation to hotels/resort in the past 10 years

An experienced Domestic Worker is required for full time employment. Candidate must have own transportation and be willing to work late/flexible hours. A demonstrated ability to work unsupervised, must speak English and have excellent communication skills.

Salary starting at $7.00 per hour. This advertisement is required

for a work permit renewal application for this position.

All suitably qualified TC Islanders are requested to submit resumes/portfolios to PO Box 560, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales, TCI or by email to tos@mslaw.tc.

Prospective TC Islander applicants are also free to lodge a copy of their applications with the Labour Board.

Environmental Arts Irrigation Ltd

IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN

• Knowledge of the installation and operation of irrigation systems and components.

• Knowledge of work methods, tools, equipment and materials used to maintain and repair irrigation systems

• Knowledge of electronically controlled irrigation systems and programming functions

• Knowledge of drip irrigation systems

• Skill in reading construction drawings, blueprints, plans and specifications

• Skill in maintaining records of the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems

• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot irrigation problems

• Ability to work both independently and with others

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

• Ability to fine tune irrigation systems to optimum operating potential

• Ability to troubleshoot pumping systems and remove and install pumps.

• Ability to install and replace faulty valves and solenoids

• Repairs of piping of all types

• Direct, train, and evaluate subordinate personnel.

• Coordinate, assign, and review the work of assigned maintenance personnel

• Review work orders and schedule personnel and equipment in accordance with job requirements

• Plan and recommend materials needed for work projects; order approved supplies and materials

• Prepare and maintain maintenance logs of work performed

• Order supplies; keep time sheets; assist with budgeting; complete written records of work performed, material/labor estimates and training

• Respond to inquiries from company client’s

• Safely operate and maintain a variety of related tools, power, and agricultural related equipment

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other contractors employees and the public using principles of good customer service

Salary 9/hr

This is for a renewal

Contact 649-941-5579

IRRIGATION LABOR

Irrigation labor wanted for manual labor such as digging trenches, holes, cleaning irrigation tanks, moving equipment, moving soil, cleaning and assisting technicians on other duties as require.

Salary 8/hr

649-941-5579

#1216 Leeward Highway, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a

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

Applicant must be very good with caring for the elderly. Bathing, feeding, washing, dispensing of medication and keeping the area clean at all times.

CONTACT: 346-1243

CONTACT: 244-6254

(2) LOGISTIC COORDINATOR (3) LABOURER

TRADESMEN

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/ or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

CONTACT: 241-6461

DOMESTIC WORKER

Applicants must be honest, reliable and hard working.

Washing, cleaning and ironing.

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-232-1288

DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT: 232-1588

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

CONTACT: 231-7363

MAINTENANCE WORKER

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and etc.

Salary: $8.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-3697

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

2 SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHERS

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 343-9399

SBA GLOBAL WHOLESALE (TCI) LTD. (ISLAND BARGAINS.COM)

• Work in the warehouse filling orders and assist with inventory

• Work closely with customers and warehouse staff to pick up and process delivery requests as they come in

• Scan barcodes and move items to correct location

• Inspect packages/cargo to ensure that they have the right items and that nothing is damaged or missing from the order

• Maintain accurate inventory records while working quickly and safely

• Ensure that customers receive the correct number of items as reflected on their invoice

• Adhere to all health and safety protocols and procedures at all times

Salary: $8.00 per hour. Must be able to complete heavy lifting and working on feet for extended periods of time doing manual and physical labour. Must be willing to work up to 6 days per week, including weekends. Must be detail-oriented and be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

CONTACT: 946-2274, EMAIL: NIKKI@ISLANDBARGAINS.COM BELONGERS ARE

CONTACT: 232-1473

TURKS HEAD INN LTD GRAND TURK

DOMESTIC WORKERS

• Turks Head Inn Ltd is looking for two (2) Domestic Workers at Grand Turk, TCI area. Not limited to Cleans and sanitizes hotel and guest rooms.

Is seeking to employ a bathrooms, showers, toilets, sinks, and countertops.

• Replenishes toiletries and towels.

• Vacuums and sweeps floors, carpets, and rugs.

• Makes beds and changes linens.

• Cleans and sanitizes

• Empties trash receptacles. Applicants who are TC Islanders should send copies of their applications to the Labour Board.

Salary: $8 per hour

TCI FLOOR CARE SPECIALIST

Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a

Duties: Regular household chores, And Laundry. SALARY: $6.50 per hour

$6.75

CONTACT: 242-5462

BELONGERS ARE

DEPARTMENT OF TRADE, INDUSTRY, AND FAIR COMPETITION THE CONSUMER PROTECTION APPEAL TRIBUNAL

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

BIG BLUE COLLECTIVE IN THE SCUBA DIVING/WATERSPORTS INDUSTRY

#2 Marina Street, Leeward Marina, Providenciales

Big Blue is looking for Turks and Caicos Islanders with outgoing personalities and physical coordination to join a team of knowledgeable and experienced guides to conduct educational and environmentally conscious eco-tours and boat charters throughout the Caicos Islands.

SCUBA DIVING INSTRUCTORS

Seeking qualified PADI Dive Instructors to conduct dive courses and tours. Applicants must have a minimum 2 years teaching experience and experience with high end vessels and clientele a must. Preference will be given to Turks Islanders and those with professional boating experience or hold a TCI Captain’s license. Other duties include conducting snorkel tours, paddle eco tours and dive equipment maintenance. The work schedule is varied and provides up to 6-days work per week, must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Current positions held by work permit holders and new positions available. Salary range: $150 to $175 per day plus gratuities and service charge. Applicants should apply to the email address below.

KITCHEN HELPER

Looking for a suitable candidate to help prepare food for boat charters, clean coolers and clean office premises. Duties include cooking, baking, cleaning, food prep, inventory and food ordering. The work schedule is varied and provides up to 6-days work per week. The following are required of the applicant:

• Fluent in English with good speaking and reading skills.

• Must be willing to start as early as 5am, work long days, weekends and public holidays.

• Have prior experience and certification in kitchen health and safety standards.

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Consumer Protection Appeal Tribunal is composed of members appointed by the Minister of Finance, Trade, and Investment to hear and determine appeals against decisions of the Director of Trade in relation to complaints made and investigations conducted under the TCI Consumer Protection Ordinance.

Applications from suitable individuals are invited for filling up the following vacant post on the Consumer Protection Appeal Tribunal

•Demonstrates ability, integrity and standing, having special knowledge of, and professional experience of no less than ten (10) years in economics, business, commerce, law, finance, accounting, management, industry, public affairs, administration, or any other matter which is useful to the Consumer Protection Appeal Tribunal; •Demonstrates sound understanding of the TCI Consumer Protection Ordinance;

•Willing to declare his/ her income, assets, and liabilities with the TCI Integrity Commission;

•Must be under the age of 75 years; and

$350 per meeting

Candidates should apply via email to careers@bigbluecollective. com before the 30th of April 2021 and include a resume and cover letter with a brief description of why they believe they are a suitable candidate to work in the eco-tourism / watersports industry. Applicants should send a copy to the Commissioner of Labour.

Note: For more details on the Consumer Protection Appeal Tribunal, please refer to the TCI Consumer Protection Ordinance, which can be found at https://www.gov.tc/trade/consumeraffairs/legislation.

Applications, along with the C.V. and a copy of the applicant’s National Turks and Caicos Islander status card, should be sent to consumerappealstribunal@gov.tc by April 14, 2023. Kindly note that applications not accompanied by supporting documentation will not be considered.

Additionally, please ensure that all applications clearly state “[Name of Desired Post] - CP Appeals Tribunal” in the subject line.

The Department of Trade, Industry, and Fair Competition thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.

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

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: 341-2460

BELONGERS ARE

Duties: To clean and maintain premises and Other chores as assigned. SALARY: $7.50 per hour.

THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR HR / TRAINING MANAGER

Job Purpose: Administrative Officers serve as principal advisors to its organizations and participate in developing and implementing administrative management policies, working with management on planning organizational needs, and preparing plans, goals, objectives, and criteria for management processes.

NATURE AND SPAN OF CONTROL:

Reports to: Managing Director Reports Indirectly to: Deputy Managing Director

Their main duties are unloading building materials, and preparing job sites. They will use hand tools and operating machinery to help them with their work and assist crews with other necessary tasks.

Pay: $8.00 per hour

Work hours: Monday to Friday and weekends as requested

TEL: (649) 348-4781

DOMESTIC WORKER

Duties: Housekeeping, cleaning, mopping, sweeping, ironing, washing, dusting etc.

Salary: $8.00 per hour

EMAIL: CARIBBEANDREAMSMGT@GMAIL.COM

Positions Reporting Directly to the Incumbent: Clerical Officer

Internal Liaison Managing Director Civil Aviation Authority, Deputy Managing Director Civil Aviation Authority, Airworthiness Inspector, Licensing Officer, Accountant, Technical Records Clerk, Air Traffic Services Inspector

Liaison externally Air Safety Support International (ASSI), United Kingdom Civil Aviation

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERTISE/ SKILLS:

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Administration or Human Resources

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Three years experience in Office Management Working Conditions

• Physical environment: Incumbent performs some tasks in Air Conditioned office environment with comfortable furniture and modern PCs. Incumbent must also travel once per quarter to Grand Turk to meet with the administration staff.

• Hours of work: Incumbent works approximately 35-40 hrs per week, occasionally having to put in additional hours to meet deadlines.

LTD.

SSI SCUBA DIVING INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCED

Duties include: Teaching all SSI dive courses, guiding certified divers, all other boat and dive centre duties as required. Salary starts at $125 per day but will be based on experience and qualifications.

CONTACT: 649-432-2782

• Physical demand: The position is primarily sedentary but incumbent must be able bodied and have a good medical certificate.

ACCOUNTABILITY/RESPONSIBILITY FOR INDEPENDENT ACTIONS

• Ability to identify relevant data, prepares reports,

and presents the data using appropriate media.

• Ability to prioritize and accomplish assigned tasks independently and within established timeframes.

• Ability to select, interpret and apply travel/ relocation policies and regulations to answer questions, resolve problems, secure services, and make decisions/ recommendations.

• Knowledge of management practices, processes, ordinance and policies governing employment.

• Keep an accurate update of staff annual leave, entitlement and benefits in line with the Staff Procedures Manual.

• Assist with other administrator duties when administration staff is on leave

• Write letters on behalf of staff to requested organizations.

• Responsible for the approval of office purchases.

• Compile monthly, quarterly, or annual reports and Manuals.

• Apply policies and procedures related to administrative programs.

• Demonstrate the analytical ability, and strong written and verbal communications skills.

• Supervise Administration staff with planning and preparing daily task, such as job function, supplies and time management.

• Keep staff inform on changes, implementation and up-dates within the Authority.

• Conduct orientation of new staff

• Conduct annual appraisal and follow up on suggestions made to ensure that mile stones listed are been accomplished.

• Sits on the interview panel when hiring new staff

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Training Manager

• Under supervision of the managing Director, the Office Administrator (OA) plans, develops, monitors, and executes actions required to manage the Office’s, personnel management, performance management systems, awards, pay, travel and administrative and training programs.

• Assist with proper record keeping of staff training and development, forecasting training for each fiscal year.

Tools and Technologies

The incumbent is required to use basic office equipment and software

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION APRIL 7, 2023

Highway, Providenciales or email athomas@tcicaa.tc to reach no later than April 7th, 2023

Salary range: $47,940-$55,080 per annum

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Wymara Resort and Villas is a contemporary luxury full-service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.

*SPA THERAPIST

The Spa Therapist professional massage and body treatments to our guests. They must have a thorough knowledge of numerous massage modalities, possess a general understanding of body treatments and be willing to train in our spa’s specific massage and body treatment offerings. They must possess excellent communication skills and be able to learn the product and service knowledge necessary to effectively provide wellness solutions to meet the needs of our guests.

Salary Commission Based.

*CHEF DE CUISINE

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

Salary Range: $25k - $36k per annum.

*HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

Works with Room Attendants to ensure guest rooms and public areas are maintained to luxury standards. Assisting staff with daily tasks according to occupancy. Inspects work and coaches to develop consistent skills, assists in inventory and reporting. At least 4 years’ experience as luxury resort room attendant and supervisory experience preferred. PC skills required, Opera preferred, must have exceptional attention to detail and consistency in adhering to luxury standards.

Salary Range: $20k-$ 25k per annum.

*MAINTENANCE FOREMAN

Report directly to the Chief Engineering. This position is responsible for the day to day maintenance of the hotel. This position demands attention to detail, technical expertise and understanding of the preventive maintenance process. The Maintenance Foreman is committed to safety and focused on leading and supporting teams in goal achievement. Minimum 10 years of leading international 5 Star luxury full-service hotels, proven knowledge and ability to oversee and direct the maintenance and operational readiness of diverse equipment. Well-versed in analysis, identification and mitigation of safety hazards. Adept at reducing production downtime through scheduling, inspection and troubleshooting management. Skillfully train and mentor team members to optimize performance and improve quality. Strategic and forwardthinking leader with self-motivated and tactical mindset. Excellent relationshipbuilding and critical thinking skills with determined and decisive nature.

Salary Range: $25k-$ 36k per annum.

Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to Hr@wymararesortandvillas.com

SECURITY MANAGER SALARY $3,500.00 PER MONTH

The Role requires a tract record of excellent leadership, risk management and personnel management skills. Must have experience in coordinating security across multiple remote sites and be flexible to work at any time around the 24-hour

period. Possess a certified qualification from a recognized security training body at managerial level or above. Must have at least ten-year experience in private security provision and five years of Police experience.

CONTACT: 333-6577

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

The Turks and Caicos Islands oldest and leading publishing house is in need of additional staff to fill the following posts:

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 must have had actual hands-on experience selling advertising space for newspapers and magazines. Ability to assist clients with the writing of copy for ads and gathering of collateral an asset. Salary is commission based.

WORKER

NV formerly Natures Visions requires a supervisor to manage installations and maintenance of landscapes.

THE KEY DUTIES OF THIS POSITION ARE:

• Supervising and working alongside teams of 2 to 6 gardeners and laborers.

• Assist with quotations and estimates.

• Installing and maintaining irrigation systems from various manufacturers,

• Applying pesticide and fertilizer appropriately.

TCMillwork ltd.

Architectural Woodworking, Cabinetry and Design

CNC ROUTER

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 5 years work experience in manufacturing furniture, woodworking, joinery and cabinet making.

Salary at $12.00 per hour

CNC OPERATOR, FURNITURE CARPENTER & LABOURER

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 5 years work experience in manufacturing furniture, woodworking, joinery and cabinet making.

• Trained to help cabinet maker, furniture carpenter.

• Cleaning the shop, offload materials, stack materials Salary at $11.00 per hour

FURNITURE CARPENTER & CARPENTER

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 5 years work experience in manufacturing furniture, woodworking, joinery and cabinet making.

Salary at $10.00 per hour Position: Tradesman

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• To utilize wood, metal and other materials, install cabinets and shelves, hang drywall, install molding and trim, and ensure measurements and cuts are accurate, may also perform repair work and install hardware. temporary structures like scaffolds, etc.

• Trained to help cabinet maker, furniture carpenter.

• Cleaning the shop, offload materials, stack materials Salary at $8.00 per hour

Skills required for all 7 positions below:

• Individual must have previous experience with manufacture, construction, and installation of high end cabinetry.

• Must be familiar with operation of all current woodworking machinery and tools with proper safety practices.

• Must be able to read Auto-Cad drawings.

• English speaking, bilingual preferred.

DUTIES:

Joinery, manufacturing, finishing and or re-finishing of furniture, cabinets and woodwork in general including installation. Assist other employees in general millshop operations and maintenance. Must be professional and courteous.

Please send applications to: tcmillwork@tciway.tc. Contact person: Stephane Gaudet 231-4537. Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of resume to Labour Department. All positions are held by work permit holders.

• Ability to work six days a week

REQUIREMENTS OF THIS

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE ARE

• A qualification in landscaping, horticulture or sciences

• Minimum three years of landscaping experience at leadership level. Five years if no qualifications.

• Sound knowledge of planting techniques, irrigation systems, and diagnosing plant Health as well as soil’s, fertilizers and pesticides in the application of those

• Experience in tree trimming would be an asset

• Drivers license, and on vehicle

Salary $3000-$4500. Monthly based on experience

IS INTERVIEWING FOR AN ADDITIONAL:

RESERVATIONS AGENT

Candidates must be personable, and customer service oriented. Requires Strong English(verbal and written) communication skills and Computer

Experience (Typing/Word/Excel)

Hotel Front Desk or Concierge experience mandatory.

Salary and Bonus Package determined by qualifications and experience

RESUMES SHOULD BE EMAILED TO

South Dock Road, Industrial Park Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

EXTRAORDINARY MINDS ASHLEY’S LEARNING CENTER

Job Title: Principal Location: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Island

Reporting To: Chairman, Board of Directors

JOB SUMMARY:

Extraordinary Minds: Ashley’s Learning Center is recruiting a senior level position of Principal for our Special Needs School.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supervises all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the School, including management of all administrative responsibilities eg. established budgets, guidelines and priorities as directed by the Board.

2. Acts as liaison between the Governing Board, teachers, parents, community agencies, and Ministry of Education,

3. Promptly responds to parents’ questions and concerns,

4. Supervises the writing and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities through observations, assessments, biweekly teacher plans and progress reports,

5. Participates in the selection, supervision, observation, and evaluation of teachers, related service providers, and other staff in designated programs as directed the Board of Management,

6. Conducts required meetings with staff individually, in small group or schoolwide,

7. Serves as the Instructional Leader of the school by facilitating at least two Professional Development sessions monthly on topics related to instructional practices, technology, trends in education and other topics,

8. Collaborates with staff members on identifying needs, opportunities, resources, and methods of providing professional development. Monitors and assesses the results of professional development to ensure the desired outcome,

9. Visits classrooms frequently to directly observe the instructional methods, materials, and procedures used by teachers and provides coaching where necessary,

10. Develops, implements, and evaluates annual school improvement efforts and staff development plans in line with the school’s Strategic Plan and the Ministry of Education’s mandates,

11. Ensures that the school environment remains safe for students and staff by following health and security protocols, monitoring the school’s surroundings and managing all other aspects of school safety.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• A Bachelor’s degree in Special Needs Education

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field would be an asset AND

• A minimum of five (5) years teaching experience in a Special Needs classroom setting

• A minimum of two (2) years school management experience

• Maintains excellent and timely attendance and punctuality.

• Possess above average communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills.

PACKAGE and BENEFITS

SALARY: from $43,000 per annum commensurate on qualification and experience

For persons recruited outside of the Turks & Caicos Islands a two-year extendable contract is offered. In addition to the basic salary, a Housing Allowance, End-of contract gratuity of 3% and Return Passage to country of origin are offered.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter and two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer) as well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the Passport photo page, National Turks & Caicos Islander Status Card (where applicable). Shortlisted candidates must submit a Police Certificate.

Applications should be addressed to the Chairman, Extraordinary Minds: Ashley Learning Center, George Alley, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Applications can be hand delivered, or sent by email to: chairperson@ ashleyslearningcenter.org

Applicants applying for this position must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 Applications without all supporting documents will not be processed. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 14, 2023

SMALL BUSINESS FOR SALE

Locally owned and operated for 30+ years, this is a part time business, ideally for one person, who has computer and people skills. If you are ready to be your own boss, or supplement your current income, this could be the ideal solution.

This business has been in continuous operation for 32 years, and has generated a substantial profit from year one.

Owner wishes to retire and travel, but will be available to consult with new owner for the first year.

CONTACT KATHI 431-6257 OR KATHI@SVMINX.ORG

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES!

The Financial Services Commission (FSC), the regulator of financial services business in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill several vacancies.

APPLICATION DEADLINE 11TH APRIL 2023

ANALYST III

Department: Bank & Trust

Annual Salary: $55,272.00 - $68,091.00

JOB SUMMARY

This is one of three supervisory positions in the Bank and Trust Department. The holder of this position will directly supervise staff and the Unit’s work program in the regulation, supervision and examination of the investment and trust sectors.

Details on the above vacancies can be found on the Commission’s website at https://tcifsc.tc/vacancies/ or by contacting the Commission at telephone numbers 649-946-2550 or 649-946-2791 ext. 4021 or 4048.

Applications should be emailed to administration@tcifsc.tc no later than April 11th, 2023. A copy of the application should be submitted to the Employment Services Department by emailing to CHbacchus@gov. tc and MCadams@gov.tc. Applications received after the application deadline may not be considered in this recruitment phase but may be placed on file for future reference. While we appreciate your response, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

DOMESTIC WORKER

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other

CONTACT: 331-2703

HOUSEKEEPING

DOMESTIC WORKER

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $7.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 348-7838

2 CARPENTERS

CONTACT: 649-332-4317

FINE DINING SERVER

BABYSITTER

Monitor child/children while parents are away.

Prepare meals and snacks for child/ children.

Assist with child/ children bath-time.

CONTACT: 345-5615

EMILINE ERICKA JOSEPH

DOMESTIC WORKER

THE MERIDIAN CLUB ON PINE CAY WOULD LIKE TO PLACE THE FOLLOWING NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.

Minimum 3 years’ experience in luxury resort environment. Wine knowledge and pairing and must have experience in fine dining table service. Individual requires exceptional customer service skills and good communication skills. The position would require staying on the Cay for scheduled shifts. Salary $10 per hour

HEAD LAUNDRESS

Minimum 5 years’ experience in luxury resort environment. Ensures that all laundry services within the property meet the highest possible standards. Organizes and controls the laundry department and maintains all relevant records. Well organized individuals to be responsible for the day-to-day Resort laundry facility. Sorting, cleaning, folding and organizing hotel linens. Some heavy lifting is required. Salary $10 per hour

SERVER

3 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment. Wine knowledge and pairing and must have experience in fine dining table service. Individual requires exceptional customer service skills and good communication skills. The position would require staying on the Cay for scheduled shifts. Salary $10 per hour

LAUNDRY ATTENDANT

Minimum 5 years’ experience in luxury resort environment. Well organized individuals to be responsible for the day-to-day Resort laundry facility. Sorting, cleaning, folding and organizing hotel linens. Some heavy lifting is required. Salary $9 per hour

GUEST SERVICE AGENT

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER

Minimum 5 years’ experience in luxury restaurant operation with Mediterranean exposure required. Excellent communication and organizational skills; reading, writing, and oral proficiency in the English language. Excellent human relations skills; proven experience in dealing with employee and guest situations in a positive and effective manner. Must be an exceptional performer in their current job and demonstrate the potential for management. Train, evaluate, lead, motivate, coach, and discipline all employees in the Hotel’s Service Department to ensure that established cultural and core Relais & Chateaux standards are met. Salary 36k annual

RESERVATION SUPERVISOR

Minimum 5 years’ experience working in Luxury Resort. The reservation supervisor must maintain a friendly and efficient atmosphere for the guests, homeowners, and staff members. To maintain accurate guest reservations, records, and bills. To serve as the communication focal point for the hotel and club. Must complete daily reservation duties and follow ups. Keep track of revenue management with fact sheet and packages updates. Following up with the IT technician on website maintenance, OTA’s websites updates and Relais & Chateaux updates. Following up on regular rooms and villa bookings. Salary 36k annual

K-9 SECURITY

Patrol Cay with K9 security dogs. Train and care for the dogs. Security baggage checks at the docks. Check-in contractors. Monitor and review security cameras. Respond to incidents at all hours. Work weekends, holidays and evenings. Must have emergency first responder training and firefighting training. Utilize K9’s to search for, apprehend and safely detain persons involved in or attempting criminal behavior. Protect all property of island, homeowners and guests.

CONTACT: 649-246-3032

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME FOR THE LABOUR BOARD.

Basic Salary: $6.25 hourly FINBAR

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-3543

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

3 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment. Must have P.O.S. experience, night audit or accounting would be an asset. Second language preferred but not mandatory. Computer skills and Excellent customer service is essential. Should pay attention to detail and be a team player. Must be able to reside on Pine Cay for scheduled shifts. $10 per hour\

BOAT CAPTAIN IMMEDIATELY- 5 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

DUTIES:Secures

premises and personnel, by patrolling property, monitoring around the yard.

SALARY: $6.25 per hour

CONTACT: 346-1386

DOMESTIC WORKER

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-1720

Driver’s license and current VHF and TCI boat Captains license mandatory. Familiar with the waters between North Caicos and Providenciales. Responsible for the transportation of guests, staff and homeowners to and from Pine Cay. Freight runs and recreational runs will be required. Assisting with the upkeep of the Marine area. Dock maintenance, boat cleaning, and boat fueling. Salary 30k annually

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in military or law enforcement. K9 handler training from a government approved training facility. * Ability to read, write, understand and speak English to ensure comprehension and effective communication with others. Good health and physical condition. Have a good employment record and a clean police record check. Ability to work with and learn computer software. Salary 22k annual

MIXOLOGIST

5 years’ experience in a resort environment. Certificate of Mixology required. Commitment to delivering a high level of service to both Guests and Members. Passionate about mixology and industry trends. Ability to train and instruct Club Bartenders in raising their level of knowledge. Excellent problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Vast knowledge of wines, wine regions, and wine pairing. Effective communication skills are required. $10 per hour

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION

( SECTION 4(3) OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS ORDINANCE)

Take notice that I, Nigel Dakin, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in exercise of the powers conferred in me by Section 6(4) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Turks and Caicos Islander Status to Manoucheka Gordon / Louis by virtue of marriage to a Turks and Caicos Islander.

HOUSEKEEPER

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 243-9961

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Performing a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing. Ensuring all rooms inspected according to standards.

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 431-5151

Cleaning floors, equipment, and furniture. Washing pots, pans, tools, china and silverware.

Salary $8.00 Hourly

JOB VACANCY

Grant Thornton Turks & Caicos Ltd requires one (1):

OFFICE/CORPORATE SERVICES ASSISTANT

Grant Thornton Turks & Caicos Ltd is part of an international network of audit, accounting and advisory firms. We are seeking an office/corporate services assistant which would suit an enthusiastic person seeking experience in an international organization.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Corporate services – assist in the provision of corporate services to clients, including new company applications, annual filings and liaison with the Company Registry and Financial Services Commission

• Reception – responsible for greeting guests, taking calls, and dealing with couriers

• Document production – assist in preparing, editing and formatting documents

• Finance – review incoming invoices for accuracy, prepare wire transfers, bank deposits etc.

• Office support – monitor and maintain office supplies, and coordinate office and equipment repairs

• Other – provide assistance with a variety of ad hoc tasks that will enhance the effectiveness of the office and team.

CAPABILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong client service focus in dealing with both external and internal clients, displaying professionalism, integrity and tact

• Proficiency to work with MS Office (Word and Excel)

• Excellent judgement and problem solving skills; exercising discretion when dealing with confidential information

• Effective listening skills; excellent oral and written communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities with limited supervision

• Flexibility to work overtime when required

Salary Range: $20,000 to $30,000

Turks and Caicos Islanders only need apply

Deadline for applications is March 21, 2023

INTERESTED PERSONS SHOULD APPLY TO LADARNYA

Andaz Turks and Caicos Residences at Grace Bay is a luxury boutique hotel nestled along the shore of the world’s number one beach Grace Bay. We are seeking determined and energetic professionals who provide discreet yet personalized and attentive service that well defines the Andaz Turks and Caicos experience.

Senior Project Manager - As the Senior Project manager you will be responsible to plan, direct, manage and provide oversight of assigned design and construction projects to ensure that Andaz Turks and Caicos Residences’ goals and objectives are met within prescribed schedule and budget parameters. Effective communication with FF&E, OS&E and GMP contract management as well as the field staff and technical staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises management of construction projects; monitors and coordinates work performed by architectural, engineering and construction firms.

• Inspects, approves, and accepts or rejects completed projects for the company, ensuring correction of deficiencies and that work is performed to conformance of established standards.

• Leads project delivery resources/team (typically larger more experienced team) providing project guidance and direction to achieve project goals.

• Responsible for inventory management and for enhancing operational efficiency.

• Plans and coordinates formulation of design alternatives and solutions for corporate and branch construction projects; provides conceptual estimates, feasibility studies and cost estimates, program development, preparation of space plans, block plans and determination of telephone, data, power, and furniture requirements.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders on process and timeline for projects

• Facilitates request for service and repair. These requests include adding or reconfiguring workstations, ordering furniture, coordinating repair of existing furniture, processing building work orders and requests for security access cards for associates and vendors.

• Prepares, reviews & negotiates contracts, purchase orders and

REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field required.

• Certifications in Project Management or any field

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience

• Proof of completed projects in relation to hotels/resort in the past 10 years

ARIEL MCARTHUR GRAY

Sports International

Joshua v Franklin: Briton says now is the ‘worst time’ to fight him

Briton Anthony Joshua said now is “the worst time” to fight him and described the current heavyweight landscape as a “shambles”.

The 33-year-old faces American Jermaine Franklin at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday.

Joshua has been out of the ring since losing a rematch with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk in August.

“I am so happy I’m fighting again,” he said. “Looking at the champions, it’s just a shambles.”

Joshua, referring to an undisputed fight between Usyk and Tyson Fury falling through, added: “When you’re trying to compete, all the mandatories and negotiations, I just can’t believe no fights have been made at a championship level.

“I’m just so happy I can get back to work and get on with my job.”

‘THE MORE HE TALKS, THE BIGGER GRAVE HE DIGS’

On Saturday, Joshua will return to the O2 Arena, where he made his professional debut in 2013 after winning super-heavyweight gold at the London 2012 Olympics.

But with Joshua’s record now showing three losses in his previous five fights, Franklin suggested now is the best time to step into the ring with the Londoner.

“It’s the worst time [to fight me],” Joshua responded at Wednesday’s news conference in London.

“The more he talks the bigger grave he digs for himself. I could say a lot of things about him, but I respect my opponent.”I’m prepared for a 12-rounder but I do believe in my ability and my counter-punching to put a dent in

Jermaine.”

Joshua said promoter Eddie Hearn is “dangling a carrot” of bigger fights if he overcomes Franklin.

“I dream big, and I want bigger and better things in my life. I want to secure the bag and move on with my life.”

I JUST CARE WE WINJOSHUA TRAINER

Joshua said “the goal is to take him [Franklin] out”, but his trainer Derrick James is expecting a tougher night’s work.

“Jermaine Franklin is a very tough fighter,” James said. “I don’t really care how we get it, I just care

we get it. Or if it gets to a point where I can see it, let’s go get it.”

Joshua based his training camp in Texas, USA, after linking up with James, who also trains world champion Errol Spence Jr and twins Jermell and Jermall Charlo.

“It’s always about what you’re willing to give up to be successful,” said James. “Everybody is working hard, but not everybody is willing to give up something.”

I’VE BEEN ON A HEALTH JOURNEY - FRANKLIN

Franklin, 29, has won 21 fights with his sole defeat at the hands of Briton Dillian Whyte.

He said he is in better physical

shape since the close points loss in November.

“I’ve been on a health journey. Changed my eating habits, changed stuff I was consuming. Body weight just started falling off.

“We had more time to prepare for this fight so I am more ready, I’m more in shape and ready for the fireworks to go.”

In response, Joshua said: “I think he’s dealing with someone who has been living right from the get-go.

“I’ve been putting in work from the day I started this business. It’s going to be a good fight, but he’s up against a real one.” (BBC)

IPL 2023: From Ben Stokes to Virat Kohli to Jos Buttler - all you need to know before tournament

The biggest franchise tournament in world cricket returns on Friday when the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League gets under way.

Some of England’s biggest stars are involved in 2023, including Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Joe Root and

Harry Brook. There are also some new rules to be aware of this season, including the option for teams to make a substitution.

Here’s everything you need to know before the tournament begins - while

you can show off your IPL knowledge in a quiz at the bottom of the page.

When does IPL 2023 start?

Gujarat Titans are the holders, having won the trophy in their first year in 2022, and they play Chennai Super Kings in the opening

game on Friday, 31 March at 15:00 BST.

The competition includes 10 teams after Gujarat and Lucknow Super Giants were added in 2022.

BCQS LIMITED

A SENIOR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR

The successful applicant must possess:

• Minimum APM Level 4 / PMQ / Agile PM or similar.

• Five years post qualification work experience.

• Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, MS Project & BQ system software

Duties will include and candidates should have experience in:

• Contract Administration

• Design Co-ordination

• Project & Portfolio Management

An annual salary of $42,000.00 plus performance

Related commission is offered for this position.

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

Anthony Joshua will face American Jermaine Franklin in his next fight

Mixes

BABYSITTER MAINTENANCE

CONTACT: 347-0503

STORE CLERK

Selling products and providing customer service. Greet customers and guide them in finding products they want to buy.

Salary: $6.25

CONTACT: 243-4350

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-332-6320

CONTACT:

BARTENDER

BARMAID CLEANER

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 341-0550

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-245-3734

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

CONTACT:

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

MAINTENANCE MAN DOMESTIC WORKER

• Light repairs to commercial plaza;

• Cleaning yard and gutters;

• Washing windows at commercial plaza and patios;

• Wages $8 per hour (6 days a week and holidays).

• General housekeeping duties;

• Cleaning of villa, washing, ironing clothes and linens;

• Washing windows and patio floors;

• Clean up yard debris and dispose of refuse.

• Wages $8 per hour (6 days a week and holidays)

CONTACT: 946-5855 | EMAIL RESUME: HELLO@THEKFORCE.COM

THE POSITIONS ARE CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDERS. INTERESTED BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND RESUME TO THE LABOR BOARD.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Windsong resort is seeking a suitable qualified applicant to fill the following position:

GUEST SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

We are looking for highly organized candidates with excellent people skills for the position of a guest service representative. Guest service representatives are responsible for providing front desk services to guests, undertaking various administrative duties, among other duties.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to communicate written and spoken English.

• Customer service background

• Must be flexible with scheduling.

• Excellent overall communication skills

• Basic computer and typing skills.

• Able to multi-task

• Strong desire excellent guest service

• The ability to work well in a team environment.

• Able to stand for extended periods of time.

*Salary starts at $8.50

ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED. EMAIL RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO HR@WINDSONGRESORT.COM OR DROP OFF RESUMES AT WINDSONG RESORT, STUBBS ROAD, GRACE BAY, PROVIDENCIALES.

*PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS WHO ARE BELONGERS ARE ASKED TO SEND COPIES OF THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE LABOR BOARD.

THE PHYSICAL PLANNING ORDINANCE (CAP. 73) REGULATION 7 OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION) REGULATIONS, 1990

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION

An application, PR #16739, by Romanza on Grace Bay Ltd. for the development of thirty- two townhomes, reception building, yoga building, gym, sport courts, associated parking, pools and landscaping, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on Block #60900, Parcel #258, Leeward Going Through, Providenciales.

Anyone wishing to make representations concerning this application may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk, or through the Department of Planning, Leeward Hwy., Providenciales.

SAUNDERS & CO

WARD’S CONSULTANCY

WMW CONSTRUCTION Blue Hills

TEL: 649-241-4693

Salary: $8.00 p/h

Applies paints, sealers, to building surfaces

PAINTER MECHANIC

A&L TRUCKING

South Dock Rd

TEL:246-5644

Salary: $8.00p/h

Inspect machines, engines, transmissions etc.

TAMARA E. WILLIAMS

Blue Hills

TEL: 649-341-3225

Salary: $8.00 p/h

Prepare children's meals and feed them

NANNY NAIL TECHNICIAN

FACES & FINGERS

#12 courtyard plaza, Provo

TEL: 941-4411

Salary: $8.00 p/h

Clean, cut and shape nails

RASHARD’S CLEANING

Discovery 41A Provo

TEL:342-0255

Salary: $8.00 p/h

all basic cleaning in and around the facility

CLEANER FIBER CABLE INSTALLER

FIBER WORKS

Cooper Jack Provo

TEL: 649-333-0980

Salary: $3,000.00 p/m

Set up fibre optic and data networks

BELONGERS CAN SEND RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. THESE POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDER

FINANCE MANAGER

The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking for a dependable, disciplined, self-driven and efficient Finance Manager. Applicant should possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Graduate Degree is a plus)

• Minimum of 5 years hospitality industry experience as an Assistant or Finance Manager. CPA/CA/ACCA preferred

• Must be able to perform advanced analytics

• Exceptional communication skills

• Proficiencies in the following software applications: Opera PMS and QuickBooks

• Maintains and monitors workflow including checklists and fulfilling daily operational needs

SUMMARY

To direct the Organization’s day-to-day financial planning and accounting practices. Under the leadership of the General Manager, the successful applicant will be responsible for the preparation and analysis of the financial reporting process for the Resort as well as the annual budget process. He/she will provide strong leadership to the accounting team and will develop, implement and monitor effective financial controls and procedures, providing management with advice and making recommendations to improve process and financial performance.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing all finance and accounting operations.

• Preparing and publishing timely monthly financial statements.

• Produce quarterly shareholder reports with assistance from the GM.

• Manage all accounting operations including Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, Cost Accounting, Inventory Accounting and Revenue Recognition.

• Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts and report variances.

• Prepare and publish timely monthly financial statements.

• Coordinate the preparation of regulatory reporting.

• Support month-end and year-end close process.

• Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting.

• Duties not limited to but including as outlined above.

The ideal candidate should be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently. Position requires a flexible schedule. Salary: $65k-$75k per annum based on experience commensurate with experience and qualifications.

35706

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

Science & Technology

Elon Musk and other tech leaders call for pause in ‘out of control’ AI race

SOME of the biggest names in tech are calling for artificial intelligence labs to stop the training of the most powerful AI systems for at least six months, citing “profound risks to society and humanity.”

Elon Musk was among the dozens of tech leaders, professors and researchers who signed the letter, which was published by the Future of Life Institute, a nonprofit backed by Musk.

The letter comes just two weeks after OpenAI announced GPT-4, an even more powerful version of the technology that underpins the viral AI chatbot tool, ChatGPT. In early tests and a company demo, the technology was shown drafting lawsuits, passing standardized exams and building a working website from a hand-drawn sketch.

The letter said the pause

should apply to AI systems “more powerful than GPT-4.” It also said independent experts should use the proposed pause to jointly develop and implement a set of shared protocols for AI tools that are safe “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

“Advanced AI could represent a profound change in the history of life on Earth, and should be planned for and managed with commensurate care and resources,” the letter said. “Unfortunately, this level of planning and management is not happening, even though recent months have seen AI labs locked in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one – not even their creators – can understand, predict, or reliably control.”

If a pause is not put in place soon, the letter said governments should

Advanced AI could represent a profound change in the history of life on Earth, and should be planned for and managed with commensurate care and resources,” the letter said

step in and create a moratorium. The wave of attention around ChatGPT late last year helped renew an arms race among tech companies to develop and deploy similar AI tools in their products. OpenAI, Microsoft and Google are at the forefront of this trend, but IBM, Amazon, Baidu and Tencent are working on similar technologies. A long

list of startups are also developing AI writing assistants and image generators.

Artificial intelligence experts have become increasingly concerned about AI tools’ potential for biased responses, the ability to spread misinformation and the impact on consumer privacy. These tools have also sparked questions around how AI can

Meatballs made with mammoth DNA created

WOOLLY mammoth remains, with fur and tissue still in tact, are regularly found entombed in Arctic permafrost. Their discovery has allowed scientists to sequence the mammoth genome and learn intriguing details about the lives of these extinct Ice Age giants.

Now, some of that information is being used to grow an approximation of mammoth meat in a lab.

Vow, an Australian cultured meat startup, has made what it describes as a mammoth meatball. The project’s goal, according to the company, is to draw attention to the potential of cultured meat to make eating habits more planet friendly. On Tuesday, the meatball will join the collection at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave — a museum of science and medicine in the Netherlands.

“We need to start rethinking how we get our food. My biggest hope for this project is … that a lot more people across the world begin to hear about cultured meat,” said James Ryall, Vow’s chief scientific officer.

CREATING ‘MAMMOTH MEAT’

A wonderfully wacky publicity stunt, the meatballs aren’t intended

for human consumption. Even calling the creation mammoth meat is a bit of a stretch. It’s more like lab-made lamb mingled with a tiny amount of mammoth DNA.

Scientists working on the project didn’t have access to a frozen stash of mammoth tissue on which to base their efforts. Instead,

they focused on a protein present in mammals called myoglobin that gives meat its texture, color and taste, identifying the DNA sequence for the mammoth version in a publicly available genome database.

They filled in gaps in the mammoth myoglobin DNA

upend professions, enable students to cheat, and shift our relationship with technology.

The letter hints at the broader discomfort inside and outside the industry with the rapid pace of advancement in AI. Some governing agencies in China, the EU and Singapore have previously introduced early versions of AI governance frameworks.

by Australian food startup

“From a genomic point of view, it’s only one gene amongst all the other sheep genes that is mammoth,” said Ernst Wolvetang, a professor and senior group leader at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology at the University of Queensland, who was part of the project. “It’s one gene out of 25,000.”

Ryall said the mammoth myoglobin did change the physical appearance of the sheep muscle cells. Though our Stone Age ancestors hunted and presumably feasted on mammoth, Ryall and Wolvetang both said they had not tasted the meatballs.

sequence using information from the genome of an African elephant. The scientists inserted the synthesized gene into a sheep muscle cell, which was then cultured, or grown, in a lab.

The team was eventually able to produce about 400 grams of mammoth meat.

“Normally, we would taste our products and play around with them. But we were hesitant to immediately try and taste because we’re talking about a protein that hasn’t existed for 5,000 years. I’ve got no idea what the potential allergenicity might be of this particular protein,” Ryall said.

“That’s one of the reasons why we’re not offering this as a product. It’s not going to go up for sale, because we’ve got no idea about the safety profile of this particular product,” he added. (CNN)

The mammoth meat is more like lab-made lamb mingled with a tiny amount of mammoth DNA

Science & Technology

Coffee drinkers get more steps but also less sleep, study finds

COFFEE is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, but the pendulum has swung back and forth about its benefits and drawbacks.

New findings from a small study published Thursday in The New England Journal of Medicine, suggest both upsides and downsides: Drinking at least a cup of coffee per day might make you move more but sleep less — and it might put you at higher risk for one type of heart palpitation.

“The big picture finding is that there isn’t just one single health-related consequence of consuming coffee, but that the reality is more complicated than that,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Gregory Marcus, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.

“The great majority of research on the topic has been observational, meaning we just look and see at what happens to people who do and don’t drink coffee, which is profoundly limited by the possibility that … there may be some other characteristic that is driving whether someone happens to drink coffee,” Marcus said. “The only way to mitigate those potential effects was to conduct a randomized interventional trial.”

To get a better idea of coffee’s immediate health effects, the authors recruited 100 healthy adults who were age 39 on average and from the San Francisco area. They equipped the participants with Fitbits to track their steps and sleep, continuous blood glucose monitors and electrocardiogram devices that tracked their heart rhythms. Each participant was randomly assigned to drink as much coffee as they

Drinking at least a cup of coffee per day might make you move more but sleep less

wanted for two days, then abstain for two days, repeating that cycle over a two-week period.

On coffee-drinking days, participants got an average of 1,058 more steps than they did on abstention days, the authors found. But on those days, sleep took a hit, with participants getting 36 fewer minutes of shut-eye. The more coffee they drank, the more physical activity and the less sleep they got.

Coffee seemed to affect the heart, too. Researchers found no evidence of a significant relationship between coffee consumption and premature atrial contractions, which are “very common, early heartbeats that we all experience arising from the top chambers of the heart,” Marcus said. They can feel like a flutter or skipped beat in your chest.

“People with more premature atrial contractions are at higher risk of developing a very clinically significant heart rhythm disturbance called atrial fibrillation,” he added.

But drinking more than one cup per day resulted in about a 50% higher incidence of premature ventricular contractions, or PVCs, compared with days of no coffee intake.

These heartbeats arise from the lower chambers of the heart, and they can also feel like a skipped beat or heart palpitations.

“So this provides some compelling evidence that experimenting with (going) off coffee might be worthwhile in those individuals who experience bothersome palpitations related to PVCs,” Marcus said.

“There’s also evidence that in some people, more PVCs can lead to a weakening of the heart or heart failure,” Marcus added.

“So it may be that if someone is especially concerned about risks of heart failure — such as they have a family history of it or there’s some other indication that their physician tells them (makes) them at risk — they may want to steer clear of coffee.”

Peter Kistler, who is head of electrophysiology at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, described the study as strong but cautioned that “this is a short-term study in healthy volunteers.”

“This provides no information on the long-term benefits or adverse effects of long-term coffee drinking,” said Kistler, who was not involved in the study. “This does not provide information on the impact of coffee in people with other health conditions, and generally (the study participants) consumed modest amounts of coffee.”

HEALTH EFFECTS OF COFFEE

When people drink coffee, they might have more motivation to exercise or have enhanced performance once they start moving, Marcus said.

But people “shouldn’t extrapolate that to taking energy drinks or high-dose caffeine as a way to enhance workouts,” since high doses can lead to disturbances, he said.

That coffee drinking led to less sleep perhaps isn’t surprising, but a potential genetic aspect to that finding might be. Researchers collected DNA samples from participants, and those who had greater reductions in sleep when they consumed coffee had genetic variants associated with slower caffeine metabolism. People with genetic variants associated with faster caffeine metabolism, on the other hand, had more premature ventricular contractions.

These findings suggest that an individualized approach to coffee consumption might be the most appropriate method for

determining effects on health, according to the study.

Kistler had another view on the finding of diminished sleep.

“Coffee is the most common ‘drug’ for cognitive enhancement,” he said. “People who drink coffee are less tired. This is not necessarily a negative.”

Regarding the links between coffee intake and premature ventricular contractions, caffeine can contain active metabolites such as aminophylline, which is used in asthma medications and, in high doses, is known to induce arrhythmias, Marcus said.

Additionally, “coffee tends to increase activity in the sympathetic nervous system, or the adrenaline side of the nervous system, that can promote PVCs,” he added.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

The effects the study found are worth considering based on your personal health goals, Marcus said.

“Individuals can be reassured that there’s certainly no imminently dangerous effects of drinking coffee,” Marcus said.

Wondering whether you’re a fast or slow metabolizer of caffeine? There aren’t really any clinical tests in the consumer market, Marcus said, but you might be able to find out by using a DNA test that measures this.

You can also pay close attention to what your experiences might be telling you about your tolerance.

“If they begin to feel anxious (and) tremulous on one cup of coffee, then they are a slow metabolizer,” Kistler said via email. “But if they have a higher tolerance then they are metabolizing coffee more rapidly.” (CNN)

Swiss court case ties human rights to climate change

More than 2,000 women are taking the Swiss government to court claiming its policy on climate change is violating their right to life and health.

The case is the first time the

European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will hear a case on the impact of climate change on human rights.

It follows six years of

Science & Technology

This lizard species stresseats to cope with noisy US Army aircraft

LIVING in a neighbourhood with lots of noise can make you jittery, especially if you’re a lizard that’s just a few inches long.

It’s no wonder that lizards exposed to noise pollution from low-flying fighter jets have resorted to stress-eating.

Colorado checkered whiptails (Aspidoscelis neotesselatus) — striped and patterned lizards that live only in southeastern Colorado — are an all-female species that reproduce asexually. They also endure considerable noise from US Army flyovers.

When researchers recently examined blood samples from

these lizards, they detected elevated stress levels from the din. The lizards also had a coping strategy: They moved less, and they ate more.

By snacking during noisy flyovers, the lizards are likely replenishing energy that’s lost during metabolic responses to stress, scientists reported Wednesday in the journal Frontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science.

“We show that noise disturbance does have measurable physiological impacts on Colorado checkered whiptails,” co-lead study author Megen Kepas, a doctoral student at Utah State

University, said in a statement. “We also show that they are somewhat resilient and may compensate for this to some degree,” by changing how much they eat and move when aircraft are nearby.

“I found the study to be super interesting,” Tracy Langkilde, a professor of biology and the Verne M. Willaman Dean at Pennsylvania State University’s Eberly College of Science, told CNN.

“There’s been growing interest in the effects of noise on native animals,” but research in this area focuses primarily on birds, said Langkilde, who was not involved in the study.

Langkilde’s research

Swiss court case ties human ...

CONTINUED 

unsuccessful battles through the Swiss courts.

Temperatures in Switzerland are rising faster than the global average and there are ever more frequent heatwaves.

The Swiss women - who call themselves the Club of Climate Seniors and have an average age of 73 - say climate change is putting their human rights, their health and even their lives at risk. Their evidence to the court includes their medical records.

They want the ECHR to order Switzerland to work harder at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the campaigners, Elisabeth Stern, told the BBC: “Due to climate change, we have more heatwaves and older women suffer more. They die more often during these heatwaves than they otherwise would.

“Some people say, why are you complaining, you’re going to die anyway. But we don’t want to die just because our Swiss government has not been successful in coming up with a decent climate policy.”

The European Climate and Health Observatory says that projected increases in average temperature are likely to have “serious impacts on public health” across Europe, particularly among elderly people.

In the last 20 years, heatrelated mortality in people older than 65 in Europe has increased by more than 30%, it says.

The Swiss government does not deny that climate change can affect health - but says it cannot be tied specifically to older women’s health.

If the women are successful, the case could set a precedent for every one of the European

court’s 46 member states.

World temperatures are rising because of human activity, and climate change now threatens every aspect of human life.

Temperature rises must slow down if we want to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, according to climate scientists. They say global warming needs to be kept to 1.5C by 2100.

According to the UN climate body, the IPCC, if global temperature rise cannot be kept within 1.5C, Europe will be vulnerable to flooding caused by extreme rainfall.

Extreme temperatures can also increase the risk of wildfires - as seen in Europe last summer. France and Germany recorded about seven times more land burnt between January and the middle of July 2022, compared with the average. (BBC)

investigates stress responses in wood frogs that experience high levels of traffic noise near the roadside ponds where they breed.

“Seeing something about lizards is expanding our understanding on how noise affects our native species in really important ways,” she said.

In skies over grassland habitats that the checkered whiptails call home, military aircraft are a frequent presence. The lizard’s range extends into the US Army’s Fort Carson Military Base in Colorado Springs, which covers 212 square miles (550 square km) and contains several populations of the lizard. Fort Carson was the main funder of the research.

Fighter jets and transport aircraft soar overhead, along with Black Hawk, Apache and Chinook helicopters, often within 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) above the ground, according to the study.

At times when there were no flyovers, ground readings registered no higher than 56 decibels (dB), about as loud as a refrigerator’s hum. By comparison, ground readings during flyovers surged to 112 dB — louder than a jackhammer and just above the average pain threshold for humans.

During checkered whiptails’ reproductive season in 2021, the scientists observed dozens of lizards during flyovers. They caught, weighed and measured the lizards, collecting blood samples from 82 females. The researchers also checked to see if lizards were carrying eggs, using a portable ultrasound device to determine egg size and number before marking and releasing the animals.

Analysis of the blood samples showed elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increased production of ketones, which are energy-burning compounds associated with heightened stress. Flyovers also boosted the lizards’ interest in food, with lizards

hunkering down and spending more time eating than they did when aircraft were absent. Other studies have shown animals “freezing” in response to disruptive noise, as the lizards did. But the lizards’ feeding behaviour “is quite novel,” as most prior research found that noise pollution typically led to animals eating less, the scientists wrote in the study.

“Compensatory eating would allow individuals to maintain their energy levels during a stressful event,” said co-first author Layne Sermersheim, a master’s candidate at Utah State University, in a statement. “This is important because metabolism, physical activity, investment into reproduction, and hormonal responses require energy.”

In humans, persistent stress can also raise cortisol levels, which can lead to increased appetite and stress-eating. Such behaviours sometimes persist even after the original stress triggers subside.

As for the lizards, stress from the flyovers could be reduced if pilots avoided locations where lizards gather during breeding season, the authors suggested. Another remedy could be flying high enough to lower noise at ground level to below 50 dB.

A growing body of evidence shows that human noise pollution disrupts wildlife on land and in the oceans; it can affect the volume and frequency of animal vocalications and may change their reproductive behaviour, or where they choose to hunt.

“Although, the stress-eating — this is the first time that I know of that anyone has found this effect in response to anthropogenic stresses in the field,” Langkilde said. While eating more makes sense for quickly replenishing stress-related energy loss, it remains to be seen how this behaviour could affect lizard populations over the long term, she added.

The Colorado checkered whiptail lizard only lives in southeastern Colorado.

Premier League clubs avoided £250m in tax, expert estimate

Premier League football clubs may have avoided paying £250m in tax over a three-year period, financial experts have estimated.

It follows analysis looking at how football agents are often paid to represent both players and clubs in negotiations, including transfers.

Tax Policy Associates, which led the analysis, says the practice reduces the amount of tax paid on agent payments.

HM Revenue and Customs said it was investigating “a number of clubs”.

ADVERTISEMENT

We do not know which clubs are being investigated, but the teams thought to have benefitted most from dual representation in the past few years include Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. The clubs all declined to comment.

DUAL REPRESENTATION

When footballers move clubs or negotiate a new contract, an agent represents the player involved and seeks the best terms for his or her client.

The agent will then receive a fee, or commission, and the whole transaction will incur tax, including income tax, National Insurance and VAT.

However, tax officials are investigating the use of so-called “dual representation contracts”, which sees an agent paid for acting for both the player and the club involved in the deal.

The process is complicated - but when half of the agent’s fee is paid by the club, it means that half of the payment avoids tax.

The Tax Policy Associates think tank has estimated the practice is potentially worth tens of millions of pounds a year.

If the agent’s fee is picked up

solely by the player, it says HMRC can expect to receive around 60% of the total payment in tax.

However, the amount of tax due falls to about 30% of the payment, if the fee is split between the player and the club using dual representation.

Use of the practice has become standard in the sport, with some top flight clubs using it in all of their deals. In 2021, FA data revealed around 68% of Premier League player deals were done through dual representation.

Tax Policy Associates estimates the practice may have saved top players, their agents and their acquiring clubs £81m in 2019, £91m in 2020 and £81m in 2021 - more than £250m over the three years.

In 2021, Tax Policy Associates

estimates Manchester City saved £10.9m in tax, followed by Manchester United with £10m and Liverpool with £8.1m. In 2020, the largest beneficiary was Chelsea, saving £12.8m.

All its estimates are based on the assumption that player and club split the agent fee 50:50.

In theory, the FA has rules against an agent acting for both the player and the club. But if all parties provide written consent to use dual representation, the practice is technically allowed. However, Labour MP Meg Hillier, chair of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, said she will urge HMRC to look into the Premier League’s use of dual representation.

“Guidance that’s a bit weak isn’t really good enough,” she said.

“You need to have a real clarity about exactly what the position is so that every club does the same thing. You can’t have one club doing it and getting away with it and another not.”

£7.6BN ECONOMY BOOST

In April 2021, HMRC issued fresh guidance on the use of dual representation which said it would need clubs to keep evidence that agents are legitimately working for both sides of the contract. It said fees should not automatically be split 50:50, and should instead reflect the extent the agent represented the club and the player.

HMRC could issue penalties and demands for repayments if it finds that an agent has not legitimately been working for both the player

and the club when brokering transfer deals.

But the Association of Football Agents (AFA) said it disputed the think tank’s findings, saying there was a “fundamental misunderstanding of how the football transfer market works”.

It said: “The AFA’s members will continue to work closely with HMRC to ensure that the law and current guidance is followed in the structuring of arrangements with tax consequences, as they always have.”

An HMRC spokesperson added: “Dual representation cannot be assumed to be a tax avoidance scheme; its use can be tax compliant.

“However, we carefully scrutinise arrangements between clubs and employees, and we work closely with the football industry to educate and deal with tax risk head on.

“Our actions and the money bought in from this industry speak for themselves. Since 2015, from across all tax areas in the football industry, we’ve recovered £573m that would otherwise have gone unpaid.”

BBC Newsnight approached individual clubs, but each declined to comment.

A Premier League spokesperson said: “We believe that the overall figure suggested here is based on assumptions that do not recognise the individual circumstances of each transaction.

“During the 2019/2020 season Premier League football contributed £7.6bn to the UK economy. In the same season the Premier League and its clubs generated a total tax contribution of £3.6bn to the UK Exchequer, £1.4bn of which was accounted for by Premier League players.” (BBC)

Antoine

Dupont:

France captain named Six Nations player of the championship

France captain Antoine Dupont has been named the Six Nations player of the championship for the third time in four years.

The scrum-half is the second player to win the award three times, after former Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll.

Dupont was influential for France who finished as runners-up behind Ireland.

The 26-year-old beat teammates Thomas Ramos and Damian Penaud, and Irish Grand Slam

winners Caelan Doris, Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen, to the prize.

Dupont, who previously won the award in 2020 and 2022, claimed 26% of the fan vote on the Six Nations website.

The France skipper was also named in the team of the tournament, which was dominated by 10 Irish players.

Dupont was one of three French players in the XV, alongside Penaud and Thibaud Flament, while Scotland centres Sione

Tuipulotu and Huw Jones were also included.

Ireland won the fourth Grand Slam in their history on the final weekend after beating England in Dublin.

Six Nations team of the tournament: Keenan (Ire); Penaud (Fra), Jones (Sco), Tuipulotu (Sco), Lowe (Ire); Sexton (Ire), Dupont (Fra); Porter (Ire), Sheehan (Ire), Bealham (Ire), Flament (Fra), Ryan (Ire), O’Mahony (Ire), Van der Flier (Ire), Doris (Ire). (BBC)

The scrum-half is the second player to win the award three times, after former Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll

During the 2019/2020 season Premier League football contributed £7.6bn to the UK economy

Sports International

Fifa: Indonesia stripped of right to host Under-20 World Cup

Fifa has stripped Indonesia of hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup.

The decision follows the cancellation of the official draw for the tournament, which was due to be held in Bali last Friday.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) said Fifa was forced to cancel the draw after Bali’s governor Wayan Koster refused to host the Israeli team.

The U20 World Cup is set to take place from 20 May to 11 June.

Indonesia does not have any formal diplomatic ties with Israel and recently protesters have held marches demanding Israel be stopped from competing in the tournament, in support of Palestine.

Indonesia were awarded hosting rights in 2019, before Israel qualified for the tournament. England’s U20 team is also set to

compete.

“Fifa has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the Fifa U20 World Cup 2023,” a Fifa statement said.

“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage.”

Half an hour before Fifa’s announcement, PSSI executive committee member Arya Sinulingga said he was “very pessimistic” about Indonesia keeping the hosting rights.

“If we make political requirements in sports, it’ll always be like this. We will be exiled from the football ecosystem.

“It’s very tough for all of us. We’re headed into a calamity in sports. We have to separate football

Barcelona thrash Roma to reach Champions League semis

Fridolina Rolfo scored twice as Barcelona thrashed Roma to secure progression to the Women’s Champions League semi-finals.

Rolfo scored either side of Maria Leon’s stunning curled strike in front of 54,667 joyous fans at the Nou Camp.

Goals from Asisat Oshoala and Patricia Guijarro put the Catalan side out of sight before Annamaria Serturini’s low drive gave Roma a consolation goal.

Barca will meet Chelsea or defending champions Lyon in the last four.

Fresh from scoring the only goal in Barcelona’s win over Real Madrid in the league on Saturday, Sweden forward Rolfo latched on

Messi passes 100 international goal

or sports and politics.”

‘FIFA NEEDS AN ALTERNATIVE PRETTY QUICKLY’ - ANALYSIS

Fifa insists Indonesia was not ready to host the tournament and are threatening to take action. However, there was a growing feeling it had to be moved anyway given the tensions around Israel’s qualification.

Criticism of Israel in the country and its policy towards Palestine has been growing after Bali’s governor said he did not want them to play in his region and Friday’s planned group stage draw was cancelled.

Fifa knew any decision to strip Indonesia of hosting rights would be hugely controversial but it was also aware it had to do everything to protect Israel’s players against potential security threats.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi passed 100 international goals as he scored his seventh international hat-trick in a friendly win at home to Curacao.

The 35-year-old forward reached the landmark when he opened the scoring on 20 minutes in Santiago del Estero.

He added two more before the break to complete a quickfire treble.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez also scored, before Argentina paraded the World Cup trophy in front of more than 42,000 supporters.

It was Argentina’s second match on home soil since beating France in Qatar on penalties in December to win the World Cup.

Messi scored his 800th career goal - and 99th for Argentina - in a 2-0 win over Panama in Buenos Aires last week as part of the team’s

World Cup homecoming tour.

The Paris St-Germain striker reached three figures for his country when he took a pass from Villarreal’s on-loan Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani lo Celso and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

Three minutes later Nicolas Gonzalez outjumped goalkeeper Eloy Room to head home from four yards before the Fiorentina winger set up Messi for his second of the night.

Fernandez made it 4-0 with a shot from distance before Lo Celso released Messi to notch his third in just the 37th minute.

Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Montiel rounded off the scoring in the second half but the night belonged to Messi, who extended his record as Argentina’s all-time record scorer - Gabriel Batistuta is a distant second on 56.

to a loose ball which Roma had been unable to properly clear and calmly slotted it into the bottom right corner for the opener.

Then she tapped in from Caroline Graham Hansen’s low driving cross after Lioness Keira Walsh had set up Leon’s rocket from 25-yards out to put the home side in control.

Oshoala nudged home Barca’s fourth just one minute into the second half, tapping in from Aitana Bonmati’s cross, before Guijarro’s header from a corner sealed their spot in the semi-final.

Buoyed by a passionate crowd in Spain, Barcelona oozed class with Walsh dominating play in the middle of the park and fellow Lioness Lucy

Roma struggled to create meaningful opportunities in Spain and were unable to deal with Barcelona’s aggressive style.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (right) said on Tuesday that his administration was trying to save the tournament, and that people should not mix “political affairs and sports affairs”

Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi (second from right) scored his first goal for Argentina in a 3-2 defeat to Croatia in March 2006

Barcelona were beaten in last year’s final by Lyon after winning the competition in 2021

Bronze thwarting Roma’s attempts to score on the counter. Having conceded just one goal in their first-leg loss in Italy, Champions League debutants

Serturini’s powerful shot was

one of their only highlights, while a sublime save from goalkeeper Camelia Ceasar denied Geyse Ferreira a sixth goal in the final few minutes.

Sports International

Hamilton says it ‘could take a long time’ for Mercedes to compete with Red Bull

LEWIS Hamilton says “it could take a long time” before Mercedes can compete again with Red Bull.

Mercedes have started a process of redesigning their car having started a second consecutive season off the pace.

But the seven-time champion said: “It is going to take us the rest of the year to potentially close that gap.”

His team-mate George Russell added: “I am not going to say we are terribly optimistic. We recognise Red Bull are a second down the road at the moment.”

Red Bull have dominated the start of the season, taking two onetwo finishes in the first two races, and are clear favourites again at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Briton Hamilton said: “If you look at the Red Bull, it is just going to continue to evolve most likely.

“Some cars do plateau in terms of performance. At some point it can’t just keep going. But maybe it can.

“They have a great team around them and I am sure they will continue to add downforce.

“We just have to make sure when we do make the change hopefully the drop isn’t too far and hopefully it is going to take us the rest of the year for sure to potentially close that gap.”

WHERE HAMILTON IS STRUGGLING

Hamilton opened up on his struggles with the Mercedes car and how he feels uncomfortable with the positioning of the cockpit.

He said: “I don’t know if people know, but we sit closer to the front wheels than all the other drivers. Our cockpit is too close to the front.

“When you’re driving, you feel like you’re sitting on the front wheels, which is one of the worst feelings to feel when you’re driving a car.

“If you were driving your car at home and you pulled the wheels right underneath your legs, you would not be happy when you’re approaching the roundabout.

“What that does is it really changes the attitude of the car and how you perceive its movement.

And it makes it harder to predict compared to when you’re further back and sitting more centred. It is just something I have really struggled with.”

The 38-year-old also expanded on comments he made after the first race of the season in which he said the engineers “didn’t listen” to him with regard to the design of this year’s car.

“I listened to the team and that was the direction they said we should go,” he said. “Had I known the feeling I would have in it, it wouldn’t have happened. And it has to change for the future100%.”

He added that a characteristic referred to in F1 as the “aero balance” - a reference to the centre of aerodynamic pressure and how it affects the car’s behaviour changes

through the stages of corneringwas “just too far forwards”.

“We have a car that is very forward, very much on the nose early on, and then shifts later on,” Hamilton said.

But he expressed his belief that Mercedes would get back into competitive shape eventually.

The first significant design changes to the Mercedes car are due for the race after Australia, in Azerbaijan at the end of April.

However, these were planned before Mercedes made the decision during the first race weekend of the season that they had to change the design philosophy of the car because the gap to Red Bull made them realise they were on the wrong track.

“There is a part of me that is just hopeful we find the trick and are

straight on to the right track that is not far away from the others,” Hamilton said.

“We have shown in the past that we can develop quickly and hope that is the case that as the potential of the car opens up, we will full steam ahead in that direction. I am grateful they are open to making a shift and not being stuck with what we have and I am aware it could take a long time.”

Russell added: “It caught us by surprise to see the lack of performance when we hit the track in Bahrain and that’s why we were quick to change our approach.”

HAMILTON NOT INTERESTED IN MASI MEETING

Australia marks the first race at which former FIA race director Michael Masi has been back in the paddock since his controversial officiating at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hamilton lost a record-breaking eighth world title as a direct consequence of decisions Masi made when he failed to apply the rules correctly during a late safetycar period at Yas Marina.

These led to Hamilton being passed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen on the one remaining lap after a restart and the title changing hands from the Briton to the Dutchman.

Laura Muir & Jemma Reekie quit training camp but leave coach behind

LAURA Muir and Jemma Reekie unexpectedly cut short their altitude training camp, leaving behind long-term coach Andy Young in South Africa.

UK Athletics confirmed the Scottish pair returned home last week.

The governing body say staff are working with both athletes “to ensure they receive the support they require” for training and competition.

Muir, 29, and Reekie, 25, are training partners and friends.

The pair have worked with Young throughout their careers, with Muir claiming a 1500m silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and a world championship bronze in the same event last year.

Muir and Reekie regularly travel with Young to South Africa for training, but the Times newspaper reported they have fallen out with their coach.

Young, who has now returned to Scotland, told BBC Scotland: “There was no bust-up. I think you would find the girls were worried about my health if you spoke to them.

“Felt I wasn’t looking after myself properly, maybe thought pressure was getting to me. I’d say they were reading too much into it.”

Muir and Reekie are aiming to compete at the Olympics in Paris next summer.

A UK Athletics spokesperson said: “UK Athletics can confirm that Laura Muir and Jemma Reekie left their altitude training location last week to return home to the UK.

“World Class Programme staff and services are continuing to work with both athletes to ensure they receive the support they require as they review their training and competition programmes for the season ahead.” (BBC)

Laura Muir and Jemma Reekie are friends and training partners

Red Bull have dominated the start of the Formula 1 season

Losinske, Gula, Higgs and Couture win individual awards at PHL ceremony

Design Studio Jets’ young player

Lennox Losinske won the Rookie of the Year award when the Provo Hockey League (PHL) met for their annual award banquet on Saturday last at Da Conch Shack.

Losinske was one of several players who received awards for their performance at the 20222023 PHL, which concluded two Saturdays ago at the Graceway Sports Centre.

In the final of the event, the Grace Bay Car Rental Islanders, the L’Heureux & Co Canadiens and the Projetech Pirates were crowned division champions.

The Tibors Sharks’ Alexie Gula was also outstanding in defence and she was rewarded with the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Other award recipients included Keith Higgs and Estheban Couture.

The Waratah Flyers’ Higgs won the Tyler MacLean memorial award

for sportsmanship, dedication and positive personality; while Couture from the Saunders and Company Greyhounds received the Nic Raymakers Memorial Award for perseverance, team leadership, and

volunteerism in all aspects of the league.

There were several outstanding scorers this season, including Nicholas Comert and Yash Ochani in the Novice Division; Rishith

Gururaja and Owen Barkworth Knight in the Bantam Division and Wyatt Pollon and Dylan King in the Junior Division.

The first-place team winners received their trophies, while

second and third place received medals and fourth-place ribbons. Since registration fees only cover a third of operation costs, the volunteer-led non-profit league has had the support of a number of parents and cooperate sponsors. At the ceremony, they thanked the parents and Island Bargains, Da Conch Shack, WB Financial, Graceway Sports Centre, Grace Bay Car Rentals, Twa Marcelin Wolf, Scooter Bob’s Rentals, Design Studio, Kvanar, Tibor’s Machine Shop, TCI Marble and Granite, Temple Financial, L’Heureux & Co, Projetech, Waratah Construction and Saunders and Co.

Although the hockey season is over, the PHL will continue to hold a learn-to-skate programme at the Sports Centre on Thursdays. Children interested in playing hockey can contact phl@ wbfinancial.tc.

Jaguars ease to victory against Omars Cricket team

The Jaguars registered a sevenwicket victory against new side, Omars Cricket team when action in the Senior Men’s T20 Cricket Competition continued at the Downtown Ball Park over the weekend.

Jaguars won the toss and elected to field and it proved the right call as Omars were bundled out for a meagre 72 runs from 14

overs.

Opening batsman Delovan Hardware led the attack with 19 (3X4s) from 25 balls, while Garrett Campbell finished with 15 from 23 balls.

Bowling for Jaguars, Kirkley

Charley captured three wickets for 21 runs from his allotted four overs, while Randy Laulys and Paul McKenzie picked up two

wickets each.

In reply, the Jaguars stormed to 74 in 8.3 overs with Laulys leading the attack with 33 (7X4s) runs. Nuwan Bodhinayake supported with 16 unbeaten runs. Bowling for Omars, Robert Johnson, Garrett Campbell, and Dane Ritchie had one wicket each.

Kirkley Charley finished with the man-of-the-match award

Alexie Gula

Lennox Losinske

Estheban Couture

Keith Higgs

The 2022-2023 PHL players

TCI senior men’s football team beat USVI and Bonaire

TD calls it a “great team effort”

THE Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Senior Men’s team saved their best for last as they finished their 20222023 Nations League campaign with wins against the US Virgin Islands and Bonaire.

Although we extracted six points from the wins, we ended Group A in third place with nine points, just behind Bonaire with 10.

The victories were described as a great team effort by Technical Director of the FA Dane Ritchie, but he also lauded the exploits of team captain Billy Forbes and current goalkeeper Sebastian Turbyfield.

“The last two wins will give our players the confidence and belief that they can compete and win at this level. We are looking forward to the next staging of this tournament and will be aiming to

top our group and be promoted to League B for the following season.”

In last Saturday’s clash against USVI at the National Academy in Providenciales, Forbes was able to dance his way past two defenders to send the perfect ball for Jeff Beljour to score at the mouth of the goal.

After the game, he told the media that the coach gave them a game plan and they executed it. He said that the senior team is a good mix of youth and experience and that his job is to bring the younger players up to the level they need to be.

When TCI travelled to Bonaire this week, they were playing catchup early after Guillermo Montero powered a free kick outside of the box past Turbyfield in the second minute.

But Forbes marshalled his team

and in the 18th minute of play, he was able to dissect the defence and fire a low shot that crept into the near post to level the game. In the 40th minute of play, he

curled the ball into the upright from a long free-kick to give the visitors the lead. He could have scored a hattrick, but the Bonaire goalie saved

Billy Forbes scored both goals against Bonaire

TCI Senior National Football team

TCI senior footballers and the technical team

a penalty in the 54th minute. Although TCI fell a man down, after Christopher Louisy received his second yellow, Bonaire could not recover.