TC Weekly News April 8 - 14, 2023

Salt Cay native Adderly Selver is the new Fire Chief

Veteran fireman, Adderly Selver has advanced to the post of Chief Fire Officer of the Department of Fire and Safety within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Selver has over 37 years of experience in Fire Safety and Protection, having begun his career with the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service as a fireman in 1985.

Commenting on his appointment, Selver expressed thanks to the public service for the opportunity to advance to the post of Chief Fire Officer and to continue to be of service to the TCI with “great gratitude and pride”.

“An extensive portion of my life has been dedicated to protecting the residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands and I will continue to demonstrate my expertise with pride and dignity.

“My profound thanks to God, my family, most especially my children, my friends, colleagues, and the community for your continuous support. I look forward to serving my country in this new role,” Fire Chief Selver stated.

Governor (acting), and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency

Anya Williams in extending congratulatory remarks stated: “Mr Selver having completed extensive training in fire and safety and with over thirty years of dedicated service in this profession, is well equipped for the role of Chief Fire Officer.

“We wish him well on his promotion and look forward to supporting the work of this vital department going forward.”

Williams also expressed thanks

and appreciation to former Chief Fire Officer Carlton Jennings for his decades of service to the Fire and Safety Department and Turks and Caicos Islands, wishing him well on his retirement from the public service.

A WELL-EXPERIENCED FIRE CHIEF

Having joined the public service as a fireman in 1985, Selver was later promoted to leading fireman in 1999, then in 2001 to the post of sub-officer; in 2005 to station officer and from 2006 to 2012 he served in the post of divisional officer.

In 2012 he transitioned to the TCI Airports Authority as station manager and was later promoted to the post of Training Manager from 2018 to 2023, becoming the first local to hold that position.

Selver has also acted as Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Fire Service Manager at TCIAA on numerous occasions.

HIS DEDICATION TO HIS CAREER IS APPARENT IN HIS EXTENSIVE TRAINING:

▪ Level 3 Award I Education and Training (QRF) Online 2022

▪ Supervisory RevalidationInternational Fire Training College (November 2021) U.K

▪ Fire Instructor 1 Revalidation

- Divisional State Fire Marshal (2016) (2020)

▪ Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (QCF)-2016.

▪ Compartment Fire Instructor

– 2016 (Devon and Somerset)

U.K

▪ Breathing Apparatus Instructor

– 2016 (Devon and Somerset)

U.K

▪ FFP 2740 – Fire Service Course Designing – Florida State College 2016

▪ FFP 1790 – Fire Service Course Delivery – Florida State College

2016

▪ Emergency Response Driving Instructor Course - 2016

▪ Supervisory InitialInternational Training Fire College 2016

▪ Incident Command Management Bronze - Peter Stanley 2015

▪ Managing Safety - Institute of Occupations Safety and Health 2014

▪ CMD-110 Incident Commander System Level 100 - 2014

▪ National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Workshop (Rac/RempeticCaribe) – 2012 Providenciales.

▪ Emergency Telecommunication Course - Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency 2005

▪ Road Traffic Accident Extrication Technician - Turks & Caicos Fire Service/ London Fire Brigade 2005

▪ Watch Commander Initial Course - International Fire Training Centre England 2004

▪ BAA Junior Officer’s Course - Providenciales International Airport 2002

▪ Junior Officer’s Course -

International Fire Training Centre England 1999

▪ Basic Aerodrome Fire Fighting

Course - Canadian Forces Air Academy 1987 (Toronto Canada)

TCI ensures ‘Health for All” this World Health Day

April 7 is World Health Day, a day that the World Health Organization calls for ‘health for all’ and a renewed drive for healthy equity where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health.

Hon Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services, said: “As Minister of Health, I wish to assure everyone that the Ministry is fully committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all Turks and Caicos Islands residents and visitors.

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Turks and Caicos Islands has joined with WHO in observing the day which is in its seventh year.

It is a day dedicated to emphasising the importance of achieving universal health coverage, strengthening primary health care and envisioning good health for a fulfilling life in a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world for all persons.

Commenting on this year’s World Health Day campaign,

“The Ministry is laying the foundation for adapting health in all policies across all sectors, which aligns with our vision of a healthier and empowered people throughout the life cycle in communities conducive to healthy living.”

He said the Ministry is aware that health systems - powered by a primary health care approachare the most effective and costeffective way to bring services for health and well-being closer to people.

In addition, the Ministry is committed to providing accessible, equitable, and quality health services to everyone and continues to work towards improving the TCI’s health systems by increasing the availability of health services and promoting healthy living through health education programs.

Therefore, to ensure healthier lifestyles for all, the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit will continue to educate the Turks and Caicos Islands community on important health topics and issues, Malcolm stated.

“Let us strive towards making health a reality for all as the right to health is a basic human right.”

Fire Chief, Adderly Selver (TCIG photo)

TCI records 19% increase in international arrivals for 2023 –

Spring and summer demands to surpass pre-pandemic numbers

Turks and Caicos Islands is among the top destinations that have seen significant growth in international travel numbers in the first two months of 2023, up one per cent from 2019 figures.

ForwardKeys’ latest research reveals that destinations across the Caribbean are experiencing continued growth in 2023.

“International arrivals to the region are up by 1% on 2019 figures during the first half of the year,” the data agency revealed in a statement on March 28.

The US Virgin Islands is once more the top-performing destination welcoming 23% more international arrivals than in the same period in 2019. It is followed by Turks and Caicos Islands with 19%, Saint Maarten +14% and Guadeloupe 13%.

One of the key trends pushing for this notable growth is the increase in travellers from South America. Top growing international markets to the Caribbean include Colombia

53%, Peru 31%, Argentina 18% and Brazil 16%, all posting doubledigit growth on pre-pandemic visitor levels.

Olivier Ponti, VP of Insights at ForwardKeys said: “Limited air capacity, however, remains one of the main impending aspects of growth in some emerging markets for the Caribbean.”

Miami is no longer the desired gateway to the Caribbean for South American travellers.

“Whilst avid US travellers keen to enjoy the wonders of the Caribbean have a vast choice of flights from mainland USA to most Caribbean tourism hotspots, travellers from South America usually must connect in regional hubs to get to their destination of choice,” Ponti said.

In this context, ForwardKeys has uncovered the growth of Panama City as a gateway to the Caribbean for trips from South America. Miami is, on the contrary, losing its market share,” Ponti adds.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has applauded Caribbean tourism stakeholders for their exceptional efforts in leading the global travel rebound this year.

In contrast, Europe is registering a 25 per cent lag, while AsiaPacific is 54 per cent behind, with their total international inbound trailing by 31 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.

“These are impressive results for our region,” CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig said, while expressing her gratitude for the

close collaboration and smart partnerships between health organisations, hospitality leaders, businesses, governments, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, airlines, and the hard-working staff in the visitor industry that helped to achieve such a strong recovery.

The CHTA welcomes the increase in the international markets to the region from South America, stating that Curaçao, Jamaica and Aruba have seen the greatest increases in business from Argentina.

The CHTA said the data shows

that demand for spring and summer travel to the Caribbean is expected to surpass 2019 levels, with spring arrivals projected to exceed 2019 figures by 20 per cent and summer arrivals set to eclipse pre-pandemic records by 48 per cent.

The CHTA President has offered words of encouragement to Caribbean tourism stakeholders, emphasising the importance of continuing to pursue cooperative efforts and dedication to strengthening the region’s crucial tourism industry.

(DELANA ISLES)

Security Council scrutinise report findings on root causes of serious crime

The Helena Kennedy Centre (HKC) for International Justice, at Sheffield Hallam University, recently submitted findings on the root causes of crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands to the National Security Council.

This is according to the statement from the NSC following their March 24 meeting, the last one attended by now-former Governor Nigel Dakin.

The statement noted that HKC, supported by TCI’s Statistics Department, ran surveys across TCI to understand public perceptions, challenges, and opportunities. These key findings will be used to inform future Government policy planning.

In their research, the Centre

examined the root causes and drivers of serious crime in the TCI.

No details were revealed as to the Centre’s results, although members were briefed on the findings by a representative.

Meanwhile, Salt Cay now has a police presence.

The statement from the Council stated that a Royal TCI Police Force officer was deployed to the sister island at the end of March.

This update was brought to the Council by the Deputy Commissioner who also briefed members on several other security matters, among them the state of crime across TCI.

The Deputy Commissioner revealed to the body that officers are engaged in three homicides

committed so far in 2023 and that the tactical team continues its operations to clamp down on illegal firearms.

The Deputy also told the Council that the Force is increasing patrols in affected areas.

Meanwhile, the force is looking to recruit more tactical and maritime officers. A time frame has not been given.

The NSC was also updated on the Northern Caribbean Security Summit 2023 (OPBAT) held in Miami, attended by the Governor and members of the Ministry of Immigration.

It was noted that the conference helped re-energise the relationship between the US, Bahamas, and TCI on OPBAT, provided a gap analysis

to help enhance TCI’s border security capabilities, and offered intelligence sharing between partner agencies and efforts to tackle criminal people trafficking networks.

The Department for Disaster Management and Emergency provided an update on their plans for the Providenciales site accommodation, future centralised budget, the national security secretariat’s responsibilities for establishing the NEOC and callout procedures at times of crisis.

The Security Secretariat meanwhile briefed members on their finalisation of shutdown regulations during times of emergencies.

The Council also credited the former Governor for his leadership

and commitment to the TCI’s national security, and his drive to establish the NSS and NSC.

In attendance at the March 24 meeting were Hon Premier Charles Washington Misick, who co-chaired the meeting with the then-outgoing Governor in Providenciales.

Also, in attendance were, HE Deputy Governor; the Hon Deputy Premier; the Hon Attorney General; the National Security Secretariat (NSS) Permanent Secretary; NSS Deputy Permanent Secretary and the National Security Threats Lead and the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), who represented the Commissioner who was out of the country.

ForwardKeys’ latest research reveals that destinations across the Caribbean are experiencing continued growth in 2023.

GOVERNOR DAKIN’S IMPACT

Governor Nigel Dakin, one of the TCI’s longest-serving Governors, ended his tenure in the islands last Wednesday at a special service at St Monica’s Anglican Church in Providenciales.

Describing his last days in the territory, the now former Governor recalled that he spent the days following his last Cabinet meeting in video conference with a strong US and TCI delegation working through contingencies linked to Haiti’s continued deterioration.

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

Governor Dakin introduced a number of “firsts” in the territory and many describe his tenure here as “most eventful”. What are your thoughts?

One of the worst

Ric Todd was perhaps the worst governor in TCI’s history and Nigel Dakin ranked second. Dakin was good at double-speaking, ambiguous messages, possessed more say than elected ministers and an expert in triangulation. “Usually”, and that is a strong word given the context. Governors are restricted to defence, international affairs, the police and to some extent the public service, as areas of direct responsibility.

This belated and former Governor Dakin, used his office to wade into ministerial territory, especially into the Immigration Portfolio. Oddly enough it appears as if he was welcome to try and strong-arm the Turks & Caicos Islander status commission and to fight for the rights of expats to get TCI status (“Belongership”).

Persons who understand how constitutional arrangements work were shocked and surprised that this Government didn’t call him out or publicly admonish him to “back off”. He was free to micromanage the Government and do what he liked. Someone with the experience of this Premier should have taken the chance to blast him in public.

His information that he “spent the days following his last Cabinet meeting in video conference with a strong US and TCI delegation working through contingencies linked to Haiti’s continued deterioration” should have been his only while functioning as Governor. Instead, he acted as premier. He employed his office to lobby, like a street politician, cajole local stakeholders into giving scholarships, etc for Haitian students from high school through university.

Nonetheless, it seemed they, i.e. Ministers, were all comfortable with his tenure and

the things he did to undermine them and the mission to serve the people. There was very little in the nature of exposure, public outcries on the part of ministers. Perhaps there was a tacit agreement to let them get away with certain things and the Governor remain free to function as “Minister at large”. His actions as Governor were a setback for the advancement of the constitution and the welfare of the native TCIslander.

The Governor we needed

Governor Dakin was criticised by some, but in all fairness from the pandemic to the surge in crime, he was the Governor we needed at the time.

He made strategic decisions, he was able to help reach across the board and he did so for the benefit of us all.

So overall, I would give him an A-.

Short in stature

The kindest comparison that may be made to former Governor Dakin, is Napoleon.

“Hitler” may be going too far but in that light, he was adept at social engineering and trying to reset TCI public policy in favour of the Haitian and Dominican communities.

The appointment of persons native to the Dominican Republic and Haiti sent a message to those illegal migrant communities that “this was their time”. As usual, it gave rise to the typical threeweek grumbling in the TCI and the issue was over and now it is a non-issue. There

are various instances where high-level appointments of this nature would be taken from migrant communities and especially those communities which are largely illegal.

This was a major mistake and calculation on the part of the former Governor in his agenda to “widen the franchise”. In so doing, he took his agenda to the level of representation. Native Turks & Caicos Islanders quite naturally felt insulted and apprehended the fear that the plan to replace the native is well afoot.

All of this was sped up by the connivance of the Governor and the silence of the Lambs in the TCI political community. Silence has a price and the expectation is that in exchange for the silence of the Government, they will obtain the votes of the illegal migrant communities.

A good job

Dakin was really excellent and the islands advanced under his watch. Let’s hope the next governor can do well.

The replacement agenda

During the Governor’s tenure, the TCI had seen a system where anybody but the Turks & Caicos Islander is promoted and advanced in the TCI Public service.

It is as if the TCI Public Service Commission is a recruiting agency for the unemployed in the Region and the rest of the world. It represented and highlighted the policy of the former Governor to replace the Native TC Islander.

This replacement agenda is seen throughout the TCI and Governor Dakin implemented it well. Under his watch as Governor, crime skyrocketed, making the TCI comparable to some of the worst places

in the world to visit. Very few natives had confidence in him and saw him as there to represent the “others”. Four years were too long for any Governor and hopefully, the next one will not be allowed to stay so long. When it comes to ministerial portfolios, Governors need to be silent but not Dakin. He was all over the place and in the affairs of ministers.

He did very little for defence as the islands saw a greater influx of illegal migrants from Haiti during his tenure. Given the situation, a serious Governor would have sought aid in the form of vessels from the UK, Bahamas, Canada and CARICOM. That was part of his role but he kept it ‘local’ and in the affairs of ministers. It was long overdue but it was time for him to go.

A villain or a hero

Depending on whom you ask, the former Governor was either a villain for being too hands-on and somewhat pro-immigrant or a hero for fighting for all the people living in the Turks and Caicos.

His relationship with the premier should be lauded because being at loggerheads would have had serious implications, and so too should his strong-handed approaches when they were necessary.

Governor Dakin was not the worst Governor the TCI had, nor was he the best, but under those extenuating circumstances, he did a relatively good job.

FORMER GOVERNOR NIGEL DAKIN

Over 24 acres of private land cleared after mass demolition in Provo

A staggering 37 informal structures were demolished in the Lower Bight and Five Cays, Providenciales last week, freeing up over 24 acres of private land.

The massive demolition exercise which drew mixed reactions from residents saw 35 illegal structures believed to be occupied by some 140 persons in the Bight and 2 unoccupied buildings in Five Cays reduced to rubble.

The newly established Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) in a postoperations statement issued on Friday, March 31, explained that the containment activities were undertaken in the Bight and Five Cays, Providenciales on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th of March, 2023.

In a synopsis of the operations, the ISU explained that during the demolition in the Bight, representatives from the ISU Working Group, the Ministry

of Planning and Infrastructure, the Human Rights Commission, the Fire Department, the Police, the electricity and water utility providers, Social Services were on site to witness the demolition.

“The containment activities took place on parcel 60802/17, (24 acres) The Bight and Thomas Stubbs whose lands are privately owned and from which a total of 35 illegal structures were safely cleared. It is believed that the structures had been occupied by a total of 140 persons

“The proprietor’s representative of this privately owned land was also present for the exercise and was fully cooperative and supportive of activities being carried out by the ISU. Indeed, the owners had reached out to the Department of Planning to assist in the demolition procedures and the clearing of their properties.”

The Unit stressed that there were

“no unexpected developments on the morning of the exercise” and all activities proceeded as planned.

“The physical safety of all involved and the protection of the rights of those affected being primary concerns”, the ISU stated.

Similarly, in Five Cays, personnel from the Crown Land Unit, Officers from the RTCIPF, Personnel from the Department of Planning, Environmental Health Department and from Fortis TCI were present on the site.

“The containment activities took place on parcels 60606/217 and 210. These parcels are all owned by the crown.

“The illegal construction comprised two unoccupied

concrete buildings, one constructed up to belt beam and the other partially completed with a zinc roof.”

The Unit further explained that despite checks having been made up to a day before the exercise, it was determined that the structures remained unoccupied, However, on the morning of the planned demolition, a man calling himself a “caretaker” was encountered.

The ISU said: “The individual was found to be occupying a detached wooden structure at the rear of the concrete building located on parcel 60606/210.

“The individual was warned that he would be served with a notice to

vacate the property.

“The operation proceeded with the demolition of the unoccupied concrete building.”

The ISU reminded residents that the proliferation of informal construction and the development of informal settlements will not be allowed.

“ISU communications personnel monitoring public comment have been encouraged by the generally positive reception of these activities, and are grateful for the support.

“Nevertheless, video and still images of the demolition in progress are heart-breaking and the ISU renews its plea to residents to disengage with this practice.”

The Bight 60802/17(Private Land) Aerial footage of the site morning before demolition began

The Bight 60802/17(Private Land) Aerial footage Showing site after Demolition

Five Cays 60606/210 and 60606/17 (Crown Land) Showing before Demolition

CIBC FirstCaribbean closes Grace Bay branch – Leeward Highway gets an “ultra-modern” revamp

CIBC FirstCaribbean has permanently closed its Grace Bay branch in Providenciales and unveiled its refurbished, ultra-modern branch on Leeward Highway.

CIBC Grace Bay branch officially ceased all banking operations Friday, March 31, 2023.

For over three years, service at the branch was discontinued for retail clients and since then, Leeward Highway has served as the new base for them.

In keeping with this, all CIBC banking services will now be channelled to the “revitalised branch on Leeward Highway, which features a new-look design that embraces the bank’s goal to deliver “next-generation, digitised consumer financial services to its clients to ensure it remains competitive and relevant in the fast-emerging digital world”, the bank said in an invited statement.

In an effort to reduce the burden on customers, the bank has started

to educate them on its alternative services where they can continue to perform many of the transactions they traditionally do within the branch.

It emphasised that clients can also continue to access ABM services at its remote ABM at Graceway Gourmet Supermarket for cash withdrawals.

Country Head Terrance Gibson in a statement on Tuesday, April 4, explained that the new branch upgrades are another demonstration of the bank’s commitment to its clients and the continuing modernisation of its branch network across the region to meet changing banking needs.

Managing Director of the Bahamas Operating Company, under which TCI falls, Dr Jacqui Bend said the re-equipped branch was part of the bank’s “ongoing effort to improve on our delivery of superior service to our clients”.

“CIBC FirstCaribbean is continuing to work on a number

of initiatives aimed at improving the processes and technologies that our teams use to support our clients and employees alike.

“We have committed further investments in simplification, automation, and security across our bank and, as always, our clients will be the beneficiaries of this renewed effort,” Dr Bend noted.

He said that it is part of the bank’s overall plan to reconfigure and improve its network to provide better service for clients and position itself for the future.

“While there may be a few teething issues being encountered while our teams and clients adjust to their new surroundings,

our teams are working with an ‘all hands on deck approach’ to expedite service to our clients.

“We are excited about the new possibilities being afforded and continuing the relationship we have built with our clients.

As part of the upgrades, customers will benefit from a host of new features including fully automated cash handling services through an expanded fleet of Smart ABMs to facilitate cash dispensing, credit card bill payments, cheque deposits and more.

Plans are also in the pipeline to introduce more digital services to CIBC clients in the near future.

Corporate clients will soon have an additional facility for making bulk deposits with a second Night Deposit drop box that is being installed for depositing daily cash and cheques outside of regular banking hours.

CIBC FirstCaribbean offers a full range of market-leading financial services through Corporate and Investment Banking, Retail and Business Banking and Wealth Management segments.

FirstCaribbean is located in over a dozen countries around the Caribbean and provides banking services through approximately 2,700 employees in 54 branches and offices.

CIBC Staff

CIBC FirstCaribbean Leeward Highway, TCI (CIBC Photo )

One suspect arrested for arson at Aziza bar

Bernard Miguel Colebrooke of Five Cays has been arrested and charged with setting fire to the popular hangout spot, Aziza Bar, Restaurant and Lounge last year.

The 34-year-old accused is charged with two counts of setting fire to buildings and one count of malicious injury to property. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of August

30, 2022, when Colebrooke and another man (unknown to police) illegally entered the closed establishment, and poured petrol on the bar, chairs and tables.

Following inquiries by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Colebrooke was recently arrested. He is expected to appear before a Magistrate on April 24.

Bahamian man arrested with gun and illegal drugs

A routine patrol in the wee hours of Tuesday morning led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Bahamian man.

Police reported that at about 12:50 am on April 4, two officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force arrested a man who had in his possession an illegal firearm, ammunition and a quantity of cocaine and other illegal drugs.

The police officers were conducting a routine patrol in the Five Cays community, in the vicinity of Noah’s Bar, when they had cause to stop a Honda Accord vehicle driven by the man.

While searching the vehicle, officers found a firearm and drugs.

The suspect was arrested and is expected to be charged later this week.

US tourist stabbed by Haitian national in Grace Bay, TCI

Santos Charles, a 35-year-old Haitian national was arrested by police on Sunday morning for stabbing an American tourist in Grace Bay, Providenciales.

The serious incident occurred around 8.05 am, April 02, 2023, in the vicinity of Salt Mills, Grace Bay, where a 48-year-old United States tourist was wounded.

Videos and images captured by onlookers showed a white car stationary in the middle of the street in Grace Bay, with the visiting tourist who was the occupant of that vehicle.

Superintendent Dwight Gardiner, Community Policing and Divisions, commended the cops on the arrest, and their continued commitment of ridding the streets of Turks and Caicos of illegal firearms.

“I wish to applaud the officers for taking up the mantle and who risked their lives on a daily basis, as we try to rid the TCI of these illegal firearms that are causing havoc to law-abiding citizens.”

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

All Crime Stoppers calls are answered in Miami and in Houston by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers which is a nonprofit and not a police agency.

During a confrontation with the male assailant, the tourist received knife wounds and was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he was treated.

Charles who appeared irritated was seen brandishing a weapon and repeating the words “Im willing to negotiate”, to police officers who were also on the scene.

Other eyewitness videos showed the suspect launching at the officers who confronted him in an attempt to apprehend him and render assistance to the victim.

Charles was arrested at the scene and remains in police custody.

A statement issued by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said the matter is under investigation by the Serious Crime Team.

Commissioner of Police

Trevor Botting commenting on the incident said: “This serious incident involving a visitor to the Turks and Caicos Islands remains under active investigation.

In relation to the man who was arrested, I can confirm that he had

been in police custody overnight, having been involved in an unrelated incident at a resort where he caused a disturbance and the incident involving the US tourist happened shortly after his release.

“I have ordered an internal review of the arrest, detention and subsequent release of Mr Charles following the incident at the resort last night.

“I am aware of the speculation

being circulated in various chat groups and social media outlets, however, be assured that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force will continue investigations into the factual circumstances surrounding the incident.

“I am appealing to witnesses and surrounding businesses to assist us with this investigation and share any information, photographs or video footage of the incident”.

Police cordoned off the scene in Grace Bay

(Suspect) Santos Charles stands next to the car with the wounded victim

Accused arsonist, Bernard Colebrooke

You may be surprised how far it can take you

Everybody has something. It may be your talents or gifts, cash or even a great personality. Some of these things you have may appear to be small or insignificant, but whatever you have, do something with it.

For example, you may want to start an apartment building, or any building and you only have $1,000. You can use that $1,000 towards the plans to construct the building and each time you get some cash, pay the architect the remainder of the money. Once you have finished paying the architect and the plans are drawn, then when you get some more cash, use it towards the laying out of the building.

I encourage you to start with what you have and you will be amazed how far it will take you. If you don’t start with what you have, you may use it on something else

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.

that does not bring you any return.

First, you need to recognise that you have something. Once you recognise that something that you have, do a lot of research about it and develop a plan or goal to cultivate or enhance it. This will help you to become the best in what you have. Sometimes you may have to spend some money to get more knowledge and that is fine because

in the end, it will pay off. Don’t ever think you have to wait until you get so much to start. The thing is if you keep waiting, you may be waiting for a long time. Sometimes, you may have to borrow something based on what you have and then the thing or money you borrow may help you to grow to that place where you want to go. For example, you may have land but no cash. Use the land

as collateral, borrow the money and start your project. Some of you may say well I don’t have any land or money. However, you have an idea and you can turn your idea into a business plan and when you present that business plan to that financial institution, you will get favour especially if your business plan is so convincing.

Some of you may be able to sing or play a musical instrument, record yourself singing or playing that instrument and then broadcast it on social media or send it to business establishments so that they can see what you can do, and I am quite sure, someone will call you for a job.

You can also join up with others who have similar desires as you and you can pool your resources together.

Once you have started, you

need to keep marketing what you do. Don’t ever assume that people already know about you, so you don’t have to promote yourself or your thing. Everybody probably knows about NIKE but NIKE still spends millions of dollars on marketing.

Whatever you have, you can multiply it and it can go a long way. Too many times, we are not in the race, because we feel that we don’t qualify. The fact that you have something is more than enough to be in the game. Stop cutting yourself short and start with what you have. I am telling you it works. You need to stop being afraid and take the courage to start. You don’t have to be in the same position as others to start for everybody is equipped with something. Find that something and start.

Start with what you have The hunger crisis in Haiti could ignite mass migration to the TCI

As criminal groups blocked roads leading to the capital, Port-auPrince, entrepreneurs and residents alike are inhibited from the city and; hence, the lack of access to food and water and; coupled with, the deteriorating security situation and hyperinflation, Haiti now faces an acute humanitarian crisis.

Despite the abundance of food, Jean-Martin Bauer, Haiti’s director for the World Food Programme (WFP) declared, food insecurity has dramatically declined, since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise that ushered in

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.

political instability.

Furthermore, the UN estimated that the country is on the brink of a hunger emergency, citing that around 4.9 million Haitians are finding it extremely difficult

to afford enough food, as warring gangs now control the country’s capital, restricting the movements of people and essential commodities.

The food crisis has been exacerbated by prolonged droughts, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising global inflation, catapulting the nation’s economy into an economic coma. In fact, since the Ukraine war, inflation in Haiti rose 49.3 per cent.

Although the UN and Western nations can easily quell Haiti’s political dilemmas by deploying specialised forces, history has taught us that they’re not interested to help secure the island nation’s economic and political future. However, the opposite is true about Ukraine.

Nonetheless, it is critical that life-saving food assistance

constantly reach the most vulnerable Haitians; coupled with, prioritising resilience and safety net initiatives to tackle the root causes of Haiti’s current situation.

Empirical evidence shows, it is situations like this, which spawn mass migration and we are aware, the exodus of Haitians has been the norm throughout the republic’s history; therefore, policymakers are urged to respond to Haiti’s crisis, as the TCI is too close not to be impacted.

Lawmakers are encouraged to work along with the WFP! The organisation urgently requires US$3.5 million to aid the humanitarian effort through aviation services.

Coupled with this, the authorities could mobilise the Haitian Diaspora in the TCI to assist with the humanitarian relief effort to help alleviate the dearth of food, which now exists. Even so, Haitians living in TCI should form a Diaspora Action Committee to help strengthen alliances and economic development in their birthplace.

And the TCI, considering its proximity to the Island republic,

should increase its involvement in Haiti’s humanitarian effort and partner with international and regional institutions, and governments with similar goals.

I believe, too, the international aid effort should be fully coordinated to engender purposeful, tangible and accountable outcomes, consistent with the requisites and fractures within Haiti’s social service sector.

Still, lawmakers on the ground must plan and implement strategies to detour and detect illegal migration. TCI marine branch, police, immigration and the regiment should work together to facilitate and coordinate strategic patrols, surveillance and special operations on land and sea.

And because the UK Government is responsible for the defence of the people of the TCI, the authorities must summon Britain for assistance from the Royal Navy HMS Medway to help patrol the Windward Straight – the passage between Haiti and the TCI.

The tales you are hearing and reading about in Port-au-Prince are real and for many Haitians, this is a horrendous juncture – a point in time that is beyond expression!

A new day dawns

This week, Christians all around the world will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some noted scholars and theologians have said that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of history’s most attested events and here is the reason for that.

Firstly, the resurrection is attested in the four canonical Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - which were written by different authors at different times and places. These Gospels are considered reliable historical documents, and they provide detailed accounts of the events surrounding Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Secondly, the resurrection is also attested in the writings of the Apostle Paul, who was a contemporary of Jesus and one of the earliest Christian leaders. In his letters to various churches, Paul affirms the resurrection as a central tenet of the Christian faith and provides additional details about the event.

Thirdly, the resurrection is

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.

also mentioned in non-Christian sources from the time, such as the Jewish historian Josephus and the Roman historian Tacitus. Although these sources do not necessarily affirm the resurrection as a historical fact, they provide additional evidence for the existence of Jesus and the early Christian movement.

Finally, the fact that the early Christian community was willing to suffer persecution and even death for their belief in the resurrection is further evidence of its historical authenticity. It is unlikely that they would have been willing to endure such hardship and persecution for a belief that they knew to be false.

In light of this fact, what should

a person do? Here are several things to consider. Here are some things that Christians should do in light of the resurrection:

1. Believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour: The resurrection confirms that Jesus is who he claimed to be - the Son of God and the Saviour of the world.

2. Follow Jesus’ teachings: The resurrection gives us all the reality of a new hope and a new way of life.

3. Share the good news: The resurrection is good news for all people, and Christians should share it with others. Share the message of God’s love and salvation with your families, friends, and neighbours.

Jas Walkin takes up role as North Caicos’ District Commissioner

Jasmin Walkin has returned to his roots to serve the people of North Caicos as its District Commissioner, calling it the greatest honour of his life.

Walkin reported for duty on April 1 to serve the community in a position that is trusted with ensuring the island’s state of preparedness and appropriate response to natural and other disasters, assisting in the provision of government services and support to other islands, and oversight and management of critical works programmes.

“To be afforded the opportunity to serve as the District Commissioner for the island of North Caicos, is certainly one of the greatest honours of my life,” Walkin stated in a press release from the Deputy Governor’s office.

“Growing up in North Caicos, I can recall the high level of respect and distinction the community held for the office of the District Commissioner and the trust that was placed in the person holding the office and I hope to earn that trust once more.

“To the people of North Caicos, my mother and father did not raise me alone. It was you, the village who helped to mould me into the man I am today.

“I do not believe Jas Walkin would be who he is today if he wasn’t raised in North Caicos. Hence, I am here to serve you, to represent you, and to ensure that you have full access to the services of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.

“You have taught me how to serve my country at many different levels, and I have done that. Now I am coming home to serve my island,” he stated.

Walkin holds a Bachelor of Education degree in History from the College of the Bahamas and a Master of Science degree in Education, with a concentration in Education Leadership from Walden University where he graduated in the top 15% of his class in January 2016.

He served as a history teacher for 10 years at Raymond Gardiner High School where he specifically

4. Love others: The resurrection shows the depth of God’s love for humanity, and Christians especially should reflect that love in their relationships with

others. Love others and strive to serve others as Jesus did.

5. Live with hope: The resurrection gives Christians hope that transcends this life. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you can live with confidence, knowing that death is not the end and that you will be reunited with Jesus for all eternity.

When Jesus rose from the dead, a new day dawned. Live in its splendour and beauty. Remember, Jesus Loves You.

asked to be placed from 2006 until 2016; six of which he also served as a Head of Department.

In 2017, Walkin was appointed as the Special Needs Education Officer responsible for pioneering the new Special Education Policy of 2016, in which several new programme initiatives were launched.

Following a brief hiatus from public service, he returned to the role of Special Needs Education Officer in October 2021 where he continued extensive work in Special Education, helping to strengthen the education services offered to special needs children; represented the TCI at several regional and international conferences and programmes and helped to expand public and private sector partnerships in this area.

Governor (ag) and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams extended congratulatory remarks: “I am pleased to officially announce and to congratulate Mr Jasmin Walkin on his appointment as

Newly appointed District Commissioner of North Caicos, Jasmin Walkin

TCI continues local government talks with the Bahamas

As the Turks and Caicos Islands Government work assiduously to develop a suitable structure of local governance for the territory, a delegation recently embarked on a fact-finding mission to the Bahamas.

The TCI team visited from March 16-26 and met with a team from the Bahamas Ministry with responsibilities for local government as part of the territory’s aspirations to establish similar local governance structures across the islands.

These meetings were aimed at providing greater insights into the electoral process, the benefits and challenges of local governance, as well as the relationship and synergy between district councillors and Family Island administratorswhich is critical to the success of local government.

The visit to the Bahamas was a culmination of dialogues that commenced months ago, when a team from the Ministry of Home Affairs, on official duties in the Bahamas, met with relevant stakeholders from the Ministry with responsibility for Local Government.

The Turks and Caicos Islands delegation included; Deputy Permanent Secretaries for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Fredrico Johnson and Ms TeAnn Thomas; District Commissioner, Mrs Yvette Cox, and administrative support, Mrs. Bernadine Smith.

A recent statement from the Government explained that through a well-planned and strategic itinerary, delegates had the opportunity to witness and experience local government in action, by attending real meetings conducted by elected district

councils and town committees, as well as appointed boards, throughout different islands and cays.

“In addition to learning about the local governance structure of the Bahamas, the team also had opportunities to experience the culture of the country through its festivals, cuisine, tours of its islands and cays, historical sites, and tourist attractions.

“These were intentionally selected to expose the team to different ways local councils could utilise resources within their communities to generate

revenue and enhance their communities.

“To further enhance the team’s knowledge and understanding of the local governance structure of the Bahamas, and help them determine what best practices from there could be adopted and utilised in a Turks and Caicos Islands model of local governance, the Bahamas delegation arranged meetings with key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, the Minister of Local Government, the Parliamentary Secretary (Supervisor of Elections), various council and

town committee members, and Family Island administrators”, the Government stated.

Coupled with this, the team also had an opportunity to attend the swearing-in ceremony for their Family Island administrators.

In February 2023, a fivemember team of delegates (led by the Acting Permanent Secretary) from the Department of Local Government, Bahamas, visited the Turks and Caicos Islands to better understand the governmental structure and geographical structures of the islands.

This visit provided an

opportunity for both teams to learn from each other’s experiences and share insights on local government structures that would be beneficial to their respective countries.

In a similar manner, the Bahamian delegation had the opportunity the visit our family islands, experience our culture and see revenue generation opportunities that exist in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This knowledge was then used to compile a strategic and beneficial itinerary, from which the TCI delegation could glean.

CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED

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

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

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

TCI delegation and representatives from the Bahamas engage in cross-country local government dialogues

PDM calls out PNP for its silence on prominent issues

The silence is deafening

BY HON EDWIN ASTWOOD

L EADER OF THE OPPOSITION

Have you ever noticed that the biggest stories or events never get a comment from this PNP Government? All the events and occurrences that are impacting our everyday lives are never mentioned or considered by them. They pay no attention to it if it is not something they think could be parlayed into votes or gain.

Two weeks ago, Sunday morning, a young man was killed in Five Cays, and not a single comment, a few days ago we all saw the video of the incident on the street in Grace Bay, and still nothing, illegal boats continue to come and not a single comment, persons die from deteriorated medical conditions, and not a single word on addressing our healthcare issues, crimes taking place and not reported to the general public. This is unacceptable by any standard.

Monday 21, 2023, news broke of the UK passport Office workers

being on strike for and announced five weeks. Staff at the passport office demand a 10% pay raise and job security. The Strikes will affect seven passport offices across the UK. The strike call came after a failure to resolve six months of targeted action from unions. Strikes could delay the passport processing of ten million applications expected this year.

The reforms could cause the UK government almost three billion dollars. The UK government calls the demands unaffordable. The strikes will commence this week, just before Easter weekend.

How does that affect people who are trying to renew or get their passports? Does this government know what is happening, do they care? It appears no to both.

They continue to be quiet and hide in their offices, only showing their face when at some celebration or at some formal event, and only want to speak when they think that they are passing good news. But where are the PNP Government in the bad times, where are they when

our people are facing difficulties, where are they when our people are hurting and need an intervention from the government?

They thought that they would be able to continue to just throw a few dollars at the problem and they would go away. This is a perfect illustration of the saying ‘Give them a fish and feed them for a day’.

This is this PNP Government modus operandi, this is their usual way of doing things- never solve any problem, throw out some pennies, keep them dependent on our PNP Government.

Let me be clear, a PDM government, will not only give you the fish, but would also ensure that our people have access to getting the boats, the crew, the equipment, and the knowledge to fish for themselves, and after, no one will have to give you a fish ever again, instead you will now give out fish to those who may become in need.

This is my PDM way.

Additionally, as it relates to the strikes at the UK passport offices, the PDM is seeking to make

submissions to the UK government to have a passport office set up here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and their other Overseas Territories.

They can have personnel from their head office oversee the operations but also have our people working along with them.

A seventeen-year-old male resident of Blue Hills has been arrested along with his accomplice for a string of robberies and sexual assault.

Over the past few weeks, police reported on robberies committed in the Blue Hills community during which female occupants were raped by the burglars.

Last week, the 17-year-old accused was arrested and brought up on charges before the court.

He was charged with one count of rape following a burglary in Blue Hills on February 24, and using an imitation firearm during the commission of the offence. He was remanded into custody

until May 5, on those charges.

Speaking on the charges, Superintendent Dean Holden, Head of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection said: “Within the past weeks, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force officers have been working tirelessly to apprehend suspects involved in a string of home burglaries occurring within the early morning hours in Blue Hills.

He said in two of those instances, the burglars sexually assaulted female occupants.

“The arrest and laying of charges are major breakthroughs in this case. We are continuing our investigations into these crimes,”

Holden assured.

In other incidents, the minor was charged along with 18-yearold Damarian Palmer for a string of burglaries committed earlier this year in Juba Sound, Grace Bay and Leeward Palms.

The charges they jointly face are: four counts of burglary at the Turquoise Point Plaza; two counts of burglary at Wesley Methodist School and one count of burglary at M.I.L.L.S Institute.

Additionally, the 17-year-old accused faces a charge of handling stolen goods.

Palmer was granted $7000 bail and will appear in court along with his co-accused on April 19.

Leader of the Opposition Hon Edwin Astwood

18-year-old Damarian Palmer

Seventeen-year-old among burglars raping female occupants

Cops share love and tokens with South Caicos’ seniors

Tokens of love and appreciation were showered on seniors at the Eliza M. Basden Aged Centre when female officers visited South Caicos during a special outreach.

On Tuesday (April 4), the Women in Policing Network (WiPN) in conjunction with the Community Policing Unit and police officers based in South

Caicos, visited the senior care home to spread cheer and love to the clients at the facility.

Spearheaded by the Women in Policing Network, the occasion gave the officers an opportunity to sing and give the clients of the centre tokens of love and appreciation.

Officers engaged in spirited conversations with the elderly

clients and gifted them with bouquets and care packages as tokens of appreciation.

Inspector Inga Taylor, Officer in Charge of Community Policing and Treasurer of WiPN said what they wanted to do was mostly to show their appreciation for the contributions of the Island’s elders to their communities.

“For us to truly know where we

are headed, we must remember where we came from, so we appreciate your contributions, great or small, in the past to the communities of the TCI,” Taylor said.

The group was met by nurse in charge Penditha Williams Bascombe and her staff, as well as District Commissioner of South Caicos Yvette Cox who

said she was elated to see police officers in a different light than just enforcement and compliance.

Cox expressed her appreciation to the RTCIPF for their visit and shared with the seniors that the gesture shows that they have not been forgotten.

She said: “It was definitely a positive initiative from the RTCIPF.”

Members of the Women in Policing Network share tokens of love and appreciation with seniors of South Caicos (RTCIPF photos)

Mitchell appointed as Border Force Intelligence Manager

Latoya Mitchell has been appointed to the post of Intelligence Manager in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.

The Office of the Deputy Governor announced Ms Mitchell’s appointment via a press statement on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

Mitchell who hails from Grand Turk joined the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service in 2004 as an Immigration Officer.

In 2012, she joined the Intelligence Unit in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services and has been instrumental in running much of its day-to-day operations.

In November 2022 she coheaded the merger of a single Intelligence Unit between the Department of Immigration and Customs.

During her tenure in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services Ms Mitchell, through her hard work, dedication and in-depth knowledge, has had the opportunity to represent the TCI at various international forums including, the Nassau Bahamas, JBUS Quarterly Meeting- 2013-present, London England, Intelligence and Forgery Training-2013, Miami Fl, British Overseas Territories Border Security

TCI’s new Border Force to be headed by Emilio Seymour

The newly formed Border Force within the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services now has its top man, Emilio Seymour who was this week appointed Director General of the department.

Most recently serving as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Border Services, Seymour said the TCI Border Force will revolutionise customs and immigration functions in the TCI.

He said: “The journey to a single border force will not be a swift one, we will not go untested or without obstacles, but we are a resilient people and a hard-working group of civil servants.

“I am committed to ensuring that collaboration with internal and external stakeholders will create a safer more sustainable environment for residents and visitors alike.”

Seymour joined the TCI Public Service in May 2016 as the Quality Assurance Manager at the Customer Service Department in the Ministry of Border Services, following five years of service at Scotiabank Turks and Caicos Islands as a Credit Officer, Business Banking Officer, and Customer Service Supervisor.

Prior to this, he served as an Assistant Surveyor at Ambergris Key Resort and Spa and as a Sales and Service Representative for Islandcom Telecommunications TCI.

In December 2021, Seymour was promoted to Deputy Secretary within the ministry.

He holds an Associate Degree in Business Management (2008) and a Marketing Degree (2010) from Johnson and Wales University in Miami, Florida, United States.

Speaking on the appointment, acting Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency

Anya Williams said Seymour has done an exceptional job in his previous roles, hence his advancement.

She said the job is that of a permanent secretary-level position with the responsibility of leading the territory’s new Border Force, a professional, high-profile law enforcement organisation that will bring together Customs and Immigration functions to operate with flexibility across the TCI.

“The TCI Border Force will transform the way we protect and police our borders for the benefit

Conference- 2014, Cayman Islands, SunGuard Intelligence Database Meeting- 2015.

As well as Barbados, CBP Border Security Professional Exchange -2017, Trinidad and Tobago, Special Standing Committee Meeting of Chiefs of Immigration and Comptrollers of CustomsNovember 7, 2017, and Trinidad and Tobago, Special Standing Committee Meeting of Chiefs of Immigration and Comptrollers of Customs- November 21, 2017

She has also completed a significant number of training and certification programmes, including, but not limited to Behaviour Analysis and Counter Terrorism- February 2007, USA Forensic Document Laboratory Training - August 2007, Promises Workshop- November 2007, Delivering Exceptional Customer Service- February 2008, Observational Techniques and Behaviour Analysis- April 2008 and Interpol I 24/7 Mind and Find Regional Training CourseDecember 2008.

Coupled with this, Ms Mitchell has also participated in Canada’s Fraudulent DocumentationSeptember 2009, Administrative Assistants Conference- September

2012, TCI Immigration Arresting Officer Training-2013Advanced Training in Forgery Detection at NDFU, UK- November 2013 and Advanced Intelligence Analyst Training at Ananda House, UK- November 2013 and Silver Commander Training - February 2023.

Governor (ag) and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in extending congratulatory remarks stated: “It gives me great pleasure to officially announce and to congratulate Ms Latoya Mitchell on her appointment as the new Intelligence Manager in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.”

This new post was created as a part of our efforts to strengthen the intelligence capabilities within our Ministry of Border Services and will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the Border Force Intelligence Unit in adherence to recognised intelligence principles.

Ms Mitchell during her almost 20 years in the public service has worked in five different units of the Immigration Department which included: the Seaport; the International Airport; the FBO; the Enforcement Unit and the Intelligence and Forgery Unit.

of our islands and will help to strengthen our national security infrastructure and programme.”

This is Seymour’s third promotion since joining the public service, one that propels him to one of the highest levels in Government, a move Williams said is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and remarkable success.

During his tenure as Deputy Secretary, he completed several training and certification programmes including, but not limited to:

International Centre for Parliamentary Studies, United Kingdom - Models of Public Service Delivery Certificate (2019)

Caribbean Development Bank - Public Policy Analysis & Management Certificate (2018)

Friedman Sales Training

Certificate

AML (Anti Money Laundering)

Certificate (annual training)

KYC (Know your customer)

Certificate (annual training)

TCIG Performance Appraisal

Training

TCIG Fixed Assets Register

Certificate

Director General of Border Force, Emilio Seymour (TCIG photo)

Ms Latoya Mitchell

Regional News

Police question former PM Minnis on last administration’s food programme

Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said police officers interviewed him earlier this year as part of an extensive criminal investigation into his administration’s COVID-19 food assistance programme.

Dr Minnis, who The Tribune contacted, said three senior officers interviewed him for over an hour. He said police gave him the option to be questioned at a police station or a neutral location. He chose the latter and was accompanied by his lawyer.

In the first official confirmation of the criminal probe, Deputy Commissioner of Police Leamond Deleveaux said yesterday that more than 75 people had been interviewed so far.

However, he insisted Dr Minnis is not a suspect in the investigation.

“He was seen as a witness,” he said. “He provided us with information but he is not a suspect and he was seen only because he was the Prime Minister at the time.”

DCP Deleveaux has recently spearheaded other politically sensitive investigations, including those resulting in former Water and Sewerage Corporation chairman Adrian Gibson and former Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Lanisha Rolle being charged with crimes.

The scope of the investigation into the food programme is unclear, but it comes after Davis administration officials have

repeatedly said the programme lacked proper oversight.

“It would appear that the Davis administration, because of their poor governance and lack of agenda for this country, are looking for deflection from their governance and tax, spend and waste type of governance,” Dr Minnis said yesterday. “Let it be known that I will not be used, nor will I be a deflection, and if the police want to question me again, they can call me at any time.”

Asked how he felt being interviewed by police, Dr Minnis said: “I was not disturbed at all because I knew that throughout my governance I was very transparent and honest with the Bahamian people and if we face a similar

disaster, I will ensure again the Bahamian people receive the necessary tools and equipment for their survival.”

Last month, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis accused an unnamed non-profit organisation of going on a spending spree, buying two high-end trucks and boats with public funds that were meant to provide food assistance during the pandemic.

That was one of several criticisms Mr Davis has made about the programme since taking office in 2021.

He previously said his administration had struggled to determine how the $53m issued to the National Food Distribution Taskforce was spent.

Dr Minnis praised the

programme yesterday and its leader, Susan Larson, saying they performed admirably.

“They utilised the services of NGOs and ensured that individuals throughout the length and breadth of The Bahamas were provided with food at a time when it was needed most,” he said. “People received the food in an orderly and humane fashion as opposed to what was seen throughout other countries of the world where there was mass demonstrations and unrest for food. We avoided that because of the manner in which the NGOs and Susan Larson and those had functioned. I am proud of that grouping.

“Brave Davis and those are on a witch-hunt, and they must be very, very careful.” (Tribune242)

Human Rights Bahamas hails Privy Council ruling on detention of immigrants

PRIME Minister Gaston Browne said he would not accede to calls from the opposition for him to resign following last week’s migrant boat tragedy, which resulted in at least three men losing their lives.

The opposition parties said Browne should take responsibility for the migrants’ deaths since his government supported the now defunct Antigua Airways charter flights, which brought over 900 West Africans from Nigeria and left them in the Caribbean in dire circumstances.

Browne told listeners of his weekly radio program on Point FM on Saturday that the opposition members are seeking to score

political points off the tragic incident.

“This is an unfortunate situation that would have happened but for anyone to seek to lay blame on me or any member of my administration, clearly they are being mischievous,” he said.

“Those who are calling for resignations, you’ll are not getting the government so easily. You have to go back to the polls and let the people of Antigua and Barbuda decide”.

Browne stated his government supported an air link between Africa and the Caribbean because of their strong belief in connecting people from both regions.

He said his government does not

regret working with the airline.

Browne added he is paying attention to the “desperate” actions of his detractors whom he said are determined to destroy Antigua and Barbuda’s international image and he will take legal action against anyone who defames his character. Browne has called on government agencies to investigate the incident that occurred late on March 27.

Thirty West Africans and two Antiguans left Urlings, Antigua on a fishing boat destined for the US Virgin Islands.

A few hours into the journey, the boat was struck by large waves and capsized.

Human Rights Bahamas is hailing what they call a significant Privy Council ruling that clarifies the parameters around which immigrants can be detained pending deportation.

The case involves Kenyan Douglas Ngumi, who was unlawfully detained at the Carmichael Detention Centre for nearly seven years.

“Human Rights Bahamas welcomes this landmark Privy Council ruling which has clarified—once and for all—that the current detention practices of the Bahama Immigration Department are illegal,” the group said in a statement.

“The ruling affirms what HRB has stated repeatedly: the

authorities have no lawful right to detain a person suspected of violating the Immigration Act for more than 48 hours at absolute maximum. They must either bring such individuals before the courts, or release them immediately, or deport them.”

“Further it confirms that even after a person pleads guilty and is convicted of violating the Act, and a recommendation for deportation is made by the courts, the authorities cannot continue to hold that individual for more than two working days in the absence of a signed Deportation Order.”

Attorney General Ryan Pinder declined to comment on the ruling. (Tribune242)

Police questioned the former Prime Minister for over an hour earlier this year

Prime Minister Gaston Browne

PM Browne says his Govt is not responsible for migrant boat tragedy

Belize imposes stricter travel rules for Jamaicans

Haitian have lost their privilege to enter Belize visa free while Jamaicans must show proof that they have paid for their lodging before they enter the country as part of new immigration protocols adopted.

The Belizean Government announced the decision after cabinet met earlier this week and discussed how nationals from both Caribbean Community island nations are using Belize as a transit point for their attempts to cross into the United States illegally.

“After a thorough discussion on the increasing number of visitors who are using Belize as a transit country to reach the United States, Cabinet determined that Belize will invoke Article 226 (a) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which will allow for the Minister of Immigration to immediately

& Haitians

impose a visa requirement for Haitians wishing to visit Belize and to require Jamaican nationals to provide evidence of fully paid non-refundable hotel reservations prior to boarding flights to Belize,” the government said.

Both Jamaica and Haiti are signatories to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which allows nationals of member countries to travel freely between states for business, cultural and tourism purposes.

A ministerial task force to address “rampant smuggling” occurring across Belize.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration will chair the task force which will include the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries and the Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations. (Cayman Loopnews)

Permanent residency points system in Cayman Islands deemed unconstitutional

THE permanent residency system in the Cayman Islands received a significant setback when the Court of Appeal recently handed down a ruling which stated that it does not give sufficient weight to the individual circumstances of an applicant.

Last Thursday, the Court of Appeal declared that the Immigration Act is incompatible with section 9 of the Bill of Rights, which deals with family and private life.

Two individuals whose permanent residency applications were denied over insufficient points appealed the decisions and the court found that the failure to consider anything other than the points the applicants scored is not

compatible with the Constitution. This means that the court has effectively ruled that if a person applying for permanent residency presents a good enough argument under section 9 of the Bill of Rights that their family or private life would be detrimentally impacted if they are forced to leave, there should be an alternative means for considering issues not addressed by the point system that could help someone secure the right to reside in the country even if they fall well short of the points needed.

Leon D’Souza and Joey Buray were both represented in the appeal by Alastair David, who argued that their right to a private life was infringed when they

did not get enough points and therefore faced an enforced exit from the Cayman Islands, where both men have lived for more than 14 years.

The judges concluded that neither of them had made a case that there was a specific or compelling reason outside of the points they earned that should also be considered.

“The absence of any provision which allows for consideration of section 9 factors other than within the points system, and the legislative exclusion of any possibility of granting permanent residence other than under that system are… incompatible with section 9 of the bill of rights,” the court concluded.

The government’s top finance official says “hundreds of millions of dollars” is owed in VAT and other tax arrears — an estimate that does not even include the $800m owed in real property taxes.

Finance secretary Simon Wilson’s comments came as the government seeks to crack down on tax delinquents and businesses suspected of evading VAT and Business Licence fee payments.

Last week, the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) conducted an island-wide sweep of Harbour Island companies, seizing assets of at least two businesses suspected of owing $1.3m in taxes.

Meanwhile, several courier companies have been temporarily barred from clearing imported shipments over their failure to pay up to “seven figures” in due taxes to the government.

“We’re not targeting businesses,” Mr Wilson told reporters yesterday.

“We’re just going through a compliance strategy to ensure that we encourage businesses to be compliant. If you’re noncompliant, there are consequences of non-compliance.”

“The one thing we want from businesses is transparency in operations. I think they’ve started that process of being a little more transparent.”

Mr Wilson has said officials are planning several more operations throughout The Bahamas to recover outstanding taxes and will go after businesses that make false declarations.

“We have 50,000 businesses registered, alright, and about 40,000 of those businesses report turnover of less than $100,000 so they pay zero, so that’s all we

know,” Mr Wilson said.

“That’s our universe and we work through that universe to determine instances of noncompliance. People don’t put a flag and say they’re non-compliant ya know. They try to be discreet in their non-compliance.”

Mr Wilson said about $800m in real property tax is owed.

“Most property taxes are owned by foreign-owned properties because you know Bahamians have a wide level exemption, so this is probably driven mostly by non-Bahamianowned properties,” he said.

Asked yesterday about other potential penalties, Mr Wilson said he would like to see wage garnishments.

“Obviously with businesses, we tend to be more forthright with businesses in our discussions with them,” he added.

Financial Secretary Simon Wilson

Last year, Mr Wilson revealed that the Revenue Enhancement Unit’s (REU) audits showed 50 per cent of registered companies were non-compliant with VAT laws.

“When you think of it from a statistical point of view, 50 per cent of persons audited were found to be non-compliant, which is a very,

very high ratio,” he said.

“It is a cause for concern. When you think of that, one in every two businesses they’re going to for an audit have not filed or are charging VAT but not remitting the money to government, which shows a high level of non-compliance for that small sample size.

Belize is strategically located near Mexico

Cayman Islands

‘Hundreds of millions of tax dollars’ owed to govt

Regional News

Acute respiratory infections on the rise in Grenada

Grenada is dealing with a high number of acute respiratory infections on island since the start of 2023.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Shawn Charles explains that since the beginning of the year, some 3,280 cases of acute respiratory infections were reported, compared to the long-term average of 2,354.

During the same period in 2022, only 1,228 cases were reported.

The CMO says all age groups are being affected with more reports being recorded in the 1 to 4 years age group and 25 to 44 years age group.

The districts of St George and St Andrew have the highest number of reported cases.

Dr Charles says the testing of samples revealed a number of viruses are currently in circulation and causing disease. These include H1 N1 virus (swine flu), the human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus 1, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus.

The CMO says all of these are circulating at the same time and are responsible for the cases of

the cold and flu that persons are experiencing.

The population in Grenada has been advised to continue to exercise caution.

To prevent infection with these respiratory viruses, persons should continue to wash their hands, avoid crowded close contact settings, wear a mask or get the seasonal flu shot. There is also the COVID-19

Barbados man on trial for murdering estranged girlfriend

Leacock stabbed his estranged girlfriend 24 times while their daughter sat nearby at a table eating her breakfast.

And when the woman’s son tried to intervene, Leacock stabbed at him as well.

And it was all because the woman had taken out a protection order against him.

These were some of the facts which were read to the No. 5 Supreme Court yesterday. This is the second time

Leacock has killed a woman, having been sentenced, in 2010, to five years in jail for the manslaughter of another girlfriend in 2004.

Leacock, 46, who is also known as “Pockets”, of Carmichael Tenantry, St George, had pleaded guilty, earlier this week to the noncapital offence of murdering 39-year-old Zanaba Moore, formerly of Frere Pilgrim, Christ Church, on April 23, 2019. (Barbados Nation)

Persons experiencing severe flulike symptoms should seek medical attention. These severe symptoms include: Trouble breathing; Persistent pain or pressure in the chest; Confusion; Inability to wake or stay awake; Change in colouration of skin (paleness, or purplish discoloration) (Caribbeanloopnews)

Customs agents seize drugs, nab suspects in Caribbean Sea

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says law enforcement agencies have intercepted a vessel in the Caribbean Sea transporting 3,051 pounds of cocaine, arresting three non-citizens from Venezuela.

CBP said the arrests and seizures took place near Palmas de Mar, off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast and that the estimated value

of the contraband is approximately US$32 million.

It said the authorities had located a “lights-out vessel traversing at high speed” and with assistance from a US Coast Guard aircraft, located the vessel 10 miles off the coast of Humacao, Puerto Rico.

“Agents intercepted a ‘yola’ type vessel near the Palmas del

DR surpasses Haiti in mango exports to the US

According to the National Mango Board (NMB) based in Miami, the Dominican Republic has surpassed Haiti in mango exports to the United States in 2022. Haiti had dominated this “important market” for over a decade. Dominican mango (Mangifera indica) exporters shipped 8,550 metric tons (MT) of mangoes to the US, which is 2,080 MT more than Haiti’s 6,470.2 MT reported at the end of last year.

exported more mangoes than its neighbouring competitor.

Mar resort. On board, (agents) arrested three men who claimed to be Venezuelan nationals and seized 40 bales of suspected contraband,” the GBP said.

It added that on March 30, agents intercepted a vessel near Mona Island, off Puerto Rico, with six bales of cocaine and arrested two men from the Dominican Republic. (Loopnews)

The US market experienced a 29.1% increase in the number of Dominican mangoes exported, compared to 2021, which was 6,622.8 MT. On the other hand, Haiti’s total showed a decrease of -45.1%, equivalent to 5,321 MT less than its 2021 accumulated amount of 11,791.9 MT. It is the first time in the last 13 years that the Dominican Republic has

Between 2010 and 2022, Haiti’s mango exports to the US totalled around 104,776.9 MT, with an average of 8,059.7 MT annually. Meanwhile, Dominican mangoes registered 29,804.4 MT with an average of 2,292.6 MT each year. The historical data on exports shows that Haiti’s exports are 3.5 times greater than those of the Dominican Republic.

In 2021, Haiti reported its highest weighting of 11,791.9 MT of mangoes sold to the US. Whereas for the Dominicans, it was in 2022 with 8,550 MT. The Dominican Republic’s performance compared to its closest competitor in the US market may be because the US is not its main audience. (Dominica Today)

Murderer Patrick Nathaniel

Dominican mango (Mangifera indica) exporters shipped 8,550 metric tons (MT) of mangoes to the US

Since the beginning of the year, some 3,280 cases of acute respiratory infections were reported in Grenada

vaccine and booster shot.

Drugs found on a vessel US

World News

King Charles supports study into Royal Family slavery links

Buckingham Palace said that it is co-operating with an independent study exploring the relationship between the British monarchy and the slave trade in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Palace said King Charles takes the issue “profoundly seriously”.

The research is being carried out by the University of Manchester with Historic Royal Palaces.

Buckingham Palace is granting researchers full access to the Royal Archives and the Royal Collection.

The study, a PhD project by historian Camilla de Koning, is expected to be completed in 2026.

Both the King and the Prince of Wales have previously expressed their personal sorrow at the suffering caused by the slave trade.

Speaking during a trip to Rwanda last year, the King said he could not describe “the depths of his personal sorrow” at the suffering caused by the slave trade.

In a visit to Jamaica last spring, Prince William said slavery was abhorrent, “should never have

The Palace said King Charles takes the issue “profoundly seriously”

happened” and “forever stains our history”.

The King wants to continue his pledge to deepen his understanding of slavery’s impact with “vigour and determination” since his

accession, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.

They continued: “This is an issue that His Majesty takes profoundly seriously.

“Given the complexities of the

issues it is important to explore them as thoroughly as possible.”

A Palace statement was issued in response to the Guardian, which has published a previously unseen document showing the 1689 transfer of shares in the slavetrading Royal African Company from Edward Colston - the slave trader and the company’s deputy governor - to King William III.

The King has also said that each Commonwealth country should make its own decision over whether it is a constitutional monarchy or a republic.

He said he was aware the roots of the Commonwealth organisation “run deep into the most painful period of our history” and said acknowledging the wrongs of the past was a “conversation whose time has come”.

There are currently 14 Commonwealth Realms in addition to the UK where the King is their head of state.

PhD student Ms de Koening said “the royals are often overlooked when it comes to influence”.

She told BBC Radio 4’s World

at One programme: “It seems like they are just stamping decrees, but they are actually very involved as diplomatic players.

“I’m hoping to change that perspective, that you can see there are way more links between the colonial and the monarch than ever have been investigated, or have ever been noticed, so we can flip that around.”

Dr Edmond Smith, who is supervising Ms de Koening’s project, said the crown has “often been left out of discussions” on the transatlantic slave trade, and an “important hole that needed to be filled through the research”.

“How the royal household may take that research on board is something we can only hope to see develop in the coming years,” he added.

The PhD study is co-sponsored by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) which manages several sites. It started in October, one month after the King came to the throne. It will look into the extent of any investments from any other slave trading companies. (BBC)

Robert F Kennedy Jr to challenge Biden for White House

ROBERT F Kennedy Jr has filed election paperwork to run for US president in 2024 as a Democrat.

The 69-year-old is the son of assassinated Senator Robert F Kennedy and nephew of President John F Kennedy.

The environmental lawyer’s campaign treasurer, John E Sullivan, confirmed the filing on Wednesday.

Mr Kennedy is an outspoken anti-vaccine campaigner. Instagram removed his account in 2021 for “repeatedly sharing debunked claims”, the company said.

Both Democratic and Republican parties hold their own contests - called primaries - to find their presidential nominee. Mr Kennedy will be a rank outsider for the Democratic nomination.

President Joe Biden has indicated he will run for reelection, though he has not yet formally declared his candidacy.

He was previously expected to launch his campaign in early April, but aides say his timeline has shifted.

CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, has reported that he is expected to formally announce a run in early summer.

Last month, another Democrat, Marianne Williamson, joined the

presidential race.

On the Republican side, Donald Trump was first to declare his candidacy and he has been joined by others including former US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley.

In March, Mr Kennedy said on Twitter he was considering a run for president

At the time, he said: “If I run, my top priority will be to end the corrupt merger between state and corporate power that has ruined our economy, shattered the middle class, polluted our landscapes and waters, poisoned our children, and robbed us of our values and freedoms.”

Mr Kennedy told a New Hampshire crowd in March that he had “passed the biggest hurdle”his wife greenlighting the run.

As the co-founder of an environmental law firm, Mr Kennedy won plaudits for campaigning on issues such as clean water, including working to clean up the Hudson River in New York.

But his anti-vaccine views go back years and have provoked a strong backlash, including from his own family. In 2021 his sister, Kerry Kennedy, called him “very dangerous” on the issue.

In 2019, three other family members penned an op-ed in the news outlet Politico, denouncing Mr Kennedy’s anti-vaccine views.

His sister Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, brother Joseph P Kennedy II and niece Maeve Kennedy McKean said his views were “tragically wrong” and have “deadly consequences”.

In 2022, Facebook and Instagram removed accounts for an anti-vaccine group founded by

Mr Kennedy, Children’s Health Defense, for “repeatedly” violating company policies on medical misinformation.

Although Mr Kennedy’s vaccine scepticism long predates Covid, he found a new audience during the pandemic, when revenues to Children’s Health Defense doubled to $6.8m (£5.5m).

Mr Kennedy also published a book, The Real Anthony Fauci, in which he accused the former

US infectious disease chief of “a historic coup d’etat against Western democracy”.

He also invoked Nazi Germany during an anti-vaccine speech in Washington, DC last year.

Mr Kennedy has a voice disorder, spasmodic dysphonia, which affects the muscles in his voice box.

He married actress Cheryl Hines in 2014 and lives in Los Angeles, California. (BBC)

The 69-year-old is the son of assassinated Senator Robert F Kennedy and nephew of President John F Kennedy

World News

China moves warships after US hosts Taiwan’s Tsai

CHINA has launched military drills in response to a much-anticipated meeting between Taiwan’s president Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

They met in California on Wednesday, a week after President Tsai was feted in New York with a leadership award.

Ms Tsai hailed their “strong and unique partnership”, and Mr McCarthy said that arms sales to Taiwan must continue.

Beijing, in turn, has vowed a “resolute response” and sent warships into the waters around the self-governed island.

Taiwan, it appears, is caught in the middle of a dangerous love triangle.

The timing of Ms Tsai’s visit is hardly a coincidence. In the US there is deep and growing hostility to China. And this is driving ever more open displays of support for Taiwan, with Democrats and Republicans competing to out-do each other.

It’s a big reason former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was so keen on landing in Taipei last summer, despite the fact that it set off a furious reaction from China. The self-governed island, which Beijing claims as part of its territory, is arguably the biggest flashpoint between the US and China.

“I was personally very opposed to the Pelosi visit,” says professor

William Stanton, former director of the American Institute in Taiwan.

“For a high-level politician from the US to make a visit to the island was just poking China without much reward. And the consequences were quite scary.”

Chinese missiles flew over the island as Beijing made bloodcurdling threats. In capitals around the region governments began talking seriously about the timetable for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

Despite that, as soon as he was elected house speaker this January, Mr McCarthy, a Republican, declared his intention to follow Ms

Saudi Arabia and Iran agree to reopen embassies during Beijing talks

Saudi Arabia’s and Iran’s Foreign Ministers met in Beijing on Thursday to discuss key details in the resumption of their relations following a landmark agreement mediated by China last month.

In the highest-level meeting between the two sides in more than seven years, Iran’s Hossein AmirAbdollahian and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud signed an agreement to reopen embassies and consulates in their mutual countries, according to Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two sides – previously staunch adversaries who’d severed diplomatic relations in 2016 – also agreed to examine ways to expand their cooperation, including the

resumption of flights, mutual trips from official delegations and the private sector, and facilitating visas, according to their statement, released by Iran.

“The two sides emphasized their readiness to eliminate all the obstacles facing the expansion of cooperation between the two countries,” the statement read.

Embassies would be opened in Riyadh and Tehran and consulates in Jeddah and Mashhad.

Iran’s Amir-Abdollahian said the meeting with his Saudi counterpart was “positive” in a statement on Twitter.

Discussions focused on “the beginning of official diplomatic relations” between the two nations,

And so, the meeting in California. Mr McCarthy has far from downplayed it, calling the meeting “bipartisan”, despite China’s warning that the US was “playing with fire on the Taiwan question”.

Afterwards the White House said there was no need for Beijing to “overreact” to the meeting.

This so-called “transit diplomacy” is crucial for Taiwan, says Wen-Ti Sung, a political scientist at the Australian National University.

Over the years, China has successfully poached many of Taiwan’s formal allies, whittling down the number of governments that recognise Taipei to just 13.

Taiwan has ever been invited to the People’s Republic of China since its founding in 1949.

“Beijing is trying to soften the tone towards Taiwan... winning more hearts and minds, and also avoiding a surge of Taiwanese nationalism during the [2024] presidential campaign,” Mr Sung says.

Mr Ma’s visit, he adds, provided the necessary “political cover” to do that.

When he landed in Nanjing last week, Mr Ma made a strikingly political speech: “The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese. And both are descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors.”

Pelosi’s example. But President Tsai decided that was not a good idea, Prof Stanton says.

“I think it was quite clear that Kevin McCarthy wanted to pull a Pelosi,” he says. “But Tsai Ing-wen said, ‘no thank you, how about we have tea together in California instead’.”

President Tsai may not want another contentious visit by a US leader to Taiwan just yet - but she also needs to show China that it will not succeed in shutting down contact between a democraticallyelected government in Taipei and its most powerful ally in Washington.

“These international visits match Taiwan society’s needs for international recognition,” Mr Sung says. “When there’s an absence of international recognition, these other proxy indicators of international support are important to [the] Taiwanese.”

Meanwhile the Communist Party of China has mounted its own charm offensive, by inviting President Tsai’s predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou, to tour the mainland.

Mr Ma went on an unprecedented five-city tour, ostensibly to pay homage to his ancestors. He has indeed visited their graves in central China. But the trip is also political. In fact, it’s the first time a former president of

“Beijing is being nice to Ma Ying-jeou because he represents capitulation,” Prof Stanton says. “He says ‘we are all Chinese’. That’s something he and the Chinese agree on, but it’s not something the Taiwanese agree on.”

The risk in Mr Ma’s strategy is that more than 60% of Taiwan’s residents, according to surveys, describe themselves as Taiwanese, and not Chinese.

But there could also be a reward waiting in the wings. Surveys show that more than half of Taiwan believes war with China is now likely. And Mr Ma’s aim is to convince Taiwanese voters that only his party - the Kuomintang (KMT) - can avoid that war, Mr Sung says.

Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran meet in Beijing on April 6, 2023

“emphasizing stability, stable security and development of the region,” he said.

The meeting was the highestlevel gathering of officials from Iran and Saudi Arabia in more than seven years and comes after the two sides agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties following talks in Beijing in March.

Video released by Saudi state media on Thursday showed the two ministers joining hands while posing for photos, encouraged by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang who was standing in the

middle.

The resumption of relations between the two countries has been broadly seen as a diplomatic victory for China in a Gulf region that has long been considered part of the US’ domain of influence.

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi called the agreement a “victory for dialogue and a victory for peace,” and framed it as part of China’s “constructive role in facilitating the proper settlement of hot-spot issues around the world,” according to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry in March when the deal

was announced.

On Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing will continue to work to improve relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

“China is ready to continue to play an active role in mediation, support the two sides in increasing their relations, realize goodneighborly friendship and contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to the security, stability and development of the Middle East region,” Mao said during a regular press conference.

Ms Tsai met Mr McCarthy in California on Wednesday

World News

Italy watches as ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi lies in hospital

Colleagues of Silvio Berlusconi have expressed hope that Italy’s former prime minister will return to frontline politics after he was rushed to intensive care with breathing problems.

Health bulletins describe his condition as “stable and alert” and reports say he is being treated for a form of leukaemia, a cancer of the blood.

A four-time prime minister and media mogul, Mr Berlusconi still leads his party and is an elected senator.

But his health has suffered.

He had heart surgery in 2016 and then contracted pneumonia in 2020 after catching Covid-19. He has since been treated in hospital on several occasions.

“We want to be optimistic” said Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister and one of the most senior figures in Mr Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party.

Mr Berlusconi, 86. was admitted to intensive care in the cardiac unit at San Raffaele hospital in Milan on Wednesday, only six days after he was discharged following four days of check-ups.

Mr Tajani told reporters his party leader had an “unresolved

problem”. Forza Italia is a junior member of Italy’s right-wing government under Giorgia Meloni.

Hospital sources told Ansa news agency that he was having intensive therapy to improve his blood oxygenation, and Ansa later reported that the former prime minister had begun chemotherapy to treat a form of leukaemia, a cancer of the blood cells.

“He’s stable. He’s a rock. he’s going to make this time too.”

Macron counting on Xi to ‘bring Russia to senses’

French leader Emmanuel Macron has urged his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to help stop Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“I know I can count on you to bring Russia to its senses, and bring everyone back to the negotiating table,” he told Mr Xi in Beijing.

Mr Xi said their two countries had the “ability and responsibility” to safeguard world peace.

But the Kremlin said there were “no prospects for a peaceful settlement” so far and its offensive would continue.

Mr Macron is on a state visit to China that is being highly scrutinised after several years of deteriorating relations between the West and China, which has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Macron is also seeking to bolster trade ties. He is joined by European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who he

invited to take part in talks with the Chinese leadership, as well as a large business delegation.

On Thursday afternoon, Mr Macron was treated to an elaborate military parade in Beijing, before entering closed-door talks with Mr Xi, which Chinese and French officials described as “frank” and “friendly”.

Speaking to the press afterwards, Mr Xi said “China advocates for peace talks and seeks a political solution”, and called for “rational restraint” from the international community.

He also reiterated that nuclear weapons should not be used in the conflict. Russia earlier this week said it plans to place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, near the ally’s western border with Nato countries.

Mr Macron said “we can’t have a safe and stable Europe” as long as Ukraine remained occupied, and that it was “unacceptable”

who is an MP in his party, spent the night with him in the hospital and his children visited him on Thursday for a second time.

Forza Italia officials said their leader had spoken on Thursday morning to party figures including Mr Tajani and Maurizio Gasparri, vice president of the Senate.

Mr Berlusconi remains a divisive figure in Italian politics. Earlier this year, he was finally cleared of bribing young showgirls to lie about his notoriously raunchy “bunga bunga” parties.

However, both left-leaning and right-leaning newspapers have paid tribute to the charismatic, yet controversial, politician and media tycoon.

Knight”. The centre-left daily has for decades strongly criticised his political actions and extensively covered the repeated scandals surrounding Mr Berlusconi.

Although his entourage has downplayed the seriousness of his condition, his illness has raised questions about the future of his political party.

Although it is part of the ruling coalition, Forza Italia has been in decline in recent years, and his poor health may further weaken its position. When Mr Tajani spoke to reporters, he said there was only one party leader: “Now let’s hope he returns to lead the party.”

said Paolo Berlusconi, the exprime minister’s younger brother, after visiting him in San Raffaele hospital in Milan.

His return to hospital has caused concern in Italy and politicians from across the spectrum have wished him well. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has wished him a speedy recovery, tweeting the words “Forza Silvio” - “Come on Silvio!”, echoing the name of his political party. His fiancee Marta Fascina,

Several newspapers have wished him well, while others have highlighted the potential impact of his illness on the country’s political landscape.

“Everyone with Silvio” was the main headline in Il Giornale, which belongs to the Berlusconi family, expressing its support and solidarity.

Like the prime minister, Libero, another right-leaning newspaper, opted for “Forza Silvio”, while La Repubblica called him the “fearless

It has also revived questions about the future of the Berlusconi business empire, which includes several television channels and publishing companies, making him one of the most influential media moguls in Italy.

His family also owns a minority stake in football club AC Monza, which has climbed from the third tier of Italian football to Serie A during his five-year ownership.

“Warm wishes, dear president, from the whole big red-and-white family,” tweeted club president Adriano Galliani. (BBC)

that a member of the UN Security Council had violated the organisation’s charter.

The French leader struck a cordial, and at times warm, tone in his speech, often turning to Mr Xi during the press conference and addressing him personally. It stood in contrast to Mr Xi’s impassive delivery to the press.

The two men did not take questions, moving on swiftly to a three-way discussion with Ms von

der Leyen.

Earlier in his trip, Mr Macron had told reporters there was growing concern over the “inescapable spiral of mounting tensions” between the West and China stoked by the war. But “China’s interest isn’t to have a lasting war” and Beijing could play a “major role” in ending it, he added.

China has released a 12-point plan for peace in Ukraine, amid a

recent push to play a bigger role in international diplomacy which saw Mr Xi visit Moscow for talks on the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. The optics and timing of the trip undermined Chinese claims to neutrality in many people’s eyes.

While Western nations have been generally dismissive of the Chinese proposals, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has called for direct talks with Mr Xi - who has yet to publicly respond.

Silvio Berlusconi’s children, including his daughter Marina (R), visited the former prime minister at the hospital

Mr Macron was greeted with an elaborate military parade outside the Great Hall of the People

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DOMESTIC WORKER

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General

BIG BLUE COLLECTIVE

#2 MARINA ROAD, LEEWARD MARINA, PROVIDENCIALES

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SCUBA DIVING/WATERSPORTS INDUSTRY

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

Scuba Diving Instructors

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

REQUIREMENTS:

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

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

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

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

• Experience maintaining dive equipment and asset

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

• Marine biology background and experience in eco watersports and asset

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

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

DUTIES:

• Teach and guide diving per the PADI safety standards.

• Ensure proper maintenance and cleaning of all dive equipment

• Prep trips with needed coolers and additional items as needed

• Conduct snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding trips.

• Maintenance of dive equipment if qualified.

• Work towards gaining a local captains license.

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

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

Kiteboarding Instructors

Seeking qualified IKO kite instructors to teach kite courses.

REQUIREMENTS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Duties:

• Teach kite lessons of all levels

• Guide downwinders

• Repair kite equipment

• Ensure daily storage and cleaning of all equipment

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

• Run jetski support

• Transport all equipment needed to teaching location

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

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

Kitchen Helper

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

REQUIREMENTS:

• Fluent in English with good speaking and reading skills.

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

• Have prior experience in kitchen health and safety standards.

DUTIES:

• Prep food daily for following days trips.

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

• Clean coolers and clean office premises.

• Baking, prepping and cooking meals for trips

• Cooking staff lunches daily

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

• Salary ranges from $8-$12 per hour

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

Sales Representative

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

DUTIES FOR THIS POSITION WILL INCLUDE:

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

- Implementing and monitoring sales strategies in a competitive market.

- Customizing new designs for company apparel brand.

- Inventory control and ordering.

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

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

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

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

THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

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

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

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

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

- Education and experience in textile or graphic design.

- Experience in promotions and marketing services.

- Experience with Quickbooks POS inventory and stock control

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

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

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

BTS’ Jimin first South Korea solo artist to top US Billboard charts

Jimin of K-pop supergroup BTS has become the first South Korean solo artist to top the US songs chart with his hit, Like Crazy.

The sultry slow jam made its debut this week in the number one spot of the Billboard Hot 100 list, which is based on sales, streaming and radio airplay.

The 27-year-old celebrated the record on Instagram, sharing the chart with his 49 million followers.

BTS was the first South Korean

act to top the Billboards charts in 2020.

The tremendously popular boyband announced a hiatus last year to rest and pursue solo projects. Members are also completing their military service.

Jimin’s success with Like Crazy reflects the group’s sustained fandom worldwide, industry watchers say.

BTS have been the torchbearers of K-Pop music in the US, with

Whitney Houston’s posthumous gospel collection debuts at No. 2 on Billboard chart

six number one hits, including Dynamite and Butter.

The septet, composed of members Jimin, RM, Jungkook, Jin, Suga, J-Hope and V, were the world’s second best-selling artist last year, behind Taylor Swift, according to industry tracker IFPI.

They were the number one selling artist the prior year when they released a major album.

(BBC)

Janey Godley wins Billy Connolly Glasgow comedy award

JANEY Godley has won the inaugural Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at the city’s comedy festival.

Judges said Godley, who found viral fame with online sketches about Nicola Sturgeon, personified the city spirit.

The award, named after Scotland’s best-known comedian, was announced on the last day of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

Sir Billy appeared on screen to announce the prize, saying Godley was “a worthy winner”.

He said: “She’s been a pal of mine for about five or six years. We met in New Zealand when she was performing.

“I took her to see my showalmost killing her on the way. I have a weird way of crossing the road. It took her a while to get used to it.

“She’s a great girl, a great comedian and an extraordinary life story.” Godley is having cancer

Janey Godley

treatment again after last year announcing she was clear of the disease.

Accepting the award, Godley said: “I can’t believe I’ve won this. I have won an award from a man that I’ve admired since I was a child.”

Holding up the prize, she said “This is going to be my tombstone.”

The award, a self-portrait of Sir Billy etched in glass, was presented by festival director Krista MacDonald and Two Doors Down star and judge, Elaine C Smith.

The five other nominees were Scott Agnew, Paul Black, Craig Hill, Kieran Hodgson and Susie McCabe. (BBC)

WHITNEY Houston’s musical legacy continues to reach the upper echelons of the Billboard charts. Her recently released gospel compilation, “I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. It marks only her secondever entry on the chart. Her first, the soundtrack to the film “The Preacher’s Wife,” debuted at No. 1 in 1996.

“I Go to the Rock’’ features 14 tracks — six previously unreleased live and studio faith-based tracks, alongside popular songs recorded for soundtracks to the movies “The Bodyguard,” “The Preachers Wife” and “Sparkle.” Three of the songs

were recorded when Houston was just 17 years old.

“You heard the innocence of her voice,” the late singer’s sisterin-law and estate manager Pat Houston told the Associated Press. “You could see where she started and how she ended up with all her hits throughout her career. Any song is a great song of Whitney Houston’s. You heard her gospel roots all wrapped up in her music.”

Houston, who died in 2012 at the age of 48, is recognised as one of the greatest singers of her generation. Earlier this year, Rolling Stone ranked her second — only to Aretha Franklin — on their controversial list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Wolverine star Jackman gets skin cancer all clear

Australian actor Hugh Jackman has returned to social media with the news that his recent skin cancer tests are all clear.

“My biopsies came back negative!!! Thank you ALL for the love. I feel it!”, he posted.

The Wolverine star this week revealed he had undergone tests

after a recent medical check-up.

Jackman had his first skin cancer removed in 2013, and has since had at least six procedures.

The actor repeated his sunsafety message, writing: “Please remember to wear sunscreen with a high level of SPF, no matter the season”.

Jimin of BTS rules the US pop charts

Whitney Houston died in 2012 at the age of 48

Hugh Jackman had his first skin cancer removed in 2013, and has since had at least six procedures

Neil Diamond describes coming to terms with having Parkinson’s disease

THE legendary singer, who went public with his diagnosis in 2018, talked to “CBS Sunday Morning” in an episode this weekend about learning to live with the disorder, which affects the central nervous system.

“This is what I have to accept. And I’m willing to do it,” Diamond said. “This is the hand that God’s given me, and I have to make the best of it, and so I am. I am.”

According to Diamond, it “has just been in the last few weeks” that he has truly come to a place of acceptance.

“Somehow, a calm has moved in, and the hurricane of my life, and things have gotten very quiet, as quiet as this recording studio. And, I like it,” he said. “I find that I like myself better. I’m easier on people. I’m easier on myself. And the beat goes on, and it will go on long after I’m gone.”

Part of that beat is the Broadway musical, “A Beautiful Noise,” based on the singer’s life and starring Will Swenson as a young Diamond.

Diamond said of the production, “It was all pretty hard. I was a little embarrassed. I was flattered and I was scared.”

Neil Diamond

He explained his fear was rooted in insecurity.

“Being found out is the scariest thing you can hope, because we all

Super Mario Bros. movie: Jack Black on the rise of game adaptations

Arguably gaming’s most recognisable face is once again making the switch to the silver screen.

basically all from the game with just a couple of tweaks. It’s going to win all the awards.

have a facade,” he said. “And the truth be known to all of ‘em. I’m not some big star. I’m just me.” (CNN)

Gun: Maverick,’ ‘Stranger Things’ & ‘The Last of Us’ lead 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards

Tom Cruise’s record-breaking box office blockbuster, “Top Gun: Maverick,” and binge-worthy series “Stranger Things” and “The Last of Us,” are the top nominees for the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards, with six nominations each.

Joining “Top Gun” in the Best Movie category are “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Elvis,” “Nope,” “Scream VI” and “Smile.”

Announced Wednesday, top nominees for TV include

HBO’s “The White Lotus” and the Netflix “Addams Family” spinoff “Wednesday,” which each received four nods.

“Wolf Pack,” “Yellowstone” and “Yellowjackets” are also competing for Best Show.

Among the leading nominees in the unscripted category are “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” “Vanderpump Rules” and “Jersey Shore Family Vacation,” with two nominations each.

MTV also rolled out new

categories this year, too: Best Reality On-Screen Team and Best Kick-Ass Cast.

As for the show’s iconic Best Kiss Award, those competing include Harry Styles and David Dawson in “My Policeman,” Anna Torv and Philip Prajoux in “The Last of Us,” Madison Bailey and Rudy Pankow in “Outer Banks,” Riley Keough and Sam Claflin in “Daisy Jones & The Six” and Selena Gomez and Cara Delevingne in “Only Murders in the Building.” (NYDailynews)

Chirpy Italian plumber Mario, now 38 years old, is having the Hollywood treatment - with producers hoping this attempt is better received than the infamous 1993 version starring Bob Hoskins.

With Chris Pratt voicing the moustachioed lead, this is the latest in the trend of video game worlds, characters and stories being adapted for television or film.

Jack Black, who plays the firebreathing villain Bowser, has told the BBC that he expects more and more gaming intellectual property to have similar transformations in years to come.

Speaking ahead of the film’s release, he says: “In the future, film and television are going to keep going towards using the stories told in video games, because that market seems to be growing and growing exponentially.

“The TV and film industries seem to be seeing a little bit of shrinkage. It will be interesting to see what happens to the entertainment industry over the next 20 to 30 years but I think we will be seeing more storytelling from the gaming universe.”

Black is a big fan of video games. He has his own YouTube channel with a mix of gaming and music content, and plays a variety of titles from Minecraft to Doom.

Historically speaking, gaming adaptations have struggled to be as popular with critics and fans in a new medium when compared to the originals, but Black says the recent success of HBO series The Last of Us has proved that gaming stories can work in a linear medium.

He explains: “I’m a fan of adaptations, when done right.

“The Last of Us was fantastic. And what’s crazy is how loyal it is to the original source material. It’s

“They used the video game almost like a storyboard and I was like, ‘Whoa, this looks just the same.’

“And there are some great games that have yet to be explored in television or film. Maybe there’s going to be a Red Dead Redemption movie? There should be, because I think that [has] just as good or [an] even better story than The Last of Us.”

The Super Mario Bros. movie is clearly very different to the postapocalyptic world seen in The Last of Us but a successful outing at the box office will still likely encourage studio bosses to look at other games that could be adapted.

Critically speaking, some of the most successful silver screen game adaptations have been movies like Sonic the Hedgehog and Detective Pikachu, which target a younger family audience.

The Last of Us series being universally praised is a rarity in this field. Despite the chequered history of gaming themed movies and television - just take a look at the critical reception to movies such as Assassin’s Creed, Warcraft or Street Fighter, for examplethere are a whole host of projects already underway,

Small and big screen versions of God of War, Metal Gear Solid, Gears of War, Ghost of Tsushima, Gran Turismo, Fallout, Death Stranding, Twisted Metal, Borderlands, Bio Shock and another version of Assassin’s Creed have been officially announced. Others, which have not yet been made public, are also in the works.

This is clearly a trend that is not going away.

Adapting Mario for cinemas is a no-brainer for Black because, he explains, it comes with an audience ready-made.

Jack Black, who plays the fire-breathing villain Bowser, has told the BBC that he expects more and more gaming intellectual property to have similar transformations in years to come

Top Gun was the highest-grossing domestic release in 2022, generating $1.48b worldwide

‘Top

EXTRAORDINARY MINDS ASHLEY’S LEARNING CENTER

Job Title: Principal Location: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Island

Reporting To: Chairman, Board of Directors

JOB SUMMARY:

Extraordinary Minds: Ashley’s Learning Center is recruiting a senior level position of Principal for our Special Needs School.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supervises all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the School, including management of all administrative responsibilities eg. established budgets, guidelines and priorities as directed by the Board.

2. Acts as liaison between the Governing Board, teachers, parents, community agencies, and Ministry of Education,

3. Promptly responds to parents’ questions and concerns,

4. Supervises the writing and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities through observations, assessments, biweekly teacher plans and progress reports,

5. Participates in the selection, supervision, observation, and evaluation of teachers, related service providers, and other staff in designated programs as directed the Board of Management,

6. Conducts required meetings with staff individually, in small group or schoolwide,

7. Serves as the Instructional Leader of the school by facilitating at least two Professional Development sessions monthly on topics related to instructional practices, technology, trends in education and other topics,

8. Collaborates with staff members on identifying needs, opportunities, resources, and methods of providing professional development. Monitors and assesses the results of professional development to ensure the desired outcome,

9. Visits classrooms frequently to directly observe the instructional methods, materials, and procedures used by teachers and provides coaching where necessary,

10. Develops, implements, and evaluates annual school improvement efforts and staff development plans in line with the school’s Strategic Plan and the Ministry of Education’s mandates,

11. Ensures that the school environment remains safe for students and staff by following health and security protocols, monitoring the school’s surroundings and managing all other aspects of school safety.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• A Bachelor’s degree in Special Needs Education

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field would be an asset AND

• A minimum of five (5) years teaching experience in a Special Needs classroom setting

• A minimum of two (2) years school management experience

• Maintains excellent and timely attendance and punctuality.

• Possess above average communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills.

PACKAGE and BENEFITS

SALARY: from $43,000 per annum commensurate on qualification and experience

For persons recruited outside of the Turks & Caicos Islands a two-year extendable contract is offered. In addition to the basic salary, a Housing Allowance, End-of contract gratuity of 3% and Return Passage to country of origin are offered.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter and two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer) as well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the Passport photo page, National Turks & Caicos Islander Status Card (where applicable). Shortlisted candidates must submit a Police Certificate.

Applications should be addressed to the Chairman, Extraordinary Minds: Ashley Learning Center, George Alley, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Applications can be hand delivered, or sent by email to: chairperson@ ashleyslearningcenter.org

Applicants applying for this position must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 Applications without all supporting documents will not be processed. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 14, 2023

SMALL BUSINESS FOR SALE

Locally owned and operated for 30+ years, this is a part time business, ideally for one person, who has computer and people skills. If you are ready to be your own boss, or supplement your current income, this could be the ideal solution.

This business has been in continuous operation for 32 years, and has generated a substantial profit from year one.

Owner wishes to retire and travel, but will be available to consult with new owner for the first year.

CONTACT KATHI 431-6257 OR KATHI@SVMINX.ORG

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES!

The Financial Services Commission (FSC), the regulator of financial services business in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill several vacancies.

APPLICATION DEADLINE 11TH APRIL 2023

ANALYST III

Department: Bank & Trust

Annual Salary: $55,272.00 - $68,091.00

JOB SUMMARY

This is one of three supervisory positions in the Bank and Trust Department. The holder of this position will directly supervise staff and the Unit’s work program in the regulation, supervision and examination of the investment and trust sectors.

Details on the above vacancies can be found on the Commission’s website at https://tcifsc.tc/vacancies/ or by contacting the Commission at telephone numbers 649-946-2550 or 649-946-2791 ext. 4021 or 4048.

Applications should be emailed to administration@tcifsc.tc no later than April 11th, 2023. A copy of the application should be submitted to the Employment Services Department by emailing to CHbacchus@gov. tc and MCadams@gov.tc. Applications received after the application deadline may not be considered in this recruitment phase but may be placed on file for future reference. While we appreciate your response, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT:

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

Gus Complex, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a

WAREHOUSE PICKER

• Work in the warehouse filling orders and assist with inventory

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

• Scan barcodes and move items to correct location

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

• Maintain accurate inventory records while working quickly and safely

CONTACT:

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

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

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

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

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD.

IS URGENTLY LOOKING FOR A FLORIST

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

CONTACT: 231-3788

Responsible

CONTACT:

TURKS HEAD INN LTD GRAND TURK

DOMESTIC WORKERS

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

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

• Replenishes toiletries and towels.

• Vacuums and sweeps floors, carpets, and rugs.

• Makes beds and changes linens.

• Cleans and sanitizes

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

Salary: $8 per hour

SUBMIT RESUMES TO: TURKS HEAD INN @ EMAIL ADDRESS TURKSHEADINNE1830@GMAIL.COM

The successful applicant must possess:

• Minimum APM Level 4 / PMQ / Agile PM or similar.

• Five years post qualification work experience.

• Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, MS Project & BQ system software

Duties will include and candidates should have experience in:

• Contract Administration

• Design Co-ordination

• Project & Portfolio Management

An annual salary of $42,000.00 plus performance

Related commission is offered for this position.

The suitable candidate should be able to work under his own initiative and be able to see through projects from concept to completion.

Mixes

BABYSITTER MAINTENANCE

CONTACT: 347-0503

STORE CLERK

Selling products and providing customer service. Greet customers and guide them in finding products they want to buy.

CONTACT: 243-4350

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

CONTACT: 649-332-6320

CONTACT:

BARTENDER

BARMAID CLEANER

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 341-0550

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-245-3734

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

CONTACT:

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

MAINTENANCE MAN DOMESTIC WORKER

• Light repairs to commercial plaza;

• Cleaning yard and gutters;

• Washing windows at commercial plaza and patios;

• Wages $8 per hour (6 days a week and holidays).

• General housekeeping duties;

• Cleaning of villa, washing, ironing clothes and linens;

• Washing windows and patio floors;

• Clean up yard debris and dispose of refuse.

• Wages $8 per hour (6 days a week and holidays)

CONTACT: 946-5855 | EMAIL RESUME: HELLO@THEKFORCE.COM

THE POSITIONS ARE CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDERS. INTERESTED BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND RESUME TO THE LABOR BOARD.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Windsong resort is seeking a suitable qualified applicant to fill the following position:

GUEST SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

We are looking for highly organized candidates with excellent people skills for the position of a guest service representative. Guest service representatives are responsible for providing front desk services to guests, undertaking various administrative duties, among other duties.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to communicate written and spoken English.

• Customer service background

• Must be flexible with scheduling.

• Excellent overall communication skills

• Basic computer and typing skills.

• Able to multi-task

• Strong desire excellent guest service

• The ability to work well in a team environment.

• Able to stand for extended periods of time.

*Salary starts at $8.50

ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED. EMAIL RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO HR@WINDSONGRESORT.COM OR DROP OFF RESUMES AT WINDSONG RESORT, STUBBS ROAD, GRACE BAY, PROVIDENCIALES.

*PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS WHO ARE BELONGERS ARE ASKED TO SEND COPIES OF THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE LABOR BOARD.

THE PHYSICAL PLANNING ORDINANCE (CAP. 73) REGULATION 7 OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION) REGULATIONS, 1990

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION

An application, PR #16739, by Romanza on Grace Bay Ltd. for the development of thirty- two townhomes, reception building, yoga building, gym, sport courts, associated parking, pools and landscaping, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on Block #60900, Parcel #258, Leeward Going Through, Providenciales.

Anyone wishing to make representations concerning this application may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk, or through the Department of Planning, Leeward Hwy., Providenciales.

SAUNDERS & CO

WARD’S CONSULTANCY

WMW CONSTRUCTION Blue Hills

TEL: 649-241-4693

Salary: $8.00 p/h

Applies paints, sealers, to building surfaces

PAINTER MECHANIC

A&L TRUCKING

South Dock Rd

TEL:246-5644

Salary: $8.00p/h

Inspect machines, engines, transmissions etc.

TAMARA E. WILLIAMS

Blue Hills

TEL: 649-341-3225

Salary: $8.00 p/h

Prepare children's meals and feed them

NANNY NAIL TECHNICIAN

FACES & FINGERS

#12 courtyard plaza, Provo

TEL: 941-4411

Salary: $8.00 p/h

Clean, cut and shape nails

RASHARD’S CLEANING

Discovery 41A Provo

TEL:342-0255

Salary: $8.00 p/h

all basic cleaning in and around the facility

CLEANER FIBER CABLE INSTALLER

FIBER WORKS

Cooper Jack Provo

TEL: 649-333-0980

Salary: $3,000.00 p/m

Set up fibre optic and data networks

BELONGERS CAN SEND RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. THESE POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDER

FINANCE MANAGER

The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking for a dependable, disciplined, self-driven and efficient Finance Manager. Applicant should possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Graduate Degree is a plus)

• Minimum of 5 years hospitality industry experience as an Assistant or Finance Manager. CPA/CA/ACCA preferred

• Must be able to perform advanced analytics

• Exceptional communication skills

• Proficiencies in the following software applications: Opera PMS and QuickBooks

• Maintains and monitors workflow including checklists and fulfilling daily operational needs

SUMMARY

To direct the Organization’s day-to-day financial planning and accounting practices. Under the leadership of the General Manager, the successful applicant will be responsible for the preparation and analysis of the financial reporting process for the Resort as well as the annual budget process. He/she will provide strong leadership to the accounting team and will develop, implement and monitor effective financial controls and procedures, providing management with advice and making recommendations to improve process and financial performance.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing all finance and accounting operations.

• Preparing and publishing timely monthly financial statements.

• Produce quarterly shareholder reports with assistance from the GM.

• Manage all accounting operations including Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, Cost Accounting, Inventory Accounting and Revenue Recognition.

• Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts and report variances.

• Prepare and publish timely monthly financial statements.

• Coordinate the preparation of regulatory reporting.

• Support month-end and year-end close process.

• Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting.

• Duties not limited to but including as outlined above.

The ideal candidate should be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently. Position requires a flexible schedule. Salary: $65k-$75k per annum based on experience commensurate with experience and qualifications.

35706

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

GOVERNESS

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-7357

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

CONTACT: 347-4501

CONTACT: 649-244-1260

To follow blue prints and building plans. To install structures and fixtures.

NUMBER 1 CHICKEN’S

CLEANER

To skills in cleaning kitchen counters, washing dishes and cleaning pots, mopping and sweeping floors and disposal of trash.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT:

BELONGERS CAN APPLY/RENEWAL

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning

GUARD

To take of my four children, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing the children, administering medicine, doing housework, and etc.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 342-0742

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

2 DOMESTIC WORKER

BELONGERS

CLEANER/ DOMESTIC WORKER

GRILL

DOMESTIC WORKER

All basic cleaning in and around the house including, mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting. Washing and folding clothes.

CONTACT: (649) 343-8458

LABOURER

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

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 242-0193

Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick or stone edifices. Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

CONTACT: 241-0435

LABOURER

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

CONTACT: 345-2712

CONTACT: 341-4128

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

CONTACT: 231-5109

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. Salary: $7.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-347-3983

DOMESTIC WORKER

Babysitting and cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $350.00 Weekly

CONTACT: 331-5876

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house,sheets,laundering towels and personal clothing and housework.other

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-342-0726

Fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs, etc.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-244-4813

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

LOVELIE LUXAMA

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters. Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 241-1652

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house,sheets,laundering towels and personal clothing and housework.other Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 246-3290

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-1036

ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

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

CONTACT: 241-9746

HOUSEKEEPER

Able to work with little or no supervision, be physically fit, trustworthy and hard working. Must be self-motivated and able to comprehend, read, write and speak English fluently. Must be great with children of different ages. Rate: $300.00 per week.

CONTACT: 649-243-9999

Setting up workstations.

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 347-5225

THYROID CHRISTOPHER SMITH

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 348-8109

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

To look after small child and elderly lady. $8.00 Hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER MUSICIAN

To help setup stage, arrange and choose music, etc. $9.00 Hourly

2 TEACHERS

Creating lesson plans and teaching those plans to an entire class, individually, or in small groups; track students’ progress and present the information to parents; create tests; create and reinforce classroom rules.

Salary: $2,000 per month

CONTACT: 243-1358

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Cleaning

CONTACT: 241-7863

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO

Cleaning outside the property With

CONTACT: 649-245-5955

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

2 MASONS

CONTACT:

CONTACT: 342-7447

2 LABOURERS

changes, tire changes, wheel balancing, and replacing filters.

Salary: $12.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 346-0002

Cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair, trimming beards, or giving shaves. Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments. $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 348-1832

WOUILFRID

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-4271

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

PROVO BEVERAGES

• Assisting with brewing and bottling and canning operations

• Keeping the facility and equipment clean and operational.

• Loading Delivery drivers trucks,

• Unloading containers and stocking warehouse with inventory

• Cleaning the yard, cleaning machines.

• Assist in delivering goods to customers.

To work 6 days per week, Salary $8.00 per hour

EMAIL: INFO@TURKSHEADBEER.COM / TEL: 946-4561

THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL

GENERAL DUTIES:

• Cleaning and maintenance of the environment as well as equipment used inside/outside of warehouse facility.

• Manual & mechanical movement of dry and chilled cargo from containers to/from warehouse/customers.

INTERESTED PERSONS MAY CONTACT CARGO EXPRESS SERVICES, IN PERSON, AT 70 SOUTH DOCK ROAD OR EMAIL APPLICATION TO BKERR@TROPICAL.COM

APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 14, 2023

*POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK

TCI FLOOR CARE SPECIALIST

Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a

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

$6.75

CONTACT: 242-5462

BELONGERS ARE

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

BIG BLUE COLLECTIVE IN THE SCUBA DIVING/WATERSPORTS INDUSTRY

#2 Marina Street, Leeward Marina, Providenciales

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

SCUBA DIVING INSTRUCTORS

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

KITCHEN HELPER

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

• Fluent in English with good speaking and reading skills.

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

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

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Consumer Protection Appeal Tribunal is composed of members appointed by the Minister of Finance, Trade, and Investment to hear and determine appeals against decisions of the Director of Trade in relation to complaints made and investigations conducted under the TCI Consumer Protection Ordinance.

Applications from suitable individuals are invited for filling up the following vacant post on the Consumer Protection Appeal Tribunal

•Demonstrates ability, integrity and standing, having special knowledge of, and professional experience of no less than ten (10) years in economics, business, commerce, law, finance, accounting, management, industry, public affairs, administration, or any other matter which is useful to the Consumer Protection Appeal Tribunal; •Demonstrates sound understanding of the TCI Consumer Protection Ordinance;

•Willing to declare his/ her income, assets, and liabilities with the TCI Integrity Commission;

•Must be under the age of 75 years; and

$350 per meeting

Candidates should apply via email to careers@bigbluecollective. com before the 30th of April 2021 and include a resume and cover letter with a brief description of why they believe they are a suitable candidate to work in the eco-tourism / watersports industry. Applicants should send a copy to the Commissioner of Labour.

Note: For more details on the Consumer Protection Appeal Tribunal, please refer to the TCI Consumer Protection Ordinance, which can be found at https://www.gov.tc/trade/consumeraffairs/legislation.

Applications, along with the C.V. and a copy of the applicant’s National Turks and Caicos Islander status card, should be sent to consumerappealstribunal@gov.tc by April 14, 2023. Kindly note that applications not accompanied by supporting documentation will not be considered.

Additionally, please ensure that all applications clearly state “[Name of Desired Post] - CP Appeals Tribunal” in the subject line.

The Department of Trade, Industry, and Fair Competition thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.

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

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

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-2460

BELONGERS ARE

Duties: To clean and maintain premises and Other chores as assigned. SALARY: $7.50 per hour.

THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR HR / TRAINING MANAGER

Job Purpose: Administrative Officers serve as principal advisors to its organizations and participate in developing and implementing administrative management policies, working with management on planning organizational needs, and preparing plans, goals, objectives, and criteria for management processes.

NATURE AND SPAN OF CONTROL:

Reports to: Managing Director Reports Indirectly to: Deputy Managing Director

Their main duties are unloading building materials, and preparing job sites. They will use hand tools and operating machinery to help them with their work and assist crews with other necessary tasks.

Pay: $8.00 per hour

Work hours: Monday to Friday and weekends as requested

TEL: (649) 348-4781

DOMESTIC WORKER

Duties: Housekeeping, cleaning, mopping, sweeping, ironing, washing, dusting etc.

Salary: $8.00 per hour

EMAIL: CARIBBEANDREAMSMGT@GMAIL.COM

Positions Reporting Directly to the Incumbent: Clerical Officer

Internal Liaison Managing Director Civil Aviation Authority, Deputy Managing Director Civil Aviation Authority, Airworthiness Inspector, Licensing Officer, Accountant, Technical Records Clerk, Air Traffic Services Inspector

Liaison externally Air Safety Support International (ASSI), United Kingdom Civil Aviation

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERTISE/ SKILLS:

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Administration or Human Resources

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Three years experience in Office Management Working Conditions

• Physical environment: Incumbent performs some tasks in Air Conditioned office environment with comfortable furniture and modern PCs. Incumbent must also travel once per quarter to Grand Turk to meet with the administration staff.

• Hours of work: Incumbent works approximately 35-40 hrs per week, occasionally having to put in additional hours to meet deadlines.

LTD.

SSI SCUBA DIVING INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCED

Duties include: Teaching all SSI dive courses, guiding certified divers, all other boat and dive centre duties as required. Salary starts at $125 per day but will be based on experience and qualifications.

CONTACT: 649-432-2782

• Physical demand: The position is primarily sedentary but incumbent must be able bodied and have a good medical certificate.

ACCOUNTABILITY/RESPONSIBILITY FOR INDEPENDENT ACTIONS

• Ability to identify relevant data, prepares reports,

and presents the data using appropriate media.

• Ability to prioritize and accomplish assigned tasks independently and within established timeframes.

• Ability to select, interpret and apply travel/ relocation policies and regulations to answer questions, resolve problems, secure services, and make decisions/ recommendations.

• Knowledge of management practices, processes, ordinance and policies governing employment.

• Keep an accurate update of staff annual leave, entitlement and benefits in line with the Staff Procedures Manual.

• Assist with other administrator duties when administration staff is on leave

• Write letters on behalf of staff to requested organizations.

• Responsible for the approval of office purchases.

• Compile monthly, quarterly, or annual reports and Manuals.

• Apply policies and procedures related to administrative programs.

• Demonstrate the analytical ability, and strong written and verbal communications skills.

• Supervise Administration staff with planning and preparing daily task, such as job function, supplies and time management.

• Keep staff inform on changes, implementation and up-dates within the Authority.

• Conduct orientation of new staff

• Conduct annual appraisal and follow up on suggestions made to ensure that mile stones listed are been accomplished.

• Sits on the interview panel when hiring new staff

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Training Manager

• Under supervision of the managing Director, the Office Administrator (OA) plans, develops, monitors, and executes actions required to manage the Office’s, personnel management, performance management systems, awards, pay, travel and administrative and training programs.

• Assist with proper record keeping of staff training and development, forecasting training for each fiscal year.

Tools and Technologies

The incumbent is required to use basic office equipment and software

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION APRIL 7, 2023

Highway, Providenciales or email athomas@tcicaa.tc to reach no later than April 7th, 2023

Salary range: $47,940-$55,080 per annum

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Wymara Resort and Villas is a contemporary luxury full-service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.

*SPA THERAPIST

The Spa Therapist professional massage and body treatments to our guests. They must have a thorough knowledge of numerous massage modalities, possess a general understanding of body treatments and be willing to train in our spa’s specific massage and body treatment offerings. They must possess excellent communication skills and be able to learn the product and service knowledge necessary to effectively provide wellness solutions to meet the needs of our guests.

Salary Commission Based.

*CHEF DE CUISINE

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

Salary Range: $25k - $36k per annum.

*HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

Works with Room Attendants to ensure guest rooms and public areas are maintained to luxury standards. Assisting staff with daily tasks according to occupancy. Inspects work and coaches to develop consistent skills, assists in inventory and reporting. At least 4 years’ experience as luxury resort room attendant and supervisory experience preferred. PC skills required, Opera preferred, must have exceptional attention to detail and consistency in adhering to luxury standards.

Salary Range: $20k-$ 25k per annum.

*MAINTENANCE FOREMAN

Report directly to the Chief Engineering. This position is responsible for the day to day maintenance of the hotel. This position demands attention to detail, technical expertise and understanding of the preventive maintenance process. The Maintenance Foreman is committed to safety and focused on leading and supporting teams in goal achievement. Minimum 10 years of leading international 5 Star luxury full-service hotels, proven knowledge and ability to oversee and direct the maintenance and operational readiness of diverse equipment. Well-versed in analysis, identification and mitigation of safety hazards. Adept at reducing production downtime through scheduling, inspection and troubleshooting management. Skillfully train and mentor team members to optimize performance and improve quality. Strategic and forwardthinking leader with self-motivated and tactical mindset. Excellent relationshipbuilding and critical thinking skills with determined and decisive nature.

Salary Range: $25k-$ 36k per annum.

Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to Hr@wymararesortandvillas.com

SECURITY MANAGER SALARY $3,500.00 PER MONTH

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

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

CONTACT: 333-6577

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

The Turks and Caicos Islands oldest and leading publishing house is in need of additional staff to fill the following posts:

WRITERS/ PHOTO JOURNALIST

Candidates must have at least five (5) years’ experience working full-time for daily newspapers and/or news/features magazines, reporting on hard news, features and parliamentary/court proceedings. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS GRAPHICS PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ PAGINATOR

This position requires someone with at least five (5) years’ experience working with Macintosh or PC computers. Must be skilled in the make-up of advertising and pagination. Proficiency using InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop software for print is essential. Some technical, networking and web design knowledge an asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

COURT REPORTER

College or high school graduate with at least five (5) years’ experience in community reporting. Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON

Candidates must have had actual hands-on experience selling advertising space for newspapers and magazines. Ability to assist clients with the writing of copy for ads and gathering of collateral an asset. Salary is commission based.

WORKER

NV formerly Natures Visions requires a supervisor to manage installations and maintenance of landscapes.

THE KEY DUTIES OF THIS POSITION ARE:

• Supervising and working alongside teams of 2 to 6 gardeners and laborers.

• Assist with quotations and estimates.

• Installing and maintaining irrigation systems from various manufacturers,

• Applying pesticide and fertilizer appropriately.

TCMillwork ltd.

Architectural Woodworking, Cabinetry and Design

CNC ROUTER

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 5 years work experience in manufacturing furniture, woodworking, joinery and cabinet making.

Salary at $12.00 per hour

CNC OPERATOR, FURNITURE CARPENTER & LABOURER

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 5 years work experience in manufacturing furniture, woodworking, joinery and cabinet making.

• Trained to help cabinet maker, furniture carpenter.

• Cleaning the shop, offload materials, stack materials Salary at $11.00 per hour

FURNITURE CARPENTER & CARPENTER

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 5 years work experience in manufacturing furniture, woodworking, joinery and cabinet making.

Salary at $10.00 per hour Position: Tradesman

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• To utilize wood, metal and other materials, install cabinets and shelves, hang drywall, install molding and trim, and ensure measurements and cuts are accurate, may also perform repair work and install hardware. temporary structures like scaffolds, etc.

• Trained to help cabinet maker, furniture carpenter.

• Cleaning the shop, offload materials, stack materials Salary at $8.00 per hour

Skills required for all 7 positions below:

• Individual must have previous experience with manufacture, construction, and installation of high end cabinetry.

• Must be familiar with operation of all current woodworking machinery and tools with proper safety practices.

• Must be able to read Auto-Cad drawings.

• English speaking, bilingual preferred.

DUTIES:

Joinery, manufacturing, finishing and or re-finishing of furniture, cabinets and woodwork in general including installation. Assist other employees in general millshop operations and maintenance. Must be professional and courteous.

Please send applications to: tcmillwork@tciway.tc. Contact person: Stephane Gaudet 231-4537. Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of resume to Labour Department. All positions are held by work permit holders.

• Ability to work six days a week

REQUIREMENTS OF THIS

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE ARE

• A qualification in landscaping, horticulture or sciences

• Minimum three years of landscaping experience at leadership level. Five years if no qualifications.

• Sound knowledge of planting techniques, irrigation systems, and diagnosing plant Health as well as soil’s, fertilizers and pesticides in the application of those

• Experience in tree trimming would be an asset

• Drivers license, and on vehicle

Salary $3000-$4500. Monthly based on experience

IS INTERVIEWING FOR AN ADDITIONAL:

RESERVATIONS AGENT

Candidates must be personable, and customer service oriented. Requires Strong English(verbal and written) communication skills and Computer

Experience (Typing/Word/Excel)

Hotel Front Desk or Concierge experience mandatory.

Salary and Bonus Package determined by qualifications and experience

RESUMES SHOULD BE EMAILED TO

South Dock Road, Industrial Park Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

DRIVER HELPER

Drive and carry materials.

CONTACT: 342-5371

Fix and maintain

FINE DINING SERVER

DOMESTIC WORKER

Sweeping, mopping, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels, personal clothing, and other housework.

Salary: $7.00 hourly

CONTACT: 341-1406

CONTACT: 344-7707

THE MERIDIAN CLUB ON PINE CAY WOULD LIKE TO PLACE THE FOLLOWING NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.

Minimum 3 years’ experience in luxury resort environment. Wine knowledge and pairing and must have experience in fine dining table service. Individual requires exceptional customer service skills and good communication skills. The position would require staying on the Cay for scheduled shifts. Salary $10 per hour

HEAD LAUNDRESS

Minimum 5 years’ experience in luxury resort environment. Ensures that all laundry services within the property meet the highest possible standards. Organizes and controls the laundry department and maintains all relevant records. Well organized individuals to be responsible for the day-to-day Resort laundry facility. Sorting, cleaning, folding and organizing hotel linens. Some heavy lifting is required. Salary $10 per hour

SERVER

3 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment. Wine knowledge and pairing and must have experience in fine dining table service. Individual requires exceptional customer service skills and good communication skills. The position would require staying on the Cay for scheduled shifts. Salary $10 per hour

LAUNDRY ATTENDANT

Minimum 5 years’ experience in luxury resort environment. Well organized individuals to be responsible for the day-to-day Resort laundry facility. Sorting, cleaning, folding and organizing hotel linens. Some heavy lifting is required. Salary $9 per hour

GUEST SERVICE AGENT

3 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment. Must have P.O.S. experience, night audit or accounting would be an asset. Second language preferred but not mandatory. Computer skills and Excellent customer service is essential. Should pay attention to detail and be a team player. Must be able to reside on Pine Cay for scheduled shifts. $10 per hour\

BOAT CAPTAIN IMMEDIATELY- 5 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

Driver’s license and current VHF and TCI boat Captains license mandatory. Familiar with the waters between North Caicos and Providenciales. Responsible for the transportation of guests, staff and homeowners to and from Pine Cay. Freight runs and recreational runs will be required. Assisting with the upkeep of the Marine area. Dock maintenance, boat cleaning, and boat fueling. Salary 30k annually

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER

Minimum 5 years’ experience in luxury restaurant operation with Mediterranean exposure required. Excellent communication and organizational skills; reading, writing, and oral proficiency in the English language. Excellent human relations skills; proven experience in dealing with employee and guest situations in a positive and effective manner. Must be an exceptional performer in their current job and demonstrate the potential for management. Train, evaluate, lead, motivate, coach, and discipline all employees in the Hotel’s Service Department to ensure that established cultural and core Relais & Chateaux standards are met. Salary 36k annual

RESERVATION SUPERVISOR

Minimum 5 years’ experience working in Luxury Resort. The reservation supervisor must maintain a friendly and efficient atmosphere for the guests, homeowners, and staff members. To maintain accurate guest reservations, records, and bills. To serve as the communication focal point for the hotel and club. Must complete daily reservation duties and follow ups. Keep track of revenue management with fact sheet and packages updates. Following up with the IT technician on website maintenance, OTA’s websites updates and Relais & Chateaux updates. Following up on regular rooms and villa bookings. Salary 36k annual

K-9 SECURITY

Patrol Cay with K9 security dogs. Train and care for the dogs. Security baggage checks at the docks. Check-in contractors. Monitor and review security cameras. Respond to incidents at all hours. Work weekends, holidays and evenings. Must have emergency first responder training and firefighting training. Utilize K9’s to search for, apprehend and safely detain persons involved in or attempting criminal behavior. Protect all property of island, homeowners and guests.

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in military or law enforcement. K9 handler training from a government approved training facility. * Ability to read, write, understand and speak English to ensure comprehension and effective communication with others. Good health and physical condition. Have a good employment record and a clean police record check. Ability to work with and learn computer software. Salary 22k annual

MIXOLOGIST

5 years’ experience in a resort environment. Certificate of Mixology required. Commitment to delivering a high level of service to both Guests and Members. Passionate about mixology and industry trends. Ability to train and instruct Club Bartenders in raising their level of knowledge. Excellent problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Vast knowledge of wines, wine regions, and wine pairing. Effective communication skills are required. $10 per hour

CONTACT: 243-8431

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION

( SECTION 4(3) OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS ORDINANCE)

Take notice that I, Nigel Dakin, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in exercise of the powers conferred in me by Section 6(4) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Turks and Caicos Islander Status to Manoucheka Gordon / Louis by virtue of marriage to a Turks and Caicos Islander.

HOUSEKEEPER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 243-9961

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

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

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 431-5151

Cleaning floors, equipment, and furniture. Washing pots, pans, tools, china and silverware.

Salary $8.00 Hourly

JOB VACANCY

Grant Thornton Turks & Caicos Ltd requires one (1):

OFFICE/CORPORATE SERVICES ASSISTANT

Grant Thornton Turks & Caicos Ltd is part of an international network of audit, accounting and advisory firms. We are seeking an office/corporate services assistant which would suit an enthusiastic person seeking experience in an international organization.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Corporate services – assist in the provision of corporate services to clients, including new company applications, annual filings and liaison with the Company Registry and Financial Services Commission

• Reception – responsible for greeting guests, taking calls, and dealing with couriers

• Document production – assist in preparing, editing and formatting documents

• Finance – review incoming invoices for accuracy, prepare wire transfers, bank deposits etc.

• Office support – monitor and maintain office supplies, and coordinate office and equipment repairs

• Other – provide assistance with a variety of ad hoc tasks that will enhance the effectiveness of the office and team.

CAPABILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong client service focus in dealing with both external and internal clients, displaying professionalism, integrity and tact

• Proficiency to work with MS Office (Word and Excel)

• Excellent judgement and problem solving skills; exercising discretion when dealing with confidential information

• Effective listening skills; excellent oral and written communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities with limited supervision

• Flexibility to work overtime when required

Salary Range: $20,000 to $30,000

Turks and Caicos Islanders only need apply

Deadline for applications is March 21, 2023

INTERESTED PERSONS SHOULD APPLY TO LADARNYA

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

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

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

• Responsible for inventory management and for enhancing operational efficiency.

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

• Collaborate with key stakeholders on process and timeline for projects

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

• Prepares, reviews & negotiates contracts, purchase orders and

REQUIREMENTS

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

• Certifications in Project Management or any field

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience

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

ARIEL MCARTHUR GRAY

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

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

Sports International

Peter Bol: Australian runner’s doping row could have global impact

When runner Peter Bol edged ahead of the pack during the men’s 800m final at the Tokyo Olympics, it felt

like the whole of Australia was cheering him on.

Bol - a Sudanese refugee who arrived in Australia aged

eight - was the country’s first finalist in the event in 53 years.

Despite slipping to fourth

PELICAN BAY RESTAURANT & BAR

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER

• Successful applicant should have at least 8 years of kitchen and restaurant experience including

• Knowledge of food costing and controls, monthly inventory,

• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety, menu planning, managing and scheduling staff,

• Plus the knowledge and experience of worldwide pastries, desserts and

chocolates

• Responsible for the selection of wines as costing and menu print

• Use of micros POS system, Applicant should be able to both operate and program the POS.

at the final stretch, Bol’s gutsy race in 2021 cemented his status as the new darling of Australian sport.

He has continued to impress - but two months ago, his momentum for the next Olympics was shattered and his life upended by what he says are untrue allegations he is a drug cheat.

But Australia’s antidoping regime has also been accused of making “catastrophic blunders” in its handling of his case, which experts say could have ramifications globally.

SHOCK RESULT

In January, Bol was informed he had failed an out-ofcompetition drug test and was provisionally suspended - unable to compete or train.

He had returned a positive result for the banned substance erythropoietin.

Better known as EPO, it is a naturally occurring hormone. But when injected in its synthetic form, EPO is a form of blood doping which has been employed by athletes - most famously Lance Armstrong - to aid stamina and recovery.

Bol immediately requested a fresh analysis of his sample, a process that is

supposed to be private. But a week later - just days before he was tipped to be named Young Australian of the Year - his initial result and subsequent suspension was leaked to the media. The runner took to social media to express his “shock”.

“It is critically important to convey with the strongest conviction I am innocent and have not taken this substance as I am accused,” he said in a statement.

A month later, on 14 February, his back-up sample returned an “atypical

BCQS LIMITED

SEEKS

A SENIOR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR

A Senior Contract Administrator

• Design Co-ordination

GRACE BAY CAR RENTAL

#1216 Leeward Highway, Providenciales

TRAINING MANAGER

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify and asses the training needs of the organization through job analysis, career paths and consultation with managers.

• Develop individualized and group training programs that address specific business needs.

• Develop training manuals that target tangible results.

• Implement effective and purposeful training methods.

• Effectively manage the training budget.

• Evaluate organizational performance to ensure the training meets business needs and improves performance.

• Assess employees’ skills, performance, and productivity to identify areas of improvement.

• Drive brand values and philosophy through all training and development activities.

• Effectively communicate with team members, trainers, and management.

• Create a curriculum to facilitate strategic training based on the

431-1689

The successful applicant must possess

• Honours Degree in Contract Administration / Project Management.

• Five years post qualification work experience.

• Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, MS Project & BQ system software

• Project & Portfolio Management

An annual salary of $42,000.00 plus performance.

Related commission is offered for this position.

The suitable candidate should be able to work under his own initiative and be able to see through projects from concept to completion.

organization’s goals.

• Keep abreast of training trends, developments, and best practices.

TRAINING MANAGER REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field (essential).

• Master’s degree in education administration.

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in training and development management (essential).

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Superb track record in developing and executing successful training programs.

• Critical thinker with innovative problem-solving skills.

• Highly computer literate with proficiency in MS Office and related business and communication tools.

CERTIFICATES

• Situational Leadership-Building Leaders.

• Leading leadership Development.

Salary: $2,550.00 Monthly

Duties will include and candidates should have experience in:

• Contract Administration

This new position is available immediately and closing date for application is 14th April 2023.

THIS POSITION ABOVE REQUIRES WORKING LONG HOUR’S NIGHTS AND DAYS PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS SALARY RANGE BASED ON EXPERIENCE THIS IS A WORK PERMIT RENEWAL 35807

BCQS LIMITED

SEEKS

A SENIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR / CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR

The successful applicant must possess:

• Honors Degree in Quantity Surveying or RICS-Recognised Qualification.

• Ten years post qualification work experience.

• Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, MS Project & BQ system software

Duties will include and candidates should have experience in:

• Pre and post contract Quantity Surveying duties

• Contract Administration

• Design Co-ordination

An annual salary of $42,000.00 plus performance

Related commission is offered for this position.

The suitable candidate should be able to work under his own initiative and be able to see through projects from concept to completion.

This position is available immediately and closing date for application is 14th April 2023.

Sports International

response” - meaning it was neither positive nor negative. Experts say it is rare that the two samples do not match.

Bol’s provisional ban was lifted immediately, and the runner said he had been exonerated. “The relief I am feeling is hard to describe… the last month has been nothing less than a nightmare,” he said in a statement.

But Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) said he had not been cleared and vowed to continue its investigation.

“An [atypical finding] is not the same as a negative test result,” its statement said, adding it was not possible to say when the process would conclude.

Bol has said he is still waiting to be interviewed by SIA officials. But last week, his team said two independent laboratories had cleared Bol of ever injecting EPO.

An expert in Canada and a team in Norway analysed the results from Bol’s samples. They both

found the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory (ASDTL) had erred in the way it performed the test and that it had also read the results incorrectly - mistaking naturally occurring EPO for synthetic.

They concluded Bol’s initial sample should never have been deemed positive.

The ATSDL has 20 years of experience in EPO testing and is the only World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) approved facility in Australia, but Bol’s lawyer Paul Greene accused it of “inexperience and incompetence”. He demanded SIA drop its investigation and apologise for “catastrophic blunders”.

Sporting Integrity Australia and the ASDTL did not answer the BBC’s questions about the case.

A GLOBAL IMPACT?

Catherine Ordway, a sports lawyer and former director at Australia’s anti-doping agency, says the situation appears damning and Bol’s

case could have “major ramifications for other cases around the world”.

If the lab did make mistakes during the testing process it could jeopardise its accreditation, says Dr Ordway, who notes other facilities have previously lost permits over a single false positive.

But more importantly, Bol’s case has revived doubts over the test itself. A confirmed bungle could call into question EPO test results dating back decades, Dr Ordway tells the BBC.

“The World Anti-Doping Agency expert group is of course saying the test is robust… but [there have been] some serious concerns about it for quite some time,” she says.

There are two key ways EPO testing could go wrong, exercise physiologist and biochemist Rob Robergs tells the BBC.

A lot of drug tests are “incredibly sensitive” to small errors, the Queensland University of Technology academic says. But mistakes

can also be made in the interpretation of EPO test results, as the processunlike testing for many other banned substances - does not provide a simple yes or no

answer.

Because EPO is a naturally occurring hormone, labs are trying to determine if there is any synthetic EPO.

“When they’re making

a judgement on that, it’s subjective,” Dr Ordway says. “They’re trying to read it and say: ‘Is it outside of normal range?’ But how do we determine normal range?”

BCQS LIMITED

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• Design Co-ordination

Related commission is offered for this position.

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THIS NEW POSITION IS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY AND CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS 31ST MARCH 2023. QUALIFIED TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDERS PREFERRED.

• Project & Portfolio Management

An annual salary of $42,000.00 plus performance

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROJECT MANAGER

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

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

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

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

• Hire contractors and other staff and allocate responsibilities.

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

• Evaluate progress and prepare detailed progress reports.

• Ensure adherence to all health and safety standards and report

issues.

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

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

• Familiarity with quality and health and safety standards

• Good knowledge of MS Office, MS Projects

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Science & Technology

One in six people affected by infertility globally, says WHO

A REPORT from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has found one in six people around the world experience infertility.

There also appears to be little difference in rates across high, middle and low-income countries.

The proportion of adults affected by infertility during their lives is 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low and middleincome ones.

WHO is calling for better access to fertility care across all nations.

Infertility, according to the NHS, is when a couple cannot conceive despite having unprotected sex regularly.

WHO defines infertility as a failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sex.

Medical treatment for lack of ovulation or surgical procedures can be used to help women specifically, while intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are also available to assist couples with conception.

These treatments are available on the NHS, but IUI and IVF are often limited or require a strict set of requirements to qualify for access.

WHO says in most countries, fertility treatment is funded by individuals rather than national health services, which can result in financial hardship for many.

People in poorer countries spend a greater proportion of their income on fertility care compared to richer people, according to the report.

High costs are seen as a factor

The proportion of adults affected by infertility during their lives is 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low and middle-income ones

preventing people from accessing treatment and ultimately being unable to conceive when natural methods fail.

“The report reveals an important truth - infertility does not

discriminate,” said the DirectorGeneral of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom.

He added: “The sheer proportion of people affected shows the need to widen access to fertility care

and ensure this issue is no longer sidelined in health research and policy, so that safe, effective and affordable ways to attain parenthood are available for those who seek it.” (BBC)

Nasa names diverse group on Moon mission

The US space agency Nasa has named the four astronauts who will take humanity back to the Moon, after a 50-year gap.

Christina Koch will become the first woman astronaut ever assigned to a lunar mission, while Victor Glover will be the first black astronaut on one.

They will join Reid Wiseman and Jeremy Hansen to fly a capsule around the Moon late next year or early in 2025.

The astronauts won’t land on the Moon, but their mission will pave the way for a touchdown by a subsequent crew.

The three US citizens and one Canadian were presented to the public in a ceremony in Houston, Texas.

They will now begin a period of intense training to get themselves ready.

In selecting a woman and a person of colour, Nasa is keeping its promise to bring greater diversity to its exploration efforts. All the previous crewed missions to the Moon were made by white men.

Reid Wiseman (47): A US Navy pilot who served for a time as the head of Nasa’s astronaut office. He’s flown one previous space mission, to the International Space station in 2015.

Victor Glover (46): A US Navy test pilot. He joined Nasa in 2013 and made his first spaceflight in

2020.

Christina Koch (44): An electrical engineer. She holds the record for longest continuous time in space by a woman, of 328 days. With Nasa astronaut Jessica Meir she participated in the first all-female spacewalk in October

2019.

Jeremy Hansen (47): Before joining the Canadian Space Agency, he was a fighter pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He has yet to fly in space.

“The Artemis-2 crew represents thousands of people working tirelessly to bring us to the stars. This is their crew, this is our crew, this is humanity’s crew,” said Nasa

Administrator Bill Nelson.

“Nasa astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Hammock Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen, each has their own story, but, together, they represent our creed: E pluribus unum - out of many, one. Together, we are ushering in a new era of exploration for a new generation of star sailors and dreamers - the Artemis Generation.”

Wiseman will be the commander; Glover will be his pilot; Koch and Hansen will act as the supporting “mission specialists”.

The quartet are essentially repeating the 1968 mission carried out by Apollo 8, which was the first human spaceflight to reach the Moon.

Its crew took the famous “Earthrise” picture that showed our home planet emerging from behind the lunar horizon.

The major difference this time will be the use of the 21st Century technology that Nasa has developed under its Artemis programme. In Greek mythology, Artemis was the twin sister of Apollo.

Last year, the agency tested its next-generation Moon rocket, called the Space Launch System, and its associated crew capsule, known as Orion.

This Artemis-1 mission left Earth on a 25-day excursion around the Moon without anyone on board. This allowed engineers

to assess the readiness of the hardware.

Now, the newly named astronauts will climb into Orion for Artemis-2 and a journey to and from the Moon that’s likely to take about 10 days.

The last human spaceflight mission to the Moon was Apollo 17 in December 1972. The first landing was Apollo 11 in 1969.

Artemis-3, the first landing of the new era, is not expected to occur until at least 12 months after Artemis-2.

Nasa doesn’t yet have a system capable of taking astronauts down to the lunar surface. This is being developed by entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX company.

Called Starship, the vehicle is due to start flight testing in the next few weeks.

“We need to celebrate this moment in human history because Artemis-2 is more than a mission to the Moon and back; it’s more than a mission that has to happen before we send people to the surface of the Moon. It is the next step on the journey that gets humanity to Mars,” Victor Glover told the Houston ceremony.

Christina Koch added: “Are you excited? I asked that because the one thing I’m most excited about is that we are going to carry your excitement, your aspirations, your dreams with us, on this mission, Artemis-2 - your mission.”

The astronauts won’t land on the Moon, but their mission will pave the way for a touchdown by a subsequent crew

He was the first African American to stay on the space station for an extended period of six months.

Science & Technology

Alzheimer’s and HRT: Study suggests sweet spot to avoid dementia

Alzheimer’s disease strikes women harder than men — over twothirds of those who descend into dementia’s devastating twilight are female at birth. That’s likely due to biological reasons that remain poorly understood, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

One key piece of the enigma: Women lose sexual hormones such as estrogen when they undergo menopause, either naturally through the body’s decreased production or by removal of the ovaries via surgery. However, just how the loss of those hormones and the impact of hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, affects dementia risk is also unclear.

A new study may have uncovered a piece or two of the puzzle. Women who underwent early (age 40 to 45) or premature (before age 40) menopause or women who began hormone replacement therapy more than five years after menopause had higher levels of tau in their brains, according to the study published Monday in the journal JAMA Neurology.

Tau tangles, along with plaques made up of beta-amyloid proteins, are hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

“This is the first study showing a delayed use of hormone therapy seems to be associated with increased levels of Alzheimer’s disease markers in the brain,” said lead author Gillian Coughlan, a research fellow in neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

However, these changes only occurred in women who already had higher levels of beta-amyloid in their brain tissue, Coughlan told CNN.

“Most of the associations we saw between menopause and tau protein occurred in the context of high amyloid,” Coughlan said. “Now a large portion of the older population do accumulate amyloid as they get older — it’s not that uncommon.”

Tau deposits, however, are more uncommon, she said, adding that it takes both tau tangles and betaamyloid to develop Alzheimer’s disease. “Usually if you’ve a combination of beta-amyloid and tau, then you would typically develop cognitive decline within a few years,” Coughlan said.

“What we found is women who have early menopause or have a very late use of hormone therapy might be at higher risk, but

Women who have early menopause or have a very late use of hormone therapy might be at higher risk

only if they were already on the Alzheimer’s disease continuum, with elevated levels of amyloid,” she said. “Women with very low levels of amyloid and early menopause did not have such an association.”

The study also found that women who began hormone therapy “at the right time, proximal to menopause age, didn’t have higher or lower tau proteins in the brain,” Coughlan said. “This is good as it means we may still be able to use hormone therapy to treat severe menopausal symptoms.”

Dr. Richard Isaacson, an Alzheimer’s preventive neurologist at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, considered the scientific paper important.

“While it’s not the first time a study has shown that early treatment with hormone replacement therapy may be more protective for a women’s brain, it did suggest for the first time that greater amounts of tau protein may be associated with later initiation of hormone treatment,” said Isaacson, who was not involved in the study.

“This study doesn’t show that hormone therapy causes Alzheimer’s. The researchers didn’t look at whether the participants went on to develop symptoms of dementia and we can’t be sure of cause and effect in this kind of research,” said

clots, dementia and breast cancer. The study was halted early due to the dangers.

Fallout was dramatic. By the end of the year, hormone therapy use dropped 30% when analyzed by insurance claims. By 2009, hormone therapy claims had dropped more than 70%.

Ten years later, the Women’s Health Initiative findings were debunked. Because the original analysis looked at women age 65 and older, who were already at greater risk for heart attacks, blood clots and stroke, the initial 2002 results were flawed because they failed to consider a woman’s age at the start of replacement therapy. But the damage was done. Even today, many doctors are uncomfortable prescribing the use of hormone therapy, leaving many women to suffer through devastating symptoms without recourse.

the brain than men of a similar age, said Tara Spires-Jones, professor of neurodegeneration and deputy director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. She wasn’t involved in the study.

“Further, females had higher tau burden than males when they also have amyloid pathology in the brain,” Spires-Jones said in a statement.

Women in the new study all used the type of hormone therapy — the estrogen and progestin mix — that was used by the women in the Women’s Health Initiative clinical trial that caused so much controversy, Coughlan said.

Sara Imarisio, head of strategic initiatives at Alzheimer’s Research UK, in a statement.

“Hormone therapy provides important benefits to many women, helping to combat the symptoms that menopause can bring,” said Imarisio, who was not involved in the study. “Women who take, or are thinking of taking, hormone therapy should not be put off by these results, and anyone concerned about the effects of this treatment should speak to their doctor.”

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

The average age of menopause onset — defined as when a woman hasn’t had a period for 12 months in a row — is 51, although women can naturally go into menopause between the ages of 40 and 58, according to the North American Menopause Society. Symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats can occur years in advance, in what is called perimenopause.

Hormone replacement therapy has been a loaded topic for many women since early, misguided results were published in 2002 from a study called the Women’s Health Initiative clinical trial. That preliminary analysis found an estrogen and progestin combo — the type of HRT prescribed at the time — increased the risk of heart disease as well as stroke, blood

Current medical guidelines suggest the benefits of hormone therapy for hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal pain and dryness, urinary issues, and bone loss outweigh the risks for women younger than 60 who are within 10 years of the onset of menopause — and who have no known or suspected history of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke or other contraindications.

It’s a different story for women who are older than 60 or who start hormone therapy more than 10 years after the onset of menopause. “The benefit-risk ratio appears less favorable because of the greater absolute risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and dementia,” according to the 2022 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society.

WHAT BRAIN SCANS SHOW

In the new JAMA Neurology study, a team of researchers from Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed brain scans of 193 women and 99 men with normal cognitive function for beta-amyloid and tau pathology.

That may sound like a small study, but it isn’t, Coughlan said: “When using brain scans to actually look at disease in the brain, this is considered a large sample size.”

The study found women had more tau buildup in several parts of

“If (our study) is replicated, we may have found a potential biological basis for the results of the Women’s Health Initiative clinical trial, which found women 65 and above were more likely to develop dementia later in life if they took that one type of hormone therapy,” she said.

However, today women have many other options for hormone replacement, depending on their individual needs.

The study had some limitations — most participants were White and the study did not say who then went on to develop dementia, experts said. In addition, there were not enough people in the study with a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, said Dr Liz Coulthard, an associate professor in dementia neurology at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, who was not involved in the study.

“Recently we found out that HRT might have different effects in people at high genetic risk (apoE4 gene positive), but this is not featured here,” Coulthard said in a statement.

“The results here are scientifically interesting,” she added. “But research into the relationship between HRT, menopause and Alzheimer’s is beset by multiple small studies, all confounded by the different reasons people are prescribed HRT and accuracy of memory for menopause age and HRT use.

“As a result, women are receiving conflicting or poorly justified advice as to whether HRT use may be helpful or not for future brain health,” Coulthard said. “A balanced, well-powered trial of HRT over many years is the only way we will really understand whether HRT is harmful to brain health.” (CNN)

Science & Technology

Snooze or lose: How poor sleep habits could double your asthma risk

A UK Biobank study published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research suggests that poor quality sleep may increase an individual’s genetic susceptibility to asthma, potentially doubling the risk of diagnosis. The study included 455,405 participants aged 38-73, whose sleep patterns and genetic asthma risk scores were analysed. The results indicated that people with high genetic risk and poor sleep patterns were 122% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma than those with a low genetic risk and a healthy sleep pattern. The researchers suggest that early detection and treatment of sleep disorders could help reduce asthma risks, regardless of genetic predisposition.

Poor quality sleep may bolster a person’s genetic susceptibility to asthma, potentially doubling

their risk of being diagnosed with the condition, suggests a large UK Biobank study, published in the open access journal BMJ Open Respiratory Research.

A healthy sleep pattern seems to be linked to a lower risk of asthma, prompting the researchers to suggest that spotting and treating sleep disorders early on might lessen the risks, irrespective of genetic predisposition.

People with asthma often report sleep disturbances, including broken/short sleep and insomnia. But it’s not clear if sleep quality itself might influence asthma risk, or whether healthy sleep patterns might lessen this risk, say the researchers.

In a bid to find out, they drew on 455,405 UK Biobank participants who were between 38 and 73 years old when enrolled between 2006

and 2010.

Participants were asked about their sleep patterns, based on five specific traits: early or late chronotype (‘morning lark’ or ‘night owl’); sleep duration; insomnia; snoring; and excessive daytime sleepiness. A healthy sleep pattern was

defined as early chronotype; clocking up 7–9 hours of sleep every night; never or rare insomnia; no snoring; and no frequent daytime sleepiness.

Based on their responses, 73,223 people met the criteria for a healthy sleep pattern; 284,267 an intermediate sleep pattern; and

97,915 a poor sleep pattern. The genetic makeup of all UK Biobank participants is routinely mapped, and a genetic asthma risk score for each of the 455,405 people in this study was drawn up according to the number of genetic variants associated with asthma in their genome. (Scitechdaily.com)

Climate change: Norwegian seafloor holds clue to Antarctic melting

Antarctica’s melting ice sheet could retreat much faster than previously thought, new research suggests.

The evidence comes from markings on the seafloor off Norway that record the pull-back of a melting European ice sheet thousands of years ago.

Today, the fastest withdrawing glaciers in Antarctica are seen to retreat by up to 30m a day.

But if they sped up, the extra melt water would have big implications for sea-level rises around the globe.

Ice losses from Antarctica caused by climate change have already pushed up the surface of the world’s oceans by nearly 1cm since the 1990s.

The researchers found that with the Norwegian sheet, the maximum retreat was more than 600m a day.

“This is something we could see if we continue with the upper estimates for temperature rise,” explained Dr Christine Batchelor from Newcastle University, UK.

“Although, worryingly, when we did the equations to think about what would be needed to instigate such retreat in Antarctica, we actually found there are places where you could get similar pulses

of withdrawal even under the basal melt rates we know are happening at the moment,” she told BBC News.

Dr Batchelor and colleagues report their research in this week’s edition of the journal Nature.

The team has been looking at a great swathe of seafloor off the central Norwegian coast. Twenty

thousand years ago, this area was witness to a massive Northern European ice sheet in the process of withdrawal and break-up.

The sheet’s past existence is written into more than 7,600 parallel, ladder-like ridges that have been sculpted in the seafloor’s muddy sediments. These corrugations are less than 2.5m

high and are spaced between about 25m and 300m apart.

The scientists interpret the ridges to be features that are generated at an ice grounding zone.

This is the zone where glacier ice flowing off the land into the ocean becomes buoyant and starts to float. The corrugations are created as the ice at this location

repeatedly pats the sediments as the daily tides rise and fall.

For the pattern to have been produced and preserved, the ice must have been in retreat (advancing ice would destroy the ridges); and the tidal “clock” therefore gives a rate for this reversal.

The team’s results show the former European ice sheet underwent pulses of rapid retreat at speeds of 55m to 610m per day.

Importantly, the fastest rates were observed in places where the seafloor was relatively flat. These are locations where the ice above would tend to be more uniform in thickness and where less melting is required to make the ice float to aid its retreat.

Similar corrugations have been detected on the seafloor around Antarctica but the examples are quite limited in extent. The Norwegian study area is vastly greater and so gives a much clearer impression of how quickly ice can go backwards in a warming climate.

Today, scientists use satellites to monitor the grounding zones of Antarctica’s ocean-terminating glaciers. The spacecraft can trace where the ice is being lifted and lowered on the tides. (BBC)

A healthy sleep pattern seems to be linked to a lower risk of asthma

Ice losses from Antarctica caused by climate change have already pushed up the surface of the world’s oceans by nearly 1cm since the 1990s

Sports International

Real Madrid rout Barca to reach Copa del Rey final

Karim Benzema scored a secondhalf hat-trick as Real Madrid routed Barcelona to reach the Copa del Rey final.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Madrid levelled the tie through Vinicius Jr in first-half stoppage time.

Benzema added two goals early in the second half - the second from the penalty spot - to put the visitors in control and completed his hat-trick to seal the win in the 80th minute.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side will face Osasuna in the final on 6 May.

Barcelona had the better of a feisty first half at the Nou Camp, but their best chance led directly to Madrid’s opener in first-half injury time.

After keeper Thibaut Courtois got down smartly to stop Robert Lewandowski’s effort, the away side broke quickly and, after exchanging passes with Benzema, Vinicius squeezed his effort into

the bottom corner.

Five minutes after the break, Madrid were in front on aggregate as Luka Modric drove forward and rolled the ball into the path of Benzema, who swept the ball home from the edge of the area.

Xavi’s side were reeling and when Franck Kessie needlessly brought Vinicius down in the box, Benzema sent Marc-Andre ter Stegen the wrong way from the spot to extend the lead.

The France striker got his third with 10 minutes remaining after a devastating Madrid counter, again led by Vinicius, with Barcelona having committed men forward searching for a way back into the tie.

It was Benzema’s second hattrick in successive games after achieving the feat last Sunday against Real Valladolid.

LOS BLANCOS END

Karim Benzema’s second hat-trick in two games sent Real Madrid into the Copa del Rey final

BARCA’S RUN OF CLASICO

WINS

Going into the second leg a goal down, a distant second in La Liga and having lost the last three Clasico meetings, Madrid had a point to prove.

For much of the first half it looked as though they would end the night with just the Champions League to play for in the remaining two months of the season.

Not bad as consolation prizes go but entering the run-in with only one trophy target is something of a disappointment at the Bernabeu, especially if your fiercest rivals have a treble in sight.

But just when they might have been contemplating that reality, a blistering counter-attack at the end of the opening period changed the game.

Madrid came out after the break with renewed energy and

confidence, showing their class in a ruthless second-half display for which Barca had no answer. The hosts can console themselves with the fact they are closing in on a first league title since 2019, having already won the Spanish Super Cup.

For Ancelotti’s team, though, there is now a dual purpose - the pursuit of back-to-back Champions League wins and a first Copa del Rey triumph in nine years. (BBC)

Frank Lampard: Chelsea name ex-manager as boss until end of season

Frank Lampard says he will “focus on the job in hand” after being named Chelsea’s caretaker manager, rather than trying to land the role full-time.

Lampard has completed a surprise return to Chelsea for the rest of the season, replacing the sacked Graham Potter.

The club say Lampard will take charge while they carry out an “exhaustive process” to find a permanent boss.

“I want to do the best possible role I can and after that we will see what happens,” the 44-year-old said.

“I am not getting anywhere ahead of myself.”

Lampard, who has been out of a job since he was dismissed by Everton in January, previously managed Chelsea from July 2019 until he was sacked in January 2021.

His first game will be away to Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday before a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Lampard was a player at Stamford Bridge when interim boss Roberto di Matteo led the

Champions

a full-time

Asked if he could follow a similar path, the former midfielder

said: “It won’t be my decision so again I don’t want to jump forward to that.

“I understand I will get asked that question a lot. I have my eyes

wide open. The important thing for me is to park that and focus on the job in hand.”

Chelsea are 11th in the Premier League, 14 points behind fourthplaced Manchester United, despite having spent more than £550m on new players this season.

Announcing Lampard’s appointment, co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: “We want to provide the club and our fans with a clear and stable plan for the remainder of the season.

“We want to give ourselves every chance of success and Frank has all of the characteristics and qualities we need to drive us to the finish line.”

AN ‘EASY’ DECISION TO RETURN - LAMPARD

Lampard, who scored 211 goals in 648 games at Chelsea, said it was an “easy decision” to return.

“This is my club,” he said. “[I have] a lot of emotional feelings towards the club.”

In his previous managerial spell, Lampard took over with the Blues under a transfer embargo but guided them to a fourth-place finish and the FA Cup final in his

first season in charge.

After spending £200m the following summer on seven major signings, including current players Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz, he could not replicate the early promise and was sacked by previous owner Roman Abramovich with the club ninth in the Premier League, having won only two of their previous eight games.

He was replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who led Chelsea to victory in the Champions League final four months later.

After being sacked by Chelsea, Lampard was named Everton boss in January 2022.

He guided them to safety from relegation last season but was removed eight days shy of his oneyear anniversary in the role after nine defeats in 12 Premier League games this campaign.

Lampard was at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday for Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, when Bruno Saltor was in charge.

“I know there is a lot of talent in this squad,” he said. “I am excited to work with that talent and help them. That’s why I’m here.” (BBC)

Frank Lampard has completed a surprise return to Chelsea for the rest of the season, replacing the sacked Graham Potter

club to

League glory as a caretaker before earning the job on

basis.

International

ITF announces record women’s prize money and a return to China

The International Tennis Federation will offer record prize money in women’s events over the next three months and allow a return to China this year.

There will be $5m (£4m) on offer across 164 women’s ITF events in April, May and June, a 10% increase on 2022.

ITF tournaments, the level below the ATP and WTA Tours, have not taken place in China since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ITF said tournaments would resume “later this year” but gave no details.

The WTA, which has not held tournaments in China since 2019,

in 2021 suspended events there over concerns for Chinese former doubles world number one Peng Shuai.

Peng accused a Chinese official of sexual assault in a social media post but, after briefly disappearing from the public eye, later denied making the allegations. The situation led to widespread concern about her welfare.

The WTA told Reuters last week that a decision on a potential return to China was “forthcoming”.

It wants to meet with Peng in person before Chinese tournaments can resume.

The ITF also said it will stage

Bucks take top seed in Eastern Conference by beating Bulls

The Milwaukee Bucks secured their place as top seed in the Eastern Conference for the NBA play-offs by beating the Chicago Bulls.

The Bucks were without forward Giannis Antetokounmpo because of a sore knee and lost Khris Middleton early on to another knee issue, but won 105-92.

It means they will have home advantage in four of the seven games throughout the play-offs, which begin next week.

The Boston Celtics clinched second spot by beating the Toronto

Berlin Half: Eilish McColgan smashes own British record

its first World Tennis Tour event in Ethiopia and return to Burundi and Cyprus for the first time since 2013 and 2016 respectively.

“We have received reassurance that it’s safe for players, their families and teams to compete in China, so we’re looking forward to bringing the World Tennis Tour back there,” ITF president David Haggerty told Reuters.

“Our fundamental purpose is to develop grassroots tennis in 213 countries with different social, economic and political conditions.

“We will continue to do that for the good of our sport around the world.” (BBC)

Eilish McColgan smashed her own British record to win the Berlin Half Marathon.

The 32-year-old crossed the finish line in one hour five minutes and 43 seconds, taking 43 seconds off her previous best over the distance.

Scotland’s McColgan, who will make her debut over 26.2 miles at the London Marathon on 23 April, moves up to fourth on the European all-time list.

Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama was second, 30 seconds back, with her compatriot Yalemget Yaregal third.

McColgan’s fellow Briton

Samantha Harrison missed out on the podium in fourth.

The 28-year-old Englishwoman finished in one hour, seven minutes and seven seconds, 50 seconds behind Yaregal.

In March, McColgan set a new British 10,000m record in California - beating Paula Radcliffe’s time - but has been dealing with injuries in the buildup to London.

In the men’s race in the German capital, Sabastian Sawe led a Kenyan clean sweep of the podium, crossing the line in 59 minutes exactly. (BBC)

Raptors.

They won 97-93 despite being without Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and Al Horford, with Malcolm Brogdon coming off the bench to score a game-high 29 points.

In the Western Conference, the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Memphis Grizzlies 138-131 to seal a spot in the play-in tournament.

The top six places in each conference go straight into the play-offs with seventh to 10th trying to qualify through the playin tournament.

moved closer to the play-offs by beating the Los Angeles Lakers 125-118 - their 11th consecutive win over their local rivals.

spots with two games remaining. In the Eastern Conference, the Brooklyn Nets are sixth after beating the Detroit Pistons 123108. The Nets need one win from their final two games, or a defeat for the Miami Heat, to secure sixth spot.

Eilish McColgan won Commonwealth 10,000m gold in Birmingham last year

The Milwaukee Bucks will have home advantage throughout the play-offs

The Dallas Mavericks moved up to a tie for 10th with a 123-119 win over the Sacramento Kings. Kyrie Irving scored 31 points, Luka Doncic 29 and Tim Hardaway Jr 24 as the Mavericks moved level with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Los Angeles Clippers

Sports International

Lionel Messi: Where will Argentina legend be playing next season?

“Everything is a possibility” with regards to where Lionel Messi will be playing next season, says Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

Balague says the Argentina captain has received offers from Saudi Arabia and the USA’s Major League Soccer, while there is interest in bringing him back to Barcelona, albeit no official offer has been made yet.

Messi had reached an “agreement in principle” to renew his contract at Paris St-Germain for another year, with his priority to continue in elite European football until the 2024 Copa America.

After two seasons in Paris, the club, which is owned by Qatar Sports Investments, would like to convince him to accept that extra year under the same conditions as he has now.

According to Balague, the 35-yearold still needs to be convinced the Ligue 1 side can remain competitive at the top of European football, as director of football Luis Campos has been asked to reduce the wage list to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

“Messi said he would stay put for that extra year as long asbecause it has to be accepted by both sides - there is a sporting competitive team put together,” said Balague.

“The message that Messi got was that PSG will keep the same financial conditions, which is not a problem, but that they had to reduce the wage list which makes the team less competitive.

“It is also not clear if the manager (Christophe Galtier) will be replaced and who will come in. In Qatar, the talk is that the team line-up will vary by four to five players, which makes next season a bit of an uncertainty.”

A number of clubs from around the world are stepping up their

own attempts to convince the 2022 World Cup winner to sign for them.

“The pressure from the club’s Qatar owners is massive. They don’t understand why there is a delay and would be willing to put even more money on the table. But I insist, that’s not an issue,” said Balague.

PSG lead Ligue 1 by six points but their 11th consecutive attempt at winning the Champions League ended in a last-16 3-0 aggregate defeat by Bayern Munich last month.

COULD MESSI REALLY RETURN TO BARCA?

Messi, who left Barcelona for financial reasons in 2021, was met by whistles from a small section of PSG fans before they fell to a seventh defeat of 2023 at home to Lyon on Sunday.

That followed the news last week that Barcelona were in contact with Messi about returning

to the club, and after stories started appearing in French media about his future that placed the Argentine in a negative light.

Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father and agent, had a 25-minute meeting with Barca president Joan Laporta in a Barcelona hotel. It was the first time they had met since the day Laporta confirmed in Messi’s office that the player was not going to continue at the club.

“The main theme of the hotel conversation was not the future of Leo but how can Barcelona give him an homage,” said Balague.

“Leo and Laporta have not spoken but obviously Barcelona keep pushing the idea that yes, they are going to go for it. The main engine is manager Xavi who speaks very regularly to Messi and quite clearly paints him a picture of a team that needs his quality.

“Xavi tells Messi he will be used as one of the two midfielders in front of the holding one, very close

to what he does with Argentina. Xavi has thought of different ways for that to work and every time Leo hears about this, his eyes light up.

“But then he hears stuff from the club like ‘we’re definitely talking to them and this is going to happen’ from directors who suggest that this is almost a goer and I imagine his reaction is quite negative because there has been no offer at all. It’s just talk coming from Barcelona.”

Messi agreed a new deal with Barcelona on reduced wages two years ago, but the club changed their mind unexpectedly at the last minute. Now, with a similar financial situation, the thinking is that having Messi in the team will bring money in to keep bringing big players.

That Laporta decision in 2021 ended Messi’s storied spell at the club which yielded four Champions Leagues and 10 La Liga titles - plus six Ballons d’Or.

The club have continued to

struggle with their finances since.

“How is it possible that Barcelona, who are in a similar situation to what they were when Messi left, think they can afford Messi?” said Balague. “And why don’t they start negotiations?

“Nobody has approached Jorge or Leo to tell them how to put all that together with a financial package. Barcelona still need to reduce their wage list by 200m euros.

“My intuition is that if they did, they would be at a disadvantage enticing Messi with the possibility of coming back. Every week that passes without an offer is one less million that they will probably offer.

“If the only offer that Messi has got to stay in the elite game is PSG, and he is not fully convinced because of their sporting situation, Barcelona can come in a month’s time and say ‘we cannot afford to pay what you deserve but we can actually offer you this, which won’t be a lot’.”

A 400M EURO MOVE TO SAUDI?

Messi has had an offer this week to sign for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, where rival Cristiano Ronaldo already plays, for in excess of 400m euros for one season, according to Balague.

He has also had an approach from Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, the club his former Barcelona team-mate and friend Sergio Busquets is expected to sign for next season. Busquets is not committed to that move yet because he is hoping to be reunited with Messi.

“In MLS, they can never pay what Al-Hilal and PSG can offer. The hope for Inter is that Messi feels it’s time to abandon the elite and be in a quieter place to be ready for the Copa America,” said Balague.

Petra Kvitova claimed her maiden Miami Open title with an impressive straight-set victory over Elena Rybakina.

Following a marathon 30-point first-set tie-break, Kvitova faced few problems in the second and sealed a 7-6 (16-14) 6-2 win.

It ended a 13-match winning streak for Wimbledon champion Rybakina, who was chasing the Sunshine Double after triumphing at Indian Wells last month.

Russian Daniil Medvedev plays Italy’s Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s

men’s final.

Two-time Grand Slam winner Kvitova, 33, will move back into the world’s top 10 for the first time since September 2021 with the 1,000 ranking points which accompanied her victory, in addition to $1.26m (£1.02m) in prize money.

Reaching the Miami final for the first time in 13 attemptsthe 41st final of her career - the Czech produced a clinical display against a player boasting the most main-draw wins (21) on the WTA

Tour this year in Kazakhstan’s Rybakina.

After failing to serve out the opening set at 5-4, Kvitova eventually prevailed in a remarkable 22-minute tie-break, which swung back and forth until she took her fifth set-point opportunity - having faced five herself.

World number seven Rybakina, 23, was unable to respond and her bid to become only the fifth woman to achieve the Sunshine Double soon faded.

Messi is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 games

Among active players only Venus Williams (49) has won more WTA singles titles than Petra Kvitova (30)

Miami Open 2023: Kvitova beats Rybakina in straight sets to win title

Forbes’s brace leads Sharks to PPL win

Fresh off his dominance in the Nations League last week, national captain Billy Forbes was able to fire a brace to lead the SWA Sharks to a 2-1 win against the Academy Eagles on Saturday evening in the Provo Premier League.

The Eagles found the back of the net first through Wilkins Sylvain in the 42nd minute before Forbes scored late in the first half to even the score at the half.

In the 88th minute, Forbes fired in his second goal, which proved to be the game-winner.

Teachers were able to defeat Flamingo 2-0 in the second clash. The game was a nil-all affair at the half, but Sterlin Glory (68’) and Rolin Mompremier (84’) found the back of the net in the second period to ensure the win.

Danny Cox was named Player of the Match for the winners.

SHARKS WIN CLAUSURA IN WPL

The SWA Sharks won the Women’s Premier League Clausura round last weekend. Although they lost their final clash, they still had enough points to pull off the win. The teams will now battle in the WPL Championship playoff and the WPL Knockout Championship.

Walkin breaks

TCI’s discus record

One of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ rising athletic stars, Antwon Walkin broke the national discus record en route to a top 10 finish at the ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships last week in Kingston, Jamaica.

The 17-year-old made a new mark of 50.74m to surpass rival Tayjo Oppong-Adjei’s mark of 50.52m, which was made at the King of the Ring, Excelsior High School event in 2022.

Overall, Walkin finished seventh at the meet but was younger than all the athletes who recorded better distances.

The improvement for the youngster has been massive. At the 2022 Champs, the Kingston College student broke the national U17 record with a throw of 47.78m.

Last month, he almost caught Adjei. At the GC Foster Last Chance Meet, he finished second with a throw of 50.14m. After that meet, the teenager was adamant that the record was within his grasp.

He is also hoping to medal at the CARIFTA Games, which is scheduled for Nassau from April 7-10.

Antwon Walkin is the new record holder

The Sharks are a dominant team in the PPL

Billy Forbes continues to find his range

Sports National

Large teams for CARIFTA Games and Aquatics Championships

THE Turks and Caicos Islands will be well represented at the 36th CARIFTA Aquatics Championship in Curaçao and at the 50th CARIFTA Games in Nassau, Bahamas.

Some 40 junior athletes are set to travel for the competition over the Easter holiday.

The swimming event is billed for April 5-10 and the track and field from April 7-10.

AQUATICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

TCI swimmers will battle in several age categories: including the 12U, 14U and 17U.

The heats will take place in the morning and the finals in the evening.

Along with the regular pool events, Tahjari Williams and Ethan Gardiner will also compete in the Open Water race.

HERE IS THE AQUATICS TEAM LIST AND THEIR EVENTS:

12U GIRLS

• Danielle BURGESS | 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 100m freestyle, 100m breaststroke

• Hayley WILLIAMS | 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 50m freestyle, 100m breaststroke

• Danielle GARDINER 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle

• Lenika HAMILTON 200m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke

All will compete in the 400m Freestyle relay and 200m Freestyle relay

12U BOYS

• Rishith GURURAJA | 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 100m

breaststroke, 50m breaststroke, 100m backstroke, 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly

14U GIRLS

• Alyssa GARDINER | 50m backstroke, 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle

• Kevanique HARVEY | 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 100m breaststroke, 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle

• Lenika HAMILTON | 200m

400M RELAY

14U BOYS

• Jayden DAVIS | 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 100m butterfly, 200m freestyle, 50m butterfly

• Ethan GARDINER | 50m backstroke, 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 200m, 50m breaststroke, 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, Open Water race

17U GIRLS

• Thais BURGESS | 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 200m, 50m breaststroke, 100m backstroke, 200m freestyle, 50m backstroke

• Angelina LINDENHAHN | 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 200m backstroke, 50m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 50m backstroke

• Elinor ROBINSON | 50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke

• 200m freestyle relay

• 400m medley relay

• 400m freestyle relay

17U BOYS

• Tahjari WILLIAMS | 50m backstroke, 200m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 100m freestyle,

200m backstroke, 50m freestyle, Open Water race

• Donnie GARDINER | 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m freestyle

• 400m Medley relay

• 400m Freestyle relay

ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP

Overall, our athletes will be part of a historic and exciting event in The Bahamas, as the 50th CARIFTA Games coincide with the country’s 50th year of independence. The track and field team would compete in the U20 and U17 events.

HERE IS THE TRACK AND FIELD TEAM LIST AND THEIR EVENTS:

U17 GIRLS

• Roneisha JOHNSON | 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay

• Krysann WILLIAMS | 200m, 400m, 4x100m Relay

• Branary DELANCY | 100m, 4x100m Relay, Long Jump

• Anesha VARUS | 4x100m Relay

U20 GIRLS

• Chyna SIMMONS | 200m, 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay

• Lynn ANTOINE | 200m, Long Jump

U17 BOYS

• Kaeson GARLAND | 1500m, 3000m

• Love JOSEPH | 1500m, 3000m

• Melique EVANS | 400m, High Jump

• Shamar GARLAND | 4x100

Relay, High Jump

• Jamal MISSICK | 100m, 4x100m Relay

• Rayvon BLACK | 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay

• Renaldo REGISTRE | 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay

U20 BOYS

• Antwon WALKIN | Discus, Shot Put (Team Captain)

• Darvioun RIGBY | Shot Put

• Rayvon WALKIN | 4x100m, Long Jump

• Bernard HYDE | 200m, 400m, 4x100m, Mixed 4x400m Relay

• Alieando DURHAM | 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay

• Alidavidson HIGGS | 800m, 1500m, Mixed 4x400m Relay

• Markey ZEPHERIN | 100m, 4x100m Relay

TCI is well represented at the 36th CARIFTA Aquatics Championships

The track and field team left Provo on Thursday