TC Weekly News April 6 - 12, 2024

The Christian Council and the Grand Turk Ministerial Fraternal have issued a sharply worded statement on the recent court ruling involving Richard Sankar and his husband Timothy Haymon’s right to work in

NIB increases contribution rates

BY OLIVIA ROSE

The National Insurance Board (NIB) has increased its contribution rates as of April 1, 2024.

The new contribution rates are 12% for the private sector, 9.15% for public officers, and 10% for self-employed persons.

These increases are the result of an actuarial review conducted in 2019 which is being implemented over three years since 2022.

The NIB provided a breakdown of how the contributions will be paid from employers, employees, and self-employed persons.

As of April 1, 2024, the new monthly payments for the private sector is 12%, this will see Employers paying 6.5% and Employees paying 5.5 %.

This represents an additional increase of .50% for both the employer and employee.

For public officers the new contribution rate is 9.15%, TCIG is 6.075% / public officers: 5.075%.

This represents an additional increase of .50% for both the TCIG and public officers.

The contribution rate for selfemployed persons is now 10%, which amounts to an additional increase of 1%.

Back in 2022, NIB announced that monthly contributions would be incrementally increased over a three-year period.

It stressed that this increase was part of the recommendations

coming out of its ninth actuarial review conducted in July 2019.

These legislative amendments were presented to the Cabinet and subsequently approved.

The report, which followed that review noted that the NIB’s contribution rates have remained unchanged from its inception in April 1992, making it the second lowest in the region.

The 9th Actuarial Review projected that if contribution rates remained unchanged, the longevity of the Fund would be compromised as past rates were not adequate to fund the current cost of the plan.

Before the 2022 increase, the review posited that contribution income at that time would only cover expenses until 2027.

The report also projected that during the years 2028 to 2036, investment income will have to supplement contribution income to meet the Fund’s expenses, and the accumulation of reserves will be at a slower pace.

A cash flow deficit was projected by 2037, and the Fund could be fully depleted by 2049.

The mission of the NIB, like other social security organisations across the world, is to provide a financial safety net for its contributors and their dependents during adverse economic occurrences due to the disruption or stoppage of their wages or salaries.

That goal is achieved through the plan’s benefits package.

Autism awareness events scheduled for this month

The Turks and Caicos Islands joined other organizations around the world in promoting inclusivity and celebrating the unique strengths of individuals with autism on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, April 2nd marks Autism Awareness Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness, acceptance, and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and interacts with the world around them. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including social difficulties, communication problems, and repetitive behaviours.

To help raise awareness and promote acceptance, the Ministry of Education is hosting several events throughout April including a day of exciting activities for special education children and an Autism Awareness Walk in Providenciales.

On Friday, April 26th, special education children from all schools in Providenciales will participate in a day of fun-filled activities at the Snap Centre.

This event aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where children can socialize, learn, and thrive.

On Saturday, April 27th, an Autism Awareness Walk will be held in Providenciales.

This community event aims to raise awareness about autism and promote acceptance and understanding.

Participants will walk together to show support for individuals with autism and their families.

Upon registration, each participant will receive an autism awareness t-shirt to commemorate the occasion.

Additionally, residents are being encouraged to wear blue Every Friday in April in support of spreading awareness.

Speaking on the occasion of Autism Awareness Day, Director of Special Education Needs Services, Dr Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, shared her thoughts on the importance of Autism Awareness in a media statement.

She said: “Autism Awareness Day serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of

their neurodiversity, deserves to be accepted and included in society. Care for our children with autism needs to be accompanied by actions on a community and country level to ensure greater accessibility, inclusion, and support.”

The Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor, in her comments highlighted the significance of promoting autism awareness and acceptance: “Education is the key to fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

“By raising awareness about autism and embracing neurodiversity in our schools and communities, we can create a more compassionate and supportive world for individuals with autism.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 100 children worldwide has ASD, with prevalence rates continuing to rise. Despite these numbers, many individuals with autism still face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing education, employment, and healthcare. (By Olivia Rose)

NIB rate increase infographics

Christian Council calls Justice Gruchot’s gay marriage ruling unacceptable – urges AG to appeal

BY DELANA ISLES

The Christian Council and the Grand Turk Ministerial Fraternal have issued a sharply worded statement on the recent court ruling involving Richard Sankar and his husband Timothy Haymon’s right to work in the TCI.

On March 12, the Supreme Court handed down a landmark judgement, granting Haymon the right to work in the TCI under the Constitution as awarded to any married couple.

Haymon had previously been denied that right by the former Director of Immigration, Derek Been, as gay marriage is not recognised, legalised or accepted in the TCI.

The judgement in the case was long awaited – having first been heard in November 2022. At the time the case was first brought to the court, the issues involved had been controversial with many citizens and residents voicing their concerns about where the country was headed and the potential impact on a Christian society.

Late last month, the Turks and Caicos Islands Christian Council issued a statement on the ruling, calling for the Attorney General and the Government to appeal Justice Anthony Gruchot’s controversial ruling.

They stated: “We are deeply troubled by this ruling; we note that the judge maintains that the laws in TCI does not allow samesex marriages.

“We note that the judge in setting out his reasoning was careful to say that denying marriage to samesex couples is in and of itself not discriminatory.

“We note that the judge has used

the TCI Constitution section 16 as his reasoning and stated that ‘the question that arises is whether the refusal to give the plaintiffs access to the same right as a married couple based on their sexual orientation is discriminatory’.

“His Lordship found that the Constitution s. 16 gives protection from discrimination, based inter alia, on sexual orientation.”

The body questions how a law of the TCI can be set aside in favour of a minority group.

“We are not stating that minorities do not have rights but how can their rights be greater than the masses who stand on the law of

the land?

“We cannot reconcile how it is that the same Constitution that defines marriage can be used to support what seems contradictory.”

The council said it cannot accept that the rights of the law-abiding majority should and can be set aside.

“We believe that this ruling is troubling and goes not only against the laws as stated on the books and recognised in the Constitution but goes against the rights of the people who ought to have confidence in their laws.

“We believe this ruling goes to the root of who we are as a people: our Christian heritage and cultural norms.

“We do believe that the courts should be interpreters of the Law and should not be seen to be making law especially those that are contrary to the statutes passed by the duly elected people’s representatives.”

The Council is adamant that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent that will open the backdoor to benefits reserved for lawful spouses in TCI.

They also maintained that the TCI is a Christian nation and should be treated as such.

“We are not hateful, intolerant or homophobic,” the Council emphasised, stating that marriage, as God intended, is between opposite sexes only.

“We condemn this ruling in the strongest terms and believe that it has trampled on the constitutional rights of the majority, sidelined our law, offended our cultural norms and attacked our Christian heritage.

“We believe that this action is unacceptable and therefore call on the Government and the Attorney General to appeal this ruling.”

At press time, the Attorney General’s Chambers had not given any indication on whether they intend to appeal Justice Gruchot’s judgement.

UK and TCI sign new and progressive PFM framework

BY DELANA ISLES

Although the news came late, it is still a significant step forward for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as a new Public Finance Management (PFM) framework has been approved and signed by the United Kingdom and the TCI.

Revealing the news to the local media recently was former Minister of Finance, Deputy Premier Hon Erwin Jay Saunders.

Saunders said the new document was signed in late January but with little to no fanfare.

He said both the Governor and Premier signed the new PFM Framework 2023, as the previous one - the 2012 framework negotiated between the Interim Government and the UK – had passed its expiry date.

The Deputy Premier noted: “In 2023, as Minister of Finance, I personally made extensive changes and edits to the framework to make it easier for our (and future) government(s) to deliver for our people.

– dated 2012 Framework scrapped

“The direct negotiations with the UK were handled by the technocrats, headed by our Permanent Secretary of Finance, Athenee Harvey-Basden, so I must thank her and the Ministry of Finance team for their hard work and dedication to getting this done.

“While we didn’t get everything that I wanted, we did make substantial progress, and in the end, we got a framework that’s more progressive and more fit for today’s TCI than the dated 2012 framework.”

Some of the significant differences between the 2012 document and the newly signed Framework are that it increases the TCI’s borrowing limits, it allows the TCI to borrow without first needing the UK to sign off with their approval, and it also reduces the amount of money that would have to be put into reserves (the National Wealth Fund) allowing the government to roll over money

into the next financial year or the consolidated fund.

In signing off on the document, David Rutley, Member of Parliament and Minister for Americas, Caribbean and the Overseas Territories expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the Turks and Caicos Islands since the signing of the first document, as well as the financial prudence of the governments since.

In a letter dated January 11, 2024 – which Saunders also shared with the media - Rutley stated: “It is my pleasure to note the promising and commendable financial performance of the Turks and Caicos Islands for the past several years. I congratulate your government on your prudent fiscal policy, the building up of your reserves, and in continuing to implement economic reforms that stimulate economic growth.”

Minister Rutley also noted that it has been over a decade since

the creation of the 2012 Public Financial Management Framework Document.

Adding: “During this time, inflation has affected some of the nominal thresholds provided in this Framework. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has also evidenced its commitment to the principles of effective and sustainable Public Financial Management.

“I am therefore content to approve the proposed revised Public Financial Management Framework that was sent by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade, on the 24 November to our officials.”

That letter was addressed to Minister Saunders. Saunders stated: “As all governments, since 2012 inherited a number of frameworks negotiated by the interim government, the revision to the 2012 PFM signifies

that it is now possible and, most importantly, necessary for our (and future) government(s) to continue negotiating with the UK to make it easier and faster to deliver positive results for the people of the TCI.”

He said, as Minister of Finance, he was seeking to modernise all of the initial agreements and frameworks that came along with the 2012 Constitution and take them to Cabinet for renegotiations with the UK Government.

“I’m confident that with a bit more time, I would have gotten there,” Saunders stated.

He said the TCI today is much different than it was in 2012.

“It is time that the frameworks and agreements that were put in place to govern the islands during that time, which are now more than 10 years old, be updated to not only reflect the hard work and progress made by successive governments, but to also empower governments to be able to deliver a high quality of life for all citizens, residents,

Richard Sankar and his husband Timothy Haymon

THE AIRPORT CONGESTION

It is no secret that the Turks and Caicos Islands is outpacing global destinations and is emerging as one of the best-performing destinations in the Americas, however, a lack of sufficient airport capacity to meet traffic demands and the resulting problem of congestion and delays are casting a shadow on the visitor experience.

As thousands of holidaymakers continue to pour into the Turks and Caicos Islands, especially on Saturdays, congestion at the Howard Hamilton International Airport is at a tipping point.

What can be done to fix the problem?

A rock and a hard place

Honestly, I empathise with the TCIG on this one. It is really a damn if you do, damn if you don’t scenario. Do you spend tens of millions to expand the airport when other systems are not in place? How long would this take? Do you curtail the amount of flights?

What happens if there is a situation where tourism slows down, we saw it in 2020 with COVID-19.

There are many questions to ask and these need answering, but it’s not all black and white in analysis.

Implement taxes

Somehow the hotels and other forms of accommodation that are bringing these guests need to start paying their share for the problems being encountered.

I see a lot of people saying this is a TCI government problem, but all stakeholders should get involved. Leaving it on the govt and then something happens that hinders the growth of tourism and everybody starts their blame game.

We need to have all stakeholders sit down, including the hotels, and let’s come up with a plan.

A new tax might be a positive step for creating float money which can be used to reinforce the workforce, including having

The bigger picture

What can be done to fix the problem?” - is not the real question.

Awarding landing slots

at least one pilot on hand in case of an emergency, while efforts can be put into place to enhance infrastructure works when need be.

A lack of planning

There is an urgent need for “someone in charge” to take charge of the situation at the Howard Hamilton International Airport. The airport and the situation are not managed well. This gateway to the TCI is under assault because of neglect and bad management. Persons in charge between the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority and the hapless DMO need to resign or be removed.

They are clearly “not in charge” and seem clueless in the face of an evolving problem. The demands of the airport system are clearly beyond them. There needs to be an immediate “shakeup” and “heads must roll”. Yet despite repeated meltdowns, prevailing chaos, and mismanagement, the functionaries are holding onto their jobs, huge salaries and perks, for “dear Life”.

A good leader or captain would tender his resignation as an act of accepting responsibility for what is happening. It’s clear that contingency measures were never implemented for a crowded airport because not in their wildest imagination did they foresee the crowding and cancellation of flights. Simply put, “true experience is not at the helm of the Airport’s Authority or the DMO.

Those of us who know our real Caribbean history - then question - who does not safely patrol the TCI borders albeit it is their lawful obligation; who collects the overair transport money and does not reveal and/or account for same; Who collects the undersea traffic money and does not reveal and/or account for same? And much more.

If a person is duped by the manipulative colonial system and its short-term gain and long-term pain then think again.

If from the 1804 Haitian Liberation through the French and US-engineered reparations payments through to the suspected Clinton Foundation rip-off scheme to the alleged Moise US-sponsored overthrow - then think again. It ain’t what they want you to believe it is.

Of course, more arrivals and more head tax and tourism are in the interest of the immediate and short-term TCI advance. Yet, think and look ahead.

If independence talk raises its ‘ugly head’ then the grant of use of the US dollar to keep the US/UK sponsored economic system in the TCI to the UK’s advantage would overnight collapse. If not then just look at and consider the Haitian example - then the Bahamas and then the so-called independent nations of the Caribbean - the contrived economic system that sets out to bribe, dominate and control - with a few glimmers of hope flashed before us - with the tried and tested proved long-term structural failures designed as existing before our very eyes. Why over time won’t the TCI fall into the same trap - unless supremely wise, honest and extremely clever?

Up to the present showing - is it - will it be in the immediate short term?

Proceed - but before you do - first read your history - then - please - think againthen do proceed.

The key to alleviating the current levels of airport congestion is to have the Airport Authority start awarding landing slots so that arrivals (and departures) can be spread out more evenly throughout the day.

I suspect the current level of airport chaos is a carry-over from the days when the country was so eager to get more airlift that airlines were allowed to set their schedules, all of which developed from their goals of maximising the utilization of their aircraft. Leaving most North American airports between 9:00 am and 10:30 am resulted in the flights arriving here between 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm, and then being back at their initial departure point between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm – most convenient for their passengers and leaving the aircraft available for an evening flight somewhere else. I’m sure we can all remember the Saturday afternoon turmoil at the airport, combined with all the taxis rocketing up and down Leeward Highway as they tried to get another trip during the short availability window – and that same chaos has now spread to most days of the week.

All major airports in the world award their airlines with specific landing slot times, and in many cases, those slots have to be purchased by individual airlines.

TCIG hopes to recruit and retain more local teachers with recent salary increases

BY OLIVIA ROSE

THE Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) is encouraging more islanders to pursue careers in teaching as it continues to face challenges with recruiting and retaining teachers.

The TCI is still grappling with teachers’ shortage, a challenge which was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, HE Anya Williams during a recent interview on Financially Speaking with host Mr Drexwell Seymour explained that the government is still looking to recruit and retain more teachers.

and we are increasing the size of our classrooms, because more persons want to get their children into public schools because of our quality of education and learning.

She said: “Here in Turks and Caicos Islands we continue to promote teaching as a key priority area for us for study, it’s one of the areas where we guarantee scholarships every year, but unfortunately, our take-up is not as high as we need it to be because we are opening new public schools

“But we’re struggling to match the numbers in terms of local teachers, and so teachers have been a real challenge for us to recruit with nurses and doctors and so on, we were also encouraging Turks and Caicos Islanders to pursue those areas.”

She explained that the United

States and other in-demand places are offering teachers major incentives with attractive pay packages.

These attractive salaries and

added benefits are creating a challenge for the TCIG, as teachers leave the islands in search of CONTINUED  9

Perhaps it’s not the time to consider selling our landing slots, but we are long past the time when designated slots should be assigned to even out the load on our airport. Even when our new and expanded airport is operational (and the timing of that is anyone’s guess), the spreading out of allocated landing slots will be critical to avoid the excessive passenger crunch that now jams up all the facilities, including check-in, security, restaurants and the like, during the early afternoon hours.

The current situation of regular flight delays, long periods of circling while waiting to land, diversions to other airports and even ground stops issued at the originating airports are enough to take the luster off what would otherwise have been a thoroughly enjoyable vacation in our beautiful country. Enough is enough –time for the TCIAA to get their collective thumbs out!

Lack of management

Albeit short notice the events of March 16, 2024, were notice enough to engage the planning capabilities, if any, of the airport management oversight to ensure that the events on that day would not be repeated over the Easter season.

It is a matter of now saving the brand. Travel into the TCI will not stop because compared to the Caribbean region, the TCI is “new”. It’s novel to want to visit Provo. It is not Dubai for so many reasons but the interest is high. There are new 5-star resorts and a highly innovative Airbnb market.

High-quality places and beaches to

visit. Part of this is the airport which is deteriorating daily. The departure lounge needs an urgent overall. But alas in the middle of high season, it is still under construction. As most travellers report, the departure lounge of the airport is “sticky”, hot, stuffy, overcrowded and uncomfortable.

These are the lasting thoughts and imagery for tourists. It is a situation that can be managed but there is “No management” there at all. With the right kind of experienced management, persons who “know” about airports with this kind of traffic, there’d be contingencies employed.

These measures would be airconditioned tents, shuttles from the main terminal to the planes, mobile air conditioners and “the little devices and gadgets” that would go somewhere to make the place more comfortable.

In the face of “too many flights”, a problem you’d want to have as a destination, the resulting overcrowding, there seems no plan in place to deal with or reduce the impacts of these on a small airport.

Accountability

There has been little or “no response” from the government over the March 16 debacle at the airport and there is “noone” accepting responsibility for what took place. Yet the Howard Hamilton International Airport remains the main and most critical gateway to the TCI. This airport is literally “feeding” the country’s budget.

It is, however, being treated as something that would take care of itself. Airports and statutory bodies are not

“self-care entities” but must be managed. The Turks and Caicos Islands has been growing exponentially for quite a while and could be in the middle of a 40-year expansion.

The growth is “new” and “unprecedented” for the TCI. The islands depend on this factor, tourism, alone but there seems a certain “callousness” towards it. There are talks that the airport system is “being sold” and “deals have been made”.

That would reek of utter neglect, under-the-table deals, self-enrichment and most of all a total lack of responsibility on the parts of the Premier, the minister, and the entire government. The only stakeholder group that this airport system should be sold to, should be the people of the TCI. Sell the shares to the people and the statutory boards!!!!!!!

If someone wants to “pony up” something in the alleged region of $ 400mn then this airport is a serious and potentially huge money maker. Talks of a sale or joint venture, verified or not, add to the spectre of a fire sale, them wanting to get rid of it. It could explain the lack of management, proper planning and the improper use of resources.

Are they letting it just decline and deteriorate? Is this part of a larger strategy to “just let it go”? Some statements must be made to the public and the house parliament on this.

A sale, if any, needs to be confirmed or denied. They must account for this. In the meantime, they need to get on with the business of properly managing the airport and averting future situations that would damage the image of the islands any further.

Maintaining the brand

The TCI has come a long way from “an island in the sun”, to an “in-demand” destination. Hollywood elites, “name -drop’ that they vacation in the TCI. Most recently, however, the pristine image of the islands has been damaged. Airport management is in chaos and visitors are developing a negative image of the islands. Yet in light of all this destruction to the image of the TCI, the soiling of the brand, there needs to be a massive change at all levels of Airport Management and the DMO.

Heads need to roll. A massive efficiency project is needed at the airport to make it more comfortable. These will include repairs to bathroom facilities, dealing with the departure lounge and related facilities. A media campaign is needed to send the message that the TCI has made changes and is again “open for business”. It will require new faces, new management and a new skillset at the airport authority and the tourism administration, the hapless DMO. The islands now enter a new phase where it is “too big for them”. Issues like congestion, and improving capacity must be addressed immediately. The airport is too small and has outgrown itself over the last 30 years. A new master plan, perhaps a new location is needed. A critical component is if there is no vision, the “people perish”. The recent performance of the islands seems to have a life of its own and is not attributable to the government or DMO. All of this is threatened if they do not do something about the overcrowding, congestion and one may add, mismanagement.

Deputy Governor HE Anya Williams

Governor denies FortisTCI 6% electricity rate increase – utility company says revised rates necessary

BY OLIVIA ROSE

The Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands Dileeni DanielSelvaratnam has denied a rate increase request from FortisTCI and its subsidiary Turks and Caicos Utility Limited (TCU).

However, the Company maintains that the proposed revised electric rates are necessary and warranted due to rising costs.

The proposed increase would have raised electricity rates in the Turks and Caicos Islands by 6%, which would have amounted to an additional $2 to $15 per month for most residential customers.

FortisTCI submitted the proposal on February 14, 2024, citing rising demand in the TCI economy and the need to maintain reliable service.

In her decision, Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam said she remains committed to ensuring that the statutory process is followed and that utility rates are fair and competitive.

“Should FortisTCI seek to challenge this decision, in accordance with the Electricity Ordinance, they have 21 days within which to request that the Governor appoints a person to hold a public inquiry in respect of their proposal for a rate increase”, a statement from the Government said on Friday, March 29, 2024.

The Governor stated that she is prepared to engage in this process to ensure that any rate

adjustments are not only justified but transparent and in the best interest of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Throughout this process, transparency and accountability remain paramount.”

INCREASING DEMAND

The rising demand for electricity, high inflation, and rising interest costs were some of the reasons behind FortisTCI’s proposed 6% electricity rate increase.

The company stressed that over the past few years, the Turks and Caicos economy has experienced robust economic growth which has led to increased demand for electricity.

Fortis TCI said: ‘The rising demand requires expansion to the system to ensure continued reliable service to our customers.

“This, together with high inflation and rising interest costs, are the primary reasons for the

electricity rates review.”

The company said it understands the difficulties that customers can face with electricity bills.

“Rate increases are a concern for everyone, for this reason, the Company works hard to ensure that electric rates remain as stable as possible”, the company stated.

The utility company underscored that it has only sought an increase in electricity rates on two occasions in the past 20 years and that it remains committed to providing its customers with the “least-cost, safe and reliable electricity service.”

Following the Governor’s decision, the company said it is currently reviewing this latest development “within the provisions of the rate review process and will provide further information to customers in due course.”

“FortisTCI received notification from Her Excellency the Governor of her decision to deny the Company’s proposal for revised

electric rates submitted on February 14, 2024.

“The revised electric rates are necessary to expand the electricity system amid rising demand in a robust TCI economy and maintain reliable service to customers.”

The Utility Company explained that detailed and substantial information was submitted to support the proposed revised rates and additional information was provided to the Governor and the Energy and Utilities Commissioner, as requested.

Fortis TCI has underscored that the proposed revised electric rates are necessary.

Under the limited review process allowed by an agreement made in 1987, the government had only six weeks to complete its review before providing a full response.

The 1987 agreement on rate-setting does not give the government the authority to require

studies, provide expert opinions, or test evidence.

The same agreement allows FortisTCI to appeal the Governor’s decision by referring it to a government-appointed independent enquirer.

In 2018, FortisTCI proposed an increase in electricity rates to the Turks and Caicos Islands government following the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 to recoup losses sustained and to cover the costs of rebuilding and recovery efforts.

However, this proposal was denied by Governor John Freeman, who cited a lack of sufficient information and assessments regarding the efficiency of investments and the real costs of providing electricity services in the islands.

FortisTCI then requested a commission of inquiry to examine the reasonableness of their rate variation application, which was granted by the governor. The commission ultimately found that the rate increase was justified and recommended that it be approved.

However, the increase did not take effect until 2020, when the courts rejected a government decision to deny the findings of the independent commission.

Fortis TCI is yet to announce if it will request a commission of inquiry (COI) be conducted to examine the reasonableness of its application.

UK and TCI sign new and progressive PFM framework

CONTINUED

and future generations of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” the Deputy Premier said.

PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 2023

The 2023 document outlines that following on from the 2012 Framework and in keeping with the constitution, the new document is an update to reflect the achievements in Public Finance Management that has taken place since 2009.

It stated: “The Turks and Caicos Islands Government remains committed to maintaining the highest standard of integrity; sustain and expand the islands

competitive advantages in tourism, while creating a vibrant diversified economy; pursuing sustainable investments that achieve social, economic, and environmental progress for all; and creating opportunities whereby all generations of Turks and Caicos Islanders can achieve a high quality of life.”

The government also outlines that it remains committed to maintaining prudent fiscal management is central to achieving these objectives and will help create an environment in which people and businesses can plan for the future with confidence.

The PFM further outlines:

“The Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s fiscal strategy consists of enhancement of revenue

streams relative to the size of the economy; maximising performance of statutory authorities and government companies; unless, in exceptional circumstance, ensuring that government recurrent expenditure can be met by existing revenue streams; controlling public debt and in instances where it is beneficial and cost-effective, minimising costs and risks by partnering with the private sector.”

According to the document, the TCI’s government’s approach will continue to be open and transparent, consistent with the highest standards of governance and democracy.

The 2023 Framework captures the key principles that are encapsulated in the Public Financial Management and

Procurement Ordinances (PFMO and PO), which specify the detailed requirements necessary to deliver the principles in practice, together with agreements to operate within the debt structure approved by the Secretary of State as required under the Ordinances.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and the United Kingdom Government reaffirm their commitment to work in partnership and to respect the rights and responsibilities specified in the Framework and the revised Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012 and Public Procurement Ordinance 2012, or any revised editions of the same,” the document outlined.

It went on to state that The Turks and Caicos Islands Government

...is committed to the principles of ensuring “effective mediumterm planning, to ensure that the full impact of fiscal decisions is achieved; putting value for money considerations at the heart of the decision-making process; effective monitoring, management, and control of risks and ensuring accountability in all public sector operations”.

Meanwhile, other changes within the document allow improvement in the government’s medium-term planning, delivering value for money, managing risks, accountability and partnership with the UK.

This publication was told that the entire document can be accessed by members of the public via the TCI Government’s website www.gov.tc

HE Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam Fortis TCI Headquarters, Leeward Highway Providenciales

“Where are the Cabinet Minutes, Mr Premier”

– PDM All Island Candidate Sean Astwood asks

BY DELANA ISLES

Former Deputy Premier and PDM 2025 candidate Sean Astwood raised an important point this week, one that media personnel have also been trying to determine, ‘Where are the Cabinet Minutes’.

The last published minutes was some weeks ago, and prior to that months ago, in fact, since the new governor took up her post in June 2023, Cabinet minutes have all but disappeared.

Astwood called this new development “the veil of secrecy”.

“A government in the sunshine, is a phrase used to describe transparency in government, which is the bedrock of a healthy democracy, ensuring accountability, trust, and the protection of our peoples’ rights.

“However, a growing concern amongst our people is the pervasive lack of transparency that shrouds government operations and decision-making processes lately, and there is no greater concern for me than the disappearance of the Cabinet Minutes,” Astwood stated.

He noted that the public publishing of Cabinet Minutes was brought in during the interim administration as a fundamental part of the Good Governance Principles against the backdrop of the allegations of government corruption made during the Commission of Enquiry.

“One of the primary reasons for the lack of transparency in government is the prevalence of

opaque decision-making processes. In many cases, key decisions that affect the lives of our people are made behind closed doors, away from public scrutiny.

“This lack of transparency makes it difficult for us to hold elected officials accountable and leaves room for decisions to be influenced by special interests rather than the public good, as we have already seen with this government.”

He noted that the lack of transparency extends to government contracts and procurement processes, “where corruption and favouritism often thrive in the shadows”.

According to the former Deputy Premier, non-disclosure agreements, lack of competitive bidding, and conflicts of interest are issues of concern when the public is not kept abreast of how its government operates.

He said a recent example of this was when he exposed the fact that Premier C.W. Misick had made himself the Minister of the Gaming Commission while being under investigation for an alleged conflict of interest by the Integrity Commission in relation to decisions he made within the Gaming Industry.

“I have now just learnt that only days after my article was published that the Premier has now put the Gaming Commission back under the Ministry of Tourism.”

Astwood questioned: “Did you see the Cabinet Minutes stating this or was this major decision

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published anywhere by the government? And if not, you would have to wonder why? In fact, when was the last time you saw Cabinet Minutes published?”

Astwood said the impact of the lack of transparency in government is far-reaching and undermines the foundations of democracy, adding that without access to information, a populace is unable to make informed decisions, participate meaningfully in the democratic process, and hold the government accountable.

“Especially during these critical

months leading up to the upcoming general elections.”

The former minister said the electorate has a right to know who the government has been entering into contracts with, giving concessions to, and making other decisions that will shape the future of the islands.

“The erosion of trust in government institutions can lead to disenchantment with the political system, decreased civic engagement, and a breakdown of social cohesion.”

He said to address the lack

of transparency in government, proactive measures must be taken to promote openness, accountability, and the full engagement of the people.

He is calling on the governments to prioritise transparency by continuing practices like publishing Cabinet Minutes and passing laws that guarantee the public’s right to access information, like the Freedom of Information Ordinance.

He is also calling for Whistleblower Protection Laws to encourage individuals to come forward with information about government misconduct without fear of retaliation to ensure that decision-making processes are open and accountable.

“The lack of transparency in government is a pressing issue that poses a threat to democracy and the rule of law.

“It is imperative for governments to prioritise transparency, accountability, and openness in their operations to rebuild public trust, promote good governance, and safeguard democracy for our future generations.”

Astwood said the electorate must be kept aware of all government decisions, especially the major ones that will have a direct and long-lasting effect on their lives and the future of the country.

TCIG hopes to recruit and retain more local teachers with ...

CONTINUED FROM  7

greener pastures, albeit not at the same rate they were during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In an effort to remedy these problems, the government undertook a pay and grading review for the public sector last year, which led to the largest single-phased increase ever implemented by the TCIG.

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Williams said: “But generally across governments, it became a challenge for us because our pay was unmatched compared to the private sector and to other countries and so…”

“The Covid-19 pandemic was a challenge for the public service in Turks and Caicos and elsewhere, we lost many employees…and so one of the areas that we were struggling with was teaching, many teachers, unfortunately, passed away, some left the classroom, some left the country to go to America where they were offering salaries around $60,000.

“So, that attracted a lot of persons to the United States, our primary recruitment market is Jamaica, and you would have seen that Jamaica lost over 400 teachers over a certain period of persons moving to the United States.”

A $18.2m pay and grading review budget was allocated towards salary increases in key sectors such as policing, healthcare, education, front line, and administrative and support staff, which together account for 1,568 employees or 79% of the government’s current workforce, of that amount 27.1% of the pay and grading budget were allocated towards increases in pay in the education sector effective December 1st, 2023.

The Deputy Governor explained that the largest increase went to the education sector which is the largest employment sector.

The government is optimistic that these increases will entice local teachers to join the public sector.

She said: “We have around 400 persons that are employed in the teaching sector, but in that sector, the minimum increase was over 20% and so graduate teachers receive a 25% increase, principals received a 14 salary increase and vice principals 40% and principals a 57% salary increase.

“We were very deliberate about that sector because teaching impacts all careers… and I know that there were persons that were not happy with the increases in the teaching sector but teaching impacts all careers.”

The Deputy Governor underscored that the increase in salaries for teachers is a twofold strategy to attract and retain local talent.

“It is an area we are tackling in Turks and Caicos right now we are outnumbered because we don’t have the local capacity.

“We want to attract more local persons in the area and we also want to retain persons here.”

Sean Astwood, PDM All Island Candidate

Historic hybrid ATLS demo course Conducted in TCI

Hamilton Education Foundation, in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital and the American College of Surgeons, made history by conducting the first-ever Hybrid Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Demo course outside the United States on May 22nd and 23rd, 2024 in the TCI.

Thirty-one physicians from the TCI participated in this landmark course and became certified ATLS providers. This certification equips them with essential lifesaving trauma skills, crucial for enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery and saving lives in the face of increasing intentional and unintentional injuries.

The Ministry of Health, Turks and Caicos Islands Hospitals, and the private health sector strongly supported the initiative, recognizing the pressing need for such training, particularly due to physician shortage, isolated communities in family islands and other barriers to accessing this critical training.

The Hon Dr Rufus Ewing, Executive Chairman of the Hamilton Education Foundation, was excited about the event and stated, “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders involved in making this historic Hybrid ATLS Demo course a reality. The collaboration between Hamilton Education Foundation, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the American College of Surgeons showcases the power of partnership in advancing healthcare globally.

This initiative aligns with our mission to enhance medical education and improve access to quality healthcare services in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

He expressed gratitude to Professor Susan Briggs and the Massachusetts General Hospital team for their partnership and advocacy, which led to the approval of the course by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. He also thanked Interhealth Canada TCI Hospitals for providing the training venue and the Ministry of Health and the private health sector for their support.

Professor Susan Briggs highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating: We are immensely proud to have been part of this ground-breaking collaboration to bring the Hybrid Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Demo course to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in advancing

(R-L)

– Dr Adam Fox

Thirty-one physicians from the Turks and Caicos Islands participated in this landmark course

equitable access to medical education and trauma care in the Turks and Caicos and the region. The dedication and enthusiasm of all involved highlight the transformative impact of global partnerships in Healthcare.

Dr Denise Braithwaite Tennant, CEO of TCI Hospitals and a participant in the course, expressed her gratitude, stating, “As a participant and advocate for improved healthcare in the Turks

and Caicos Islands, I am thrilled by the outcomes of the Hybrid ATLS Demo course.

This initiative equips our physicians with essential trauma skills and underscores our commitment to providing world-class medical care to our community.

“I am excited about the positive impact this training will have on patient outcomes and emergency medical services in the Turks and

Caicos Islands.”

At the course opening, Professor Briggs provided books on trauma and disaster management to the TCI Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and the course participants.

At the closing of the training, she generously donated several pieces of training equipment to the Hamilton Education Foundation to support ongoing healthcare provider training in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Dr Ewing received

the equipment and emphasized its importance in continually improving healthcare delivery quality.

Hamilton Education Foundation is a Turks and Caicos incorporated company and the developers of the Hamilton University School of Medicine, Hamilton University Medical Center, and the Hamilton University Research Institute which are set to officially begin operations in 2026.

Dr Rufus Ewing, Dr Dawn Perry-Ewing, Dr David Lawlor, Professor Susan Briggs, Dr Stuart Ewing, Dr Denise Braithwaite Tennant, Dr John Schulz, Dr Katherine Albutt, Suzann Lindsay, Lin-Ti Chang, Missing

Caribbean leaders discuss innovative approaches to ending HIV/AIDS epidemic

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a landmark event hosted in Trinidad and Tobago from March 18th to March 21st, 2024, the Turks and Caicos Islands joined forces with representatives from across the Caribbean to discuss innovative approaches to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The eighth meeting of the National HIV/AIDS Programme Managers (NAP) and the PANCAP Share Fair brought together policymakers, regional partners, and community leaders to share

insights, explore strategies, and foster collaboration.

This event provided a platform for updating Programme Managers and Partners on regional commitments to the 95-95-95 targets, progress on global and regional strategies to end AIDS, and innovative approaches to strengthen the Caribbean regional HIV response.

The 95-95-95 targets aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed with HIV are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral

suppression.

The meeting was attended by National AIDS programme managers, policymakers, Development and Regional Partners, and selected Implementing Partners, including representatives of civil society organisations, the community of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), and those at the highest risk for HIV.

Several key outcomes emerged from the conference, including an agreement to scale up HIV testing and prevention efforts, a call to embrace a person-centred approach

to HIV treatment and care, and an emphasis on utilising information and communications technology (ICT) to advance the regional HIV response.

Delegates also recognised the indispensable role of communities in HIV responses and underscored the importance of robust, cohesive community engagement, according to a statement from the Government.

The Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr Camelia Clarke, commenting on

the conference, stated, “Achieving the 95-95-95 targets requires collective action and unwavering commitment from all sectors of society.

“We need to insist on continued collaboration, resource mobilisation, increased innovation and advocacy efforts to accelerate progress towards ending the HIV/ AIDS epidemic by 2030.”

KEY OUTCOMES

One of the key outcomes of the

TCI delegation underscores commitment to regional health at meetings in Dominica

BY OLIVIA ROSE

A delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands recently attended two important regional meetings in Roseau, Dominica, underscoring the territory’s commitment to promoting health and well-being in the region.

The first meeting was the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Executive Board Meeting, which brought together health officials and experts from across the Caribbean region to discuss regional public health priorities and strategies.

The Hon Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services, led the TCI delegation and was accompanied by Senior Health Officials from within the Ministry of Health, Ms Tamera Howell-Robinson, Deputy Permanent Secretary, and Mrs Marah Smith, Head of Secretariat.

The Minister participated in discussions on developing policies and programs that will improve public health outcomes in the region.

The CARPHA Executive Board Meeting held on 27th - 28th March, 2024, brought together health officials and experts from across the Caribbean region to discuss regional public health priorities

The CARPHA Executive Board Meeting hosted on 27th - 28th March, 2024, brought together health officials and experts from across the Caribbean region

and strategies and to be updated on CARPHA’s report on the initiatives for the remainder of the calendar year.

During the high-level conference, Hon Malcolm had the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and contribute to the development of policies and programs aimed at improving public health outcomes in the region and that will also affect the TCI, a statement from the government said on Thursday,

April 4, 2024.

Following the CARPHA meeting, Minister Malcolm participated in a special meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), which focused on the “Caribbean Moves Initiative.”

This initiative aimed to address the rising rates of noncommunicable diseases in the Caribbean by promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and overall wellness.

Hon Malcolm joined other regional leaders in discussing the implementation and expansion of the initiative to ensure its success in improving the health and wellbeing of Caribbean citizens.

Dr Christopher Tufton, the Minister of Health and Wellness Jamaica, made a special presentation on the experiences and lessons learned from the “Jamaica Moves” initiative.

During the meetings, Hon Malcolm had the opportunity to

collaborate in bilateral discussions with counterparts from other Caribbean countries, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing in the areas of public health and social development.

Hon Malcolm’s participation in these meetings underscores the government’s commitment to promoting health and well-being in the Turks and Caicos Islands and its dedication to working collaboratively with regional partners to address public health challenges.

Commenting on the meetings, Hon Malcolm stated: “The Ministry of Health has an excellent relationship with CARPHA and we appreciate all the help and resources they have provided to us. My ministry understands the challenges CARPHA may face but we are committed to work collaboratively with CARPHA and our regional stakeholders to ensure this organisation remains a valuable asset throughout the region.”

“In relation to our LET’S MOVE TCI initiative, we have gained some very insightful information as to how to drive this initiative forward and take it to a new level that will promote a healthier lifestyle across the Turks and Caicos Islands”, he added.

Participants at the eighth meeting of National AIDS programme managers and key partners with the Minister of Health of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Hon Terrence Dyalsingh (TCIG photos)

“Exquisite” Turks and Caicos launched to assist local tourism businesses

Experience Turks and Caicos launched “Exquisite Turks and Caicos” in South Caicos, at the Invest Turks and Caicos MSME Roadshow held at the South Caicos Community Centre on Monday, February 27th, 2024.

Exquisite Turks and Caicos is an immersive tourism programme conceptualised by the Strategic Development Unit of Experience Turks and Caicos, to assist local businesses in creating niche product offerings and services to create opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to enhance start

up or enhance their businesses and add value to the overall visitor experience. Immersive businesses include land-based heritage and water-based tours, attraction sites, culinary experiences, and local arts and crafts. This program supports the Three Pillars Experience Turks and Caicos was established on, Inclusive Growth, Sustainability and Competitiveness.

Experience Turks and Caicos partnered with Invest Turks and Caicos to launch the programme at the company’s MSME Roadshow entitled “Advancing Together: Building Stronger MSMEs across the TCI. This annual event provides a platform for MSMEs from diverse sectors to converge to share experiences, challenges, and success stories, fostering a thriving business community.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly, urged entrepreneurs and business owners to get involved in the programme.

“Immersive tourism is becoming very popular as travellers look for a more enriched and memorable travel experience. By enhancing our products to create such experiences, we are creating avenues for increased spend and visitation, which ultimately works to the benefit of all in the tourism sector. I applaud Experience Turks and Caicos for this initiative and I look forward to seeing the creative and innovative initiatives that will come out of this,” the Minister said.

Strategic Development Manager, Mr Courtney Robinson, the face of the “Exquisite Turks and Caicos” programme, stated: “Immersive Tourism is about creating compelling and interactive visitors’ experiences through strategic partnerships with local vendors. It goes beyond traditional sightseeing and offers travellers a deeper connection to the destination’s culture, history, and environment. “Exquisite Turks and Caicos” is our commitment that extends beyond the sunshine smiles, picturesque landscapes and pristine sandy beaches; it is a promise to curate experiences that create memories, that resonate with the soul of every traveller,” Mr Robinson said.

Interested persons must submit a Tourism Vendor Service Provider Registration Form. For more information contact Mr Robinson via email at crobinson@ myexperiencetci.com or at (649) 946-4970.

Qualified vendors for the “Exquisite Turks and Caicos” programme will be awarded up to $5,000 in technical support, business support services, and marketing including brand creation, education and training.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly Strategic Development Manager, Mr Courtney Robinson

Caribbean leaders discuss innovative ...

CONTINUED FROM  11

meeting was the call for a PersonCentred Differentiated Model of Care.

The urgent call to embrace a person-centred approach to HIV treatment and care was emphasised.

“By streamlining and customising HIV services to address the unique needs of individuals, especially those living with or vulnerable to HIV, unnecessary strains on the healthcare system can be alleviated, while simultaneously enhancing the quality of care.”

Emphasis was placed on Integration, which is the colocation and sharing of services and resources between different health services areas and includes offering testing, prevention, treatment, and care services alongside other relevant health services.

Another important outcome was the utilisation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

To this end, delegates identified the increased utilisation of ICT platforms as a pivotal factor in advancing the regional HIV response.

“From telemedicine initiatives to tailored ICT platforms designed to reach vulnerable populations, delegates explored innovative approaches to advocacy, mobilisation, and empowerment in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“Community Engagement: Recognising the indispensable role of communities in propelling national HIV responses, delegates underscored the importance of robust, cohesive community engagement”, the Government stated.

Coupled with this communities were urged to assume a defining role not only in HIV-related endeavours but also in broader health initiatives, highlighting the significance of grassroots involvement and empowerment.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to implement the key strategies discussed and ensure tangible progress in addressing HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean.

Since the beginning of the epidemic, 85.6 million [65.0–113.0 million] people have been infected with HIV and about 40.4 million [32.9–51.3 million] people have died of HIV/AIDS, according to the World Health Organization.

Globally, 39.0 million [33.1–45.7 million] people were living with HIV at the end of 2022. An estimated 0.7% [0.6-0.8%] of adults aged 15–49 years worldwide are living with HIV, although the burden of the epidemic continues to vary considerably between countries and regions.

Ashley’s Learning Center promises ‘a night to remember, for a worthy cause’

Ashley’s Learning Center - a nonprofit Special Needs School for children with autism and other disabilities - will soon be hosting its seventh annual fundraiser and is seeking the public’s support of this worthy cause.

Scheduled for April 13, the fundraiser will feature musicians from the New World Symphony and Julliard School of Music.

The event will showcase both local and international talent and promises an evening of entertainment that includes performances by the school’s talented students.

“The success of the fundraising event is crucial for the continued operation and future development of Ashley’s Learning Center, ensuring a nurturing and secure environment for the exceptional minds under our care,” Ashley Williams, head of the school said of the upcoming event.

Mark your calendars for this musical extravaganza, scheduled for next Saturday, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Brayton Hall, British West Indies Collegiate along Venetian Road in Providenciales.

A table of ten costs $1,500, inclusive of dinner, while individual

tickets are going for $150 with dinner in general seating and $200 in gallery seating with dinner.

Tickets can be purchased through Isle Help Spot (under Charities/Non-profits) or Unicorn Bookstore, Leeward Highway. (DELANA ISLES)

Tens of millions facing hunger and water shortages in southern Africa

More than 24 million people in southern Africa face hunger, malnutrition and water scarcity due to drought and floods, an aid group has warned, as experts say the situation risks spiralling into an “unimaginable

humanitarian situation.”

The warning from Oxfam on

Wednesday came as Zimbabwe joined other southern African nations in declaring its drought a national disaster, following earlier declarations by Zambia and Malawi.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said more than 2.7 million people in the country will go hungry this year and more than $2 billion in aid is required for the country’s national response, Reuters reported.

The country’s top priority “is securing food for all Zimbabweans,” the president told journalists at the state house in Harare. “No Zimbabwean must succumb to, or die from, hunger.”

The drought has been fueled by El Niño, a natural climate pattern originating in the Pacific Ocean along the equator, which tends to bring high temperatures and low rainfall to this part of Africa. When it does rain, dried-out ground is unable to absorb the moisture, making flooding more likely.

El Niño is exacerbating the impacts of the climate crisis, caused primarily by burning fossil fuels, which is driving more frequent and severe weather — including drought and floods — across southern Africa, a region Oxfam describes as a “climate disaster hotspot.”

As southern Africa enters its traditional dry season this month, vast parts of the region — including Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe — have already been grappling with a prolonged dry spell.

From late January to February, rainfall levels were the lowest in at least 40 years, a recent report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs revealed.

Central parts of the region experienced the driest February in more than 100 years, according to a report by the United States Agency for International Development’s Famine Early Warning Systems Network.

In Zambia, Malawi and Central Mozambique, extreme drought has damaged more than 2 million hectares of crops, Oxfam said. Zambia declared its drought a disaster on February 29.

Malawi’s president declared a state of disaster across the majority of the country on March 23. It’s the fourth consecutive year the country has been forced to do this due to the impact of extreme weather conditions. The World Food Programme said this week the El Niño impact is “exacerbating the devastating effects of the climate crisis in Malawi.”

Southern Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change despite being responsible for only a tiny portion of global planetheating pollution.

Police urge drivers to switch off engines and secure vehicles amid uptick in theft

BY OLIVIA ROSE

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is urging residents to remain vigilant and to be more responsible in safeguarding their vehicles against thieves.

In recent weeks, there has been an alarming increase in the theft of vehicles including boats in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the RTCIPF has reminded the public to turn off their engines when parked and to be more mindful of their behaviour as it relates to leaving vehicles idling and unattended.

The police also reminded drivers that leaving engines idling is not just a convenience issue; it’s an offence under the Road Traffic Ordinance.

In a statement on Thursday, April 4, 2024, Superintendent (Divisions and Community Policing) Dwight Gardiner called on drivers to be more responsible for their actions following a spate of vehicle thefts.

Gardiner said: “On Monday (April 01st), around 5:58 p.m., the Police Control Room received a report of a stolen vehicle along Millennium Highway.

“The vehicle owner told officers he parked his car with the engine idling at a restaurant and walked away to chat with someone. A few minutes later, the vehicle was gone.

“Currently, the RTCIPF are investigating reports of similar circumstances where vehicle owners left their engines idling and went to the supermarket or

other establishments. In certain instances, owners have left the keys in the ignition and gone about their business.

“I am urging drivers to take responsibility for their actions. It’s not just about obeying the law; it’s about protecting one’s property and the community’s safety. Leaving a motor vehicle unattended with the engine running is an offence.

“Simple measures like turning off engines when parked can significantly deter would-be thieves.”

Gardiner further urged drivers to avoid leaving valuables in their vehicles.

He said: “This precaution can prevent theft. It’s important to remain vigilant and secure items whenever leaving your vehicle unattended”.

There has also been a concerning rise in the theft of boats from various locations in the TCI.

The RTCIPF recently stressed that thefts represent a significant financial loss for the owners and a threat to public safety and security and advised boat owners to take precautionary measures to safeguard their property.

According to the police, the stolen boats range from small recreational vessels to medium crafts, and the perpetrators appear to be targeting them for either resale value, facilitation of illegal migration, or use in other illicit activities.

A dedicated robbery policing unit has been set up to investigate these crimes.

BOAT AND TRAILER FOR SALE

Honour your commitments

I know there may be some situations in which people may not be able to honour their commitments. However, we need to do our best to stick to our word and promise. It says a lot about your integrity.

Whenever you make a commitment to someone or something, you should honour it. When you get a scholarship, you sign a bond committing to return to your country and work for the public sector. I believe some people had no intention of honouring their commitment as they just wanted the scholarship. On the other hand, there are some that want to honour their commitment but do not because they cannot find employment in the public sector. However, the Deputy Governor has made it clear that their office will find employment for you even if it is on an apprenticeship basis. It is so unfair when some people do not honour their commitments because there are others who were not able to get a scholarship and

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

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

if they were given an opportunity, they may have honour their commitments.

Some employees must honour their commitments. You sign a contract agreeing to your terms of conditions, but you do not honour your commitments. Some of you do not do what you agree to do. Some of you do not even want to work your full hours. On the other hand, some employers do not honour their commitments. They promised certain things to the employees but did not deliver those promises. Perhaps this may

be one of the reasons why some employees do not honour their commitments.

Some of you who are in relationships made a commitment to your spouse, but you have not honoured your commitment. You may have one of the partners doing their best to honour their commitments while the other one is not. If you want to maintain a great relationship with your partner, then honour your commitment.

Some of you have made a commitment to God, but the life you live does not reflect that

commitment. If we really want to see a positive change in our lives and the community, we should honour the commitment we made to God.

Some of you politicians made a commitment to the electorate but you have not honour it. If you were to honour your commitment, your chance of being re-elected would be high.

I believe there are some people that really try to honour their commitments, but they are faced with several issues. Some people encounter health issues. Some people are overloaded with so many other duties and responsibilities and they take on more than they can do. In fact, some of them are not only doing their work but also the work of others. Some people are also very selfish and do not care about honouring their commitments. Some people also make commitments without realising that some of the things they commit to, they cannot do

them. Some people have also become distracted and lost their focus to commit.

One of the ways to honour your commitment is to remind yourself constantly of the commitments you made. In fact, document your commitment and make it visible so that you remember what you signed up for.

Another way to honour your commitment is to say no and not commit to more than you can take on. It is ok to say no. Sometimes we say yes to everything knowing well we cannot honour the commitments. One way to honour your commitment is to stay focused. Do not lose sight of your commitment. There is a lot of temptation to do otherwise.

Honouring your commitment is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. Your success as an employee, employer, politician, Christian, husband, or wife depends on you honouring your commitment.

The next oil crisis looms large: What is TCI’s plan?

Vladimir Putin, one of the world’s disreputable leaders has warped the liberal international order and now, his approbate invasion of his independent neighbour – Ukraine –has led to numerous disruptions in the oil and gas industry, which is impacting the entire globe.

Lately, Ukraine has wreaked havoc on Russia’s oil refineries with drones, forcing Russia – a net exporter of fuel and supplier to the international market – to increase its oil import from neighbouring ally, Belarus, to meet local demands, as Moscow endeavours to repair its refineries.

Following these drone strikes, the Russians were impelled to order output cuts to comply with OPEC+ objectives, as Russia’s refinery

BY D MARKIE SPRING

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

capacity plunged into near disaster. Since then, industry sources report that oil futures have risen drastically. And now, apparent market volatility is on the horizon and the world’s consumers could be impacted either way; therefore, net importers of crude could face enormous economic and political hurdles.

Presently, a political risk exists for President Biden; as he dips into US strategic oil reserves to counter shortages, lessen America’s demand for imported fuels, and simultaneously lower prices.

For now, oil prices for Americans are falling for the second consecutive session, as the dollar gains strength; coupled with, the surprise rise in US crude and gasoline stocks.

This leverage makes the dollardominated oil more expensive for consumers in other countries; hence, it could blunt global demands.

So what does this mean for the TCI? The answer lies in the government’s ability to stabilise oil

prices at home, despite global price hikes. While this is highly possible owing to the presence of the US dollar; however, there’ll be added shipping costs or delays.

Conversely, considering all these production capacities and market uncertainties, there is evidence of a possible reversal for global consumers.

If OPEC+ agreed to continuously extend its output cuts policy it could spark a shortage and influence higher prices; henceforth, we should expect a ‘bearish’ market.

Certainly, soaring prices will curtail TCI consumers’ ability to pay their energy bills and they would travel less considering the prices at the pumps.

Another drawback for the TCI is if Kyiv continues to target Moscow’s oil refineries, this too will cause prices to skyrocket.

Hence, the reason the US President is warning Ukraine’s President about bombing Russia’s oil refineries, as this could be disastrous for Biden in November.

Therefore, policymakers here

must take the initiative to mitigate market volatility to help consumers – both residents and businesses by redirecting funds to them.

To safeguard TCI’s residents and businesses against reliance on imported fuel, shortages, and high prices the government must accelerate the transition to clean energy.

To ensure the security of supply for adequate future consumption, lawmakers must commit to minimum gas storage obligations and aim to obtain at least a 10 per cent gas demand reduction to attain a balance between supply and demand.

To accomplish these targets, the government should the idea of a public transportation system in Providenciales especially, to help alleviate high volumes of gas consumption, during a crisis.

Considering the weaponisation of gas, and uncertainties in the markets ahead, policymakers must act now to help mitigate future energy impacts, as the situation is expected to worsen considerably.

A better world?

Depending on who you listen to, our world is getting better. According to some, significant improvements across several aspects of humans offer us hope for a brighter tomorrow. Extreme global poverty has decreased as a result of improved economic opportunities. Better healthcare has contributed to a decline in child mortality. There is more access to education, and more children are completing basic primary education. Life expectancy has risen across the board, with people living longer and healthier. Other areas, like better access to clean water, energy, and technology, along with gender equality, indicate that we are living in a veritable golden age. Of course, you can take another

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.

look at the data available and come to a slightly different conclusion. With abundant natural resources, why do poorer nations remain stuck in poverty? Why do richer nations, conglomerates, and individuals continue to exploit the weak and marginalized? Why more wars? Why is gender equality leading to discrimination against others? These are all valid questions. Which makes

the reality a bit more nuanced. Followers of Jesus Christ should be thankful for the advances made. More people are richer, healthier, and more connected than before. Praise Jesus. What we are seeing is the power of redemption and restoration that is found throughout scripture. God desires to bring healing, renewal, and reconciliation to all aspects of creation, including

human society and the natural world. Christians should continue to protect the environment, make better businesses, and seek justice for all. However, they should keep sight of their ultimate hope, eternal life in and with Jesus Christ. As such, remember that poverty reduction, increased healthcare, and accessible education do not address the deeper spiritual needs

SAFEGUARDING EVERY HOME:

of humanity and the brokenness caused by sin. Only the Gospel does that, therefore the gospel needs to be told to everyone.

As Christians, our ultimate hope rests in the redemptive work of Christ, who offers forgiveness, healing, and eternal life to all who believe in Him. While we celebrate positive developments and strive for positive change in the world, we recognize that true transformation comes through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through His people. Our world will only be a better place when the Kingdom of God, becomes the government of the nations of the world. So while things are getting better, there is much to be done

An inclusive approach to insurance and disaster preparedness in TCI

As we draw nearer to the 2024 hurricane season, the imperativeness for comprehensive homeowner preparedness becomes increasingly paramount. The recent historic mortgage writeoffs in Turks and Caicos Islands, benefiting over 170 families with a collective debt relief of $10.5m, serve as a critical juncture to reflect on the vital role of insurance coverage in ensuring financial security.

The government’s initiative to forgive long-standing TC Invest Loans has undoubtedly provided much-needed relief. However, it has also ushered in a period of adjustment to new insurance rate structures.

The low premium payments those particular homeowners previously enjoyed are no longer available.

The low payments were due to the remaining costs being added to their annual mortgage balance. This shift is particularly poignant for those who may not be in a position to afford new insurance coverage.

This highlights the urgency for accessible and affordable insurance solutions in the face of potential natural calamities.

The lessons learned from previous natural disasters underscore the essential nature of being adequately insured.

BY ED FORBES

A concerned citizen of Grand Turk

The daunting financial burden of rebuilding in the absence of insurance can place an unsustainable strain on individuals, rendering them dependent on social services for recovery.

Amidst escalating inflation and the increased financial strain on fixed-income households, the challenge of affording new insurance premiums is accentuated.

The insurance sector’s hesitance to issue new policies, fuelled by substantial losses from recent disasters, further compounds the vulnerability of numerous homeowners.

Recognising these multifaceted challenges, the need for innovative and inclusive insurance solutions is evident. As a promising strategy, perhaps the government should consider the concept of a public/ private partnership insurance pool.

The aim is to extend more affordable premium options to those most in need, including individuals currently marginalized by the conventional insurance landscape.

Central to navigating these complexities, is the integration of special needs considerations

and the provision of wraparound services for our most vulnerable populations. The government and the insurance companies should work in concert to implement a Comprehensive Support Systems: Establishing robust support networks that offer personalized guidance through insurance selection and emergency planning processes which is essential for empowering all community members.

BELOW ARE SOME IDEAS TO SUPPORT SUCH INITIATIVES:

Develop Specialised Educational Resources, Craft educational materials that cater specifically to the learning needs of individuals with special requirements to ensure that crucial information about insurance and disaster preparedness is universally accessible.

Ensure Accessibility of Information such as adapting communication methods to include accessible formats and social media platforms. This will ensure that critical information reaches

every individual, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.

Foster Community-Based Advocacy: Creating platforms for advocacy ensures that the unique needs of vulnerable populations are represented in policy-making and community resilience initiatives. In confronting these issues, our collective aim transcends mere recovery from past adversities. With government support, we should strive to construct a foundation of resilience and financial security that encompasses every member of our community, particularly those who face the greatest challenges.

This refined narrative emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and specialized support, advocating for a community-wide

commitment to ensuring that every homeowner, regardless of their circumstances, has the means and knowledge to protect their home and family against the forces of nature.

The time for collective action and inclusive dialogue is now. Embracing a holistic approach, this will prioritize the needs of all homeowners, especially those with special needs, the elderly and lowincome residents. By doing so, we can fortify our community against the unpredictable and ensure a secure future for every household.

I’ll end with these brilliant words so eloquently said by Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”.

HezronH soars higher with two in-flight magazine features

Artist HezronH is set to elevate the in-flight experience for passengers of interCaribbean Airways and Bahamasair as his artwork adorns the pages of both Cacique and Up and Away magazines.

This significant achievement sees HezronH featured simultaneously in the April to June issues of these prestigious publications, amplifying his reach and influence across the Caribbean and beyond.

Renowned for his vibrant and culturally resonant artwork, HezronH will display a curated selection of his pieces in the latest issues of Cacique’s 22 issue and Up and Away magazine’s April to June issue.

His distinctive style, which merges traditional motifs with contemporary flair, has earned him acclaim and established him as an emerging figure

in the Caribbean art market.

His art is more than captivating; it has a purpose and demands that true identity be appreciated and explored.

“It is also meant to trouble our contentedness with the gorgeous, yet stereotypical images conjured up when people think of the Caribbean,” HezronH stated.

He said his goal is to fill a distinctive chasm in the art scene.

HezronH’s dual feature undoubtedly underscores his growing influence in the art world as well as the universal appeal of Caribbean culture.

From his base in Turks and Caicos Islands, HezronH continues to inspire audiences with his colorful canvases that evoke the warmth and energy of the Caribbean spirit. (DELANA ISLES)

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

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

Local artist HezronH’s Work to Grace Pages of Cacique and Up and Away In-Flight magazines simultaneously (Photos submitted)

TCIG takes proactive stance in air traffic controllers’ strike

A direct eye witness to the meeting between the government and air traffic controllers has positively commented on the Premier’s detailed and nuanced understanding of the complexities of these multifaceted discussions. The meeting, laden with intricate details of negotiations, incremental pay increases, and strategic decision-making, illuminates a government sincerely committed to its citizens’ welfare, the nation’s economic stability, and the equitable treatment of its workforce.

The government’s response to the air traffic controllers’ demands is at the heart of this situation. Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick meticulously outlined the measures taken to address the concerns raised, including a significant pay increase of 31% since taking office. The generous pay increase demonstrates a robust commitment to improving the conditions of those critical to the nation’s infrastructure. This substantial increase signifies a deliberate effort to reward and recognize these workers’ essential services while ensuring economic and social stability.

Moreover, the government’s decision to commission a comprehensive review to ensure equitable pay across all sectors illustrates a thoughtful, measured approach to public service compensation. The premier’s actions demonstrate a dedication to resolving immediate disputes and establishing a fair, transparent framework for the future. The willingness to prioritize the air traffic controllers’ review, ensuring any adjustments are retroactively applied, further underscores a commitment to fairness and due process.

The premier’s decision to attend the airport to negotiate a resolution speaks volumes about a leadership style that is proactive, engaged, and deeply concerned with the nation’s wellbeing. This dedication, especially in maintaining the islands’ economic lifeline—

BY AUDLEY ASTWOOD

tourism—demonstrates a leadership that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates and plans for future needs.

Critically, the discussion highlighted the broader implications of the strike beyond the immediate operational disruptions. The potential for significant economic fallout from halted flights and the jeopardized healthcare access due to the inability to evacuate patients underscore the strike’s stakes. The government’s nuanced approach, balancing the air traffic controllers’ demands with the nation’s overarching needs, reveals a deep understanding of governance’s delicate balance.

One can’t help but reflect on the political ramifications of the premier’s decisions. Misick navigated public perception and political criticism while remaining focused on what is fair and just for the broader community. The premier is about tackling our current problems while ensuring we’re in a good position for the future.

The government didn’t throw together a quick fix regarding the air traffic controllers’ strike. Instead, the premier showed real understanding, made fair decisions, and considered our economy. Misick cares about the future of our country. He focuses on making Turks and Caicos better for everyone. The premier’s actions speak to a commitment to treating people right, planning, and ensuring our island thrives.

God bless our premier, and God bless the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Fugitive sought in two decades old Lauderhill murder arrested

The FBI has arrested a man sought in a two decades old murder and armed kidnapping in Lauderhill.

In December 2002, Kareem Lightbourne, who was 26 at the time, reportedly walked into the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, Monifa Smith, on NW 21st Street and fatally shot 23-year-old Kirk Ennis who had been staying with her.

“My heart is at joy because at least I don’t have to wonder and wonder anymore, he has to pay the price,” said Navlette Williams, the mother of Kirk Ennis. Thursday, she received a call from a detective informing her about Lightbourne’s arrest.

“You have a son who passed away over 20 years? I said yes, and he went on to tell me... They extradited him back,” said Williams.

Lighbourne, now 47, showed up in Broward’s Bond Court Thursday morning. He declined from having a public defender and said he would hire a private attorney.

Back in 2002, Lighborne allegedly kidnapped SmithLighborne then allegedly kidnapped Smith and her two-year-old son at gunpoint. Smith and her son were able to escape about two hours later near a grocery store on State Road 7.

Lightbourne later fled the state.

After learning of Lightbourne’s flight, the FBI obtained a federal “unlawful flight to avoid prosecution” warrant for his arrest.

According to documents from

Kareem Lightbourne had flown to Turks and Caicos Island after alleged murder

the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Lighbourne had flown to Turks and Caicos Island. However, agents from the FBI arrested him recently in the Dominican Republic. CBS News Miami’s Ivan Taylor asked Ms. Williams, “What do you want now, as the mom of the victim?”

“Justice! I need justice. I need to know the reason why they killed him. Why? They set up and killed him,” said Williams.

Lightbourne is being held at Broward’s main jail. His bond hearing was reset for Friday so he could contact his family and hire a private attorney. (CBS)

Bring back the Nuremberg Trials

Dear Editor

The Nuremberg Trials were held at the end of the Second World War, in an attempt to hold the Nazi hierarchy accountable for the atrocities they had committed.

The four Allied Powers (United States, Britain, France and the Soviet Union), all of which had very different legal systems, were able to agree on a common basis for conducting these trials, during which the defendants would be tried for crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

The trials of 22 defendants began in 1945 and ended in 1949, with the major offenders being tried during the first two years. The end results of these trials were 12 death sentences, three life imprisonments, four lengthy prison

terms and three acquittals.

Now compare this multinational exercise to prosecute twenty-two offenders being brought to a conclusion within four years to the mind-boggling fiasco that the Turks & Caicos is still enduring with the SIPT trials of only a very few defendants.

The TCI situation is a judgeonly trial (without a jury) and, in spite of the first judge dying while the trials were underway, these trials have dragged on for some ten years now, significantly because of the numerous “breaks” granted so the poor “overburdened” attorneys can refresh themselves. The defendants were split into two groups, apparently to improve the efficiency of the proceedings – one person from the first group of three was acquitted, and the

other two have been convicted and handed “slap on the wrist” sentences that are now under appeal. The trial of the second group of defendants has still yet to begin, with the Courts apparently having lost all sight of the adage “justice delayed is justice denied”. It is way past time to stop this “clown show” that is making a worldwide mockery of the Turks & Caicos Islands’ judicial process. If the local Chief Justice cannot get this fiasco moving expeditiously, perhaps that responsibility should be handed to someone who can! The population of this country deserves both an end to this facade and a stop to the ongoing drain of their nation’s funds.

Sincerely, Lorne Rowe

Regional News

Haiti gangs: More than 50,000 flee capital after surge in violence

Tens of thousands of people have fled the Haitian capital, Port-auPrince, to escape a surge in gang violence over the past weeks.

UN figures suggest more than 53,000 left the city of 3m between 8-27 March.

The UN is warning that the rural regions to which many have fled are not equipped to deal with such a large influx of displaced people.

Meanwhile, gangs are attacking businesses in the capital, torching pharmacies and vandalising schools.

Haiti’s national police succeeded in repelling an attack on the presidential palace on Monday but armed men stormed the nearby State University of Haiti hospital, known by its initials HUEH, to use it as their command centre.

The damage caused by the gangs is likely to further delay its

reopening.

Access to healthcare, which was already severely restricted, has become even more difficult after armed men looted a hospital in the Delmas 18 neighbourhood and the Saint-Martin health centre last week.

Criminal gangs control not only the main port in Port-auPrince but also many of the city’s access roads, making it difficult to transport medical supplies.

While the situation in the capital’s hospitals is dire, the UN has warned that the arrival of tens of thousands of displaced people in rural areas poorly equipped to deal with it also poses severe challenges.

Most of those fleeing Port-auPrince have headed south, to areas which are still ravaged by the 2021 earthquake, which killed more than

UN figures suggest

2,000 people.

“It should be emphasized that [these] provinces do not have sufficient infrastructure and host communities do not have sufficient resources that can enable them to cope with these massive displacement flows coming from the capital,” the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday.

While Haiti has been facing a

humanitarian crisis for years, the recent surge in violence started at the end of February when Prime Minister Ariel Henry travelled to Kenya to seal a deal for the African nation to lead a multinational security force.

The capital’s warring criminal gangs united in an uneasy alliance to oust the prime minister.

Mr Henry was prevented from returning to the country as the gangs attacked the international

airport, forcing its closure.

He agreed last month to step aside as soon as transitional presidential council was created.

The council issued its first official statement last week, promising to restore “public and democratic order”, but it has yet to take any concrete actions.

Meanwhile, violent attacks in the capital resumed this week after a relative lull over Easter. (BBC)

BVI to participate in UK financial sanctions on Russia

The BVI Government says it has agreed that the Virgin Islands should establish a dedicated and well-resourced financial sanctions unit, presumably under direction from the UK.

This follows the unprecedented package of sanctions introduced against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine and the recommended actions in the Virgin Island’s recent CFATF Mutual Evaluation Report.

A similar approach to sanctions has already been taken by the UK and Bermuda.

Governor Daniel Pruce, and the Attorney General made the announcement on 19th March at the two-day sanctions training. Funded by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and delivered by trainers from Sanctions SOS, the training included a tabletop exercise where agencies ran through various sanction related real-life scenarios.

The training included participants from the Governor’s Office and several other BVI government agencies.

Governor Daniel Pruce said “I’m pleased to see many agencies represented today. Sanctions are a vital tool in cutting off funding streams to the Putin regime and

efforts to implement sanctions effectively.

I’m grateful for the UK’s funding support, both for today’s training and also the setup of the Sanctions

Unit, including expert guidance and short-term resourcing.”

International Relations Counsel

Mrs Fiona Forbes Vanterpool, on behalf of the Attorney General,

said “ As a jurisdiction, we have invested heavily in deterring malign actors from perceiving the Virgin Islands as exploitable. At the same time, we encourage legitimate business and investment by doing our part to ensure the integrity of the financial system.” The Virgin Islands complies with all sanctions issued by the United Kingdom, which are extended by way of the relevant Overseas Territories Orders in Council.

The newly created Sanctions Unit will ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of these sanctions and work closely with partners across government and industry. The Sanctions Unit will be led by the leadership of the Attorney General with Ms Kisha Frett heading up the unit as Sanctions Coordinator.

There will be a six-month transition period from the Governor’s Office to the Sanctions Unit to allow for a smooth transition and relevant training. In the meantime, businesses are asked to direct all sanction queries and requests to Governor’s Office at: GOVOfficesanctions.

tortola@fcdo.gov.uk.

(thestkittsnevisobserver)

more than 53,000 left the city of 3m between 8-27 March

BVI would likely work under the direction of the UK

stopping those close to the regime from benefitting from western services. That’s why today’s training is so important and will help continue to strengthen our

Regional News

Bahamas: Three men held in former MP’s murder

Former Tall Pines MP Don Saunders was shot in the neck area, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander revealed this week.

The shooting occurred after the former MP had brushed the hand of the culprit who held him at gunpoint during an armed robbery on Margaret Road in Gambier Village on Wednesday last week, the commissioner said.

Three suspects are in custody in connection with the murder of Mr Saunders, who became the country’s 35th murder victim of the year. All of the suspects are known to police, with two being residents of the Gambier community, according to Commissioner Fernander.

During a press conference, Commissioner Fernander provided members of the press with an update into the Free National Movement deputy chairman’s death, along with the country’s most recent murders.

Commissioner Fernander said

CCTV has assisted investigators with making progress in their investigations of the Gambier Village robbery.

CCTV footage revealed a vehicle was parked in front of a residence two corners away from the business establishment before the incident, according to Commissioner Fernander.

He said the driver parked and waited until the owner of the establishment arrived before the the robbery when two men emerged from a black Nissan March and approached the owner.

The owner ran to the back of

More than 340 people have been hospitalised by the mosquito-borne virus

Puerto Rico has declared an epidemic following a spike in dengue cases

Puerto Rico’s health secretary declared an epidemic on Monday following a spike in dengue cases.

The US territory of 3.2 million people has reported at least 549 cases so far this year, compared with a total of 1,293 cases for all of last year. The majority of cases have been reported in the capital of San Juan.

More than 340 people have been hospitalised by the mosquito-borne virus, according to the island’s health department.

Puerto Rico last declared a dengue epidemic in 2012. More than 5 million dengue

cases were reported worldwide last year, with nearly 80 per cent of them occurring in the Western Hemisphere, according the World Health Organization. The region has reported some 3 million cases so far this year, with health officials noting that higher rainfall along with humidity and heat linked to climate change have contributed to a rise in cases.

The virus can cause crushing headaches, fever, vomiting, a rash and other symptoms. While most infected people don’t get symptoms, severe cases can lead to plasma leakage and death. (Loop News)

the building where customers were located.

“The two gunmen held the employees and the customers at bay,” Mr Fernander said yesterday, “And one of the culprits approached Mr Saunders and pushed a weapon in his face and demanded cash.

“It was at this time the weapon was right in his face, this is according to wit- nesses, that he brushed the hand that the culprit was holding the weapon and it was at this time he was shot directly to the neck area. And he (Mr Saunders) ran to the eastern side of that yard with a view of trying to get away and that’s when he collapsed.”

Roughly eight to ten customers were robbed of cash and jewellery, with Commissioner Fernander appealing to witnesses who have yet to come forward and speak with officials.

Mr Saunders leaves behind a wife and two children.

Commissioner Fernander also gave an update on the country’s latest shooting incident on Peardale Road, south of Wulff Road.

Police said two men armed with firearms got out of the back of the vehicle and opened fire on the group on Monday. The victims, aged 16, 20, 23, 37, 41 and 44 were all taken to hospital where they remain in stable condition.

This incident follows the fatal shooting of Kenton Farquharson in Andros on Saturday.

“With respect to the homicide that occurred in Andros on Saturday where a young man who resides here in Nassau travelled to Andros and was involved in some altercation with another male,” Commissioner Fernander said.

“Eventually, a male emerged from the crowd, there was a good crowd at this club, armed with a firearm and he was shot and died on the scene.”

On Thursday, a man, alleged to be from New Providence was shot and killed in Bimini. Commissioner Fernander said police have one suspect in custody in connection with that matter.

The country’s murder count for the year currently stands at 37. (Tribune242)

Haiti’s transitional council issues first statement

Members of a transitional presidential council who will be responsible for selecting a new prime minister, issued their first official statement on Wednesday, pledging to restore “public and democratic order” in Haiti.

The statement, although signed by eight members of what is supposed to be a nine-member council, is still considered a sign that a contentious and drawn-out nomination process is ending, and that the council might soon assume its official duties.

“We are determined to alleviate the suffering of the Haitian people, trapped for too long between bad governance, multifaceted violence and disregard for their perspectives and needs,” they said.

The members noted that as soon as the council is officially installed, they would help “put Haiti back on the path of democratic legitimacy, stability and dignity.”

The statement was issued nearly a month after gangs began targeting key government infrastructures across the capital of Port-au-Prince. The violence has somewhat subsided since the February 29 attacks began, with gangs previously burning police stations, opening fire on the main

Haiti is in desperate need for law and order

international airport that remains closed, and storming Haiti’s two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

Scores of people have been killed, and some 17,000 left homeless.

In recent days, the violence has been largely focused on downtown Port-au-Prince.

The council members pledged to “execute a clear action plan aimed at restoring public and democratic order through the restoration of the security of the lives and property of the population, the relief of poverty and the achievement of free elections, as well as the

reforms necessary to the progress of the nation.”

The members said they have developed the criteria and mechanisms to choose a council president, a new prime minister and a ministerial cabinet.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who remains locked out of Haiti, has said he will resign once the council is formally established.

“We are at a crucial turning point that calls us to unity. It is imperative that the entire nation comes together to overcome this crisis for the well-being of all and a future better for our country,” the council members said.

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander

Regional News

Desiree Bernard, former Guyana/Bermuda judge, dies

The legal fraternity across the Caribbean is mourning the loss of trailblazing Justice Desiree Bernard, who died in Trinidad & Tobago last Thursday.

She was 85.

The late Guyanese judge was appointed to Bermuda’s Court of Appeal in 2014; she was the second woman judge to serve in the higher court.

Patricia Dangor marked the first appointment, earlier that same year, serving until 2016.

Mrs Justice Bernard’s appointment was hailed as a coup for the island by George Fergusson, the governor, who said: “Justice Bernard will bring her extensive experience in the Caribbean courts as well as becoming the second female justice to be appointed to Bermuda’s Court of Appeal.”

Notable contributions from the bench included a 2016 ruling by the Court of Appeal on the Michael Barbosa case, which potentially opened the way for British Overseas Territories citizens to seek Bermudian status.

Mrs Justice Bernard overturned a ruling by the lower court, based on the Constitution’s definition of those deemed to be “belonging” to Bermuda.

Guyana’s Supreme Court of Judicature said it was saddened by her passing.

“Her Honour was a trailblazer and paved the way for women to join and excel in the legal fraternity,” the court said in a statement.

The late Guyanese judge was appointed to Bermuda’s Court of Appeal in 2014

Mrs Justice Bernard was appointed the first woman judge in the High Court of Guyana in 1980, and she later served as the country’s first woman Chief Justice.

She served as Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana from 2001 to 2005, making her the first woman head of the judiciary there as well as in the Commonwealth Caribbean Region.

She was elevated to the bench of the Caribbean Court of Justice and was the only woman judge of that court for the duration of her tenure from 2005 to 2014.

The CCJ described her as a

“pioneering jurist” who provided “exemplary service” to the court.

Mrs Justice Bernard was the recipient of several awards in her home country including the Cacique Crown of Honour and the Order of Roraima, Guyana’s third and second-highest national awards, respectively.

Guyana’s Supreme Court described Mrs Justice Bernard as an advocate for women’s rights.

She was remembered as being a mentor for many persons, especially women lawyers and women judicial officers.

(RoyalGazette)

King Charles hopes to visit Bahamas next year

King Charles III has told Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis that he hopes to visit The Bahamas next year.

The suggestion came during a telephone call to the prime minister, and the visit may possibly be around the time of the Independence celebrations.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said: “After offering wishes for a Happy and Blessed Easter, The King offered profuse apologies for not being able to attend the 50th Anniversary Independence Celebrations. He asked that his regrets and good wishes be extended to the Government of The Bahamas and the Bahamian people.” Mr Davis wished good health

to King Charles, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment which has limited his participation in public engagements. On Thursday, he skipped the traditional Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral, though he provided a recorded message and was represented by his wife, Queen Camilla.

Mr Davis also sent his wishes for good health to Kate, the Princess of Wales, who is also undergoing treatment for cancer.

The statement from OPM said that the two also discussed briefly areas of mutual concern such as education, climate finance and broader issues affecting the Caribbean and Small Island Developing States. (Tribune242)

Minnis: People look at disclosures ‘as a joke’

Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said “people look at it as a joke” regarding the filing of financial declarations as required by the Public Disclosure Act.

The deadline for disclosures, according to the Public Disclosure Act, is March 1. However, a source told The Tribune an extension was given this year to March 15, but could not give a reason for the decision. Previously, acting press secretary Keisha Adderley said the deadline this year was March 31.

Public Disclosure Commission chairman Bishop Victor Cooper was unclear on whether an extension was given when pressed on the matter. He was also not forthcoming on how many MPs have disclosed as yet. Bishop Cooper told The Tribune he was out of town and to

call the disclosure office. However, the individual to whom he referred said she was unable to give any information.

Pressed again on the issue, Bishop Cooper answered: “Well, you’ll have to wait until it’s released.”

Opposition leader Michael Pintard told The Tribune he was unaware that there was an extension. The Public Disclosure Act empowers the opposition leader as well as the prime minister to act on delinquent filings.

Dr Minnis also did not know about the extension. If the extension did occur, he argued the granting of the extension shows a flippant attitude.

“Extension means that you’re not taking it seriously, so people look at it as a joke and that is

Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis

one of the big problems in this country. We do not enforce laws and regulations. Until we do

that, you will find us as always in some form of deficient mode. You know, we always try to compare

ourselves to first world countries or other country of similar size abroad, but those countries are disciplined.

“They are law-abiding, they respect each other. You know. So, let’s go back to basics. Let’s go back to the church. Let’s go back to loving each other. Just not talk it, show it. Until we do these things, we’re not serious. We’re jokes.”

Bishop Cooper indicated last year that 90 per- cent of parliamentarians had filed by the March 1 deadline. He added that many senators and senior civil servants failed to disclose their assets, income and liabilities. The names of those who missed the deadline have not been revealed.

The penalty for not disclosing is a $10,000 fine and/or up to two years in prison. (Tribune242)

King Charles III

World News

United

Ireland

The initial cost of a united Ireland would be at least €8bn (£6.86bn) a year rising to potentially €20bn (£17.15bn) a year, a new study has estimated.

Published by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) it focuses on subvention.

That is the shortfall between what is raised in taxes in Northern Ireland and the amount spent on public services.

One author said absorbing NI could put “huge financial pressure” on people in the Irish Republic.

Prof John Fitzgerald said that would result in “an immediate, major reduction in their living standards”.

Along with his co-author, Prof Edgar Morgenroth, he argued that the cost of unification could be substantially reduced if Northern Ireland made major changes in its economy in order to raise its productivity.

Prof Morgenroth said some of the costs would also eventually be offset by the benefits of integration into the wider EU economy but this would take “some considerable time”.

would cost €8bn to €20bn a year, study suggests

calculations.

“I think we need to do some planning to understand what the implications might be.”

IS THE PUBLIC WILLING TO PAY FOR UNIFICATION?

Asked if Ireland could afford the extra cost, Prof Morgenroth said this was a “political question” which people on both sides of the border must answer.

three-quarters say they are happy with German unification, so they are willing to pay this.

“That is the more important question.”

The Dublin-based pro-EU think tank’s study looks at how the subventions would be affected under different scenarios.

more on contributions to the EU and increased corporation tax revenues.

That produces a subvention estimate of just under €11bn (£9.4bn) meaning the Irish state would need to find that money to provide public services to the state’s new population in what had been Northern Ireland.

The authors estimate that if social security benefits and public sector wages in Northern Ireland were immediately raised to match levels in Ireland the subvention would jump to more than €20bn, equivalent to 10% of national income.

The authors said this is “a huge sum” as total government expenditure in Ireland currently amounts to about 40% of national income.

contributions.

In those scenarios, the initial cost falls to between €8bn-9bn per year, although those estimates do not include the uprating of benefits and pay.

None of the estimates consider the potential savings from reducing public sector employment in NI or the longer term impacts if Northern Ireland’s economic performance was to converge on Ireland’s.

A 2021 paper by the political scientist Prof John Doyle suggested that the subvention is much smaller and would represent a deficit of less than €3bn (£2.57bn) for a unified state.

He said that was “within a range that a future state could cope with on a transitional basis”.

One of his major assumptions was that it would be “impossible that the level of subvention impacting a united Ireland would include both pensions and debt”.

“People bought into the idea of Brexit without knowing what the exact implications were going to be...without knowing exactly what a united Ireland would look like its very difficult to do very precise David Cameron has ruled out Western troops being sent into Ukraine to avoid giving Russian President Vladimir Putin “a target”.

“I previously worked on German unification and there the costs are still mounting, and this is decades later, we are now into the trillions of euros,” he said.

“But when you ask people,

The authors look at the subvention for 2019 as the more recent data, for 2020 and 2021, is distorted by pandemic-related spending in Northern Ireland.

They adjust the 2019 figures to reflect some of the differences a united Ireland would make, for example less spending on defence,

“To deal with the resulting deficit, which under the most favourable circumstances would persist for many years after unification, there would have to be a dramatic increase in taxation and/or a major reduction in expenditure,” they add.

The authors consider two additional scenarios which assume that the UK would either write off Northern Ireland’s share of the UK’s national debt or continue to pay UK state pensions to people who had made national insurance

He has recently added to that analysis, emphasising the potentially positive longer run economic impacts of unification.

He concluded: “It is hard to think of compelling arguments as to why the same policy mix in the two parts of the island, post-unity, would see Northern Ireland’s economy continue to perform poorly by comparison with the south.” (BBC)

Cameron rules out Western boots on the ground in Ukraine

members were not paying their way.

The foreign secretary acknowledged that the “war will be lost if the allies don’t step up” on the BBC’s Ukrainecast podcast.

But asked whether Western nations should send troops into Ukraine, Lord Cameron replied “no”.

He added Nato must be in the “best possible shape” by the US elections.

Lord Cameron was speaking at a two-day North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) summit of 32 foreign ministers in Brussels.

Nato boss Jens Stoltenberg has floated plans for a 100 billion euro (£86bn), five-year package of military aid to Ukraine, with the aim of finalising a package in time for the next summit in Washington in July.

The move is aimed at allaying concerns around the outcome of the US election in November, with candidate Donald Trump suggesting the US could cut support, and claiming some Nato

One diplomat, quoted by the Reuters news agency, suggested the package “goes some way to protecting in case of Trump. But it is impossible to create something Trump-proof”.

Cameron said he’d be making his second visit to the United States since becoming foreign secretary next week and would be urging Congress to give more financial support, which “could change the narrative” in Ukraine.

Nato would have to work with whoever wins this year’s US election, he said, so now was the time to get into “the best possible shape by November” - alluding to complaints from candidate Mr Trump.

He told Ukrainecast: “If we can get that money out of the US Congress, if we can get Ukraine the arms they need, if we can show Putin that he can’t outwait us and that Ukraine is going to fight back and win back more of its territory.

“If we can do all those things, whoever gets in in November, we’ll look at the situation in

Ukraine and... look at more and more Nato members spending 2% of their GDP on defence and say, this is a success story. I want to invest in this success.

“So turn Ukraine in the situation and Nato into the strongest possible alliance with the strongest possible prospect of success. And whoever wins in November 2024 would inherit a better situation.”

The UK is a founding member of Nato, formed 75 years ago by countries including the US, Canada and France in order to block expansion by the Soviet Union - a

group of communist states which included Russia.

LONG-RANGE MISSILES

Some Nato members have sent weapons to Ukraine, with the UK, US, Germany and Turkey providing anti-tank weapons, missile defence systems, artillery guns, tanks and military drones.

The US and UK have also supplied long-range missiles.

Nato countries have not sent troops to Ukraine, and ruled out using their air forces to impose a no-fly zone over the country,

because of fears such action could provoke a direct conflict with Russia. But the Russian invasion has rebooted conscription, particularly among countries living on Russia’s doorstep.

Asked about fears the war could still spill over the Ukrainian border, particularly in Poland and the Baltics, Lord Cameron gave assurances that Nato would intervene in those circumstances, under the organisation’s Article 5 pledge that “an attack on one is an attack on all”.

But he ruled out Western “boots on the ground” in Ukraine itself, saying: “We don’t want to give Putin a target like that.”

The former prime minister said the UK would use the “architecture of Nato” to deliver support to Ukraine but drew a distinction between a Nato mission “for Ukraine” as opposed to “in Ukraine”.

He added: “I think it’s not escalatory to say we’re going to help this independent, sovereign country to fight off an aggressor and we’re going to give it all the help we can in order to do that.”

The report focused on the shortfall between what is raised in taxes in Northern Ireland and the amount spent on public services

The foreign secretary acknowledged that the “war will be lost if the allies don’t step up”

World News

World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés says Israel targeted staff in Gaza ‘car by car’

World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder José Andrés has accused Israeli forces in Gaza of targeting his aid workers “systematically, car by car”.

Monday’s strike which killed seven members of his staff was not a mistake, he said, repeating that Israeli forces had been told of their movements.

WCK workers from Australia, Canada, Poland, the UK and the US were killed as well as their Palestinian colleague.

Israel says the strike was a “grave mistake” and has apologised.

It has also promised an independent investigation.

According to the charity, the aid convoy was hit while leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, “where the team had unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza on the maritime route”.

The convoy was made up of three vehicles, including two that were armoured, which clearly displayed the charity’s logo. All three were hit during the strike.

Speaking to Reuters news agency on Wednesday, the SpanishAmerican celebrity chef said this was not a “bad luck situation where, ‘oops,’ we dropped the bomb in the wrong place”.

In a separate interview with Israel’s Channel 12 news, Mr Andrés said “it was really a direct attack on clearly marked vehicles whose movements were known

WCK workers from Australia, Canada, Poland, the UK and the US were killed as well as their Palestinian colleague

by everybody at the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]”.

The bodies of six of the dead WCK workers have since been taken from Gaza into Egypt to be repatriated.

Their Palestinian colleague was buried in his hometown in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Tuesday.

Humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip is in doubt after WCK - a key provider of aid to the territorysuspended operations.

The UN announced it was pausing movements at night for at least 48 hours to evaluate the security situation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the strike as unintentional.

“It happens in war, we check it to the end, we are in contact with the governments, and we will do everything so that this thing does not happen again,” Mr Netanyahu said on Tuesday.

IDF Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi called the incident a “grave mistake” and said “it shouldn’t have happened,” blaming the strike on misidentification.

US President Joe Biden has condemned the strike, accusing Israel of not doing enough to

protect aid workers.

“The United States has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties,” Mr Biden said.

Three of the killed aid workers were British nationals. A Polish national, an Australian, a Palestinian and a dual USCanadian citizen were also killed.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Mr Netanyahu on Tuesday. On the call, he described the situation in Gaza as “increasingly intolerable” and “demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation” into the killing of the aid workers.

Mr Sunak added that Israel needed to end restrictions on humanitarian aid and protect civilians, according to a Downing Street statement.

IN OTHER REACTION:

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had “expressed Australia’s anger and concern” in a long phone call with Mr Netanyahu, and that he expected a “full and proper explanation for how this has occurred”

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said he had demanded an independent investigation from Israel Katz, his Israeli counterpart Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said “full accountability” was needed, adding that it was

“absolutely unacceptable for aid workers to be killed” by the IDF

Four days ago, WCK said that it had distributed 42 million meals in the Gaza Strip - dispatching more than 1,700 food trucks and also sending close to 435,000 meals by sea.

According to Cogat, the Israeli defence ministry body in charge of civilian policy in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, WCK is responsible for 60% of the nongovernmental aid getting into the territory.

A second charity, the American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), which was working closely with WCK, told the BBC it was also freezing its operations in Gaza.

More than 196 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since October, according to the US-funded Aid Worker Security Database, which records major incidents of violence against aid personnel. Not all have been killed in the line of duty.

Much of the Gaza Strip has been devastated during the Israeli military operations that began after Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people and seizing 253 hostages.

About 130 of the hostages remain in captivity, at least 34 of whom are presumed dead.

More than 32,916 people have been killed in Gaza since then, the Hamas-run health ministry says. (BBC)

Judge rejects Trump’s bid to get Georgia election subversion case dismissed on free speech grounds

An Atlanta-area judge on Thursday upheld the criminal indictment against former President Donald Trump in Georgia, rejecting the argument that Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election were protected under the First Amendment.

“The defence has not presented, nor is the Court able to find, any authority that the speech and conduct alleged is protected political speech,” Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee wrote in his order.

McAfee’s ruling is the latest step inching the state racketeering case against Trump forward. But while Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has suggested she would be ready to go to trial as soon as August, the judge has still

not set a trial date for Trump or his remaining 14 co-defendants in the Peach State.

McAfee’s refusal to scrap the indictment comes as the free speech defence has repeatedly fallen short in pretrial wrangling in election meddling cases.

“After interpreting the indictment’s language liberally in favour of the State as required at this pretrial stage, the Court finds that the Defendants’ expressions and speech are alleged to have been made in furtherance of criminal activity and constitute false statements knowingly and willfully made in matters within a government agency’s jurisdiction which threaten to deceive and harm the government,” McAfee wrote in his order issued

Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump

Thursday.

McAfee previously rejected similar First Amendment

challenges from other defendants in the Georgia case. In the federal election interference case, Judge

Tanya Chutkan also heard –and rejected – the argument that Trump’s actions should be considered protected political speech.

The Fulton County district attorney’s office declined to comment on Thursday’s order from Jude McAfee.

Trump’s Georgia lawyer Steve Sadow did not immediately reply to CNN’s request for comment.

At a hearing on the First Amendment issue last month, Sadow argued that Trump’s attempts to upend the Georgia election results were “core political speech”.

“What do we have here?”

Sadow asked. “We have election speech, which is ‘protected’ from government restriction.”

Taiwan earthquake: ‘The walls were crumbling’

Chang Hsin had just woken up in the Taiwanese city of Hualien on Tuesday when her entire block started shaking.

“The walls were crumbling. Shortly after, another quake hit, causing the entire house to tilt,” the 59-year-old told the BBC.

Ms Chang was in her third floor apartment when the 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit, which killed nine people and left more than 1,000 injured in Taiwan’s worst earthquake in 25 years.

Images of Ms Chang’s Uranus Building apartment block have been shared across the world. The building is tilted over and rescue workers are attempting to shore up the 10-storey structure, to prevent it from falling over.

After the shaking finished Ms Chang started screaming for help, and then saw a fire engine outside.

“I urged them to hurry. I kept yelling ‘quickly, quickly or the next aftershock is coming,’” she recalls.

“The house started to tilt while I was still inside,” he says. “My legs were shaking, and I couldn’t stand steady. I still can’t calm down, especially with the aftershocks last night.”

Local reports said one female teacher died in the building when she returned to rescue her cat.

Ms Chang was speaking to the BBC from a shelter for people affected by the earthquake. Sitting next to her was Wei Pang-Huan, 60, who lived on the fifth floor of the Uranus Building.

The block is due to be demolished on Friday, and Ms Wei wasn’t sure if she would be able to collect any of her belongings.

“All my belongings are in the building. I wonder if I could go inside to retrieve some important items, but it depends on the rescue team’s instructions,” she says.

Rescuers in Taiwan are working to reach more than 600 people stranded after the earthquake hit the eastern county of Hualien.

Some stuck in tunnels and near a national park have been rescued by helicopters, but 34 are still missing.

One Singaporean woman, who was was stuck in the mountains for a day and half, said “it’s your worst nightmare coming true”.

“It’s like they show in the movies. You never think you’re going to experience something like that,” she tells the BBC.

“We felt the earth tremble and we just held on to each other. He was hit by some stones and we just hung on to each other for I don’t know how long until it passed,” she adds.

“It was a terrible, terrible experience with aftershocks and tremors and rocks falling every few minutes.”

She eventually made it to a hotel, where she received first aid.

The earthquake, which struck 18km (11mi) south of Hualien,

was followed by more than 200 aftershocks, dozens of which were at least 6.5 magnitude or more, hindering search and rescue efforts. Taiwanese authorities expect there to be more aftershocks in the next few days.

Lai Su has lived at the bottom of a landmark gorge, just outside Hualien, for 35 years. She says Tuesday’s earthquake was like nothing she has ever experienced.

“At the time I was in Hualien driving my car and the car began

to move like it was dancing,” she tells the BBC.

“Usually when there is a quake at night and we are sleeping, we can’t be bothered to get out of bed, but this time I would definitely have jumped out of bed and run.”

For Ms Chang, her immediate future in Hualien city is looking uncertain.

“I can only stay in the shelter now as I don’t have a place to stay. I will go to work during the day and return to stay at night. (BBC)

Japanese people could all be called Sato by 2531, study warns

Everyone in Japan could one day have the same surname unless its restrictive marriage laws change, according to a new study. But the country’s dwindling marriage rate could buck that trend and a rapidly declining population might render it moot entirely.

Unlike most of the world’s major economies that have done away with the tradition, Japan still legally requires married couples to share the same surname. Normally, wives take their husband’s name –and same-sex marriages still aren’t legal in Japan.

A movement to change the rules around surnames has been brewing, led by women’s rights advocates and those trying to preserve the diversity of the Japanese surnames in a nation where a handful of names are becoming increasingly common.

If the rules carry on, all Japanese people could have the surname Sato by 2531, according to Hiroshi Yoshida, an economist from Tohoku University in Sendai, who led the study.

According to Myoji Yurai, a company that tracks Japan’s more

About 1.8mn people out of Japan’s 125mn population have the surname Sato

than 300,000 surnames, Sato is currently the most common, followed by Suzuki. Takahashi comes third. About 1.8 million people out of Japan’s 125 million population have the surname Sato, Myoji Yurai says on its website.

Yoshida – whose family name

ranks 11th most common – was commissioned by the “Think Name Project”, a group demanding legal changes to allow couples to keep both their last names.

The professor, who unveiled his latest study on Monday, conceded that his projection would only hold

up if the country could overcome what is already one of its most pressing crises: an ever-declining marriage rate.

The number of marriages in Japan declined by nearly 6% in 2023 from the previous year – dipping below 500,000 for the first time in 90 years, while divorces were up by 2.6% last year, according to official figures.

Yoshida told CNN that “if lots fewer people marry than expected, there is a possibility that this calculation could be different.”

Yoshida also pointed out in his study that Japan’s population could shrink massively over the next millennium, because of its declining birth rate.

“The possibility of that the Japanese race going extinct is high,” he said in his report.

According to government figures released last year, the proportion of Japan’s elderly, defined as age 65 and above, is at a record high, comprising 29.1% of the population – the highest rate in the world.

Japan’s population has been in steady decline since its economic boom of the 1980s, with a fertility

rate of 1.3 – far below the 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population, in the absence of immigration. Deaths have outpaced births in Japan for more than a decade, posing a growing problem for leaders of the world’s fourth-largest economy.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida issued a dire warning about the population crisis in January last year, saying it was “on the brink of not being able to maintain social functions” due to its falling birth rate.

Across much of East Asia, people’s names are generally less diverse than in Western countries. For example, according to government figures from 2020, about 30% of people in China are named Wang, Li, Zhang, Liu or Chen. And the vast majority of the population – almost 86% – share just 100 surnames.

Name extinction is also a naturally occurring phenomenon called the Galton-Watson process, which posits that in patrilineal societies, surnames are lost or die out over time with each new generation as women take on their husbands’ surnames. (CNN)

The Uranus Building is tilted over and rescue workers are attempting shore up the 10-storey structure

Donald Trump wanted Ivanka to replace him on ‘The Apprentice’

The reality is Donald Trump had a vision for “The Apprentice” that would have seen daughter Ivanka replace him on the hit NBC series, which aired from 2004 to 2017.

The 77-year-old former president expressed his hope for the Emmy-nominated show in Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh’s “Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America

Through the Looking Glass,” hitting shelves June 18.

“I said, ‘The best person to hire would be Ivanka Trump,’” the reality personality-turnedpolarizing politician shared in the new book, which centers on how “The Apprentice” paved the way to Trump winning the presidential

election in 2016.

“NBC didn’t like it, because it became like a family thing,” he recalled. “But I said, ‘There’s nobody you’re going to hire that will even come close to Ivanka.’ They said, ‘Huh…’ And then they came back with Arnold Schwarzenegger.”

The 76-year-old “Terminator” star — whose pivot from screen to politics preceded that of Trump’s, with the former serving as the governor of California from 2003 to 2011 — replaced him on the short-lived “New Celebrity Apprentice” in early 2017. But it wasn’t just the network that thought “The Apprentice” would turn into a family affair. That seems to have been Trump’s goal, as his vision for the show

would have featured Eric and Donald Trump Jr. as boardroom advisers. The siblings had a history of appearing on the show in its original incarnation.

“It was going to be the three of us,” Eric Trump, 40, is quoted in the book. “There were talks for a little while about it.”

Now that the Trump family is more closely associated with politics — and legal troubles — than reality TV, Eric told Setoodeh he’s “not sure the two could have worked in tandem.”

“I think it’s pretty hard to say we’re going to run with reality TV in a time when you’re talking about ending nuclear proliferation around the world,” he said. (NYDailynews)

Jamie Foxx back in action

It’s been a year since Jamie Foxx scared his entire fan base after his daughter Corinne Foxx revealed he suffered a medical complication and was on the mend. Since that happened, there were multiple conspiracy theories running around the actor as he recovered from whatever happened to him. To this day, we still can’t figure out what exactly happened to Jamie but we can already see he is recovering well and the actor is already back to work. In fact, the folks at People have been speaking to sources close to Jamie Foxx to ask about the actor’s upcoming projects. According to what they say, Foxx is almost completely recovered and looking sharp.

Amongst the many projects he has ongoing, there is the Fox game show called Beat Shazam. Right now, Foxx is already filming episodes of this show without showing any signs of that medical condition he suffered. The source who spoke to the folks at People said: “Jamie is doing incredibly well. He is so busy, and back to doing what he loves. Jamie didn’t skip a beat on Beat Shazam. He was literally right back to his old

self. Really on it! He is super busy, happy and going strong. He is gung ho work now, living clean and enjoying his good health. Jamie is a social guy, he likes to be around his friends, he has to be busy doing all kinds of different things. He is a bonafide entrepreneur with new projects bubbling all of the time.”

WILL WE EVER KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO FOXX?

People are itching to know what exactly happened to the actor, there has been so much secrecy surrounding his medical complication. At the end of February, the actor himself revealed he will tell all in a new comedy special he is preparing right now. To those who don’t know, Jamie Foxx was a stand-up comedian before anything else. He confirmed via his social media profiles that he is getting a new special ready and he will address what happened to him. But for now, we will have to wait and see when the date of this new special is revealed. Presumably, he will produce this alongside Netflix as he has a running contract with the streaming platform.

‘Reacher’ star Ritchson details sexual assault, suicide attempt in candid interview

Alan Ritchson, the star of Prime Video’s “Reacher,” got candid about his experience being sexually assaulted while working as a model, as well as his suicide attempt in 2019, during a recent sit-down with The Hollywood Reporter.

Ritchson, 41, said he began his career modelling for brands such as JC Penney and Calvin Klein, but quit the business after being sexually assaulted following a photo shoot with a “very famous photographer.”

“I was sent into a hotel room to do nudes with the promise that if I did the shoot, he would offer me a very lucrative campaign for a magazine and a clothing line,” he told the outlet, without naming the photographer.

“I was sexually assaulted by this guy. I left and drove straight to the agency that I was at in L.A.

Ritchson, 41, began his career modelling for brands such as JC Penney and Calvin Klein

I stormed in and said, ‘F–k you for sending me there,’” Ritchson explained, adding he believed his agent knew of the photographer’s inappropriate behaviour and sent him on the gig anyway.

The traumatic event led him to swear off the industry — one he says is still largely unregulated, so much so that it’s understood “you’re basically being passed off to a photographer to be trafficked”

when you book a job. Ritchson would eventually pivot to acting, landing small roles in low-budget flicks and later the superhero TV series “Smallville.” He gained more recognition as a meat-headed football player named Thad Castle in “Blue Mountain State,” his first series-regular role.

Although he continued to find success, with roles in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Titans,” the actor began a downward spiral after the dissolution of a film fund which he co-founded, and which ended with an ugly blackmail from his thenbusiness partner.

“She gave me an ultimatum to come to her room and said that if I didn’t, she would destroy the business and she would destroy me by calling TMZ to claim I sexually assaulted her,” the actor said, admitting that the incident

and demise of his business “really broke me in that moment, and it took me a while to recover.”

His depression became so heavy that he was “stuck in bed for weeks.” One day in 2019, he made a near-fatal attempt on his own life.

“I hung myself. It all happened so fast, and I was dangling there,” Ritchson said, recounting the moment in the attic of the home he shared with his wife, Cat, and their three sons, now 11, 10 and 8.

In that moment, he said, he had a vision of his sons in their 30s, telling him “not to do it, and … that they wanted me to be here, alive and part of their lives.”

The actor said he was able to use his strength to pull himself up just before he blacked out, and the experience was enough to prompt him to seek help. He was quickly diagnosed with bipolar disorder after consulting a doctor.

(Marca)

Jamie Foxx

Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka

Taylor-Joy confirms she secretly got married to McRae in 2022

Actress Anya Taylor-Joy has confirmed she secretly got married to Malcolm McRae in New Orleans in 2022.

The Queen’s Gambit star told fans she married her “best friend” at a ceremony on April Fools Day two years ago.

“The magic of that day is ingrained in every cell of my being, forever,” she wrote in an Instagram post.

She shared pictures and

videos from the vampire-themed ceremony, which featured “anatomically correct” cakes shaped like human hearts.

“Happy second (first) anniversary my love… you’re the coolest,” the actress wrote in the caption.

“N.B. yes, those are anatomically correct heart cakes,” she added, referring to a plate holding cakes shaped like real hearts in pools of apparently fake blood.

In the post, Taylor-Joy referred to herself as “the vampire Lestat” - a reference to the character from Anne Rice’s novel Interview with the Vampire, which is also set in New Orleans.

Model Cara Delevingne and photographer Sebastian Faena were among the guests, while Dior designed the wedding dress.

On Tuesday, actor and musician McRae also posted photos from the event on his own social media, writing: “I love you now and somehow I always have and somehow it will never end. Happy two year anniversary (yesterday), beautiful.”

The couple hosted a larger wedding celebration for their friends in Venice last October.

British band Chumbawamba pictured in January 1998, months after the anthemic “Tubthumping (I Get Knocked Down)” became a hit worldwide

Chumbawamba wants New Zealand politician to stop playing ‘Tubthumping’ at rallies

When New Zealand’s populist Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters strode out to address a political convention in the city of Palmerston North in March, the sound of British punk band Chumbawamba’s iconic song “Tubthumping (I Get Knocked Down)” blared over the speakers.

And while this wasn’t the first time Peters had used or referenced the ‘90s hit, his choice of song has now attracted the vocal displeasure of the band itself.

During his State of the Nation speech, Peters, the leader of the nationalist New Zealand First party, criticized the former Labour government’s policy of co-governance (joint decisionmaking with the Maori people), and pointed to the emergence of an unspecified “race-based theory” that he compared to a philosophy “seen… in Nazi Germany.” Peters then went on to call for educational reforms, including the removal of “gender, sexuality and relationshipbased education guidelines” from schools.

Actress Anya Taylor-Joy and Malcolm McRae

CONTACT: 243-3282

CONTACT: 241-7016

CONTACT: 946-8877

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.

Take notice that I, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in exercise of the powers conferred in me by Section 6(4) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Turks and Caicos Islander Status to Rosangeles Maria Vasquez De Penn by virtue of marriage to a Turks and Caicos Islander.

BOAT CAPTAIN

It is important to note that the safety of our guests and TCI’s visitors takes center stage in all our decision making and that includes employment. It is imperative that our Boat Captains, with their rescue certifications can captain our vessels and are able to always provide credible and insurable surface support. Likewise, our instructors have this skill set to our captains, ensuring they are able to take over piloting a vessel should the need arise. As such, these two roles are often interchangeable and should anything happen during our charters, instructor crew would also then be able to “take control”. Thus the ability for our instructors, guides and captains to be fluid is absolutely paramount to safely delivering our products to our guests.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Looking for certified boat captains with experience to drive vessels inboard and outboard from 29ft to 50ft.

• Minimal requirements on the license equivalent to STCW.

• Recognized International day boat or Yacht master certifications will enhance application.

• Individuals must be able to show solid documented sea time via logs or resumes.

• Captains must possess a minimum of dive master certification and be prepared to lead and guide dives. Qualified PADI OWSI or MSDT with 3+ years experience teaching and guiding with high end clientele would be preferred

• Applicants must also be available as in and on the water eco guides for activities like snorkeling.

• Marine biology background and experience in eco watersports is an asset.

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

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

• Experience conducting snorkel tours, guiding kayak and paddleboard tours is an asset.

• Experience maintaining dive equipment an asset.

• Currnt First Aid qualifications.

DUTIES:

• Operate boats 35ft to 50ft with utmost of safety with a current valid TCI Captain’s licence in the waters of TCI

• Maintain, prep can clean boats to a high safety standard

• Prep trips with needed coolers and additional items as needed.

• Conduct snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding trips.

• Maintenance of dive equipment if qualified.

• Individuals must be flexible with the ability to work public holidays and long hours.

• Pay is commensurate with skill and experience, starting at $165 per day

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

KITCHEN HELPER

Looking for a suitable candidate to help prepare food for boat charters, clean coolers and clean office premises. Duties include cooking, baking, cleaning, food prep, inventory and food ordering. The work schedule is varied and provides up to 6-days work per week. The following are required of the applicant:

• Fluent in English with good speaking and reading skills.

• Must be willing to start as early as 5am, work long days, weekends and public holidays.

• Have prior experience and certification in kitchen health and safety standards.

• Experience with cooking, baking and food display.

The position is currently held by a work permit holder. Turks Islanders are preferred. Salary ranges from $8-$12 per hour or salary of $2000 - $3000 per month

JOB VACANCY FINANCE MANAGER

LOCATION: PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

DEPARTMENT: FINANCE

REPORTING TO: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The Finance Manager will be primarily responsible for overseeing the daily financial accounting, reporting, and strategic financial planning activities within the organization. Their key responsibility lies in providing dependable financial and business information crucial for informed decision-making by key management. Additionally, they will provide insightful analysis of financial operating results, ensuring alignment with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), regulatory requirements, and management objectives. Moreover, the Finance Manager will uphold productivity standards across all areas of financial responsibility, ensuring the efficiency of the finance staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accountable for company-wide accounting and financial reporting functions, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivables, Payroll, Inventory, Cash Management, and other Financial Reporting functions.

• Monitor reporting systems, prepare accurate financial reports and statements, interpret data, prepare and publish all financial documents, and ensure adherence to regulations.

• Maintains and monitors financial policies and procedures, ensuring operational and financial compliance.

• Uses financial analyses and modelling to simulate economic scenarios and determine the company’s present and future financial condition.

• Develop financial management strategies to reduce financial risk, provide relevant recommendations to maximize profits, and assist executives in decision-making.

• Provides timely and accurate reporting of month-end closings and financial reporting activities.

• Contributes to the achievement of Company objectives through the accurate and timely identification and resolution of accounting issues/opportunities.

• Collaborates with external auditors to provide in-depth assistance with periodic financial and inventory audits.

• Own and oversee the annual business plan development, ensuring reliable forecasts are produced.

• Build and own the reporting dashboards that enable the company to understand how it is performing versus its plan.

• Own and build our finance infrastructure, covering tools, processes, disbursements, and collections.

• Manage cash and improve cash forecasting, AR, and AP processes.

• Manage the financial system, ensuring maximum productivity and that it meets the needs of the business today and in the future.

• Oversees the continuous improvement of Accounting and Financial Processes and the development of the team, with the goal of achieving best practices and optimal output.

• Ensure that all finances are properly administered and monitored.

• Ensure that appropriate financial regulations and controls are always in place and in use.

• Ensure that all financial reporting obligations are met in relation to cash management.

• Identifies, investigates, and analyses potential operational improvement. Based on findings, propose appropriate operational changes (policy, procedures, processes, etc.).

• Maintains a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.

• Ensure sufficient funds are available to meet ongoing operational and capital investment requirements.

• Maintain banking relationships.

• Report to management on variances from the established budget and the

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT COMPENSATION: GRADE: 9.1 – 9.5

reasons for those variances.

• Engage in ongoing cost reduction analyses in all areas of the company.

• Ensure compliance with policies, government regulations, and IFRS standards.

• Develop and execute improvement plans on the financial reporting process including updating the Finance Operations Manual for new processes.

• Perform economic evaluations of projects and investments to improve financial performance.

• Assist the Procurement Manager in the execution and compliance of relevant procurement-related policies and procedures and other requirements.

• Responsible for the continued training and development of departmental staff.

• Establishes cross-training as required.

• Monitors the succession plan of subordinates to ensure that the department operates effectively and efficiently.

• Coordinate the development of training plans to ensure that they are enforced and scheduled properly so as not to cause interruptions in the normal course of business.

• Provide coaching, guidance, and support, as well as set professional development plans to assist employees in reaching their full potential through the performance management process.

• Ensure that written performance evaluations of supervised employees are completed as required, provide continuous feedback on personnel performance issues, and take immediate action to recognize achievements and address deficiencies or problems.

• Conduct formal performance appraisals for employees to assess employee performance and help employees improve their performance.

• Develop and publish measurements of the group’s customer service and productivity levels.

• Other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in Accounting or a Master’s Degree equivalent

• CPA, CA, ACCA preferred.

• Prior experience working in a finance team, ideally within a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent team player and team-building skills.

• Excellent leadership abilities.

• Must possess excellent oral and written communication, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to look for opportunities for continuous improvement and challenge the status quo.

• Ability to influence and negotiate within the department, across the organization, and with internal and external stakeholders to gain support for initiatives and achieve desired results.

• Must possess excellent working knowledge of MS Office software programs.

• Must possess working knowledge of financial management, internal controls, forecasting and budgeting techniques.

• Must possess extensive knowledge in the area of International Financial Reporting Standards.

• Must possess the ability to develop, monitor and maintain management information systems and procedures.

• Capable of fostering strong interpersonal relationships across the organization while tactfully presenting necessary business challenges in a constructive and respectful manner.

Qualified candidates should submit a Cover Letter, Resume, Two Supporting References, and details of their Immigration Status via email at hrrecruitment@tciairports.tc on or before: April 12th, 2024, addressed to:

THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

CONTACT: 331-9167

The Turks and Caicos Islands oldest

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.

Stocking designatedsupplyingandfacility areas,sweeping,dusting, mopping,vacuuming,restroom cleaning etc.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 343-9786

CONTACT: 649-331-8166

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: 649-241-4158

CONTACT: 341-7967

CONTACT: 941-5707

Receive items and knows about manage more system and other office position. May be required to work six days a week and holidays. Salary commensurate with experience.

Gutter Installer. Should be comfortable working on high-rise buildings, provide cut sheet and roof measurements. May be required to work six days a week and holidays. Salary commensurate with experience.

SUMMARY

The Property Manager is responsible of the general operation, maintenance and record keeping of at least one property, but typically several, which are part of the company’s management portfolio, reporting to the General Manager on a regular basis. Duties with this role include bookkeeping, landscape management as well as all tasks associated with co-ordination of property maintenance, repairs, regulations and inspections. As such mandatory experience for this role includes a minimum of 10 years’ experience in business accounting. Successful individuals working in this role generally possess a diverse skill-set including the ability to negotiate, build relationships with guests and manage records. Additionally, they should have sound knowledge of business and financial proceedings.

DESCRIPTION

They are expected to take prospective clients on tours of the properties, prepare agreements and ensure required services are connected. The Property Manager role can be very demanding and the necessary skills are required to handle any problems that may occur. They are also required to have excellent people skills and make not only their clients feel comfortable, but to report regularly to Property owners on all pertinent aspects on the Property rental.

SKILLS

• Accounting and Finance back ground ( extensive ), with the ability to use QuickBooks and Excel to provide at least monthly reporting to company management and property owners as required.

• Administrative skills and demonstrable attention to details

• Ability to work flexible hours and extended periods, we have a season that can be very busy, the Property Manager is expected to be available to clients 24/7 when they are in-residence, position is a salaried position and after hours work is expected.

• Being positive and courteous to clients

EDUCATION

Knowledge and proven experience of management, accounting, landscaping, construction and repairs are mandatory, an extensive health and safety knowledge, along with first aid training is also favored.

SALARY: $1,700 per month TSI

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

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

TOUR DESK REPRESENTATIVE

Needed at Caicos Dream Tours

Caicos Dream Tours is excited to announce an opening for a Tour Desk Representative. We are looking for a proactive and enthusiastic individual to become an integral part of our team, working closely with Caicos Dream Tours to provide exceptional service to our guests.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Efficiently handle and direct all tour inquiries towards excursions offered by Caicos Dream Tours.

• Knowledgeably offer information and sell alternative excursions and services, strictly adhering to those pre-approved by Caicos Dream Tours.

• Diligently post all bookings (tour desk and office voucher) at the designated resort front desk, ensuring all transactions are accurately reported and presented to the supervisor daily.

• Provide guests with comprehensive and helpful information about excursions approved by Caicos Dream Tours, enhancing their experience and satisfaction.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• A passion for customer service and a flair for sales.

• The ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

• A keen eye for detail and accuracy in handling bookings and transactions. We Offer:

• A dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.

• A supportive team that values collaboration and innovation.

• Competitive base salary plus commissionable sales income.

If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a customer-focused role and are excited about the world of tours and excursions, we would love to hear from you!

PROVO BEVERAGES

LAB ASSISTANT

WORK 6 DAYS WEEKLY SALARY $12.00 HOURLY

• Responsible for lab ware, cleaning scientific glassware after laboratory use.

• Sterilize lab ware (if is necessary).

• Cleaning and maintaining lab equipment

• Prepare laboratory equipment, supplies, and chemical reagents or solutions as needed.

• Maintains laboratory equipment and facility, including fulfilling routine daily tasks

• Follows established procedures as described by Standard Operating Procedures, work instructions, and other operating procedures to make quality measurements.

• Inputs data and keeps records updated.

• Take samples aseptically and deliver properly

• Daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance of the laboratory

• Restocking workstation lab supplies

• Recording temperatures

• Monthly inventory

• Identifies and contributes to opportunities for continuous improvement.

WATER PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

THIS POSITION WILL ACT AS A TEAM LEADER AND SUPERVISOR IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT.

• To operate, troubleshoot, enact mirror repairs, and ensure satisfactory operation of all the existing machines and ancillary equipment in the water plant.

• Ensure the daily, weekly, monthly, and other scheduled maintenance are being enforced and done correctly.

• Provide input on of production personnel performance and production efficiencies recommendations.

• Ensuring production staff adhere to good manufacturing procedures/policies and safety standards.

• Perform quality control on finished products with the assistance of the Quality Control Department. Record keeping and recording of same.

• Prepare reports and maintain accurate records of service and preventive maintenance done on each machine or equipment.

• Assist on the proper inventory of spare parts and coordinate with the Department Manager for any items/parts that need purchasing.

• When necessary, perform the role of machine operation &/or production staff.

• With the assistance of the Department Manager (and in their absence), supervise the production team ensuring efficiencies and adherence company policy.

• With the assistance of the Department Manager (and in their absence) planning the daily and weekly production schedule.

Salary based on experience.

SERVER/TOUR GUIDE

• Booking, scheduling & Providing Brewery guided tours

• Serving & preparing drinks to Tap Room customers

• Ensuring retail merchandise is appropriately displayed

• Physical counts of retail store’s inventory

• Selling of merchandise in Tap Room

• Ensuring neatness and cleanliness of the Tap Room and other tour areas

• Cashiering duties & participation in promotional events and activities

• Other related duties as assigned $8.50 per hour

is looking to hire: Please email resume to

RECEPTIONIST/ADMIN ASSISTANT – GRAND TURK

The ideal candidate must possess a minimum of 3 years' experience in customer service or a related field.

Duties will include providing Helpdesk and Admin Support Services, managing the switchboard, assisting patients, staff, and visitors, generating Brightly Reports, and maintaining conference rooms and hospitality services.

Applicants should have the availability to work full-time hours of 40 hours per week, specifically Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The desired individual must exhibit topnotch customer service skills along with exceptional communication abilities. A high level of proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.

Salary: $25K

InterHealth Canada Construction and Services has pleasure in announcing the following vacancy within the Facilities Management Department at Cockburn Town Medical Centre, Grand Turk. INTERESTED CANDIDATES PLEASE FORWARD YOUR RESUME TO: FMHR@INTERHEALTHCANADA.TC FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND QUERIES,

CAICOS VACATIONS

functions. Candidates must have at least 5 years of prior experience in high volume property management and guest services. Candidates must have no criminal record and be willing to work long hours during high season. Pay will be based on experience.

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• Sanitize, disinfect, and clean guest rooms, including but not limited to kitchens, bathrooms, counters, furniture, patios/balconies, glass doors and windows, making beds, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, polishing, and mopping

• Stock supplies in guest rooms, such as shampoo, soap, toilet tissue, etc.

• Sanitize, disinfect, and clean common areas, including but not limited to hallways, stairs, elevators, glass railings, front desk/reception, offices, public bathrooms, garbage rooms, gym, and any other interior/exterior areas of the property

• Maintain the laundry storage room in a clean and orderly manner

• Inform management of any problems noted that require attention

Salary: $8.00 per hour.

Must be able to complete heavy lifting and working on feet for extended periods of time both indoors and outdoors, doing manual and physical labour. Must be able to work effectively and efficiently, while maintaining attention to detail. Must be willing to work up to 6 days per week, including weekends. Must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

based with Newmarket trainer Marco Botti before moving to Australia

Stefano Cherchi: Jockey dies two weeks after fall at Canberra races

Jockey Stefano Cherchi has died aged 23 two weeks after being hurt in a fall.

The Sardinian, who previously rode in Britain, fell during a meeting at Canberra, Australia. His girlfriend Brittany,

The Risk Manager of IT & Specialized Assurance will understand our clients' operations, their industry and the issues they face in order to provide risk and other advisory services. The combination of our specialist skills, industry expertise and on-going investment allows us to anticipate complex business problems for our clients and recommend preventative action. The incumbent will be responsible for a portfolio of clients on a day-to-day basis which will include planning, day-to-day management of the team including review of testing and reports, liaison with key client staff and the management of the reporting process. The incumbent will be expected to drive quality and client service excellence, actively develop and mentor their team and participate actively in business development opportunities.

What will your typical day look like?

As a manager you’ll manage a portfolio of clients to which you bring deep expertise to help them solve their complex risk management problems. You don’t just solve their problem, you get to the root of it. You take pride in leading a team through testing and reports, as well as liaising with key client staff and managing the reporting process. You play a pivotal role in helping organizations transform how they think about security. You help companies find balance between control and risk, maximising their potential and agility. You enjoy motivating your team and seeking out new business.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with strong academic credentials in Business/ Accounting, Computer Science, Engineering, Management Information Systems or Risk related field is strongly preferred

• Qualified in a minimum of one or more of the following designations: CIA, CISM, CISA, CISSP, CIIP/E, CIPM, CEH, and/or other related certifications

• 5+ years practical experience working in business or technology risk within a professional services firm or large scale business; 3+ years post qualification experience preferred

Preferred:

• Experience in a Professional services firm or large business.

•

daughter of legendary former jockey Kieren Fallon, had travelled to be at his bedside.

“With deep sadness, the Cherchi family have announced their beloved son Stefano passed away peacefully today,” said the New South Wales Jockeys Association.

“The family are very grateful for the love, prayers and messages sent by the racing community across the world.”

The rider was placed in intensive care with a serious head injury after his mount fell during a race at Canberra on 20 March.

Cherchi’s horse Hasime came down in an incident that involved two other horses.

While the other two riders and all of the horses avoided injury, Cherchi was attended to by medics on the track for about an hour before being

taken to hospital with a head injury and internal bleeding.

Cherchi, who had been an apprentice jockey with Newmarket trainer Marco Botti, rode more than 100 winners in Britain before relocating to Australia at the start of the year.

“Today is an absolutely heartbreaking day for us all but Stefano will always be with us. His charming character and smile can never be forgotten,” said Botti.

“Our thoughts are with the Cherchi family and his close friends.”

The rider was “much loved and will be missed” said the Professional Jockeys Association.

“As well as being a gifted rider, Stefano was immensely popular in the weighing room due to his humility, kindness and sense of humour,” it said.

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• For work permit renewal.

Cherchi was

Science & Technology

Exercises that address an often overlooked key to longevity

A strong handshake generally makes a good first impression, but there is more to your grip than conveying confidence and trustworthiness. Science points to a stronger grip as an important key to overall strength and longevity. The strength of your handshake even indicates heart health, research has found.

While it may seem like a small part of your body’s total strength, grip strength is a foundational component of physical fitness, linked to injury prevention, as well as a reliable benchmark for many aspects of health and functional independence as we age.

Stronger grip muscles help stabilize wrists, reducing the risk of strains and injuries during daily activities and physical exercise. Tasks such as carrying groceries, opening doors and jars, and even getting out of a chair all require adequate grip strength. A stronger grip also enables more progressions in fitness training, increasing the ability to get stronger by enabling people to lift more weight and perform more repetitions.

Pro sports prioritize grip strength training for obvious reasons (such as gripping a bat or a ball), but it’s seldom considered a staple in general fitness programs. To help you get a better grasp on how your hands measure up, here’s a road map to assess and strengthen your grip at home.

WHAT MAKES UP GRIP STRENGTH?

Grip strength refers to the force generated by the muscles in the hand and forearm to grasp and hold objects, and has three different aspects:

Crushing strength is how strongly you can grip with your fingers and the palm of your hand.

Supporting strength refers to your ability to hold onto something or to hang from something.

Pinching strength is how firmly you can pinch something between your fingers and thumb.

HOW TO ASSESS AND TRACK YOUR GRIP STRENGTH AT HOME

In clinical settings, a hand dynamometer measures grip strength by gauging the force applied when squeezing its handle.

The device provides a quantitative assessment typically expressed in units of force, such as pounds or kilograms.

To test your grip strength at home without a dynamometer, use a bathroom scale or tennis ball to give you rough, trackable measurements.

SCALE SQUEEZE TEST

While standing, hold the scale in both hands, one on either side with the heels of your hands on top and fingers wrapped underneath the sides. Squeeze for five seconds.

Then perform the test using only one hand at a time. Repeat with both hands and again with each hand.

TENNIS BALL SQUEEZE TEST

From a relaxed, seated position, hold a tennis ball in one hand and squeeze it as hard as you can for five seconds. Repeat three times with each hand, resting for 30 seconds in between repetitions. A stronger grip will result in a firmer squeeze that you can maintain longer. Compare how tightly you can squeeze the ball with each

hand.

These simple tests can provide a rough estimate of your grip strength. To track your progress over time, note the date and your observations of your grip during testing. Reassess your grip strength periodically every two to four weeks to monitor improvements and adjust your training program accordingly. Be patient and consistent with your training efforts as improvements may take time.

Editor’s note: Before beginning any new exercise programme, consult your doctor. Stop immediately if you experience pain.

EXERCISES TO STRENGTHEN YOUR GRIP

Improving grip strength involves incorporating specific exercises to address all three aspects of grip strength.

Below, I’ve outlined exercises for each, noting basic exercises as No. 1 and advanced progressions as No. 2.

Incorporate the appropriate exercises for your current strength level into your training regimen three to five times per week, allowing for rest between sessions to facilitate recovery and muscle growth.

CRUSHING STRENGTH EXERCISES

The tennis ball squeeze test noted above also can be used as a basic strengthening exercise. You can increase the difficulty by increasing the duration of your squeeze and number of repetitions.

1. DOWEL ROD ROLL

While sitting or standing, hold on to a dowel rod, stick or rolling pin, with your palms facing down. Moving your wrists alternately, rotate the dowel rod so that it rolls inside your hands in one direction for 15 to 30 seconds and then the other. To make the exercise more challenging, speed up the rolling. You also can perform this exercise with the palms facing up as a variation. Do two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions, resting in between sets.

2. WRIST CURLS

Sit on a bench or chair with your forearms resting on your thighs, palms facing up and wrists hanging over the knees. Hold a light dumbbell of 1 to 5 pounds in each hand with an underhand grip. The weight should be enough for a slight challenge but should not feel like a strain. Curl the weights upward by flexing your wrists, bringing the dumbbells toward your body. Slowly lower the weights back down with control, feeling the stretch in your forearms. Perform two to three sets of eight to 12 repetitions, resting in between sets.

SUPPORTING STRENGTH EXERCISES

1. FARMER’S WALK

Hold a dumbbell of appropriate weight for your fitness level in each hand. Keep your shoulders back and down, chest up, and core engaged. Walk forward with a controlled stride, maintaining an upright posture. Aim for a distance of 30 to 40 paces or for a set duration, such as 30 to 60 seconds. Rest and repeat one to two times.

2. DEAD HANGS

Find a sturdy overhead bar or pull-up bar that allows you to hang without your feet touching

the ground. Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, hands shoulderwidth apart. Hang from the bar with your arms fully extended, engaging your shoulder muscles. Hold the position for as long as possible, aiming for 15 to 30 seconds to start. Gradually increase the duration over time. Rest and repeat one to two times.

PINCHING STRENGTH EXERCISES

1. PAPER PINCH

Place a piece of paper on a table or other flat surface. Spread your fingers and thumb wide and grab the paper with all five fingers. Keeping your fingers and thumb as straight as possible, apply a downward pressure as you pinch all five fingers together, crumpling the paper. Repeat the motion until you have crumpled the paper into a tight ball. Add more sheets of paper to increase the difficulty. Repeat two to three times with each hand.

2. PLATE WEIGHT PINCH

While standing, hold a light plate weight of 5 to 10 pounds at your side. Pinch the edge of the plate weight with only your fingers and thumb. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat with the other hand. Do two to three alternating sets. To increase difficulty, increase the weight or duration. If you do not have a plate weight, you can use the end of a dumbbell, holding it with your fingertips and thumb. In addition to targeted training, by emphasizing a strong grip in any exercise requiring you to grasp something, such as training with a dumbbell, you can build grip strength. By understanding the significance of this strength and incorporating it into your daily life and fitness routine, you’ll not only strengthen your grip but also unlock new levels of overall strength and vitality. (CNN)

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• Be willing and able to multi-task with a pleasant

Hours are between 6am and 6pm Daily. Salary 22,300 to 29,600.00 per year

Grip strength is a foundational component of physical fitness

Science & Technology

Pig kidney transplant patient leaves hospital

The first man to receive a genetically modified kidney transplant from a pig has been discharged from hospital.

The 62-year-old was sent home on Wednesday, two weeks after the ground-breaking surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

Organ transplants from genetically modified pigs have failed in the past.

But the success of this procedure so far has been hailed by scientists as a historic milestone in the field of transplantation.

The news was shared in a press release on Wednesday by MGH, which is Harvard Medical School’s largest teaching hospital in the US city of Boston.

In the release, the hospital said the patient, Richard “Rick” Slayman of Weymouth, Massachusetts, had been battling end-stage kidney disease and required an organ transplant.

His doctors successfully transplanted a genetically-edited pig kidney into his body over a four-hour-long surgery on 16 March.

They said Mr Slayman’s kidney is now functioning well and he is no longer on dialysis.

In a statement, Mr Slayman said being able to leave hospital and go home was “one of the happiest moments” of his life.

“I’m excited to resume spending time with my family, friends, and loved ones free from the burden of dialysis that has affected my quality of life for many years.”

In 2018, he had a human kidney transplant from a deceased donor, however it began to fail last year, and doctors raised the idea of a pig kidney transplant.

“I saw it not only as a way to help me, but a way to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive,” he said.

The new pig kidney he received was modified by Cambridge-based pharmaceutical company eGenesis to remove “harmful pig genes and add certain human genes to improve its compatibility with humans,” it said.

For the procedure, the hospital said it drew from its history as being behind the world’s first

Rick

successful human organ transplant - a kidney - in 1954, as well as research it had conducted with eGenesis on xenotransplantation (interspecies organ transplants) over the past five years.

The procedure was greenlit by the Food and Drug Administration, who offered a single Expanded Access Protocol - also known as compassionate use - that is used for patients with life-threatening illnesses to grant them access to experimental treatment.

The team behind the transplant hailed it as a historic step that can provide a potential solution to the world’s organ shortage, especially to those from ethnic

of doctors

minority communities whom the shortage disproportionately affects.

“An abundant supply of organs resulting from this technological advance may go far to finally achieve health equity and offer the best solution to kidney failure - a well-functioning kidney - to all patients in need,” said Winfred Williams, Mr Slayman’s doctor at MGH.

According to data by US nonprofit United Network for Organ Sharing, more than 100,000 Americans need a lifesaving organ transplant.

Meanwhile, the number of donors - deceased and living - in

2023 was just under 23,500. It is estimated that 17 people die each day in the US while waiting for an organ, and kidneys are the most common organ needed for a transplant.

While this is the first pig kidney transplanted into a human, it is not the first pig organ to be used in an transplant procedure.

Two other patients have received pig heart transplants, but those procedures were unsuccessful as the recipients had died a few weeks later.

In one case, there were signs that the patient’s immune system had rejected the organ, which is a common risk in transplants. (BBC)

Diabetes patients to be offered artificial-pancreas technology

Tens of thousands of people with type 1 diabetes in England are to be offered a new technology, dubbed an artificial pancreas, to help manage the condition.

The system uses a glucose sensor under the skin to automatically calculate how much insulin is delivered via a pump.

Later this month, the NHS will start contacting adults and children who could benefit from the system.

But NHS bosses warned it could take five years before everyone eligible had the opportunity to have one.

This is because of challenges sourcing enough of the devices, plus the need to train more staff in how to use them.

In trials, the technologyknown as a hybrid closed loop system - improved quality of life and reduced the risk of long-term health complications.

And at the end of last year, the National Institute of Health and

The technology automates the release of insulin into the bloodstream

Care Excellence (Nice) said the NHS should start using it.

Nearly 300,000 people in the UK have type 1 diabetes, including about 29,000 children.

It means their pancreas fails to produce insulin, an important hormone that helps turn food into energy.

They have to closely monitor

levels of sugar, or glucose, in the blood and give themselves insulin every day of their lives, via either injections or a pump.

And this new technology does that automatically, virtually mimicking the function of a pancreas - although it still requires information on food intake to be inputted at mealtimes to work accurately.

The new technology is intended to help prevent people with type 1 diabetes experiencing lifethreatening low or high blood glucose levels, which can lead to unconsciousness and can even be fatal.

And it also helps to improve overall blood sugar control, which means the chance of complications - like heart disease, eyesight problems and kidney diseasedecreases.

Scotland is also offering the technology, and Wales and Northern Ireland could soon follow suit.

Gemma Lavery, 38, from Plymouth, who is using the device after being part of an NHS pilot scheme, says it has transformed her life.

“I no longer have to worry about work-related stress affecting my blood-glucose levels, as the closed loop helps to sort this out before it becomes a problem,” she says.

“I can have a full night’s sleep without worrying about regular low glucose levels hindering my morning routine and I have found that my diabetes is more stable.”

‘INCREDIBLY EXCITING’

Prof Partha Kar, NHS national speciality advisor for diabetes, said the move was “great news for everyone with type 1 diabetes”.

“This futuristic technology not only improves medical care but

Slayman (seated) pictured with his partner and team

Science & Technology

Asking yourself Socratic questions can calm your irrational thoughts

Do irrational thoughts sometimes crowd your mind, leaving you feeling worried or maybe even on the verge of a panic attack?

What may calm your nerves is asking yourself a series of questions that challenge those disquieting thoughts’ legitimacy and perspective — this process is known as Socratic questioning. Named after Socrates, the influential Greek philosopher known for asking others questions to help them refine their thinking and arrive closer to the truth, it’s a common technique therapists teach patients in cognitive behavioural therapy.

Restructuring your mindset is important because “the strong influence your thoughts have on your emotions is because you believe the thoughts, not because they are necessarily true,” said Dr. Daniel R. Strunk, a professor of psychology at the Ohio State University, via email.

“So if we allow ourselves to believe upsetting things that aren’t fully true, that makes our emotional life more difficult,” he added.

Though Socratic questioning is a tool used in CBT, you don’t have to have a therapist to practice and benefit from it — but a professional can be helpful for working through

Restructuring your mindset is important

problems and toward goals in a way that’s difficult for many people to do alone, said Dr. James Overholser, a clinical psychologist and professor of depression and suicide at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, via email.

Here’s how to walk through some questions commonly used in the Socratic method. The questions and wording can vary depending on the resource, therapist or

Diabetes patients to be offered artificialpancreas ...

CONTINUED 

also enhances the quality of life for those affected,” he added.

NHS England diabetes clinical director Dr Clare Hambling said the technology “holds the power to redefine the lives” of people with type 1 diabetes.

She added: “Type 1 diabetes is an easily missed diagnosis, so if you are concerned about symptoms - the four ‘T’sgoing to the toilet, passing urine more frequently, with thirst, feeling tired and getting thinner, please come forward for support.”

Diabetes UK chief executive Colette Marshall said: “It’s

incredibly exciting to see this technology being rolled out.

“This really is a landmark moment.”

Nice approved the NHS roll-out of the system last December, with the NHS later setting out a five-year plan for how to provide it for those eligible.

Nice recommends its use for those with type 1 who are in certain categories, including children and under-18s, pregnant women, and those with a HbA1c reading - a way of recording long-term blood sugar levels - of 58 mmol/mol, or 7.5%, or higher. (BBC)

patient’s experience, experts said, but the aim is the same.

WORK THROUGH YOUR PERSONAL PERCEPTIONS

The lesson of Socratic questioning doesn’t suggest that emotional distress is only or always a result of inaccurate perspective — just that this bias can intensify and contribute to the distress, according to Strunk.

Individual subjectivity is why two people experiencing the same challenge can have different emotional experiences and responses — one may feel negative and defeated while the other perceives the situation as an opportunity for personal growth or showing grace.

When you want to apply Socratic questioning to bothersome thoughts or beliefs, start by writing the thought down.

Maybe you’re worried you’re going to embarrass yourself or somehow fail during your upcoming presentation at work.

To better understand the thought and the beliefs underlying it, ask yourself what’s so upsetting about the scenario, Strunk said. Maybe you think people will think you’re incompetent, or that you’ll get fired.

Then consider the first question: What’s the evidence for or against this thought?

Research has shown that people with mental health challenges typically have certain biases and inaccuracies in their ways of thinking, Strunk said — those with depression, for example, may perceive events in

an overly negative manner, while people with anxiety often see threats as more likely and more catastrophic than they actually would be.

“In CBT, clients learn that their thoughts at times of strong emotion are quite important,” Strunk said. “By learning to recognize these thoughts and subject them to careful scrutiny, clients learn a very important coping strategy in managing negative emotions: sizing up their situation accurately rather than accepting their initial views in the heat of the moment without question.”

Recall how often people have been fired for poor presentations before. You might consider what positive feedback your boss or colleagues have given about your contributions in the past, or even ways they have responded to your mistakes.

You might tell yourself, “My co-workers know that I contribute positively at work in lots of ways. I got a good performance review last quarter and Sally just thanked me for helping her so much with the Jones account last week,” Strunk said. “It helps to be specific and make a strong case. You want to look for evidence that would convince you even when you are most pulled into your negative views.”

ADJUST YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Secondly, ask yourself whether there is an alternative way to view the situation.

“Attitude is important in influencing our emotions and

our behaviors,” Overholser said. “We interpret situations, we have expectations for the future, and we have personal views about ourself and our abilities. All of these cognitive factors are central to most aspects of our lives.”

In this case, you might remind yourself that getting nervous before a presentation and the possibility of being evaluated by others is normal, even for seasoned speakers.

Additionally, what would you tell a loved one who came to you with the same thought?

“You might say something like, ‘You know you’re a good employee for them — and they really value your work. Lots of people worry about presentations. You’ll do better than you think,’” Strunk said.

By getting your views in check, Strunk said, you often can undercut the severity of your emotional reactions and then be able to better cope with difficulties.

PRACTICE SOCRATIC QUESTIONS REGULARLY

Other common Socratic questions can include the following, though some may be tailored to a patient’s experience:

• Am I basing this thought on facts or feelings?

• Am I jumping to conclusions or resorting to the worst-case scenario?

• Could I be misinterpreting the evidence? Am I making any assumptions?

• If I look at this situation more positively, how is it different?

• Will this matter a year from now? Five years from now?

• Might other people have different interpretations of this situation?

The therapist resource site Therapist Aid has a free printout with 10 Socratic questions you can use to challenge irrational thoughts. Another way to learn about the approach is by reading the book “Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think” by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky, Strunk recommended.

Practicing the questions also can help you become more mindful overall if you keep at it consistently.

“I’d encourage people trying to learn to re-evaluate their thoughts to experiment with different questions,” Strunk said. “You may find that some (are) particularly effective for you.” (BBC)

Science & Technology

Parkinson’s disease may be helped by GLP-1 drug, new

The booming class of GLP-1 drugs that includes Ozempic and Wegovy is not only effective for diabetes and obesity, but is also showing early potential to help with conditions involving the brain, like mental health disorders, Alzheimer’s, and even, as new study results suggest — Parkinson’s disease.

In a Phase 2 trial, patients with early Parkinson’s disease taking an older GLP-1 diabetes drug called lixisenatide experienced no worsening of motor symptoms over a year, in contrast to patients on placebo who did, according to the study, published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The difference between the groups — as measured by a test looking at someone’s tremors and rigidity — was small, almost but not quite reaching what is deemed to be a clinically significant difference. Still, the authors said they were encouraged that patients on the drug did not get worse, and the findings add to a growing body of research that suggests this class of medications holds potential as a new way of addressing Parkinson’s, a slow-moving, debilitating disorder that currently lacks any treatments that can halt disease progression.

With other drugs in the past, “we had so many positive data from animal models which never translated into the clinic when we tested the hypothesis in the patient,” said Olivier Rascol, one of the principal investigators and a professor at Toulouse University Hospital in France. But with this trial of the GLP-1 drug, “this is

The GLP-1

really a big signal in my view.”

Though the difference seen over one year was small, “the question now would be what would happen if the patients would take this drug for two years or three years or five years? Would there be an additional effect?” said Wassilios Meissner, the other principal investigator and a professor at University Hospital Bordeaux in France. “That is something future trials definitely need to address.”

The data supporting the use of GLP-1 drugs in Parkinson’s extends back several years. In 2017, researchers at University College London reported that Parkinson’s patients on exenatide, the oldest GLP-1 drug, experienced a small improvement in motor symptoms. This group is now running a twoyear Phase 3 trial. In addition, epidemiological data show that the use of GLP-1 drugs and DPP4 inhibitors, a class of drugs that increases levels of the GLP-1 hormone, are linked to a lower rate of Parkinson’s compared with other diabetes treatments.

This new trial enrolled 156 patients across France that were taking stable doses of dopamine therapy for Parkinson’s. The authors chose to test lixisenatide in part because they could more easily obtain the drug, which was made, but now discontinued, by French drugmaker Sanofi. Lixisenatide also appears to be better at getting into the brain compared with newer GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide, the ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, and it’s not known if the newer medications may show the same promise in treating Parkinson’s, they said. Lixisenatide was discontinued after “careful consideration of patient needs and standards of care,” and the decision was not related to any safety concerns, Sanofi said.

The trial was funded by the French Ministry of Health and Prevention and Cure Parkinson’s, a U.K. charity. Sanofi provided the drug and advised researchers on the characteristics of the medication, but otherwise was not involved in

the trial.

Scientists hypothesize that GLP1 drugs may help with Parkinson’s by reducing inflammation and protecting neurons from dying, which — if proven out — would be a critical new way of treating the disease. Parkinson’s is characterized by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons, and while current dopamine-replacement therapies can help alleviate symptoms, they don’t stop the death of neurons and ultimately the worsening of disease.

The study authors said there were some early signs that lixisenatide may be helping protect neurons. At the end of the one-year trial, which showed that patients on placebo worsened by three points on a motor-symptom test while patients on the drug didn’t change, the researchers then had patients go completely off therapy and tested them again two months later. They found that there continued to be a three-point difference between the two groups, suggesting lixisenatide didn’t just mask symptoms, but possibly helped slow disease progression.

The researchers said they focused on motor symptoms because changes in other types of symptoms, like mood, cognition, and pain, are less easily detectable in early stages of the disease.

Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, though, recently conducted a trial with the GLP-1 drug liraglutide and found that patients on the treatment did experience improvements in non-motor symptoms. However,

study finds

this trial was smaller and enrolled patients of varying disease severity, making it hard to compare with the new study, said Michele Tagliati, an author on the liraglutide study and vice chair of neurology at Cedars-Sinai.

Tagliati said he finds the new results “very exciting.” All the growing research looking at GLP1 drugs is important, he said, since “we need mechanisms that go beyond helping the dopamine circuitry.”

Patients in the trial had gastrointestinal side effects that are commonly seen with GLP-1 drugs, like nausea and vomiting. This could be a concern for Parkinson’s patients in particular since they’re older, said David Standaert, chair of neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who wasn’t involved in the study.

None of the major pharma companies in the GLP-1 space, like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, are currently testing the drugs in Parkinson’s, though Novo is running two Phase 3 trials of semaglutide in Alzheimer’s.

It’s not clear if lixisenatide will continue to be available to researchers. Sanofi said “we are pleased to see the positive outcomes of this study,” and “we are open to a discussion with the investigators of the study on providing support for their next phase of research.”

White House wants Moon to have its own time zone

The White House wants US space agency Nasa to develop a new time zone for the Moon - Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC).

Because of the different gravitational field strength on the Moon, time moves quicker there relative to Earth - 58.7 microseconds every day.

This might not seem like much, but it can have a significant impact when trying to synchronise spacecraft.

The US government hopes the new time will help keep national and private efforts to reach the moon co-ordinated.

Prof Catherine Heymans, Scotland’s Astronomer Royal, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “This fundamental theory of gravity in our Universe has an important consequence that time runs differently in different places

in the Universe.

“The gravity on the Moon is slightly weaker and the clocks run differently.”

Time is currently measured on Earth by hundreds of atomic clocks stationed around our planet which measure the changing energy state of atoms to record time to the nanosecond. If they were placed on the Moon, over 50 years they would be running one second faster.

“An atomic clock on the Moon will tick at a different rate than a clock on Earth,” said Kevin Coggins, Nasa’s top communications and navigation official.

“It makes sense that when you go to another body, like the Moon or Mars, that each one gets its own heartbeat,” he said.

But Nasa is not the only one trying to make lunar time a reality.

The European Space Agency has also been developing a new time system for a while. There will need to be agreement between countries

and a centralised co-ordinating body - currently this is done by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures for time on Earth.

At the moment on the International Space Station, Coordinated Universal Time is used because it remains low in orbit. Another element that countries will have to agree on is where the new time frame begins from and to where it extends.

The US wants LTC to be ready by 2026 in time for its manned mission to the Moon.

Artemis-3 will be the first mission to return to the Moon’s surface since Apollo 17 in 1972. It is set to land at the lunar south pole, which is thought to hold vast stores of water-ice in craters that never see sunlight.

Rascol, one of the principal investigators, said the results call out for further study: “It would be very important that Sanofi keeps supporting this kind of initiative and would not abandon the field.” (Statsnews) The

Locating and directing this mission requires extreme precision down to the nanosecond, errors in navigation which could risk spacecraft entering the wrong orbits.

drugs includes Ozempic and Wegovy

Sports International

Saudi Arabia to host the WTA Finals for next three years and provide record prize money

Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals for the next three years and offer record prize money of $15.25m (£12.04m).

The event, featuring the top eight singles players and doubles teams of the year, will be the highest-profile tennis tournament held in the country.

The WTA came close to staging the 2023 Finals in Saudi, before going to Cancun in Mexico.

This year’s Finals will take place from 2 to 9 November in Riyadh.

The Next Gen ATP Finals, which features the best men under 21, was held in Saudi Arabia last year.

Saudi Arabia has been accused of using events to ‘sportswash’ its reputation amid accusations of violating human rights and restricting women’s lives and freedom of speech.

In January, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert said hosting the WTA Tour’s flagship event in the kingdom would be a “step backward” for women’s tennis.

But the WTA chief executive Steve Simon says that by choosing Riyadh, women’s tennis is “supporting significant change being made within the region”.

“The WTA has been breaking down barriers for more than 50 years,” Simon told BBC Sport.

“We want to create more opportunities for women to play tennis at the elite level, and I think by doing this, we believe that we can inspire more women and girls to get involved with the sport.

“We are a global sport. The WTA now has all of these events and people from around the world that do reflect different cultures and systems.”

Poland’s Iga Swiatek won the 2023 WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico

The WTA says it assessed “multiple bids from different regions” and evaluated potential hosts on three criteria, including support for the organisation’s ambition to achieve equal prize money for women.

Prize money will rise to $15.5m (£12.24m) in 2025 and 2026, a significant increase on the $9m (£7.11m) prize fund offered at last year’s heavily criticised Finals.

The WTA has pledged to introduce equal prize money at all bar the smallest events by 2033. By way of comparison, the prize fund at last year’s ATP Finals in Turin was $15m (£11.84m).

WTA ACKNOWLEDGES CHALLENGE OVER CROWDS

Saudi Arabia has hosted exhibition events before - including a match between Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur in December - but had

not staged an official tennis event before last November’s Next Gen ATP Finals.

Even though the country has wider experience in hosting Formula 1, boxing and golf, crowds and atmosphere have often been hard to generate.

Attracting a crowd worthy of the WTA Finals will be a challenge, Simon admits.

“The presentation of the Next Gen event was very strong,” he said.

“Attendance was lighter during the early rounds: it got better for the weekend, which is not uncommon for tennis.

“They do have a lot of experience of putting on world-class events in the region - Formula 1 is a good example - and one of the areas that we will have to work on with them, like we had to in China and in Singapore, is audience delivery. We have shown, with what we did

in Singapore and in China, that we can do that.”

NAVRATILOVA AND EVERT LEAD CRITICISM

Criticism of the long-anticipated move to Saudi Arabia has been led by Navratilova and Evert, who wrote an opinion piece for the Washington Post in January.

“Taking a tournament there would represent a significant step backward, to the detriment not just of women’s sport, but women,” the pair wrote.

Human Rights Watch told the BBC in December that Saudi courts had convicted people for promoting homosexuality online and added “LGBT people in Saudi Arabia have to practise extreme self-censorship to survive their daily lives”.

Daria Kasatkina, who is in a same-sex relationship, is the only top player to have voiced

opposition about a move to Saudi. Jabeur previously said she would be “very excited” to play in the country.

Critics say unprecedented spending on sport has been used to improve the oil-producing kingdom’s reputation over its human rights record and its environmental impact.

But the Saudi government says the investment is boosting the economy, opening it up to tourism and inspiring people to be more active.

“We have had direct discussions with the players, and a couple of the trips we had over there we had some people join us from the LGBTQ+ community,” Simon continued.

“We have also done a lot of research for some of the other sporting events that have been held over there, and they have only had positive experiences within the region.”

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, says the announcement is a significant moment for the country.

“To have a women’s tournament of this magnitude and profile is a defining moment for tennis in Saudi Arabia,” said Al Faisal.

“The WTA Finals has the power to inspire far beyond the sport, especially for our young girls and women.”

Arij Almutabagani, who in 2021 became the first woman elected to run one of the country’s sports federations, said: “Everyone will be made to feel extremely welcome.

LSU basketball star Angel Reese has announced that she is leaving school for the WNBA.

Reese posted the announcement Wednesday on Instagram, and her decision was also detailed in a story in Vogue.

LSU lost to Iowa in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament Monday, a rematch of last year’s national championship game. ESPN, the network that aired Monday’s game, announced Tuesday that it was the most-watched women’s college basketball game in history. “I’ve done everything I wanted

to in college,” Reese said in the Vogue story. “I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten [Southeastern Conference] Player of the Year, I’ve been an AllAmerican. My ultimate goal is to be a pro – and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I’m ready.”

The WNBA draft takes place on April 15. Reese, a 6-foot-3inch forward, is projected in mock drafts to be a top-10 pick.

A year ago, Reese and LSU won the program’s first women’s basketball national championship,

upending Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes in the final, 102-85.

Reese, named last year’s Final Four Most Outstanding Player, famously waved her hand in front of her face toward Clark and then pointed to her ring finger as LSU closed in on the national title, stirring debate about trash talking’s place in the game.

On Monday night in the Elite Eight, Clark and Iowa avenged last year’s loss, beating Reese and LSU 94-87 to advance to the Final Four for the second consecutive season.

Angel Reese played her final game for the LSU Tigers against the Iowa Hawkeyes

Sports International

Paris 2024: Russia seeking to undermine Games, says Emmanuel Macron

Russia is running a disinformation campaign to undermine the Paris Olympics, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.

At the inauguration of a new Olympic swimming centre, reporters asked if he thought Russia was targeting the Games.

“Without a doubt,” he said, “including in the field of information.

“Every day (Russia) is putting out stories saying that we are unable to do this or that, so (the Games) would be at risk.”

The French government says Russia has recently stepped up propaganda attacks on France, using fake accounts on social media to spread rumours and disinformation.

It follows Mr Macron’s switch to a more hard-line policy on the Ukraine war, to which he no longer refuses to rule out eventually sending French troops on the side of Kyiv.

France believes Russian intelligence was behind the daubing

of Israeli Stars of David on Paris walls after the October 7 Hamas attacks, in what was interpreted as a bid to stir up divisions in France.

A network of Russian-created websites named Portal Kombat is accused of spreading made-up stories, such as claims that French mercenaries are already serving in Ukraine, or that Mr Macron cancelled a trip to Kyiv because of fears of an assassination attempt.

After the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack near Moscow, the French and Russian defence ministers had a rare telephone exchange on Wednesday.

According to Mr Macron, this was because France had intelligence information that could help the Russians know more about the alleged attackers, from the Afghan section of the Islamic State group.

In his account of their conversation, French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said he told his counterpart Sergei Shoigu that France was concerned about Russian claims that Kyiv was

behind the Crocus City Hall attack - claims for which France said there was no evidence.

But in his account of the phone call, Mr Shoigu said: “The Kyiv regime does nothing without the approval of its western minders. We hope that in the case (of the Crocus City Hall attack) the French secret services are not involved.”

Asked about Mr Shoigu’s remarks on Thursday, Mr Macron said they were “bizarre and menacing … ridiculous.”

Stokes asks to not be considered for T20 World Cup

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has asked to not be considered for selection for this summer’s T20 World Cup to focus on his fitness. Stokes says he wants to use the break to ensure he can be “the allrounder I want to be” across all formats.

He had knee surgery over the winter and bowled just five overs during the recent five-Test series in India.

The England Test captain, 32, has already opted out of the Indian Premier League, which began last month.

England are defending

champions in the T20 World Cup, which takes place in the West Indies and United States in June.

That tournament is followed by home Test series for England against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, before a T20 and one-day series against Australia in September.

Stokes said: “Opting out of the IPL and the World Cup will hopefully be a sacrifice that allows me to be the all-rounder I want to be for the foreseeable future.

“The recent Test tour of India highlighted how far behind I was from a bowling point of view after my knee surgery and nine months

without bowling.

“I’m looking forward to playing for Durham in the County Championship before the start of our Test summer.”

Stokes has had a long-term injury in his left knee, which has often prevented him from bowling.

He did not bowl in the final three Ashes Tests against Australia last summer and played as a specialist batter in the 50-over World Cup in India in October and November.

The all-rounder had surgery after that tournament and recovered in time to captain the Test team in India earlier this year.

The president confirmed for the first time that there are alternative plans for the Olympics opening ceremony in July, if the terrorist threat worsens.

Currently the 26 July ceremony is supposed to take place on boats in the river Seine, with more than 300,000 people watching from the quays. However experts have warned that the occasion is highly vulnerable to terrorist attack.

College Player of the Year

Iowa Hawkeyes superstar guard

Caitlin Clark has been rewarded for her historic season by being named the winner of the Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year Award for a second consecutive season.

Clark led Division I in scoring with 32.0 points per game and in assists with 9.0 per contest. In March, she became the NCAA Division-I all-time leading scorer for men’s and women’s basketball, passing Hall of Famer “Pistol” Pete Maravich. She also set the record this year for most points in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball season.

“I think it’s been a special year for women’s basketball, so to win

this award is really special,” Clark said Wednesday.

Clark is the first women’s player to win the honour in back-to-back years since Connecticut’s Breanna Stewart, who won three consecutive awards from 2014 to 2016.

The 22-year-old Clark has also propelled the Hawkeyes to the Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season and likely will be the first selection in the WNBA draft in 12 days.

Iowa beat the LSU Tigers 9487 on Monday in a rematch of last year’s national championship game, with the sequel being the most watched women’s college basketball game ever, according to ESPN.

In March, Caitlin Clark became the NCAA Division-I alltime leading scorer for men’s and women’s basketball Clark named Naismith Women’s

Ben Stokes (centre) hit the winning runs as England won the T20 World Cup for a second time in 2022

President Macron and other officials watch synchronised swimmers at the inauguration of the Olympic Aquatics Centre

Sports International

Nadal pulls out of Monte Carlo Masters saying body not up to it

Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the Monte Carlo Masters, saying his body “simply won’t allow” him to play in the tournament, which starts on Sunday.

Nadal, 37, made his longawaited return at January’s Brisbane International after almost a year out with injury.

But the Spaniard injured a hip, which ruled him out of the Australian Open and has kept him sidelined ever since.

“You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events,” Nadal posted on X., external

After pulling out of Indian Wells last month and the Qatar Open before that, it was hoped 22time Grand Slam champion Nadal would return to the court in Monte Carlo on his favoured clay surface.

“These are very difficult moments for me, sporting wise,” he said. “Unfortunately I have to

tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me.

“And even if I am working hard & making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can’t play today.

“The only thing I can do is to accept the situation and try to look at the immediate future keeping the excitement and will to play in order to give me a chance for things to get better.”

In May last year, after being forced to miss the French Open for the first time in 19 years, Nadal said 2024 would “probably” be the final year of his career.

Missing the start of the claycourt season is the latest setback to his hopes of pursuing a 15th French Open title with the major beginning on 20 May. (BBC)

Boston Celtics beat Oklahoma City Thunder to secure top spot

The Boston Celtics secured the top seed place in the NBA with six games left to play, ensuring home court advantage for the play-offs.

The Celtics beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 135100 on Wednesday, with Kristaps Porzingis scoring 27 points and 12 rebounds.

Their record this season, the best in the NBA, is 60 wins and 16 losses.

The Eastern Conference Atlantic side are seeking a record 18th title, with their most recent win coming in 2008.

Jayson Tatum also added 24 points and Jaylen Brown managed

Rashee Rice: Super Bowl champion admits role in Texas hit-and-run

NFL star Rashee Rice has apologised for his role in a hit-andrun crash on Saturday that left two people injured.

“I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to co-operate with the necessary authorities,” he posted on Wednesday.

Police in Dallas, Texas, say two speeding cars, a Lamborghini and Corvette, caused “a chain reaction collision” that damaged four more cars.

The Lamborghini and Corvette occupants left the scene, police say.

“The occupants of the Lamborghini and the Corvette all ran from the scene without stopping to determine if anyone needed medical help or providing their information,” Dallas police said in a statement sent to the BBC.

In his short Instagram post, Rashee Rice, a 23-year-old wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, said he had met with Dallas investigators earlier on Wednesday.

“I sincerely apologise to everyone impacted in Saturday’s accident,” he added.

His lawyer, Royce West, on Monday told ESPN: “On behalf of Rashee Rice, his thoughts are with everyone impacted by the automobile accident on Saturday.

“Rashee is co-operating with local authorities and will take all necessary steps to address this situation responsibly.”

Citing unnamed officials, the Dallas Morning News on Monday reported that the Corvette was registered or leased to the Kansas

Rashee Rice is a 23-year-old wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs

City Chiefs wide receiver.

Dashcam footage from another motorist appears to show the moment of the collision. The video shows two vehicles speeding ahead of the motorist, losing control and crashing into several more cars which then also spin out of control on the motorway.

Dallas police would not confirm to the BBC whether the American football player was among those involved in the crash, citing the ongoing investigation.

On Monday, Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan said during a radio interview with local station KCMO: “In all these situations you have to wait until you have all the facts and frankly, we don’t have all the facts at this point.

“We’ll get to the bottom of it, we’ll gather the facts and we’ll react accordingly,” he added.

Two drivers were treated at the scene for minor injuries and two motorists in another vehicle were taken to a local hospital.

“No one stopped,” Kayla Quinn, who said her car was damaged in the crash, told the Dallas Morning News.

Marc Lenahan, a personal injury attorney who represents a victim of the crash, told the BBC his firm’s research links the Corvette to Rashee Rice and the Lamborghini to a local luxury car rental service.

Mr Rice, who is from the Dallas area, was drafted to the NFL last year and played in the Chiefs’ second consecutive Super Bowl victory in February. (BBC)

23, pleasing the Celtics’ home fans after 13 days on the road.

For the Thunder, Josh Giddey scored a team-high 17 points, Luguentz Dort added 15 and Chet Holmgren finished with 11 points and seven rebounds.

They struggled without their season’s top scorers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, who were both missing through injury.

Elsewhere, the Toronto Raptors suffered their 15th straight defeat, losing 133-85 to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Anthony Edwards starred with 28 points for the Timberwolves,

Boston Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis has scored at least 17 points in each of his last 13 games

supported by Naz Reid (23) while Rudy Gobert scored 11 points and 15 rebounds.

The result takes the Timberwolves narrowly to the top of the Western Conference table.

The Milwaukee Bucks lost 111101 to the Memphis Grizzlies as their injury struggles continued, playing without Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton and Patrick Beverley.

Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo stepped up in their absence, with the former scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds and the latter adding 21 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

Rafael Nadal played an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz last month

Sports National

Coach Williams satisfied with performance of TCI swimmers at CARIFTA

Although TCI did not medal at the 2024 CARIFTA Aquatic Championships, which was held in the Bahamas over the weekend, Head Coach of the side, Benneth Williams is satisfied that our swimmers give their all in the pool and in open water.

The event pitted the best youth swimmers in the region against TCI’s youngsters who are rapidly growing in the sport.

Leading the charge this year was Jayden Davis, who made three

finals in the competition.

He battled through the preliminary rounds and made the finals in the 50m fly, the 100m fly and the 100m free.

Benneth said “It was an inspiring showcase of talent and dedication, with swimmers across the 11 to 12, 13 to 14, and 15 to 17 age groups achieving personal best times.”

Benneth also credited the performance of Tajhari Williams, who competed in the Open Water Swim meet.

“In the challenging 5k event for those aged 14 and over, Williams showcased his exceptional talent, crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 57.04 seconds, securing a commendable 12th place. Not only did Williams demonstrate his skill and endurance, but he also achieved a remarkable improvement of -1 minute and 56.06 seconds from his previous performance.”

Benneth Williams added that he and Assistant Coach Lenin

Hamilton were satisfied with the hard work of the swimmers.

“The CARIFTA 2024 Games served as a platform for our athletes to demonstrate their skills on an international stage, and they

did so with excellence. Here’s to continued success and growth in the world of swimming for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Sixteen swimmers represented TCI in the championships.

John attends FIFA’s Integrity Summit in Singapore

TCIFA’s appointed integrity officer, Sabuton John benefitted from FIFA’s inaugural Integrity Summit in Singapore this week.

The summit convened distinguished speakers from FIFA, CAS, and experts who engaged in the battle against match-fixing while fostering a platform for knowledge exchange.

It provided integrity officers with updates on global integrity trends, shared best practices, introduced the new FIFA Integrity Handbook

and Education Roadmap, and delved into significant decisions made by FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding match manipulation.

According to a release from the TCIFA, John’s unique blend of expertise in football and law enforcement has positioned him as a key figure at the FA.

“As the Integrity Officer, he ensures that all matches, both locally and internationally, adhere to the highest standards of fairness and sportsmanship. Simultaneously, his role as an

inspector in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force showcases his commitment to upholding law and order in the community. His dedication to justice and his unwavering sense of duty have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the residents of the islands alike.”

Meanwhile, John noted that he was humbled to represent the FA at the first integrity summit and promised to use the information garnered to advance TCI football.

Sabuton John attended the summit this week

Coach Williams (left) and Coach Hamilton (right) with the swimmers in the Bahamas

Coach Benneth Williams and Tajhari Williams at the Open Water Swim meet

Sports National

BRONZE MEDAL AND NATIONAL RECORD FOR TCI ATHLETES AT CARIFTA

The Turks and Caicos Islands junior athletes walked away with a bronze medal, a new youth national record, personal best performances and several top-five finishes in this year’s CARIFTA Games, which was held at Kirani James Athletic Stadium in Grenada.

Antwon Walkin, who captained Kingston College to their 35th title at the ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championship last week was able to secure third place in the Boys U20 discus (1.75kg) with a 52.77m throw.

Jamaican Shaquan Selbourne and Chad Hendricks finished first and second in the event.

Meanwhile, the team of Ali Eliasu, Love Joseph, Daens Saint Hilaire and Rayvon Black powered themselves to a 4X400m U17 national record, after they clocked

3:29.08s to eclipse the time of 3:36.54 made at CARIFTA 2017.

Although the record and medal were the high points, TCI had several other outstanding performances at the Games.

Antwon’s twin brother, Rayvon Walkin, who finished second in the decathlon at Champs, opted to compete in the eight-event octathlon and missed the medal podium by just a hundred points.

He had solid competition from fellow TCI athlete Melique Evans.

Rayvon, who endured several injuries throughout the event, had stayed in podium position for a while. He won the 110m hurdles in a time of 14.42, finished second in the long jump (6.57m) and third in the 100m in 11.26s.

He also placed sixth in the shot put (11.03m), seventh in

the Javelin (39.28m), 10th in the 400m (52.08s), 11th in the high jump, and 13th in the 1500m for a combined score of 5,071 points, while Evans, who bested Rayvon in the 1500m, the 400m and the high jump (second overall with a 1.91m jump), finished with a total of 4,634 points.

In the Girls’ Heptathlon (seven events), Irener Moline finished fifth overall with 3282 points. She placed third in the javelin (28.08m), fifth in the long jump (4.85m), fifth in the high jump (1.51m) and 6th in the 100m hurdles (18.48s).

Tanesia Gardiner also looked solid in her 3000m race in the U20 Girls, but she missed the podium by less than two seconds. Her 10:38.66, fell just short of Guyana’s Attoya Harvey’s thirdplace finish of 10:36.59.

Antwon Walkin won the lone medal for the TCI at this year’s event

Daens Saint Hilaire, Ali Elisau, Love Joseph and Rayvon Black are the new national U17 4X400m record holders

Chloe Jennings ran the 100m and 200m in the U17 division

Tanesia Gardiner was just short of bronze in the 3000m

Rayvon Walkin finished just 100 points short of the podium