TC Weekly News August 17 - 23, 2024

TCIG opens bidding for independent review of FortisTCI rate hike proposal

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a high-stakes move aimed at resolving the ongoing battle over FortisTCI's proposed 6% electricity rate hike, the Turks and Caicos Islands government has opened the bidding process to select an independent inquirer.

This critical step comes as the government faces mounting public pressure and the company's unwavering stance on the necessity of the rate increase.

With tenders now out to solicit potential candidates, the selection of a qualified and impartial inquirer is paramount to ensuring a fair and transparent review of FortisTCI's proposal.

The outcome of this process will

not only impact the pocketbooks of islanders but also shape the future of energy affordability and reliability in the territory.

In a recent appearance on the Progressive National Party's talk show "Thats Whats Up 2.0," Minister of Public Safety & Utilities, Hon Kyle Knowles, addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding FortisTCI's proposed 6% electricity rate increase.

He stressed that the government is walking a tightrope, caught between mounting public pressure and the company's insistence that the increase is essential to maintain reliable service and upgrade aging infrastructure.

However, Minister Knowles emphasised the government's

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commitment to due process, stating, "The rate increase was denied. Then, of course, they wrote back in asking for an independent [inquirer] to come and do the assessment... tenders now [have] gone out to solicit whomever that entity or individual is [who] would come in and do that assessment."

He assured the public that the government is not simply "falling in line," but is carefully balancing its responsibility to represent the interests of the people while adhering to legal and procedural requirements.

"These are very sensitive matters," he cautioned, "and these are matters that can end up in litigation for many years to come, which would ultimately be a cost to the public purse."

Former Deputy Premier and current Member of Parliament, Hon Erwin Saunders, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the need for a structured approach.

"We're a country of laws," he reminded viewers. "Fortis has a right to be able to ask for an independent reviewer with an expectation that it can go either way."

The proposed rate hike would

add $2 to $15 per month to most residential bills.

RATE INCREASE NECESSARY

FortisTCI, however, maintains that the increase is necessary to meet rising costs and to invest in infrastructure upgrades.

During a media session on Thursday, July 11, President and CEO of FortisTCI, Ruth Gardiner Forbes, had emphasised the necessity of the rate hike, stating that the company has absorbed costs in the past but the current situation necessitates the proposed adjustment.

She acknowledged the difficulty of requesting rate adjustments, stating, "This is one of the most difficult things that we have to do, is go to our customers and ask for an increase every year."

"This rate increase is necessary," Forbes stated. "We have to make the application because amidst all this growth, we've had to make a lot of investments to keep up with the growth."

The CEO outlined several factors contributing to the need for increased rates, including

cybersecurity risks, wildfire risks, supply chain challenges, and evolving regulatory requirements.

She stressed the importance of maintaining reliable service, stating, "I don't ever want to see TCI having a headline that says we are experiencing blackouts."

Forbes also addressed concerns about FortisTCI's rate of return, clarifying that the company does not receive a guaranteed 17.5% return. While this rate is allowable by contract, the average return on rate base for the past five years was 3.9%, with the highest being 5.1%.

The company is currently awaiting the Governor’s appointment of an independent inquirer to review the reasonableness of its proposal.

Despite these challenges, FortisTCI has made significant investments in renewable energy sources, aligning with the Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (R-NETS) approved by the Turks and Caicos Islands government.

The company also recently installed a new dual-fuel generating unit capable of using natural gas, a lower-carbon energy source.

Missing medication at hospital under investigation

Interhealth Canada has alerted the public to an investigation into missing medication at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre following a news report of an alleged break-in at its pharmacy.

The news report was published on Wednesday, August 14, stating that a significant quantity of medication was stolen from the hospital’s pharmacy over the past weekend, alluding to unnamed hospital sources confirming the theft.

On Thursday, the Hospital’s

Press Office confirmed the missing supplies, stating that a “relatively small quantity of unaccounted-for medication is under investigation”. That investigation was launched on Monday. They have reassured the public that there are sufficient supplies of medication to deliver care, urging the public not to panic.

According to the hospital the relevant authorities, including the police, are looking into the matter.

In a statement on the theft, the Hospital stated: “We want to emphasise that this is an extremely rare occurrence due to the robust medication safeguarding and stringent security measures currently in place. However, because of this recent event these measures are being reviewed and heightened wherever deemed necessary.” They have assured patients that they will continue to respond appropriately to ensure privacy and confidentiality during the investigation.

Minister of Public Safety & Utilities, Hon Kyle Knowles, and Former Deputy Premier Hon Erwin Saunders on the Progressive National Party's talk show "Thats Whats Up 2.0"

Premier declares war on informal settlements

BY OLIVIA ROSE

The Turks and Caicos Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick has declared war on the escalating "crisis" of informal settlements.

With a stern warning that these unregulated communities pose a grave threat to both national security and human dignity, Misick has vowed to take decisive action.

This comes in the wake of a controversial government operation that saw the demolition of homes in an informal settlement in Five Cays, sparking outrage among human rights advocates and the opposition leader who accused the government of callous disregard for its most vulnerable citizens.

The clash between the urgent need for affordable housing and the government's commitment to environmental protection and law enforcement has set the stage for a complex and potentially explosive battle over the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In a stern address to the nation on August 13, 2024, Premier Charles Washington Misick declared the rise of unauthorised construction and informal settlements in the Turks and Caicos Islands a "crisis."

The territory’s leader painted a grim picture of overcrowded, unsanitary, and unsafe living conditions in these areas, emphasising the threat they pose to health and safety.

"It is not only degrading the natural environment," Premier Misick stated, "it is demeaning to human dignity and a threat to our national security".

The Premier acknowledged the complex challenge of balancing the urgent need for housing with

environmental protection.

While recognising the desire for homeownership, he stressed that short-term interests cannot override the long-term sustainability of the nation.

He said: “We must balance the pressing need for housing with our obligation to safeguard the environment; the growth of informal settlements, particularly its threat to our vital ecosystem reflects a deep-rooted issue…I understand the importance of having a place to call home, a sanctuary to live, grow and strive, but sometimes our short-term interests don't align perfectly with the long-term vision for the sustainability of our nation.”

The government's commitment to housing, he assured, goes beyond regulation and enforcement. It aims to ensure that every legal resident can live in safe and sustainable communities.

Premier Misick further highlighted the dangers of unplanned development, particularly in the face of severe weather events. He condemned the practice of building in vulnerable areas, not out of a lack of compassion but out of a commitment to finding better solutions.

To address this multifaceted issue, the government has established the Informal Settlement Unit (ISU).

This unit collaborates with various agencies to tackle the problem systematically and compassionately, with a focus on providing homeownership opportunities and approved quality housing for all legal residents.

The Premier outlined six key interventions: a housing repair

and construction programme, increased benefits for first-time homebuyers, large-scale housing projects, a fairer land distribution system, the establishment of a mortgage corporation, and a requirement for developers to provide housing for imported labour.

Notably, an initial $20m has been allocated to the mortgage corporation, which is expected to be operational within six months.

According to Misick, this demonstrates the government's commitment to affordable housing solutions.

Premier Misick concluded his address by emphasizing the need for empathy and determination in tackling this crisis. He assured the public that the ISU's enforcement efforts would not render anyone homeless, underscoring the government's commitment to both environmental preservation and the well-being of its citizens.

"Our response to this challenge must be guided by empathy and determination," he affirmed. "The ISU has assured me that it has not carried out any reclamation of inhabited structures, and no one has been made homeless as a result of its enforcement efforts."

The Premier's address signals a firm stance against unauthorised development and a commitment to sustainable and equitable housing solutions in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

However, the government's recent actions have drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition.

On July 31, a joint operation between several government agencies resulted in the reclamation of Crown Land and the removal of unauthorised structures in the Five

Cays area. This operation, while applauded by some for protecting public land, has been condemned by others as heavy-handed and insensitive.

Leader of the Opposition/ People's Democratic Movement, Hon Edwin Astwood, expressed his outrage at what he called a "disturbing case of government overreach and selective enforcement." He accused the government of targeting a senior citizen who fell behind on her Crown land lease payments while ignoring "the multitude of illegal buildings" elsewhere.

Astwood further criticised the government for "weaponising government departments against its own citizens" and for failing to

address the root causes of informal settlements. He argued that the focus should be on providing support for vulnerable individuals facing housing crises, not on punitive measures.

The PDM party has proposed a series of solutions, including the establishment of a dedicated support system for seniors and other vulnerable individuals, the implementation of fair and transparent processes for resolving land lease issues, and the creation of avenues for citizens to seek assistance and redress without fear of retribution.

The ongoing debate highlights the challenges in addressing the issue of informal settlements in a just and equitable manner.

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An aerial view of an informal community in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick

UNITY AND PUBLIC ACTION AGAINST CRIME

A series of tragic events in the Turks and Caicos Islands has prompted calls for unity and public action against crime.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick addressed the community on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, expressing shared grief and the need for collective action. He urged citizens to break their silence and report any information to law enforcement. HE Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam also expressed condolences to affected families and urged anyone with information to come forward.

What are your thoughts?

Public Action?

It is a rather bizarre notion for a Premier to call for “public action” when he is always, as Premier, acting in a "public capacity". What does he mean by this? As far as any concerned “member of the public” is aware, they are already fully engaged and looking for answers.

It is a ‘tad’ bit late for the Premier to seek to ‘save the day’ when the day is already lost. Crime has taken over the islands and murders are routine. There is really little that can be done. The country is a victim of fallout from ‘gangbangers’, ‘exconvicts’ being shipped from the US, and the UK. This demographic “we just do not know anything about”. They are “homegrown” in a strange land, where the spirit of liberalism runs wild and free, where there is an absence of discipline, and corporal punishment in schools are a thing of the past.

This generation is “something” where parents are virtual kids, doing what their children are doing and there is a distinction between “right and wrong”. They lack the “milk of human kindness” and “without natural affection”. In fact, anything Biblical, moral, or correct is alien to them. Human life means “nothing to them”. The question is “What do you do with them”? It’s a strange animal that cannot be harnessed. There are roadblocks at night, security cameras, and police officers from abroad but the crime remains constant and unabated. This call

Dramatic changes in TCI

This pattern of crime, robberies, thefts and murders, gives real pause to the way of life in these islands. The carefree attitude and approach to living here is now becoming a distant memory. People must decide where to go at night. Living patterns and habits have changed dramatically. Private individuals and businesses must spend more on security, personnel and equipment.

Same old, same old

Same cry with no real resolutions. When corrupted and shoddy work perpetrators once brought before the courts will be charged and sentenced accordingly; maybe then it will deter or make the want-to-be criminal think twice before committing such crimes, and the public will have a bit more hope in the system.

Learn from the Dutch

for “collective action” comes “a little bit too little” and “too late” and three years after the Premier took office in 2021. There is a serious distraction here and an awakening that comes too late and after too many innocent lives are taken. It threatens the TCI as a ‘safe place to visit”.

Disjointed crimefighting agenda

It is accepted that elected officials by way of the National Security Council can contribute directly to policy making for law enforcement. Even so, the Minister of Finance can control what’s budgeted and allocated for crime fighting. There is unity but what can “unity” do when things are not changing on the ground?

All of this pious talk about unity and public, all good and well, but really leads to a feel-good speech. Is it equal to the reality that the country is at risk? What does it amount to? Can any of this make a difference? Community watch programmes and such initiatives as ‘spying on your neighbour’ worked in the past but can they work today? The tone and reality of the Premier’s remarks do not “catch the moment”.

They fall short. What they need is an action plan and a plan of action. The time for speeches and platitudes is over. People are already calling the police and telling all. None of it is helping.

Too much talking with little action

The government does not seem to be aware that they too are vested with a real role in law enforcement. These remarks by the Premier are like that of a “guest speaker” with a motivational talk and not one who budget assists with law enforcement policy and the budgeting of it all.

This Premier it seems, when it comes to policy, is a “spent force” and has reached the “end of the road”. There is now a nadir leadership in the TCI in knowing “what to do”. They have run out of ideas and there is that feeling “we’re in a state of siege”. The development, and tourism, at a fever pitch, all now seem threatened by an inevitable bubble. There is little planning from the Destination Management Organisation or a counter-narrative on what needs to be done. The economy of the TCI is at serious and imminent risk. It is the product of so many things and young men growing up without fathers. They could have seen it coming but did not plan for it. Whatever can be done to salvage the situation must now be done. Unity, yes, let’s try that. Public action, once a proper definition of that could be found must also be tried. If “nothing” is done, we are heading for a disaster and a dead economy.

We have a deep-seated crime problem. It is a very complex social problem. Punishment is not a solution because criminals are very sure they will not be discovered. The solution is not clear and requires very experienced experts. Holland has done the best job, we could learn there.

Political gimmick

The Premier is playing both sides of the coin. He talks and talks and talks. And honestly, he needs to delegate more. But you are a lawmaker, you are not dealing with millions of people, but with thousands, why are your policy failing?

Take drastic steps to address crime, we are losing our sons and daughters. Mr Premier needs to rethink what his legacy is going to be because it seems highly unlikely he'll be around in the political arena much longer to do more.

BY DELANA ISLES

Restrictive measures at cruise port disregards public ownership of beaches – Opposition

Last week government announced several new measures that will dictate who, what, when and how the public can access and enjoy the facilities at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre, much to the displeasure of the PDM and some residents.

The new regulations which came into effect on Thursday, August 15, were agreed to by the government and Carnival Corporation, and were put in place with an aim to enhance security at the facilities.

Party leader, Hon Edwin Astwood shared his concerns about these new measures, stating that they represent a direct assault on the rights of ordinary citizens and a blatant disregard for the public ownership of the TCI’s shared spaces.

Members of the public now need identification badges (to be issued at the main entrance) to enter the cruise centre when a ship is in port, adults now need a form of government identification to get in, minors must be accompanied by adults, and the public is cautioned to be on their ‘P’s and Q’s’ while in the facilities or face eviction, that

is, lewd, rude and loud behaviour will not be tolerated. Also, there are no commercial activities allowed in the cruise centre.

Astwood: “As the Leader of the PDM, I strongly oppose these unjust restrictions and call for a re-evaluation of the decisionmaking process that led to their implementation.

“Our government has a duty to uphold the interests of the people and to ensure that public spaces remain open and accessible to all, without discrimination or undue hindrance.”

Astwood has once again accused the PNP government of conspiring with Carnival Corporation against the citizens of Grand Turk, while failing to address the behaviours of the very few individuals who may engage in undesirable actions.

“By targeting ordinary citizens, these measures not only infringe upon our rights but also undermine the fundamental principles of justice and equality that should guide our society,” he insisted.

He said it is important to emphasise that all beaches are public spaces, belonging to the people.

“The cruise port, as a gateway to these public areas, should serve as a welcoming and accessible hub for both locals and visitors alike.

“The fact that Carnival Corporation holds a management contract with the government on behalf of the people underscores the responsibility to ensure that public access is preserved and protected for the benefit of all,” the party leader stated.

He is questioning the motivations behind the recent

move, stating that it is alarming to see a private entity influencing and dictating public policy in a way that directly impacts the lives of citizens without proper consultation or consideration for their rights.

“Furthermore, the decision to restrict access to the cruise port not only limits the enjoyment of our public spaces but also sets a dangerous precedent for the erosion of our rights and freedoms.”

He is calling on citizens and residents to take a stand and push back against any measures that seek to unjustly curtail access to public amenities.

While there has not been much protest against the move by the government and Carnival from a

lot of members of the public, some are questioning what policies are put in place to ensure the “family friendly” atmosphere that they are seeking to ensure at the Centre from visitors aboard cruise ships.

The security measures come in the face of rising crime in TCI – primarily in Providenciales –and recent threats by Carnival Corporation to shut down their operations at the cruise centre if the government does not put better security measures in place.

Many believe the move by Carnival is an attempt to exert undue influence, force out locals from plying their trade at the facilities and curtail cruise visitors’ access to local businesses not stationed at the centre.

Residents urged to form neighbourhood watch groups

As serious crime rages out of control in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is encouraging residents to help protect their communities.

A call was made this week by the Community Policing Branch of the police force for residents to form neighbourhood watch groups within their communities.

“Get involved, it’s easy as

1, 2, 3” they encouraged in a Facebook post on Tuesday, August 13.

Community members will have to launch the group, with the help of a community policing officer, whom they can contact at neighborhoodwatch@ tcipolice.tc.

“This is your chance to connect with neighbors, stay informed about local safety, and contribute to making our area a

safer place for everyone.”

They have also outlined a list of benefits to such an endeavour: “Strengthen community bonds by meeting and collaborating with your neighbors. Stay informed - be the first to know about any safety concerns in the area, and take action by playing an active role in keeping our neighborhood safe.”

“Together, we can make a difference,” they encouraged.

PDM Leader, Hon Edwin Astwood

the Grand Turk Cruise Centre

Regulatory Compliance sparks debate between gaming commission and casino operators

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a pivotal meeting held on Friday, August 9, 2024, the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission () met with Route Operators and Casino Operators to address critical issues facing the gaming industry.

While the Commission emphasised its commitment to enhancing regulatory practices, local casino operators have expressed concerns about some of the stringent measures enforced by the government.

According to a statement from the government, the meeting covered a range of topics, including mandatory Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, responsible gaming initiatives, and updates on new gaming areas.

Acting Managing Director, Mr Dexter J. Parker, underscored the commission's focus on continuous training and development, stating, "Enhancing regulatory capacity through comprehensive training is imperative for our mission".

The meeting also exposed underlying tensions between the TCIGCC and casino operators.

In an interview with the Weekly News, several operators who asked to remain anonymous voiced their concerns about the overly stringent regulations imposed on the gaming sector.

"While we understand the need for compliance with international benchmarks," one operator explained, "some of the regulations are discouraging

to new investors and are hindering the growth of existing businesses".

Operators further criticised the government's perceived lack of responsiveness to their concerns, “often fall on deaf ears," another operator lamented, adding that the government's approach to

addressing problems in the sector is frequently lacklustre.

Despite these criticisms, the TCIGCC remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting a safe, fair, and responsible gaming environment.

The commission expressed gratitude to all attendees for their

participation and contributions, and looks forward to continued collaboration in enhancing the regulatory landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This clash between regulators and operators highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the gaming industry in balancing

economic growth with stringent regulatory compliance.

As the TCIGCC continues to enforce its mandate, finding common ground with Casino Operators is critical to ensuring the sustainable development of the gaming sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Privy Council will hear TCIG on constitutional changes this November

Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood recently met with the Governor to discuss, among other things, the proposed constitutional changes to the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution and the upcoming Privy Council meeting.

Reporting on the meeting, Astwood said they discussed the recent changes in the UK government, possible changes in approach to addressing the needs and concerns of the overseas territories - particularly Turks and Caicos Islands – as well as potential dates for a possible visit to the TCI by the new Minister responsible

for Overseas Territories.

He said that meeting is essential for strengthening the territory’s relationship and addressing local needs.

Meanwhile, as to the proposed changes to the Constitution, though nominal, Astwood said they are essential for the TCI’s continued progress toward self-governance.

They discussed the timelines for the proposed changes to the Constitution and the necessary steps that need to be taken to ensure the changes reach the Privy Council.

Among those steps is the Submission of Approved Package. Astwood said the approved

package of constitutional reform proposals will be submitted to the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Minister for principle agreement.

There is then the Finalisation of the Order in Council (OIC), which will be drafted along with an explanatory memorandum and cover letter to be submitted to the FCDO Minister for provisional approval.

The draft will also go to the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC), and then re-submitted to the FCDO Minister for formal approval and signature.

Following all of these steps, the proposed changes will advance to

the Privy Council, with a meeting scheduled for November 6, 2024.

The proposed Constitutional changes include but are not limited to the transition to a fully elected House of Assembly.

While the government is pushing for that change to be implemented in time for the next general election – due by early 2025 – the PDM is not on board.

The Premier maintains that the transition to an all-elected House should take place at the forthcoming election with the four additional elected seats contested on an ‘all island’ basis.

He has proposed this as a

transitionary phase, until the subsequent election where the work of the Electoral District Boundary Commission will inform what additional constituencies may be implemented.

However, the leader of the opposition remains steadfast that the status quo should be retained with four appointed members; and the move to an all-elected House of Assembly should only take place at the subsequent election, where the work of the Electoral District Boundary Commission will inform what additional constituencies may be implemented. (DELANA ISLES)

The Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission (TCIGCC) meeting with Route Operators and Casino Operators on Friday, 9th August 2024 (TCIG photo)

Elderly man gunned down in his Five Cays home

– CoP offers solace

to grieving family

A Five Cays family was plunged into mourning early Sunday morning when 71-year-old Reginald Nathaniel Forbes was gunned down in his home by an unknown assailant(s).

The shocking crime occurred sometime around 10:27am on Sunday, August 11.

Police reported that their 911 dispatch received several calls alerting them to a number of loud explosions in the vicinity of Mathilda Way in Five Cays, Providenciales.

When officers from several units responded to the reports, they found Forbes lying motionless on the ground of his home with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

Forbes leaves to mourn his wife, whom Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin and Police Force Chaplain Pastor Wilbert Jennings visited on Tuesday.

Commissioner Martin extended condolences on behalf of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force to the aggrieved widow, promising swift and decisive action in hunting down the perpetrator.

“The police are working

tirelessly to investigate this heinous crime and bring the offender to justice. Our detectives are leaving no stone unturned, and we are committed to ensuring justice is delivered.”

He said the senseless killing of Mr Forbes has deeply impacted the community.

Pastor Jennings provided spiritual support and guidance through prayer, urging the widow to seek solace in God.

In an earlier statement on the murder, the commissioner deemed the killing as senseless, stating: “The disregard and disrespect for life by criminals has left an entire community mourning.”

The Commissioner is urging anyone with information about Sunday’s murder, anyone who may have witnessed it, or has footage of the incident to come forward to police.

The public can contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or on the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.

Police investigating 28th murder of 2024

Officers of the Serious Crimes Unit are investigating yet another murder in the Five Cays community of Providenciales this week.

Preliminary reports are that at about 8pm on Wednesday, August 14, officers and medical personnel were called to a home in Five Cays with reports of gunshots being heard in the vicinity.

When cops arrived at the scene they discovered the lifeless body of a man, bleeding

from what they suspected were gunshot wounds.

The death is being treated as a suspected murder as investigations continue.

Wednesday’s shooting death marks 28 murders for the year so far in TCI.

This murder comes on the heels of another in the same area; that of 71-year-old Reginald Nathaniel Forbes who was gunned down at his Five Cays home last Sunday morning.

Forbes’ murder takes the murder rate in the Turks and Caicos Islands to unprecedented levels, never before seen.

At 27 murders in just seven and a half months into the year, the TCI community continues to call on the government to do more to assist the police in their work.

Along with murder, armed robberies, shootings and other violent crimes continue to plague

local communities, families are being targeted, women are being accosted and robbed and businesses are being bled dry of their cash and merchandise.

Violent crime and the proliferation of guns in the TCI continue to run rampant.

Although the police force has received more boots on the ground in recent weeks – 12 new officers in July – the force’s detection rate

continues to suffer terribly.

Additional officers, while a boon to the police force, do not appear to be what is affecting the crimefighting abilities of the Royal TCI Police Force.

While aided by the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment (a largely reserve contingent), the Police Force continues to struggle to contain and or solve violent crimes in the territory. (DELANA ISLES)

Teen arrested in Grand Turk mother’s fatal shooting

Police have arrested a 17-yearold male to assist them with the investigation into the murder of 47-year-old mother of one, Necal Venice Pierre.

Pierre’s lifeless body was discovered at about 3:15pm on Sunday, August 4, in her Palm Grove, Grand Turk home.

An autopsy performed on her body later revealed that she succumbed to gunshot wounds.

Police immediately launched a robust investigation into the woman’s murder – along with that of Starvado Talbot’s shooting death the same day – rounding up several persons for questioning.

On Monday, police reported that a 17-year-old male was arrested on August 8 and was still in custody.

At press time, no indication was given whether the teen was charged or released from police custody.

No arrests have been made in relation to Talbot’s murder. He was gunned down near the Parade Grounds in Back Salina, Grand Turk, an hour after Pierre’s dead body was discovered in her home.

Police continue to appeal to members of the public to come forward with information they may

have about the two murders that have rocked the small community.

can contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious

Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or on Crime Stoppers P3 app to provide any information anonymously.

Police Commissioner and Pastor Jennings met with with Mr Forbes widow

Necal Venice Pierre

PDM condemns senseless murders, challenges Premier to act now

BY DELANA ISLES

Honourable Edwin Astwood, leader of the PDM has called on the government to act now in the face of spiraling gun violence and tragedy within communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In a public statement aimed at the Premier, Astwood said the murder of 71-year-old Reginal Nathaniel Forbes in Five Cays last Sunday morning stands as a chilling testament to the unchecked wave of crime that threatens the Islands’ way of life.

Forbes was gunned down in his home just after 10am on August 11, with residents reporting to police that they heard several blasts. It was later reported that the elderly man was shot several times.

The party leader said it is time

for the Premier and his government to take responsibility as the surge in violent crime is “a stain on our society, a failure of governance, and a betrayal of our people by the Premier and his government”.

Astwood accused the Premier and the government of allowing what he termed an epidemic of violence to fester without taking the necessary steps to change course.

“It is an indisputable fact that gun violence and crime are at their highest rate ever under Premier Missick and his PNP government leadership. The lack of arrests, the absence of a coherent strategy, and the failure to adequately support our law enforcement agencies, including the Police Force and the TCI Regiment, are clear signs of their dereliction of duty,” the

opposition further accused.

He commended the dedicated men and women of the territory’s law enforcement agencies for putting their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect the community.

However, he added: “Yet they are often left without the essential resources, manpower, equipment, and new technologies needed to effectively combat crime and maintain public order.”

He said it is unacceptable that in every budget cycle, the government fails to prioritise building local competency and capacity within the territory’s security forces to ensure that they are well-equipped to address the challenges it faces.

“I can affirm this occurrence as I have sat on the Appropriations Committee for the past four budget presentations and have continually questioned the underfunding, differing, and defunding of resources for our law enforcement agencies.”

The party leader has challenged the Premier and government to step up, take bold action, and show genuine leadership in the face of the ongoing crisis.

“Lip service and empty promises are no longer enough. We need tangible actions, clear communication, meaningful consultations, and robust collaboration to serve and protect

our people, our businesses, and our communities.”

He is calling on all elected officials to stand together and take decisive action against what is occurring in the territory.

Other members of the PDM whose names are on the ballot for the next general election have also sounded similar calls to the government to act in the face of the rising crime wave and fearful communities and families.

The PDM lost 14 -1 to the ruling PNP party in the last election, with just two members sitting for them in the House of Assembly (one elected and one appointed), against the government’s 15 seats. Their calls to action came just days before the territory counted its 28th murder for 2024. A sharp uptick from last year’s, and the highest murder rate to date in the tiny archipelago.

A familiar sight in Providenciales, police roadblocks, as cops investigate yet another murder

The week-long event - July 28 to August 3 - began with a worship service at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Grand Turk, followed by the launch of the Decade of Healthy Aging

Seniors treated to week-long retreat

The Department of Aged Care and Rehabilitation and the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit recently organised a seniors’ retreat themed ‘Vitality Through the Ages’ in observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The week-long event - July 28 to August 3 - began with a worship service at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Grand Turk, followed by the launch of the Decade of Healthy Aging.

The Seniors’ Retreat and the introduction of Integrated Care of Older Person (ICOPE), an assessment tool to determine the needs of older individuals, were officially inaugurated by the Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services on July 29.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nadia Astwood, highlighted the significance of the programmes during the opening ceremony, while Dr Eldonna Boisson, the PAHO/WHO representative for The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasised the role of these initiatives in promoting healthy ageing and personalised care plans through the ICOPE Programme.

The remainder of the retreat featured morning and evening sessions aimed at bridging the intergenerational gap. The activities included the launching of ‘Move to Live’, a fitness programme for seniors, a spa day, a beach day, nutrition presentations, aerobics, karaoke, dance sessions and candle making.

On August 2, a stakeholders consultative meeting was led by Dr Patricia Morsch, Ageing Advisor for the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), to prepare for the development of a National Policy on healthy ageing for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The meeting focused on concepts for healthy ageing and strategic actions to deliver the Decade of Healthy Ageing in the

Turks and Caicos Islands. The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) is a global initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of older individuals and their families, in alignment with the final ten years of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The week culminated with a gala banquet under the auspices of Mrs Sylvia C. Melhado, the Patron of the Sylvia Melhado Aged Care and Special Needs Centre hosted at the Yellowman Sons Auditorium on August 3.

The event also marked the official launch of the Decade of Healthy Ageing. Guest Speaker Dr Morsch delivered a presentation on ‘Vitality through the Ages’, emphasising that healthy ageing enables individuals to maintain their independence and engage in activities they enjoy.

She underscored that older people desire mobility, continuous learning, growth, decision-making autonomy, fulfilment of basic needs, nurturing relationships, and participation in decision-making processes at various levels.

The Director for Aged Care and Rehabilitation, Betty-Ann Been, stated: “The Seniors’ Retreat was an awesome experience from the preparation meetings with the seniors, to the debriefing. The seniors enjoyed and participated in the activities, especially the karaoke night and the consultative sessions, expressing their desires for the Healthy Ageing Policy for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The oldest participant was ninety-seven years of age. One senior stated it was a week to remember- growing old gracefully”.

Minister Malcolm commented: “As a country, the Turks and Caicos Islands is seeing the same demographic shift as the rest of the world and the region and as such, it is vital that we engage in initiatives and develop strategies, focused on enhancing the quality of life of older persons in our society.”

Ex-offender rehabilitation requires more than just jobs

—Minister Knowles

BY OLIVIA ROSE

The rehabilitation of former inmates is a complex issue that goes far beyond simply finding them employment, according to Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon Kyle Knowles.

In a recent interview on "Financially Speaking," Minister Knowles shed light on the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society after serving prison sentences and the government's ongoing efforts to address them.

Minister Knowles emphasised that the process of rehabilitation is far more complex than simply

finding employment for exoffenders.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the mental, physical, and psychological aspects of reintegration in the Turks and Caicos society.

"It's not a matter of you're out of prison today and we put you on a job tomorrow," Minister Knowles stated.

He explained that the rehabilitative process must involve various checks and conversations to ensure that former inmates understand the challenges they will face and the importance of regaining the trust of the

community.

The Minister acknowledged the progress made by the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services in detaching itself from social welfare and focusing on targeted rehabilitative efforts. He commended the department's leadership for their work in this crucial area.

Halfway houses Minister Knowles also discussed the role of halfway houses in the reintegration process, highlighting the importance of providing transitional housing for those who

may not have family or support systems to return to, ultimately reducing the rate of recidivism.

He revealed that efforts are underway to reopen and improve the functionality of halfway houses in the country.

The Minister expressed his excitement about the progress being made in the area of rehabilitation and underscored the government's commitment to facilitate a more comprehensive and effective reintegration process for former inmates.

He also emphasised the need to

address the root causes of criminal behaviour and provide individuals with the tools and support they need to become productive members of society.

Minister Knowles's candid remarks have sparked a renewed conversation about the challenges of prisoner rehabilitation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. His call for a more holistic approach to reintegration has resonated with many who believe that the current system is failing to adequately address the complex needs of ex-offenders.

All bodies recovered after 62 die in Brazil plane crash

All bodies have been recovered from the site of a plane crash in the Brazilian state of São Paulo which killed everyone on board, the authorities have confirmed.

Teams had been working to find and identify victims of the disaster after a twin-engine turboprop operated by airline Voepass came down in the town of Vinhedo.

The number of casualties was revised upwards on Saturday to 62.

Voepass said earlier that the ATR 72-500 was carrying 57 passengers and four crew between Cascavel in the southern state of Paraná to Guarulhos airport in São Paulo city. But it later confirmed there was another unaccounted-for passenger on the flight.

Footage circulating on social media showed a plane descending vertically, spiralling as it fell.

The aircraft crashed in a residential area, but no-one on the ground was injured. Officials said only one home in a local condominium complex was damaged.

The state of São Paulo said it concluded its operation to remove the victims’ bodies from the site at

The aircraft

18:30 local time (22:30 BST) on Saturday. It added that the bodies - 34 males and 28 females - were being moved to a police morgue in the city of São Paulo, where they will be identified and released to the families.

Two of the victims, the captain and first officer, have already been identified, the state confirmed. It added that family members will be staying in a hotel in the city to help with identifying the victims - 38 families have arrived so far.

Earlier, Capt Maycon Cristo, a spokesman for the fire department, said teams were relying on a number of factors to help identify passengers. These include documents and the position of bodies in relation to seating, as well as mobile phones recovered from some of the

victims.

The plane crash is Brazil’s worst since 2007, when a TAM Express plane crashed and burst into flames at São Paulo’s Congonhas airport, killing 199 people.

At this stage, it is not known what caused the ATR 72-500 to crash.

Authorities said the flight recorders had been retrieved.

ATR, the French-Italian plane maker, said it would co-operate with the investigation.

According to the tracking website Flightradar24, flight 2283 had taken off from Cascavel at 11:56 local time (14:56 GMT) on Friday and was due to arrive at 13:40.

The last signal received from the aircraft was about 20 minutes before it was scheduled to land.

Brazil’s civil aviation agency said the plane, which was built in 2010, had been “in good operating condition, with valid registration and airworthiness certificates”.

The four crew members on board at the time of the accident were all duly licensed and had valid qualifications, it added.

Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon Kyle Knowles.

crashed in a residential area, but no-one on the ground was injured

TCIG pledges $750,000 in Hurricane Beryl relief aid

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a remarkable display of regional solidarity, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has announced a substantial financial commitment to aid Caribbean nations ravaged by Hurricane Beryl.

The devastating storm, which tore through the region in the first week of July 2024, left a trail of destruction in its wake, impacting lives and livelihoods.

Understanding the profound and lasting effects of such natural disasters, the Washington Misick-led government has stepped forward with a generous contribution of $750,000 to bolster recovery efforts.

According to a recent statement from the TCI government, this significant financial aid will be channeled through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Coordinating Unit (CU) and distributed equally among the three hardest-hit nations: St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Jamaica. Each country will receive $250,000 to support immediate relief and longterm rebuilding initiatives.

“It is our sincere hope that this contribution will serve as a beacon of hope, aiding in the recovery and resilience-building efforts within these nations. We believe that it will help to restore livelihoods and strengthen communities as they

bravely rebuild in the aftermath of this devastating hurricane”, the government stated.

This act of benevolence underscores the spirit of cooperation and mutual support that defines the Caribbean community.

In the face of adversity, the region has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience and determination to overcome challenges together as other countries have also provided financial, food, medical and technical aid to the affected countries.

The TCIG's contribution serves as a beacon of hope, offering vital assistance to those grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

The funds are expected to play a crucial role in restoring livelihoods, rebuilding infrastructure, and strengthening communities as they work tirelessly to recover from the devastation.

The TCI government has expressed its sincere hope that this financial support will not only provide immediate relief but also contribute to building long-term resilience against future natural disasters.

In addition to the financial aid, the TCIG has extended its gratitude to CDEMA CU for their unwavering commitment to disaster management and recovery in the region.

he collaborative efforts of governments and organizations like CDEMA CU are essential in ensuring a coordinated and effective response to natural disasters, ultimately saving lives and protecting communities.

As the Caribbean continues to face the growing threat of climate change and increasingly severe weather events, regional cooperation and international support will be more critical than ever.

CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED

Do

Perhaps

Omar Soloman (L) and Keysha Hill gather what is left of his shop after it was destroyed when Hurricane Beryl passed through the area on July 04, 2024 in Old Harbor, Jamaica-Joe Raedle, (Getty Images)

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick

(Work) for the glory of God

In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Holy Spirit gives a guiding principle for believers: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." This verse holds profound implications for how we approach every aspect of our lives, including our work. But what does it mean to do everything for the glory of God, and how can we practically apply this in our daily work?

WHAT IS THE GLORY OF GOD?

The glory of God refers to His magnificence, holiness, and worthiness. It encompasses the splendor of His character, His presence, and the recognition of His supreme authority. When we talk about glorifying God, we mean that our actions, words, and attitudes should reflect His greatness and honor Him in every possible way.

WHY IS GLORIFYING GOD IMPORTANT?

Glorifying God is central to the Christian faith because it acknowledges and reflects His sovereignty and goodness. It is an expression of our faith and obedience, showing that we recognize Him as the ultimate authority in our lives. When we glorify God, we align our lives with

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.

His purposes, making His priorities our priorities. This deepens our relationship with Him and serves as a testimony to others of His power and love. Glorifying God in our work means that we approach our jobs with the same reverence and dedication that we do in other aspects of our faith. Here are some practical ways to do that:

1.

WORK WITH EXCELLENCE

Colossians 3:23 advises, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." This means putting forth your best effort, regardless of the task. Whether you're working on a major project or handling routine tasks, doing your work with excellence honors God because it reflects His nature of perfection and care.

2. DEMONSTRATE INTEGRITY

Integrity is a cornerstone of a God-

honoring life. Proverbs 11:3 in the New Living Translation says, “Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people." In the workplace, this means being honest, trustworthy, and consistent in your actions. Avoid cutting corners, even when no one is watching, because God sees all and values righteousness.

3. SHOW RESPECT AND KINDNESS

Treating others with respect and kindness is a direct reflection of God's love. Ephesians 4:31-32 in the Message translation reminds us to "Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you." Whether you're interacting with a colleague, a supervisor, or a customer, your attitude and behavior should reflect the grace and love that God has shown you.

4. BE A LIGHT IN YOUR WORKPLACE

Matthew 5:16 encourages us, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Your work environment is a mission field where you can be a witness to others. By maintaining a positive attitude, being helpful, and sharing your faith when appropriate, you can point others to Christ.

5. SEEK GOD'S GUIDANCE

Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Before making decisions at work, seek God's wisdom through prayer. Whether it's about handling a difficult situation or making a career move, inviting God into your decision-making process shows your dependence on Him and your desire to align your work with His will.

Glorifying God in your work is not about being perfect but about being intentional. It's about recognizing that every task is an opportunity to honor God, no matter how small. When you approach your work with this mindset, you fulfill your duties with excellence and integrity and serve as a powerful witness of God's love and glory to those around you.

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

The message vs messenger

INTRODUCTION

Do you find yourself ignoring a message because of who the messenger is? I know I have been guilty of that. I encourage you today to put aside any preconceived myths and focus on the message and not the messenger. Listen to what others have to say. Read what others are saying. You may be very surprised to observe the quality of the content.

FOCUS ON THE WORD OF GOD, NOT THE MESSENGER

The word of God does not change. Sometimes we do not want to listen to the preacher because of who the preacher is. However, if the preacher is preaching and teaching based on the word of God, then you should make up your mind to listen to the message and make some takeaway points.

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.

Too many times we are caught up with the popularity of the person or the tone in which someone speaks. Likewise, because someone is not popular or perhaps, they did not go to Bible school or encounter failures or mishaps in their life, we ignore them and do not listen to the message. Be very careful with this. God can use anyone to deliver a word. 1 Corinthians 1:27 states “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;

God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong”.

DO NOT FOCUS ON THE POLITICIAN OR THE PARTY, FOCUS ON THE MESSAGE

This is political season, and I know many people are aligned to a political party and so they do not listen to the message of what the others are saying and if they do listen, they look for something

they can criticise.It is time we change our mind-set and listen to messages from both sides of the political field and then make up our minds as to what we will do. Stop focusing on your party. Stop focusing on the educational background of a candidate. Focus on what the person is saying and the ability to get things done. Do not focus on the age, focus on the message. Sometimes we tune out the messages from the youth because we feel they are inexperienced and still have a lot to learn. Likewise, we tune out messages from the elderly as we feel they are out of touch. However, I encourage you not to focus on the age of someone. The young and old have something that we learn from. Listen to their messages.

DO NOT RULE OUT THE DRUNK, THE HOMELESS OR THE POOR

Many times, we tend to overlook the messages from those that are homeless, poor, alcoholic or drug addicts. We focused on the messages from the rich, famous and people of status. While they may have some powerful messages, let us not overlook the messages from those that are drunk, poor or homeless.

Perhaps if we listen to them, we can help others from going down that road or we can help them to get up.

CONCLUSION

I know it is a human thing to focus on who is presenting the message. However, I believe we are missing out some very powerful messages because our focus is on the messenger and not the message.

Empathy and emotional intelligence are the paradigm shift in modern leadership

Deep within the framework of best practices in business lie two unexplored phenomena – the ability to employ ‘empathy’ and ‘emotional intelligence’ (EI) in workplace leadership.

Noticeably, in the rapidly evertransforming business landscape, traditional leadership styles are undergoing a paradigm shift – from leaders’ usual technical acumen and decision-making prowess to deploying compassion in the workplace.

According to Forbes magazine, modern bosses now clamour for a more profound understanding of their workers’ emotions and the capacity to empathise with them on the job.

And so, in navigating the complex work environment, the ability to connect with employees – and to some extent, customers –on an intimate level, understand what motivates them and champion a favourable workplace culture – has so far, proven

essential.

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.

According to experts, empathy is the capacity to understand another person’s feelings and possibly share and relate his/ her experiences, while EI is the ability to perceive and manage one’s own emotions and that of other people.

A Harvard study found that leaders who exhibit empathy and emotional intelligence significantly outperform their peers; therefore, it is crucial that companies hire and develop their managers and leaders and equip them for relentless challenging times.

Companies led by such individuals would engender an increase in employee engagement and productivity.

Leaders with this skill set are more equipped to handle stress and make informed decisions under pressure – vital for today’s fast-paced work environment and technological development.

To bolster this argument and ensure success, experts are urging leaders to look out for signs of burnout in employees, as they are at greater risk, especially in increasingly stressed environments.

Therefore, companies must exhibit a sincere interest in the well-being of their workers, endeavour to understand the individual’s unique goals and help the individual achieve targets. Doing so can help boost performance and culture.

Moreover, they must demonstrate compassion during a personal loss and this is an ideal channel to establish real connection and bond with those ‘we’ are privileged to lead. Hence, acting empathically suggests that CEOs are relating to specific losses of team members.

But there is a slight problem, not all managers are graced with empathy or able to exhibit any form of EI in their daily lives and; therefore, they find it difficult to express empathy at work.

The good news; however, is that empathetic leadership can be learned. Given adequate time, support, and other resources, leaders can develop or improve

empathy skills through coaching, training, or through personal development programmes. Again, I will echo the experts! Incorporating these two phenomena into leadership styles in the workplace is subject to vulnerability, fairness and strategy. Suffice it to say, being vulnerable in the workplace is not professing to have all the answers and validating the limitations of leaders; it is showing that they can relate to workers’ situations and connect with them.

I am adamant that both private and public sectors should encourage empathetic leadership in the workplace to effectively perform their jobs and acquire corporate targets and success. Moreover, empathetic leaders are assets to any company and organisation because they have the capacity to effectually foster and maintain relationships and retain talents, which is crucial to all organisations across the TCI.

Eight ways to be the ultimate sneaky link in town

So, let's talk relationships—there are the ones you shout about from the rooftops, the ones only your closest friends know about, and then there’s the kind even the FBI couldn’t extract from you.

Welcome to the world of the sneaky link. This is your 11 PM to 4 AM fling, the boo thang who knows how to make your body speak fluent love language without uttering a single "I love you." Forget long conversations, forget texting all day—this is strictly a no-strings, “I’m outside” at 2 AM kind of deal.

Whether they’re sneaking in through the back door or James Bond-ing it through your window, they’re there for one thing and one thing only.

And let’s be real—the deed is too good to give up. A public sighting? A polite “hi” will do. It’s a grown folks’ arrangement, no drama, no mess, just bodied!

If you’re new to this sneaky

BY DAVIDSON LOUIS

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

link life, or maybe your sneaky link game is a little rusty. Don’t worry, your boy’s got you covered. Here are eight tips to help you become the best sneaky link in town. Remember, even if no one knows about them, you should always be grateful for their “divine services.”

1. GET YOUR MIND RIGHT

Before you dive in, align your mind, body, and soul. Set clear expectations and outcomes— nobody wants to turn their sneaky link into a soap opera. We’ve all had enough drama in

2024; let’s keep this year chill, alright?

2. BE OPEN TO NEW EXPERIENCES

This is your chance to explore! Privacy and no-judgment zones are the sneaky link’s bread and butter. So if your link goes MIA for a week because they’re busy, no need to stress—remember, there’s no commitment here.

3. BE CLEAR AND READ THE VIBES

Make sure you’re both

on the same page. When communication is clear, there’s less room for confusion and way more room for fun.

4. SPONTANEITY IS KEY

Don’t let your link-up feel like a dentist appointment. Spice things up! Hang out with mutual friends and pretend you don’t even know each other—trust me, the sneakiness will add a whole new level of excitement to your next rendezvous.

5. DON’T CATCH FEELINGS

Whatever you do, keep those emotions in check. Enjoy the moment, have fun, and if you start catching feelings, well... you might want to introduce your sneaky link to your family because congratulations, y’all are dating now!

6. STAY FRESH AND CLEAN

This one’s a no-brainer—good hygiene is non-negotiable. Time

is of the essence, so if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. You feel me?

7. BE SAFE

While your sneaky link is all about secrecy, make sure someone you trust knows where you are, just in case. And for the love of all things holy, wrap it up and stay safe out there.

8. DON’T BE SHY

This is your playground, so don’t be afraid to introduce your kinks if your link’s down for it. These relationships are all about exploring without reservations, so go ahead and try out all those wild ideas you’ve been keeping under wraps. We all have a sneaky link (or two). It’s 2024, for heaven’s sake! How helpful was this guide?

Shoot me your thoughts at louisedens@gmail.com or on IG: daviid.l2

Protecting our home-grown watersports industry

Dear Editor,

The 150 members of the TCI Watersports Association all understand that we have a responsibility to show our guests what is truly world-class about the Turks and Caicos Islands…the TCI‘s beaches, water, and its people. Turks and Caicos Islanders have controlled the watersports industry from inception (since the opening of Club Med in ‘85 followed by Ramada in ’90), and it is one industry that they are uniquely qualified to lead and excel at.

With the arrival of RED with the Ritz a few years ago, this natural domination is critically under threat. Since the opening of the Third Turtle in ‘69 and Leeward

Marina in ‘72, Turks and Caicos Islanders were able to offer visitors a glimpse into their way of life.

Fishing, boating, diving and navigating the shoal waters of our archipelago all came naturally. This was one of the primary charms of this “last to develop” group of islands and its people. When Club Med and Ramada came on stream in the late 80s, T&C Islanders were ready to develop the emerging watersports industry and to meet the new demand. But in a conservative lending environment they had to grow methodically… one boat at a time. The 90s brought the influx of the condo-hotels (Ocean Club, Grace Bay Club, the Sands, Royal West Indies, the

Palms, Point Grace etc.) and the watersports industry continued its organic growth, centred at the Leeward Marina and Turtle Cove.

The Summer of ‘97 heralded the opening of Beaches TCI, a Sandals Resort spin-off and first “allinclusive” family resort. It was an instant success and marked TCI’s gradual shift to mass tourism.

Beaches brought in their own dive and snorkel boats, but understood that all beach cruising, fishing, sailing, etc. would be the province of local operators. Beaches opened with their own tour desk as a profit centre, acting as agents for the local watersports operators.

Over 25 years later, it still

operates the same way. With the continued growth of condohotels and the opening of Parrot Cay in ‘98 and Amanyara in ‘06, Provo entered a new era of high-end resorts offering worldclass amenities. And since that time the TCI Villa market has exploded, with conservative estimates approaching 500 units. Throughout this rapid expansion, the TCI watersports industry has been dominated by T&C Islanders, growing methodically to address the rapid growth and continually adapting to the expectations of high-end clientele. When Carnival opened the Grand Turk Cruise Center in ‘06, bringing mass tourism to our capital, they understood that watersports must be run by local entrepreneurs. They operated a “tight ship”, mitigating liabilities and controlling all sales. However, Carnival was generous in offering seed money for local operators to establish themselves and upgrade their equipment. Carnival had opened many ports prior to Grand Turk and understood the PR liability of trying to circumvent local operators. Instead, they chose to empower them. Fast forward to the arrival of RED/Ashford Inc. and John Hazard of the Ritz, who showed up on our shores a few years ago. John opened the Ritz as GM in the Summer of 2021 with RED offering watersports services to Ritz guests. In an official letter addressed to the Minister of Tourism before the Ritz opening, the Watersports Association warned that RED and parent Ashford Inc. of Dallas, Texas, would seek to dominate an industry that, until RED’s arrival, had grown organically for 40 years, led by T&C Islanders. A few months ago, John Hazard was appointed Managing Director of Grace Bay Club, and it appears as though he plans to bring a branch of RED/Ashford to Grace Bay Resorts with him. RED, through their “Country Director” Alvin Hegner, announced in June that as of October ‘24 RED would be the exclusive agent and provider of all excursions booked for Grace Bay Resorts.

Grace Bay Resorts includes Grace Bay Club, Point Grace, Rock House, West Bay Club, South Bank and the Point (with more to come). TCI Watersports became aware of RED/Ashford as soon as they arrived in the TCI, as they were shopping for a local partner to secure the licenses they needed to operate their boats. They approached a few of our members, offering a few “pieces of silver” for procuring licenses. All our members who were approached spurned the RED/Ashford offers. Ultimately, an Islander with no bearing in

watersports agreed to be RED’s local partner. RED/Ashford proceeded to bring in a 65’ catamaran, two Axopars, a large Whaler and a Von Dutch…approximately $7 million in equipment.

RED/Ashford seems to be very proud of their Vertical Integration business strategy. This basically means they seek to control the watersports industry at every level of production. So with the Ritz, instead of relying on the 12 Axopars that were already on offer by local operators in the TCI, they brought in their own. The same situation existed with all the equipment they were permitted to bring in. With Grace Bay Resorts, RED/Ashford will assess the market and bring in equipment to fully control that market, displacing many local operators in the process. As RED/ Ashford spreads their tentacles across Grace Bay, it is unacceptable to our members (many who helped to found the industry 40 years ago) that any local operator would be displaced by a Dallas-based, multibillion dollar Investment Group. We appeal to the public to reach out to your Representatives and the Directors of Grace Bay Resorts. We warned of allowing a wolf into the henhouse with RED and the Ritz, and all our concerns have come to pass. RED/Ashford, a TCI newcomer with unlimited funding, will not be satisfied until they have gobbled up most of our market. RED’s parent, Ashford Inc. of Dallas, Texas, must make their shareholders happy by showing a quick and decent return on their substantial TCI investment.

We understand the nature of free markets and free enterprise, but it is unacceptable for TCIG to throw open the doors to our home-grown watersports industry, allowing a multi-billion dollar Dallas-based entity to walk right through and take over traditional TCI business in the process. The Turks and Caicos Islands has evolved as a maritime nation that has prospered based on the ability to live in concert with the environment. Generations of Islanders have survived by resourcefully hand making small boats to fish with and larger, oceangoing boats to trade with. We are a proud nation, rich in ship building and sea-faring heritage. It is insulting for a Texas-based Investment Group with many billions in assets to land on our shores and ask our mariners to step aside, suggesting that they have a better way to do it. The membership of the TCI Watersports Association is emphatic in their belief that with Red/Ashford it is time to draw a line in the TCI sand.

Regional News

Cayman Islands: AntiSexual Harassment Bill still under review by MPs

The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill, which has gone through multiple rounds of public consultation and stakeholder review since Cabinet approved drafting instructions for the legislation in 2022, is still under review. The minister responsible for gender affairs, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, has revealed that the bill was reconsidered by Caucus just a few months ago and members of the government have asked for changes to the proposed legislation.

The idea of introducing such a bill in Cayman stretches back more than fifteen years. But the issue of people, mostly but not always women, dealing with sexual harassment, bullying and unwanted attention continues as successive governments have dragged their heels in passing the legislation.

Former premier Wayne Panton, who steered the draft bill through almost a year of public consultation in 2023, asked why it hadn’t been approved by Cabinet.

In response, Ebanks-Wilks said the Gender Affairs Unit had been asked to review the proposed law. She said the bill had been considered by Caucus in April this year and requested the unit to “explore additional

options for reporting and adjudicating sexual harassment cases”. Once the ministry has completed the requested task, the bill will be returned to Cabinet for consideration, she said.

However, since parliament will very probably be prorogued in February or March at the very latest, the legislation is unlikely to be brought before the General Election. The consultation period was already extended and the bill redrafted last year, so it’s not clear why the issues that concern the MPs in Caucus were not addressed then.

More than 300 people and organisations submitted comments and engaged in the consultation process last year, and Panton had said at the time that he was pleased with the level of support.

“It shows that our country expects the government to address sexual harassment in a robust and well thought out way,” he said at the time. “Our government recognises the scale and scope of this legislation and therefore felt it necessary to ensure that everyone had an opportunity to give feedback — particularly the business community who will be asked to ensure many of the provisions of the bill are upheld.”

Jamaica declares southern state of emergency after Sunday night killings

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a state of emergency in the Caribbean nation’s southern Clarendon parish after eight people were killed in separate gun attacks on Sunday night, including a seven-year-old boy.

“This is an opportunity for the government to mobilize fully to have a very serious focus on gangs,” Holness told a press conference at his office. “We cannot allow murders to be normalized in our country.”

The prime minister did not immediately detail what regulations would be imposed, but these can typically involve nightly curfews, longer detention

periods without formal charges and the ability by police to search properties without warrants.

Holness said he hoped the measure would prevent reprisal killings, saying intelligence had warned there was a “very high probability” of retaliation attempts.

Five people have been arrested so far in relation with Sunday’s shootings, Holness said.

Jamaica last year ranked as the second-deadliest country in the Latin American and Caribbean region, according to a study by Insight Crime, with 60.9 homicides per 100,000 people, second only to the small island state of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Holness noted that while the

number of gangs estimated to be active in the country has shrunk from 400 to 185 in five years, the figures remain “very high.”

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been looking to clamp down on rising gun violence through stronger law enforcement and stemming imports of illegal firearms.

Around 87% of guns traced in the Caribbean come from the United States, according to U.S. government data.

The United States advises its citizens to reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime, and to avoid Clarendon altogether, ranking the parish as “off-limits” for its embassy personnel. (Reuters)

The remains of 14 mostly decomposed bodies were found on an abandoned vessel off the coast of the Dominican Republic this week — leaving authorities scrambling to try to identify them.

Documentation found near the bodies, which were discovered by forensic authorities about 10 nautical miles off the coast of the Caribbean nation Tuesday, indicates that the remains belong to people from Senegal and Mauritania, the Dominican navy said.

Authorities are working to determine the cause — and time — of the deaths, and whether 12

packages of a mysterious substance found on the boat contained illicit drugs.

Officials also recovered cellphones and geolocation devices from the boat, the navy said.

The bodies are being analyzed by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences in Santiago, not far from where the horrifying discovery was made, according to officials.

The substances found near the bodies are also being examined in laboratories operated by the country’s anti-drug agency to determine if they were illegal drugs like cocaine or heroin. (NYPost)

The measure is in place to prevent reprisal killings

Regional News

A paradise for corruption: Britain tries to clean up its dirtiest secret

In July 2020, Andrew Fahie, premier of the British Virgin Islands, wrote to the U.K. government boasting of transparency in its financial services industry that “competitors may envy.”

A publication detailing the letter shows a smiling Fahie alongside the proud message that the BVI “continues to meet and adhere to the highest international standards as a responsible, cooperative and quality financial centre.”

Less than two years later, Fahie was arrested by the U.S. Drugs Enforcement Agency in Miami on cocaine smuggling and money laundering charges. DEA agents had pretended to be members of the Sinaloa cartel — once run by famed Mexican drug lord El Chapo — to lure Fahie to the U.S, where he agreed to let them smuggle cocaine through the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Fahie was found guilty earlier this year, and awaits sentencing.

For some, this dramatic tale is symbolic of the dirty money hotbed the BVI has become, enabled in part by the U.K.’s lack of action to prevent it.

“The Foreign Office, in my view, has not been tough enough,” said Conservative MP and Shadow Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell. Mitchell, who served as deputy foreign secretary under the previous Conservative government and is a prominent campaigner against dirty money, said Fahie’s arrest “underlines the urgent requirement for the BVI to clean up its act, and prevent it from being accused of this sort of crime.”

The BVI, a Caribbean archipelago with crystal-clear waters, comprises four main islands and more than 50 smaller ones. It’s one of Britain’s 14 overseas territories. The “B” in its name stems from an uncomfortable history of British colonization: its residents are British citizens, its flag includes the Union Jack, and its sovereign is King Charles III. So, it’s firmly a British issue.

“The reason why the BVI is British is because we took it from the people it belonged to and used it as a slave colony,” said Oliver Bullough, an author who writes about illicit finance. “The people in the BVI discovered how to make money through being a tax haven, and we allowed them to do so, because it meant that we didn’t have to pay to support them anymore.”

The BVI’s popularity as a sunny destination for tourists as well as for money laundering is now well established.

It hosts a financial services industry which greatly outsizes

The BVI, a Caribbean archipelago with crystal-clear waters, comprises four main islands and more than 50 smaller ones

its local economy. Companies registered there hold $1.5 trillion in assets, in a country with a GDP of just over $1 billion.

More than 50 percent of the shell companies uncovered by the Panama Papers document leak in 2016 were registered in the BVI.

An International Monetary Fund report from February accused the BVI of not providing evidence it is implementing sanctions.

A Transparency International report from 2022 found “endemic problems” with the BVI as the “destination of choice for corrupt individuals looking for secrecy.”

Plus, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists revealed that BVI companies appeared in one in every five suspicious activity reports filed by banks that had concerns about possible money laundering.

While there are legitimate reasons to register a company in the BVI, the appeal of offshore financial centers is that they can offer opaque systems and few checks on the source of funds. Would-be criminals eye up “shell companies,” allowing them to disguise who actually owns an asset via a firm without active business operations or assets.

After all, offshore hubs must offer companies a reason to move away from global financial centers. Privacy, and a lower or nonexistent tax rate, is how they do so.

RENEWED FOCUS

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and resulting sanctions, have renewed the focus on Britain’s

role in the darker side of financial services. Be it in the City of London, or the shores of Britishowned islands, more attention is being paid to where oligarchs and kleptocrats stash their money.

The BVI in particular has been the subject of this heightened attention.

“There’s increasing recognition that the BVI stands out in terms of criminals and kleptocrats funneling dirty money through shell companies based there. Unfortunately, it is lagging behind other British territories when it comes to progress on tackling the problem,” said Rachel Davies, advocacy director at Transparency International.

Indeed, the overseas territories are a preferred location for Russian oligarchs. A report by Global Witness said that £68 billion of Russian money was invested in British Overseas Territories between 2008 and 2018, and that the BVI was the second most popular destination for Russian money leaving the country. (Cyprus was first.)

Investigative journalist Juliette Garside — who worked on both the Panama Papers and Paradise Papers investigations — told British MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee in 2018: “In Russia, one of the names for a shell company — one of the words people use — is BVI. They just call them BVIs as shorthand.”

David Lammy, the new Labour government’s foreign secretary, has called for more to be done to counteract the impact illicit

the British government did not take up this option. Liz Truss, best known as the U.K.’s shortestserving prime minister, said in her position as foreign secretary at the time that the BVI administration should have the opportunity to implement Hickinbottom’s 48 recommendations before the U.K. stepped in.

But there have been no quick results. Labour, which won a landslide election in July, is now aiming to take on the job, with new foreign minister Lammy pledging action.

In a speech in May, Lammy said the problem of corruption “starts here in London, in the dark corners of Britain’s financial center,” pointing to Britain’s overseas territories as contributors to more than £250 billion worth of economic crime.

finance has on Britain’s security, and the role played by its overseas territories and the City of London.

But the new government will have a big fight on its hands, not least due to the amount of money it could cost.

A PARADISE FOR CORRUPTION

A former British government official, granted anonymity to speak freely, said DEA agents convinced Fahie to go to the U.S. so he could be arrested and tried in an American court. “The level of corruption in the BVI means you wouldn’t get a local jury to convict him,” they said.

But, the official added, the U.S. also doubted the U.K. would act. The Americans “lacked confidence that the British would take firm action — they wanted just to get [Fahie] out and prosecute him,” they said.

Under several Conservative administrations, promises of transparency improvements were made, but little concrete change came about.

In 2021, an inquiry was commissioned by the British government into corruption in the BVI. Led by Gary Hickinbottom, a former judge at the Court of Appeal, the 2022 report, reaching almost 1,000 pages, stated that “almost everywhere, the principles of good governance, such as openness, transparency and even the rule of law, are ignored.” Hickinbottom suggested that the government there be suspended.

Given the removal of Fahie,

Lammy expressed sympathy with the plight of overseas territories as a “son of the Caribbean” — both his parents were Guyanese. But, he said, “it remains the case that three out of four of the offshore jurisdictions with the highest risk of involvement with international corruption are U.K. overseas territories. This is a contradiction that cuts into our credibility. We must be honest about this and we must solve it together.”

But if dirty money props up the economies of overseas territories — company registrations account for 51.4 percent of the BVI’s revenues, according to its government’s website — fixing it opens a financial hole.

The U.K. has a responsibility under the UN Charter to support the political and economic development of overseas territories, particularly those which are not financially self-sufficient. While it’s unclear whether the U.K. government would offer financial support if revenue from potential financial crime dissipated, the question is why any territory would surrender more than half of its government revenue unless the U.K. gave it a good reason to, or forced it to.

New U.K. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is hardly in the mood for splashing the cash, after warning last month that Britain faced a £22 billion “black hole” from the previous government’s overspending.

CLEANING UP BRITAIN’S DIRTIEST SECRET

Margaret Hodge, former Labour MP and a prominent critic of illicit finance, criticized the U.K. for its lack of action. The BVI

Regional News

Prime Minister Davis ordered to take bed rest

Foreign Affairs Minister of The Bahamas, Fred Mitchell, says Prime Minister Phillip Davis has been “ordered” to take bed rest after apparently disobeying doctors and overstraining himself weeks after undergoing surgery in the United States.

“So, you know he had surgery a couple of weeks ago, and as usual, we disobey our doctors and overstrain ourselves. So, he has been ordered to have bed rest for three days. So … I bring apologies on his behalf,” Mitchell said, explaining Davis’s absence from a church service to celebrate Fox Hill day on Tuesday.

Mitchell, who is the parliamentary representative for Fox Hill, told reporters that Prime Minister Davis, who underwent surgery to correct sciatic, had presided over a Cabinet meeting earlier this week, but took “an early break”.

Health Minister Dr Michael Darville said last month that Prime Minister Davis had successful surgery in the United States after experiencing excruciating pain over the course of several months while standing.

But Mitchell told reporters that the prime minister may have been overexerting himself too soon after the procedure.

A paradise for corruption: Britain tries to clean up ...

“is supporting evil across the world. It’s a security issue, it’s not just a financial issue. If we’re supporting kleptocrats, facilitating drug money, we’re supporting instability around the world,” she said.

In a statement to POLITICO, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: “We have been clear that the overseas territories need to achieve the highest standards of corporate transparency ... We are engaging closely with those overseas territories to meet these standards and are actively considering future proposals to increase transparency further.”

The BVI government said: “We are working with the FCDO’s advisers, Open Ownership, on progressing with the implementation of a publicly accessible register of

Haiti’s child death toll mounts as security mission lags

At least five Haitian children have been killed or injured a week so far in 2024, charity Save the Children said yesterday, urging the United Nations and security forces to do more to protect kids from crossfire and gang violence.

Haiti in 2022 called for a security mission to help its underresourced police fight violent gangs that have taken over most of the capital, bringing indiscriminate killings, gang rape, extortion and recruiting minors into their ranks.

But progress has been slow and so far just 400 Kenyan police mandated to lead a U.N-ratified mission have deployed in Haiti, while countries have lagged in

delivering on promises of funds, personnel and armored trucks.

Citing UN data, Save the Children said at least 131 children were killed or injured in the first six months of 2024, often due to stray bullets or reprisals for supporting rival gangs or police, and said the true numbers were likely much higher.

“Behind these horrifying numbers are real children who have been severely harmed or killed,” the charity’s Haiti director Chantal Sylvie Imbeault said.

“Entire neighbourhoods have been burned, kidnappings and sexual assaults are rampant, and children are being directly targeted or caught in the crossfire.”

In late July, local media reported that a Kenyan mission to Ganthier, a community by the border with the Dominican Republic, had rapidly ended with police having to help them escape gang gunfire due to lack of preparedness and resources. Violence in Ganthier had by Aug. 1 displaced nearly 6,000 residents, U.N. data showed. Save the Children called on the U.N. Security Council to “end impunity” for those committing abuses against children and recruiting them into gangs, and called on “all parties in Haiti to allow immediate, sustained and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief.” (Reuters)

Bahamas: ‘Central Bank must act’ on bank costs

beneficial ownership for those with a legitimate interest in the requested information. We anticipate that the appropriate framework will be in place by mid-2025 as previously agreed with the FCDO.”

As the ball remains firmly in the territories’ court, it will be up to the new British government to decide whether it is willing to take on what could be a very expensive issue when there are pressing problems closer to home.

Andrew Mitchell rejects the financial argument as an excuse. If the BVI loses most of its government revenue because of transparency improvements, he said, then that shows “their economy is dependent upon dirty money.”

“What does that say about our values, our king and our flag?” he asked. (Politico.eu)

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has once again urged the Central Bank to be more proactive in regulating commercial bank fees, citing the Central Bank of Barbados as a successful example.

Mr Mitchell’s comments yesterday came as residents continue to rail against bank fees.

CIBC First Caribbean recently announced that personal, business, and corporate customers will face increased bank fees starting September 1. Jacqui Bend, managing director of CIBC Bahamas, told Tribune Business that the fee structure adjustments are due to rising business costs.

In July, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) announced a 50-cent decline in debit card transaction fees for ATM transactions involving other banks in the country and purchases at local points of sale.

“We have a central bank, in my view, that has to be more active,” Mr Mitchell said yesterday. “They’re the ones who are the regulators with regard to this.

“I think consumers ought to complain to the Central Bank

about this. In our own caucuses, I’ve said that legislation needs to be passed to deal with things like Bahamian content, access to Bahamians, access to a voice on the telephone, making sure that people have cash.”

Mr Mitchell noted that the Central Bank of Barbados has previously intervened to stop banks in that country from taking certain actions.

In January, the Central Bank of Barbados mandated that no fees could be charged for electronic transactions including Automated Clearing House (ACH) and real-

time payments (RTP) transfers. The bank also requires all commercial banks to offer at least one savings account free from fees or charges. Guidelines introduced in July require banks and finance companies to seek a non-objection from the Central Bank at least 60 days before implementing or increasing fees. They must also notify customers at least 30 days before a fee takes effect, although no notice is required for fee reductions. Additionally, there are to be no fees for electronic transfers and no cash management fees for transactions under $10,000 per day.

Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Phillip Davis

Children and women in Haiti are constantly in danger

Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell speaks to the press after the Fox Hill Day Church service at Mount Carey Baptist Church

UK-donated tanks used in Kyiv’s Russia incursion

UK-donated Challenger 2 tanks have been used by Ukraine as part of its surprise incursion into Russia, a UK source has confirmed.

The Ministry of Defence is not officially commenting on what specific UK weapons are being used by Ukraine.

However, following Kyiv’s incursion into Russian territory the department reiterated that Ukraine had “a clear right” to use UKsupplied weapons for “self defence against Russia’s illegal attacks”.

“That does not preclude operations inside Russia,” the department spokesman added.

“We make clear during the gifting process that equipment is to be used in line with international law.”

The policy means anti-tank missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and other UK-donated weapons could be used during Ukraine’s offensive.

However, there is an exception for the UK’s Storm Shadow missiles which were originally supplied on the understanding they would not be fired at targets inside Russia.

The missiles are fired from aircraft but have a range of more than 150 miles meaning Ukrainian pilots are able to stay further away from the frontline.

During his visit to Downing Street in July, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the UK to work with western allies to “remove the limits” on the use of the weapons.

He told senior ministers that giving Ukraine “long-range capability” would force Russia to “seek peace”.

Defence Secretary John Healey told the BBC the UK was having “intense discussions” on the subject but would not go into details in public.

The UK was one of the first countries to supply Ukraine with western-made main battle tanks.

In 2023 it provided 14 Challenger 2 tanks to help Ukraine in its doomed summer offensive. One of the tanks was destroyed in the thwarted operation.

Since Ukraine’s recent advance into Russian territory, there have been sightings of western-supplied armour inside Russia, including US Bradley and Stryker armoured vehicles as well as German Marders.

However, western military experts have highlighted the success of the Ukrainian offensive for its use of what they call “combined arms manoeuvre” –using troops alongside armoured vehicles, artillery and tanks as well as electronic warfare and drones –to attack.

That was something missing from last year’s Ukrainian offensive in the South and East of the country - which was impeded by heavily-mined Russian fortifications making it difficult and dangerous to operate armour.

Ukraine surprised Russia and its allies when it launched its offensive into Russia’s western border region

England: Boy, 10, gets A* in A-level maths

A 10-year-old boy has gained an A* in A-level maths.

Kautilya Katariya, from Northampton, is one of the youngest people in the country to have taken the examination - and he is a bit of a whizz when it comes to numbers.

of Kursk.

The amount of Russian territory seized is uncertain, with both countries making conflicting statements.

Russia has declared a state of emergency in its Kursk and Belgorod regions. Yan Furtsev, a local official with Russia’s liberal opposition party Yabloko, told the BBC about 180,000 civilians in Kursk needed to be evacuated.

The operation by Kyiv appears to be aimed at diverting Russia forces away from Ukraine in order to defend their own border.

The incursion has raised questions about how Ukraine uses weapons donated by its western allies.

Speaking to BBC’s Newshour programme, Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braze said that a “consultation among legal experts within Nato countries” has concluded that “the right to self defence also covers the right to counter-attack”.

Earlier this year, David Cameron, then the UK’s foreign secretary, said Ukraine “absolutely has the right to strike back at Russia”.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said his remarks were tantamount to admitting the West was involved in a “hybrid war” against Moscow.

The UK is one of the biggest donor of military aid to Ukraine, behind the US and Germany.

(BBC)

He achieved the highest possible marks in his GCSE maths exam at the age of eight, after learning the subject online during Covid lockdowns, and aged six, he became a Guinness World Record holder for being the youngest qualified computer programmer.

Speaking ahead of receiving his result, Kautilya said: “I hope it’s an A* but it might be an A.”

The pupil, from Wootton Park School, admitted to being “quite excited but also a little bit nervous” before picking up his result.

He studied for the exam using an online teaching site - MyEdSpace - and had consistently achieved either an A grade or an A* in his practise tests.

Kautilya’s tutor, Neil Trivedi, said: “Getting this result as an 18-year-old is extremely tough, and Kautilya did it as a 10-year-old.

The UK economy has now grown strongly for two quarters UK economy continues recovery with 0.6% growth

The UK’s economy grew by 0.6% between April and June as it continued its recovery from the recession at the end of last year.

The latest figure was in line with forecasts and follows a 0.7% increase in the first three months of this year.

Growth was led by the services sector, in particular the IT industry, legal services and scientific research.

Services are the biggest contributor to the UK’s economy, far outstripping manufacturing and construction, both of which saw

output fall between April and June.

“The UK economy has now grown strongly for two quarters, following the weakness we saw in the second half of last year,” said Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the Office for National Statistics, which released the figures.

Last year, the UK economy fell into a shallow and short-lived recession.

A recession is defined as economic activity shrinking for two three-month periods – or quarters – in a row.

A Challenger 2 Main Battle tank during a demonstration in Wiltshire

Kautilya Katariya, from Northampton, is one of the youngest people in England to have taken the examination

Trump touts economic plan in battleground state rally

Former President Donald Trump held a battleground state rally to tout his economic plan and recalibrate his campaign amid a tightening race for the White House.

In a 90-minute speech in Asheville, North Carolina, Trump pledged to bring down consumer prices and increase wages through permanent tax cuts, energy policy reforms and eliminating environmental protections.

The stop on Wednesday was the second rally for Trump in two weeks, marking a slower pace for the former president’s campaign.

He often veered off topic, leaning into attacks on political rival Vice-President Kamala Harris and once stating he was “not sure the economy is the most important topic” of the election.

Trump’s speech did not unveil any new proposals.

He vowed to “rapidly drive prices down and make America affordable again” in his second term.

He argued that Biden-Harris administration has “broken” the US economy, asking the crowd: “Does anyone here feel richer under Kamala Harris and Crooked Joe?”

Inflation in the US rose at the slowest pace in more than three years last month, marking relief for consumers - and a possible boon for the Harris campaign.

Trump also promised to lower energy costs by opening up more land for drilling, and pledged to reverse renewable energy and infrastructure projects approved by President Joe Biden.

Donald Trump pledged to bring down consumer prices and increase wages through permanent tax cuts

Towards the end of his remarks he said he would leave in place the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. He had previously tried to eliminate it while in office.

Trump frequently went off message, criticising Ms Harris over immigration, crime and other issues, as well as targeting her as “not smart” and having “the laugh of a crazy person”.

The Harris campaign responded with a statement saying Trump chose to ignore “inconvenient facts” about the economy in his speech.

“He lied. He rambled. He yelled. He said the economy is not an important issue,” it said.

Trump has been on the defensive in recent days, after the Democratic ticket got a boost of energy when Ms Harris replaced Mr Biden as the nominee.

Reports suggest the Trump

Judge calls for tougher charges for rioters

A judge has urged prosecutors to consider charging offenders playing central roles in disorder with an offence carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail.

Judge John Thackray KC made the comment on Wednesday as he sentenced 26-year-old Connor Whiteley to three years’ imprisonment for kicking a female police officer to the ground in Hull on 3 August.

He said: “The prosecution do need to look, for those who are playing front and central roles, at the alternative charge of riot rather than violent disorder.”

On Thursday, the CPS said a 15-year-old boy from Sunderland had become the first person to be charged with riot over the recent

unrest in communities across the UK.

Gale Gilchrist, chief crown prosecutor for CPS North East, confirmed the boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was charged in connection with disorder in Sunderland on 2 August.

She said: “This is the first such charge to be authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service in the wake of recent unrest.

“This defendant is one of a number of individuals who we expect will be charged with riot.”

According to analysis by the BBC, at least 77 people have been sentenced and more than 350 charged in relation to the unrest.

The majority of charges have been for violent disorder, which carries a maximum jail sentence of

campaign is trying to get their candidate back on message after several events in which the former real estate mogul has been less focused on policy.

A new survey from the Cook Political Report suggests Ms Harris is erasing Trump’s polling leads in multiple swing states.

According to the publication, she polls ahead of the former president in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The pair are tied in Georgia.

The race remains very competitive ahead of the November election, however, and surveys also suggest that voters trust Trump on economic matters more than Ms Harris.

Ms Harris is due to travel to North Carolina on Friday to deliver a speech laying out her own economic proposals.

Outside the Asheville venue where Trump spoke, supporters described to BBC News why they back the former president.

“I love the fact that he stands for his beliefs and he stands for his country,” said Lisa Ramsey, an Asheville resident.

Zach Young, from nearby Hendersonville, said the Biden administration has overseen “three and a half years of suffering”.

“We need to get back on the right page. The country needs to be run like a business,” he said.

The economic speech comes after the United Autoworkers Union (UAW) filed Unfair Labor Practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board over comments made by Trump and Elon Musk.

In a conversation on X/Twitter on Monday, Trump praised Mr

Musk for firing workers who went on strike.

Trump said that if workers strike, “you say ‘that’s OK, you’re all gone. You’re all gone.’ So everyone is gone”.

But federal law says companies cannot fire striking employees.

On Wednesday, the union said it planned to mobilise its one million active and retired workers to vote for Ms Harris.

The move gives her campaign momentum in swing states such as Michigan, where UAW members accounted for 9.2% of the state’s votes for Mr Biden in 2020, the union said.

“When we say Donald Trump is a scab, this is what we mean. When we say Trump stands against everything our union stands for, this is what we mean,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement.

President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Sean O’Brien echoed those sentiments. Mr O’Brien spoke at last month’s Republican National Convention, calling Trump “one tough SOB”.

Before his comments with Mr Musk, the Republican candidate had expressed some labourfriendly remarks.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump cast his ballot in Florida’s primary election. His vote was submitted during the early voting window. He has previously been a critic of early voting, claiming without evidence that it makes elections vulnerable to fraud. (BBC)

Riot police in Hull city centre on 3 August

five years.

People convicted of the charge can face a range of sentences, from a community order to prison terms.

The longest jail sentence so far was handed to Gareth Metcalfe, 44, from Southport, who was jailed for three years and four months. He admitting participating in violent disorder in his home town after

being identified from social media footage.

10-YEAR TERMS

The maximum term for rioting is 10 years, according to sentencing guidelines, with a starting point of three years.

This more serious charge can only be dealt with by judges

in crown courts, who consider whether an offender’s actions “escalated the level of violence and/or disorder” when determining culpability.

In Hull, around £400,000 of damage was caused when the Shoezone, O2 and Lush shops, on Jameson Street, were looted on 3 August.

LABOURER

EQUIPMENT MECHANIC

DOMESTIC WORKER

Jackson reveals that Wonder, Chapman and Samuel L. Jackson are related to her

Janet Jackson has quite the family tree.

In an interview with Scott Mills on BBC Sounds, Jackson was asked if it was true that she is related to another legendary singer, Stevie Wonder.

“He’s our cousin,” Jackson said as Mills expressed shock. “Not a lot of people know that. He’s our cousin on my mother’s side.”

Jackson added, “So is Tracy Chapman. So is Samuel L. Jackson.”

Mills was all of us as his mind

was blown. He got Jackson to further confirm that Wonder, Chapman and Jackson are indeed all cousins.

She even joked that Samuel L. Jackson, famed for his roles in films in “Pulp Fiction,” “Captain Marvel” and “Snakes on a Plane,” is not one of her brothers despite their shared last name.

Janet Jackson is currently on a tour which celebrates her decades of hits. And she’s not the only Jackson family member who is riding the wave of success.

Cyrus becomes youngest Disney Legend: ‘Proud to have been Hannah Montana’

Miley Cyrus is proud of her climb.

The singer who rose to fame on “Hannah Montana” is now the youngest person to be named a Disney Legend. Cyrus, 31, got teary as she accepted the honour to a standing ovation from a crowd of 12,000 on Sunday at the D23 fan expo, where she recalled her start on the Disney series in 2005.

“I had gotten a taste of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I did not want anything else,” Cyrus, who has gone on to become a Grammy-winning performer, said of her early experiences on the show.

“I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana,” she continued. “In so many ways, this award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality. To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.’ “

Cyrus was among 14 artists honoured as Disney Legends this year. Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Harrison Ford, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa; Oscar-winning composer John Williams; Disney

costumer Colleen Atwood; tour guide-turned manager/producer Martha Blanding; artist and writer Steve Ditko; animator Mark Henn; and theme park designer Joe Rohde were also celebrated.

“The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor our company bestows,” Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger told the crowd at the event. “It’s presented as a celebration of talent, a recognition of achievement, and, above all, a sincere expression of our deep gratitude. Disney Legends are bound by the special place they have earned in our history for their tremendous contributions in service of entertaining and delighting fans around the globe.”

Iger presented Ford, who he described as a “true Disney Legend and a dear friend,” with his award. The “Indiana Jones” star also grew emotional when he took the stage.

“I have the privilege of being a storyteller, an assistant storyteller,” Ford said. “The stories are for you, about you, about us, our common humanity. To be able to work in that area in is a privilege.”

Left to right, clockwise: Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson, Tracy Chapman

Miley Cyrus, 31, got teary as she accepted the honour to a standing ovation from a crowd of 12,000 on Sunday

An Application, REGISTERED PR 17785 by VILLAGE ESTATES HOLDINGS LTD. for DETAILED DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION for THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WAREHOUSE BUILDING CONTAINING STORAGE SPACES, OFFICE SPACES, RESTROOMS, RESTAURANT AND SHOWROOMS has been submitted to the Department of Planning on Block & Parcel 60905/178 which comprises of 2.33 acres of land located in The Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales.

The proposed development is inconsistent with a plan which has been approved.

Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. You may also make representation(s) via in person or video conferencing at the sitting of the Physical Planning Board when this application would be considered. If you are desirous so to do via video conferencing or in person, contact the Secretary of Physical Planning Board.

TILE LAYER

• Acting as contact points for the company

• Maintain lists of clienteles

• Facilitating meetings between clients and company;

• Identifying problems in communications among groups;

• Collaborating and communicating with clients and the public; and conducting post-mortems when an incident is wrapped up.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Ability to prepare and deliver verbal communications, such as interviews, phone calls and face-to-face meetings, and written communications, including reports and social media updates, to collaborators, the public and other stakeholders.

• Must be fluent in 3 languages: French, English, Spanish

• Salary: $3,000 p/m

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.

ICE CREAM MAKER

Measure

DOMESTIC WORKER

LABOURER

TEL:

SERVICE ADVISOR/CONCIERGE CLERK

JOB DESCRIPTION

Learn about the key requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a service advisor job description.

The service advisor communicates with appointments customer and Concierge customers to determine their vehicles problems and the repair timeline and provides the technicians with accurate repair descriptions about the customers’ concerns. Also, to ensure our Concierge customers’ vehicles are delivered on time to the airport upon their arrival.

• Greeting customers when coming to our service Department.

• Consulting with mechanics regarding necessary repairs and possible alternatives to expensive repairs.

• Using your knowledge of our products and services to set or provide indepth information about available parts and service options to customers.

• Answering questions about service outcomes and scheduling and booking appointments, vehicle drop- off, and vehicle pick-up.

• Providing customers with information and advice on warranty protections, potential cost savings, and the advantages of trading in versus fixing their car.

• Calling customers to advise them about service changes or car pick-up times.

• Maintaining positive customer relationships to ensure repeat business.

• Ensuring all details on services rendered and costs are related to customers and processing their payments.

• Liaising with service technicians about parts ordering and ensuring parts are available when needed.

SERVICE ADVISOR REQUIREMENTS:

• An associate degree in mechanics or a related field may be advantageous.

• Experience in the automotive field may be advantageous.

• A strong understanding of automotive technology and the automotive industry.

• Proficiency with industry-specific software.

• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Strong organizational, decision making, and problem- solving skills.

• The ability to communicate with mechanics, customers, and management.

Salary: $2,550.00 Monthly Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board

Quantity Surveyor

We are seeking a skilled, reliable, efficient quantity surveyor to join our growing organization. In this position, you will estimate the costs of construction projects, working with contractors, builders, and architects.

QUANTITY

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review architectural plans and prepare quantity needs

• Estimate the quantity and costs of materials

• Prepare contracts and documents

• Set budgets for payments, inventory needs, and materials

• Track changes in plans or constructions; update budgets

• Negotiate with contractors and subcontractors

• Act as a liaison between clients and site managers/engineers

• Identify potential financial or construction risks.

• Advise clients on improvements, strategies, and/or estimated costs

• Prepare payments for contractors and subcontractors

• Document progress, materials, and reports on project

• Utilize software to calculate, record, and track inventory and estimates, proficiency in plan swift, Procore and Blue beam is essential.

QUANTITY SURVEYOR REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying

• 5-10 years of quantity surveying experience, financial experience, and construction experience

• Proficient in computer skills and Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft projects

• Able to analyze financial records and apply data to improved results

• Strong aptitude for numbers, spreadsheets, and financial reports

• Experienced at compiling and following strict budgets; strong estimating and financial analysis skills

• In-depth understanding of construction, materials, pricing, and industry

• Able to analyze problems and strategize for better solutions

Salary: $1600/weekly

Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to Labour Board.

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

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

ASSET MANAGER

Reporting directly to the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, the Asset Manager oversees all aspects of engineering operations, sustainability initiatives, capital projects, guestroom preventive maintenance, and equipment preventive maintenance programs. The Asset Manager will lead a team of professionals to deliver high-quality services and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for guests and staff.

MAIN DUTIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Ensure the efficient functioning of the property’s facilities and infrastructure while adhering to industry standards and regulations.

• Develop and implement maintenance and engineering standards and procedures, and strategies to enhance property value through asset maintenance and aesthetic improvements.

• Coordinate with department heads to prioritize maintenance tasks and allocate resources effectively.

• Conduct regular inspections to identify areas for improvement and address any maintenance issues promptly.

• Collaborate with senior management to develop long-term plans and budgets for property maintenance and upgrades.

• Develop and implement energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives.

• Manage the budget for the engineering department, including equipment and supplies procurement and labor costs.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily.

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.

• 5 years preferred years of experience in a hotel environment or related field with minimum 4 years working within a luxury resort/hotel environment.

• Exceptional organizational skills and aptitude for numbers.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to recruit, train, develop, mentor and motivate a team.

• Demonstrated success at delivering results through establishment of standard procedures, disciplined coaching and management with strong problem-solving skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• Ability to prepare reports, effectively present information, and provide timely response to queries.

• Self-motivated and dependable with an exceptional work ethic and strong problemsolving skills.

• Deadline oriented with the ability to multi-task and establish priorities.

• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; ability to speak, read and write fluently in the English language.

• Must be able to work on weekends, holidays and overnight shifts if necessary.

• Professional appearance and demeanor.

Salary range: $90-120K per annum.

Warehouse Assistant – Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, the Warehouse Assistant is responsible for assisting with the daily operations of the warehouse, the ideal candidate will be responsible for receiving, storing, and distributing products within the warehouse, as well as maintaining a safe, clean and organized work environment.

MAIN DUTIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Loading and unloading of trucks and containers.

• Ensure the safe receipt, storage and dispatch of warehouse goods, verifying for accuracy and quality.

• Organize and maintain inventory and storage areas.

• Operate warehouse equipment, including driving flatbed truck for deliveries (must be able to drive manual transmission vehicle).

• Perform general warehouse duties as needed.

• Follow workplace health and safety rules.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

• Fluent in English, both verbal and written.

• Minimum three years experience in a similar role.

• Energetic, results driven leader with collaborative approach.

• Self-motivated and dependable with an exceptional work ethic and strong problemsolving skills.

Compensation: $8 per hour.

CLEANER

404 LONG BAY ROAD PROVIDENCIALES TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS 649-941-8111 longbayexpress@gmail.com Is looking for a

to work 6 days per week, salary is $2,300.00 per month plus commission to do the following:

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise staff to ensure efficient operations Schedule and assign duties to employees

• Oversee inventory control and ordering fuel, merchandise and supplies Monitor sales and expenses

• Resolve customer complaints and inquiries in a professional manner

• Schedule routine maintenance and repairs on fuel pumps, equipment and facilities Deliver fuel daily

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have at least 5 years experience in a gas station

• Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations related to handling fuel and other hazardous materials Operate and drive a fuel delivery truck

• Ability to manage inventory, ordering and stocking of merchandise Customer service skills and the ability to resolve customer complaints Strong communication skills

• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays

POSITION CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER, INTERESTED APPLICANTS PLEASE EMAIL/DELIVER RESUMES ALONG WITH A POLICE CERTIFICATE TO LONG BAY EXPRESS SERVICE LTD. AND ALSO DELIVER A COPY TO THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS LABOUR BOARD

ELECTRICAL AUTOMOTORIST

Salary: $2,500.00

• service, identify and repair faults on electronically controlled vehicle systems such as electronic fuel injection, electronic ignition, anti-lock braking, cruise control, automatic transmission, airbags and air conditioning

• install electrical equipment such as gauges, lighting, alternators and starter motors in vehicles

• install electrically operated accessories such as radios, heating or demisting equipment, air conditioners, driving lamps and anti-theft systems

• refer to circuit diagrams, and use meters and test instruments to find electrical faults

• adjust engine control systems and timing to ensure vehicles are running at peak performance

• test, recondition and replace faulty alternators, generators, starter motors and related items such as voltage regulators and batteries

• repair or replace faulty ignition, electrical wiring, fuses, lamps and switches

• use hand tools, specialized electrical tools, instruments and machines, including drills, grinders, presses and lathes

• solder or weld when repairing electrical parts

• install, repair and service air conditioning systems.

REGULATION 8 OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION) REGULATIONS, 2021

An Application, REGISTERED PR 17375, by PIER HOTELS (TURKS AND CAICOS) LIMITED for OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A STAFF ACCOMMODATION COMPLEX ON BLOCK & PARCEL 60718/1&2 WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 2.19 ACRES OF LAND.

THE APPLICANT PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED FOUR (4) THREE STOREY BLOCKS USING A MODULAR SYSTEM TYPOLOGY CONTAINING EIGHTYSEVEN (87) UNITS; NINE (9) FOUR BEDROOM UNITS, TWENTY-FOUR (24) FIVE BEDROOM UNITS AND FIFTY- FOUR (54) EFFICIENCY UNITS, TRAINING ROOM, OFFICE, STORE, GYM, TV GAME ROOM, LAUNDRY AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES.

SUBSEQUENTLY, THE APPLICANT HAS MODIFIED THE APPLICATION TO REFLECT THE FOLLOWING: ONE (1) THREE STOREY CONTAINING FIFTYTWO (52) UNITS, SWIMMING POOL, GYM AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES.

This application has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on BLOCK & PARCELS 60718/1&2 WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 2.19 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT CHESHIRE HALL & RICHMOND HILL PROVIDENCIALES.

Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. You may also make representation(s) via video conferencing at the sitting of the Physical Planning Board when this application would be considered. If you are desirous so to do via video conferencing, contact the Secretary of Physical Planning Board.

Dated

REGULATION 8 OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION) REGULATIONS, 2021

An Application, REGISTERED PR 17774, by PIER HOTELS (TURKS AND CAICOS) LIMITED for DETAILED DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR (4) BUILDINGS WHICH IS TO CONTAIN FIFTY-SEVEN (57) HOTEL ROOMS. THE DEVELOPMENT ALSO CONTEMPLATES A SWIMMING POOL AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES ON BLOCK & PARCEL 60813/13 WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 1.14 ACRES OF LAND.

THE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSES A NON-TRADITIONAL BUILDING TECHNOLOGY WHICH IS A MODULAR BUILDING SYSTEM.

This application has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on BLOCK & PARCELS 60813/13 WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 1.14 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT THE BIGHT, PROVIDENCIALES.

Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. You may also make representation(s) via video conferencing at the sitting of the Physical Planning Board when this application would be considered. If you are desirous so to do via video conferencing, contact the Secretary of Physical Planning Board.

Dated

Experience Turks and Caicos is now accepting applications/resumes for the following positions: Only highly selfdriven and motivated personable and professional individuals whom have the desire to serve other need apply:

EVENT ORGANIZER SPECIALIST

Hours: 40 Hours

Department: Marketing and Sales Department

Unit: Marketing and Sales

Classification: Employee

Annual Salary: Up to $60,000

Reporting Supervisor: Marketing and Sales Unit Manager

Probationary Period: 6 months

Positions Supervised

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB PURPOSE:

Plan, Develop and Execute cultural and entertainment events across the Turks and Caicos destination. Create distinctive signature events that are promoted by Experience Turks and Caicos n source markets and establish an annual event calendar for travel and leisure.

KEY RESULTS AREAS:

• Events Planning and Promotions.

• Annual calendar of events

• Budget management

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Lead in conjunction with the product development manager the execution and management of the Weekly Fish Fry. Including offerings and activities

• Define event requirements and standards for each occasion.

• Ensure all events align with Experience Turks and Caicos Branding Guidelines.

• Generate and implement innovative event concepts and themes.

• Responsible for sourcing and procurement of Experience Turks and Caicos collateral items.

• Develop event budgets and manage invoice processing

• Collaborate with the Destination Development Department to enhance the tourism value chain in relation to event organization

• Partner with the Finance and Operations Department to design and execute fundraising activities associated with events

• Coordinate and support service suppliers and other involved businesses in event organization.

• Manage logistics for events encompassing all necessary elements.

• Anticipate attendee needs and mitigate potential risks.

• Produce post-event reports evaluating event effectiveness.

• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned by the CEO and Chief Marketing Officer. Skills/Qualifications/Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, public relations, management or related field.

• Passion for organizing and executing events in the tourism or cultural sector.

• Demonstrated budget management experience, adhering to procurement policies and vendor payment processing.

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills, thriving n highpressure multitasking environments.

• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Innovative, outside-the-box thinking

• Meticulous attention to detail.

• Expertise in time management.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Engage in a dynamic work environment.

• Interface with pertinent government ministries, departments, and private sector entities within the tourism industry.

• Achieve goals within a changing interdisciplinary and evolving setting

• Adapt to flexible working hours, often extending to evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by even schedules.

TOURISM STATISTICS SPECIALI ST

Hours: 40 Hours

Department: Marketing Department Unit: Marketing Intelligence Unit

Classification: Employee

Annual Salary: Up to $48,000.00

Reporting Supervisor: Marketing Intelligence Manager

Probationary Period: 6 months

Positions Supervised

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB PURPOSE:

As Tourism Statistics Specialist, your role is to collect, analyze, and report statistical data that enables Experience Turks and Caicos to understand and shape tourism demand and offerings in the TCI. The data you gather and analyze will play a pivotal role in crafting and implementing tourism development policies and strategies.

KEY RESULTS AREAS:

• Statistics Database Development and Management

• Marketing, including Market Research and Market Intelligence Essential Duties

• Collaborate with the Director of the Tourism Intelligence Unit to define and monitor or key performance indicators (KPIs) and other tourism metrics.

• Conduct comprehensive tourism analysis, including trend and impact assessments, surveys, data collection, and analysis.

• Manage Tourism information Management Systems.

• Identify data intelligence tools to support the CEO and CMO in developing marketing and promotional strategies to maximize ROI in pubic relations, marketing, and sales promotions.

• Input data into databases and software programs.

• Prepare and deliver statistical reports on the tourism performance of the destination and Experience Turks and Caicos.

• Identify all sources of tourism statistical data relevant to Experience Turks and Caicos.

• Assist the Tourism intelligence Unit in preparing the market research budget f or surveys and various statistical analyses.

• Verify the completeness and accuracy of source data.

• Assist in compiling reports, charts, or graphs that explain and interpret analysis findings. Collaborate with the Press and Communication Unit to publish statistical reports and news releases.

• Develop and maintain updated databases and archives related to the tourism products, services and demand in the TCI.

• Work with the Marketing and Sales Unit to identify marketing activities for various tourism markets and segments.

• Provide recommendations to the CEO and Chief Marketing Officer regarding tourism trends in international markets and segments relevant to TCI.

WASH BAY SUPERVISOR

•

•

•

•

• Ensure all

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

$1367.59 bi-weekly

OTHER:

• To oversee facilities, staff, and operations, maintain the activity schedule, hire and train staff, and coordinate activities.

• Requirements:

• Degree in Tourism or related field

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly.

MANAGER OF ACTIVITIES LABOURER DOMESTIC WORKER

• 3 or more years of experience in managerial role.

• Great command of English both written and spoken.

• Willing to work irregular schedule

Salary $3,500.00 monthly

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly.

Experience Turks and Caicos is now accepting applications/resumes for the following positions: Only highly self-driven and motivated personable and professional individuals whom have the desire to serve other need apply:

• Create graphs and infographics to facilitate the interpretation of tourism statistics.

• Attend relevant training courses on tourism statistics.

• Participate in international symposiums, meetings, forums, and training courses related to tourism indicators and data programs.

• Fulfill any other duties assigned by the CEO, Chief Marketing Officer, and Marketing Intelligence Manager. Skills/Qualifications/Competencies:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Economics, or a related field.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in tourism statistics development and analysis.

• Proficiency in data analysis, problem-solving and statistical inference

• Excellent knowledge of statistical programs such as SPSS, SAS, Excel, and other database tools.

• Strong oral, written, communication, and presentation skills.

• Exceptional interpersonal and teamwork skills for effective collaboration with staff, service provider government agencies, and officials.

• Proficiency in MS Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• A results-driven and dynamic work environment.

• Interface with various government ministries, private sector entities, nongovernmental organizations, and agencies.

• Occasional travel may be required.

• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to achieve goal within a changing and evolving environment.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

- GRAND TURK

Hours: 40 Hours

Department: Customer Support Department

Unit: Administration

Classification: Employee

Annual Salary: Up to $31,000

Reporting Supervisor: Chief Operations Officer

Probationary Period: 6 months

Positions Supervised

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Purpose:

Join Experience Turks and Caicos as a Customer Service Representative in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. This role is your gateway to providing exceptional service to cruise ship guests and contributing to our mission of creating unforgettable tourism experiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Warmly welcome and assist cruise ship visitors at the Cruise Center.

• Offer precise information on accommodations, attractions, activities, dining, and transportation.

• Disseminate tourism materials including brochures, magazines, and more.

• Address guest concerns promptly and provide recommendations for solutions.

• Build positive relationships with tourism partners, cruise ship personnel, immigration, customs officers, taxi drivers and car rental agents

• Continuously update your knowledge of tourism products, programs, activities, and events.

• Assist in resolving customer service situations and suggest enhancements for the cruise terminal’s customer experience.

• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and guidelines.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Two years of relevant customer service experience

• Thorough knowledge of the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism product.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

• Demonstrates initiative, adaptability, and leadership qualities.

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Good health and high energy level.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Flexible work arrangement between the office and Cruise Center

• Engage with tourists, government agents, and tourism industry stakeholders.

• Ability to travel locally between office and Cruise Port, and regionally/ internationally as needed.

• Flexibility in working hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.

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. Shortlisted candidates must submit a police certificate.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT (PAYABLES)

Rubis Turks & Caicos Limited, a company specializing in the marketing of petroleum products, is seeking to fill the vacant position of Junior Accountant in its Finance Department.

THE PORTFOLIO

• Track all payments and expenditures, including purchase orders, invoices, statements, etc.

• Reconcile processed work by verifying entries and comparing system reports to balances

• Maintain historical records

• Processing of vendors payments

• Respond to vendor enquiries

• Prepare analyses of accounts and produce monthly reports

REQUIREMENTS

• Post graduate degree in Finance and accounting

• Work experience with a Big 4 accounting firm is a plus

• A minimum of three years’ experience with accounting software and data entry

• Excellent understanding of accounting rules and procedures, including the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• Advanced knowledge and experience with spreadsheets

• Analytical skills

COMPENSATION:

Starting salary is US$47,700.00 per annum. Medical and Pension benefits provided.

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER

• Performing tasks involving physical labor at building sites, highway, laying blocks, heavy construction projects and demotion sites.

• Able to work with little

or no supervision, be physically fit, dependable and hard working.

• Must be self-motivated and able to understand, write and speak English fluently.

• Salary: $9.50 per hour.

MILLWORK MANAGER

JOB DESCRIPTION

A Millwork Manager in the construction of a hotel plays a crucial role in overseeing the design, production, and installation of custom woodwork and related elements. This position requires a combination of technical expertise, project management skills, and industry knowledge.

DUTIES

AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of all millwork-related activities.

• Coordinate with architects, designers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that millwork aligns with the overall hotel design and construction timeline.

• Work closely with architects and interior designers to interpret and implement millwork designs according to the hotel’s specifications.

• Review and approve shop drawings, ensuring they meet the design intent and technical specifications.

• Provide technical guidance on materials, finishes, and construction methods for custom woodwork.

• Manage and oversee the production process, ensuring that millwork is fabricated according to the highest quality standards.

• Coordinate with millwork vendors and manufacturers to ensure timely delivery and installation of products.

• Lead and manage a team of millwork carpenters, installers, and subcontractors.

• Identify and resolve any issues or conflicts that arise during the design, production, or installation phases.

• Ensure that all work complies with local building codes, regulations, and hotel standards.

REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

• Relevant certifications in millwork, carpentry, or project management are a plus.

• Extensive experience (typically 5-10 years) in millwork, including design, fabrication, and installation, preferably within the hospitality industry.

• Proven track record of managing millwork projects from inception to completion, with experience in hotel construction being highly desirable.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting architectural and engineering drawings.

• Strong knowledge of woodworking techniques, materials, and finishes.

• Familiarity with CAD software and other design tools.

• Understanding of building codes, regulations, and industry standards. Salary: $70k to $90k per annum based on qualifications and experience.

2 LABOURERS

HAIRDRESSER

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Financial Controller

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Financial accounting and reporting

• Ensures that supporting information for all financial transactions is documented, accurately and properly filed.

• Ensure costs and revenue are recorded and reported accurately, timely, and completely in accordance with financial assertions.

• Ensure that costs and revenue are incurred and managed in accordance with the terms of the approved budget.

• Ensures the reconciliation of bank and investment accounts monthly, including monthly supplier reconciliations, review of overdue accounts receivables, updating the accrual and prepayment schedules and calculation and recording of depreciation expense.

• Budget Preparation

• Project Analysis

• Other Related Business

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent, 4 to 5 years in current role.

• Chartered Accountant, Certified General Accountant, or Certified Management Accountant designation is an asset.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

1. Detailed knowledge of generally accepted accounting and internal control principles.

2. Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills to evaluate alternatives and provide recommendations on business issues.

3. Minimum five years senior accounting experience in a public or private company environment.

4. Significant experience in conducting due diligence and financial analysis on development projects and in supporting entrepreneurs.

5. Proficiency in the use of various computer programs, including Accounting (QuickBooks),Word processing (MS Office), Spreadsheets MS Office)

Salary is $65000 per year or commensurate with experience.

Customer Service Manager

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• General reception duties (answering incoming phone calls, transferring, message taking etc.)

• Receiving (via phone, email or other) orders, and accurately dispatching orders to delivery drivers.

• Ensuring good service and lines of communication with customers and vendors. Ordering of various goods from local Vendors.

• Supervision of the store, and responsibility to ensure the store is clean, organized, and well maintained. Assigning duties regarding the above to other staff members when necessary.

• Invoicing: Generating and sending invoices to customers for products purchased.

• Accounts Receivable: contact customers to follow up on overdue payments.

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business • Proficient in QuickBooks.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills for coming up with ideas to increase demand for products

• Have strong interpersonal, leadership, and creative thinking skills.

• Proven work experience in Customer Services or a similar position.

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

• The ability to work under pressure.

Salary is $36,000 per year or commensurate with experience.

Head Distiller & Spirit Production Manager

• Manage the spirit-making team

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Spirits Department

• Oversees every aspect of production including the sourcing of raw materials, malting, fermentation, distillation, maturation, blending, and bottling.

• Developing new products

• Designing a comprehensive sampling and recording program, improving the quality of the spirits produced by the department. Recording the quality of the product produced and working towards improving that quality.

• Develop a stock management plan, planning and continually sample maturing stock and make decisions on its use

• Develop new styles of spirits

• Development of new products, often in conjunction with marketing teams and tasters.

• Plan staff training and development

• Responsible for training staff to perform specific tasks including (but not limited to) milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, record keeping, and cleaning.

SKILLS

• Strong communication skills

• Sound Technical knowledge of brewing, winemaking, and distilling.

• Understanding of microbiology and aseptic lab technique

• Ability to maintain organized records of brew and quality control data.

• Efficient computer skills.

Salary $93,000 per year or commensurate with experience.

Executive Chef & Kitchen Manager

Kitchen manager provides a safe environment for employees and customers by maintaining brand standards, food safety requirements and training employees on proper food preparation practices. The Kitchen Manager leads back-of-house staff including Line Cooks, Prep Cooks and Dishwashers before, during and after meal service

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensuring food quality standards are implemented and maintained throughout each shift.

• Ensure that all products are ordered according to predetermined product specifications and received in correct unit count and condition and deliveries are performed in accordance with the restaurant’s receiving policies and procedures.

• Control food cost and usage by following proper requisition of products from storage areas, product storage procedures, standard recipes, and waste control procedures.

• Setting regular cleaning standards for the kitchen and verifying that staff is maintaining sanitation levels.

• Menu planning, costing and inventory control

• Any other duties assigned by the General Manager

Salary $62,400 per year or commensurate with experience.

Maintenance Technician

• Responsible for the maintenance and reliability of all equipment, utilities, and the facilities

• Works collaboratively with other functional areas to ensure all maintenance related needs are met in a timely fashion.

• Provides support and/or develops programs related to maintenance including preventative maintenance, facility management, budgeting, engineering, and compliance requirements.

• Maintain the equipment, utilities, and facilities.

• Provide support for in house repair and maintenance projects.

• Develop and maintain proper preventative maintenance of systems and facilities.

• Ordering of supplies and consumable items related to utility and maintenance needs.

• Provide technical feedback, analysis, complete shift reports, and assist management with daily duties and reporting responsibilities in support of the maintenance department and operations.

• Staying up to date on maintenance programs and procedures.

• Evaluate existing brewery systems and facilities against current and projected needs.

• Handling of chemicals while wearing appropriate PPE.

Salary $52,000 per year or commensurate with experience.

Water Production Supervisor

• Operate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain all the existing and forthcoming machines and ancillary equipment in the water plant

• Ensuring the daily, weekly, monthly, and other scheduled maintenance are being enforced and done correctly

• Provide input on how to improve the performance of production personnel and making sure they follow the good manufacturing procedures and safety standards

• Perform quality control on finished products

• Prepare reports and maintain accurate records of every service or preventive maintenance done on each machine or equipment

• Assist on the proper inventory of spare parts and coordinate with the manager for any items need to be purchased

• Whenever necessary, perform the role of a production staff

• Coordinates with the Water Production Manager on overseeing the dayto-day activities, supervision of production staff and maximizing resources to improve production yields

Salary 62,400 per year or commensurate with experience

Server/Tour Guide

• Booking & scheduling guided tours of the Brewery

• Providing guided tours of the Brewery

• Serving & preparing drinks to customers of the Tap Room

• Ensuring retail merchandise is appropriately displayed

• Physical counts of inventory in retail store

• Selling of merchandise in Tap Room

• Ensuring neatness and cleanliness of the Tap Room and other tour areas

• Cashiering duties

• Participation in various promotional events and activities

• Other related duties as assigned

Salary: $8.50 per hour

Provo Beverages is looking for Laborer

to work 6 days per week salary $9 per hour.

• 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.

THE FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE

AGENCY OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

is inviting applications for the following:

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday 08th September 2024

Applications not accompanied by all required supporting documents, and applications received after the deadline may not be processed. This is a contract position. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

The Financial Intelligence Agency of the Turks and Caicos Islands (FIATCI) is a key competent authority within the Turks and Caicos Islands AntiMoney Laundering, Counter Financing of Terrorism and Counter Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) regime. Its main functions are to receive, analyse, and disseminate financial intelligence, to aid in the identification, investigation and prosecution of persons involved in money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing, and associated predicate crimes.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS OFFICER

LOCATION: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

SALARY: USD40,800 -45,900 per annum, plus allowance (subject to qualifications and experience).

JOB SUMMARY:

The post holder will be responsible for effective and efficient office administrative functions of the FIA, the Board of Directors and maintenance of the Agency’s finances. The BOO will conduct his/her duties with high professional standards, integrity, and confidentiality. Honesty and transparency are key are key attributes of the BOO’s character. The BOO will conduct his/her functions in accordance with TCI laws, FIA policies and guidelines. The post holder may be required to carry out other duties as may be required within the scope of the administrative functions of the FIA.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance or related field; OR an associate degree in accounting, finance, management, or related field with at least 4 years’ experience in office administration.

• Prior experience as a senior administrative or business operations officer is a plus.

• Experience in the preparation, recording, presentation and explanation of budget, payroll, expense, and accounting reports.

• Experience preparing, accurately recording and timely processing of accounts payable and proper record keeping.

• Efficient preparation of papers and minutes for a Board of Directors, and logistical preparations for board meetings.

• Office management (includes reception and recording of visitor movements, notifying relevant persons of maintenance issues, ensuring adequate office supplies and inventories are procured, maintained and recorded).

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.

• Proficiency in the use of QuickBooks.

• Valid driver’s license.

TO APPLY PLEASE COMPLY AND SUBMIT:

1. Application cover letter stating how you meet the job and qualification requirements for the post;

2. Copy of updated Curriculum Vitae including your contact details;

3. Two recent reference letters with a date (no older than 6 months); one of which must be from a person who can speak to your competencies and professional capacity for the job;

4. Copies of relevant qualifications;

5. Copy of passport Bio page; and

6. A Police certificate of character no older than 6 months.

APPLICATIONS ALONG WITH COPIES OF YOUR CV AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY

LABOURER CARETAKER HOUSEKEEPER

MACHINERY TECHNICIAN

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 5 years work experience in maintaining, adjusting, tuning and repairing woodworking machinery. Such as 5 heads molder machine, hydraulic press, planner, shaper, thickness sander, etc.

• Trained to fit this position.

Salary at $11.00 per hour

CARPENTER/FINISHER

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 5 years work experience in finishing for woodworking, joinery and cabinet making.

• Trained to prepare, sand, spray on high end finishes to cabinets, doors, furniture.

Salary at $10.00 per hour

FURNITURE FINISHER

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 5 years work experience in finishing for woodworking, joinery and cabinet making.

• Trained to prepare, sand, spray on high end finishes to cabinets, doors, furniture, all visible faces.

Salary at $10.00 per hour

FURNITURE CARPENTER-FINISH CARPENTER

SKILLS REQUIRED:

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

LABORER

• Experience is essential. No less than a minimum of 5 years consecutive and verifiable experience in grooming and animal behavior will be accepted, references will be required

• Experience in Quickbooks

• Must be able to read write and speak the English language and start work at 6am

• Must be able to bath dogs in preparation for grooming, including comb-outs, brush outs, stripping,

detangling, de-matting and clipping

• Must be able to de-tick manually and use chemicals safely and responsibly.

• Cleaning of animals quarters outside and inside bathing and grooming areas, including feces pick up on an hourly basis

• HEAVY LIFTING REQUIRED

• Must have own transport and willing to transport animals in vehicle.

• Hourly rate is $8 and is based on experience.

• 5 years work experience in manufacturing furniture, woodworking, joinery and cabinet making.

Salary at $11.00 per hour

LABOURER

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 5 years work experience in woodworking, joinery and cabinet making.

• Trained to help cabinet maker, furniture carpenter

• Cleaning the shop, offload materials, stack materials

Salary at $10.00 per hour

SKILLS REQUIRED FOR ALL 6 POSITIONS ABOVE:

• 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.

Science & Technology

Reservoir of liquid water found deep in Martian rocks

Scientists have discovered a reservoir of liquid water on Mars - deep in the rocky outer crust of the planet.

The findings come from a new analysis of data from Nasa’s Mars Insight Lander, which touched down on the planet back in 2018.

The lander carried a seismometer, which recorded four years’ of vibrations - Mars quakes - from deep inside the Red Planet.

Analysing those quakes - and exactly how the planet moves - revealed “seismic signals” of liquid water.

While there is water frozen at the Martian poles and evidence of vapour in the atmosphere, this is the first time liquid water has been found on the planet.

The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Insight’s scientific mission ended in December 2022, after the lander sat quietly listening to “the pulse of Mars” for four years.

In that time, the probe recorded

more than 1,319 quakes.

By measuring how fast seismic waves travel, scientists have worked out what material they are most likely to be moving through.

“These are actually the same techniques we use to prospect for water on Earth, or to look for oil and gas,” explained Prof Michael Manga, from the University of California, Berkeley, who was involved in the research.

The analysis revealed reservoirs of water at depths of about six to 12 miles (10 to 20km) in the Martian crust.

“Understanding the Martian water cycle is critical for understanding the evolution of the climate, surface and interior,” said lead researcher Dr Vashan Wright, from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Prof Manga added that water was “the most important molecule in shaping the evolution of a planet”. This finding, he said, answers a big question of “where did all the Martian water go?”.

Studies of the surface of Mars - with its channels and ripplesshow that, in ancient times, there were rivers and lakes on the planet.

But for three billion years, it has been a desert.

Some of that water was lost to space when Mars lost its atmosphere. But, said Prof Manga, here on Earth, “much of our water is underground and there’s no reason for that not to be the case on Mars too”.

The Insight probe was only able

to record directly from the crust beneath its feet, but the researchers expect that there will be similar reservoirs across the planet. If that is the case, they estimate that there is enough liquid water on Mars to form a layer across the surface that would be more than half a mile deep.

However, they point out, the location of this Martian groundwater is not good news for billionaires with Mars colonisation plans who might want to tap into it.

“It’s sequestered 10-20km

deep in the crust,” explained Prof Manga.

“Drilling a hole 10km deep on Mars - even for [Elon] Muskwould be difficult,” he told BBC News.

The discovery could also point to another target for the ongoing search for evidence of life on Mars.

“Without liquid water, you don’t have life,” said Prof Manga. “So if there are habitable environments on Mars, those may be now deep underground.” (BBC)

Scientists find humans age dramatically in two bursts – at 44,

If you have noticed a sudden accumulation of wrinkles, aches and pains or a general sensation of having grown older almost overnight, there may be a scientific explanation. Research suggests that rather than being a slow and steady process, aging occurs in at least two accelerated bursts.

The study, which tracked thousands of different molecules in people aged 25 to 75, detected two major waves of age-related changes at around ages 44 and again at 60. The findings could explain why spikes in certain health issues including musculoskeletal problems and cardiovascular disease occur at certain ages.

“We’re not just changing gradually over time. There are some really dramatic changes,” said Prof Michael Snyder, a geneticist and director of the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford University and senior author of the study.

“It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s – and that’s true no matter what class of molecules you

The findings could explain why spikes in certain health issues including musculoskeletal problems and cardiovascular disease occur at certain ages

look at.”

The research tracked 108 volunteers, who submitted blood and stool samples and skin, oral and nasal swabs every few months for between one and nearly seven years. Researchers assessed 135,000 different molecules (RNA, proteins and metabolites) and microbes (the bacteria, viruses

and fungi living in the guts and on the skin of the participants).

The abundance of most molecules and microbes did not shift in a gradual, chronological fashion. When the scientists looked for clusters of molecules with the largest shifts, they found these transformations tended to occur when people were in their mid-40s

and early 60s.

The mid-40s ageing spike was unexpected and initially assumed to be a result of perimenopausal changes in women skewing results for the whole group. But the data revealed similar shifts were happening in men in their mid-40s, too.

“This suggests that while menopause or perimenopause may contribute to the changes observed in women in their mid-40s, there are likely other, more significant factors influencing these changes in both men and women,” said Dr Xiaotao Shen, a former postdoctoral scholar at Stanford medical school and first author of the study who is now based at Nanyang Technological University Singapore.

The first wave of changes included molecules linked to cardiovascular disease and the ability to metabolise caffeine, alcohol and lipids. The second wave of changes included molecules involved in immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism and kidney function. Molecules linked

then 60

to skin and muscle ageing changed at both time points. Previous research suggested that a later spike in ageing may occur around the age of 78, but the latest study could not confirm this because the oldest participants were 75.

The pattern fits with previous evidence that the risk of many agerelated diseases does not increase incrementally, with Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease risk showing a steep uptick after 60. It is also possible that some of the changes could be linked to lifestyle or behavioural factors. For instance, the change in alcohol metabolism could result from an uptick in consumption in people’s mid-40s, which can be a stressful period of life.

The findings could help target interventions, such as increasing exercise during periods of more rapid muscle loss, the authors said. “I’m a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we’re still healthy,” Snyder said. The findings are published in the journal Nature Aging. (The Guardian)

The Martian surface has evidence of ancient rivers and lakes etched into it

Science & Technology

WHO declares mpox global health emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern.

The highly contagious disease - formerly known as monkeypox - has killed at least 450 people during an initial outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It has now spread across parts of central and east Africa, and scientists are concerned about how fast a new variant of the disease is spreading and its high fatality rate.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond “is very worrying”.

“A co-ordinated international response is essential to stop this outbreak and save lives,” he said.

Mpox is transmitted through close contact, such as sex, skinto-skin contact and talking or breathing close to another person.

It causes flu-like symptoms, skin lesions and can be fatal, with four in 100 cases leading to death.

There are two main types of

mpox - Clade 1 and Clade 2.

A previous mpox public health emergency, declared in 2022, was caused by the relatively mild Clade 2. However, this time it is the far more deadly Clade 1 - which has killed up to 10% of those getting sick in previous outbreaks - that is surging.

There was a change in the virus around September last year. Mutations led to an offshoot - called Clade 1b - that has since spread rapidly. This new variant has been

Risk of cancer higher for people who drink alcohol, even moderately

Everything in moderation — but with caveats.

As more research confirms the negative health effects of alcohol consumption, even in moderate amounts, long-held beliefs about the purported health benefits of the occasional drink or two are shifting.

A large new study published August 12 in JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source found that moderate-level alcohol consumption had no benefit for older adults but raised diseaserelated mortality risk instead.

The findings are based on health records of more than 135,000 adults ages 60 and older in the United Kingdom with health-related or socioeconomic risk factors.

During initial interviews, participants were asked detailed questions about their alcohol use between 2006 and 2010. Using data from the UK Biobank, researchers found increases in cancer-related and all-cause mortality in low-, moderate-, and high-risk drinkers. No associations for moderate drinkers without socioeconomic or health-related risk factors were found. However, low risk drinking

was still associated with a higher risk of cancer mortality in this group, while moderate drinking continued to show greater chances of death from cancer and other causes.

Meanwhile, a new Gallup poll shows young people in the United States increasingly view alcohol as unhealthy.

“There is a pervasive myth that low or moderate alcohol consumption improves health outcomes,” David Cutler, MD, board certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told Healthline. Cutler was not involved in the study.

“Nothing could be farther from the truth. The fact is that population-wide studiesTrusted Source demonstrate that any alcohol consumption can have a negative health impact. So, it is difficult to argue with the general conclusion that alcohol consumption may be dangerous to your health,” Cutler said.

This new research highlights what many health experts have long suspected about moderate

labelled “the most dangerous yet” by one scientist.

Since the start of the year, there have been more than 13,700 cases of mpox in the DR Congo, with at least 450 deaths.

It has since been detected in other African countries - including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya and Rwanda.

It is hoped the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency will lead to research, funding, and the introduction of

other international public health measures being accelerated.

Dr Josie Golding, from the Wellcome Trust, said it was a “strong signal”, while Emory University’s Dr Boghuma Titanji said the move “underscores the gravity of the crisis”.

Prof Trudie Lang, the director of the Global Health Network at the University of Oxford, said it was “important and timely”, but added that the emergence of a new strain meant there were “many unknowns

that need to be addressed”.

In July 2022 the milder Clade 2 strain of mpox spread to nearly 100 countries, including some in Europe and Asia.

It spread rapidly, and there were more than 87,000 cases and 140 deaths reported during that outbreak, according to a WHO count.

Although anyone can catch monkeypox, the outbreak was largely concentrated among men who had sex with men.

That outbreak was brought under control by vaccinating vulnerable groups.

On Tuesday, scientists from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared a public health emergency.

The head of the organisation, Jean Kaseya, warned that this current outbreak could spiral out of control if immediate steps were not taken to contain it.

“We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this threat,” he said. (BBC)

The findings are based on health records of more than 135,000 adults ages 60 and older in the United Kingdom with health-related or socioeconomic risk factors

drinking, despite other studies that may have shown the inverse.

An older study published in 2000 suggests “significant” reductions in cardiovascular mortality risk from drinking red wine. More recently, a 2020 research review highlighted the health benefits of light and moderate alcohol consumption, including reduced cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Current guidelinesTrusted Source for moderate drinking continue to suggest up to 14 grams or 1 drink per day for females and up to 28 grams or 2 drinks per day for males on days when alcohol is consumed.

In the JAMA study, researchers defined moderate drinking as 20–40 grams of alcohol per day for males and 10–20 grams of alcohol per day for females. This range

extends beyond the threshold for current moderate drinking guidelines.

The researchers reported the lowest alcohol-related mortality risks among individuals who consumed no more than 10 grams of alcohol daily (less than 1 standard drinkTrusted Source), which became more evident in those with higher socioeconomic status.

“The big picture of the health risks of alcohol should not be ignored,” Cutler said. “Cancer mortality was increased in even the lowest risk drinkers. And if healthrelated and socioeconomic factors were also present these risks were even greater. So, while some people may find excuses in light alcohol consumption because they lack risk factors for poor outcomes, moderate and heavy drinkers have

no such safe haven.”

Daniel Landau, MD, board certified oncologist, medical director of virtual hematology at the Medical University of South Carolina, and contributor for the Mesothelioma Center, told Healthline that alcohol may have been exceptionally harmful to the older adults included in the study because they already had other health issues.

“People who are over the age of 60 often have other comorbidities such as diabetes or heart disease and are already at higher risks of developing cancers,” said Landau, who was not involved in the study. “Adding alcohol on top of these risks seemed to exacerbate these other medical conditions and possibly promote the risk of cancer development.” (Healthline.com)

Hundreds of people have been killed by the current mpox outbreak

Sports

England great Anderson considering white-ball return

James Anderson says he is “still fit enough” to continue his cricket career and will consider a move into white-ball cricket.

The 42-year-old, the most prolific fast bowler in Test history, announced his retirement from international cricket after England’s win against the West Indies at Lord’s in July.

While Anderson stopped short of announcing his retirement from cricket, his immediate transition into a coaching and mentoring role with England suggested that his playing days were over.

But Anderson, who took 704 wickets in 188 Tests, says he is “open” to prolonging his career by playing short-form cricket.

“I might be in a bit of denial because I’m well aware I won’t play for England again, but I’ve still not made a decision on my actual cricket career,” Anderson said, speaking at the launch of a new campaign by the England and Wales Cricket Board to get more children playing the sport.

“There’s definitely a bit of intrigue with the shorter formats because I’ve not played any franchise stuff before. Watching The Hundred this year, seeing the ball swing around, it makes me feel like I could do a job there.

“I know it’s a while since I played it and my age will get brought up again but I really feel I’ll be good enough to play that

Father of Spain football star Yamal stabbed in car park - reports

The father of 17-year-old Spanish football star Lamine Yamal has reportedly been stabbed multiple times in a car park.

According to reports in Spanish media, Mounir Nasraoui was attacked in the coastal town of Mataró, north of Barcelona, on Wednesday night by a group of people he had spoken to earlier in the day.

Catalan police have confirmed three people were arrested on Wednesday and a fourth suspect was detained on Thursday morning.

Mr Nasraoui was taken to hospital in Barcelona in a serious condition but is now said to be stable.

The reported attack took place

near the Rocafonda neighbourhood where Yamal grew up.

Earlier in the day, Mr Nasraoui is said to have had an argument with a group of people he had encountered while walking his dog, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported.

Hours later, he was approached by the same group in a car park and stabbed “multiple times”.

The motivation for the stabbing is currently unknown.

A report on sports website

Relevo said Mr Nasraoui was set to remain in hospital for two or three days under observation.

Lamine Yamal, Spain’s youngest ever player, lit up Euro 2024 where he was named Young Player of the Tournament.

Anderson added he would make a decision on his future at the end of the summer and he is “not shutting myself off to anything”.

Anderson’s last T20 match was in 2014 as he dedicated the last 10 years of his career to red-ball cricket.

England are keen to tap into Anderson’s expertise before the 2025 Ashes series in Australia by retaining him in a coaching role.

The ECB campaign which Anderson was supporting is encouraging more people to find their way to play, no matter if that is casual cricket at home, in the street, at the local park, at school, or at a local club or community project. (BBC)

Coe will ‘seriously’ consider IOC presidency bid

World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe says he will give “serious thought” to running for the role of president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Thomas Bach, the current president, announced on Saturday that he would stand down in 2025 following 12 years in the role.

Like Bach, Coe is into his third presidential term in charge of World Athletics after running unopposed to continue the role in 2023.

“Look, I’ve always made it clear that if the opportunity arose I would obviously give it serious

thought,” said 67-year-old Coe.

“The opportunity has arisen and clearly I need to think about that.”

A new president will take charge in June 2025 following elections in March in 2025.

Under IOC rules, no candidate can declare their intention to run for presidency until three months before the election.

“The charter is pretty clear about timings here, so this is only, at best, a consideration,” said Coe. Coe helped London to win a hosting bid for the 2012 Olympics and was instrumental in the delivery of the Games. (BBC)

form of cricket.”

Sebastian Coe is into his third presidential term in charge of World Athletics after running unopposed to continue the role in 2023

James Anderson retired from international cricket in July

Mounir Nasraoui (right) watched on as his teenage son set up the opening goal in Spain’s 2-1 win over England in this summer’s Euro final

The winger set up Nico Williams’s opening goal as Spain beat England 2-1 in the final in Berlin.

Shortly after Spain lifted the trophy, fans lined the streets of Mataró celebrating their young star.

After spending his childhood in the town, Yamal spent some of his teenage years at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. (BBC)

Judge reaches 300 career home runs faster than anyone in MLB history

Judge is no stranger to making Major League Baseball history, and on Wednesday he did it again.

The 32-year-old slugger hit his 300th career home run in the team’s 10-2 win over the White Sox in Chicago, reaching the milestone in fewer games than any other MLB player.

In the top of the eighth inning with the Yankees up 6-2, Judge belted a three-run home run. As he crossed home plate and walked into the dugout, his teammates were there to celebrate the achievement.

Judge was playing in his 955th career game. The player who previously held the mark for fewest games to reach 300 home runs was Baseball Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, who did it in 1,087 contests.

Judge becomes the 162nd player in MLB history to reach 300 career home runs.

In 2022, Judge hit an American League record 62 home runs in a season. Wednesday’s home run was Judge’s league-leading 43rd of the season.

After the game, Judge told the Prime broadcast that he was hoping the milestone “would come in a win.”

“It was great,” Judge said before getting doused with cold water by teammates. “Throughout the whole game, guys were having great atbats, having great rallies there to pass the baton to the next guy.”

The Yankees (72-50) had a half-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East after Wednesday’s MLB games. (CNN)

Textor granted exclusivity in Everton takeover bid

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has granted a period of exclusivity to John Textor as the American businessman aims to purchase a majority stake in the Premier League club.

BBC Sport understands discussions have taken place around the feasibility of an agreement, but a deal is not close at this stage.

Textor is the latest party in the frame to take over the Toffees after talks broke down with both 777 Partners and the Friedkin Group this summer.

However, any deal is dependent

on Textor selling his 45% stake in Crystal Palace, as Premier League rules prohibit individuals from owning more than one team.

Everton declined to comment when contact by BBC Sport.

Speaking earlier on Thursday when previewing his side’s Premier League opener against Brighton, Everton manager Sean Dyche said: “We can’t affect the business model of the club in terms of someone buying it.

“Just fingers crossed it [a resolution] gets found. It’s been here since I got here. It goes higher volume and lower volume

depending on results and the bigger picture of the club.

“I always believe in controlling the controllables and I can’t decide when the club gets sold and who buys it. We’ve just got to wait for that period when it happens and if it doesn’t, just keep working hard.”

Asked if he had spoken to Moshiri, Dyche said: “Nothing of any depth. Just messages and stuff like that.

“I will probably see or speak to him soon, but there has been nothing too much to report from him to me or me to him.” (BBC)

Stokes to miss rest of summer with hamstring injury

England Test captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the rest of the summer after tearing his left hamstring while playing in The Hundred.

The all-rounder will miss England’s three-Test series against Sri Lanka, which starts on 21 August, with vice-captain Ollie Pope to lead the side in Stokes’ absence.

Stokes, 33, was left on crutches following the injury while batting for Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford on Sunday.

He is aiming to be fit in time for England’s three-Test tour of Pakistan, which begins on 7 October.

Stokes, who was playing in The Hundred for the first time in three years this season, pulled up after running a single and had to be

the first time in three years this season

victory over the West Indies, taking five wickets at an average of 34.20 in three Tests.

He played three times for Northern Superchargers during The Hundred, scoring just four runs and taking no wickets.

England host Sri Lanka in the first Test at Emirates Old Trafford from 21-25 August, followed by matches at Lord’s and the Kia Oval.

After Pakistan, Brendon McCullum’s side face New Zealand in three Tests across November and December, before a landmark 2025 that includes five Tests at home against India and an Ashes series in Australia.

“It’s a big blow for Ben and England as he’s captained the Test team remarkably well,” former England captain Michael Vaughan told BBC Two.

“Let’s hope he can get fit for

Pakistan, then New Zealand, then everyone will be thinking about next year - fingers crossed Ben can get this injury right and have a fully fit 2025.”

Vaughan added it is “certainly not The Hundred’s fault” that Stokes got injured playing in the competition.

He said: “He could’ve torn his hamstring any time, it could’ve happened on the first day against Sri Lanka and affected the outcome of that match.”

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew said Stokes’ injury is especially disappointing because the captain has been “transformed” by being able to bowl again this summer.

“He’s been a completely different character, really enjoying himself,” Agnew told BBC Radio 5 Live Drive.

New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron

The 32-year-old slugger hit his 300th career home run in the team’s 10-2 win over the White Sox in Chicago

Everton host Brighton in their Premier League opener on Saturday

Stokes played in The Hundred for

Sports National

Dominant performance from Skyhawks in Police Action League basketball

Skyhawks registered wins in the 13-and-Under and the 16-andUnder divisions in the latest round of the Police Action League (PAL) basketball competition at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex court.

On Friday, the 13U Skyhawks team surged to a 10-point win against the Commanders 29-19.

Bethenly Joseph led the winners with 17 points, five steals and four rebounds. He has been a dominant scorer for his side this season.

Johansen Steplin had a solid all-

round game for the Commanders with six points, seven rebounds, five steals and four blocks.

On Saturday, Joseph again led his side when they whipped Avengers 42-16. He finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, six steals and two assists, while Dalvi Susana led Avengers with nine points, four rebounds and two steals.

In the other 13U clash, the Guardians edged past the Badgers 40-39.

Romeo Higgs Jr led the winners with 24 points and eight rebounds.

Winzario LeFrance led the Badgers with 16 points and five rebounds. The Commanders bounced back from their Friday loss to defeat Seaquest 32-15.

Steplin led the winners with 12 points and four steals, while Midjelyn Dorelus finished with six points, nine rebounds and two steals for Seaquest.

The 16U Skyhawks team also registered back-to-back wins.

On Friday, they defeated Commanders 49-46 with Leroy Hyman leading the attack with 17 points.

DeShawn Lightbourne however had a game-high 28 points and four steals for the Commanders.

Hyman would again score 17 points (with five steals, three assists, two rebounds and two blocks) when the Skyhawks defeated Avengers 48-27.

Poteinsky Dumesle led the Avengers with a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds).

In the other 16U battle, the Guardian defeated the Badgers 58-49 after Justin Forbes scored a

whopping 29 points to go with four rebounds and two steals.

The Badgers were led by Carlens Louis who finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and three steals, while Mike Ulysse finished with a double-double 13 points and 14 rebounds.

Seaquest also defeated Commanders 37-34.

Allan Gedeon led the winners with 11 points, while Doudly Sintana made 13 points, four steals and six rebounds for the Commanders.

Bethenly Joseph did it in back-to-back games for Skyhawks in the 13U battle

The 16U battle between the Guardian and the Badgers was a high-scoring clash

Justin Forbes shot his way to a whopping 29 points for the Guardians

Romeo Higgs Jr led the Guardians with 24 points and eight rebounds

Leroy Hyman had two back-to-back 17-point games for the 16U Skyhawks

TCI girls outstanding in CONCACAF U15 Championship

– Record three wins and produce valiant effort in third-place battle

The Turks and Caicos Islands girls’ team held the upper hand in the penalty shootout of their historic third-place clash with Guadeloupe in the CONCACAF U15 Championship on Sunday in their Group C match in Aruba.

From a 2-1 lead early in the shootout, after the sides had battled to a 0-0 draw after regulation and extra time, it was TCI’s game to

lose.

TCI’s goalkeeper Achenie Desir almost single-handedly pulled off the medal victory, however, a few missed opportunities by the TCI penalty takers and nerve of steel from the Guadeloupe players, carried the shootout into the ninth round with a 7-6 penalty victory for the French overseas region.

On Friday, the TCI team

defeated the Aruba All Stars 1-0 after a 31-minute goal from Edna Jeanty. That was their third win of the competition.

Team TCI started with a 2-1 win against Bonaire last Monday followed by a 4-0 victory against St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Although it was an overall team effort, Jeanty was the driving force behind the wins.

The 13-year-old, who currently plays for Teachers FC in the Provo Women’s Premier League (WPL), scored all of TCI’s goals in the championship.

Owing to the outstanding performance of the girls and the prolific scoring of Jeanty, the FA via social media congratulated the side’s overall performance.

A brief message on Facebook

said that the side achieved “a significant milestone”.

“This remarkable achievement showcases their dedication, talent, and hard work. The team’s journey through the championship has been nothing short of inspiring, demonstrating their resilience and teamwork on the field. They carry with them the hopes and support of our nation.”

The young players and the Football Association’s technical staff were warmly received upon their return this week

Edna Jeanty scored all of TCI’s goals at the tournament

TCI won three games in Aruba

The TCIFA, led by its President Sonia Fulford-Missick, handed out flowers to the players at the airport