TC Weekly News April 22 - 28, 2023

UK LAUNCH BOTs INQUIRY

On Thursday, April 20, the UK House of Commons launched an inquiry into the constitutional arrangements of UK Overseas Territories to ascertain whether their relationship with the United Kingdom is satisfactory and appropriate in the 21st century.

Number of deaths

Haitian mothers top TCI’s birth charts from 2012-2022

Over the last decade, the birth rates of mothers of Haitian nationality have dominated the overall rate in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Between 2012 and 2022, 5369 births occurred, of this amount, 2,788, or 51.9 % were born to Haitian mothers, while 1,435, or 26.7% were born to TCI mothers.

Coupled with this, 495 babies, or 9.2% were born to Dominican mothers, 247 or 4.6% were born to Jamaican mothers, and 100, or 1.9% were born to mothers of other Caribbean nationalities.

The total number of deaths from 2012-2022 was 1,193.

These statistics were recently revealed during a slideshow presentation that captured the ebb and flow of the Turks and Caicos

Islands population during the 2023 Housing and Population Census launch on Thursday last.

Statistician with the Department of Statistics Ms Cierra Garland, during her presentation, explained that the Housing and Population Census will not only numerically capture how many people currently reside in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but who lives where and their access to essential services. She said the census “is a count of every person and building in the country”.

“In addition to knowing how many persons live here, it is also vital to know who lives here in terms of age, sex, religion, education, occupation, and other important characteristics as well

as where they live in terms of housing, access to water and other essential facilities.”

She further explained that a census is conducted every 10 years in most countries and the last population and housing census was conducted in the Turks and Caicos Islands in January 2012.

She said: “Census data will help us learn changes that have taken place in the Turks and Caicos Islands since the last census we will be able to say whether our population is growing or shrinking, and how the country as a whole is progressing.”

During her slideshow presentation, a chart depicting births, deaths, and migration rates in the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1921 to 2012 during the intercensal period was also displayed.

Garland said: “In 1921, the TCI had a population of 5612 persons.

“It is not possible to trace the early demographic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands due to lack of data, but what is evident from the limited historical data is that population developments beginning in 1921, and up to 1970 follow the same path as other Caribbean islands with substantial immigration as the main component of population change.”

She further revealed that since 1970, the path has been a stark contrast to other Caribbean nations such as the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Aruba as immigration has been the main component of population growth, in the territory.

She said: The table shows the substantial emigration from the islands between 1921 and 1970, which resulted in negative rates of growth.

“We must remember that this was

during the time when a lot of our people were moving to the Bahamas, the US, etc. for a better way of life, this is a part of our history.”

On the other hand, immigration was at its highest level between 1943 and 1960, when it exceeded the volume of natural increase by 1/5th.

She further explained that during this same period, the population fell from 6,138 to 5,668.

Garland said: “The complete reversal of the pattern of migration after 1970 has been extraordinary.

“Since 1990 population growth has been largely driven by immigration, which has exceeded natural increase.

“The negative annual average rates of growth for the period from 1943 to 1970, were replaced by considerable positive rates, which rose to 4.9% between 1990 and 2001 and 4.4% in the latest intercensal period.”

The table also showed the declining rates of births and deaths in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

She added “The rate of natural increase fell from 15.9 per 1000 to 12.3 per 1000 by 2012.

“When we talk about the natural increase, we are looking at our births minus deaths.”

ISLAND POPULATION

According to Garland, who broke down the population of the various islands within the Turks and Caicos archipelago from 1960 to 2012,

the Turks and Caicos Islands as a whole had a population of 5000 people in 1960.

She said: “Salt Cay had as many persons as Providenciales, South Caicos and North Caicos had more persons than Providenciales in 1960.

“You will notice that the population in Grand Turk had been steadily growing unlike Middle Caicos and Salt Cay population has been declining for every census year.

“However, since 1980, the population of Providenciales has been increasing significantly.”

“I can say fresh off the press that as of last week, the population of South Caicos was 945 persons.”

Turning her attention to who will be counted by enumerators, Garland explained that the aim of the census is to tally the total population of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The total population, she explained, may comprise either the usual total of the country or all persons present in the country at the time of the census.

All population groups will be included in the enumeration, including those living in private dwellings throughout the eight inhabited islands of the Turks and Caicos and persons living in non-private dwellings, group dwellings, institutions and persons studying abroad who are usually in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Live births by nationality

NEW INQUIRY LAUNCHED

the UK’s relationship with BOTs fit for purpose?’

BY DELANA ISLES

On Thursday, April 20, the UK House of Commons launched an inquiry into the constitutional arrangements of UK Overseas Territories, to ascertain whether their relationship with the United Kingdom is satisfactory and appropriate in the 21st century.

A statement from the House of Commons Select Committee Media team outlined that the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) will examine the constitutional position of the Overseas Territories and welcome submissions from governments, parliaments, and citizens of overseas territories as part of its inquiry.

The interaction between the Overseas Territories and the UK Parliament and Government was

brought to attention during the passage of the Sanctions and Money Laundering Act 2018, where the unusual step was taken to extend the Act to cover their jurisdictions, the statement reads.

The Committee is seeking evidence on how the UK Parliament and the civil service engage with the Overseas Territories and across different Government departments; how their interests are represented in UK Parliament; and how the rights of British overseas citizens are protected.

William Wragg MP, Chair of PACAC, in statements before the HOC, noted: “The UK Overseas Territories are an important part of the UK family. With ten territories permanently inhabited by British nationals and all fourteen represented at the international level by the UK, we cannot

deny their unique constitutional position.

“Each territory has its own legislative processes and bespoke relationship with the UK, but with no official representation in UK Parliament, these constitutional arrangements are often misunderstood or overlooked.”

According to the PACAC Chair, there is no ‘one size fit all’ framework for relations between the UK and the Territories, however, by better understanding how existing arrangements operate in practice, the UK can better assess whether they are satisfactory and appropriate in the 21st century.

The Committee invites evidence on the following matters: Are the UK’s current constitutional arrangements as regards to the Overseas Territories

satisfactory and appropriate in the 21st Century?

WHAT IS THE UK GOVERNMENT’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OVERSEAS TERRITORIES,

INCLUDING:

Does the UK Civil Service engage effectively with the Overseas Territories? – Are Overseas Territories appropriately considered within different departments across Whitehall?

WHAT IS THE UK PARLIAMENT’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OVERSEAS TERRITORIES, INCLUDING:

– Does the legislative process in the UK currently operate effectively in relation to

Overseas Territories, both in theory and in practice?

Are the interests of the Overseas Territories effectively represented within the UK Parliament?

– How is legislation made in the Overseas Territories and what role does the UK Government and UK Parliament have in these processes?

– Are effective mechanisms in place for the interests of the Overseas Territories to be represented internationally?

– Are the rights and interests of British Overseas Citizens effectively protected by the current constitutional arrangements?

Written submissions can be sent in at https://committees.parliament. uk/call-for-evidence/3109/ by 5 pm on Monday, September 4.

TCI police officers benefit from advanced firearm training

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force recently completed four days of advanced firearms training.

RTCIPF hosted and facilitated the advanced armed-policing training event delivered by Law Enforcement Partners from the United States from April 10. The training was delivered to

officers from the RTCIPF with students from other British Overseas Territories also in attendance; including the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Bermuda Police Service and the Royal Anguilla Police Force, according to a statement from the police.

The training, Advanced Law

Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT), prepared officers to respond to an active shooter situation.

The police force stated that: “The training was demanding, vigorous, intensive, and designed to prepare first responders to isolate, distract, and neutralise persons seeking to cause harm to our communities.”

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: “We value our relationship and partnership with US Law Enforcement Agencies and I thank the training team for the delivery of an outstanding training event; training which has equipped officers to respond to any high threat to our communities and ensure they are kept safe.

“I was pleased to host colleagues from other British Overseas Territories which has enhanced our ability to support each other for training and operations.

“All of the officers performed to a high level and were successful through a highly demanding course; I congratulate them on their success.”

‘Is

RTCIPF Officers Training instructors

Election observers mission recommendations out for public consultation

Political parties and members of the public can now provide their thoughts on the recommendations made by the election’s observers mission following the February 19, 2021 elections.

The recommendations can be found on the TCI Government website.

The consultation commenced on Wednesday, April 19, and closes on May 19. Written feedback can be submitted by email or hard copy document to Lister Dudley Lewis, Supervisor of Elections, Elections Department Pond Street Grand Turk, or email dllewis@gov.tc.

The legal framework in the TCI regulates the electoral process and provides a basis for the conduct of general elections in compliance with international legal obligations. The civil and political rights pertaining to elections include the right to vote and to stand for election are protected as well as the freedom of assembly, association, and expression.

The TCI elections are primarily governed by the Constitution adopted in 2011, the elections ordinance 2020, Electoral District Boundaries Ordinance 2012 and Political Activities Ordinance 2012.

On February 19, 2021, general elections were held in the Islands and Observer Missions were invited by HE the Governor to observe the

BUDGET DELAY

conduct of the elections.

The elections were observed by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR) virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFIS) and CARICOM (in-person).

The joint Observer Missions Observed the elections virtually and physically and made recommendations that will enhance the future conduct of TCI elections to bring it fully into line with international obligations and standards for a more efficient and effective TCI democratic electoral process.

The 2021 general elections were assessed against relevant international treaties, obligations and commitments and TCI domestic laws and the recommendations made are based on detailed desk study of the TCI legal framework for elections, past election results, interviews with stakeholders including polling staff, candidates, political parties, and voters.

The recommendations made by the Observer teams after the TCI 2021 general elections should be seen as suggestions to be considered to improve future TCI general elections.

Residents are encouraged to participate and provide feedback.

According to the Minister of Finance, Hon Saunders, logistics is what is delaying the 2023-2024 budget. Speaking with the Weekly News on Wednesday, April 12, he said he expects the ministerial and departmental work - logistics - to be wrapped up at the end of April, and the process of debate to be conducted around May. “We’re expecting to bring the budget in the week of May 15, when it will be brought to the House of Assembly and debated, and we’re expecting to get it done by the end of this month before the debate. “It’s always a slow process getting from all the departments everything that they want, but we’re going to move to a

Questionable delay

medium-term development strategy, so we know what’s going into the budget. That is why we are moving to a medium term-development strategy where it’s collectively done, so we all know the strategy going in from year to year”.

Saunders said he intends to have a more efficient process by next year “where we can actually start first of April”. What are your thoughts?

this late and questionable delay in reaching the required deadlines.

TCI

companies could be fined for not registering on the Companies and Limited Partnerships Portal

The Financial Transactions Information Exchange Unit has identified entities in the Turks and Caicos Islands that have not yet registered and filed on the Portal as required under section 10 of the Companies and Limited Partnerships (Economic Substance) Ordinance Cap 16.19 “the Ordinance”.

The Unit in a statement earlier this week warned companies that: “Failure to complete the requisite filing as required under the Ordinance via the Portal is in contravention of the reporting obligations” as outlined in section 10 of the Ordinance which can, result in a fine as outlined in section 10 (4).

“This serves as an official first notice from the Financial Transactions Information Exchange Unit that all submissions

should have been completed on or before 31st March 2023, entities are urged to ensure that their filings are completed.”, the Unit stressed.

In 2018 the Turks & Caicos Islands Government “Government” passed legislation to implement the reporting of substantial activities for nominal tax jurisdictions as required by the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting “BEPS”: Action 5. This also includes Economic Substance reporting which is a mandatory requirement.

The Government subsequently launched the Economic Substance Portal in 2021 and communicated same to the business and corporate trading community in an effort to ensure that all entities were registered and subsequently complete their filings on the Portal.

A nation’s budget ‘being late’ is no small issue and cannot be passed on to a slickly made narrative of “logistics”. Ministerial and departmental work could be another way to lay blame at the feet of the civil servants, but the Minister of Finance must know that he is ultimately responsible for this delayed delivery of the annual report on the country’s finances. Budgets are critical to assessing the government’s performance over a fiscal year and the actual projections of spending and revenues come in. It may well be that actual estimates were not delivered, and the revenue projections may have been overshot. Passing the late delivery onto logistics by mid-April in the given year is not acceptable.

Unacceptable

Usually, government ministries and departments are asked to submit their estimates, actual figures well in advance of the ending of the financial year with fixed deadlines. This is so that logistical and timing issues would not arise. If the process were managed well the minister would have avoided

In older days this would have led to removals and ministerial resignations. In today’s world one gets to explain it off and blame others, logistics and staff included. This delay makes the Ministry of Finance look bad. It is as if they are not really in charge of the process of preparing for the budget.

Not good enough

Moving to a collective process is what the process has always been— collective. This is nothing new and really adds little to the explanation of why the estimates are late. It is really not good enough. There is an admission that the process being managed by the minister at this time is not efficient. Annual Budgets are rarely late and when they are, it signals that the finances of the country are not in good order. The explanations given are not acceptable and there is some element of misleading here.

Proper systems needed

First of all, the correct revenues need to be collected. Too many

unpaid balances owed to TCIG. Ok; let us say we agree with this strategy, then moving forward all who would have to submit their reports should be doing so in a timely manner, so that when it is time for budgeting, it can be done in a timely frame and with complete full knowledge of profits and loss, and areas in which there needs to be more follow thorough.

Political gabble

Ah! Now the top of the pyramid experiences what the lower orders suffer from every time they need the Civil Service in order to comply with the enormous number of regulations the TCIG imposes on us all. Jay is using the normal political gabble language to disguise the problem, but he gets it.

be putting

do you think we

public? And what are your thoughts on it?

First verdict expected in SIPT corruption trial later this year

BY DELANA ISLES

An end is now in sight for four corruption accused - Floyd Hall and three others - as a verdict is expected to be handed down by the Chief Justice in the coming months.

The trial which began on December 8, 2015, with several accused, was in 2021 whittled down to seven, and the trial split into two.

The former Deputy Premier Floyd Hall, ex-government minister Jeffrey Hall, and attorneys Melbourne Wilson and Clayton Greene are being tried separately. While ex-Premier Michael Misick, former minister McAllister Hanchell and attorney Chalmers Misick are expected to stand trial later this year.

In late March, the defence wrapped up its case, with closing arguments expected early in May.

Weekly News reached out to King’s Counsel Andrew Mitchell, who has led the prosecution since the start of the trial, for an estimated timeline as to when the Hall et all trial will be closed, and a verdict delivered.

Mitchell said the defence is expected to file their written closing arguments by May 6 with Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang, then on May 18, defence lawyers will present their arguments in open court.

Floyd Hall’s attorney has been given two days to present their arguments, and one day each has been assigned to the other three defence lawyers to present any supplemental arguments they may

have.

Mitchell said the Crown will then have a week to prepare their replies to all four defendants.

The prosecution will then be allowed to present their rebuttal arguments to the defence’s closing statements on June 5 and 6. The defence will then be allowed up to 4 pm on June 7 to put in any written submissions they may have to the Crown’s reply.

Mitchell said the case then goes to the Chief Justice – in the judge alone trial – for her to consider a verdict.

Asked if the TCI public can expect a verdict before the end of the year, the SIPT Prosecutor said yes, when the Hall et all case wraps up, there will be a verdict handed down before the Misick trial starts.

However, whether that verdict will come sometime in July before the court adjourns for the Summer break, or when it resumes in midSeptember, is still not sure.

The trial of Misick, Hanchell and Misick is expected to commence sometime in October, barring any unexpected occurrences, with Mitchell predicting it to last about six to nine months.

The facts of the case against the seven accused – initially heard before the late Justice Paul Harrison – are the same, though split.

Three conspiracy to defraud charges, one bribery charge and another of concealing the proceeds of criminal conduct were filed in the trial against Floyd Hall, Jeffery Hall, Melbourne Wilson and Clayton Greene.

In all three of the conspiracy charges, chief defendant Floyd

Hall is alleged to have conspired with former Premier Michael Misick to defraud the TCI.

In the bribery charge, Floyd Hall is alleged to have accepted inducements directly or indirectly from Richard Padgett and related and connected entities by unlawful corrupt payments or other rewards while he was a minister of government.

Padgett was at the time the developer of a luxury hotel at Third Turtle. Padgett has since pleaded guilty to this charge and been sentenced.

In one of the three charges, Floyd Hall, Jeffrey Hall and Melbourne Wilson allegedly conspired with Michael Misick, Lillian Boyce, Samuel Been, Quinton Hall and Earlson Robinson in a North West Point land deal.

In this land deal, ex-minister Jeffrey Hall is alleged to have used a company named Urban Development to purchase land

and then sell it immediately to Canadian developer David Wex.

The fifth count names Clayton Greene, alleging he concealed or disguised the proceeds of criminal conduct committed by Floyd Hall.

Whenever the Chief Justice delivers her verdict – be it July or September – this will be the very first verdict in the protracted trial that has spanned almost eight years and counting, and millions of public funds.

Two other defendants who were part of the initial trial presided over by Justice Harrison were severed from the case in 2021.

In January 2021, Lillian Boyce changed her not-guilty plea to guilty on the charge of misconduct in public office.

Boyce, who was slapped with several charges stemming from the commission of inquiry that led to the SIPT trials, also had other charges against her for which she had agreed to a financial settlement.

She received no prison time.

Then in March 2021, the charges against Lisa Robinson-Hall were dropped by the Director of Public Prosecution after a re-examination of the case against her. Robinson-Hall was initially charged with two money laundering counts.

From March 2010 – when the Helen Garlick-led Special Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT) was set up in Providenciales to carry out independent criminal investigations into allegations of corruption at the highest levels of TCI Government - to 2023, finally, a verdict is in sight, and though not an end, it is a tangible result that the TCI public will finally be granted.

Notably, the entire process commenced in 2008-2009 when recommendations for investigations were handed down by Sir Robin Auld’s Commission of Inquiry

Corruption accused to receive verdict soon: Floyd Hall, Jeffery Hall, Melbourne Wilson and Clayton Greene

Finding the balance between work and life

From the time I became the Chief Financial Officer of Cable & Wireless in 1999 to my current role as an entrepreneur, it has been a challenge.

You find yourself working countless hours a day and most times every day. By the time you reach home, you are burnt out, you are sleepy and have very little or no time at all to enjoy life and with your family.

In this article, I will provide some tips for you to find a balancing act between work and life.

Firstly, we must establish a cutoff time for each day. If you don’t do this, you will find yourself spending all your time at work and no time for your family and fun. To be effective with this, you should document your tasks that you plan for the day and try to maintain that schedule. Don’t burn yourself in

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

a day for tomorrow will always be there. If you don’t live to see tomorrow, wouldn’t you rather spend today with your family and do some fun things leaving great memories.

If you find it hard to establish cut off times, then from time-totime, take a vacation or a weekend break and don’t do any work during this time. Also, find the time to take a lunch break even

if it is late in the afternoons and when you take that lunch break. Some of us work straight through without taking lunch. First of all it is unhealthy and second, you need a break from work.

Work as little as possible at home. I know it is very difficult not working at home especially depending on the field you work in. However, you will have to maintain discipline and control so

that you do not spend a lot of hours working at home.

Family should be a very important part of your life. In fact, many of you are perhaps working so hard to improve the financial conditions of your families.

However, if you are spending all your time at work and no time for family, then it is pointless. Try and dedicate at least one night just for your family.

In addition to the family night, try to go to Church on Sundays. This may be the only day we will hear the word of God. One of the things that are holding our society together is the fact that some of us come together and worship and pray to God.

We must also find the time to get adequate hours of sleep. Sleep is very important to your health.

Also, turn off your mobile

device for a few hours a day as you can easily become addicted to these digital devices. In so doing, you may find yourself spending more time on these devices than you are spending with your family and friends.

Finally, delegate and find the right people to help you. I know your reputation is at hand and you want to make sure everything is the way you want it to be but at some point, in your life, you must give up some of what you do.

It is hard to find a balance. However, if you want a healthy life, a great family, and precious memories, then it is important to find that balance. Everything should not be about work and money. If you are still not convinced you need a balance, consider the proverb that says, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

What are our contingency plans to deal with impending world crises?

The world is on edge! Energy production and reserves are dwindling, and prices skyrocketing. Deteriorating climatic conditions promise to deplete water shortages, and further exacerbate food production. Similarly, health crises continue to disrupt global communities, while safety and security around the world are declining. Meanwhile, fractured world politics is spurring geopolitical tension among military giants.

Despite the urgency, the world powers are distracted! the US is occupied with internal political strife, racism, social unrest, and escalating gun violence, while China endeavour to disrupt the status quo in the South China

BY D MARKIE SPRING

Sea with troubling manoeuvres, evidencing dramatic change in world political thought and the balance of power.

The Russians have invaded Ukraine, stemming from President Putin’s imperial ambitions to reunite the USSR – the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic – to push NATO farther to the west and advance a new geopolitical

order.

Correspondingly, the EU is forced to concentrate on, and protect its increasingly hostile and unstable neighbourhood from further invasion, a nuclear catastrophe, and avoid energy and economic wars.

These occurrences have evinced devastating environmental, social, political and economic consequences in the TCI; yet, lawmakers are unalert. In fact, there is no evidence that the authorities have forged contingencies to mitigate the setbacks from these global phenomena.

It seems policymakers are waiting on major economies to act. Previously, we’ve underscored many workable strategies to address these global challenges, and seemingly the propositions were uttered with the mic turned

off!

We are aware, the complexities of global issues are far beyond the capacity of any one nation to tackle and; therefore, the UN has instituted and addressed its sustainable development goals – on a broader scale – which transcends national borders.

Besides, these large-scale problems require partnerships, cross-border collaboration and innovation, among the public and private sectors; in addition to, fusing with non-governmental organisations, academia and communities.

Undoubtedly, the UN has acquired some level of success on the global front; however, these advances do not always trickle down to the individual state. Therefore, pertinent concerns, such as food and water scarcity, education, health, energy, loss of biodiversity and marine ecosystem, and climate change are better solved locally.

Over time, the world organization has faced many roadblocks and similar hurdles, though not so severe, can surface at the local level. However, these challenges are not entirely

inescapable; therefore, TCI’s politicians and their constituents must surpass political divides, and compromise on bipartisan laws, strategies and budgets to overcome the issues at hand.

A credited Harvard business review submits, roadblocks, which inhibit cross-cultural collaboration and open innovation among dissimilar parties worldwide incorporate multiple gatekeepers, distrust regarding anything “not invented here” and disputes. Therefore, circumventing these hiccups will require the TCI to foster and maintain flexibility and credence; in addition to, bedded networks, which minimises silos.

Hence, feasible measures could mitigate future impacts of global issues in the TCI, not if, but when the next pandemic strikes. Too, these actions would enable the TCI to withstand food and water shortages, energy blockages and soaring prices; not withholding, a safer TCI to live and visit.

Working across parties, sectors and institutions, and enterprises led by a coalition of like-minded partners can lead to better innovations and outcomes that benefit TCI’s society.

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.

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.

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

Re – create

What is the most important tool you have right now? Look around you and if you can, identify your number one tool. If you pointed to yourself with the self-awareness that your body is the most critical tool in your toolbox, then you are right. Without a healthy body (by body I mean everything that is a part of it, brain, heart, even consciousness to a certain extent) nothing gets done. Let me also hasten to add that a person can be physically or even emotionally and mentally challenged and still achieve amazing things. The main point I want to communicate is this, our bodies are important, and we should take care of it. And it’s the Bible, not the latest edition of Healthy Bodies or some such magazine that says so. Look at this text.

1 Corinthians 6: 9 – 20 – 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit

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.

of our God. 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other.

The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute?

Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own

body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. Note these things about your body from this text.

1. Our body is damaged by sin –V. 9-11. Sin damages our body and the way we use it leads to further damage.

2. Our body is saved by Jesus –V.11. The word washed, refers to the spiritual cleansing that we have experienced as followers of Jesus, the word sanctification speaks to an ongoing process whereby we are being made more and more like Jesus and the word justified brings the idea that in Jesus we have been made right with God. Though sin damages our body, Jesus has saved, washed, sanctified and justified our soul and body.

3. Our body is vulnerable – V.

12. Though saved, we are still vulnerable to some things. But,

4. Our body is made for God – V. 13. We are to use our bodies to honour and glorify God. What we do with our bodies and to our bodies can either dishonour God or bring him glory.

5. Our body is part of the body of Christ – V. 14-15. Yes, spiritually we are part of the body of Jesus Christ, but so too is our body. That means the way we use our body reflects on and witnesses to our faith in Jesus Christ.

6. Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit – V. 18 – 19. Corporately the Holy Spirit dwells in the church, the body of Jesus Christ, but individually He dwells in our bodies, so we need to use it well; and more so because.

7. Our body is not our own – V. 19 – 20. Our bodies were slaves to sin, Jesus purchased our bodies by his death and saved us, so we are to live in a way that brings positive

attention to Jesus.

That said, here is my one point for you today, well, this week. Get active. There are three things I want to say to you about that.

Exercise – start lightly then increase frequency and intensity. You do not need to sign up at a gym either, you can do exercises from your own home or yard. What you do would depend largely on what your goals are; maybe you want to build endurance, or muscles or lose weight, whatever the goal is, start exercising.

Do indoor and outdoor work –indoor work can include sweeping and cleaning while outdoor work can include gardening or yard work or an outdoor project. By doing these, it helps you to keep active.

Move –If you spend a lot of time behind a desk or driving, make it a habit to move around as often as you can. Studies have shown that “Men who spend more than 23 hours per week sitting have a 64% greater chance of dying from heart disease than those who sit for eleven hours a week or less.”

(Peter Katzmarzyk et al, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 41). So, get up and move.

Love God by treating your body well. And remember that YOU ARE LOVED.

The true value of keepsakes Eight little things to keep

Last week, I found myself reminiscing over a few old photos of my family. How terribly old have we all gotten? Keep and cherish some things today, because ten years from now, it will be such a treat to reunite with them.

Many of us hold on to keepsakes because they remind us of a time we treasured or a loved one we hold close to our hearts. However, over the years, this collection of items may grow or sadly, it too can dwindle down, as we de-clutter. I say, if you have space for them, keep everything that can allow you to relive a great moment in your lifetime. Keep the little things that take you back to a place that you have long left behind.

But which memories should we hold on to? Which ones do we plan to pass down? And what are we willing to throw away? To find out what we should value

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

the most, I thought of some. Old photographs of family and friends prove to be may be the most meaningful keepsakes. Alongside this, old birthday cards and children’s schoolwork hold a lot of value in our hearts.

Here are eight little things you should always keep:

OLD LOVE LETTERS

Keep them all. Even if they cheated.

You were young and innocent, leave the bitterness behind

and remember the good times. Whatever age you were, whatever the reasons were, keep the notes that gave you butterflies.

OLD PHOTOGRAPHS

This is the testimony to show that time does fly. The horrific fashion and the bad haircut: all when you thought you were “fly”… keep them all. You had long hair, healthy skin, and bright teeth: they may never be the same again. You will find yourself in total bliss seeing what you “once” looked like.

OLD BIRTHDAY CARDS

10 years old, 14 years old, 32 years old and the list goes on… keep the sweet birthday wishes you received. The senders may be still around or far away, at least you will have proof of how special you were to them.

OLD DRAWINGS

Chicken scratches or a wonderful oeuvre, keep them. It is the most innocent form of story-telling, without the need of a single word.

OLD NEWSPAPER CUT-OUTS

If you were on the news, cut and keep it… with the cover page. I have an archive of these. When I am down, I go through them and smile.

OLD KIDS’ SHOES/CLOTHES

If you are a parent, here is a chance to remind you that your “grown adult child” was in fact,

a baby. Keep a thing or two from them. The joy it will bring you is unfathomable.

OLD TROPHIES, MEDALS OR BADGES

This body will change and you will not be able to do the things you used to.

Keep the things that remind you of your youth. How I ever used to sprint, 100 and 200 metres, is beyond me now.

OLD JOURNALS

Relive the past, write and keep notes of today, because you will forget some, if not most of the things you did. Write whenever you can. Do not pressure yourself in keeping a daily log. Keep just enough to be able to share with your grandkids…. just how cool you once were.

What have you kept that you just cannot be separated from? Do share at louisedens@gmail.com

Housing and Population Census to go paperless for the first time

For the first time in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ history, the National Housing and Population Census will go green – meaning –it will be a paperless exercise.

In the coming weeks, when enumerators set out to conduct house-to-house visits, all the information gathered from households throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands will be uploaded to cloud storage which uses remote servers to save data, essentially making the onerous task more efficient.

The Department of Statistics, which is responsible for conducting the census, has abbreviated the

paperless survey process ‘CAPI’ which stands for (Computer Assisted Personal Interviews) as it aims to contribute towards a greener world by eliminating the use of paper during the exercise.

This will see enumerators using electronic handheld devices such as tablets, laptops, and in some cases cell phones to interview residents.

Breaking down the process and explaining how CAPI will revolutionise the laborious data collection process, Ms Sabrina Williams- Deputy Chief Statistician speaking at the launch of the 2023 National Housing and Population Census held on Thursday, April

13th, 2023 at Grace Bay Club Resort said: “In the past, we did a manual process which was paperquestionnaires, and we use manual counting.

“We used computers for manual data entry and in some cases, they did scanning of the questionnaires, now we’re moving to CAPI which is Computer Assisted Personal Interview and this is the result of advanced technology and improved network infrastructure.”

“So we’ll use laptops, handheld devices, tablets, and even in some cases, we can use cell phones.”

She explained that CAPI is an interviewing technique,

which allows the respondent or interviewer to use an electronic device to answer the questions.

“But we’re also going to explore a category as well, which is Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews in cases where we can’t reach you via Face to face interviewing”, she added.

Outlining several benefits of the electronically driven process, she underscored that one of the main pros is timely data collection.

She said: “In the past, we would have to ship questionnaires to the various islands and the supervisor would have to issue it to the interview when they would collect the data from the various households.

“Now we can actually sit within our department and assign questions to the supervisors.

“ They can now use their laptops or desktops, and assign these questionnaires to their interviewers and the interviewers can go out in the field collect information, and we can get real-time information right there versus having to wait on the interviewer to collect this information, give it to their supervisor and have the supervisor returning to the office.”

She stressed that CAPI will ensure data quality and comparability.

“So with CAPI we have built-in instructions, so whereas you may have a human error in the past, where a child may be five years old, but the interviewer would still ask questions in regards to economic activity or fertility, or marital status, CAPI has built-in instructions that automatically allows the interviewer to forego those sections, hence the data quality situation.”

Further CAPI will allow enumerators to collect new types of data including geo-location and the actual GIS coordinates of homes visited.

She said: “So with the use of tablets, it has a built-in field that will now allow us to capture those built-in coordinates.

“So we can see exactly where the enumerator was when they capture a particular set of data.”

Coupled with this, CAPI was touted as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for National Statistics offices.

She continued: “So no more paying for paper, no more paying for printing, no pencils, no sharpeners, just investing in tablets.

“The CAPI has four main components, we have the designer, we have headquarters, we have supervisors, and we have interviewers.

She pointed out that the questionnaire design was developed from software provided

by the World Bank.

“Each of us we have a username and login information and we will build our questionnaire into the designer.

“From designer, the questionnaire goes into headquarters from headquarters and the person they are now assigned to different areas or enumeration districts.

“The supervisors then assign assignments to the interviewers.”

She acknowledged that although the questionnaires have been designed to ask age-appropriate questions, to the interviewee, tests are still being carried out to ensure the highest degree of accuracy.

“We’re not perfect within the statistics department, so we can test and retest and retest. “But there’s a possibility that there might be an error within our question itself versus the enumerator.”

CAPI will also allow enumerators and supervisors to view a summary of the data collected before synchronising it to the cloud.

She said: “When I talk about synchronising I mean after you’ve completed that interview, you have to actually press a little button that would allow that completed interview to come back to headquarters for your supervisor or the person within quarters to test it out.”

The electronic questionnaire will also allow enumerators to continue data entry without internet access.

“ So that is one of the main things for us, once an interviewer has their assignments on their tablet, they can go out into 100 odd- households without having internet.

“But in order for their supervisor to get that information they need to connect to the internet in order to sync it back home.”

The new electronic data collection systems will also record all events with timestamps, which will allow supervisors to analyse the duration of an interview.

The National Housing and Population Census is conducted every 10 years in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The last Census was carried out in 2012.

Ms Sabrina Williams- Deputy Chief Statistician within the Department of Statistics

The Caribbean airlift dilemma

The Caribbean region is suffering from a border airlift disorder that produces the most intense chronic agony and distress in those who suffer from this condition which encompasses the functions of tourism, trade, commerce and social interaction.

Airlift in the region appears to be in a continuous twilight zone of dreaming and failure fuelled by assumptions and imagination. Summits are held and committees are formed and the conclusions of the deliberations have the value of being flat, dull, or trite. The oratory is characterised by ordinary platitudes. The headlines of the media coverage of the meetings are the same five or ten years ago as the current ones which indicate that after public exposure fades, things return to inaction and suffering in silence.

The Caribbean should not have an airlift problem. The firmament above the region is the same, the

CDR BUD SLABBAERT

Commander Bud Slabbaert from Sint Maarten is the initiator and chairman of the Caribbean Aviation Meetup conferences. Throughout his professional activities, he was involved in international aviation promotion, development and management matters in the region and in Europe.

air that one breathes is the same. Taking to the skies seems to be a different ballgame. For one, there is a people problem. People who create problems and people who stand in the way of solving them. What boosts the problem are the people who don’t know the heck what they are talking about, yet, have a decisive voice.

Secondly, the Caribbean is a quagmire of territories, jurisdictions, and controls. Next: try to define the Caribbean. The archipelago from Cuba to Trinidad?

Bud has written numerous articles and columns for international and regional magazines.

As a specialist in strategic communication, he aims to ensure that the essential information is noticed by the senses, sticks in the mind, and affects thinking, behaviour, or activities of an audience.

What about the coastal areas of Central America? Some add Bermuda and Guyana. Statistics under the generic term ‘Caribbean’ are best defined as a punchbowl. The airlift problem is not the air or the sky. It is not even the equipment or the needed skills to take to the sky or navigate in the skies. Let me give you a hint of what constitutes the problem. Former French President Charles de Gaulle once said: “How can you govern a country that has 246 varieties of cheese?”

‘I cry for TCI’

says former minister Lightbourne as DMO officially launched

When it was first rumoured that it is the government’s intention to demolish the Tourist Board, I was approached by various media outlets/houses to provide a statement.

I refused to provide a statement at that time because I didn’t think that the government would carry through with the idea of taking away another locally controlled entity.

A sensitive industry such as tourism, whose marketing arm is the tourist board, out of the hands of our local people and transferred into the hands of our foreign competitors, cannot be countenanced.

Needless to say, I was wrong, yes, my people, it is true, we are no longer directly in control of our own tourist destination and as a concerned citizen I wish to register my thoughts.

The Tourist Board staff with vast years of experience and qualifications have received their pink slips and they are currently unemployed; we are seeing photos of potential replacements.

When I saw the photos of these individuals and the advertisements for key positions being circulated

in foreign media but not local media, I began to cry, yes, I cried! I did so because I could not understand why and how anyone who was born in the Turks and Caicos Islands could be so devious and hold so much hate toward their own people to the extent that they would go above and beyond the call of duty to terminate or fire persons.

These are people who literally stood in the hot boiling sun to vote for them, giving them a job, only to lose theirs as a result. Hiring persons from jurisdictions who are our competition cannot make any sense. It breaks my heart to see that the Turks and Caicos will now be represented abroad by persons who do not speak like us and who do not know and understand our history, tourism product and our culture.

As a concerned citizen I made many unsuccessful attempts to rationalise this decision and again, I was unsuccessful. I asked myself, like I’m sure many of you have done; Why? Why? Was it that our people are unqualified and do not possess the necessary skills and experience? Again, the answer is a

What is needed to rise above any cliché or dogma and enable the transition to a dimension of sustainable action? It may emphasise aviation but also must embrace the impact on tourism and local economies. It must be characterised by generous amounts of latitude, attitude and magnitude and having the height of being above the current reference of anything.

A new attitude towards positive development and impact must be accommodated through freedom

from narrow restrictions and freedom of action. It may be too much to expect to reach a galactic latitude, however great significance and consequence are within reach. Create friendly and open skies for air mobility to bloom and flourish.

Where is the leader in the Caribbean who can take on the challenge of creating a mechanism for transformation and redemptive communication aiming for results and solutions and which shall be raised above the level of the current surrounding environment of circumstances? Who can unite and assist in solving air transportation problems of various kinds without having an acute masochist or a serious Messiah complex? Of absolute importance is to be assured of the support of likeminded persons, or businesses, or government authorities. Where oh where are the leaders and the solutions?

resounding no!

The answer could only be no because after carefully examining the credentials of the tourist board staff, I found out that they were all qualified with the necessary experience and skills, in-fact, of the seventeen staff members (all local) they all hold master’s degrees, except three.

So, what could it possibly be? Is this really an attempt to enhance the tourism experience? Again, the answer is a resounding no. Remember, we are currently one of the world’s leading sought-after destinations and our accolades are stacking up more and more, every year we are recognised globally, winning awards for our tourism product, additionally, our visitor arrival numbers are constantly increasing.

AN APPRECIATION OF THE STAFF OF THE TOURIST BOARD

Kudos only and solely to the Tourist Board staff for their hard work and dedication over the many years you have laboured, toiled and sacrificed, traveling all over

the world risking your lives to showcase our country.

You, the staff members of the Tourist Board, have made us the envy of the region. As a people, we are proud and grateful for your contribution towards the betterment of us all. Hold your head up high, you have not failed, but rather, your government has failed you. Rest assured, that history will not judge this PNP Regime kindly.

To all of you who sat around that Cabinet table and agreed to this debacle, you have also failed your people, particularly your constituents, especially those who voted for you, giving you a job, only for you to take away theirs. Shame on you, it could not have happened without your support, how do you face the tourist board staff and what do you say to them?

As ministers with a voice, all of

you had the option to resign and condemn this backstabbing but your silence is equally loud. Also, where are the voices of the 14 elected MPs? This decision to demolish the tourist board ought to wake us all up and give a clear glimpse into the mindset of this government, a government that is hell-bent on demoralising and devaluing its own people by transferring the management and control of our assets into the hands of non-locals. This is having a devastating impact on our people to the extent that many of our people are disillusioned and fleeing to other countries for survival. Now many believe that they are considered “good for nothing” and everything is “too good for them to manage”.

I have spoken to many people, and I am shocked that they are disappointed by this decision. If you have been following this government, there is no reason to be disappointed. It is their trade to sell TCI people out. I must admit that whilst I am saddened, I am not surprised because I know who these people are, and I also knew that they would have sold you out.

I challenge all of you to independently investigate the reasoning behind the closure of the Tourist Board soberly, objectively and honestly and you will find that the decision was not in your best interest but rather, for self-interest and greed.

Former Minister of Government, Hon George Lightbourne

New investment plans approved for Grand Turk Carnival Cruise Centre

Cabinet has approved plans for new investments for the Grand Turk Carnival Cruise Centre.

The green light for new investments for the Cruise Centre was given at the ninth meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 5, April 2023 at the Governor’s residence on Grand Turk.

The meeting chaired by Her Excellency Acting Governor, Anya Williams, was attended by all members with the exception of the Hon Morris, the Hon Taylor, Hon Robinson and the Hon Malcolm who were all out of the country, according to a post-Cabinet statement.

Cabinet also noted a proposal to lift a moratorium to grant a business licence and requested further information from the applicant and will consider at another Cabinet.

Cabinet also approved the vision for a state-of-the-art TCIG marine and fisheries laboratory to support the critical management of the TCI marine environment and provide first class laboratory services within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

It is named in honour of the late

Further financial information from the Ministry of Tourism was requested and will be considered at another Cabinet meeting. Cabinet also: “Approved

an application from a named individual to re-parcel a road located between parcel 61112/5, 6, 8 and 9 and the unregistered road parcel.

“Noted recommendations from the observers of the TCI general

elections held on 19 February 2021 and agreed to forward to the public (including political parties) for further consideration and feedback.

“Approved re-appointments of the following persons to the Telecommunications Board whose appointments expired 31 March 2023:

Clayton Been – Chairman

Delleriece Hall – Member

Chalsianna Misick – Member

Lerone Ingham – Member

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Home Affairs – Ex-officio

Along with the replacement of Lacal Palmer – Member, who has served five years on the Board, approved re-appointments of the following persons to the Adoption Board:

• Tiffany Thomas-Browne – Chair

• Roxanne Wake-Forbes –Member

• Marjorie Bassett – Member

• Carolyn Dickenson – Member

Ex-officio

• Shayone Handfield-Gardiner –Member Ex-officio

• Betty-Ann Benn – Member Exofficio

• Edgar Howell – Member

• James Astwood – Member Ex-

officio

• Bishop Edwin Lightbourne replaced Pastor Pedro Williams Cabinet further noted the concerns raised regarding Prince of Wales Drive beach access and requested an information paper be prepared for Cabinet’s next sitting.

Additionally, Cabinet approved the Supplementary Appropriation (2022/2023) (No. 2) Bill 2023 and for its advancement to the House of Assembly.

RE-APPROVED THE FOLLOWING CONTRACT AWARDS:

I. PN 005617, TR 21/57, Software Digitization Project – Lot A: Electronic Procurement and Contract Management System

II. PN 005617, TR 21/57, Software Digitization Project – Lot B: Equipme

III. PN 005717, TR 22/38, Vehicles for Inland Revenue Department

IV. PN 005629, SSP, Installation of City Water Lines in Wheeland, Blue Hills and Long Bay

This is a dark moment in our history – PDM

We are seeing our elected Premier and his Cabinet wage war on our democracy. Democracy as I know it is a government that represents the will of its people.

This continued advancement of the Destination Management Organization (DMO) does not reflect what the super majority of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands want.

This is beginning to look like a non-independent dictatorship!

We have seen where ill-advised mergers of state and corporate power have turned countries into corporate kleptocracies, establishing a system of socialism for the rich and capitalism for the poor. And this is exactly the road that the Premiere and his Cabinet are heading down.

Our people are saying no, but the Premier is saying yes. I had expected the “Empire to strike back”, and the “deep state” to exert its power, to force this on the people.

Now we see in the news headlines that without Rhyme, reason, or any liaison with the

Public, this current PNP regime is taking it upon itself to recruit foreign staff to head our Tourist Industry, with no regard to the existing qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders currently employed with the Tourist Board, nor any regard to other qualified Turks & Caicos Islanders working privately in our Tourist Industry.

This can only be seen as an affront and insult to the Tourist Board staff and the TCI public.

Many years of knowledge of research, development and training have been undertaken by Tourist Board Staff Members, allowing them to obtain critical experiences, knowledge, and abilities in the Tourism field, and now all of this achievement and record has been washed down the drain by this decision of this current PNP Administration.

These staff members who are being ‘kicked to the curb’ are the only experts known to the Caribbean region and the World who fully know and understand TCI’s History, Culture, and Tourism Products.

From last year’s budget, I have been constantly sounding the alarm about this DMO move, but the Premier and his government painted the picture as the Leader of the Opposition and his Appointed member just being political and being villains in objecting to this move.

The country has been seeing that in every speech, and every address, the Premier was trying to shift attention from his government’s object failures to highlighting the excellent performance of the Tourist Industry.

The stories that they choose to speak to, and will continue to speak to, have been only those that advance their political narrative. This is most likely the reason for all the silence from them because there is very little good that they have done for our people and our country as a whole.

Why don’t the Premier and his government spend any time talking about crime, Illegal immigration, Healthcare, the cost of living, difficulty in doing business with the government and accessing

government services, and the state of our environment? Simple, because those stories do not advance the narrative that Turks and Caicos Islanders are “living their best lives.”

Regardless of your political affiliation, I am sure that you can see that his government does not have a plan or vision that includes TCI people, and this DMO decision is a clear indication of a lack of vision.

We are being systematically sold out and replaced in our Country.

The sad thing is that the PNP Government is leading this “Get rid of the Turks & Caicos Islander Agenda”. We Elected officials, and appointed members cannot sit idly by, and collect salaries from the people’s treasury, while our people are kicked to Curb. If we truly care about our people and their destiny, we all must speak out and oppose this decision.

I am calling on the Members of Parliament to speak out. In particular, all elected representatives cannot remain silent as lambs, betray the people

who voted for them, and expect it to be taken kindly.

I am very grateful for our people, and we must serve them and their collective interest. My job is not to be popular amongst the TCI elites but to represent the interests of my people. My PDM team, other interest groups, and other concerned citizens are not going to give up or back down on this issue, as the Premier and his Cabinet so expect us to.

While I am cognizant of the important role the private sector plays in the success of the country, I am a strong believer that there should be no corporate control of government services and government funds, the people’s money.

As we all know company directors are loyal to the company’s interests to maximize its benefits, hence the government should not give them substantial power as gatekeepers.

We see now that America is in a crisis of corporate capture

Grand Turk Cruise Centre

Clifford Leroy Brooks of South Caicos.

When fishes flew and forests walked

Praiseworthy Turks Islands volunteers redefine animal welfare

You always live and learn. In 2016, I wrote a column entitled “If I Could Talk to the Animals”, where in I raised the state of animal welfare on Grand Turk. Scarcely had the piece been published and there came a hail of criticism. The most vehement of which from a “Grand Turk resident” who wrote a scathing letter to the editor of this newspaper entitled “Grand Turk Cares About Animals”. Recently I had an opportunity to re-read my column from 2016 and admittedly its tone may have come across, unwittingly, as haughty. What’s more, while I had addressed the issues, I offered no solutions and the time has come for a new approach, an approach with workable solutions, and one I am only too happy to report on.

“Grand Turk Donkeys” is the temporary name for a group of Turks Islands volunteers, which, by their own admission, is misleading but also doesn’t do them or their noble efforts justice. But, for now, until an all-encompassing name has been decided upon and a formal non-profit organisation has been established, it is the name this volunteer organisation

BY TITUS DE BOER

Titus de Boer was born in Hamburg and spent his formative years in the West Indies. After a formal education in Germany and subsequent training as a journalist, he moved to the TCI in 1989. These days he works as a residency consultant for Titan Services. (www.titanservices.biz). Readers wishing to contact Titus with ideas and/or suggestions for columns, can to so on tdbtci@aol.com.

goes by. Formed in late January 2023, their mission statement is straightforward: “Working with all the wildlife in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we are a non-profit, in the process of being formed, in the hope of providing all the animals of the TCI with their basic needs and welfare”. At the time of writing, the group comprised of 39 volunteers from all over the TCI. As Erin McCoy, a founding member of the group and Grand Turk resident, explains to me, “Look, this was definitely a Turks Islands (Grand Turk and Salt Cay) centred group, initially formed to look after the donkeys on Grand Turk and Salt Cay but before we knew it, persons from all over the Turks and Caicos Islands heard about us and now we have such an amazing group of volunteers from all over the country, that clearly

we will aspire to work on all the islands, one project at a time”. As I look at some of the names on the list of volunteers, it quickly becomes clear that this is not just another flash-in-the-pan project but a well-organised, hardworking group of professional people. There is a broad mix among the almost 40 volunteers, there are veterinarians, animal welfare experts, a member of the House of Assembly, a prison superintendent, a former politician, members of the private sector, civil servants, journalists, native Turks and Caicos Islanders, expats, and residents. In other words, a wide coalition of individuals from all walks of life with one common goal: The welfare of the animals in the TCI.

One look at an excerpt of their WhatsApp group chat, on just one given morning, says it all:

“Good morning, everyone! Quick update: We are having a busy day already, getting the donkeys that are seriously injured over to Mick and Grand Turk correctional facility…but first off to the Grand Turk Dump to help 5 donkeys that are in a bad condition and transport them so they can have a safe space and be looked after/treated in a secure environment. Update: Our 4 furry friends are adjusting well at their temporary hideaway at the correctional facility, they are bonding nicely, and all ate together and really enjoyed their treats and lots of fresh water. A big thank you again to Mick and his team at the facility. We are all truly grateful especially your new furry friends that are now on their journey to recovering!”

An eight-hundred-word column can hardly give adequate credit

to such praiseworthy efforts, but perhaps it - and several follow-up articles - can help get the word out. Any reader who wishes to offer assistance to this remarkable group is more than welcome to contact me (tdbtci@aol.com).

And so, I conclude this piece with the same poem by G.K. Chesterton I referenced in my column back in 2016. Its message, especially on the heels of Palm Sunday, will resonate more with some readers than others. It is my ardent hope that the welfare of our donkeys and indeed all the animals of this blessed archipelago will form a firm part of the nation’s conscience. “When fishes flew and forests walked and figs grew upon thorn, some moment when the moon was blood Then surely I was born. With monstrous head and sickening cry and ears like errant wings, the devil’s walking parody on all four-footed things. The tattered outlaw of the earth, of ancient crooked will; starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb, I keep my secret still. Fools! For I also had my hour; one far fierce hour and sweet: There was a shout about my ears, and palms before my feet.

Members of the newly formed animal welfare group (left to right), Mr Shaquille Glinton, Staff member, Mr Dujohn Fulford, Animal Health Assistant, Department of Agriculture, Grand Turk. Ms Erin McCoy, volunteer. (Photo: Elphina de Boer)

Dr Ralston Bent DVMZ, Quarantine Officer, Department of Agriculture, Grand Turk, attends to a seriously injured donkey, which was hit by a motor vehicle. (Photo: Erin McCoy)

Mr Mick Woodbine (right), Prison Superintendent, Grand Turk, pictured with Deputy Prison Superintendent, Mr Raymond Grant and Mr Dujohn Fulford of the Department of Agriculture and Mr Tayshan Williams, a volunteer. (Photo: Erin McCoy)

Human smugglers posing as crew of Haitian trade vessel found guilty – to be sentenced on May 1

Two human smugglers posing as legitimate traders bringing goods from Haiti to TCI have been found guilty of assisting the illegal entry of 90 Haitian migrants.

Georges Alexis, 42, and Meralien Merlien, 55, were recently tried before a TCI Magistrate and found guilty of assisting the unlawful entry and disembarking passengers from a small craft without reporting to the proper officer.

The vessel, Marassa Express, had arrived in West Caicos from

Haiti, on February 5, with Captain Alexis and the vessel’s mechanic Merlien posing as crew of a legitimate trade vessel bringing cargo from Haiti.

Instead, the two smuggled 64 men, 24 women and minors into the territory, without alerting the authorities.

A statement from the Ministry of Immigration on Wednesday,

April 19, on the conviction did not indicate how the attempt to smuggle the migrants was detected.

It did state that following a detailed investigation by criminal investigators from the Immigration Taskforce, in partnership with officers from the Customs Department and on-island US colleagues from the Department of

This is a dark moment in ...

CONTINUED FROM  13

of democratic government, where the economic power of corporations has been translated into political power with disastrous effects on people’s lives.

In his book, Captured: The Corporate Infiltration of American Democracy, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse warns that “corporations of vast wealth and remorseless staying power have moved into their politics to seize for themselves advantages that can be seized only by control over the government.”

The book illustrates what he calls, the “immense pressure deployed by the corporate

sector in our government.” He stated that “We must rebalance our democracy by changing the rules to limit the power of money over government and empower people to engage politically as a countervailing force.”

We in the TCI cannot let the current Premier and his Cabinet take us further down this road.

Remember it doesn’t have to be this way, just because Premier Missick and His Cabinet have given up on Turks & Caicos Islanders, we should not as well.

As we progress in this year under my leadership, the PDM will continue to show the whole

country, all our people (PDMs, PNPs, Independents, Nonvoters) that there is a better way.

We can grow an economy that works for all, we can transform healthcare for the better, we can develop local businesses, we can grow the already established business, and we can educate our people, yes, we can and we know how to do it.

We will save the whole country no community, and no Island left behind.

By: Hon Edwin A. Astwood Leader/ Peoples Democratic Movement Leader of the Opposition

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) team, Alexis and Merlien were charged with assisting the unlawful entry of the 90 migrants.

Since their conviction, the two will remain at His Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk until their scheduled May 1 sentencing.

The two convicts face a fine of $20,000 or imprisonment for four years, or both on summary conviction. Or a fine or seven years imprisonment, or both, on conviction on indictment.

These new fines and increased terms of imprisonment were set out in the amended Immigration Ordinance last year.

The unlawful migrants have since been repatriated to Haiti and an application for seizure of the vessel will be made on May 1.

STRONG MESSAGE

Newly appointed Border Force Director General Emilio Seymour said the conviction sends a strong message to those that seek to undermine the security of TCI’s borders.

He said it is only a start: “We are relentlessly pursuing the organisers and those who are profiting in the shadows from the cowardly act of assisting illegal migration and preying on the vulnerability of our regional brothers and sisters.”

Seymour said the TCI’s collaboration with its international partners has increased its capacity significantly in identifying and dismantling human smuggling, and local officers are to be commended for a job well done.

“We can no longer keep simply intercepting and repatriating illegal migrants. To win the fight against

illegal migration we must identify, apprehend and prosecute the ringleaders involved.

“For those who insist on committing these immigration offences, you will be identified, we will apprehend you and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the Director General warned.

Minister for Immigration, Hon. Arlington Musgrove was similarly determined in his comments on the convictions.

“This was an incredibly serious offence – ninety migrants being hidden in a trade vessel to try entering the Turks and Caicos Islands undetected – and a bold attempt by people smugglers to abuse our borders.

“In this case, the crew of the Marassa Express tried to exploit our trade routes, posing as the crew of a legitimate trade vessel simply bringing cargo from Haiti.”

Musgrove commended the “painstaking and detailed” investigation, noting that it shows the lengths the immigration department will go to bring these criminals to justice.

“My congratulations go to the criminal investigators in our immigration task force who worked diligently to secure this conviction, and to all officers from the immigration and customs departments who worked on this investigation.”

He also expressed thanks to TCI’s partner agencies – the Marine Branch of Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) colleagues from the United States Department of Homeland Security – who were both instrumental in the case.

“I look forward to the sentencing of these two individuals.”

The boat that posed as a trade vessel to smuggle illegals migrants into TCI (TCIG photos)

Ministry of Health gets a new EMT Supervisor

Ms Shadae Francis has been appointed as the Emergency Medical Technician Supervisor in the Emergency Medical Services Department within the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands made this announcement on Wednesday 19 April 2023.

Ms Francis joined the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service in 2016 as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) within the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

She was the beneficiary of the first batch of EMT training for Turks and Caicos Islanders and also went on to achieve advanced EMT credentials and holds certifications in EMT instruction.

In 2016, Ms Francis also completed her EMS Supervisor Management Certifications with the University of Technology Jamaica.

She holds an Associate Degree

in General Studies (Science) from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I am honoured to accept the position of Emergency Medical Technician Supervisor in the Emergency Medical Services Department in the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

“I give all thanks to God for directing my path and providing amazing people in my life to assist me with this new chapter in my career and with His grace.

I will continue to strive and soar to reach greater heights within my organisation.

“I continue to be a committed and dedicated EMT for the Turks and Caicos Islands and live with the saying taught to me “each-oneteach-one.

“Once again thank you and I am truly honoured.”

Acting Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, in extending

congratulatory remarks to Ms Francis, stated:

“It gives me great pleasure to officially announce and to congratulate Ms Shadae Francis in her appointment as Emergency Medical Technician Supervisor.

“Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) are some of the most valuable persons in our medical programme delivery.

“Most recently, EMT’s have proven their value during their effort in the pandemic and continue to push through in an environment that is overworked and understaffed.

She added that: “Ms Francis has been and continues to be an asset to the Ministry of Health and we are confident in her ability to take the EMT Department to a new level for the enhancement of medical transport and emergency services.

“We wish her well on her appointment and look forward to supporting her in her new role”, the acting Governor said.

Shanetta Thompson is Head of Secretariat in MoPPID

Shanetta Thompson has been promoted to the post of Head of Secretariat in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.

The announcement was made this week by the Governor’s Office.

Thompson holds an associate degree in business administration from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Finance and Management from the same institution.

She first joined the civil service in 2007 where she served in the former Treatment Abroad Unit under the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

Commenting on her new role, Thompson said: “I am excited about taking on this new role in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructural Development, where I will continue to contribute to the successful management of the ministry. I believe that my professional background along with experience gained over the years has prepared me to serve in

this role.

“I remain committed to supporting my team as we work diligently and strategically to advance the goals and objectives of this ministry.”

In 2010, Thompson left the health ministry to join the road safety department as an administrative assistant, while there she was promoted to the post of administrative officer within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

While in the Ministry of Home Affairs, she acted in the position of executive administrator prior to being promoted 18 months ago to the post of senior finance officer in the financial services and supplies management department (treasury).

In this post, she assisted in the oversight and management of the government’s finances, as well as provided support to the payroll and pensions unit where she gained advanced knowledge and experience in the payroll system and procedures.

Noting that this is Thompson’s second promotion in two years, acting Governor and Head of the

Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams stated that Thompson is a long-serving civil servant with a desire to accomplish more during her public service career.

“While being a full-time employee and mother, Thompson applied for and was successful in receiving a full scholarship from the civil service professional development fund which she utilised to further her educational studies at the TCI Community College to assist in preparing herself for this new role.

“This is a testament of her hard work and dedication that has gotten her to this point,” Williams said.

The head of secretariat is responsible for coordinating the secretariat functions within the PPID ministry, which includes liaising between the permanent secretary and the minister, and between the executive board, Cabinet, and the House of Assembly for the purpose of progressing the business of the ministry through the political and administrative processes.

Ms Shadae Francis

Shanetta Thompson

Serious crime investigators now housed comfortably in new HQ

The Serious Crime Unit of the Royal TCI Police Force took a hardhit last year, as crime escalated to unparalleled levels, but steps taken in the right direction have arrested that steep climb.

This week, the unit got another boost in the form of its own, independent physical building to enable it to carry out its work more effectively, with better precision and collaboration with local, regional, and international partners.

On Monday, April 17, members of the Force’s Executive, the Governor, Premier, other ministers of government and ranks of the RTCIPF gathered for the commissioning of the Serious Crime Investigation Unit’s headquarters located on South Dock Road.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kendal Grant spoke to the challenges of the past year, and how the new facility will aid the work of the department and the territory.

“2022 was indeed a challenging year for the organisation and by extension the country. Like other departments, the serious crimes department was placed under immense pressure, the workspace to workflow (ratio) was fragmented. It impacted the service delivery and team performance.

“This was compounded by the fact that crime was changing, new threats emerged and evolved, with criminal networks becoming more resilient and adaptable to police tactics.

“The emerging threat of gang violence tested our resilience, but there is a saying that in every dark cloud there is a silver lining.”

Grant said in that dark cloud they saw the emergence of greater collaboration between police and government, between local and UK governments, and between the TCI and the Caribbean Region.

“We saw stronger partnerships being developed, these partnerships – while they existed a long time ago – we saw a strengthening and a renewed commitment to ensure that TCI remains a safe place,” he observed.

“We are here today to witness yet another part of the commitment of the Force’s executive to ensure our staff has a work environment that is conducive to their health and wellbeing, one that enables collaboration internally and externally, one that enables development, oversight, and accountability,” ACP Grant stated.

He emphasised that the building has all the faculties to service the community, not just for those who have broken the law, but the law-

abiding.

Her Excellency Governor (ag) Anya Williams in her statements during the brief opening ceremony said that the government will continue to support the Police Force financially to ensure it is provided with the necessary resources to carry out its role.

“This investment is an

important one and it’s a step in the right direction. This building was initially identified for use by another department, but when the police made the request, it was prioritised that it should go to the RTCIPF because there was a greater need,” the Governor said. This was supported by the education minister, Hon Rachel

Eleven illegal boats intercepted in first four months of 2023

Another hundred plus migrants were captured in TCI waters by the Marine Branch, making it the eleventh such interception for the year.

The suspicious vessel was spotted making its way towards West Caicos by residents, who reported the sighting to the police. Marine Branch Officers were immediately dispatched, and at about 8:32am, the officers, via the Sea Protector vessel, intercepted a blue, illegal migrant vessel with two outboard engines.

On board the vessel were 147 illegal migrants: 26 women and

121 men, who were all handed over to the Immigration Task Force for detention.

Police confirmed that this vessel is the eleventh interception for the year.

Residents are encouraged to continue notifying police or Crime Stoppers about any illegal activity.

All Crime Stoppers calls are anonymous and are answered in Miami and Houston by MiamiDade Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit agency. Additionally, these calls cannot be traced in the United States or TCI.

Taylor, who said that many departments wanted the building to house their personnel, but the greater need is clearly that of the Police Force.

During his brief remarks, Police Commissioner Trevor Botting indicated that the opening of the headquarters is in keeping with the demand for improved operational

excellence and service to the community. Also in attendance were Deputy Premier Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister Arlington Musgrove, Minister Otis Morris, Assistant Commissioner of Police Darron Williams, Superintendent Dean Holden and other senior leadership of the Force. (DELANA ISLES)

The Governor, Premier, Police Chief, and ministers of government and senior RTCIPF ranks commissioned the new headquarters for the serious crime investigation unit (RTCIPF photo)

Migrant boat hauled in by Marine branch last Friday (RTCIPF photo)

Two more join TCI’s contingent for King’s Coronation parade this May

Security Supervisor, Gregory Wilson and Security Officer, Mauquita Carter have been selected to join the TCI Regiment’s contingent that will participate in the coronation procession of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6.

The Coronation Ceremony will see His Majesty The King crowned alongside The Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey in London, by the Archbishop of Canterbury at 11 am.

After the ceremony, there will be a formal procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, which will include some 2,000 attendees.

The Coronation Procession will include Armed Forces from across the Commonwealth and the British Overseas Territories, and all Services of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, alongside The Sovereign’s Bodyguard and Royal Watermen.

Their Majesties will travel in the Gold State Coach.

Upon returning to Buckingham

Palace following the Coronation Service, Their Majesties will receive a Royal Salute from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces who have been on parade that day.

The Royal Salute will be

followed by three cheers from the assembled service personnel, as a tribute from the Armed Forces on parade to The King and The Queen Consort on the day of Their Majesties’ Coronation.

The Coronation will reflect the

monarch’s role today and look towards the future while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry, the Royal Family has stated.

The Premier, Honourable Charles W. Misick and the acting

Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, are expected to attend, alongside other officials from TCI. King Charles acceded to the throne on September 8, 2022, upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II.

A “slightly below-normal”

Atlantic hurricane season has been forecasted with predictions of 13 named storms, six becoming hurricanes, and two major hurricanes.

That prediction came from the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project team on April 13.

CSU bases its hurricane season prediction on four models that use 25 to 40 years of historical hurricane seasons and evaluate conditions that include: Atlantic sea surface temperatures, El Niño, sea level pressures and vertical wind shear levels (change in speed and direction of winds with height in the atmosphere).

Researchers at North Carolina State University also released their own predictions this week, which only differed slightly from Colorado State’s.

They predict this year’s hurricane season will see 11 to 15 named storms forming in the

Atlantic Basin, with between six and eight becoming hurricanes, and two to three of those storms becoming major hurricanes.

The Atlantic basin includes the entire Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

The US National Hurricane Centre has released the 2023 Atlantic storm names: Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harold, Idalia, Jose, Katia, Lee, Margot, Nigel, Ophelia, Philippe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince, and Whitney.

Meanwhile, the Turks and Caicos Islands has taken heed and is already getting a jump on its preparations for hurricane season this year, which begins on June 1.

On Tuesday, April 18, Her Excellency Governor Anya Williams (ag), co-chaired the territory’s first state of preparedness meeting ahead of the season’s start, with the Honourable Premier, Charles W. Misick.

Hosted at the Governor’s office in Providenciales, the meeting allowed representatives from national disaster subcommittees to share updates on the readiness status for critical areas under their remit.

It was also an opportunity for decision-makers to identify the potential risks and threats that could affect the TCI and the priority proactive measures that the government must take to minimise impact.

In attendance were the Minister with responsibility for Disaster Management, Hon Jamell Robinson; Home Affairs Minister

Hon Otis C. Morris; Border Services Minister Hon Arlington Musgrove; Health Minister Hon Shaun Malcolm; and other senior government officials of the national and island disaster subcommittee chairs.

Special guests at the meeting were Colin Hicks, incoming Head of the Governor’s Office, Katherine Haggerty, Head of Disaster Management and Sam Peel, Deputy Team Leader for the Overseas Territories at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Hicks replaces Simon Ferrand, who served under former Governor

Dakin.

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergency (DDME) is encouraging all residents and businesses to prepare themselves for the upcoming Hurricane Season.

Throughout May and June, the DDME will be hosting a series of Hurricane Preparedness campaign activities across the islands. Typically, the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is around early September, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October.

The season ends on November 30. (DELANA ISLES)

Security Supervisor, Gregory Wilson (Ports Authority photo)

Security Officer, Mauquita Carter (Ports Authority photo)

First National State of Preparedness meeting for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season (TCIG photo)

‘Slightly belownormal’ hurricane season predicted – TCI gets a jump on hurricane prep

Regional News

Windrush victims being failed by compensation scheme – report

Windrush scandal victims are still facing long waits and inadequate offers of compensation, according to a new report by a global human rights group.

Human Rights Watch said the Home Office-run compensation scheme should be handed to an independent body.

Five years ago it was revealed thousands of British people, most of Caribbean origin, had been wrongly classed as illegal immigrants.

The Home Office said it was “committed to righting the wrongs of Windrush”.

A spokesperson stated the scheme had “paid or offered more than £68m in compensation to the people affected”, and that they would “make sure that similar injustices can never be repeated and are creating a Home Office worthy of every community it serves”.

The scandal, which unfolded in April 2018, affected people who arrived in the UK from Caribbean countries between 1948 and 1971.

They have been labelled the Windrush generation - a reference to the ship HMT Empire Windrush, which docked in Tilbury on 22 June 1948, bringing workers from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other islands, to help fill post-war UK labour shortages.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of its arrival.

It also impacted people from non-Caribbean countries that were previously British colonies,

who moved to the UK before immigration laws changed in 1971.

Many of those affected were unable to find work and housing or access to healthcare. Some, who had been in the UK for most or all of their lives, were wrongfully deported.

Human Rights Watch said people should be entitled to legal aid for their compensation application, because the process was “complex, subject to arbitrary decision makers and just not accessible”.

It said the burden of proof placed on victims was “unreasonable”, requiring people to track down employers and landlords who

turned them down a number of years ago.

The organisation’s report also said claimants “do not feel that they would get a fair hearing” at the Home Office, “as it is the agency responsible for the injustices”.

Anti-racism campaign group Black Equity Organisation (BEO) is also calling for the scheme to be run by an independent body.

Chief executive Wanda Wyporska said the Home Office had “created a process that is so bureaucratic and complicated that some Windrush victims have died before they could successfully complete it”.

“It is unforgiveable that the

horrific damage done to the Windrush generation is being compounded by the gross mismanagement of the scheme created to help them,” she added.

FORMAL COMPLAINT

Thomas Tobierre, 69, told the BBC he came to the UK as a young child from St Lucia in 1965, when the Caribbean nation was still a British colony.

Mr Tobierre worked as an engineer for about five decades, mostly for the same firm. But, after being made redundant in 2017, he said he was unable to take on another job because he could not prove he was legally entitled to

live and work in the UK.

“It’s like they’re saying you don’t exist,” he said.

He explained that he used up his private pension fund of £14,000 while he received no income.

When Mr Tobierre applied for compensation, he spent weeks gathering evidence to prove he had been in the UK as long as he had - for example, an old primary school report from the 1960s that he happened to have kept.

He said the Home Office also asked him for evidence that he had depleted his pension fund only to tell him later that the loss of occupational pensions was not covered by the scheme.

His daughter Charlotte said she had filed a formal complaint about his pension loss not being compensated.

Mr Tobierre said the Home Office initially offered him £3,000, which - after an appeal - was revised up to £16,000 in 2020.

He said that while the amount was less than he lost from his pension and debts, he had accepted the settlement because he needed to pay for house adaptations for his wife, Caroline, who had stage four cancer.

Mr Tobierre said he went through the process again in 2021 when Caroline applied as a close family member of someone impacted. She had been told that she may only have about 12 weeks left to live, and wanted the money to pay for her funeral. (BBC)

On Wednesday, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, announced that the Dominican Republic had broken its own records for tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2023, with a total of 2,076,171 visitors. He noted that this represented an 11% increase compared to 2019, a 190% increase over 2021, and a 21% increase over 2022.

March also set records for tourist arrivals, with 740,324 tourists arriving by air, a 10% increase over March 2019 and a 20% increase over March 2022. In addition, the country received 280,247 cruise passengers, surpassing the 134,070 that arrived in March of last year.

Overall, the country received 1,020,571 visitors in March alone, a never-before-seen number. The first quarter of 2023 also set a new record for the country, with a total of 2,882,698 visitors, including 2,076,171 tourists by air and 806,527 cruise passengers.

Collado predicted that the country would receive 7.8m tourists by the end of the year, making it another record-breaking year for the tourism

Overall, the country received 1,020,571 visitors in March alone

Thomas Tobierre, pictured with his daughter Charlotte, depleted his pension fund to support his family because of the Windrush scandal

DR breaks record in tourist arrivals in the first quarter with more than 2m

sector. The major tourist-emitting countries in March were the United States, Canada, Colombia, France, and Germany.

Hotel occupancy rates also exceeded 80% at a general level, with an average stay of eight days. The Minister emphasized

that these figures highlight the Dominican Republic’s position as a reference in world tourism. (DominicanToday)

Jamaica urges region to utilise restorative justice to deal with crime

JAMAICA’S Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck, is urging Caribbean countries to use restorative justice (RJ) to have their citizens settle their differences instead of using abuses, assaults and criminal violence, saying it could also “make a huge dent on the level of violent crimes across the region”.

Addressing the regional symposium on violence as a public health issue, Chuck, speaking on the topic “Community Approaches” said RJ is and has been a remarkable and outstanding success to resolve disputes, settle disagreements and de-escalate conflicts.

“It is these minor disputes, misguided disagreements and unresolved conflicts that in many instances escalate into brutish abuses, serious violence and can have fatal consequences.

“If relationships can be restored by RJ before they descend into criminal violence and, sometimes, even after violence has been used, then RJ can be deemed a remedial success, with significant curative value being derived by not only the participants, but the communities that would otherwise have been impacted by continued cycles of violence and by extension, the country at large.”

He said Jamaica started to actively collect and track data originating out of the programme in 2018 and that the success rate emanating from the RJ conferences held averages over 80 per cent annually.

He said from 1,022 RJ circles in 2018, to 3,662 cases in 2022, more than eight out of every 10 cases have been successfully completed, which means the parties are satisfied with the outcome and the community or the court sanctions the outcome, as acceptable and agreeable.

Chuck said that approximately 75 per cent of the cases that are referred to RJ are court referrals and the success rate in these court referrals is over 90 per cent.

He said to put it into prospective in 2021 and 2022, a total of 4,460 cases were referred to RJ by the Courts, with 3,904 being satisfactorily resolved “which oftentimes means the charges are withdrawn or the offenders admonished and discharged.

“Invariably, the parties come to a mutual understanding and that is why, ladies and gentlemen, we refer to RJ as “justice that heals.”

Chuck said there are 20 RJ Centres across Jamaica with

Illegal guns continue to be a problem in the Caribbean

another two to be opened shortly. There are also 1,000 trained RJ facilitators who can conduct the healing process in RJ circles, most of whom, unfortunately, are underutilised.

“Our focus is to expand the programme so these trained RJ personnel can be more fully utilized, as we try to stem the violence in our communities. “

He said when matters are referred to the RJ Centres, facilitators are appointed to meet separately with the alleged wrongdoer who frequently denies culpability and with the victim who oftentimes is seeking Retributive Justice.

“The alleged wrongdoer is, however, encouraged and persuaded to acknowledge and accept that his/her verbal abuses or actions are wrong, and that the wrongdoing has caused hurt, pain

and suffering to the victim. If this is accomplished, the process is more than 50 per cent completed.”

Chuck said the next challenge is to encourage the victim to forgive the wrongdoer who has hopefully acknowledged and accepted that he/she was wrong.

“If that is accomplished then a RJ circle is arranged in which the two sides are brought together along with other members of the community, school, church, workplace or just friends of both parties. It is in these circles that issues are addressed, emotions are calmed and contentious matters settled.

“Time does not allow for the thousands of wonderful testimonials to be highlighted, save and except to indicate that in many, many cases the parties end up hugging and crying on each other’s

shoulders while acknowledging how misinformation and misunderstanding caused their problems, and in virtually all cases relationships are restored,” he told the regional audience. But he said, despite the successes of RJ, “this appropriate mechanism to resolve disputes is not well known, and therefore not well used”.

He said he is shocked that as he travels across Jamaica “no one or less than 10 per cent of the audience has ever heard of or about RJ or even what it means.

“If we can get more persons to use RJ to settle their differences instead of using abuses, assaults and criminal violence to resolve conflicts, we would make a huge dent on the level of violent crimes across the region,” he added. (Loop News)

Parliamentarian accused of rape and assault

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper said he is confident police will adequately investigate allegations that a sitting Member of Parliament raped and assaulted a woman.

“There is a complaint with the police in relation to some very serious allegations,” Mr Cooper told reporters yesterday (Monday). “I’m certain that the police will investigate aggressively. We believe in the rule of law and we are confident that due process will prevail and the police will do their jobs.”

A woman filed a complaint in Grand Bahama on April 7 against her ex-boyfriend. On Saturday, she told The Tribune the MP raped, choked, poked her in her eye and made death threats against her and her family during their relationship, prompting her to fear for her life.

The RBPF is investigating the matters

The woman and her family have questioned the authorities’ commitment to aggressively investigate her matter because it involves a sitting member of the governing party.

Their concerns about the investigation grew after officers

asked the alleged victim on Thursday to sign a document indicating she would not pursue further police action against the MP after binding him over to keep the peace.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said this week:

“The RBPF investigates matters, and I don’t interfere with them. Satisfaction with investigations is a question properly addressed to the Commissioner of Police.

“We don’t interfere with the police in their investigations regardless of who is the alleged victim or accused.”

“Critics can say what they like. The record shows that a PLP (Progressive Liberal Party) parliamentarian went to prison under a PLP government and (former Senator and MP) Pleasant Bridgewater was charged under a PLP government.”

ZNS reported last night that police have not yet interviewed the MP.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Bernard “BK” Bonamy told the network: “We would do all of our ground tests, all of our

work, before we decide to move forward in terms of who the complaint is made against before we decide to interview anybody. We want make sure we get all of our witnesses who can assist with the investigation.

“When we investigate, we don’t put a time on investigations. We try to do it in a decent manner. I can’t say two days, I can’t say three days. Once we interview persons who can assist with the investigation then we’ll move forward.

Asked about the complaint against him, the MP told reporters “no comment” at least three times outside the House of Assembly last week.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis is out of the country attending a CARICOM event in Trinidad and Tobago and has not yet commented on the matter. (Tribune242)

World News

UK’s Migration bill: Home secretary set to win powers to ignore European court

The home secretary is expected to be given the ability to ignore attempts by European judges to halt migrant deportations from the UK.

The change will be made to the Illegal Migration Bill, after the government made concessions to Conservative MPs.

The move should avoid a rebellion from some MPs, who have been demanding tougher action against the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

The change will be made in amendments when the bill returns to the Commons.

As part of the amendment, Home Secretary Suella Braverman is expected to gain the power, in certain circumstances, to ignore interim injunctions from the court, known as Rule 39 orders, that halt deportation flights.

The Strasbourg-based court, unpopular with the Tory right, used an injunction of this type to block the removal of migrants to Rwanda last year.

Rebel Tory MPs say they have also agreed with ministers that British judges will only be able to halt deportations where there is a risk of serious and irreversible harm.

BBC Newsnight has been told some movement is also expected on the provision of safe and legal routes for refugees to come to the

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made curbing illegal migration one of his main priorities

UK - which is a key demand of another group of Conservative MPs.

The migration legislation, which was set out by Ms Braverman last month, would prevent anyone entering the UK illegally from claiming asylum.

It is central to Mr Sunak’s pledge to stop small boats crossing the English Channel, but has provoked outrage among charities and opposition parties, who say it breaches international law.

Some Conservative MPs, however, believe it does not go far enough and tabled a series of changes to the bill.

Last month, some of those MPs withdrew their proposals in Parliament after immigration minister Robert Jenrick said he would engage with those who have concerns.

Conservative MP Danny Kruger, who was among those leading the calls, said he was “grateful to the prime minister

Dominic Raab bullying report handed to Rishi Sunak

A report on allegations of bullying against Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has been handed to the prime minister, who will now decide his fate.

No 10 said Rishi Sunak was considering the findings before deciding whether he broke ministerial rules.

He could choose to sack Mr Raab, one of his closest allies, or decide that he has not breached the rules.

Mr Raab, who is also justice secretary, denies bullying staff and says he always “behaved professionally”.

He is facing eight formal complaints about his behaviour as a minister.

Senior lawyer Adam Tolley KC was appointed by the prime

minister to investigate the allegations in November.

After he has seen the report, it will be for Mr Sunak to decide whether Mr Raab has broken ministerial rules and must be sacked or resign.

There are conversations taking place in government circles about what will happen next if the justice secretary leaves his position.

If he resigns, or is sacked, that would trigger a reshuffle of Mr Sunak’s cabinet.

Some senior figures in government are bracing for the report to be damning, and feel he might have no choice but to go.

However, the ultimate decision lies with the prime minister and a final judgement has not been made yet.

No indication has been given about when the prime minister might publish the findings.

Asked whether Mr Sunak had full confidence in Mr Raab, his spokesman said he did but was “carefully considering the findings of the report before coming to a judgement”.

The complaints against Mr Raab, involving at least 24 people, related to his previous periods as justice secretary and foreign secretary under Boris Johnson and his time as Brexit secretary under Theresa May.

The MP for Esher and Walton was sacked as justice secretary and deputy prime minister when Mr Johnson was succeeded by Liz Truss.

system”.

NEW POWERS

More than 45,000 people entered the UK via Channel crossings last year, up from about 300 in 2018. Under the new bill, people removed from the UK would be blocked from returning or seeking British citizenship in future. Migrants will not get bail or be able to seek judicial review for the first 28 days of detention.

It will also place a legal duty on the home secretary to detain and remove those arriving in the UK illegally, to Rwanda or a “safe” third country - this will take legal precedence over someone’s right to claim asylum.

and the home secretary for their work”.

Mr Kruger said the British public “are fed up with London lawyers and Strasbourg judges getting in the way of a sensible migration policy”.

He said he was “hopeful that the government will be able to deliver the prompt removals to Rwanda and other safe countries”. This was needed, he said, “to stop the boats and lay the foundation of a fair and humane asylum

In a letter to MPs following publication of the bill, Ms Braverman conceded there is a “more (than) 50% chance” the bill is incompatible with international law.

It is expected to come up against opposition in the House of Lords, and subsequently expected to face a wave of legal challenges, whilst opposition parties have dismissed it as unworkable.

Former Lord Chief Justice and crossbench peer Lord Thomas said ignoring interim injunctions from the ECHR would be an “immensely serious step” and warned it “sets an extraordinarily bad example”.

Dominic Raab, who is also justice secretary, denies bullying staff and says he always “behaved professionally”

Two Texas cheerleaders shot after one gets into wrong car

Two high school cheerleaders were shot after one of them mistakenly tried to enter the wrong vehicle in a car park near Austin, Texas.

One of the athletes, Payton Washington, 18, was seriously injured and is in hospital. The other victim was treated at the scene.

Multiple shots were fired in the incident which happened at 00:15 local time (05:15 GMT) on Tuesday.

Police later charged Pedro Tello Rodriguez Jr, 25, with deadly conduct.

That charge is most often applied when weapons are used recklessly and someone’s life is put at risk. In this case it is a third-degree felony which carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.

The shooting happened outside a supermarket in Elgin, which is about 25 miles (40km) east of Austin. The car park is often used as a pickup spot for members of the Woodlands Elite Cheer Company.

Cheerleader Heather Roth said

she got out of her friend’s car to get into her own vehicle, but mistakenly picked the wrong car.

There was a man in the passenger seat, so she retreated back to her friend’s vehicle.

“I see the guy get out of the passenger door. And I rolled my window down, and I was trying to apologise to him... and he just threw his hands up and he pulled out a gun and he just starting shooting at all of us,” she said.

Ms Roth was grazed by a bullet but was not badly injured. Ms Washington suffered more serious injuries - the owner of the cheerleading team said her spleen ruptured and her pancreas and diaphragm were damaged.

The girl’s father, Keylon Washington, later told NBC News that she was in a stable but critical condition in hospital and doctors had removed her spleen.

Members of Ms Washington’s cheerleading squad held a prayer vigil on Tuesday night.

Venezuela corruption: 15-year sentence for Hugo Chávez’s nurse

A US judge has sentenced the nurse of the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez to 15 years in jail.

Claudia Díaz, who Chávez named as Venezuela’s national treasurer, is the latest in a series of Venezuelan ex-top officials to be jailed in the US.

Díaz and her husband had been found guilty of laundering millions of dollars they had received in bribes from a Venezuelan media mogul.

They had both denied the charges and rejected a plea deal.

Claudia Díaz and her husband, Adrián Velásquez, were arrested in 2018 in Spain, where they lived a lavish lifestyle.

She told BBC News Mundo in an interview [in Spanish] in 2018 that their riches were earned by her husband through businesses he had even before the couple had met.

But a court in Florida found the couple had accepted and laundered millions of dollars in bribes from Venezuelan media mogul Raúl

The team is preparing to compete at the Cheerleading Worlds in Orlando, Florida, over the weekend without their teammate.

The team organised a GoFundMe page for Ms Washington’s medical expenses. The fundraiser says she was “shot twice and badly injured”. The suspect was arrested after his vehicle licence plate number was traced. A convenience store manager also witnessed the shooting, according to court documents.

The incident is the latest in a string of shootings this week involving young Americans who are reported to have mistakenly approached the wrong person or home.

In New York state, 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis was shot and killed on Saturday after a friend drove down the wrong driveway. And last Thursday in Missouri, 16-yearold Ralph Yarl was shot in the head and arm when he rang the doorbell at the wrong address. (BBC)

Gorrín during Díaz’s time at the helm of Venezuela’s treasury from 2011 until 2013.

In exchange for the bribes, Díaz allowed Raúl Gorrín to buy US dollars at a cheaper rate from the treasury which he then resold on the black market at a huge profit, the court found.

The media tycoon, who owns Globovisión news network, has also been charged with corruption and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed him on its “most wanted” list. He is believed to be in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The 15-year-sentence imposed on Claudia Díaz and her husband, who was President Chávez’s head of security, is one of the longest handed down by a US court against corrupt Venezuelan ex-officials.

The judge said that the couple had “made a lot of money” and “drastically changed their life” with their ill-gotten gains.

Diaz’s career in particular was

meteoric. A Navy sergeant, she was part of the president’s guard of honour before joining the team that nursed Hugo Chávez when he had cancer.

Despite having no background in finance, Chávez named her national treasurer, a job she held

from 2011 until the president’s death in 2013.

She and her husband then moved to Spain, where their luxurious lifestyle aroused the suspicions of the authorities.

They were extradited to the US last year.

US prosecutors have been instrumental in bringing corrupt Venezuelan former officials to justice, taking advantage of the fact that many of them purchased properties in Florida or used US bank accounts to stash their millions. (BBC)

Payton Washington, 18, is in hospital after the shooting on Tuesday

Claudia Díaz is the latest former Venezuelan official to be sentenced in the US

Pope Francis gifts ‘Crucifixion relics’ to King Charles for coronation

THE cross leading King Charles’ upcoming coronation will contain supposed relics from the cross Jesus was crucified on, following a gift from the Vatican on Wednesday.

Relics from the “True Cross” have been used for centuries to mark certain objects as holy and significant — though given the implausibly high number of such relics, many people doubt their authenticity.

The Vatican gifted Charles with two wooden splinters measuring 0.2 and 0.4 inches, according to The Times of London. Those pieces will be placed into the Cross of Wales, which will lead the coronation procession May 6.

“In a significant ecumenical

gesture, the Cross of Wales will incorporate a relic of the True Cross, the personal gift of Pope Francis to His Majesty the King to mark the coronation,” the Church in Wales said Wednesday.

The Cross of Wales was commissioned by Charles in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Church in Wales. In November 2022, Charles visited the Goldsmiths’ Co. to hammer in the King’s Mark, a leopard head.

It’s the first time in British history that a monarch applied their own mark, according to the company.

Following the ceremony, the Cross of Wales will be shared by the Anglican and Catholic churches in the U.K.

At least 78 people have been killed in a crush at a school in the Yemeni capital Sanaa during a distribution of charity for Ramadan, officials say.

TV footage shows a crowd of people unable to move and many in distress in the Bab al-Yemen area of the city.

Hundreds of people reportedly crowded into Maeen School late on Wednesday to receive donations amounting to about $9 (£7; €8) per person.

The rebel Houthi movement has controlled Sanaa since 2015.

Video posted on social media shows people screaming with dozens of bodies on the ground, some of which are not moving. Other people are seen trying to help.

Two local businessmen who

arranged the event had been arrested and an investigation was under way, the interior ministry said.

A spokesman for the ministry blamed the crush on the “random distribution” of funds without coordination with local officials.

Many people were also injured with 13 in a critical situation, a health official in Sanaa said.

“Women and children were among the dead,” a Houthi security official told AFP news agency on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to journalists.

The Associated Press news agency quoted two eyewitnesses who said Houthi fighters had fired into the air in an attempt at crowd

control, apparently striking an electrical wire which resulted in an explosion. This caused panic that led to the crush, they added.

The rebels are said to have then sealed off the school and barred people, including journalists, from approaching.

The Houthis have reportedly agreed to pay $2,000 (£1,600) to each family who lost a relative, while the injured would get around $400 (£322).

The event happened during the final days of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Last week a major prisoner swap between warring sides in Yemen started, seen as part of stepped-up efforts to end the devastating eightyear conflict.

Blinding flash over Kyiv was probably meteorite, says Ukraine space agency

A mysterious flash which lit up skies over Ukraine’s capital on Wednesday night generated much speculation.

Officials in Kyiv initially suspected it was a Nasa satellite falling to Earth but the US space agency told the BBC it was still in orbit.

Ukrainian space officials said later the flash had probably come from a meteorite entering the atmosphere.

The air force was confident it was not a Russian air attack - an event all too familiar since the invasion last year.

The bright glow was observed in the sky over the capital around 22:00 (19:00 GMT).

An air raid alert was activated but “air defence was not in operation”, the head of Kyiv’s military administration, Serhiy Popko, said on Telegram.

Mr Popko suggested it was

caused by a Nasa space satellite falling to Earth, referring to a retired 300kg (660lb) spacecraft that the space agency announced was set to re-enter the atmosphere on Wednesday.

The RHESSI satellite, used to observe solar flares, was launched into low Earth orbit in 2002 and decommissioned in 2018, Nasa said.

But Rob Margetta from Nasa’s office of communications told the BBC that the satellite was still in orbit at the time the flash was observed, and was due to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere during the night.

Satellite-tracking website Satflare indicated that RHESSI was nowhere near Ukraine at the time.

Ukrainian social media has been awash with theories and memes about what the flash could have been, with a popular theme being that it was caused by aliens.

The bright glow was observed in the sky over the capital around 22:00 (19:00 GMT)

But air force spokesman Yuri Ihnat told Ukrainian TV that the flash had also been seen over neighbouring Belarus to the north

and Ukraine’s space agency said it was probably related to a cosmic body entering the dense layers of the atmosphere.

Kyiv officials said it was up to experts to establish what it was but what was most important was the city’s security. (BBC)

Pope Francis and King Charles

Many persons remain hospitalised

TCI Community College delegation visits education institutions in the Bahamas

As the TCI Community College (TCICC) works to become the ‘first choice’ for education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond, a delegation from the institution recently embarked on a tour of various educational facilities in the Bahamas

The visit formed part of the college’s strategic initiative to achieve its vision of becoming the premier educational institution in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

To this end, representatives from the Ministry of Education and the TCICC toured several educational facilities in the Bahamas.

The visit allowed both countries to strengthen ties in the area of education and to connect in a more tangible manner.

ENTERTAINMENT

Hon Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Ms Keisha Taylor, Dr Barbara Ambrister, Board Chair, Dr Candice Williams, President of TCICC, Mr Kevin Baxter, Dean of TVET and Ms Vinette Harvey from the Ministry of Education were among the delegation present.

Their objective was to learn firsthand what education and training opportunities are available in the Bahamas in an effort to implement similar programmes in the TCI.

The tour took place on April 5th-6th, 2023, with visits to several educational organisations across Nassau, Bahamas, including LJM Maritime Academy, University of the Bahamas; Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and the Eugene Dupuch Law

School, a statement from the Government said.

Commenting on the visit, Minister Taylor said: “Building Human Capacity is the mandate of the Ministry of Education.

“We will make an assertive effort to bridge the skill gaps through the programme offerings at our TCICC.

“We must be proactive in developing linkages with our regional and international partners to strengthen the existing programmes and build a new cadre aligned with the skills demand of our country’’.

In keeping with its ambitions, the Turks & Caicos Islands Community College has already signed a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with BTVI and LJM Maritime Institute in the Bahamas and is finalising an MoU with the Eugene Dupuch Law School in New Providence.

Commenting on this, Dr Candice Williams said: “TCI Community College is going through a transformational process where institutional strengthening stands at its core.

“Through such regional partnerships and the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Education and the Board of Governors, the College is better positioned to offer world-class education and training for the TCI populace”.

Meanwhile, Dr Barbara Ambrister shared her excitement and optimism for networking

opportunities that lie ahead. She said: “The plethora of opportunities discussed to have our people certified, upskilled and re-skilled solidified our quest in ensuring the development of our human capital by equipping them for higher levels of employment. Additionally, the provision of regional and international internship experiences for TCICC students at these institutions will be strategically embraced.”

Mr Kevin Baxter signalled the possibility of dual certification, train-the-trainer initiatives, curriculum development support and other quality assurance initiatives that will be realised as a result of the study tour.

Megan Thee Stallion says she fell into depression after shooting

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion has explained how she “started falling into depression” after she was shot in the feet by fellow hip-hop star Tory Lanez.

In December, a jury convicted the 30-year-old Canadian, real name Daystar Peterson, of the 2020 shooting.

Megan said she was humiliated when her account of the incident was questioned on social media and her “trauma was treated like a running joke”.

The Grammy Award winner said the guilty verdict was “more than a vindication”.

She added: “It was a victory for every woman who has ever been shamed, dismissed and blamed for a violent crime committed against them.”

The 28-year-old testified that she was shot after leaving a pool

party in the Hollywood Hills on 12 July 2020.

She told the jury that Grammynominated Lanez had told her to “dance” before opening fire, following a row over his musical talent.

In an article for Elle, the musician, whose real name is Megan Pete, described “conspiracy theories” and “false narratives” that spread on social media before the trial.

“Even some of my peers in the music industry piled on with memes, jokes, and sneak disses, and completely ignored the fact that I could have lost my life,” she said.

“Instead of condemning any form of violence against a woman, these individuals tried to justify my attacker’s actions.”

She said that although people

thought she had recovered because she was still performing and posting on social media, she actually felt “completely drained”.

“The truth is that I started falling into a depression,” she said. “I didn’t feel like making music. I was in such a low place that I didn’t even know what I wanted to rap about.

“I wondered if people even cared anymore. There would be times that I’d literally be backstage or in my hotel, crying my eyes out, and then I’d have to pull Megan Pete together and be Megan Thee Stallion.”

She said she knew Lanez would be found guilty and the “truth and indisputable facts would prevail”.

Lanez has yet to be sentenced. Earlier this week, his attorneys filed a motion for a new trial, ABC News reported. (BBC)

Education officials from the two countries

Megan Thee Stallion criticised those who “piled on with memes, jokes, and sneak disses”

Netflix crackdown on password sharing to begin soon

Netflix’s long promised crackdown on password sharing will begin in the coming months, the firm says.

The plan means members who want to share accounts with people outside of their household will face an extra fee.

The move, aimed at boosting subscribers, has been trialled in some countries but not yet rolled out in the UK or US.

It comes as the company announced it would shut down the DVD rental service that launched the firm 25 years ago.

Netflix has been on the hunt for ways to re-ignite growth, which has slowed sharply as competition

heats up, households grapple with rising costs and it reaches what analysts see as saturation point in some of its biggest markets.

It shed more than one million subscribers in the first six months of 2022.

Though it more than made up those losses later in the year, helped by subscriber gains in Asia, the decline jolted the firm to make changes.

The company introduced a less expensive streaming option with advertisements last year and cut prices in 116 countries in the three months to March in an effort to entice more people to sign-up for its service.

Squid Game is the most popular series in Netflix’s history

It had also been preparing for a wide expansion of its paid sharing programme, which it started trialling in some countries last year, adding more in February.

In a letter to investors on Tuesday, Netflix said it would introduce paid sharing widely, including in the US, by July - a few months later than expected, as it tweaks the offering in response to feedback, like making sure users can access their accounts easily while travelling.

The company declined to confirm when UK users should expect to see changes, but noted that the vast majority of its big markets would be included in the next phase of the rollout.

“We’re pleased with the most recent launches,” the company said in the letter. “We learn more with each rollout and we’ve incorporated the latest learnings which we think will lead to even

better results.”

Netflix has estimated that more than 100 million households share passwords in breach of its official rules - an audience it hopes to tap to drive revenue growth.

In Canada, adding a “sub account” costs an extra CAD$7.99 (£4.80; $5.95) a month on top of the standard or premium monthly membership cost. Paid sharing costs 3.99 euros (£3.50; $4.40) in Portugal, and 5.99 euros (£5.27; $6.56) in Spain.

The company warned investors to expect some cancellations as it expands the programme but said: “Longer term, paid sharing will ensure a bigger revenue base from which we can grow as we improve our service”.

A NEW moon is dawning — again.

Like HBO Max’s forthcoming “Harry Potter” offshoot, “The Twilight Saga” films are apparently the latest blockbuster franchise to be turned into a possible TV series for audiences to take a bite out of.

Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling vampire book series is in early development at Lionsgate Television, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Already attached to write the script is Sinead Daly, whose previous works include “The Walking Dead: World Beyond” and Netflix’s “The Get Down.”

Sources told the trade outlet that Daly is working closely with executives to determine which specific aspect of “Twilight” will work for its latest incarnation. Meyer is expected to be involved in the adaptation.

The series became a pop culture phenomenon and made overnight stars of Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner

‘The Twilight Saga’ to be the latest blockbuster film franchise turned into TV series

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.

STORE CLERK

Greets customers, receive payment by cash, checks and credit cards, Issue receipts, and change due to customers. Salary: $8.00 Hourly.

CONTACT: 4434000/241-4464

WILLIAM ALBERT FULFORD

Back Salina, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a

LABOURER

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: 244-3135 Belongers are

to apply to the Labour Board Renewal 35995

EMMANUEL

DUNCANSON

ANALEE AVE, BACK ROAD, BLUE HILLS Is seeking to employ a

HELPER

• Cleaning, dusting, sweeping, mopping, restroom cleaning, stock shelves restock products

• To work 5 days a week.

Salary: $320 weekly

CONTACT: 246-4201

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board Renewal 35692

UNIQUE TOURS & RENTAL

BARN MANAGER

We are looking for a Barn Manager to join our team, candidates must be comfortable working with both large and small animals. Knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with colic, laminitis, and other equine related issues. Position involves daily turn in/out, feeding, steaming hay, mucking, and maintaining 30+ horses barn property. $3000 a month

EQUINE TOUR SPECIALIST

Equine Tour Specialist is responsible for organising and preparing all tours. Must follow trends in the popularity of tours and packages, and adjust company plans accordingly based on Horses needs and health related issues. 5 years of experience and Skills in other languages would be a big advantage in this role. $2000 a month

RIDING TEACHER

The Riding Teacher must provide engaging and safe programming with horses to all riding levels. The main objective of the horse program is to teach Locals to ride and to understand basic horse care/Horsemanship.

Riding Teacher will prepare students for international and national competitions. $2500 a month

CONTACT: 441-8687

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWALS

BAY ROAD, BLUE HILLS, Is seeking to employ the following

LABOURER

Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a JOB SUMMARY

BUSINESS ADVISOR

The Business Advisor works directly with start-up and existing entrepreneurs to diagnose business health, provide guidance on business operations, provides confidential, one-on-one counseling and coaching in all areas of business, including market feasibility, business planning, financing, marketing, peer-to-peer mentoring, and human resource development. The Business Advisor will also assist clients under TCI Government’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Program regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides business counselling at the Invest TCI office or at the site of the MSME business.

• Provides technical assistance to MSME clients in research and development of business plans, marketing plans, loan proposals and related business development requirements.

• Provide advice and assistance in the establishment and maintenance of business and financial records, in compliance with relevant regulations, guidelines, and standards.

• Liaise with Invest TCI staff and other relevant partners on matters to meet the objectives of the TCI Government MSME Program.

• Utilizes Neoserra Data Base to document client activity in an accurate, timely and comprehensive manner, and utilizes the database software to manage business caseload and produce reports.

• Develops, promotes, coordinates and delivers business management training programs in a variety of topics.

• Collaborates with public and private sector stakeholders to achieve the objectives of Invest TCI.

• Participates, as assigned to promote local business and economic development within various sectors.

• Communicates with the business owners in a professional, patient, ethical and sincere way.

• Stays aware of global and national market trends and the changing needs of the MSME sector.

• Encourages businesses to utilize the various programs offered by Invest TCI.

• Assist in the continued development of Invest TCI’s strategic plan.

• Refers clients to other resources and professionals when necessary.

• Travels throughout the islands to deliver services to MSMEs, as well as occasionally work evenings.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Highly customer service oriented.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with small business owners in a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

• Ability to develop business plans, marketing plans, financial strategies and business loan proposals.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Knowledge of the 2015 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Ordinance and related Regulations.

• Knowledge of sound, practical business practices of MSME operations.

• Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports.

• Knowledge of banker expectations of the small business owner.

• Knowledge of basic business accounting and software such as QuickBooks.

• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and related applications.

• Skill in dealing with business owners and their staff.

• Skills in assessing business training needs, whether the assessment methods are formal or informal.

• Ability to develop and deliver educational programs and/or workshops.

• Skills in relating to the business owner and adult learner.

• Ability to analyze situations or market needs and communicate these effectively.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Completed Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Entrepreneurship from an accredited institution.

• Minimum of one year’s experience related to the essential functions specified.

• Past or current business ownership/management experience.

• Experience in counselling and/or advising small businesses.

• Small business finance/banking experience is preferred.

• Holder of a valid driver’s license and passport.

SALARY: $43,600 per annum based on qualifications and experience.

DEADLINE DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

The DEADLINE DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 04, 2023.

BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested persons should submit a resume, along with their contact information, cover letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate, and a copy of the Passport photo page. Applications can be submitted by courier or delivered directly to Invest Turks and Caicos at Unit 2D, Courtyard Plaza, Providenciales, Turks, and Caicos Islands, prior to the deadline. The application should be addressed to The CEO – of Invest Turks and Caicos and envelopes should have the words “Business Advisor “ clearly marked on the front. Alternatively, applications can be emailed to admin@ investturksandcaicos.tc

The subject line in the email should read “Business Advisor”

WE THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR THEIR INTEREST. HOWEVER, ONLY PERSONS SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-343-0189 35972

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

CONTACT: 241-5564

HALF

VARIETY STORE

HAIR BRAIDERS

Braiding clients’ hair in different styles. Must be willing to work 6 days a week.

CONTACT: 345-7087

BELONGERS ARE TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD. WORK PERMIT RENEWAL

Acting

Greets customers, receive payment by cash, checks and credit cards, Issue receipts, and change due to customers.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

#1 Grant Gas Station, Downtown Is seeking to employ a ISLAND BROKERAGE CONSULTANCY

on behalf of our clients Seeking for: ISLAND BROKERAGE CONSULTANCY

Acting on behalf of our clients Seeking for:

CONSTRUCTION

Joining metal, assembling metal structures and equipment through welders, and spraying dump trucks and other equipment.

Salary: $8.00 per hour

FOR RENEWAL, BELONGER WILL GIVE FIRST PREFERENCE.

35990

ISLAND

Acting

To work in various construction sites and private homes. Salary: $8 per hour

35989

on behalf of our clients Seeking for:

Acting on behalf of our clients Seeking for:

To work in various businesses and private homes.

Salary $8.00 per hour

RENEWAL, FIRST TIME, BELONGER WILL BE GIVEN FIRST PREFERENCE.

FIRST

RECEIVING CLERK

Must be proficient in logistics, keep records and help with inventory control, assist with sales in store.

CONTACT: 344-4561

GENERAL WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER LABOURER

Shampooing,

CONTACT: 244-2254

Applicant must be honest, reliable and willing to work. Keeping the yard and surroundings clean and disposing of all debris.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-0265

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

CONTACT: 346-5382

B&S TECHNOLOGY

Five Cays Access Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Island. Contact No: 1649-9417939

Take orders, answer questions about the menu and take payments. Serving food and drinks to customers.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-332-4320

BELONGERS

Performing a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing. Ensuring all rooms inspected according to standards. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 348-5921

SIMON WOOD ASSOCIATES LTD. (DBA SWA ARCHITECTS)

Unit 301 Neptune Court, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands is seeking to employ a

PRICING CLERK

• Ability to read/interpret documents; Intermediate math skills;

• You are detail-oriented and organized;

• You work well in a fast-paced environment;

• Good communication and listening skills;

• You are process-driven and able to follow procedures in an organized and efficient way;

• Desire to work with customers on a consistent basis;

• Adequate knowledge of computer systems , POS ,and comfortable using them;

• Strong attention to detail; Sound judgement /decision making skills; selfdirected;

SHIPPING AND RECEIVING CLERK

• Will prepare orders for shipment complete all paperwork, obtain the best rate quotes, and ensure accuracy of the order to ship.

• Adequate knowledge of computer systems and comfortable using them;

• Duties include but are not limited to, receiving in, storing, and distributing all deliveries, as well as stock and restock items in their proper locations as needed.

• Employee will pick customer orders per pick ticket and ensure the accuracy of selected items and quantities.

• Safety, organizational and housekeeping responsibilities are encompassed in the position.

REQUIREMENTS:

• College Graduate with degree on any 4 year Course.

• With atleast 5 years of work experience.

• In an 8-hour workday: stand or walk between 6-8 hours

• Flexible schedule including working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

• A positive attitude. Show up on time

• Being flexible on what days and hours you can work

We are looking for the following: FOR FIRST TIME WORK PERMIT HOLDERS. WAGES START AT $8.00 PER HOUR. INTERESTED APPLICANTS CAN EMAIL THEIR RESUME TO JOBSTCI@ALLIEDCARIBBEAN.NETOR SEND RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD.

QUALIFIED ARCHITECT

Applicant must be fully qualified RIBA part 3 or equal with a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience; with the ability to travel freely throughout the Caribbean and South America

• Suitable candidate must be able to work under their own initiative and has the ability to see projects from concept to completion.

• Researches literature and maintain knowledge of current building materials, structural, mechanical and electrical system codes and methods of application.

• Reviews subcontractor’s shop drawings to ensure compliance with specifications and contract agreements by checking them for technical accuracy according to accepted guideline.

• Work with customers and clients to gather facts, define design and space planning problems, conceptualize possible solutions and secure approvals of proposals.

• Review product literature, analyze materials and determine appropriateness for application to projects.

• Provide advice and develop design documents to initiate and modify architectural, interior design and space planning solutions.

• Perform design drafting including preliminary drawings for architectural working drawings and full detail drawings for architectural, structural and mechanical works associated with building construction or improvement projects.

• Have advanced AutoCAD and SketchUp skills and intermediate Revit skills. Also, proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and Adobe Photoshop.

• Have post graduate Project Management qualification and experience in Contract Administration and Site Inspection procedures.

• Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish languages.

QUALIFIED TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO INFO@SWA.TC; FOR MORE INQUIRES CONTACT 649 946 5911. Salaries commensurate with experience 35924

• The willingness to do any job that is needed even if it’s not “technically” part of your job description

PRADDO Construction PROJECT MANAGER

We are looking for an experienced Construction Project Manager to plan and supervise a wide range of construction projects from start to finish. Must be able to organize and oversee construction procedures as well as ensure they are completed in a timely efficient manner. Must be well-versed in all construction methodologies, procedures and coordinate a team of professionals of different disciplines to achieve the best results. The ideal candidate will have an analytical mind and great organizational skills. The goal will be to ensure all projects are delivered on time according to requirements and without exceeding budget.

REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in large scale steel construction

• Hands on experience with projects over $50M

• Proven experience as construction project manager

• In-depth understanding of construction procedures and material and project management principles

• Familiarity with quality and health and safety standards

• Good knowledge of MS Office

• Familiarity with construction/ project management software

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with engineers, architects etc. to determine the specifications of the project.

• Negotiate contracts with external vendors to reach profitable agreements.

• Obtain permits and licenses from appropriate authorities.

• Acquire equipment and material and monitor stocks to timely handle inadequacies.

• Hire contractors and other staff and allocate responsibilities.

• Supervise the work of laborers, mechanics etc. and give them guidance when needed.

LIVE IN MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN FOR A PRIVATE LUXURY VILLA

The successful candidate will work closely with the Property Manager and is expected to assist with the upkeep and maintenance of the villas.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have certification in Electrical & Plumbing Installation and the ability to read MEP Plans

• Must have technical experience working on Irrigation Systems, Water pumps

• Must have experience in General Maintenance & Carpentry

• Must be able to maintain Crestron Audio Visual Systems

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Attention to detail

• Must be Pro active

TECHNICIAN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Please note this position requires the applicant to be on call 24/7.

• Must be willing to work with the team and assist in training and delegating maintenance staff.

• Applicant must have a good command of the English Language

• Computer literacy is required in order to access equipment and part replacement information and ordering.

• Must possess a clean driver’s license and police record.

This position requires someone with a sunny disposition who can remain calm during stressful situations. Applicant must have a minimum of 2 years working in a high-end resort or a Luxury Villa. Applicants may work long hours including weekends and holidays.

JILL ROBIN MEYER-SWANN

KENYATTA ISAIAH FORBES

Renumeration for this position starts at $1500.00 per month. This position is currently held by a work permit holder. Interested persons should address their resume to hr@thesource.tc.

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: 231-3122

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 331-0302

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Basic manicures, artificial nails, gel nails, hand massages, nail fills, nail repair, and nail polishing.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-244-2015

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROJECT MANAGER

Plan and supervise a wide range of construction projects from start to finish, experience in managing large scale vertical construction projects is necessary. You will organize and oversee construction the construction team procedures and ensure they are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with engineers, architects etc. to determine the specifications of the project.

• Negotiate contracts with external vendors to reach profitable agreements.

• Determine needed resources (manpower, equipment, and materials) from start to finish with attention to budgetary limitations.

• Plan all construction operations and schedule intermediate phases to ensure deadlines will be met.

• Acquire equipment and material and monitor stocks to timely handle inadequacies.

• Hire contractors and other staff and allocate responsibilities.

• Supervise the work of all construction team members and give guidance when needed.

• Evaluate progress and prepare detailed progress reports.

• Ensure adherence to all health and safety standards and report issues.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven experience as construction project manager, minimum 10 years’ experience managing projects greater then USD $15 MIL.

• In-depth understanding of construction procedures and material and project management principles

• Familiarity with quality and health and safety standards

• Good knowledge of MS Office, MS Projects

• Familiarity with construction/ project management software Procore and Blue Beam

• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills

• A team player with leadership abilities

Salary: $2000/weekly

Duties are:

• Raking up scrub, trimming trees

• Disposing of scrubs and garbage

• Cleaning windows and door frames

• Light maintainance

Salary: $8.00 per hour working from Monday to Friday

STUBBS

Keep

SECURITY OFFICERS

Responsibilities -To maintain a safe and secure environment for customers/clients. Patrolling, deterrence, monitoring and securing properties and business establishments. Surveillance Skills, Deals with Threats, exercising excellent Judgment, Objectivity, Dependability, Conflict Management, Integrity, Safety Management, Professionalism, Reporting Skills, CCTV and Security Alarm knowledge are desirable. Salary $9.00 per hour

CONTACT: 333-6577

Basic

DUTIES: Cleaning around the job site assisting and clearing up debris

$350.00 weekly

DUTIES : Repairs, maintains, alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick or stone edifices. Mix mortar lays bricks and stones. SALARY$600.00 weekly

Long Bay, Providenciales Is seeking to employ

BASIC ESSENTIAL

Must be friendly, courteous and knowledgeable in all aspects of beauty care, beauty treatment, hair products, and skin care products and must be able to

LABOURER

HOMAGE TANISSAINT (341-1977)

Five Cays, Providenciales Cleaning yard, lifting heavy items. Salary: $8 hourly

QUALITY SERVICES DELIVERY (346-0002)

Kew Town, Providenciales General cleaning, windows, doors, menial task. $8 hourly RENEWAL

NINA SIEGENTHALER (231-0707)

The Mansion, Grace Bay General House chores, care for child, traveling with family. $1200-1500 per month

4T CONTRACTING (232-3265)

LABOURER CLEANER Five Cays, Providenciales, Is seeking to employ a TRIPPLE A'S EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY 35988

Wheeland, Providenciales General cleaning, other menial task. $8-9 hourly

Is seeking to employ an Experienced Housekeeper

HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED

Perform all housekeeping duties including changing the sheets, changing and arranging the towels, restocking toilet supplies, mopping, vacuuming, dusting and rearranging the accommodations. Monitor, report on, and purchase inventory of cleaning supplies.

ANTHONY LESHONE FORBES Back Salina, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ WC SECURITY SERVICES 36006

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. EMAIL: TCISLANDGROUP@GMAIL.COM

KEY

Airport Road, Providenciales, TCI Is seeking to employ explain and assist customers on how to use products. Must have excellent customer skills and willing to work 6 days a week on shift.

$8.00 per hour.

36016

36050

as needed.

Is seeking to employ a shipboard safety, and marine mechanic experience.

DIESEL MECHANIC

DUTIES: Ability to repair and maintain all shipboard systems including, but not limited to, MEs, breathing air compressors, RO water makers, generators and A/C units.

Starting salary: $2000/month REQUIREMENTS: • STCW95/2010 certification,

QUALITY FOOD SERVICES

• Must speak/write English fluently.

• Have excellent customer contact skills, and must live onboard the vessel, one day shore leave each week.

• Previous liveaboard experience preferred.

BETHANY’S EDUCATIONAL & SOCIAL TRAINING (B.E.S.T.) INSTITUTE, INC.

Five Cays Access Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Island Contact No: 1649-9417939

WE ARE LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING:

FROZEN FOOD PICKER / STOCKER SUPERVISOR

• Provide the bulk of the customer service outside of the check stands.

• Supervise stockers with stocking , unloading delivery trucks and organizing stockrooms.

• Pick items for customers order

LABOURERS

• Responsible for doing Manual work

• Loading and unloading Container

The individual should meet the following requirements:

Is seeking suitable candidates for the following positions: on a daily basis for over 150 students.

DOMESTIC WORKERS

• Possess a valid food handler’s permit

• A born again Christian preferably of the Baptist Faith

• The ability to read and write English

• Must be able to assist in the preparation of healthy meals

• Be able to manage the stock and prepare orders. Handle cash effectively to ensure all checks and balances

• Salary starts at $6.25 per hour

• Positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders

APPLICATION CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT B.E.S.T. INSTITUTE OFFICE, 250 BAY ROAD, BLUE HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES. OR EMAIL: BESTINSTITUTE@TCIWAY.TC

COPY ALL ENQUIRES TO THE LABOUR BOARD, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS. TEL: 649-941-4802 | CELL: 649-231-4802

NATIONAL COMPANY SERVICES

Providenciales, TCI. Is seeking to employ a

TRAINING OFFICER

FUNCTION: Build annual training program and prepare teaching plans; Identify training needs by evaluating strengths and weaknesses; Groom mentor employees for the next step of their career.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST HAVE:

(1) Proven experience in designing multiple training events in a corporate or classroom setting – minimum 5 years; Bachelor’s Degree Business Administration, Training, Accounting experience and Quickbooks encoder

will be an asset; Qualification in Information Technology;

(2) Demonstrated ability to organize and teach complex products, services and procedures; ability to handle up to ten(10) different applications. Advance excel skill

(3) Be flexible to give support to rotated shifts between 7:00 am – 7:00pm daily, including weekends and public holidays, at various locations in TCI.

WAGE: $1,800-2,100 /m –commensurate with qualification and experience.

PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATION LETTER AND RESUME TO: THE CEO, NATIONAL

• Assisting in stocking shelves

PRODUCE CLERKS

• Stock the shelves with produce product and fill it back up when it sells

• Replenish produce stocks and goods on the on display shelf

• Physically able to reach ,stretch, bend, and walk during work hours

FROZEN FOOD PICKERS /STOCKERS

• Stock the shelves with frozen product and fill it back up when it sells

• Pick items for customers order

• Physically able to reach ,stretch, bend, and walk during work hours

BUTCHERS

• Cutting, grinding and preparing meats for sale.

• Cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment.

• Weighing, packaging, pricing, and displaying products.

• Performing quality inspections on meats and other products.

WAREHOUSE SUPERVISORS

• Achieving high levels of customer satisfaction through excellence in receiving, identifying,

• dispatching and assuring quality of goods

• Measuring and reporting the effectiveness of warehousing activities and employees performance

• Organizing and maintaining inventory and storage area

STORE CLERKS

• Handles a variety of customer inquiries.

• Improve a customer’s experience.

• Complete transactions, process returns, issue rain checks and answer any questions a customer has.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to lift 50 pounds

• In an 8-hour workday: stand or walk between 6-8 hours

• The ability to work in a wet and/or cold environment (Minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 23 degree Celsius)

• Flexible schedule including working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

• A positive attitude. Show up on time

• Only call out sick on very rare occasions when you are really sick

• Being flexible on what days and hours you can work

• The willingness to do any job that is needed even if it’s not “technically” part of your job description

For work permit renewal and for first time work permit holders. Wages start at $8.00 per hour.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS CAN EMAIL THEIR RESUME TO JOBSTCI@ALLIEDCARIBBEAN.NET OR SEND RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. BELONGERS NEED ONLY TO APPLY.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

Cleaning property, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

CONTACT: 341-7471

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER

Responsible for the safe operation of vessel and ensure that it is operated according to both company and legal guidelines.

CONTACT: 333-2626

DOMESTIC WORKER

LIVE IN HOUSEKEEPER

Basic manicures, artificial nails,

CONTACT: 232-3038

Set up temporary structures, passing of tools to the workers, cleaning construction sites and obtaining a safe work environment.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 344-1567

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Applicants must be honest, reliable and willing to work. AC works on all jobs.

Salary: $9.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-7261

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 346-8110

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-3338

CLEANER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

TILER

BARTENDER

• Uphold customer service

• Maintain

Salary:

CONTACT: 231-2397

JEWELRY REPAIRER

CONTACT: 344-1220

WIDELINE BENJAMIN

Cleaning property, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Hourly

CONTACT: 341-6254

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

• 10 years knowledge of Artisan style pizza making.

• Knowledge of short and long rising dough’s.

• Experience with a high temperature refractory ovens.

•

The candidate will manage the warehouse inventory, repair blenders, deliver product, invoice customers. Must have small appliance repair experience, be able to lift 50 lbs, invoice using Quickbooks, have valid drivers’ license, good customer service skills.

GRACE BAY MEDICAL CENTER

GRACE BAY MEDICAL CENTER

Neptune Plaza, Providenciales TCI

IS SEEKING TO EMPLOY A

Nursing Assistant

REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES

• Certificate/equivalent in NA

• Minimum of 5 years work experience in a fast-paced Urgent Care practice

• Knowledgeable in setting up for procedures, able to assist doctors with procedures and examination

• Must be able to work as part of the Nursing Team with little or no supervision to ensure proper flow of patients

• Computer knowledge, answering telephone, scheduling appointments, action patients results,

• Experience in patient care in home and in a clinical situation

• Must have experience in sterilization procedures

Monthly salary $2400.00 - $3500 depending on experience. Belongers only need to apply. The position is currently held by a work permit holder

EMAIL: CYNTHIA@GRACEBAYMEDICAL.COM

PHONE: 649-941-5252

Spanish Speaking Physician

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• GP must speak and write Spanish, English

• Must have a medical degree from an accredited University

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Primary Health Care, minimum of 3 years at a Secondary Health Care institution

• Minimum of 5 years as a fully registered Medical Practitioner on a register of a recognized Medical Board.

MAIN DUTIES

• Patient consultations, examinations, minor surgery

• Diagnosis and treatment of illness/ailments

• Manage acute and chronic illnesses

• Order laboratory, diagnostic tests

• Health education

• Liaise with other healthcare professionals and hospitals

• Computer knowledge

Monthly salary $8000.00. Belongers only need to apply. Position currently held by work permit holder

EMAIL: CYNTHIA@GRACEBAYMEDICAL.COM

PHONE 649-941-5252. FAX 649-946-8243

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES

• Degree in Midwifery or equivalent from an accredited University

• Minimum of 5 years fully registered Midwife

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in community midwifery, birthing centers

• Able to do IVs, venipuncture, injections, vitals, dressings, ECG

• Ultrasound certifications an asset

• Must be able to create and teach

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

35923

birth preparation, breast feeding and parenting classes

• Setup for and assist doctors with procedures, examination

• Able to work with little or no supervision, ensure proper flow of patients

• Computer knowledge, scheduling appointments, action patients results, update and maintain patients EMR file

Monthly salary $3500.00 to $4500.00

EMAIL: CYNTHIA@GRACEBAYMEDICAL.COM

BELONGERS APPLY. NEW POSITION

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

EASYWAY EMPLOYEMENT SERVICS

CLARA LIGHTBOURNE

June Hill, Blue Hills, 332-1236

DOMESTIC WORKER

$6.50 hourly

Cleaning the house, wash, iron, cook and caring for my 5 years old.

HANDY GUY CONSTRUCTION

345-0174 North Caicos

LABOURER

$8.00 hourly

Laying up equipment, run lines for power tools, erect scaffolding, layout tools, pouring of concrete foundation

PATRICK HARVEY Blue Hills

247-0097

DOMESTIC WORKER

$8.00 Hourly

Cleaning the House, wash, iron and cook

7 IM 331-7188

MILLENNIUM HIGHWAY HANDYMAN

$8.00 hourly

Unload containers and maintain the repair of appliance inside the store

ALEX HENRIQUEZ

346-2627

72 June Hills, Millennium Highway

LABOURER

$8.00 hourly

To assist me with ongoing construction on the property

BABYSITTER

$ 8.00 hourly

Caring for my 5 years old daughter bath and fees her, monitor her and care for her, light housekeeping in my home.

SERGE BERNADIN

346-4413

Millennium Highway

DOMESTIC WORKER

$390.00 hourly

cleaning the house, washing dishes, clothes, linen and caring for my children.

J & J BEAUTY SALON

343-6068

Five Cays Behind Paradise Baptiste Church

HAIR BRAIDER

$400.00 weekly

Braiding men and women hair, styling all type of hair, braids children hair

COX AND GABRIELLE VESSEL

331-5918

89 Five Cays RD

FISHER MAN

$8.00 hourly

Catching fish and other seafood and repair boat when needed

BLUE SKY WATER

Engine Hill, Chalk Sound Is seeking to employ a

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

BRAHMA KUMARIS WSO

RAJA YOGA CENTER MEDITATION MUSEUM

#106 Paradise Road, Cooper Jack. Is looking for the following:

QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED YOGA TEACHER INSTRUCTOR

To teach Raja yoga with meditation. Assist management in execution of all daily appointments, programs and maintaining of premises.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be trained & have taught Raja yoga to persons of multi-cultural background

• Must demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative, as a team player.

• Must demonstrate best practices and utilize an individual approach.

COMPENSATION:

• Salary is based on qualifications and experience from $15K annually

CONTACT: 231-4101 OR BKWSU.TCI@GMAIL.COM

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position

C & S PROFESSIONAL

Acting on behalf of CAROL A. SKIPPINGS/ MUSGROVE

Leeward Palms, Providenciales Is seeking a

Greets customers, receive payment, Issue receipts, and change due to customers. Count money in cash drawers to ensure that amounts are correct and that there is adequate change. Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 348-4608

Belongers only apply Renewal 36039

DIAMOND CONSULTING

Acting on behalf of our clients. Seeking for:

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

LABOURER

Cleaning property, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly CONTACT: 246-8103

Belongers only apply/

LABOURER

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

CONTACT: 241-5922

Belongers only apply Renewal 36087

DONALD FRANCOIS

Glass Shack

Is seeking to employ a

LABOURER

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: 247-0071

Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board 36029

SANDS CONSTRUCTION

seeking

KUBERA LIMITED

DBA GOLDSMITH

JEWELER - $1,250 MONTHLY

Must have excellent knowledge and skill for jewelry and gemstones. Must be able to repair clasps and links on Gold and Silver Jewelry. Must be able to identify precious and semi-precious gems and metals

LABOURER - $1,250 MONTHLY

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Assist in offloading containers and delivering goods.

STORE CLERK - $1,250 MONTHLY

Must be able to provide assistance to customers and handle various duties such as operating the cash register, greeting customers, helping people locate products, doing paper work, stocking shelves, and maintaining the store clean and organized.

DOMESTIC WORKER - $1,250 MONTHLY

Cleaning shop, windows, bathrooms and providing regular housekeeping, sweeping, mopping, laundry and cleaning dishes.

4 CARPENTERS - $14.00 per hour Build walls and install partitions.

2 CARPENTER HELPER - $9.00 per hour Cut timber or lumber.

2 PLUMBERS

CONSTRUCTION

CONTACT: 333-5559

Belongers only. Renewals 36090

CAICOS EXPRESS AIRWAYS LTD.

Southern Shores Building, Leeward Highway Is seeking

BAGGAGE HANDLER

• Load and unload customer luggage and other cargo.

• Must be willing to work 4 days per week

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 941-5630

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. Renewal 36038

EDOUARDO E. REYES

GLASS SHACK

Is seeking to employ a

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 442-0110

Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board Renewal 35997

T&C SECRETARIAL SERVICES Wilson Circle, Blue Hills 649-331-2251

Acting on behalf of

REGINALD JOLLY/RCNM CONSTRUCTION

3 ROCK CARVERS - $10.00 Hourly Drill holes, or cut molding and grooves in stone.

VALMY ANOUSBING MAINTENANCE WORKER - $10.00 Hourly Maintain equipment, buildings, etc.

AMADU TIRES Hanyman - $10.00 Hourly Maintain equipment, and machines, etc.

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY 35996

2

BELONGERS CAN DROP OFF RESUME TO THE STORE PROVIDENCIALES: CENTRAL SQUARE AND THE REGENT VILLAGE GRAND TURK: GOLDSMITH BUILDING FRONT STREET

TEL: 649 946 4100/332-4100. EMAIL: GOLDSMITHTCI@GMAIL.COM

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT

These positions are currently held by work permit holders 36088

5

SUNNY FOOD STORE CASH AND CARRY

Five Cays, South Dock

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Island. Contact No: 1649-9462811

Is looking for:

GROCERY STOCK CLERKS

• Stock the shelves with product and fill it back up when it sells

• Keep the store looking good throughout the day doing what’s called “facing” or “fronting”

• Provide the bulk of the customer service outside of the check stands.

• Direct people to products and offer product suggestions and maybe even cooking tips

• Refill shelves and displays with goods.

• Assist with unloading delivery trucks and organizing stockrooms.

STORE CLERKS

• Handles the checkout process for customers.

• Handle money, answer customer questions, bag items or oversee selfcheckout areas.

MEAT ROOM HELPERS

• Work in the meat section of grocery stores.

• Cut and prepare meat and poultry for customers.

• Take special orders, make product recommendations and provide customer service.

SHIPPING AND RECEIVING CLERKS

• Works on receiving the delivery trucks and sending the products to the departments to be stocked.

INVENTORY CONTROL SPECIALIST

• Handles the grocery store's inventory management.

• Track and maintain inventory and adjust orders based on demand and quality.

• Work closely with loss prevention specialists to develop procedures to prevent loss.

CUSTODIAN

• Maintain the overall appearance and cleanliness of the grocery store.

• Cleaning bathrooms, sweeping and mopping floors and cleaning up spills in the store.

• Assist with larger cleaning projects, such as washing windows or waxing floors.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

• Handles a variety of customer inquiries.

• Improve a customer's experience.

• Complete transactions, process returns, issue rain checks and answer any questions a customer has.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to lift 50 pounds

• In an 8-hour workday: stand or walk between 6-8 hours

• The ability to work in a wet and/or cold environment

• Flexible schedule including working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

• The ability to use tools and equipment, such as box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other machinery

• A positive attitude

• Show up on time

• Only call out sick on very rare occasions when you are really sick

• Being flexible on what days and hours you can work

• The willingness to do any job that is needed even if it’s not “technically” part of your job description

CASABLANCA CASINO

BLACKJACK DEALERS/ DICE DEALERS

All candidates should have at least 2-3 years’ experience in the same field, excellent full knowledge of all casino table games and excellent knowledge of Blackjack table game and/or dice game. Job summary: carry out specific tasks in the gaming operation to the highest standard efficiency and customer service in accordance with gaming policies and procedures laid down by the company and gaming laws.

Salary $9.00 - $16.00 / hour

LABOURER

Must have several years kitchen helper experience, stock refill, cleaning experience of the full casino with knowledge of covid requirements and be physically fit. Also provide routine building cleaning and maintenance including painting, sanding and lifting and moving heavy equipment.

Salary $8-$9 / hour

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.

PLEASE DROP OFF CV’S ADDRESSED TO HR, AT THE CASABLANCA CASINO LOCATED ON 226 GRACE BAY ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES. OR EMAIL AT INFO@CASABLANCA.TC. TEL: 941-3737 POSITIONS PRESENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDERS.

HAIRDRESSER

Shampooing, cutting, and styling hair, provide hair treatments, deep conditioning, permanents, coloring, and weaving.

Salary: $6.25 per hour

CONTACT: 345-4777

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

BLUE HILLS

Cleaning property, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

CONTACT: 341-4128

DOMESTIC WORKER

Set up equipment, run lines for power tools, erect scaffolding, lay out tools, mixing concrete,

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

CONTACT: 231-3892

DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT: 247-2082

DOMESTIC

house and washing clothes.

Rate: $8.00 per hr.

CONTACT: 344-4360

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

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-3230

BELONGERS ARE TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

TRADESMAN

CONTACT: 1-649-346-7174

Build and install iron or steel girders, columns, and other construction materials to form structures. Cut, position, and bolt down steel bars.

Salary: $8.00

CONTACT: 244-2926

Responsible for purchasing products, materials, and services. Duties include assessing the market, ordering new products, and keeping accurate records. $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 331-4416

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

Applicant must be honest, reliable and willing to work. Cleaning of surroundings, yard and trimming of all trees on my property and disposing of all debris.

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 242-1304

Inspecting and testing vehicles, engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire changes, wheel balancing, and replacing filters. Salary: $10.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-242-4415

Pick up waste, clean and maintain the cleanness of the premises. $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: (649) 232-5733

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

Salary: $7.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-4497

To install, maintain and troubleshoot our hardware and software systems. The ideal candidate should be a certified CompTIA Network+ Salary is negotiable but commiserate with years of experience.

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

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper,

CONTACT: 345-7087

MECHANIC

Duties: To clean and maintain premises and Other chores as assigned.

$7.50 per hour.

CONTACT: 331-0375

CONTACT: 341-1809

DUTIES: To assist skilled workers, Maintain all work areas. SALARY: $7.50 per hour

CONTACT: 244-7480

DUTIES: To assist skilled workers, Maintain all work areas.

SALARY: $7.50 per hour

CONTACT: 241-2946

Science & Technology

Ambitious targets to halt the decline in nature may already be slipping out of reach, a study suggests.

Scientists say the effects of climate change and habitat loss on animal populations have been underestimated.

They say bringing back

wildlife may take longer than expected and that unless we act now global biodiversity targets will be out of reach.

In December almost 200 countries agreed to halt the decline in nature by the end of the decade.

They set ambitious goals

to halt the loss of biodiversity and protect 30% of lands and seas by 2030.

“What this analysis is highlighting is that it’s even harder than we think [to meet the targets]” said Dr Robin Freeman of ZSL’s Institute of Zoology in London.

“We need to act more urgently and more quickly, and tackle more things to achieve them.”

The study, published in the Royal Society journal, Proceedings B, analysed

trends in populations of more than 600 different species of birds and mammals.

The scientists found that past modelling work had largely ignored time lags of decades before the effects

of drivers such as climate change and habitat loss kick in.

This means we may be further down the line towards biodiversity loss than we thought.

JOB VACANCIES

HOUSEKEEPER

The researchers studied more than 600 species of birds and mammals

Rising sea levels may have forced the Vikings out of a successful settlement

THE Vikings disappeared abruptly from Greenland in the mid-15th century, some 400 years after arriving there. Why they abandoned a successful settlement is a mystery that historians never have been able to fully explain.

Theories include drought, changing temperatures, social unrest, and the overhunting of walrus tusks (a cherished luxury good in medieval Europe) — conditions that would have made Norse colonies in Greenland economically nonviable.

Now, a team of researchers from Harvard University and Pennsylvania

Shown here are the remains of the eastern settlement, where Vikings lived for four centuries before leaving Greenland

State University say they have uncovered another key factor that could explain why the Vikings fled: a rise in sea levels.

Using a computer model based on geological and climate records, the

2 DOMESTIC WORKERS

columns, and other construction materials to form structures. Cut, position, and bolt down steel bars. Salary: $8.00

team found that sea levels would have risen by up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) during the the four centuries of Norse occupation of the eastern settlement Vikings established in Greenland in 985 AD.

RWL

AGENCY

5 years experience in a luxury resort environment. knowledge relating to cleaning products and correct usage, responsible for the basic cleaning and sanitation in and around Pine Cay (assist in the daily operations of Hotel and Villa housekeeping duties) and providing tidy and sanitary amenities to guests and staff. Must pay attention to details, learn and adapt quickly, work diligently and independently and be organized. Some shifts may require staying on Pine Cay. Salary is $10.00 per hour.

BOAT MECHANIC/ MARINE MECHANIC

Requires a minimum of 10 years experience in marine maintenance. Responsible for maintaining, repairing and testing all resorts and homeowner’s Vessels, observing equipment and diagnosing potential problems and repairing them, document inspections and maintenance on all watercraft. Boat Captains License, Driver’s License and a certificate from a brand of outboard engines (emphasise on Yamaha) or marine engineering school is required. The Position requires staying on Pine Cay. Salary is 30K per annum.

MAINTENANCE LABOURER

3 years experience in a luxury resort environment. Must be able to work outdoors and operate small machinery, Maintain the beauty and health of all plants, flowers, outdoors grounds and trees, responsible for designing, producing, renewing and preserving outdoor spaces as well as responsible for minor repairs and keeping the compound clean from debris. Must be able to take direction, pay attention to detail and be a team player. Skills in painting, carpentry, landscaping and gardening would be an asset. Some shifts may require staying on Pine Cay. Salary is $10.00 per hour.

CONTACT: 247-5825

Gypsum Crescent, Providenciales, TCI Is seeking to employ a BELONGERS ONLY APPLY. WORK PERMIT RENEWAL.

Biodiversity targets may be slipping out of reach - study

Science & Technology

New study suggests Black women should be screened earlier for breast cancer

An international team of researchers wrote in the study, published Wednesday in the journal JAMA Network Open, that clinical trials may be warranted to investigate whether screening guidelines should recommend Black women start screening at younger ages, around 42 instead of 50.

The US Preventive Services Task Force – a group of independent medical experts whose recommendations help guide doctors’ decisions –recommends biennial screening for women starting at age 50. But many medical groups, including the American Cancer Society and Mayo Clinic, already emphasize that women have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year starting at age 40.

Even though Black women have a 4% lower incidence rate of breast cancer than White women, they have a 40% higher breast cancer death rate.

“The take-home message for US clinicians and health policy makers is simple. Clinicians and radiologists should consider race and ethnicity when determining the age at which breast cancer screening should begin,” Dr. Mahdi Fallah, an author of the new study and leader of Risk Adapted Cancer Prevention Group at the German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg, Germany, said in an email.

“Also, health policy makers can consider a risk-adapted approach to breast cancer screening to address racial disparities in breast cancer mortality, especially the mortality before the recommended age of population screening,” said Fallah, who is also a visiting professor at Lund University in Sweden and an adjunct professor at the University of Bern in Switzerland.

WHAT SCREENING GUIDELINES SAY

Breast cancer screenings are typically performed using a mammogram, which is an X-ray picture taken of the breast that doctors examine to look for early signs of breast cancer developing.

“Guidelines for screening actually already do recommend basing a woman’s time to initiate screening on the risk of developing cancer, though race and ethnicity have not been traditional factors that go into these decisions,”

Dr. Rachel Freedman, a breast oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who was not involved in the new study, said in an email.

Black women should start at age 42

The American Cancer Society currently recommends that all women consider mammogram screenings for breast cancer risk starting at the age of 40 – and for women 45 to 54, it’s recommended to get mammograms every year. Those 55 and older can switch to screening every other year if they choose.

But “we are in the process of updating our breast cancer screening guidelines, and we are examining the scientific literature for how screening guidelines could differ for women in different racial and ethnic groups, and by other risk factors, in a way that would reduce disparities based on risk and disparities in outcome,” Robert Smith, senior vice president for cancer screening at the American Cancer Society, who was not involved in the new study, said in an email. “We are examining these issues closely.”

The American Cancer Society’s recommendations appear to align with the findings in the new study, as the research highlights how screening guidelines should not be a “one-size-fits-all policy,” but rather help guide conversations that patients and their doctors have together.

“We, here at the American Cancer Society, strongly recommend that all women consider a screening mammogram from the age of 40 onwards, and that means having a discussion with their doctor,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, the American Cancer Society’s chief patient officer, who was not involved in the new study.

“The authors highlight that age 50 can be a little late,” Kamal said about the study’s findings on when to begin breast cancer screening. “We are in agreement with that, particularly for women who may be at slightly higher risk.”

BREAST CANCER RISK BY AGE AND RACE

The researchers – from China, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and Norway – analysed data on 415,277 women in the United States who died of breast cancer in 2011 to 2020. That data on invasive breast cancer mortality rates came from the National Center for Health Statistics and was analysed with the National Cancer Institute’s SEER statistical software.

When the researchers examined the data by race, ethnicity and age, they found that the rate of breast cancer deaths among women in their 40s was 27 deaths per 100,000 person-years for Black women compared with 15 deaths per 100,000 in White women and 11 deaths per 100,000 in American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic and Asian or Pacific Islander women.

“When the breast cancer mortality rate for Black women in their 40s is 27 deaths per 100,000 person-years, this means 27 out of every 100,000 Black women aged 40-49 in the US die of breast cancer during one year of followup. In other words, 0.027% of Black women aged 40-49 die of breast cancer each year,” Fallah said in the email.

In general, for women in the

at a younger age is that it raises the risk of a false positive screening result – leading to unnecessary subsequent tests and emotional stress.

But the researchers wrote in their study that “the added risk of false positives from earlier screenings may be balanced by the benefits” linked with earlier breast cancer detection.

They also wrote that health policy makers should pursue equity, not just equality, when it comes to breast cancer screening as a tool to help reduce breast cancer death rates.

United States, their average risk of dying from breast cancer in the decade after they turn 50, from age 50 to 59, is 0.329%, according to the study.

“However, this risk level is reached at different ages for women from different racial/ ethnic groups,” Fallah said. “Black women tend to reach this risk level of 0.329% earlier, at age 42. White women tend to reach it at age 51, American Indian or Alaska Native and Hispanic women at age 57 years, and Asian or Pacific Islander women later, at age 61.”

So, the researchers determined that when recommending breast cancer screening at age 50 for women, Black women should start at age 42.

Yet “the authors didn’t have any information on whether the women included in this study actually had mammographic screening and at what age. For example, it is possible that many women in this study actually had screening during ages 40-49,” Freedman, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said in her email.

“This study confirms that the age of breast cancer-mortality is younger for Black women, but it doesn’t confirm why and if screening is even the main reason. We have no information about the types of cancers women developed and what treatment they had either, both of which impact mortality from breast cancer,” she said.

RISKS AND BENEFITS TO EARLIER SCREENING

The harm of starting mammograms

Equality in the context of breast cancer screening “means that everyone is screened from the same age regardless of risk level. On the other hand, equity or risk-adapted screening means that everyone is provided screening according to their individual risk level,” the researchers wrote. “We believe that a fair and risk-adapted screening program may also be associated with optimized resource allocation.”

The new study is “timely and relevant,” given the overall higher mortality rate for breast cancer in Black women and that Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age compared with other ethnic groups, Dr. Kathie-Ann Joseph, surgical oncologist at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center and professor of surgery and population health at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said in an email.

“While some may argue that earlier screening may lead to increased recalls and unnecessary biopsies, women get recalled for additional imaging about 10% of the time and biopsies are needed in 1-2% of cases, which is quite low,” said Joseph, who was not involved in the new study.

“This has to be compared to the lives saved from earlier screening mammography,” she said. “I would also like to point out that while we certainly want to prevent deaths, earlier screening can have other benefits by allowing women of all racial and ethnic groups to have less extensive surgery and less chemotherapy which impacts quality of life.”

IMPLICIT AND SYSTEMIC BIAS

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, except for skin cancers. This year, it is estimated

Science & Technology

Cause of grey hair may be ‘stuck’ cells, say scientists

US scientists believe they may have uncovered why hair turns grey as we age, citing pigmentmaking cells which lose the ability to mature.

The arrested development impacts immature cells which would otherwise have developed into melanocytes which give hair its natural colour or shade.

The team from New York University (NYU) studied the process in mice, which have identical cells for fur colour.

They say the work could provide a basis for reversing the greying process.

According to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), work on melanocytes might also help our understanding and treatment of certain cancers and other medical conditions too.

HOW DOES HAIR TURN GREY?

We grow and shed hair all the time - it’s a normal cycle that happens throughout life.

New hair grows from hair follicles, found in the skin, where the pigment-producing melanocytes also reside.

Melanocytes continuously decay and renew too. New ones are made from stem cells and it’s these cells that the researchers believe become “stuck” in limbo in people whose hair has turned grey.

NYU Langone Health team used special scans and lab techniques to study the cell-ageing process.

As hair ages, sheds and then repeatedly grows back, increasing numbers of the melanocyte stem cells become sluggish at their job.

The stem cells stop roaming around the follicle and become fixed, thereby failing to mature into fully-fledged melanocytes. With no pigment being produced, the hair turns grey, white or silver.

“Our study adds to our basic understanding of how melanocyte stem cells work to colour hair,” study lead investigator Dr Qi Sun, a postdoctoral fellow at NYU Langone Health, told Nature journal.

“The newfound mechanisms raise the possibility that the same fixedpositioning of melanocyte stem cells may exist in humans. If so, it presents a potential pathway for reversing or preventing the greying.”

It is not the first time scientists have suggested that greying hair might be a partially reversible process.

Poor nutrition is one possible, treatable cause of premature greying.

Some researchers claim stress might contribute to human hair turning white, and have suggested removing anxiety might restore the pigmentation process - at least for a while.

Other research suggests genetics, or our DNA, partly determines when we go grey.

It is not the first time scientists have suggested that greying hair might be a partially reversible process

While some prefer to hide grey hair with dye, others embrace it. Some even choose to get ahead of nature, and prematurely colour hair silver, white or grey.

According to Glamour Magazine, silver hair is “the spring hair colour trend that the cool girls are rocking”.

“We’ve spotted one shade, in particular, taking off. Oyster grey is the fresh, breezy, pearlescent colour trend that’s cropping up all over Instagram,” the article says.

One hairstylist, Luke Hersheson, recently told British Vogue: “At one point it was a big no-no to have grey hair, but now we don’t equate grey hair with being ‘old’so many people are doing it.

“Post-lockdown, there is a feeling of liberty - many got into a grey hair rut because they couldn’t see their colourists, but came out of the other side and actually enjoyed the change.”

Experts advise against plucking out ‘rogue’ grey hairs. It won’t stop the next one that grows from

the same follicle from being grey. If you damage the hair follicle, it may be hard for new hair to grow, meaning you could be left with less hair or even bald patches.

Dr Leila Asfour from the British Association of Dermatologists told the BBC work on hair colour was big business: “The global hair colour market is projected to attain a value of $33.7bn by 2030. Clearly there’s a demand.

“The obvious implication of this research, when it comes to the general public, is that it means being one step closer to finding a way to reverse our grey hairs.

“But this study’s results help the medical field understand better other conditions where these stem cells may have a role - for example, understand the underlying nature of the deadliest skin cancer we treat called melanoma.”

It might help with a medical condition called alopecia areata too, where the immune system attacks the hair and causes it to fall out. Sometimes the hair grows

back white in these patients, she explained.

And it could give more clues about vitiligo - a skin condition where patients develop white skin patches. Scientists have tried surgically placing hair follicles in the affected areas to help regenerate the colour from the pigment found in the hair follicle.

“More research is needed,” Dr Asfour says.

Dr Yusur Al-Nuaimi from the British Hair and Nail Society said scalp health was important for supporting good head hair growth, especially as we age.

“The recent study in mice adds to our understanding of the hair follicle and how the pigmentproducing cells function. We are already discovering more about the potential of stem cell therapies for conditions including hair loss and studies such as this one, with new findings about the colourproducing cells, may lead to an array of future treatment options for our patients.” (BBC)

New study suggests Black women should be ...

that about 43,700 women will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society, and Black women have the highest death rate from breast cancer.

Even though Black women are 40% more likely than White women to die from the disease, Kamal of the American Cancer Society said that the disparity in deaths is not a result of Black women not following the current mammogram guidelines.

Rather, implicit bias in medicine plays a role.

“In the United States, across the country, there are not

differences in mammogram screening rates among Black women and White women. In fact, across the entire country, the number is about 75%.

We see about 3 in 4 women –Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian – are on time with their mammograms,” Kamal said.

Yet there are multiple timepoints after a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer where they may not receive the same quality of care or access to care as their peers.

“For example, Black women are less likely to be offered

enrollment in a clinical trial. That is not because of a stated difference in interest. In fact, the enrollment rate in clinical trials is equal among Black women and White women, if they’re asked,” Kamal said.

“What we have to understand is where the implicit and systemic biases held by patients and their caregivers and their families may exist – those that are held within health systems and even policies and practices that impede everyone having fair and just access to high quality health care,” he said.

Additionally, Black women have nearly a three-fold increased risk of triple-negative breast cancers. Those particular type of cancers tend to be more common in women younger than 40, grow faster than other types of invasive breast cancer and have fewer treatment options.

Black women also tend to have denser breast tissue than White women. Having dense tissue in the breast can make it more difficult for radiologists to identify breast cancer on a mammogram, and women with dense breast tissue have a higher

risk of breast cancer.

But such biological differences among women represent just a small part of a much larger discussion around racial disparities in breast cancer, Kamal said.

“There are systemic issues, access to care issues that really go beyond biology,” he said. “The reality is cancer affects everybody and it does not discriminate. Where the discrimination sometimes occurs is after the diagnosis, and that’s really what we need to focus on.”

(CNN)

Science & Technology

Not enough people wear hearing aids, doing so could reduce dementia

TREATING hearing loss could mean reducing the risk for dementia, according to a new study.

Hearing loss may increase the risk for dementia, but using hearing aids lowered the risk so it’s similar to those without hearing loss, according to the study published Thursday in The Lancet.

Researchers followed more than 437,000 people in a cohort from the UK Biobank, a large biomedical database and research resource that follows residents long term. They looked at each person’s risk for dementia, self-reported use of hearing aids and medical records to see if the person developed dementia, the study said.

“The evidence is building that hearing loss may be the most impactful modifiable risk factor for dementia in mid-life,” corresponding study author Dongshan Zhu, professor at Shandong University in China, said in a statement. “Our study provides the best evidence to date to suggest that hearing aids could be a minimally invasive, costeffective treatment to mitigate the potential impact of hearing loss on dementia.”

The research accounted for other factors, including loneliness, social isolation and depression, but found that untreated hearing loss still had a strong association with dementia.

Hearing loss may increase the risk for dementia, but using hearing aids lowered the risk

“The paper also explores some of the possible reasons as to how hearing aids may work, tending to (favor) the idea that they are effective because they reduce the cognitive effort involved in hearing and/or they reduce the effects of sensory deprivation if you can’t hear,” Tom Dening, a professor of dementia research at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, said in a statement. Dening was not involved in the research.

A 2020 Lancet commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care suggested hearing loss may be associated with around 8% of dementia cases, but this study found that the use of hearing aids

More people could have hidden bowel condition

MANY people may be suffering from an undiagnosed and misunderstood bowel condition, according to the charity Guts UK.

Microscopic colitis is an inflammation of the large bowel and causes frequent watery diarrhoea, stomach pain, faecal incontinence, fatigue and weight loss.

About 17,000 people are diagnosed each year in the UK, but experts say the real number is likely to be higher.

Some standard tests for inflammatory bowel conditions do not spot it.

But despite misdiagnoses, cases

have risen in the UK in recent years.

BIOPSY SAMPLES

Victoria Rennison, 33, from South London, was diagnosed with microscopic colitis last year, after more than a decade of symptoms.

She saw a number of specialists but was told she had irritable bowel syndrome and “was left to get on with it”.

When the condition was at its worst she would spend the entire day and many nights on the toilet, or running urgently to the bathroom.

“The diarrhoea would come on

he said, “and to seek assessment and treatment sooner rather than later.”

With both hearing loss and dementia, acting sooner is better, said Lise Hamlin, public policy director of the Hearing Loss Association of America.

“Early adoption of hearing aids could help people hold onto their jobs, communicate better at home with family and friends, and … remain (in) active their communities,” she said.

& Neck Surgery, found that a selffitting, over-the-counter hearing aid could be as good of an option for some people as those fitted by an audiologist.

Its results follow the US Food and Drug Administration’s August decision to allow people with mild to moderate hearing loss to buy hearing aids online or over the counter without a prescription.

reduced the risk to levels similar to people without hearing loss, the study said.

The results support findings from a December meta-analysis published in JAMA Neurology that people with hearing loss who wore devices to help performed 3% better on cognitive scores in the short term.

UNDERUSE OF HEARING AIDS

Dening, who said he recently began wearing hearing aids, said he hopes that these findings will help him care for patients better.

“We need to use studies like this to encourage the public not to be embarrassed by hearing problems,”

Many adults need hearing aids, but not enough use them, said Dr. Karina De Sousa, a postdoctoral research fellow in the department of speech-language pathology and audiology at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She was the lead author of a new study looking at over-the-counter hearing aids.

“A recent study showed that only 15% of US adults with hearing loss use hearing aids,” De Sousa said. “There are many potential reasons people opt not to get hearing aids, but one issue has been the accessibility and affordability of the devices.”

MORE ACCESSIBLE OPTIONS

But De Sousa’s study offers hope of more accessibility.

This small, preliminary study, published Thursday in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology — Head

“The establishment of an OTC (over-the-counter) hearing aid category by the FDA opens a new range of options for people with hearing loss,” De Sousa added in an email.

The Hearing Loss Association of America still supports multiple avenues for addressing hearing loss, Hamlin said.

Some people may find a hearing aid over the counter that works for them, but others may need the help of a health care professional, she added.

“These devices are very new,” Hamlin said. “It’s great to hear that at least this one tested device (in the study) provides such benefit.”

Still, she advises people to do their homework and consider their specific needs first — and encourages them to use her organization’s online resources — which can help determine whether you need a hearing aid, what to look for in one and what questions to ask your doctor — before making a purchase.

Victoria’s condition went undiagnosed for more than a decade

suddenly and would be profuse and watery and the pain was like intense cramps,” said Victoria.

“There were even times my infant son had to sit on a bouncer in the bathroom with me for hours.”

She told BBC News: “I used to be sociable and outgoing but I found it harder and harder to go

out. “I didn’t want to leave the house. I had to make a map of every toilet to do so.”

Victoria was finally diagnosed after a gut specialist did a colonoscopy (camera test of her bowel) and - crucially - took biopsy samples of the inflamed bowel.

On previous visits to doctors she had had colonoscopies, but no biopsy samples had been taken and the condition - which can be seen clearly when samples are put under a microscope - was missed.

She says it was a huge relief to get a diagnosis and be given treatment.

Sports International

Ben Stokes named world’s leading cricketer by Wisden

England captain Ben Stokes has been named Wisden’s leading cricketer in the world for the third time in four years.

Stokes, 31, has transformed the fortunes of the Test team and played a starring role in the T20 World Cup final win against Pakistan in November.

England team-mates Ben Foakes and Matthew Potts are named among the five Cricketers of the Year.

New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell plus India women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur are also on the list.

England had won only one of their previous 17 Tests when allrounder Stokes was appointed captain last April.

They have since won 10 of their past 12 matches by playing a daring style of swashbuckling cricket.

Stokes has previously been named the leading cricketer in the world in 2020 and 2021.

“It’s hard to think of any other cricketer who could have transformed his team’s fortunes so suddenly as Ben Stokes,” said Wisden editor Lawrence Booth.

“He was forceful with both bat and ball, scoring a series-turning century against South Africa in Manchester.

“Later in the year, he steered England to the T20 World Cup with the defining innings of the final against Pakistan in Melbournethe icing on the cake for a cricketer who has transformed the way the game is played.”

Tiger Woods undergoes ‘successful’ surgery following Masters withdrawal

Batter Beth Mooney was named the leading women’s cricketer in the world for the second time in three years after being part of an Australia team that won World Cups in 50-over and 20-over formats as well as gold at the Commonwealth Games.

The five Cricketers of the Year are chosen by the Wisden editor, a tradition that dates back to 1889. Performances in the English summer are a major factor and no player can win the award more than once.

Seamer Potts, 24, took 20 wickets in his first summer playing Test cricket for England, while 30-yearold Foakes backed up his superb work behind the stumps with some vital innings with the bat.

Wicketkeeper Blundell, 32, and Black Caps’ team-mate Mitchell, 31, were both prolific with the bat despite New Zealand going down to a 3-0 Test series defeat in England in June.

Harmanpreet, 34, led her team to a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games then inspired a first one-day series win in England since 1999 in September.

England batter Jonny Bairstow was awarded the new Wisden Trophy for the outstanding individual Test performance of the year - his twin hundreds in the record-breaking win over India at Edgbaston in July.

Meanwhile, India batter Suryakumar Yadav was named as the leading Twenty20 cricketer in the world. (BBC)

Tiger Woods has completed “successful” surgery on his ankle following his withdrawal from The Masters earlier this month, the 47-year-old announced Wednesday.

The 15-time major winner made the cut at Augusta National despite admitting to “constant” pain, only to pull out of the major before the resumption of the rain-delayed third round.

Visibly struggling to walk during a grim start to his round, Woods later explained that the withdrawal was due to a reaggravation of his plantar fasciitis, a tissue inflammation

that causes pain on the bottom of the foot.

The surgery, performed at HSS Sports Medicine Institute in New York City, was deemed to be “successful” by Dr Martin O’Malley, according to a post from Woods’ Twitter account.

“Earlier today, Tiger Woods underwent a subtalar fusion procedure to address post-traumatic arthritis from his previous talus fracture,” the statement said.

“Tiger is currently recovering and looks forward to beginning his rehabilitation.”

The statement did not specify a timeline for Woods’ recovery

process or return to competitive action. The next major on the calendar, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in New York, looms on May 18.

The golf icon’s competitive appearances have been sporadic since suffering severe leg injuries in a serious car crash in 2021, with Woods prioritizing taking part at the majors.

His 25th appearance at The Masters marked just his second competitive event of the year, and in 2022, his PGA Tour outings were limited to The Masters, The PGA Championship and The Open Championship. (BBC)

Olivier Giroud: AC Milan forward signs new one-year deal

AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud has signed a new contract with the Serie A side the day after helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Giroud, 36, is reported to have agreed a one-year deal to remain at the San Siro until the end of next season.

The France forward has scored 27 goals in 76 appearances for the Rossoneri since joining from Chelsea in 2021.

His goal in Tuesday’s draw at Napoli helped Milan seal a first Champions League last-four spot since 2007.

Milan won their first domestic title for 11 years in Giroud’s first season in Italy last term as the former Arsenal frontman netted 11

league goals.

“I’m very proud, very happy - the perfect way to celebrate last night,”

was announced. (BBC)

Ben Stokes has led England to 10 wins in their last 12 Tests

Woods seemed to struggle with movement at various points during The Masters

Olivier Giroud is seeking a second Champions League title after lifting the trophy with Chelsea in 2021

Giroud told Italian broadcaster Sky Sport shortly after the new deal

Sports International

Gary Ballance: ExEngland batter retires four months after Zimbabwe switch

Former England batter Gary Ballance has retired from cricket, saying he “no longer has the desire to dedicate himself” to professional sport.

The 33-year-old played 40 times for England, including 23 Tests between 2014 and 2017, and later six times for Zimbabwe - the country of his birth.

He signed a two-year deal with Zimbabwe in December after being released by Yorkshire amid the racism scandal.

“It is now time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life,” he said.

“I had hoped my move to Zimbabwe would provide me with a new-found happiness for the game and I will always be thankful to Zimbabwe Cricket for providing me with an opportunity to return to international cricket and welcoming me into their team.

“However, I have reached the stage where I no longer have the desire to dedicate myself to the rigours of professional sport and this would do Zimbabwe Cricket

and the game itself a disservice, should I carry on. I wish them every success going forward.”

In November 2021, Ballance admitted using racist language towards his former Yorkshire team-mate Azeem Rafiq.

Ballance apologised to Rafiq and accepted a charge of bringing the game into disrepute by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

In February he became the second person to hit a Test century for two countries after making 137 not out for Zimbabwe against West Indies.

He scored 157 runs in five ODIs at an average of 39.25 for Zimbabwe earlier this year - his last international appearance coming in March.

The left-hander played for Yorkshire between 2008 and 2022, winning the County Championship in 2014 and 2015.

In 2020 he took a break from cricket to manage “some heightened feelings of anxiety and stress” and missed much of the 2022 season to focus on his mental health after admitting he

Gary Ballance played one Test and five ODIs for Zimbabwe, with his last appearance in March

was responsible for some of the allegations made by Rafiq. Ballance scored 1,019 runs in his first 10 Tests, making him the ninth-fastest man to reach 1,000 Test runs, but faded afterwards and played his last match for England in 2017.

“I have been fortunate to have some incredibly memorable moments in cricket, winning County Championships with Yorkshire and gaining the ultimate honour of representing England and Zimbabwe,” Ballance said.

“I want to thank all of my clubs, coaches, support staff, team-mates and supporters for their guidance and encouragement over my career, it has been a privilege.” (BBC)

NBA’s Markkanen undertaking military service in Finland

Utah Jazz All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen is undertaking military service in Finland following the conclusion of his NBA season.

Earlier this week, the Jazz posted a photo on social media of Markkanen reporting for military service, while the 25-year-old uploaded a photo of his new buzz cut to Instagram, reassuring followers that his “curls will be back.”

Speaking to reporters about a week after Utah was eliminated from playoff contention, Markkanen said that military service is mandatory in Finland before the age of 30.

“I just figured if we’re not going to playing in the postseason this year, then it’s going to be a good time to do it now, instead of just postponing it and then eventually having to do it in a time that wouldn’t work so well for me,”

Markkanen explained.

He added that he has the option to complete the military service across two summers.

“I definitely don’t want it to affect the basketball part, so we’ll figure out how to do a combination,” said Markkanen.

LIV Golf considering women’s tour, says Greg Norman

LIV Golf is considering creating a women’s circuit and has approached American and European players, says chief executive Greg Norman.

The Saudi Arabia-backed LIV men’s tour began in 2022 with the first event held in June near London.

High-profile players, such as 2020 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, left the PGA Tour to join LIV.

“[A women’s tour] is a discussion we have internally on a regular basis,” Norman said.

year - the Chevron Championshipbegan in Texas on Thursday.

Men’s Open champion Cameron Smith, 2021 US PGA Championship winner Phil Mickelson and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka are among the players who have joined LIV Golf.

According to his agent, Michael Lelchitski, Markkanen is based at the Defence Forces’ Sports School in Helsinki, which is designed to train reconnaissance squads for emergency and wartime conditions and also offers sports training for athletes undertaking military service.

“I have personally had discussions with individual LPGA Tour players, LET Tour players, Ladies European Tour. They love what our product is showcasing. They ask all the time, ‘How can we get involved?’ We’d love to see a LIV ladies series.”

Norman was speaking in Adelaide, where LIV is hosting its first event in Australia, which starts on Friday,

The first women’s major of the

LIV players have been suspended indefinitely from the US-based PGA Tour while an arbitration panel ruled this month that the DP World Tour was entitled to sanction players who took part in LIV events without permission.

LIV players such as Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood may now face bans from the Europe-based DP World Tour and the Ryder Cup.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is the majority shareholder in LIV and the gulf kingdom has been accused of investing in sport to ‘sportswash’ its reputation in other parts of the world,

The first women’s major of the year - the Chevron Championship - began in Texas on Thursday

Lauri Markkanen calls in to begin military service in Helsinki, Finland, on Monday

Sports International

Schumacher: Seven-time F1 champion’s family plan legal action after AIgenerated ‘interview’

Michael Schumacher’s family are planning legal action against a magazine which published an artificial intelligence-generated ‘interview’ with the former Formula 1 driver.

Schumacher, a seven-time F1 champion, suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident in December 2013 and has not been seen in public since.

Die Aktuelle ran a picture of a smiling Schumacher, 54, on the front cover of its latest edition with a headline of “Michael Schumacher, the first interview”.

A strapline underneath reads “it sounded deceptively real”,

and it emerges in the article that the supposed quotes had been produced by AI.

The article was produced using an AI programme called charatcter. ai, which artificially generated Schumacher ‘quotes’ about his health and family.

“I can with the help of my team actually stand by myself and even slowly walk a few steps,” read the Schumacher ‘quotes’.

“My wife and my children were a blessing to me and without them I would not have managed it. Naturally they are also very sad, how it has all happened.

“They support me and are

Schumacher, a seven-time F1 champion, suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident in December 2013 and has not been seen in public since

standing firmly at my side.”

The family have confirmed to news agency Reuters that they are planning to pursue the matter legally.

The magazine’s publishers told BBC Sport they would not be commenting on the issue.

Following his skiing accident, Schumacher was placed into an induced coma and was brought home in September 2014, with his medical condition since kept private by his family.

Schumacher won two of his F1 world drivers’ titles with Benetton

in 1994 and 1995, while he claimed five in a row for Ferrari from 2000 to 2004. His seven F1 titles is a record shared jointly with Lewis Hamilton, while Schumacher achieved 91 race wins over his career, a record Hamilton surpassed in 2020.

RAFAEL Nadal says he is in a “difficult” situation as he does not know when he will return from his injury lay-off.

He was initially ruled out for six to eight weeks with a hip injury but has now not played since 18 January.

Nadal confirmed he will miss the Madrid Open, which starts on 25 April, and there is doubt over his participation at the French Open in May.

“The injury still hasn’t healed,” the 36-year-old Spaniard said.

“I can’t work out what I need to compete. I was training, but now a few days ago we decided to change course a bit, do another treatment and see if things improve to try to get to what comes next,” he

explained in a video posted on his social media channels.

“I can’t give deadlines because if I knew I would tell you but I don’t know. This is how things are now.”

Nadal, who won his 14th French Open title last year, was diagnosed with a tear in his left psoas muscle after losing in the second round of the Australian Open in January.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner added: “I have no choice but to try to have the right attitude throughout this time, try to give myself the opportunity to compete in one of the tournaments that remains of the clay season and I have no choice but to work and be with the right mentality.”

NBA play-offs: Sacramento Kings beat Golden State Warriors to take two-game lead

THE Sacramento Kings defeated defending champions the Golden State Warriors 114-106 to take a two-game lead in the NBA Western Conference play-offs.

It is the first time the Warriors have suffered back-to-back playoff losses since the 2019 NBA Finals.

De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis each scored 24 points for the Kings at the Golden 1 Centre in

Sacramento.

The game got heated when Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected after stamping on the chest of Sabonis.

The pair became entangled under the Golden State basket, with Sabonis hitting the floor after a bump from Klay Thompson.

As Green attempted to run down the court, his foot landed on his opponent’s chest which resulted in

a flagrant foul two and immediate ejection.

“I’ve got to land my foot somewhere,” Green told TNT television.

“I can only step so far when I’m pulling my leg away. It is what it is.”

Sabonis added: “We were both fighting for the rebound, we fell on each other, stuff happens, it’s basketball. We’ve got to move on to the next play.”

Rafael Nadal has won the French Open 14 times

Rafael Nadal does not know when he will return from injury

Sabonis stayed down for a few minutes as the officials reviewed the play after Green stepped on his chest

Sports National

Beaches registered a 3-2 win against the Sharks

Beaches and Flamingos record latest PPL wins

BEACHES got the better of the SWA Sharks while Flamingo FC defeated Teachers FC when action in the Provo Premier League (PPL) continued on Sunday.

Beaches took an early 2-0 lead in the third and 10th minutes of play due to goals from Youvensley Darius and Heandel

Richard (penalty), but Angelyn Cadet pulled one back in the 27th minute to leave the game 2-1 at the half.

Kareem Yasine then increased the lead for Beaches in the 57th minute of play. Although Cadet went on to score his second goal in the 76th minute, the Sharks could

Hall serves as match commissioner for CONCACAF Women’s U20 Qualifiers

not find the equaliser. In the other clash, the Teachers took the lead via an Ismael Athis goal in the 25th minute of play, but Victor Cerge evened the game just before the half-time whistle, while Kenlove Joseph sealed the win in the 55th minute.

THE Turks and Caicos Islands was given another administrative push when the FA’s Tamara Hall officiated as a Match Commissioner in Group E of the 2023 CONCACAF Women’s U20 Qualifiers in Managua, Nicaragua.

Hall administered over four games, which were played from Friday to Monday. These

included Honduras vs Bermuda (April 14); Guatemala vs Nicaragua (April 15); Anguilla vs Honduras (April 16) and Saint Lucia vs Costa Rica (April 17).

The matches were televised on FOX, Univision-Vix, One Soccer and ESPN (Mexico –Central America – Caribbean –South America).

McKnight and Hunter star in Beaches cricket win

ANTHONY McKnight and Sidue Hunter led Beaches to a comprehensive win against Omars when action in the Senior Men’s T20 Cricket Competition continued recently at the Downtown Ball Park in Providenciales.

Beaches batted first and posted a competitive 199-6 with opening batsman McKnight and number three batsman Hunter leading the charge.

The duo put together 126 runs for the second wicket with some scintillating strokes.

McKnight, who was watchful against good bowling and destructive against bad balls, scored a game-high 74 from 62 balls. His inning was laced with 16 fours.

Hunter, on the other hand, went over the top on several occasions

as he belted a quick-fire 62 from 36 balls. In total, he struck eight fours and four sixes.

Opening bowler, Ian Heath, who got the wicket of McKnight, finished with 3-55 from his allotted overs to lead the charge.

In reply, Omars never settled and although Garrett Campbell and Heath had starts, neither played the big innings.

Campbell struck four fours in his top score of 22, while Heath finished with three fours in a score of 17.

Opening bowler Kenneth Lewis, who got the wicket of the explosive Kevin Hinds (first ball duck), led the attack with 3-8 from 3.5 overs, while Hunter and Claude Williams finished with two wickets each as Omars struggle to 111 in 15.5 overs.

TCIFA’s Tamara Hall

(File) Anthony McKnight was named man-of-the-match.

Sports National

“Sports in the TCI is evolving” – Premier

PREMIER of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon Charles Washington Missick said that sport in the TCI is evolving and that the government would continue to play its part in the overall development of sport and the athletes on the islands.

During a recent meeting between the members of the cabinet and the track and field medallists, the Premier said that systems are falling into place for the betterment of sport.

“Sports in the TCI is evolving, and we have a long way to go in terms of facilities as well as human resources necessary to ensure athletes can reach the podium at the highest level. You have the government’s commitment to the extent of affordability that we will do everything we can and continue to invest in sports.”

Medal winners Antwon Walkin (two bronze medals) and Love Joseph (one bronze) also highlighted their experience at the games and their aspirations.

Seventeen-year-old Antwon Walkin, who had podium finishes in the shot put and discus, conveyed the need for speciality coaches for each individual event to the government, which was welldigested by all cabinet members.

The Premier said that the requests “have not gone on deaf ears”.

Meanwhile, Governor (Ag), Her Excellency Anya Williams extended congratulations to the team and the medal winners.

“It is certainly a testament to your hard work and dedication. We in the Turks and Caicos

are very proud of you and are extremely happy with your performance. We encourage you and want to do the best we can to support you. You are now ambassadors to these islands and will set an example to your colleagues and future generations for what they can aspire to be.”

After the meeting, the Premier

and the Governor (Ag) pinned Mr Walkin and Mr Joseph as official ambassadors of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Hon Rachel Taylor; Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon Jamell Robinson; Minister of Health

and Human Services, Hon Shaun Malcolm; Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, Hon E Jay Saunders were also at the cabinet meeting. The two athletes were accompanied by the Director of Sport Mr Jarrett Forbes, TCAAA President Ms Edith Skippings, and Walkin’s father.

Members of the cabinet met the medal winners (Sports Commission photos)

Antwon Walkin receives his ambassador pin from Governor (Ag), Her Excellency Anya Williams

Love Joseph, who won the U17 3000M race, receives his ambassador pin from Premier Hon Charles Washington Missick