TC Weekly News August 26 - September 1, 2023

Astwood throws hat in the ring for PDM All-island candidacy

Former Deputy Premier Sean Astwood said he is prepared to roll up his sleeves and get to work with the next People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) administration.

Astwood, who was also the territory’s former Minister of Border Control and Employment and Member of Parliament for Five Cays (ED 9) Constituency under the Sharlene CartwightRobinson administration, formally announced his return to frontline politics as an All-Island- (AtLarge) candidate in the upcoming general elections, in a statement to the media on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

Astwood explained that his decision to re-enter the political scene after almost three years was triggered by the current state of affairs in the Turks and Caicos which he describes as being marred by crime, unprecedented sloop arrivals, and a myriad of social issues.

BELOW IS THE FORMER MINISTER’S FULL STATEMENT:

My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, I am of the mindset that one can serve one’s country in other ways apart from holding a political office. Therefore, in the years since I last held public office, I have continued to be involved in our

community, working with local organisations, and volunteering my time to help those in need. During this time I have worked closely with the leadership of the PDM assisting where needed. My desire for making a positive impact in our community has never wavered.

During these years, and even moreso recently, I am constantly approached by our people expressing their wishes for me to re-enter frontline politics. They have expressed their extreme disappointment in the direction of which our country is headed with a government that is completely out of touch.

Unfortunately, these past two and a half-plus years under the current government have been disastrous for our country. With a record number of murders, mostly our young men, unprecedented number of sloop arrivals, an influx of illegal immigrants reaching our shores and a government that has proven that they cannot stop the sloops. We are also seeing record numbers of Turks & Caicos Islanders relocating to other countries and an increased number of our students not interested in returning home after finishing their studies.

Our healthcare system is in shambles and continues to deteriorate, there has been no real progress on the delivery of

e-Government, a labour policy that has not been strengthened which has Turks and Caicos Islanders feeling more marginalised than they have ever felt before. We have a myriad of problems, and our country is in a downward spiral. Unfortunately, our current government’s approach to all the chaos occurring in our country is to remain silent, bury their heads in the sand and hope these issues either resolve themselves or the people get tired of voicing their concerns.

I am deeply committed to the values that have always guided my political career: integrity, transparency, and a dedication to the common good. I believe that we are even more now in need of leaders who are willing to put Turks and Caicos Islanders first. With a fully resourced focus effort to solve the pressing challenges facing our people. Despite the result of the last elections, I have a proven record of delivering results throughout the ministries and departments under my management and an unparalleled record of visionary representation, transformation, and redevelopment as the representative for Five Cays, South Dock & Chalk Sound Constituency.

As we embark on this new

phase of developing our country, I am more committed than ever to bringing people together and finding common ground. There is much work to be done, from addressing crime, immigration reform, the housing crisis and improving access to healthcare, to advancing economic opportunity for our citizens, implementation of e-Government across the public sector, true constitutional advancement and most of all restoring hope to our people.

These issues are just some that have been instrumental in me reconsidering returning to frontline politics. Listening to and learning from the diverse perspectives of those of you around our country who have reached out to me insisting that I return was extremely important in my deliberations. With that, I am happy to announce that I have, as of 1pm today, August 23rd 2023 submitted my application to the People’s Democratic Movement to

run in the upcoming elections as an All-Island Candidate.

I am excited and eager to face the challenges ahead and help revolutionise the way our country is managed. I am prepared to roll up my sleeves and get to work with the next PDM administration, under the Leadership of Hon Edwin Astwood. I would be honoured to have the opportunity to serve you once again. When deciding whether I should return to frontline politics one of my favourite quotes came to mind. It was Abraham Lincoln who said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it”. I know the current state of affairs in our country does not reflect the hopes and dreams that our electorate envisioned when they voted on February 19th, 2021. Therefore, if you want to predict a better future it is simply up to you to create it.

I look forward to your continued prayers and support as we together revolutionise the way our country is run. It’s time to believe again!

Published

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The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS) said there are no current concerns about the new Covid-19 variants in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

However, the Ministry of Health is urging residents and visitors to adhere to previously recommended precautions to minimise the risk of infection.

As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, new virus variants have emerged.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently designated two new strains of Covid-19 as variants of interest, EG.5 codenamed “Eris” does not pose a public health risk and is evaluated as low at a global level while BA.2.86 is a "variant under monitoring" due to the large number of mutations it carries.

According to the WHO, so far, only a few sequences of the variant have been reported from a handful of countries.

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Raven Saunders in a statement on Thursday, reminded the public that getting vaccinated is a critical step in reducing the severity of illness and preventing hospitalisations.

She said: “Vaccination remains our best form of defence against any future Covid-19 waves and severe illnesses. It is therefore important that everyone ensures that they are up to date with vaccinations offered. Residents are encouraged to take up the doses and boosters for which they are eligible.”

Coupled with these precautions, the health ministry advised residents to wear a face mask, especially in crowded settings or indoors.

This helps to reduce the spread of the virus as well as protects both the wearer and others.

“Regularly wash hands with soap and water and use a hand sanitizer, this practice helps to prevent the transfer of the virus from contaminated surfaces to the face.

“Practice social distancing, ensure proper ventilation in surroundings”, the Ministry stressed.

While Global authorities, including WHO, are working diligently to understand the characteristics of these variants and their potential implications for public health, the ministry said it will continue to monitor the emergence of new variants globally and nationally and will continue to advise the general public.

Former Deputy Premier Sean Astwood

“No cause for alarm” in TCI with new Covid-19 variants

Police Commissioner’s tenure to end in November

US$153k - $175k job opens up to local and international applicants

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), Mr Trevor Botting will end his term in November 2023, which will open up the need for a new head of the police force.

Botting was appointed as the Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in July 2019 having previously served as the Deputy Commissioner from May 2017.

The Governor, HE Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam in a statement on Thursday, August 24, said Botting has served the Turks and Caicos Islands with “dedicated care for the past six years”.

She said: “As Commissioner of Police, he has led the force with professionalism, dealing with a changing policing landscape that has become ever more challenging and complex.

“During his tenure, Commissioner Botting has also worked with partners across the criminal justice system, to implement wider safeguards for victims of crime. I would like to thank him for his service and wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”

Commenting on his term in office, Commissioner Botting said: “It has been my privilege to lead and serve the men and women of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for the last four years as Commissioner, and for over two years prior to that as the Deputy Commissioner.

Botting said he is proud of what the force has achieved in this time and is confident that it will continue to develop to meet the challenges it faces.

He added: “My departure from the post will be carried out in a way that causes the least disruption to the force and the services we provide to protect our communities and all those who visit our islands.”

Salary details

As Botting’s term in office winds down, Governor DanielSelvaratnam has launched a recruitment campaign seeking applications from suitably qualified individuals for the role of the commissioner of police.

The standard term for Police Commissioners in the Turks and Caicos Islands is three years, “which can be extended on such

terms and for such period as may be mutually agreed”, according to the terms and conditions of the job advertisement released by the governor’s office and the RTCIPF to local and international applicants.

The salary bracket for the highlevel position is US$153k to $175k, and is dependent on experience, plus allowances.

The role attracts a 6% gratuity paid upon successful completion of the contract, payable only to contract personnel, 30 days of annual leave with full pay will be granted, which must be taken during the term of employment.

As it relates to relocation expenses for non-resident applicants - Freight up to 230 cubic feet and duty concessions during the first six months of employment, will be applicable to non-resident

applicants only.

Airfare to and from TCI for the officer, spouse/partner and up to two dependent children aged up to 16 years and residing with the officer will be payable to nonresident applicants only.

A housing allowance (US$30,000 per year) is payable to non-resident applicants, a mobile phone and car will be provided, the advert stated.

Moral conduct

The Commissioner of Police leads the command of the RTCIPF, as such the person selected for this prestigious role, has to have a track record that demonstrates their ability to stand up for and practice ethical and moral behaviour when faced with a dilemma.

The successful applicant will “serve the people and the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands

(TCI), understanding and meeting head-on the scale of the territory’s national security challenges, in accordance with the job description.

“You will need to work effectively in a multi-agency environment to tackle, reduce and prevent crime, ensuring the RTCIPF builds trust and confidence with the communities it serves.”

As the commissioner of police, the successful applicant will need to be a person of the utmost integrity and ethical values, demonstrating personal drive, energy and commitment to the role, according to the job requirements.

“You will define and reinforce policing standards, demonstrating these personally, whilst implementing a strong ethical framework of behaviour and personal responsibility for the RTCIPF.

“You must demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence key stakeholders, manage relationships, build trust and work in collaboration.

“You will need sound judgment, decision-making and problem-solving skills with an understanding of applicable laws, policies and procedures in the context of the Turks and Caicos Islands”, the advert stated.

The deadline for applications is on or before midnight on Sunday 1, October 2023 and interviews are scheduled for mid-October.

For those shortlisted for interviews, the process will consist of a selection panel interview, a community panel interview, a key stakeholder meeting and a final interview with the governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Mr Trevor Botting

The Governor, HE Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam

THE TRANSFER DUTY AMENDMENT ORDINANCE

Amendments to the Land Holdings Companies' Transfer Duty Amendment Ordinance were passed last week by the House of Assembly, giving the finance minister authority to remit duty on transfer or equity capital in a land holding corporation.

Hon Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Finance, who presented the bill to the House on Wednesday, August 16, said the bill includes pivotal amendments to the Ordinance. A change to the bill (Clause 3) amends the Ordinance to insert a new section (4A) to empower the Minister of Finance to remit, wholly or in part, the duty payable on the transfer of an interest or transfer of any equity capital in a land holding corporation. The amount of any duty remitted under the new section 4A (1) in respect of the transfer will be deemed to have been paid in respect of that transfer, under the amended ordinance.

Speaking on the bill, Saunders stated: "I am happy to say that this bill stays true to our government's commitment to fiscal prudence while giving us the ability to continue to grow our local economy at a pace that maximises benefits to our people and the TCI.

Clarifying the provisions of the bill, the minister said, "Simply put, this bill will give our government, and future governments, a strategic lever, that can be used, when necessary, to dynamically adjust our economic policy to strengthen our ability to achieve the best outcomes for our people and our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands." What are your thoughts?

We should be a wealthier country

Yes, I agree. Our economy has been designed by the political class to choke growth and favour them. We should be as rich, or richer than similar micro-economies, for example, Monaco.

What is this all about?

Such powerful and stirring language by the Minister of Finance to support a law that will enable the minister to remit stamp duty in favour of large real transactions.

The “change to the bill (Clause 3) amends the ordinance to insert a new section (4A) to empower the Minister of Finance to remit, wholly or in part, the duty payable on the transfer of an interest or transfer of any equity capital in a land

Bizarre timing

It is bizarre and inexplicable for the government to take this measure at this time of the financial year—midstream, not planned, not budgeted nor anticipated by the people.

The minister states, in sponsoring the bill, that "I am happy to say that this bill stays true to our government's commitment to fiscal prudence while giving us the ability to continue to grow our local economy at a pace that maximises benefits to our people and the TCI.”

Whether this measure is intended to benefit the people of the TCI is the question arising from the amended law. He goes further, "Simply put, this bill will give our government, and future governments, a strategic lever, that can be used, when necessary, to dynamically adjust our economic policy to strengthen our ability to achieve the best outcomes for our people and our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands."

The country is already growing and the small man is crying. What they should be doing is taking a review of existing tax breaks, tax holidays and freebies.

More freebies

This is a window to more freebies. It benefits the rich and most likely the foreign investors who would be trading in companies, buying land and selling the same in companies. The average TCIslander is not so “hifalutin’” or “highflying” and would be in the practice of buying land in his name. TCI revenues are at an all-time high. The objective the minister seeks, ie high growth, was set in motion by previous governments and the economy is growing exponentially.

pass a new law to encourage development and business for your own people? Remove stamp duties, business license fees, etc. for your people, altogether. The government needs to find a way to really take care of its people. The trading space, where the current amendment to the Land Transfer Stamp Duty Amended Ordinance sits, is "global, international and not local" because of its very nature. It is designed to attract new huge businesses while ignoring the need to push local businesses more deliberately and intentionally.

Encouragement of development ordinance amendment is needed as well to create and define a domestic business sector, tax breaks for the local businessman, and low-interest finance facilities so that he may actually “breathe again”. It is time to change the laws, customs duties, land sales and purchases, and company laws for a domestic economy. it is time to separate the local company law structure from the international definition that it has acquired over the years. The government needs to regulate businesses in the TCI as local and domestic and not based on an international standard. Using international means, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) has stepped in, they are regulating local charities, firms, consultants, fishermen, and boat businesses as if they were international in scope.

Too much ground has been lost to the international financial oversight OECD, FATCTA etc, and the result is that domestic businesses cannot do business as they used to, they must fill out long draconian and “prolix” application forms, repeating the same thing over and over again, just to get a license of a bank account.

holding corporation. The amount of any duty remitted under the new section 4A (1) in respect of the transfer will be deemed to have been paid in respect of that transfer, under the amended ordinance”. What is this all about? The amount remitted will be deemed to have been paid in respect of a transfer of land, a really expensive parcel of land or a condo? If so, that sets a new stage and a higher one to enable the minister to take care of big business. Yet what it is all about, remains a burning question. The TCI’s economy despite the prevailing crime wave is “on fire” and burning higher. It is in the middle an expansion. The local population feels left out of this expansion. The country is running out of land, especially on the island of Providenciales. What could possibly be the reason or rationale behind this stimulus-oriented measure? The TCI needs cooling off, a pivot of economic strategy to take care of its own people. Not measures of this nature!

He may thank former Premier Sharlene Cartwright and previous ministers of finance. Why is he doing this? Is this the genesis of an existing purchase that the government wants to benefit from? The idea that they want to create extra growth on top of growth, when they cannot manage the fallout from existing growth, ie the crime and the social inequalities in the TCI, exposes the farcical nature of the minister’s suggested rationale for the amendment. It is not a plausible explanation to give more tax breaks and while they are at it, giving the Country away. It is a clear “in your face” move to try and dupe the people. This word "deemed" needs careful examination and should be the subject of an ongoing debate by the Leader of the Opposition. It is cloudy and leaves too many questions arising. Until it is properly defined, it remains an issue to understand what it is all about.

Locals left behind

Why is there a need for the stamp duty laws to be changed? This measure exposes a gaping hole and gap in local business development strategy in the TCI and the need to focus inwards and not always outwards. Why not

While on this point, what in the world has happened to the so-called eGovernment project? Local businesses are under severe risk regimes, international codes that do not apply to them in practice, as their monies are earned locally and the victims of ‘derisking’ by local banks. There should be company laws, non-profit laws, and trading laws that would allow TCI businesses to be, using the minister’s words, “deemed as” trading “locally” and not internationally. To even get a business name you must complete all kinds of FSC forms. It is something that must be addressed by local representatives. They need to develop a trading zone, space or concept that would allow the local businessman to trade, do business and actually flourish. This measure passed by the Parliament is not intended for the average Turks & Caicos Islander. It is really business as usual.

Banks not lending despite reduced credit risks – FSC

BY DELANA ISLES

The Financial Services Commission has stated in its annual report for 2021/2022 that while customer deposits in banks have grown significantly, banks are leery of lending.

“Customer deposits in the banking sector grew significantly, resulting in improved liquidity”, the FSC reported.

Further outlining in its report: “The main inherent risk in the banking sector remained credit risk due to lending activities, while the emerging risk has been cyber security risk, given the transition to digital platforms and development of new digital products”.

It states that for the financial year 2021/2022, credit risk declined relative to the previous period, as the state of the economy improved, and borrowers were resilient to the pandemic's impact.

However, according to the FSC, emerging risk factors such as inflation, rising interest rates, and the continued world health crises, could impact borrowers' ability to service their debt in the near to medium terms as such a rise in credit risk could be imminent if prices continue to increase.

Nevertheless, the banks have mitigated this risk with high levels of provisioning and conservative lending practices and risk appetites.

The FSC has also noted that a growing non-bank lending market has emerged in the TCI, which creates competition for the banking sector.

They said this increases the risk to the financial sector if left unregulated and should credit conditions deteriorate.

BANK ASSETS

According to the FSC, the banking sector's assets significantly

increased by 19.2% to $2.7b. Five of the six banks had increases in their assets, which were reflected mainly in placements, while loan portfolios contracted for four of the six banks, resulting in a combined reduction for the sector.

The increase in the sector's assets was funded by customers’ deposits, which grew by 26.5%, the FSC reported.

They noted that while credit risk has been stable to declining over the review period, the outlook at the end of the period remained uncertain. The outlook was threatened by the potential impact on borrowers due to increasing interest rates, rising commodity prices, and other impacts from ongoing geopolitical events.

The report also revealed that the banking sector remained very liquid throughout the 2021/22

Virgil-Stubbs appointed as protocol assistant

The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands recently announced the appointment of Ms Paula VirgilStubbs to the post of Protocol Assistant in the Protocol Unit within the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.

Ms Virgil-Stubbs is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and completed a course in Protocol and Diplomatic Courtesies in September of 2021. She also benefited from advanced leadership and office management skills training for executive secretaries and office administrators.

Ms Virgil-Stubbs previously worked as a sales clerk for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) at the post office in Grand Turk before relocating to Providenciales, taking up employment in the private sector.

She returned to TCIG 2018 in the Office of the Premier as an Administrative Officer in 2018 and began acting as the Senior Administrative Officer in 2021

until this most recent appointment. Ms Virgil-Stubbs, in commenting on her appointment, stated: “The only way to do and give great work is to love what you do”. (Mark Hunter)

As I embark on this new appointment afforded to me as Protocol Assistant within the Office of the Premier and Public Policy, I would first like to thank God for allowing all this possible. To my family for all the love, support and for always encouraging me to give my best.

“I now see hard work truly pays off. Moreover, I would like to also thank the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for this new opportunity to embrace my skills and knowledge as I learn and gain more experience within my new role.

I am quite excited and delighted to have been afforded the opportunity Office, and I am confident that I will be an asset not only to the Office of the Premier and Public Policy but to TCIG and the Turks and Caicos Islands as a whole.”

Deputy Governor and Head

financial year, maintaining an average liquid asset ratio of 75%, well above the statutory requirement of 12%.

“The sector ended the financial year with a liquid asset ratio of 77.4%, while its liquid assets to total assets stood at 67.6%.”

This indicated that the majority of the sector's assets were not generating significant revenue, the FSC said, noting that the liquid state of the sector was due to several factors, including the limited investment opportunities in the local economy, continued and increasing competition in the lending market from nonbanks, conservative approach to investment and lending activities by the banks, and the level of uncertainty in the market.

As it relates to its earnings, the report outlines that the banking sector's revenue increased to $78m from $72.9m, which remained

below the pre-pandemic revenue of $108m.

“Loans continued to be the sector's major revenue earner, providing 53.5% of total income; this was followed by income from services and commissions, which accounted for 43.3% of revenue. The sector's expenses significantly declined (54.6%) relative to the previous year, previously booked as a precautionary measure against loan losses.

“The increased revenue and reduced expenses resulted in increased unaudited profit of $44.8m, compared to losses of $222K for the same period a year earlier.

“Despite relatively strong returns on capital and assets, there is concern as to whether this is sustainable, given the downward trajectory of the largest earning asset, loans and advances,” the report further outlined.

of the Public Service, HE Anya Williams, in extending congratulatory remarks to Ms Virgil-Stubbs, stated:

“It gives me great pleasure to officially announce and congratulate Ms Paula VirgilStubbs on her appointment to the post of Protocol Assistant in the Protocol Unit within the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.”

“Ms Virgil-Stubbs re-joined the public service temporarily before taking up a permanent appointment in the Office of the Premier in 2018.

“Wanting to achieve more, she enrolled in the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to upgrade her educational background and skills, positioning her for greater upward mobility opportunities within the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service and elsewhere.

“Ms Virgil-Stubbs is a hardworking public servant who demonstrates a professional attitude and is always willing to serve when called upon. She is now reaping the benefits of her hard work. We are pleased to welcome her to her new

responsibilities and look forward to the much-needed support she will provide to government protocol.

The Protocol Unit will undergo various trainings throughout the region in the coming months as we

work to raise government protocol standards across our islands. We wish Ms Virgil-Stubbs well on her new appointment and look forward to supporting her in her new role.”

New protocol assistant Ms Paula Virgil-Stubbs

Exciting renovations underway on South Caicos

– East Bay Resort to close for redevelopment and rebranding

Owners and management of East Bay Resort on South Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands have announced plans to redevelop and rebrand the resort.

Beginning on September 9, 2023, the resort will close to allow for significant renovations across the property.

The resort will reopen in 2024 under a new name – Salterra Resort & Spa, a homage to the South Caicos Salinas which provided the inspiration for the redesign.

The owners and management of East Bay Resort said they are thrilled to bring this exciting new project to life and look forward to welcoming guests to the new Salterra Resort & Spa in 2024. An announcement about the brand affiliation for Salterra will be forthcoming.

The new resort will boast a range of high-end services and amenities, designed to cater to the needs of discerning travellers. With plans for luxurious rooms

and suites, multiple dining outlets including fine dining restaurants, a decadent spa, and a range of leisure activities, the renovated resort will offer guests the ultimate in relaxation and comfort. "With our beautiful location on one of the best beaches in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we're looking forward to offering future guests the opportunity to reconnect with

nature and themselves in the stunning surroundings of South Caicos." Melina Forla, General Manager, East Bay Resort said. During the transitional period, East Bay Resort will continue to take reservations up until September 7th. The renovation construction is expected to take 9-12 months, requiring the closure of Blu Bar & Grill, including takeout services.

“We understand that this closure may cause an inconvenience to some residents, particularly given the beloved status of Blu Bar & Grill. However, the resort's expansion will positively impact the island’s economy and provide residents with new opportunities for growth and training in the hospitality industry,” the general manager added.

Franklin spares Turks and Caicos after pummelling DR and Haiti

Tropical Storm Franklin veered away from the Turks and Caicos early Thursday morning and was forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane later this week.

On Wednesday, August 24, residents in the TCI hunkered down in anticipation of the tropical cyclone which unleashed heavy floods and landslides in Haiti and the Dominican Republic earlier that day after making landfall on the southern region of Hispaniola, killing at least one person and leaving two others missing, according to reports from news outlets in Santo Domingo.

In preparation for the storm, Government offices on Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos were closed at 1 pm on Wednesday as a precautionary measure and businesses were encouraged to release non-essential staff based on their emergency response plans.

The storm which was projected to move off the north coast of the Dominican Republic and travel past the Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday night triggered a tropical storm watch for the TCI.

The Director of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), Allison

Gordon, in an update on Wednesday, said tropical storm conditions were expected to spread northward to the Turks and Caicos Islands, particularly impacting the islands of South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Salt Cay.

Franklin was forecasted to produce rainfall amounts of one to two inches across the TCI, with isolated higher amounts of up to four inches in the islands of South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Salt Cay. Weather warnings for heavy rains that could produce localised flooding of roads, properties, and communities and swells generated

by Franklin were in effect throughout Wednesday and were later discontinued on Thursday morning.

However, the DDME Director has reminded residents that all efforts must be made to be prepared, as the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season heats up.

She said: “Your home is your primary place of shelter, if you think your house is not safe enough, seek shelter with a relative or friend”.

Gordon said subcommittees of the national operations group through the dedication and commitment of

the chairpersons are in a state of readiness for any emergency.

She said: “We ask residents on ALL ISLANDS to be prepared at all times.

“Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas, avoid lowlying areas prone to high tides or storm waves.

“Stock up on your emergency supplies such as water, food, medication, flashlight, batteries, and first aid supplies.

“Download the DDME Alert Mobile App and Stay informed, let us expect the best, but prepare for the worst.”

The former East Bay resort will reopen as Salterra Resort & Spa, a homage to the South Caicos Salinas

People walking through a street flooded by the rains of Tropical Storm Franklin in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic on Tuesday. (Ricardo Hernandez / Associated Press)

Director of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), Allison Gordon

FSC to host annual industry meeting at Shore Club

After a three-year hiatus due in part to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission, will host its annual industry meeting once again.

The anticipated seminar which will bring together a panel of international experts, promises to be engaging, informative, and policy-focused, with an emphasis on positioning the TCI to respond adequately and appropriately to and leverage the dynamic changes taking place in the financial services sector locally and internationally.

The high-level meeting which will be held at the Shore Club Hotel on Providenciales, on Friday, August 25, 2023, will see government officials, including the Governor, HE Daniel-Selvaratnam, Premier Hon Misick, and Deputy Premier Hon Saunders; financial services practitioners; industry stakeholders; and business students engaging on the theme “Navigating Change”.

Managing Director of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, Ms Cindy Scotland will deliver the keynote address.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, August 23 at the Financial Services Commission’s headquarters in Providenciales, Managing Director of the Financial

Services Commission Mr Niguel Streete said: “It’s an opportunity for the commission to interact with its stakeholders, not just the people we regulate, but we will have people from the general public and more importantly, we also invited a number of students because we are of the view that it's really important to incorporate students into what we do.”

Streete stressed that part of the FSC’s function is regulation, but

Damage assessment and needs analysis training course "sharpened skills"

The Ministry of Tourism, under the technical guidance of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), last week hosted an ‘Initial Damage Assessment’ (IDA) refresher training for the Environment, Assessment and Planning (EAP) sub-committee.

The session was the second in a series of focused gatherings that also looked at the logistics for the teams on Providenciales.

The ministry in a statement this week noted that the devastation caused by natural disasters in the TCI in past years, including the most recent, Hurricane Fiona in September 2022, highlighted the critical need to accurately assess the damage caused by a hazard as well as identify the need for immediate assistance in relief and reconstruction.

Brian Been, Tourism Risk Manager, opened the session and brought greetings on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and the Committee Chairperson, Wesley Clerveaux, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.

Annmarie Campbell, an Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) team member, delivered the invocation. Kevern A. De Bellott, Hazard Mitigation and GIS Manager, DDME, facilitated the training. Other Ministry of Tourism executive members, including Alique Harvey, Communications Intern and Leandrea Missick, Executive Assistant to the Minister, were on hand. Patrina Pollard Harris, Training Officer, also supported the DDME team. There was full participation from the team, and the turnout was a

it also has a strong vested interest in financial sector development and how the ever-changing global dynamics will impact the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He explained that the event was held annually prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and was postponed due to post-pandemic restrictions and other unfavourable circumstances.

He said: “We have a very interesting agenda for the meeting, we're going to have presentations

by the governor and premier.

“The managing director of the Cayman Island Monetary Authority will talk about some of the developments that have happened in the Cayman Islands, we would also have somebody from TCI Demand, which is a new entity, a new organisation that was recently established to market and promote the financial services sector, and we will have somebody from the Board.”

He underscored that the panel discussion will explore subjects relating to the enablers and impediments to financial sector stability and development.

The event, which will provide greater insights and awareness of the role and contribution of the financial services sector to economic development in the TCI, will also be live-streamed on the FSC’s Facebook page to give the general public access to the discussions.

The FSC is an independent statutory body established under the Financial Services Commission Ordinance 2001 and continued under the Financial Services Commission Ordinance 2007.

The commission is an integrated regulator with responsibility for the regulation of all financial services businesses operating in or from the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), and the supervision of designated non-financial businesses and persons (DNFBPs) and not-forprofit entities operating in or from the TCI.

Led by a seven-member board of commissioners, it is also responsible for the administration of company formation, registration, patents, trademarks and business names in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

success by the organizers. Commenting on the event, Hon. Josephine Connolly stated: “As the Ministry responsible for damage assessment, this session allows participants to sharpen skills and focus on efficiency. We

aim to provide rapid response in the execution of damage assessment from a multi-hazard approach. Thanks to the DDME for the continual assistance to the EAP on this initiative.”

The Ministry will conduct other

sessions throughout the islands as this will be a regular activity for the EAP.

Residents who are desirous of becoming volunteer damage assessors are encouraged to register interest with the DDME or Ministry.

Attendees at the recent Initial Damage Assessment’ (IDA) refresher training (TCIG photo)

From left – Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission Mr Niguel Streete, FSC’s Head of Human Resources Ms Camardia Higgs and Chair of the FSC Mr David Oakden

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

TCI Postal Service joins 45 countries for Security and EAD Workshop

The Turks and Caicos Islands Postal Service joined 45 countries at a Security and Electronic Advance Data (EAD), Customs Declaration System and Postal Security Workshop held earlier this month in Miami, Florida.

Postmaster General, Mrs Elizabeth James and Postal Clerk, Ms Stephanie Henfield represented the TCI. Mrs James attended the security aspect of the workshop while Ms Henfield attended the EAD, Customs Declaration aspect of the seminar.

According to information from the government, the Postmaster General took the opportunity to hold discussions and developed a rapport with Mr Daniel Alonso – Port Director, US Customs and Border Protection, Miami International Airport; Mr Gary Barksdale – Chief Postal Inspector, US Postal Inspection Service and Ms Astrid Heiter of the Compliance and Enforcement Sub Directorate of the World Customs Organisation.

She also expressed her gratitude

to the United States Postal Service and the Universal Postal Union for the opportunity to attend such an important workshop.

“The workshop was very timely and useful to the Turks and Caicos Islands Postal Services and the knowledge gained will help to improve the security of the Postal Services, including the flow of inbound and outbound mail and compliance with the Electronic Data Advance System” she stated.

The security aspect of the workshop covered the following issues: The US Customs and Border Protection collaboration with the postal sector; The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Universal Postal Union (UPU) collaboration; security certification status by region; challenges and best practices: postal security best practices and developing functional risk assessments.

The EAD, Customs Declaration System, on the other hand, covered issues relating to the UPU

regulatory requirements; a review of EAD exchanges in the Caribbean and Latin America and challenges and best practices: success stories in the Caribbean region.

The purpose of the EAD workshop was to provide designated postal operators of Latin America and Caribbean regions with the training and resources needed to meet the 100% EAD requirement.

The workshop was attended by representatives from over four dozen countries including the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Spain, France, Portugal, Japan, Panama, Dominican Republic, Dominica, Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Trinidad, St Kitts and Nevis, Belize, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Montserrat, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Aruba, Saint Martins, Martinique, Guadalupe, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Ecuador, Bolivia, Suriname, French Guyana, Curacao.

Mrs Elizabeth James (right) – Postmaster General and Postal Clerk – Ms Stephanie Henfield

Mrs Elizabeth James – Postmaster General and Ms Astrid Heiter of the Compliance and Enforcement Sub Directorate of the World Customs Organisation Attendees of the Security Workshop

I know many of us want things quickly, but I believe everything takes time and will eventually come to fruition. We must learn to be patient, but we must also do our part while waiting.

Some may argue and say timing is not everything, but timing is critical to your success. Some may also say it is just luck, but it is not. I believe timing is everything so don’t waste your time worrying.

I know many of us are struggling and you feel like you will remain in that position forever or for a long time. You will not remain in the state forever. Sometimes we do not know why things take long but based on my experience, it is just a matter of time before the manifestation takes place.

Some of you may be rushing through in life, even trying to rush your children. Enjoy your life as you go through its stages.

I don’t know why some things take long but perhaps it is a test and if it is a test, make sure you pass the test because timing is everything.

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.

Even if you don’t pass it on the first and second time don’t give up.

Timing in relationships is also very important. A person can only pretend for so long and therefore eventually he or she will show their true colours. Once you have learned about that person, you can then determine whether you want to stay in or get out of that relationship. I believe there is someone out there for everybody whether through friendship or marriage. Don’t rush into a relationship. Timing is everything.

When it comes to employment, the standard probationary period

for most new employees is three months. This gives the employer an opportunity to determine whether the employee can do the job. Some employers must extend the probationary period to six months. Of course, some people can do well during the probationary period but after time, you will know if the employee is the right fit for the company. There are also some employees who think they can talk their way in and out of a situation, but time will reveal who they really are.

Some of you have been mistreated, used, and abused. You have gone

through the judicial process, and you still did not get justice. It is just a matter of time before that perpetrator meets his or her match.

In politics, many things occur due to timing. However, everybody wants to take credit for this and that. The blind can see what is needed in a country and no one has more ideas than the other. It just so happened; that you were in politics at that time when that event or idea

materialised. Even if you were not there, eventually it would have occurred because we all have the same ideas, and some things take a long time and some things are prioritised over others. I conclude with what I started with, and that timing is everything. After you finish reading this article, read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 which confirms that there is a time for everything.

Is timing everything? Yes, it is Private irony: Politics, sexuality and the struggle for public decency

Public decency revolves around a host of competing convictions, values and beliefs. Instead of ecclesiastical authority, it is shaped by the society of which it is a part, but society itself is often influenced by the practices and values of invasive forces.

Recently, we learned that Bali, an Indonesian province, enforced restrictive measures to mitigate behaviours of unruly tourists exposing themselves and disregarding other protocols.

And now, Europe has recognised this importance and formulated similar stringent controls to deal with disruptive tourist behaviours.

In Italy, for instance, tourists are

BY D MARKIE SPRING

prohibited from walking around barefoot, in bikinis or scantily dressed in the town centre and around the city.

Following this determination, Portofino’s Mayor Matteo Viacava, released a public statement prompting, “Our goal is not to drive tourists away or discourage

them from visiting. Everyone must do their part to contribute to the beauty of Portofino by behaving properly”.

Keen observers have noticed similar behaviours here at home. Visitors are traversing everywhere; to major supermarkets and restaurants, and around shopping centres partially dressed in cheeky and thong bikini bottoms. Resultantly, a leading supermarket had erected a sign, reminding its patrons how to dress.

But it doesn’t stop there! To our amazement – seemingly a traveller – walked through the doors of a major bank wrapped in just a beach towel. As inappropriate as this action was, no one uttered a word!

The fact remains most cultures,

are intolerable to deliberately bare the buttocks in public, as this could deem offensive. Moreover, the standard of decency in these encroaching cultures expects people to dress chastely, ‘so why do it here!?’

However, it is too late; these behaviours are already impacting TCI culture and its society. Twentysix years ago, local ladies dressed modestly while on the beach. Today, they – to include other nationalities – have adopted the way of life of the dominant culture – walking around in public only wearing bikinis, which exposed much of their buttocks and upper body.

And rightly so, this has ignited outrage and debates among onlookers. Now, everyone is asking, if this behaviour among ‘locals’ is kindling such concerns, why are society and lawmakers yielding to similar conduct by visitors?

The pivotal answer to this question is quite obvious.

TCI lacks economic diversity and tourism remains the sole revenue generator; henceforth, policymakers are afraid, as confronting such behaviour could

permanently paralyse the TCI.

I believe too, that the reason for this inertia is the idea of starting a war against Puritanism and there are political ramifications if the economy is rendered futile; then, voters could revolt at the polls. Decent dressing communicates a message of worthiness and virtue and by doing so, honouring God and respecting His creation. More so it accentuates the values of inner quality, which transcribes outward attractiveness. Besides, modesty asserts, a lady is worth considerably more than the eyes see and there is a glow of character, which surpasses appeal and glamour.

The lesson learned from Bali and Europe is the importance of establishing curative measures to resolve defiant conducts before they become incurable.

On another front, lawmakers should adopt this phenomenon to effectively control criminal activities.

In the meantime, and recounting the events of public conduct, it would be interesting to see if a line is drawn between wealth and decency.

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.

Where to find comfort and guidance in tough times

While my upbringing was set against the backdrop of a Christian background, there was another religion that was present during my early years in the; Rastafarianism. Several of my uncles at the time were adherents and as such it was impossible to escape its teachings.

Rastafarianism originated as a cultural and religious movement in Jamaica. It was birthed as a response to the oppressive colonial and post-colonial systems that disenfranchised the poor, non-white, and locals. Hence the constant reference to oppose “Babylon” which stands as a symbol of oppression. For Rastafarians, resisting oppression is a fundamental command. Another element of Rastafarianism is the place the Bible, and specifically the Psalms, plays in its belief structure. As such, whether directly or not, I grew up reading the Psalms. However, when you read the Psalms in the context of the Bible’s message and central character, Jesus, you begin to see it in a different, fuller light.

The Book of Psalms stands as a timeless testament to the profound depth of human emotions,

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.

unwavering faith, and the enduring connection between humanity and God. Comprising 150 chapters, the Psalms capture the essence of our human experiences, whether it be pain or joy.

The Psalms serve a multifaceted purpose. Firstly, they are a profound expression of worship and devotion to God. They are an invitation to approach God with sincerity and authenticity, laying bare our hearts in praise, thanksgiving, lament, and supplication. They remind us that God is not distant but intimately connected to our joys and sorrows.

Secondly, the Psalms provide a voice to our human experiences. From moments of exultation to the depths of despair, the Psalms encompass the full spectrum of

human emotions. They assure us that our feelings are valid and that God is present with us in every circumstance. This validation of our emotions fosters a deep sense of connection and belonging.

A dominant theme in the Psalms is praise and worship. Psalm 150:6 (NLT) encapsulates this sentiment: "Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!" The psalms call us to worship God with all our heart, soul, and strength, recognizing His majesty and faithfulness.

The psalms also provide a space for lament and petition. When we face trials, the psalms encourage us to turn to God with our cries for help. Psalm 34:17 (NLT) reassures us, saying, "The LORD hears his people when they call to him for

help. He rescues them from all their troubles. It reminds us that God is our refuge in times of trouble.

The Psalms offer profound wisdom for life's journey. Psalm 119:105 (NLT) declares, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." This theme underscores the role of God's Word as a source of guidance and wisdom, directing our steps and illuminating our way.

So how do we respond to the Psalms? For one they teach us that

worship is not about pretense but about presenting our true selves before God. In our worship and devotion, let us be authentic, acknowledging our emotions and experiences, knowing that God welcomes our genuine expressions. Secondly, when facing trials and tribulations, the Psalms encourage us to turn to God in lament and petition. Embrace the practice of pouring out your heart to God in times of distress, trusting that He hears and responds. Finally, the Psalms emphasize the importance of God's Word as a guiding light, let us actively seek divine guidance in our lives. Regularly engage with Scripture, allowing it to illuminate your path and provide wisdom for life's decisions.

In the Psalms, you can find comfort, guidance, and a reminder to worship. Read it as often as possible. You Are Loved.

What the eyes reveal

Hips don’t lie_ neither do eyes

You must have heard it all, the involuntary body language signs that tell others if you are into them. But beyond the flirtatious hair twirling, the lip biting and the casual touchy-feely body contacts, no one can deny the power of a true sensual gaze.

In the matter of love, a lot can be learnt from the eyes. The eyes, often called 'the windows of the soul' probably gain this title because they send the truest signals. The reason why many poker players wear sunglasses while playing cards is because the eyes can give away thoughts and feelings. A simple blinking of the eyes can indicate excitement and no one wants to see you excited by your hand.

When it comes to pure attraction, your eyes will never let you down. If the eyes slide down

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

over the body, then it is more likely to be lust. Exactly where the eyes go is important. Looking at a person's mouth can indicate that you would like to kiss them, looking at sexual regions indicate a desire to have sexual relations with them.

Worry not, I’ve gathered the six most common sensual signs that the eyes reveal.

BLINKING

Rapid blinking is a body language of eyes, strong attraction is what it may mean. The next time someone blinks at you multiple times if this isn’t because there’s a strong gale of dust, then there is a strong possibility they are telling you that you are a “whole snack”.

LACK OF EYE CONTACT

If someone has a crush on you and has insecurities, you may

notice a lack of eye contact from the person. Timid, they may not be able to find the courage to look you in the eyes. I find this to be so sweet.

WINKING

Winking may mean someone is trying to let you know he/she is interested in you. Do not try it at a bar or club, continuous winking is creepy. This is what you do instead: Look for three seconds then look away. Do this three times and abort. If the attraction is mutual, that would be enough to tell the other person your intention, and he/she will come right over to you.

LOCKING EYES

Intense eye contact, especially with a smile, may mean the person has a crush on you, or blatantly, they want to take you

home. Make sure they buy you a few drinks and you know at least their full name and where they work before you hop on their Uber. Tell a friend your intention, safety first.

BIG EYES

Pupil size increases means the person likes what he/she sees.

MOIST

EYES

Glistening due to moisture from the tear ducts indicates excitement. Glistening also means a strong attraction and perhaps even love. If someone is not on the verge of tears, then do not believe them when they say, it was love at first sight. Do you have any unorthodox love stories? I am always keen to hear them.

Share your stories on louisedens@gmail.com.

TCI Regiment boosted with 11 more marines

Eleven new marines have joined the ranks of the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment following a three week long training.

On Saturday, August 19, the eleven recruits were celebrated at the annual passing out parade held at the Louise Garland High School in Providenciales.

The Marines participated in a three-week long training course covering navigation, field craft, skill at arms, battlefield casualty drills, physical fitness, and foot drills among other areas.

Three awards were handed out to the best performing Marines, with Antonio Clarke receiving the awards for most outstanding recruit and most physically fit while Acasia Downer received the award for the best endeavour.

Family and friends joined Her

Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, as well as other government officials at the passing out ceremony. Both the governor and the premier commended the new marines for the commitment and sacrifice they have made in service of country.

In his remarks, Commanding Officer of the Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Grant stated: “It is the first time since our three years of existence that we have had training locally and done by our own marines.

“These are marines who would have joined in 2021 and would have received training in TCI, Bermuda, and a few of them in Guyana recently.

“We have had a number of

training inputs from the Royal Navy virtually as well as from our permanent staff instructor who is from the Royal Force Regiment in the United Kingdom, who have been with us for the past seven months.”

This year’s batch is the smallest the Regiment has passed out since its formation, and according to Grant by 2028, they hope to have at least 150 members.

“With this new cohort we are at 69, comprising of officers, warrant officers, commissioned officers, and marines, and we are hoping by the end of this year to build about 100.

He said the aim is to build their ranks so that the TCI would be better placed to deal with the continuing challenges to its

Six Jamaican legislators being investigated for illicit enrichment

The Andrew Holness-led Government has declined to indicate whether Cabinet ministers are among six legislators being investigated by the Integrity Commission (IC) for illicit enrichment, noting that a policy decision has been taken not to comment.

However, Information Minister Robert Morgan, when contacted by The Gleaner Wednesday morning, could not give a definitive date on when the policy came into effect.

Morgan had an hour before told journalists at a post-Cabinet

press briefing at Jamaica House, that it was Government policy not to comment after five ministers present were asked if they had been contacted by the IC about the investigation.

“We do not comment on Integrity Commission matters. The Integrity Commission is an organisation that is independent to do its investigation,” said Morgan.

“We have taken a decision months ago that government members will not comment on Integrity Commission matters in the public domain.

“We have experience of recent conversations of matters between the State and the Integrity Commission and there was a clear policy decision that we will not – even before this event (illicit enrichment investigation) or this conversation –comment on Integrity Commission matters,” he added.

Several Opposition legislators have indicated that they have not been contacted by the IC in relation to any investigation about illicit enrichment.

Government members in June blasted the IC, with Justice Minister

border.

“We have to have a strategic plan which is well resourced and the personnel and equipment to really meet the future challenges that we might have.”

The commanding officer is also reminding recruits and those who may be interested in joining the regiment that it is not a full-time job, but that it still requires a high level of commitment.

“It is a challenge when you are competing with your full-time job and having to fill a reserved position. Some of the employers have been very supportive and we are very grateful for that, that goes a long way for us.”

Grant said they are also looking at ways to make joining the reserve service more attractive for prospective recruits, citing

benefit packages that cover injury or accidental death, as well as the already approved monthly stipend.

“A reserve position is about giving service to your country, it is service above self, and we only ask that you give about 12 hours per week. So, you do your training which is once per week and we have some deployments which are nightly, and which last up to four to five hours.

“Annually, we ask you to complete a summer camp which is two weeks of training, and which could be locally or overseas, and then we have a weekend exercise,” the CO remarked.

The New Marines will continue receiving weekly training to further enhance their skills and operational effectiveness.

TCI Regiment gets 11 new marines

A view inside Gordon House—the meeting place of the Jamaica Parliament

Delroy Chuck declaring that Jamaica’s single anti-corruption body has no “integrity” and that

government lawmakers had no confidence in the reports published by the corruption watchdog.

Mandatory licensing for all tourism businesses forthcoming – as

Tourism ‘watchdog’ department officially established

In the near future, it will become mandatory for all types of tourism businesses in the Turks and Caicos Islands to obtain business licenses and renew them annually.

This was announced due to the formal establishment of the Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) the government’s new watchdog body.

The department which falls under the Ministry of Tourism will essentially absorb the functions of the now-dissolved Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board (TCITB) Quality Assurance Unit and TIDES Training Unit.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly in a recent statement said the department will certify accommodation, tour operators, and taxis, as the TCITB has done in the past.

It was further explained that the DTR’s mission is to develop and promote a regulatory environment conducive to a dynamic, competitive, and sustainable tourism sector in TCI.

The Tourism Regulation and Licensing Ordinance 2023 makes provisions for the Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) to implement mandatory tourism regulations and coordinate with other government offices on tourism policies and standards, inclusive of improvements in the tourism enabling environment, training in tourism services and issuance of annual Tourism Licences.

Commenting on the establishment of the Department, Connolly said: “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the stakeholders who have been involved in the development of the DTR.

“I am confident that the DTR will execute its role to the highest standards and be a valuable asset to our tourism sector.

“I am also confident that it will help us to continue to attract visitors from all over the world.”

In this vein, the Director of the DTR Mr Avi Adams has pledged to safeguard the tourism product of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He said: “The department was created to safeguard our tourism product, we have showcased to the world that we can be one of the leading travel destinations in the world.

“Our department will help ensure that we maintain our culture, and our excellence while

safeguarding our people.”

REGULATION AND LICENSING ORDINANCE

Guided by the Tourism Regulation and Licensing Ordinance 2023,

passed in the House of Assembly last month (July 2023), the DTR will seek to ensure sustainable tourism on all fronts.

As such, the Tourism Regulation and Licensing Ordinance 2023,

represents a major change in the way the tourism industry is regulated and makes provisions for licensing all businesses that provide tourism services.

Minister Connolly in presenting the bill to the House of Assembly emphasised the importance of establishing various categories of licenses within the Tourism Regulations and Licensing Bill.

During her presentation, she described the bill as “forwardthinking legislation” that recognises the diverse nature of the territory’s tourism industry and the need for tailored regulations to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and professionalism across all sectors.

She rationalised that by implementing this approach, the government can enhance the destination’s reputation, protect the interests of visitors, and promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

“First and foremost, the establishment of various license categories acknowledges the unique characteristics and requirements of different segments within our tourism industry.

“Our destination offers a wide range of experiences, including accommodations, tour operators, transportation services, and attractions.

“Each of these sectors has distinct operational aspects and compliance needs, by categorising licenses based on these sectors, we can ensure that specific

regulations and quality assurance standards are in place to address their unique challenges”, she stressed.

Using the accommodations sector as an example, Connolly pointed out that by establishing a separate license category for hotels, resorts, condo hotels and guest houses enables the DTR to set standards for room cleanliness, safety measures, and customer service.

“This ensures that visitors have a consistent and highquality experience, whether they are staying at a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly guesthouse.

“By tailoring regulations to this sector, we can effectively monitor compliance and protect the interests of our visitors.”

Similarly, tour operators and transportation services have specific operational requirements that impact the safety and wellbeing of visitors, the tourism minister underscored.

She further pointed out that by establishing a separate license category for these services, the DTR can enforce regulations related to vehicle maintenance, driver training, and adherence to safety protocols.

“This not only protects our visitors but also enhances their overall experience, as they can trust that they are in the hands of licensed and reputable operators.” Licensing various categories will also facilitate effective oversigh t and monitoring.

CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED

Do

like to share with our readers?

Perhaps you’re a great cook and have created lots of delicious recipes that use local ingredients. Maybe you have ideas on how to save money when shopping and know where to find all the latest bargains. Or are you an entrepreneur who would like to share tips on setting up a new business? We need regular contributors of 400 word articles on a variety of topics

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

Minister of Tourism Hon Josephine Connolly

Where angels dare to tread

Why Salt Cay holds the key to sustainable 21st century eco-tourism

Last week’s column, entitled “Cry the Beloved Country”, set two new records: the highest number of readers and the most reader response ever. As one young Turks and Caicos Islander in Providenciales wrote, “A much-needed column. I hope it gets through to people”. Of the 312 readers who shared their thoughts through email, text, or WhatsApp, one comment from an expat in Providenciales stood out as particularly heartfelt. He wrote, “I must be honest, at first, I was furious about what you wrote and then I re-read it the next day and had to admit to myself that you made a valid point”. He continued to mention the growing divisions within the community, stating, “We are an increasingly divided community here and I think we can all do better…” In an eight-hundred-word column, it is impossible to quote every reader, but rest assured, every comment is read and valued.

As summer arrived in Salt Cay, so did the hurricane season, bringing with it the need for preparedness. Currently, tropical storm Franklin is heading towards the Dominican Republic and residents of Salt Cay are not taking any chances. In anticipation of a potential storm which could cut the island off due to high seas, a group of local volunteers took action on 21 August. They boarded the MV Brittany Leigh, also known as the Salt Cay Ferry, to stock up on drinking water for the island’s residents and while ensuring they had essential supplies in case the storm veered towards the Cay.

BY TITUS DE BOER

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

to create a tourism model that could learn from the mistakes of others. While global warming wasn’t a common concern yet, development focused on density, height restrictions, and marine parks. For a time, it seemed Provo had found the perfect formula. As the years passed, the pursuit of profit overshadowed the initial vision of sustainable development. The unchecked growth tarnished the once unspoiled beauty of the island. Three-storey buildings became five, then seven, and now there is a twelve-storey carbuncle that, in my opinion, has forever marred the Providenciales landscape.

right” and learn from the mistakes of its regional and international competitors. Unlike Provo, Salt Cay can recognise when enough is enough and avoid the pitfalls of land grabs by greedy developers, overdevelopment, and twelvestorey unadorned concrete eyesores.

As we make our way back to the charmed isle, I find myself staring at 4000 plastic bottles of drinking water. My thoughts turn to the subject of sustainable tourism and to last week’s column which had featured a photograph of a stunningly beautiful beach.

The caption read, “The Turks and Caicos Islands as they should be, beautiful by nature and crime free”. The image elicited a lot of comments from readers, with most

inquiring when and where on Grace Bay the photo was taken. The answer was last year. However, there was a misunderstanding. What readers thought was Grace Bay was in fact North Beach on Salt Cay.

I recall a time when Grace Bay in Providenciales was pristine and untouched, with no buildings or people for miles. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the island was a developer’s dream, a blank canvas

As the Salt Cay Ferry makes its way over the waves with its cargo of 4000 bottles of water, I see the “charmed isle” appearing on the horizon and I can’t help but think, “Thank God there’s Provo!” The contrast between these two islands couldn’t be starker. With “ecotourism” becoming an increasingly popular trend that attracts the discerning traveller, I believe that Salt Cay could eventually be the most desirable destination in the archipelago, and perhaps even the region – much like Providenciales was in the 1990s. Today, Salt Cay has the unique chance to “get it

Global warming is now a daily conversation topic, and tourism alone accounts for 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. Salt Cay has an unequalled opportunity to become the quintessential destination for Eco Tourism. To do this, we must get it right from the beginning, which is both a challenge and an enormous opportunity. Today, eco-tourism is more than just a trendy travel option, it’s a vital tool in combating climate change. Many travellers understand this and choose destinations based on factors such as efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promotion of renewable energy, and conservation of natural habitats. While typical visitors to Provo might still be impressed by gas-guzzling limos, jet-skis, and power boats; Salt Cay’s ecoconscientious travellers will be excited about solar panels, wind turbines, low-flow showers, the island’s composting and recycling programs and electric vehicles.

The British documentary filmmaker Simon Reeve once wrote, “Responsible travel is not only better for our world, it’s also more interesting and memorable. Responsible tourism is the future of travel”. The time has come for Salt Cay to be the future of travel.

Volunteers load drinking water onto the Salt Cay Ferry, ahead of tropical storm Franklin. (Photo: Titus de Boer)

A graced bay without the development, Salt Cay‘s North Beach. (Photo: Titus de Boer)

Salt Cay‘s inquisitive donkeys are a major attraction of the ‘charmed isle’. (Photo: Titus de Boer)

PM Davis: Abortion is a personal choice

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he believes abortion is a personal choice.

He said changing the law so someone who is raped can get an abortion is a “medical matter” he “would have to consider”.

Abortion in The Bahamas is currently illegal in all cases except to save a mother’s life, although underground activity exists.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe revealed last week that a woman gave abortion pills to her 11-year-old daughter after the girl’s stepfather allegedly raped her. The mother was charged with various offences this week, including causing harm for the purpose of committing an abortion.

To some women’s rights advocates, the failure of the 11-year-old girl to legally get an abortion shows the law is draconian.

When The Tribune described the case to the prime minister and asked if the government would consider amending the law, Mr Davis said: “That will be a medical matter for me to consider. For me, where the issue of abortion is a highly emotive one. It’s a personal choice, and we leave that to the persons who get impregnated, and I don’t want to impose my views on a personal choice. But suffice it to say, I will support a personal choice of anyone in respect of those matters.”

Mr Munroe noted last week that

Bahamas’ Prime Minister, Philip Davis

the Progressive Liberal Party did not commit to amending abortion laws in its pre-election manifesto.

“All social change should only come after serious consultation,” he said.

In 2020, Dr Leon Dupuch, the past head of Princess Margaret Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, expressed alarm at the number of women and girls reporting to the hospital after an attempted abortion went wrong. He said many of the cases were tied to unsupervised use of pills.

Last week, Alicia Wallace, director of Equality Bahamas, said The Bahamas should comply with CEDAW’s recommendation to decriminalise abortion in all cases.

“In The Bahamas, gender-based violence is a public health crisis, with rape and incest –– reported

and unreported –– happening in large numbers, sometimes resulting in pregnancy,” she said. “Survivors are not only women, but children, and it is ridiculous and inhumane to expect women or children to suffer through unwanted pregnancies and giving birth when it is medically possible to safely terminate pregnancy.”

However, two prominent pastors, Mario Moxey of Bahamas Harvest Church and Reverend Dr Phillip McPhee, the recently appointed leader of the Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention (BBMEC), said they would oppose amending abortion legislation.

“We believe in the sanctity of life, and it’s important that we protect the life even in situations where there is rape,” Mr Moxey said. (Tribune242)

BVI

could use land in

Guyana for agriculture

The government of the British Virgin Islands is contemplating an offer from Guyana to use lands in that country for agricultural produce.

This is according to Junior Minister for Agriculture Dr Karl Dawson who said the possibility of BVI farmers producing food in Guyana was discussed when he met with officials there recently.

“It certainly came up, it’s something that the government of Guyana has on offer. Barbados has space in Guyana for agricultural production. So it’s not out of the realm of possibility as we look for ways to feed ourselves,” said

Dawson who was speaking at a press conference earlier this week. The government of Guyana recently agreed to allocate 50 acres for Barbados farmers to use for agricultural production. In the meantime, Dawson said if the BVI were to produce food in Guyana, cheaper shipping costs would make the venture viable. Presently, it is costly to ship to and from Guyana because of the distance but with the discovery of oil and the opening up of the Guyanese economy, it is anticipated that shipping costs will become cheaper in the near future.

More than 350 people have been killed in lynchings by local vigilante and “self-defence” groups in Haiti since April, a United Nations spokesperson said as civilian defence movements attempt to battle escalating gang warfare.

Ravina Shamdasan, a spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement that the rise of popular justice, in response to pervasive insecurity, was also leading to violence.

Since April 24, when civilians lynched more than a dozen suspected gang members, at least 310 alleged gang members, 46 members of the public and a

police officer have been killed, Shamdasan said.

The report comes after fighting intensified late last week around the capital’s heavily populated Carrefour Feuilles neighborhood, where attacks from the Grand Ravine gang prompted close to 5,000 people to flee their homes.

Since the start of this year, the UN estimates at least 2,439 people have been killed amid the violence, while some 200,000 people have been internally displaced amid severe food shortages, kidnappings and widespread sexual violence.

Haiti’s under-gunned police have struggled against heavily armed gangs, which have

Since the start of this year, the UN estimates at least 2,439 people have been killed amid the violence, while some 200,000 people have been internally displaced

dramatically expanded their territory since last year.

The country’s unelected government asked for an urgent international security force last October to help bolster its police.

Last month, Kenya said it was

prepared to lead such a force, and the U.N. Security Council is expected to vote on this following a ground assessment in coming weeks.

Shamdasan said the High Commissioner for Human Rights called for urgent action regarding

the U.N.-backed force, in strict compliance with human rights standards.

“The human rights of the Haitian people must be protected and their suffering alleviated,” she said. (Reuters)

Although Guyana’s new economy is driven by oil, the country’s focus remains on food production

More than 350 killed by Haiti vigilante groups as thousands flee gang warfare, says UN

Regional News

IMF: ‘Progress’ by Bahamas but more needed on crisis regime

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised The Bahamas for “considerable progress” in developing a regime to prevent and address banking industry failures but also warned much work remains to be done.

The Fund, in its findings and recommendations on the country’s “financial crisis management” and resolution framework, said there was “a need to clarify” how and when taxpayer monies can be used to rescue or bail-out a stricken financial institution and how this funding source is ultimately to be repaid.

Acknowledging that systemically important institutions, such as the commercial banks, should in the first instance be saved with internally-sourced funds, the IMF said there were circumstances in which taxpayer funding may be required. Government help was required within the past decade to twice bail-out Bank of The Bahamas, via two bond injections collectively worth $267m, as well as a rights issue that was almost entirely picked up by the Public Treasury.

“There may be circumstances in which public funding is required, such as in the case of banks with limited scope for bail-in due to most liabilities being in the form of deposits or where bail-in could potentially destabilise the financial system. In recognition of this, the authorities need to establish plans for how any public funding, if required, would be applied in the case of systemically important banks,” the IMF said.

“The resolution law in The Bahamas provides scope for public funding of systemically important banks. However, the public

funding provisions in the law are in need of review and reform.

In particular, there is a need to clarify the purposes for which public funds may be used, the preconditions for the use of public funds, the source of public funding (with any funding being sourced from the Government) and the means by which funding outlays can be repaid.

“There is a need for the authorities to develop a contingency plan for public funding, if it is required. The authorities have not as yet prepared a contingency plan of this nature.

It is recommended that the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance jointly develop a contingency plan to provide guidance on when and how any public funding might be applied to resolve a domestic systemically important bank or other potentially systemically important bank,” the Fund added.

“It is suggested that the

Bermuda tops no income tax list

Bermuda was first mention on the list of the “Top 7 Countries with Zero Income Tax” in a GOBankingRates article now being widely republished on Yahoo! Finance and elsewhere.

The list follows on with Monaco at number two and Cayman Islands at number three.

Then, in order are Bahamas, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman at number seven.

In an unrelated article, the publication lists nine US states with no state income tax — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

But the country list, which elevates Bermuda to a nation, states: “Famous for its pink-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Bermuda also holds the distinction of having no value-added tax or sales tax. The Government, instead, derives its revenue from customs duties, payroll taxes and other indirect taxes.”

Notes on the others include that Monaco businesses, except those that earn over 75 per cent of their revenue outside of Monaco, are subject to a 33.33 per cent tax on profits.

Cayman is a “major global tax haven” that generates revenue

an insolvent bank until a buyer can be found - creates a conflict with its role as regulator.

“There are some significant deficiencies in the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act that need to be addressed,” the IMF warned. “It is noted that the Act does not enable a statutory administrator to be appointed to a holding company or to a bank’s subsidiaries.

owned by the Government or by bailed-in creditors.

Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance develop a public funding contingency plan in parallel with the Central Bank’s development of the bank resolution manual. The contingency plan should be informed by the resolution guidance in the manual pertinent to the resolution of systemically important banks. The mission recommends that the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance aim to complete the public funding contingency plan by about mid2023, if possible.”

Elsewhere, the IMF urged that the powers granted to the Central Bank to appoint a statutory administrator to take over troubled licensees also be overhauled via reforms to the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act. In particular, it noted that the authority granted to the Central Bank to own a so-called “bridge bank” - an entity established to run

“The lack of this power would impede the ability to implement a group resolution where, for example, a bank is owned by a holding company, or is otherwise part of a group of companies, and where critical functions or services are performed by one or more of these entities. Given the increasing tendency for banks, especially large banks, to operate via group structures, often of a complex nature, the existing law is an impediment to effectively resolving a bank on a group basis.”

The IMF added that the Act, as well as the Central Bank of The Bahamas Act, was “also problematic in the statutory provisions relating to bridge banks and asset management companies”. It explained: “The Central Bank Act empowers the Central Bank to establish and own a bridge bank, while the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act refers to the ability of the Central Bank to licence a bridge bank.

“Standard international practice is for a bridge bank to be established by the resolution authority and licensed by the supervisory authority (Central Bank in both cases). The law in The Bahamas is consistent with these practices. However, standard international practice is for a bridge bank to be

“It is inappropriate for a supervisory or resolution authority (Central Bank in this case) to be the owner of a bridge bank given that this creates conflicts between its supervisory and resolution functions and the ownership function. It also exacerbates moral hazard risk and poses a risk of a competitively non-neutral regulatory framework applying to the bridge bank to the potential disadvantage of peer banks,” the Fund added.

“Similar arguments apply in the case of an asset management company. It is reasonable that the Central Bank has the power, as resolution authority, to establish an asset management company if that is assessed as being justified on cost/benefit terms. However, the asset management company should not be owned by the Central Bank but, rather, by those whose funds are used to capitalise itagain, either bailed-in creditors or the Government.”

The IMF also urged that the Banks and Trust Companies Act be amended so that it allows a statutory administrator to immediately implement a rescue plan or strategy already devised by the Central Bank. “

“Absent the power for immediate implementation of the Central Bank;s resolution strategy, there is the risk of adverse market reaction and further losses being incurred as a result of a significant interval between the appointment of a statutory administrator and the announcement of the resolution option to be implemented,” the Fund warned. (Tribune242)

Bermuda

through trade tariffs, work permit fees and financial sector taxes.

Bahamas has an economy heavily reliant on tourism and offshore banking, and has a valueadded tax on certain goods and services.

UAE has a “booming economy,

modern infrastructure and high living standards”. There is a corporate tax imposed on foreign banks and oil companies.

Qatar, another Gulf state with vast hydrocarbon wealth, provides residents with several tax advantages. However, like the

UAE, it imposes corporate taxes on foreign companies in certain sectors.

Oman’s revenues predominantly come from the oil and gas sector, although there are efforts to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil. (Royal Gazette)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) monitors the international monetary system and global economic developments to identify risks and recommend policies for growth and financial stability

also holds the distinction of having no value-added tax (VAT), sales tax, or value-added tax. The government, instead, derives its revenue from customs duties, payroll taxes, and other indirect taxes

World News

Labour Party spent more than Conservatives in 2022

The Labour Party significantly outspent the Conservatives last year, financial accounts released by the Electoral Commission show.

Labour’s spending totalled £44.45m, with the party’s income up 3.5% on 2021, despite lower membership numbers.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives’ spending was £33.06m, with income down 3.3%, and money from donors to the party falling by £2.4m.

The Liberal Democrats spent £6.7m, while SNP expenditure totalled £5.05m.

The Commission is an independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance across the UK. It has published the accounts of parties with income or spending above £250,000, which numbered 18 in 2022.

Labour recorded a £2.7m surplus, raising £47.2m, even as it lost nearly 25,000 more members, the Commission’s figures show.

In 2021, Sir Keir Starmer’s party recorded a £5.2m deficit.

A report from party general secretary David Evans said “difficult decisions” on reducing costs had contributed to returning Labour to surplus, while membership income “exceeded targets” thanks to new

‘SADDENING DECLINE’

Staff costs fell by around £6m as a number of people were made redundant.

By the end of 2022, Labour had 407,445 members, down from 432,213 in 2021, and nearly 125,000 down on its recent peak in 2019 when it was led by Jeremy Corbyn.

A spokesman for left-wing group Momentum described it as

Asylum backlog rises to record high, official figures show

The number of people in the UK waiting for a decision on their asylum claims has risen to a record high, latest Home Office figures show.

More than 175,000 people were waiting for a decision on whether they will be granted refugee status at the end of June 2023 - up 44% from last year.

In December 2022, PM Rishi Sunak set a target of clearing the so-called legacy backlog by the end of the year.

Officials have cleared on average 2,061 cases a month since then.

With 67,870 cases remaining, the Home Office will have to process 11,311 cases per month if it is to meet its target.

The legacy backlog refers to the asylum applications lodged before June 2022.

The number of cases awaiting

decision refers to main claimants, while the number of people also includes any family members or other dependents.

THE FIGURES ALSO SHOW IN THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 2023:

78,768 asylum claims were made relating to 97,390 people - up by almost a fifth in a year and the highest number in two decades

The number of claims being withdrawn - meaning they are ended by asylum seekers or officials - has rocketed from 4,044 cases last year to 15,244

A total of 1,438,471 visas were issued - up 28% from 1,125,155 in the year to June 2022

Government spending on asylum in the UK has almost doubled - from £2.12bn in 202122 to £3.97bn in 2022-23

Sir Keir’s leadership.

“The Labour Party is a changed party that is serious about getting into government and building a better Britain,” she added.

The Conservatives lost £2.3m in 2022 during what the party’s annual accounts described as a “turbulent year”. Boris Johnson resigned as prime minister in July, to be succeeded by Liz Truss, who herself stepped down in October.

The party raised £30.7m in income, but saw money from donors falling compared with 2021. A report from the party treasurer blamed this partly on “donor pledges moving into 2023”.

in membership from 94,706 to 97,493.

The SNP saw its membership fall from 103,884 in 2021 to 82,598 at the end of 2022 and its income fell from £4.51m to £4.25m.

The Green Party of England and Wales raised £3.15m and spent £3.23m.

Plaid Cymru had income of £970,000 and expenditure of £942,000.

“saddening and worrying” that Labour’s membership had declined for a third year in a row.

He accused Sir Keir of turning Labour back “towards corporate donors and interests, rejecting member and union demands for popular, urgent policies like public ownership, while undermining their rights by stitching up parliamentary selections for loyalists”.

A party spokeswoman responded that Labour’s finances had “gone from strength to strength” under

The Tories do not publish membership figures, but after last year’s leadership election, they said 172,000 people had been eligible to vote.

Their income from membership fees fell slightly from £1.99m to £1.97m.

NORTHERN IRELAND SPENDING

The Liberal Democrats recorded a £754,000 deficit, including a £186,000 loss caused by having to cancel the party’s annual conference following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

But they did see a slight increase

In Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein outspent the Democratic Unionists with expenditure of £1.53m and income of £1.19m. The DUP spent £488,000 and raised £426,000, less than the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland’s £522,000.

Reform UK, led by Richard Tice and formerly the Brexit Party, spent £949,000, 37% more than the £692,000 it brought in.

Louise Edwards, director of regulation and digital transformation at the Commission, said: “We are committed to making sure political funding is transparent.

“Larger parties spend and receive considerable sums of money so it’s important that information on their finances is accessible to the public. Publishing their accounts allows voters to see how parties are funded and choose to spend their money.” (BBC)

An asylum seeker is a person who flees their home country, enters another country and applies for the right to international protection and to stay in that country.

In the UK, asylum seekers are not allowed to work, and must rely on state support. Housing is provided, but asylum seekers cannot choose where it is.

The Home Office said the rise in the asylum backlog was due to

more cases entering the system than decisions received. The number of cases awaiting an initial decision has increased by less than 1% over the three months to June 2023, which the Home Office said indicated a “slowdown in the rise of the backlog”.

A Home Office spokesperson said the department remained committed to reducing levels of immigration, adding that the system was working to encourage

the “best and the brightest” to come to the UK.

But Labour said the latest migration figures showed the government had “lost control” of the immigration system.

“This legacy thing is just ridiculous because they’ve been in power for 13 years and the backlog has built up,” shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said.

The spending of the main parties were analysed

members and “an improved rate of retention”.

More than 175,000 people were waiting for a decision on whether they will be granted refugee status at the end of June 2023 - up 44% from last year

Ramaswamy, DeSantis, Pence: Who came out on top at the Republican debate?

The first Republican presidential debate was a rowdy affair that saw the eight candidates leap headlong into heated exchanges.

There were some who thought it would be boring without Donald Trump - the ultimate showmanbut that was decidedly not the case. The former president may have been the life of the party during primary debates back in 2016, but the eight rivals who travelled to Wisconsin proved they could bring some excitement without his help.

Some candidates stood out from the pack, however - and some seemed to languish on the sidelines.

Here’s a rundown of the winners and losers.

WINNERS

Vivek Ramaswamy: The man who never ran for public office - and didn’t even vote for a president from 2004 to 2020 - simply dominated this Republican debate.

With a broad smile and a quick tongue, he frequently seemed to be the only candidate on the stage who was enjoying himself. That may partly be because this political novice has exceeded expectations, and is essentially playing with house money while he takes centre stage.

He easily fended off swipes from his fellow candidates, suggesting that Mr Christie was auditioning for a show on left-leaning news channel MSNBC and that Ms Haley was angling for spots on the board of defence contractors with her positions on Ukraine.

“I’m the only person on the stage who isn’t bought and paid for,” he said during a discussion of climate change - prompting cries of outrage from his rivals.

Time and time again, Mr Ramaswamy positioned himself as the outsider against a bunch of

political establishment insiders. Many of his views - calling on Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, using military force to secure the US-Mexico border, and banning US companies from doing business with China - are well outside the political mainstream even within the Republican Party. But as Mr Trump demonstrated in 2016, even outlandish, impractical policy proposals can be effective in generating attention.

Mr Ramaswamy may not have the political fuel to challenge Mr Trump for the nomination, and he may not even want to, but the evening’s debate ensures that he’s going to continue to be a factor in this race in the months ahead.

Mike Pence: The veteran politician, who has served as a congressman, a governor and a vice-president, has a bit of fight left in him.

Although his presidential campaign has been sputteringhated by Trump supporters and distrusted by Trump critics - his debate-stage experience served him well on Wednesday night.

He went on the attack early, swiping at Mr Ramaswamy’s

inexperience, saying, “Now is not the time for on-the-job training”.

He offered a passionate, religion-based call for nationwide abortion limits. That likely won’t play well in next year’s general election. But it could help him win over evangelical Republicans, who can tilt the balance in states like Iowa and South Carolina, which play an outsized role in deciding the party nominee.

During the second-half of the debate, when discussion of Mr Trump came up, Mr Pence had the last word, saying he put the Constitution first on January 6, 2021 when he refused to throw out the election results at Mr Trump’s behest. Several of his rivals even spoke out in his favour.

The fundamental challenges to Mr Pence’s campaign remain, but for at least one night he showed why he was once considered by many conservative Republicans to be presidential material.

Nikki Haley: The former US ambassador to the UN has made a habit of surprising those who underestimate her. She has never lost a race for office, even when she was challenging more established

Asylum backlog rises to record high ...

CONTINUED

Dr Peter William Walsh, senior researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said the backlog remained “stubbornly high”, despite falling numbers of asylum claims and more asylum caseworkers in the Home Office.

“It’s becoming harder to see how the government can meet its pledge to eliminate the so-called

‘legacy backlog’ of older claims by the end of the year, as the rate of decision-making would have to be more than doubled,” he said.

The figures also show some 44,460 people were recorded as having arrived by small boats in the year to June 2023, up 26% from the same period last year. More than half of these arrived in the three months from August to October 2022. August last year saw the highest number of arrivals

of any month since data was collected.

Albanian and Afghan nationals accounted for almost half of small boat arrivals in the year to June26% and 21% respectively.

Republican candidates for the South Carolina governorship.

On Wednesday night, she stood out by offering sharp criticism early of both Mr Trump and the Republican Party as a whole.

“Republicans did this to you too,” she said when describing the massive US budget deficit. “They need to stop the spending, stop the borrowing.”

When the topic turned to the former president, she said Mr Trump was the “most disliked politician in America” - and warned the Republican Party will suffer because of it in the general election.

She also showed will for the fight. She scrapped with Mr Ramaswamy on continuing US aid to Ukraine, which she supports. And she clashed with Mr Pence on abortion, calling his demands for a national abortion ban unrealistic and politically damaging.

Even if she can’t pull ahead in the pack this time around, her debate performance could position the 51-year-old for future presidential bids in election years not dominated by a former president.

MIDDLE OF THE PACK

Tim Scott and Chris Christie: Mr Christie did exactly what many expected him to. He took swipes at Mr Trump, had some choice lines targeting Mr Ramaswamy, and was generally feisty and combative.

He was also roundly booed when he was introduced, when he criticised Mr Trump, and when he took big swings at Mr Ramaswamy.

His choicest line came when he said the political neophyte “sounds like ChatGPT” - but that particular twist did nothing to ingratiate him with the crowd.

As for Tim Scott, his nice-guy attitude meant he frequently stayed

above the fray during the most heated debate moments. That won’t help him win over many voters, but it could burnish his credentials if he wants to be Mr Trump’s vicepresidential pick.

LOSERS

Ron DeSantis: At the beginning of the year, the race for the Republican nomination seemed like it would be a two-man contest between Mr DeSantis and Mr Trump. Since then, the Florida governor has sagged in the polls.

If the rest of the Republican pack hasn’t caught up to him yet, it may very well have him after this debate.

It wasn’t a terrible performance - he had his moments, particularly when he spoke about his record of military service and his calls for more aggressive government policies to deal with the opioid epidemic.

He was on the side-lines for all the key moments of the debate, however. Mr Ramaswamy ran circles around him. Other candidates, like Mr Pence and Ms Haley, elbowed him out of the way on issues like abortion and US aid to Ukraine. He seemed on uneven footing when the topic turned to Mr Trump and his recent indictments.

This was not the kind of performance needed to close the gap with Mr Trump. The man who was once billed as the future of the Republican Party was simply a non-factor.

Asa Hutchinson and Doug Burgum: Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson was the last candidate to qualify for the Milwaukee debate. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum paid his way onto the stage with a gimmick - offering enough people $20 gift cards if they donated $1 to his campaign.

Both candidates desperately needed to show that they deserved to be there, and both were mostly afterthoughts.

Mr Hutchinson’s criticisms of Mr Trump seemed weak sauce compared to Mr Christie’s more pointed attacks. And Mr Burgum’s awe-shucks small-state conservatism never really stood out.

The qualification standards become more rigorous for next month’s primary debate in California, and neither candidate did enough on Wednesday night to build the kind of support they will need to make another appearances on the debate stage likely. (BBC)

Some candidates stood out from the pack, however - and some seemed to languish on the side-lines

Public Enemy, Ice-T to headline 2 free days of concerts in D.C. for

50th anniversary of hip-hop

New York City isn’t the only place celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Washington, D.C. will host a free two-day event this fall featuring rap pioneers such as Public Enemy, Roxanne Shante, The Sugarhill Gang and Ice-T.

Announced Wednesday, the first and only “National Celebration of Hip-Hop” will take place Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 at West Potomac Park on the National Mall. While VIP and travel packages are available for purchase, sign-up for free general admission can now be found on the event’s website.

“Hip-hop is beyond, not just a musical genre,” Public Enemy frontman Chuck D said in a statement. “It’s a cultural movement that has dominated art,

fashion, politics, poetry, academia, film and every corner of the world for the past 50 years. This National Celebration brings it all together in one place for the people, by the people.”

Presented by Chasing Live in collaboration with The Art of Rap, the festival is a nod to the oldschool artists who helped shape today’s dominating music genre, and will also include performances by Mc Sha Rock, Kurtis Blow, Kid ‘n Play, Busy B, Peter Gunz, and Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five’s Melle Mel and Scorpio, among others.

DJ Hurricane will pay a special “tribute set” in honor of the Beastie Boys.

The National Celebration of Hip-Hop promises “the

opportunity to enjoy various activities including guest speakers, comedians, public figures as well as interactive events and exhibits throughout the day,” according to the press release.

“We are coming to the National Mall itself to bring you authentic hip-hop for the 50th celebration!” Ice-T said in Wednesday’s announcement. (NYDailynews)

Ariana Grande still managed by Scooter Braun, amid conflicting reports

Ariana Grande has supposedly not parted ways with Scooter Braun, though Demi Lovato has indeed stopped working with the controversial manager, according to a new — yet conflicting — report.

Sources with knowledge of the situation told TMZ that neither the “Thank U, Next” singer nor Justin Bieber have left Braun’s SB Projects. However, Lovato, whose departure from Braun was first reported alongside Grande’s, has severed ties with him in a supposed mutual decision, insiders said.

SB Projects, Braun and contract negotiations are reportedly in an ongoing period of transition.

The evolving situation is due to Braun, 42, being named sole CEO of HYBE America back in January, according to insiders. That new title came nearly two years after the merger of Braun’s Ithaca Holdings and South Korean company HYBE, which manages K-pop band BTS.

Meanwhile, there has been no confirmation of recent reports that Idina Menzel has also cut ties

with Braun as her manager. Like Lovato, the Broadway icon, 52, signed with Braun in 2019. Grande’s supposed split from SB Projects, with which she signed in 2013, was first reported in a tweet by Puck News founder Matt Belloni. Sources close to the “Dangerous Woman” singer’s situation, as well as Lovato’s, confirmed the story to Billboard Monday.

News of the supposed starry mass exodus — which also saw J Balvin jumping Braun’s ship in May — comes just days after Puck reported that Bieber, 29, had also parted ways with Braun.

But insiders quickly shut down any chatter about the Canadian pop star looking for new representation. In addition to Bieber’s newest contract with Braun remaining in effect, sources insisted they “recently worked on something together.”

“Justin is not taking meetings to look for new management,” multiple sources told Entertainment Tonight. (NYDailynews)

Flavor Flav and Chuck D of Public Enemy, left, Ice-T, centre, and Roxanne Shante

Demi Lovato (left) and Ariana Grande

Ahsoka: The Mandalorian spin-off on Disney+ divides critics

The first two episodes of Disney’s Mandalorian spin-off Ahsoka have been met with mixed reviews from critics.

Some said the miniseries, set in the Star Wars universe, is targeted at die-hard fans of the franchise.

In a two-star review, The Guardian said: “The foundations are in place, if the show can remember that Star Wars at its best is snappy and fun.”

Empire gave it four stars, noting: “Ahsoka continues to do away with Star Wars’ light-versusdark dichotomy.”

Ahsoka, which is set after the events of Return of the Jedi, which came out in 1983, sees Ahsoka Tano investigating threats the galaxy after The Empire falls.

Its release to streaming platform Disney+ comes at an important and challenging time, after the company lost more than four million subscribers in the first three months of 2023.

Variety’s Aramide Tinubu described the show as a “transcendent experience for lifelong fans” of Star Wars.

“Though the core of Ahsoka isn’t very different from what’s previously been seen in Star Wars, unique elements make the series stand out,” she said.

“Not only is this the first show in which non-humans are centred, but the female-led cast offers a powerful and stunning visual birthed out of a relatively niche

segment of the universe.”

The Guardian’s Jack Seale was less of a fan, asking whether casual viewers will be able to get to grips with the show.

“After an opening double bill introducing us to the new adventures of Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), we don’t really know,” he said.

“Ahsoka has plenty of flickers of what made Andor and the early Mandalorian such a ride, but it suffers from the same syndrome that makes Bad Star Wars bad: it’s

Lizzo plans to countersue backup dancers behind harassment lawsuit: report

Lizzo reportedly plans to countersue the three backup dancers who filed a harassment lawsuit against the singer earlier this month.

Newly surfaced photos appear to show the trio of dancers “happily carousing” and “gleefully revelling” with performers from a topless cabaret show in Paris, Lizzo’s attorney, Marty Singer, told TMZ.

The photos were allegedly taken in early March 2023, during the first European leg of Lizzo’s “Special” tour. According to the Grammy winner’s attorney, those images contradict claims dancers felt pressured to go to the topless show in Paris, as alleged in the lawsuit.

The “About Damn Time” singer performed to a sold-out crowd at Paris’ Accor Arena on March 5, 2023 — just days after a now-infamous visit to Bananenbar, an “erotic bar and

strip club” in Amsterdam’s redlight district.

According to the lawsuit, the 35-year-old artist “invited cast members to take turns touching the nude performers, catching dildos launched from the performers’ vaginas, and eating bananas protruding from the performers’ vaginas.”

“She was there with the dildos and the bananas and the vaginas,” the dancers’ attorney Neama Rahmani told the Daily News earlier this month. ”She’s the one that asked everyone to go, and everyone felt pressure to go to get along with Lizzo.”

Lizzo’s accusers — Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez — claim they were also pressured to go to the show in Paris. But the pop star’s attorney suggests the photos contradict their story.

Singer also said other “substantial evidence” —

so in awe of franchise lore it keeps taking our interest for granted,” he wrote.

In a four-star review, Empire’s Dan Jolin said he enjoyed the opening episodes of the show, writing that Ahsoka does well to “grapple with something a little more complex” than other Star Wars spin-offs.

He added: “Fans of Clone Wars and Rebels will appreciate this live-action continuation of Dave Filoni’s saga, while newcomers should dig its promise of a different

kind of Force clash.”

Ahsoka is the latest product of film and TV company Lucasfilm, which has been behind recent Indiana Jones titles and other Star Wars spin-offs Andor, The Book of Boba Fett and The Mandalorian.

Mike Hale of the The New York Times suggested Ahsoka doesn’t hit the same notes as Andor, saying the storylines in Ahsoka “will be important to Star Wars devotees and background noise to the rest of us”.

He added: “The overwhelming scale of the franchise, across every type of commercial medium, and the profusion of winding alleys down which its storylines run make it difficult for the casual fan to work up much interest in the world-building ramifications of any given instalment.”

There was more enthusiasm from the Telegraph’s Ed Power who awarded the series four stars.

“Ahsoka has two qualities lacking from much recent Star Wars output,” he said. “A solid story and an imaginative visual twist on George Lucas’s universe.”

Power praised Rosario Dawson’s character, a “Jedi warrior with cold penetrating eyes” and an “action figure reborn” adding that the series is a “space opera full of bite and brawn - one that promises to go some way towards restoring the damage inflicted by The Mandalorian’s downward spiral.”

Daniel Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter is yet to make his mind up on the show, echoing other reviewers when he writes, “so much of Ahsoka is shamelessly tailored to fit the audience’s commodified needs”.

“Absolutely everything feels like a reference,” he noted, “and if you don’t get why the camera is lingering on a background character or drawing or piece of technology, a bigger fan surely will.” (BBC)

Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, has vehemently denied the accusations against her

including a video in which Davis gushed over Lizzo and which was reportedly recorded after the Paris incident — will help “prove the glaring contradictions between what the plaintiffs claim in their bogus lawsuit and what is actually proven by the facts.”

Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, has

vehemently denied the accusations against her, calling them “too outrageous to not be addressed.”

“These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional,” she wrote on social media on Aug. 3.

According to her attorney, Lizzo plans to sue the dancers for malicious prosecution after she prevails in their “sham” lawsuit. On Wednesday, attorneys represented the three dancers slammed Singer’s comments as “empty threats” and “victim shaming,” which won’t change any facts in the lawsuit.

Rosario Dawson stars as Ahsoka Tano in the Star Wars miniseries

Louis Theroux: Anxious TV bosses should stop playing it safe

Louis Theroux has said it’s harder to get programmes made about risky subjects because broadcasters like the BBC are now “playing it safe”.

The presenter said his documentaries had often been about “morally fraught” people whose stories “made me nervous”.

But he said broadcasters like the BBC now had “a temptation to lay low” and avoid difficult subjects for fear of causing offence.

There is an “atmosphere of anxiety” in the TV industry, he suggested.

Theroux was giving the annual keynote MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival.

“I want to take the risk of going out speaking to people I profoundly disagree with and

making documentaries about them,” he said.

‘MADE ME NERVOUS’

He recalled making his name by “investigating worlds viewed as stigmatised or controversial”, including the porn industry, the far right, Nazis, gangs and sexual predators.

“Often the stories made me nervous. They felt risky,” he said.

“But it was also true that those shows that had real moral complexity to them were the ones that worked best.

“The less morally fraught episodes - the ones that were safer - haven’t aged so well.”

There has been a welcome shift in mindset so broadcasters today are “more thoughtful about

representation” and aware of “the need not to wantonly give offence”, he said. “I am fully signed up to that agenda.

“But I wonder if there is something else going on as well. That the very laudable aims of not giving offence have created an atmosphere of anxiety that sometimes leads to less confident, less morally complex filmmaking.”

He added: “As a result, programmes about extremists and

sex workers and paedophiles might be harder to get commissioned.”

From his time working for the BBC, he said he could see “all-toowell the no-win situation it often finds itself in”.

The corporation, he said, was “trying to anticipate the latest volleys of criticisms, stampeded by this or that interest group, avoiding offence”.

“Often the criticisms come from its own former employees, writing for privately owned newspapers

whose proprietors would be all too happy to see their competition eliminated.

“And so there is a temptation to lay low, to play it safe, to avoid the difficult subjects.

“But in avoiding those pinch points, the unresolved areas of culture where our anxieties and our painful dilemmas lie, we aren’t just failing to do our jobs, we are missing our greatest opportunities. For feeling. For figuring things out in a benign and thoughtful way. For expanding our thinking. For creating a union of connected souls.

“And what after all is the alternative? Playing it safe? Following a formula? That may be a route to success for some. It never worked for me.”

He called for television that is “confrontational, surprising and upsetting”, and urged producers: “Take risks. Sail close to the wind.” (BBC)

Dallas and Knots Landing creator David Jacobs dies aged 84

Louis Theroux with two inmates on his 2011 documentary Miami Mega Jail

David Jacobs pictured in 1994, at a launch party for the DVD release of Dallas

David Jacobs, the writer and producer best known for creating US soap opera Dallas, has died

Halle Berry agrees to pay $8,000 per month in child support, attend family counselling

Halle Berry has agreed to pay $8,000 per month in child support to ex-husband Olivier Martinez, among other stipulations including counseling, after finalizing their divorce agreement on Tuesday.

The divorce comes to a conclusion nearly eight years after the actors announced their split in 2015, reports People.

The two met on the set of the 2012 film “Dark Tide,” marrying a year later. They now share 9-yearold son, Maceo.

While Berry and Martinez have agreed to share joint legal and physical custody of Maceo, Berry will cover her son’s private school tuition, school supplies and any extracurricular activities.

She also agreed to pay Martinez $8,000 per month in child support, as well as “4.3% of any income she receives above $2,000,000,” according to court documents.

“The public documents filed in the matter should speak for

Dallas and Knots Landing creator ...

CONTINUED 

aged 84.

He died in Burbank, California on Sunday, his son confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter.

Jacobs had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and died of complications from a series of infections.

In the 1980s, Jacobs changed the face of US television with his work on Dallas as well as on its spin-off Knots Landing.

Dallas started as a five-part miniseries in 1978, but went on to run for 14 seasons and 357 episodes, concluding in 1991.

It was hugely successful, with five of its seasons becoming either the top or second top show of their years on US television.

Knots Landing, meanwhile, launched in 1979 and also ran for 14 seasons, airing 344 episodes until its conclusion in 1993.

Born on 12 August 1939 in Baltimore, Jacobs’ writing career started with non-fiction books and magazine articles before he moved into television.

He went on to write episodes of series such as Family, Chicago Story and The Blue Knight.

But it was Dallas he will be most remembered for - a series which became famous for storylines including a mystery over who shot character JR.

Jacobs famously wrote the first five Dallas scripts without visiting the title city.

themselves,” said Martinez’s attorney Matthew K. Skarin, in a statement to USA Today. “The parties wanted more clarity in regards to Maceo’s schedule and each of their respective time with their son.”

Maceo will reportedly split time with each parent during the week, and his mother and father will take turns having Maceo on the weekends.

The agreement even specified how much time Maceo will have on the phone with his parents. When at one home, he will reportedly be allotted a single phone call or video call that “shall not exceed 15

minutes” with the other parent.

The document also stated that “neither party shall speak in a negative, disrespectful disparaging, or derogatory manner” about the other while in Maceo’s presence.

A plan for family counseling was also outlined in the document, saying that Berry, Maceo and Berry’s 15-year-old daughter Nahla, who she shares with ex Gabriel Aubry, could attend these meetings.

However, Berry’s current boyfriend, musician and singer Van Hunt, will reportedly be barred from these sessions. (NYDailynews)

Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez met on the set of the 2012 film “Dark Tide,” and married a year later

PROVO

HOUSEKEEPER

Cleaning of business and residential premises, washing, ironing, and making sure premises are clean to a high standard.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

RO'S DECOR PLUS

BABYSITTER

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

LABOURER

CONTACT: 649-244-2327

DRESSMAKER

To assist in sewing and textiles to design, make and repair dresses and men’s clothing and other articles of clothing.

Salary: $10.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-342-7954

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

Salary: $8.00

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 341-3070

TWO (2) PLANT WORKERS

Must have some knowledge of cleaning Marine products. May be required to work after normal hours.

CONTACT: 342-4088

BABYSITTER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 342-3551

TECHNICIAN

Install, troubleshoot, repair and maintain production and facility equipment according to safety, predictive and productive maintenance systems.

Salary: $10 hourly

CONTACT: 342-2511

REGULATION

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

IS URGENTLY LOOKING FOR A FLORIST CONTACT: 231-3788

An Application, REGISTERED PR 16960, by RUTH GARDINER-FORBES AND KENO FORBES for OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION for THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN APARTMENT COMPLEX: TWO (2) TWO STOREY BUILDINGS CONTAINING FOUR (4) STUDIO UNITS, EIGHT (8) ONEBEDROOM UNITS, SIX (6) TWO-BEDROOM UNITS, GAZEBO, SWIMMING POOL AND DECK AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES. This application has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Outline Development Permission on Block & Parcel 60810/158, which is 0.90 acres of land located at Pond View Drive, The Bight, 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. Dated: July 31st, 2023

HAIRSTYLIST

Cleaning the church property with sweeper, pick up

Various skills. Have a diploma from a different country.

PLUMBER

Installs pipes and fixtures, installs supports for pipes, equipment, etc.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

BOARD RENEWAL

DOMESTIC WORKER

LABOURER

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

ASSISTANT IT TECHNICIAN

General IT duties, attend service calls, structured cabling, installation of software, diagnosis of systems.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-232-3544

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

KITCHEN HELPER

Preparing the workstation for the cook. Keeping the kitchen area clean and tidy at all times.

Salary: 350.00 Weekly

CONTACT: 347-0491

BELONGERS

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-4128

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

LABOURER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 341-1555

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

Help the patient get dressed, eat, bathe and complete light housekeeping duties, such as dishes or folding laundry. Plan, prepare and monitor meals. Run errands, remind patients of medications.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

Fix and maintain mechanical

CONTACT: (649) 341-4248

Cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair, trimming beards, or giving shaves.

CONTACT: 333-1505

TCI TECHNICAL CENTER

CONTACT: 348-1832

Clean the store, dusting, sweeping, mopping, clean ceiling vents, restroom cleaning, stock shelves, pick, pack, receive and restock products inside the store

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-2348

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

Live-in Butler

We are looking for an honest, hardworking, self-motivated individual with keen organizational and communication skills to join our team. The butler must be knowledgeable about services offered and serve as an attentive liaison between guest and staff. Please note this position requires the applicant to be on call 24/7.

BUTLER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Inspect villa before and after guest arrival

• Greet guest upon arrival, unpacking and packing guest suitcases/bags

• Anticipate and meet guest needs

• See Guest off upon departure

• Unpacking and packing guest clothing

• Ironing clothing and pressing linen

• Serve meal & prepare cocktail and other beverages

• Run errands (must have valid driver’s license)

• Must assist with cleaning rooms and assist with the upkeep of the villa

• Assist with replenishing inventory, including cleaning supplies, dishware, etc.

BUTLER REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification in Safety Management or Food Safety

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working as a butler at a luxury villa/resort

• Must have a sunny disposition and must maintain a positive attitude

• Ability to adapt to fast paced-paced environment

Please note that renumeration for this position starts at $1500.00 based on qualifications and experience.

INTERESTED PERSONS ARE ASKED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO HR@ THESOURCE.TC AND SEND A COPY TO THE EMPLOYMENT/LABOUR DEPARTMENT

CONTACT: 345-8238

TURQUOISE VACATION RENTALS

BUTLER

Greet guests at entrance, assist in the planning of events and dinner parties, oversee table settings, and serve drinks and food

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 431-5723

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

TURTLE CLOSE VILLA

Various tasks including keeping property and grounds clean, laundry and caring for dogs. Must be trustworthy, reliable and flexible

Salary: $8.50 per hour, 6 days per week

CONTACT: 649-333-0617

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR

ADAM TWIGG Yacht Club, Turtle Cove

Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick.

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/ or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters. Salary: $9.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-241-8344

BELONGERS ONLY

PLUMBER

HARBOUR SHACK

CONTACT: 241-9020

Setting

workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment. Preparing ingredients to use in cooking chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers.

Salary:

CONTACT: 649-232-7177

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER

employ a Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick.

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

CONTACT: 649-331-3293

GENERAL HELPER

Help with filing, organization and other office duties asked of you. Salary: $8.00

CONTACT: 345-4527

Applicant must be honest, reliable and willing to work.

Masonry work on all the com-any jobs.

Salary: $10.00

CONTACT: 649-346-1319

JUNIOR

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 332-8463

structural surfaces.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

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

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 331-5872

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE

BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00

CONTACT: 245-2849

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Setting up workstations. Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers. Salary: $10.00 Hourly

BELONGERS

ONLY

NATALIE JEAN CHERVEAUX 38273 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. $8.00 Hourly DOMESTIC WORKER 05 Clover Rd. Five Cays Is seeking to employ a CONTACT: 649-343-2020 MARC PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES CONTACT: 346-8047 38272 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.00 Hourly LABOURER Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a NTAB CONTACT: 331-8346/ 38316 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD NTABCONSTCI@HOTMAIL.COM Fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs, etc. Salary: $1500.00 Monthly HANDYMAN The Bight Is seeking to employ a MARIE PROSPERE CONTACT: 345-7087 38314 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL Sweeping the house, mopping, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering linen, personal clothing and other housework. $8.00 hourly Stocking and supplying designated areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. $8.00 hourly CLEANER DOMESTIC WORKER #1030 The Bight, Leeward Hwy. Is seeking to employ a

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

CONTACT: 332-5064

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR

DRYWALL FINISHER

Responsible for installing wallboards to ceilings or to interior walls of buildings and applying plaster.

Salary: $9.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-344-2093

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

ROBINSON CONSTRUCTION

LABOURER

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

CONTACT: 348-4662

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 231-0327

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

DOMESTIC WORKER

Greet

CONTACT: 649-348-3973

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and etc. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 1-649-245-9273

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 232-8078

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

GENERAL WORKER

Taking food and beverage orders, serving customers.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 231-6318

Acting

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

DIESEL

MECHANICS

Keeps equipment available for use by inspecting and testing vehicles; completing preventive maintenance such as, engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire changes, wheel balancing, and replacing filters.

CONTACT: 232-7177

38231 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 331-8154

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 347-6850

38352 BELONGERS ARE ASKED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. THIS POSITION IS FILLED BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER.

Duties:

To employ masonry skills Building projects. Salary: $10.00 per hour. MASON Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a KIGMOA WILLIAMS CONTACT: 232-6429 38355 BELONGERS KINDLY SUBMIT A COPY OF RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. THIS POSITION IS HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER. Duties: Regular household chores, And Laundry. SALARY: $8.00 per hour DOMESTIC WORKER Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a ROCHELLE VANALSTINE CONTACT: 333-1979 38354 BELONGERS ARE ASKED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. THIS IS A FIRST TIME WORK PERMIT APPLICATION.

Desire to make Aviation your Career? Want to work with a company that believes that our Human Resources are our most important asset? A company that trains, develops and promotes from within? TCA Handling Flight Services Ltd with over 30th years serving American Airlines and JetBlue is the organization for you, we are currently seeking passionate, committed individuals with a great personality to fill the positons of:

AIRLINE ATTENDANTS VACANCY EIGHTEEN (18)

Job Description:

• Provides friendly service to travelers

• Communicates with travelers by furnishing information regarding fares, schedules, routings, flights and availability of space.

• Answers travelers’ inquiries regarding flight arrivals, delays, cancellations, flight irregularities, facilities, and other general information.

• Works in a highly organized, restrictive environment requiring extended periods of time at a fixed work position

• Utilizes computerized system.

• Attends initial and ongoing training (classroom and/ or on -the-job), and keeps current and proficient on knowledge, information, and equipment that is pertinent to the job.

• May perform other job duties as directed by Management.

Rate per Hour: $9.00

BAGGAGE HANDLERS VACANCY TWENTY-FIVE (25)

Job Description:

• Loading and unloading aircrafts in accordance with the instructions of the crew chief.

• To ensure that all bags are accounted for by the triple A system or any other system that the company may be using.

• The unloading and clean-up of any kind of waste from the aircraft.

• Help in the lifting of travelers that is immobilize, up and down the aircraft ensuring a safe path at all times.

• Able to fluently read, write, speak and understand English

• Able to work in stressful situation and tight time constraints.

• Responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the ramp at all time

• Responsible for accurate and careful handling of customer baggage

• Set up ramp and storage of equipment and baggage.

• Service aircraft as needed (e.g. aircraft lavatories, potable water and any commissary items).

• May perform other job duties as directed by Management.

Requirements:

• Highly trainable and a quick learner

• Must be able to work long hours, weekends, Public Holidays and varying schedule

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50lbs repeatedly

• Ability to work with a diverse team

• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Must have a clean Police Record

• Must have a valid Turks & Caicos Driver’s license (applicable to Baggage Handlers)

• Valid Passport

• Must be able to travel regional and internationally Rate per Hour: $9.00

GSE MECHANIC VACANCY THREE (3)

Job Description:

• Inspect, maintain, and modify ground equipment.

• Service equipment with fuel, water, oil, hydraulic fluid, and compressed air.

• Responsible for repairs and maintenance of all ground support equipment including, but not limited to, Tugs, Belt loaders, Push backs Conveyors, Ground power units, Air start units, air-condition units, Baggage carts, motorized/manual Air stairs, Turbo way and Golf carts.

• Inspects ground support equipment and their components for the purpose of ensuring safety and identifying necessary repairs and providing an ongoing program of preventative maintenance

• Responds to emergency calls for ground support equipment assistance.

• Troubleshoot, repair, overhaul, and modify ground equipment.

• Diagnose problems using test equipment and applicable manuals.

• Remove, test, repair or replace components and accessories such as carburetors, governors, air and oil cleaners, ignition points and auditory sensors.

• Check and adjust tolerance of valves, bearings, cams, clutches, and drive shafts.

• Operate and test ground equipment for performance assessment.

• Replace bearings, bushings, shafts, end plates, brushes, springs, coils, armatures, push rods, valves, manifolds, tubing, hose, and wiring as required.

Requirements:

• Must have a Degree and/or a Level (3) Diploma in Vehicle Repairs

• Must have at least six (6) years’ experience in automotive

• Must be able to conduct apprenticeship programme

• Must possess a valid driver’s license

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Ability to operate equipment used in semiskilled trades, power and hand tools, etc.

Salary Scale: $36,000.00 to $42,000.00 per annum based on qualification and experience

Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be addressed to:

Ms. Denise Westcarr

Human Resources Manager

TCA Handling Flight Services Ltd.

Butterfield Square, Providenciales

Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI

And should reach no later than _________________ , for further information/interview you can contact us at Tele:649-941-5969 or email: denise@tcahandling.com or hr@tcahandling.com.

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, etc. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-9486

CONTACT: 232-6296

CONTACT: 441-8321

BARTENDER

In search of a skilled person to work in stone fabrication

Starting Salary $10.00 per hour.

DUTIES:

• Must have 5 years experience and show proficiency with cutting and polishing natural and man made stone according to specifications and schedule.

• Must be able to assist the foreman in charge at warehouse and on job sites.

• Must be able to read blueprints, lay out job plans, operate all tools associated with stone.

• Fabrication, rally other coworkers and follow directions from supervisors.

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

Applicant should possess a trained teacher’s diploma or Certificate with 3 or more years’ experience in the classroom.

• Applicants with first degree beside their Teacher’s diploma/certificate will have an advantage

• Applicant must be energetic and creative and a good team player. All applicants should be born again Christian preferably of the Baptist Faith

• Capable of teaching students with multi-cultured back ground.

• Teachers with experience with (CPEA) Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment would be an asset.

• Have adequate knowledge and experience of working with the Primary School Curriculum of the TCI Education system.

• Salary $20,400.00 to $24,000.00 per annum

• This position is for first time work permit holders

AT B.E.S.T INSTITUTE OFFICE, 250 BAY ROAD, BLUE HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES. OR EMAIL@: BESTINSTITUTE@TCIWAY.TC, COPY ALL ENQUIRES TO THE LABOUR BOARD, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS.

TEL: 649-941-4802 | CELL: 649-231-4802

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.

TABOO BAR & GRILL PROVIDENCIALES

IS SEEKING TO EMPLOY A

KITCHEN HELPER

TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist in basic food preparation

• Clean kitchen equipment

• Load and unload

EXPERIENCE:

dishwasher

• Scrub pots and pans

• Clean food preparation and storage areas

• Receive and store goods.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• The ability to safely use kitchen equipment and appliances • Sound knowledge of food safety standards and procedures • Strong communication skills

High school diploma/GED and or Proven experience helping in kitchen settings. SALARY: $8.50 Hourly, Monday-Friday, 40 hours weekly.

INTERESTED AND QUALIFIED PERSONS SHOULD SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO RUSSELL AND ASSOCIATES (2004) LTD., 229 PRESTIGE PLACE, GRACE BAY ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES OR CONTACT US VIA EMAIL:DELTHIA@ RUSSELLANDASSOCAITESLTD.COM ; TELEPHONE: 649-244-3572.

TELEPHONE: (649) 441-3680

APPLICANTS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR APPLICATION TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFORE SEPTEMBER 6, 2023.

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

NOTICE

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

An Application, REGISTERED PR 16843 by AD RENTALS LTD. for OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION for THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN APARTMENT COMPLEX CONSISTING OF ONE (1) 3-STOREY BUILDING CONTAINING SIX (6) ONE BEDROOM UNITS, EIGHTEEN (18) EFFICIENCY UNITS, MANAGER’S OFFICE, GYM, SPA, SWIMMING POOL AND DECK AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES.

This application has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Outline Development Permission on Block & Parcel 60906/130 which is 0.77 acres of land located at Sunshine Loop, Leeward Going Through, (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.

38360

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

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

APPLICATIONS CAN BE DROPPED OFF

MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR

In search of an experienced instructor to teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense classes for children and adults.

Salary $15 per hour.

• Must be graded Black Belt and Certified Instructor in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from an accredited school.

TURQUOISE LANDSCAPING 2 GARDENERS & 1 LABOURER

• Must have at least 5 years experience working with children

• Must have CPR certification

• Must have a valid driver's licence

• Must be willing to work evening and weekend classes

• Must speak English Please email resumes to lisegula37@gmail.com

POSITION BEING ADVERTISED FOR WORK PERMIT HOLDER. APPLICATIONS FOR QUALIFIED TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

IT TECHNICIAN

Maximum of 5 years’ experience working in a luxury resort atmosphere. Responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing hardware & software components throughout the Club. Develop and maintain local networks in ways that optimize performance. Ensure security and privacy of networks and computer systems. Perform troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve problems. Inspect and test all software and hardware and ensure that they are in perfect condition and identify unsatisfactory conditions. Make reports on anything broken or damage. Maintain inventory for IT equipment. Requires to lift heavy objects. Must have basic mechanic knowledge. Must pay attention to small details. Can work unsupervised and under pressure. Must have great time management. Excellent communication skills. Knowledge of computer software and hardware, a variety of internet applications, networking and operating systems. Salary $25,000 per annum.

WATERSPORTS/ ACTIVITIES SUPERVISOR

Maximum of 5 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment. Manage the day-to-day business operation in the watersports department. Ensure that all services meet the highest possible standards and all staff are supervised Observe and patrol the beach, pool and staff. Enforce safety regulations. Review staff performance. Maintains all relevant records. Prepare work schedule. Conduct training. Motivate staff. Conduct beach activities with hotel guest and staff members. Perform general pool and beach related duties. Perform regular pool testing and ensure the pool remains clean. Must be detailed orientation, well organized with advanced verbal and written communication skills, adapt quickly, multitask and work under pressure. Highschool Diploma Required. Must be a CPR/First Aid certified. Must be STCW Trained and completed the TCI Tides- customer service course. Must possess a valid boat license to be able to operate the resort rescue boat. All certification must be up to date. Must do some heavy lifting. Salary $25,000 per annum.

B OAT MATE

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment. Take orders from the boat captain. Perform cleaning and minor maintenance work to all Club and homeowner boats. Assist with loading and unloading freight or boat passengers’ luggage. Assist with marine area and dock maintenance operations. Must have customer service skills, communication skills. Can work unsupervised and under pressure. Highschool Diploma Required. Must be CPR/ First Aid Certified. Must do some heavy lifting. Salary $8.00 per hour.

• Must have previous gardening experience.

• Must be willing to carry out work such as heavy lifting, digging, weeding, trimming and plant waste removal

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays

• Must have a clean police record and provide employers references on request

• Pay - $8.00/hr depending on experience

OR EMAIL: TURQUOISELANDSCAPING@TCIWAY.TC TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW

CONTACT: 649-332-4280 38347

InterHealth Canada Construction & Services is currently recruiting for Key positions within TCI Hospitals. Successful candidates will be offered excellent packages depending on qualifications and experience.

CATERING MANAGER– PROVIDENCIALES

Candidates must have extensive experience including Retail and Patient Dietetics and at least 5 years of management experience within a Healthcare or Hospital Environment and will be responsible for all operational aspects of the Catering services at both sites. Responsibilities include development and training of the Team including the development of Trainee Chef Manager and Second Chef and the Service Team. Experience must include HACCP, Human Resources Management, Menu Development and Costing, Quality Compliance, Customer Service, Advanced Food Hygiene, Stock Control and Management, Profit and Loss and Budget Management, Health and Safety and Marketing.

The candidate will also participate in ‘On-Call Management Duties’ for Facilities Services on a rostered basis and in response to site based or National Emergencies.

*Please be aware that Management cover, emergency response and general operational monitoring of the Catering services at Cockburn Town Medical Centre will also be required, facilitating the ability for travel and short term stay in Grand Turk.

*Salary: Starting $65k plus

CHEF MANAGER– PROVIDENCIALES

Responsible for operations of daily kitchen, food production, HACCP, due diligence, Catering Budget patient and retail menu compilation and costing and stock management. Also responsible for training and development and management of catering team.

*Salary: Starting $50k plus

Appointments will be made based on a successful interview, a positive reference check and a clear Police check. *Previous experience is required for all posts.

For full Job Specifications, Qualification Requirements, and Package Details, please contact Ms. Vielka Fulford for further information and queries on Tel: 941-2800 Ext 71803.

Qualified Belonger’s will be given first consideration.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All Applicants must have a valid police record when applying.

DATE: September 04th 2023

THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

CHEF DE PARTIE

The Chef de Partie is responsible for running a specific section of the kitchen. The chef manages a small team of cooks, which are responsible for keeping organized so that meals go out on time and the work area remains clean and orderly.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 3 to 5 years’ culinary experience in a five-star hotel/resort

• Knowledgeable in international cuisine such as Japanese and other Asian dishes

• HACCP knowledge, self-motivated and passion for hospitality and cooking

• Excellent palate and attention to detail

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To work and lead the kitchen team

• Execute cooking to the expected high standard quickly and efficiently

• To maintain the required level of hygiene standards/HACCP as laid down both legally and by the standards manual

• To be responsible for the day to day training of the team

Salary range: USD20,000 to USD30,000 per annum based on experience and qualification plus shared tips, service charge, additional allowances and benefits. Position currently held by a work permit holder

HOUSEKEEPING/ TURNDOWN ATTENDANT / HOUSEMAN/ATTENDANTS

Clean, stock, and provide turndown service for guest rooms to ensure cleanliness and guest satisfaction while caring enough to do it well by adhering to the Resort Commitments.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide turndown service by partially removing and storing bedspread, replenishing amenities, linens, and supplies and filling ice bucket as requested by guest

• Sign for room keys and restock cart

• Visually inspect room for cleanliness and appearance of room

• Strip and make beds, change linens and dust all furniture thoroughly

• Replenish amenities, linens, and supplies in guest room

• Vacuum entire room and empty trash

• All lost and found articles must be turned in to supervisor or the Director of Housekeeping

• Clocking in and out accurately is required as per company policies

• Respond in a timely manner to guest requests for items and/or other information

JOB KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Ability to work conscientiously, meets deadlines, follows instruction and directions, with minimal supervision and detailed oriented

• Ability to stand, sit, kneel constantly to handle specific details or demands of quality and speedy guest services

• Ability to work with cleaning agents by extending arms over head, bending and stooping

• Ability and desire to handle the heat as the layout of the resort’s rooms dictate

• Ability to push, lift and/or pull equipment up to or more than 100 lbs

• Ability to scrub and scour surfaces, extend arms over head to perform cleaning tasks, and work in confined spaces

• Additional language abilities preferred

Salary range: USD16,000 to USD17,000 per annum, plus service charge.

ONLY

LINE COOK

We are looking for a professional line cook to prepare food to the chef’s exact specifications and to set up menu stations. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and acquisition goals.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven cooking experience in a five start resort restaurant

• Excellent understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures

• Accuracy and speed in executing assigned tasks

• Familiar with industry’s best practices

• Culinary school diploma

Salary: USD21,600 per annum plus shared tips and service charge.

HVAC TECHNICIAN

We are looking to hire a detail-oriented HVAC technician to install, maintain and repair HVAC systems. The HVAC technician will be skilled in cleaning, adjusting, diagnosing and repairing systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Installing, maintaining and repairing ventilation and air conditioning systems and equipment

• Identifying maintenance risks on equipment

• Diagnosing electrical and mechanical faults for HVAC systems

• Cleaning, adjusting and repairing systems, and performing warranty services.

• Performing emergency repairs promptly and efficiently

• Providing technical direction and on-the-job training

• Keeping daily logs and records of all maintenance functions

• Ensuring compliance with appliance standards and with Occupational Health and Safety Act

• Complying with service standards, work instructions and customers’ requirements

• Assisting with customers’ queries

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma

• 1+ year experience as an HVAC technician, and willingness to continue education in HVAC field

• Understanding of advanced principles of air conditioning, refrigeration and heating.

• Working knowledge of boiler systems /proficient in balancing air and water treatment systems in line with HVAC protocols

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills

• Proficient in reading schematics and work plans

• Ability to work after hours, over weekends and on public holidays with short or no notice.

• Ability to work in confined spaces

Salary range: USD36,000 to USD40,000 per annum based on experience and qualification plus shared service charge, additional allowances and benefits. Position currently held by a work permit holder

OTHER POSITIONS

• Houseman

• F&B Server

• Runner

• Turndown Attendant

• Painter

Wages range from $8.00 to $10.00 per hour and based on experience and qualification. Benefits includes Life insurance, cash prize ambassador awards and service charge.

Come and join Santral Management winning team With great benefits such as Life Insurance, Highest paid service charge, Great Employee incentives and Training & Development

CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED. Candidates should apply to Santral Management, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales by scanning the QR code above for consideration or leave a copy of their CV’s and a valid police clearance at the security building for the attention of The Human Resources Department. Prospective applicants who are Turks & Caicos Islanders kindly send copies of your application to the board or the Employment Services Department. Application deadline: August 31, 2023

Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick.

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

Salary: $10.00 hourly

CONTACT: 232-5501

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

DOMESTIC WORKER

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 331-9854

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

CONTACT: 343-7357

orders, serving customers. Taking beverage orders from customers or wait staff and serving drinks as requested, paying extreme attention to detail. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 941-8453

D&M CONSTRUCTION

TWO LABOURERS ONE CARPENTER

DUTIES:

• Cleaning and preparing construction sites.

• Loading and unloading materials and equipment.

• Digging trenches, compacting earth, and backfilling holes.

• Operating and tending machinery and heavy equipment.

Salary: $8.per hourly

CONTACT: 343-6410

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

CONTACT: 347-2093

MARIE SUZE JEAN

TWO DOMESTIC WORKERS

• To be in charge of vessel's cargo operations.

• Responsible for the safety and security of the ship, as well as the welfare of the crew on board.

Salary: $8.50 hourly

CONTACT: 241-4153

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

38289

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

Salary: $8.per hourly

CONTACT: 1(649) 333-1674

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

Setting up workstations with all need ingredients and cooking equipment. Preparing ingredients to use in cooking chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc... Cooking food in various utensils and grillers. Salary $10hr.

38290

DONNA MARIE GARDINER

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 346-5368

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

38321

Is seeking to employ

DATE OPEN: AUGUST 28TH, 2023

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

TRANQUILITY CLEANING SERVICES LABOURERS

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Perform routine landscaping, painting, undertake light repairs, maintain trash and recycling receptacle. Re-arranging furnitures, lifting heavy loads, stone floors cleaning windows and treating pool.

Knowledge of which cleaning products are appropriate for different uses. Understanding of cleaning appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and vacuums. Ability to clean villas and office spaces and well organized. Ability to take initiative and good listening skills.

QUALIFIED ISLANDERS CAN EMAIL THEIR RESUME TO TRANQUILITYCLEANING.TC@GMAIL.COM OR CONTACT: 649-242-8434 HOWEVER; CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE COMMISSIONER OF LABOUR & WORK PERMIT BOARD ZONE 2. SALARY RANGE: $8.00

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

NATURAL

TRADE

DISTRIBUTION LTD

INVENTORY CONTROLLER

REQUIREMENTS:

• 5 year’s experience in Inventory Optimization and Retail

• Experience in Logistics and Supply Chain Management 2.0

• Online QuickBooks and Inventory management system experience

• Fluent (written and oral) in English and Spanish

• Valid TCI driver’s license, own vehicle and a clean record

• Flexibility with working hours, weekends and public holidays

• Attention to detail, Customer service and interpersonal skills

• Organization and time management skills

DUTIES:

• Receiving and cross-checking orders with stock records

• Coordinating stock counts to maintain accuracy

• Monitoring supplier performance and resolving discrepancies

• Liaising with transport companies, suppliers and clients

• Planning and forecasting inventory items

• Compiling daily reports and addressing inventory discrepancies

• Maintaining records of pricing, purchases and other relevant information

• Monthly salary: $2500

CANDIDATES CAN APPLY VIA EMAIL TO NATURALTRADECARIBBEAN@GMAIL.COM BEFORE AUG. 31ST, 2023 AND INCLUDE A RESUME, COVER LETTER, REFERENCES AT NATURAL TRADE: 38 OCEAN ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES.

DEPARTMENT OF TRADE, INDUSTRY, & FAIR COMPETITION

MADE IN TCI - EVENT & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Made in TCI is the National Trade Show of the Turks and Caicos Islands and is geared towards the promotion of locally produced goods and services.

The inaugural show was held on October 29, 2022 at the Stubbs Diamond Plaza in Providenciales and showcased agricultural products, hand-made jewellery, beverages, skin care products, leather goods, home goods, arts and craft, tobacco products, photography services, catering, services, events management services from providers across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As preparations are underway to organize Made in TCI 2023, the Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition is actively searching for capable individuals or companies to take on various advertised roles. Qualified consultants are invited to apply to the following available positions for Made in TCI 2023:

• EVENT COORDINATOR • MARKETING COORDINATOR

The core responsibility of the Event Coordinator revolves around overseeing and managing all logistical aspects related to the event to ensure a seamless execution of Made in TCI 2023. On the other hand, the Marketing Coordinator’s principal duty is to supervise, manage, and implement a marketing campaign that efficiently and effectively promotes Made in TCI 2023. To access the comprehensive job descriptions for each position, please visit the DTIFC’s website at https://gov.tc/trade

Persons interested in applying for the positions of Event Coordinator and Marketing Coordinator for the Made in TCI 2023 should forward their application to tradetci@gov.tc by 4:00 p.m. on September 1, 2023. Kindly note that any submission after this deadline will not be considered.

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

38331

CARIBBEAN BEER & SPIRITS IS LOOKING FOR:

WINES SALES REPRESENTATIVE

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

• Promote all the products carried at our wholesale and retail operation.

• Assist customers make selections by building customer confident and offering suggestions.

• Maintain a complete sales history and purchase pattern of our customers.

• Establish customer sales objectives by forecasting and developing annual sales quotas.

• Coordinate, Assist and implement various sales and marketing strategies

• Daily Receiving, Processing and Delivery of orders to our customers.

• Maintain customer sales volumes, product mix, and selling price by keeping current with

• supply and demand changing trends, economic indicators and competitors.

• WSET Level 3 certified

• Food & Beverage operation experience is a plus

• A minimum of 10 year’s experience in Wine & Beverage Industry. Salary commensurate with experience.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO: INFO@CBS.TC (OR) CONTACT: 649-431-1689

BCS-CS/ GRACE BAY CAR RENTALS

AUTO DETAILER HELPER RENTAL AGENT

• Clean vehicles according to company standards or client specifications, performing detail inspections, thoroughly washing, buffing, and waxing exteriors, vacuuming, steaming, and deodorizing interiors, and keeping records related to gas levels and the condition of the vehicle.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Must have 10 years’ experience Salary: $1020.66 bi-weekly

38304

• Rental Agent is required to handle enquiries involved with renting vehicles. Must have excellent customer service skills. You will also need good communication skills and a basic understanding of vehicle types.

Salary $8.00 per hour

THESE POSITIONS ARE FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF OUR RESUME TO THE LABOR DEPARTMENT.

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

VARIOUS JOB OPENINGS

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

REPORTING: MAINTENANCE MANAGER

DEPARTMENT: MAINTENANCE

STARTING DATE: 2 OCTOBER 2023

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the supervision of the Maintenance Manager, the Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing diversified duties to troubleshoot, install, repair and maintain all resort facilities, parking lots, vehicles, equipment and water works.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Perform daily maintenance tasks as assigned by the Maintenance Manager or other authorized individuals, manage time responsibly and actively pursue new tasks as appropriate.

2. Respond to maintenance inquiries, issues, concerns, requests, procedures and projects and take immediate action to resolve/provide solutions.

3. Repair defects in facilities, appliances, machinery and equipment and report same to supervisor, relevant owners, management and co-workers.

4. Complete work order requests as assigned and submit completed forms, detailing time and materials, to supervisor or authorized persons; ensure work orders are given priority and completed timely with the highest quality standards.

5. Conduct pre-arrival room checks 24 hours prior to arrival or as soon as practical.

6. Test, record and/or service health and safety systems, physical plant, utilities, pools, waste water treatment plants, fitness equipment, laundry equipment, lighting, the Resort and related equipment on a regularly scheduled basis.

7. Perform special projects as assigned by the Maintenance Manager or other authorized individuals.

8. Report inventory shortages prior to depletion; submit purchase order requests to supervisor or authorized person; maintain inventory control procedures and participate in physical inventory as required.

9. Keep maintenance work areas, workshop and storerooms neat, tidy, organized and in compliance with TCIG health and safety regulations.

10. Maintain a proper set of work tools; keep company tools in good working order; keep tools/equipment secure and in proper storage areas.

11. Keep supervisor and relevant co-workers informed/advised of projects and provide progress reports on guest/owner issues.

12. Remain flexible to accommodate customers and respond to emergency calls as needed when off duty.

13. Complete assigned Checklists and Work Orders in a timely manner and submit to supervisor for approval.

14. Follow safety and cleanliness standards in the completion of all maintenance tasks.

15. Take ownership/responsibility for issues that require maintenance attention and respond quickly and appropriately.

16. Maintain knowledge of the resort, its operations and relevant inventory.

17. Maintain professional, courteous manner with guests, owners, contractors and co-workers at all times.

18. Manage and monitor the standards of performance and work of vendors/contractors in the absence of the supervisor.

19. Comply with OCR’s policies, procedures and guidelines.

20. Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or any other person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

1. To perform this job successfully, individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

2. High School Diploma, appropriate resort or building industry trade certification, plus relevant education and 2-3 years general maintenance experience, preferably in a resort environment.

3. Experience in general trades: plumbing, electrical, AC, carpentry, appliance repair, painting, masonry, drywall.

4. Thorough knowledge of hotel maintenance procedures, operations and equipment, including pool and waste water treatment plant testing.

5. Self-motivated and dependable with a strong work ethic and good trouble-shooting skills.

6. Good communication skills; ability to speak, read and write fluently in English language.

7. Professional appearance and cooperative demeanor.

8. Heavy lifting, use of multiple types of electronic and manual equipment and tools, ability to work in varied weather conditions.

EMPLOYER: AGNES SWANN

Rate: $8.00 per hour

Description: Installs pipes and fixtures, such as sinks and toilets.

PLUMBER DOMESTIC WORKER

1 FARMER

EMPLOYER: ELIZABETH SWANN Whitby, North Caicos

Rate: $8.00 per hour

Weeding yard, moving trash, mowing lawn.

EMPLOYER: DARLINGTON HIGGS

Whitby North Caicos

Rate: $8.00 per hour

Description: Cleaning house, washing and cooking.

RENEWALS

A TASTE OF ITALY

38305

MAINTENANCE MAN

• Six days per week plus “on call” duties may include holidays, evenings, and weekends.

• Bachelor degree in Engineering or equivalent.

• Previous 5 years maintenance experience required.

• Secondary language a plus.

Salary: $2,200 per month

BELONGERS

ONE (1) DECKHAND

To load /off load barge

Work days : Monday -Saturday

Salary: Basic

38287

ONE (1) HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Should be able to operate any heavy equipment.

Work days Monday - Saturday

Starting Salary: $2,000.00

CONTACT: 941-5707

LABOURER

DUTIES: To assist skilled workers, Maintain all work areas.

SALARY: $8.00 per hour

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

DRIVER

CLEANER

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

CARPENTER

CONTACT: 241-8719

CHILD CARETAKER

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and etc. Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-342-9534

VIELKA27@FIVE.COM

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 241-4072

CONTACT: 243-3431

CONTACT: 649-331-0635

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

CONTACT: 347-3596

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 331-3874

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Science & Technology

Brain advance gives voice hope to paralysed

Scientists have developed a device that can translate paralysed people’s brain signals into words at faster speeds than before, it has been reported in two papers in the journal Nature.

Pat Bennett, 68, who has motorneurone disease (MND), tested the technology and said it could help her stay connected to the world.

Implants in her brain decode the words she wants to say.

The US researchers now want to improve their technology further.

Their ultimate aim is for people who can no longer talk, because of strokes, brain diseases or paralysis, to be able to communicate their thoughts in real time.

‘GOOD GUESS’

Ms Bennett used to ride horses and jog every day before being diagnosed, in 2012, with a disease that attacks areas of the brain that control movement, causing eventual paralysis.

Her speech was the first thing affected.

For the Stanford University research, a surgeon implanted four sensors the size of pills into Ms Bennett’s brain, in areas key to producing speech.

When she tells her lips, tongue and jaw to make sounds to form words, an algorithm decodes information coming out of her brain.

“This system is trained to know what words should come before other ones, and which phonemes make what words,” said Dr Frank Willett, co-study author.

“If some were wrongly interpreted, it can still take a good guess.”

After four months of training the software to interpret Ms Bennett’s speech, her brain activity was being translated into words on a screen at 62 words per minute, about three times the speed of

previous technology.

Normal conversations are about 160 words per minute, the researchers say, but they are yet to produce a device people can use in everyday life.

One in 10 words was wrong in a vocabulary of 50 words and there were errors in a quarter of Ms Bennett’s 125,000-word vocabulary.

“But it’s a big advance toward restoring rapid communication to people with paralysis who can’t

Chandrayaan-3: India makes historic landing near Moon’s south pole

India has made history as its Moon mission becomes the first to land in the lunar south pole region.

With this, India joins an elite club of countries to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, after the US, the former Soviet Union and China.

The Vikram lander from Chandrayaan-3 successfully touched down as planned at 18:04 local time (12:34 GMT).

Celebrations have broken out across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying “India is now on the Moon”.

“We have reached where no other country could. It’s a joyous occasion,” he added. Mr Modi was watching the event live from South Africa where he is attending the Brics summit.

Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chief Sreedhara Panicker Somanath said the successful landing “is not our

work alone, this is the work of a generation of Isro scientists”.

India’s achievement comes just days after Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft spun out of control and crashed into the Moon.

The crash also put the spotlight on how difficult it is to land in the south pole region where the surface is “very uneven” and “full of craters and boulders”.

India’s second lunar mission, which also attempted to soft-land there in 2019, was unsuccessfulits lander and rover were destroyed, though its orbiter survived.

On Wednesday, tense moments preceded the touchdown as the lander - called Vikram after Isro founder Vikram Sarabhai - began its precarious descent, carrying within its belly the 26kg rover named Pragyaan (the Sanskrit word for wisdom).

The lander’s speed was gradually reduced from 1.68km per second to

almost zero, enabling it to make a soft landing on the lunar surface.

In a few hours - scientists say once the dust has settled - the sixwheeled rover will crawl out of the lander’s belly and roam around the rocks and craters on the Moon’s surface, gathering crucial data and images to be sent to Earth.

WHAT NEXT FOR INDIA’S MOON MISSION?

One of the mission’s major goals is to hunt for water-based ice which, scientists say, could support human habitation on the Moon in future. It could also be used for supplying propellant for spacecraft headed to Mars and other distant destinations. Scientists say the surface area that remains in permanent shadow there is huge and could hold reserves of water ice.

The lander and the rover

facial expressions.

Scientists decoded signals from more than 250 paper-thin electrodes implanted on the surface of Ann’s brain and used an algorithm to recreate her voice, based on a recording of her speaking at her wedding.

The system reached nearly 80 words per minute and made fewer mistakes than previous methods, with a larger vocabulary.

“It’s what gives a user the potential, in time, to communicate almost as fast as we do and to have much more naturalistic and normal conversations,” researcher Sean Metzger, who helped develop the technology, said.

Study author Dr Edward Chang was “thrilled” to see the success of the brain interface in real-time.

speak,” Dr Willett said.

And Ms Bennett said it meant “they can perhaps continue to work, maintain friends and family relationships”.

‘NORMAL CONVERSATIONS’

In another study, from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Ann, who has severe paralysis following a stroke, was able to speak through a digital avatar, complete with her own

Improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) had been “really key”, he said, and there were now plans to look at turning the technology into a medical device.

Current technology allows some people with MND to bank their voice before it’s lost, and then use their eyes to select the words or letters they want to say on a screen, but it can be time-consuming.

The charity MND Association says it’s “excited” about the potential of the new research, although they caution it’s at a very early stage. (BBC)

Pat Bennett, who has a type of MND, trains the brain interface to recognise the words and phrases she is trying to say

India joins an elite club of countries to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, after the US, the former Soviet Union and China

Science & Technology

Aspirin can help reduce risk of second heart attack

For adults who have survived a heart attack or stroke, taking aspirin regularly may reduce the risk of another cardiovascular event. But a new study suggests that less than half of these cardiovascular disease patients around the world are using aspirin to prevent a new event.

Among people with a history of cardiovascular disease who were surveyed in the new study, only about 40% reported taking aspirin to prevent another heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular event.

The proportion of patients using aspirin to reduce the risk of a secondary event varied by country, however, ranging from 16.6% in low-income countries such as Afghanistan, Benin and Ethiopia to 65% in high-income countries such as Czech Republic, the UK and the US, according to the study, published Tuesday in the medical journal JAMA.

“We had hoped that the rates of aspirin use for secondary prevention would be much higher. Particularly I think, overall, globally, there has been an emphasis on improving cardiovascular health, and one of the efforts is to improve use of some of these evidence-based medications,” said Dr Sang Gune Yoo, an author of the study and a cardiovascular disease fellow in the cardiovascular division at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis.

Secondary prevention refers to using aspirin to reduce the risk of a second or additional heart attack or stroke. It’s different from primary prevention — using aspirin to reduce the risk of a first heart attack or stroke.

Unlike with primary prevention, where the risk-benefit ratio of aspirin

The researchers say their findings suggest that aspirin is underused as an inexpensive tool for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease events globally

is not as clear, available research on secondary prevention shows that the benefits of taking aspirin far outweigh the risks for people who have had a heart attack or stroke.

The World Health Organization has a target for at least 50% of those eligible people to receive some type of drug therapy and counselling to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming about 18 million lives each year, according to WHO. It’s estimated that more than 4 in 5 cardiovascular disease deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes. Because aspirin helps thin the blood, that can help reduce the risk of blockages in the arteries that

may cause a heart attack or stroke.

“What our study is highlighting is that despite efforts being put in to improve cardiovascular health globally, aspirin continues to be underused in secondary preventions,” Yoo said. “Given that it continues to be the number one cause of mortality, it’s very important that health systems and countries strategize ways to improve uptake of aspirin use as well as other cardiovascular medicines.”

WHERE ASPIRIN IS USED

For the new study, Yoo and his colleagues from Washington University, the University of Michigan and other institutions around the world analysed data

from 51 countries where surveys were conducted between 2013 and 2020. Seven of the surveys were conducted in low-income countries, 23 in lower-middleincome countries, 14 in uppermiddle-income countries and seven in high-income countries.

The surveys included responses from more than 124,500 adults ages 40 to 69 who reported their history of cardiovascular disease and aspirin use. More than 10,500 of them reported having cardiovascular disease.

When the researchers examined aspirin use among people with a history of cardiovascular problems, they found that in low-income countries, 16.6% were taking aspirin to prevent another event; in lower-

middle-income countries, it was 24.5%; in upper-middle-income countries, it was 51.1%; and in highincome countries, it was 65%.

“To our knowledge, the current study provides the most extensive and updated estimates of the worldwide use of aspirin for secondary prevention of CVD,” the researchers wrote, using the abbreviation for cardiovascular disease.

“Our findings revealed marked inequities worldwide, as illustrated by 4-fold greater aspirin use for secondary CVD prevention in high-income compared with lowincome countries,” they wrote. “None of the 30 low-income or lower-middle-income countries in our sample achieved the WHO target that at least 50% of eligible individuals with a history of CVD take aspirin. Only about half of upper-middle-income and highincome countries included in our analysis achieved this target.”

Yoo said that the study did not analyse why there were such differences in the low use of aspirin, and he said more research is needed to determine whether it is related to access, to providers not recommending aspirin or other factors.

Among people with a history of cardiovascular disease, there was more aspirin use in those who were older, who were male, who had higher levels of education and who lived in urban areas, the researchers found.

The researchers say their findings suggest that aspirin is underused as an inexpensive tool for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease events globally. (BBC)

If you’re at high risk of serious illness or death from Covid-19, it’s time to dust off those N95 masks and place them snugly over your nose and mouth to protect yourself from a recent uptick of the virus, according to a growing number of experts.

That advice should go all the way up to 80-year-old President Joe Biden, said Dr Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist.

“Octogenarians comprise the highest-risk group for complications following Covid infection,” Reiner said.

“At least until the numbers start to drop again, it would be appropriate for President Biden to take some precautions and wear a mask in crowds.”

Other high-risk groups include people with diabetes, cancer, chronic liver, kidney or lung disease, organ or stem cell transplants, HIV or other immunocompromising conditions, a history of heart disease or stroke, dementia or mental health issues.

“If you’re a caregiver for somebody who is at increased risk of complication following infection, then I think you should also consider putting a mask on in public places,” said Reiner, a professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences.

“And since the masks that are most effective are N95 that are now

readily available, that’s the kind of mask you should wear,” he added.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges people to “wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you,” and it notes that some people are at higher risk for severe illness from Covid-19. But the agency doesn’t make a broad recommendation for everyone to adopt masks. That could change if hospitalizations reach critical levels. The CDC recommends universal masking in jurisdictions that have 20 or more people with Covid per 100,000 in local hospitals and masking for high-risk individuals when 10 to 19.9 people per 100,000 are hospitalized from the virus.

It may be time to break out the masks against Covid, some experts say

Science & Technology

Hopes that MRI scans can screen men for prostate cancer

A 10-minute MRI scan could be used to screen men for prostate cancer, according to a new study.

The scans proved far more accurate at diagnosing cancer than blood tests, which look for high levels of a protein called PSA.

MRI picked up some serious cancers that would have been missed by PSA alone.

At present there is no national screening programme because PSA is considered too unreliable, although men over 50 can request a PSA test.

The authors of this new study suggest that prostate MRI could be used for screening, though they say a larger study would be needed to assess this.

WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER?

Part of the male reproductive system, the prostate gland, about the size of a walnut, is in the pelvis, below the bladder

It surrounds the urethra - the tube that takes urine out of the body through the penis

Cancer is abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth

But in the prostate, it usually develops slowly

There may be no signs or symptoms for years

And some never develop any problems from it

But in others, the cancer can be aggressive and deadly

· Early diagnosis and treatment is key

For the Reimagine study, which is published in BMJ Oncology, men aged 50 to 75 in London were invited for screening MRI and PSA tests, which were carried out at University College Hospital.

Of the 303 who had both tests, 48 had a positive MRI that indicated cancer and of these 25 were diagnosed with significant cancer after further tests, including biopsies.

More than half the men whose cancer was picked up on MRI had low PSA test scores below 3ng/ml, which is considered normal, and so would have been falsely reassured they were free of disease.

Prof Caroline Moore, consultant urologist UCLH and chief investigator of the study at University College London, said: “Our results give an early indication that MRI could offer a more reliable method of detecting potentially serious cancers early, with the added benefit that less than 1% of participants were ‘overdiagnosed’ with low-risk disease.”

Paul Rothwell, 62, had his prostate cancer diagnosed as a result of being on the trial. It was caught early and he was successfully treated. He feels fortunate because his PSA test was

negative and so would have given false reassurance had it not been for his MRI.

Paul, from Hertfordshire, told the BBC: “If I’d just had the blood test I would be carrying on life as normal walking around unaware that there was some sort of ticking time bomb inside me of a cancer slowly growing, and by the time I did find out, presumably it would have been much harder to treat and much more dangerous to me.”

PSA tests are considered useful but unreliable indicators of prostate cancer. As the trial showed, a low PSA score might miss cancer. And while high levels may indicate cancer, high PSA can also be caused by other things, such as a recent infection or vigorous exercise and sex. Even when there is cancer,

PSA alone will not tell you which tumours are the aggressive ones that need treating, rather ones that can be safely left.

For the Reimagine trial, black men were five times less likely to come forward for screening than white men, even though they have a higher risk of prostate cancer.

Saran Green, another study author from King’s College London, said: “One in four black men will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, which is double the number of men from other ethnicities. Given this elevated risk, it will be crucial that any national screening programme includes strategies to reach black men and encourage more of them to come forward for testing.”

Errol McKellar, 66, from Essex, was diagnosed with prostate cancer

Chandrayaan-3: India makes ...

CONTINUED  58

are carrying five scientific instruments which will help discover the physical characteristics of the surface of the Moon, the atmosphere close to the surface and the tectonic activity to study what goes on below the surface.

The rover is carrying an Indian flag and its wheels also

have Isro’s logo and emblem embossed on them so that they leave imprints on the lunar soil during the Moon walk, an official told the BBC.

Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission, will work to build on the success of the earlier Moon missions and Isro officials say it will help make some “very substantial” scientific discovery.

It comes 15 years after

Chandrayaan-1, the country’s first Moon mission in 2008, which discovered the presence of water molecules on the parched lunar surface and established that the Moon has an atmosphere during daytime.

And despite failing the soft landing, Chandrayaan-2 was not a complete write-off - its orbiter continues to circle the Moon even today and will help the

13 years ago. After successful treatment he returned to work as a car mechanic and began offering customers a discount if they got their, or their partner’s, prostate checked.

He now runs a charity, the Errol McKellar Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer and to ensure more men come forward for testing.

He told the BBC: “When they brought their car in I’d ask men, ‘When was the last time you had a service and MOT on yourself?’.

“There’s a massive mistrust of the medical system among the African-Caribbean community, and that has to be dealt with. But also there’s two elements that we find that come up very often: one is fear, and the other one is ignorance.

“When prostate cancer turns up at your front door, it doesn’t care whether you’re black, whether you’re white - if you ignore it, it will kill you. In the end this is about all men, and leaving no-one behind.”

Prof Mark Emberton, senior author of the study, said a screening programme could be up and running within the next decade: “The UK prostate cancer mortality rate is twice as high as in countries like the US or Spain because our levels of testing are much lower. Given how treatable prostate cancer is when caught early, I’m confident that a national screening programme will reduce the UK’s prostate cancer mortality rate significantly.”

Simon Grieveson, assistant director of research at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “When a man’s prostate cancer is caught early, it’s very treatable. Sadly, more than 10,000 men each year are diagnosed too late, when their cancer has already spread.

“MRI scans have revolutionised the way we diagnose prostate cancer, and it’s great to see research into how we might use these scans even more effectively. These results are extremely exciting, and we now want to see much larger, UK-wide studies to understand if using MRI as the first step in getting tested could form the basis of a national screening programme.”

Vikram lander send images and data to Earth for analysis.

India is not the only country with an eye on the Moon - there’s a growing global interest in it, with many other missions headed to the lunar surface in the near future. And scientists say there is still much to understand about the Moon that’s often described as a gateway to deep space.

(BBC)

WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD PEOPLE CHECK FOR?

The common ones are: needing to urinate more frequently - particularly at night difficulty starting to urinate, weak flow and it taking a long time blood in urine or semen

These symptoms can be caused by other conditions too - but it is important to have any changes checked by a doctor. (BBC)

There may be no signs or symptoms for years when it comes to prostate cancer

Sports International

Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Spanish football federation president

World football’s governing body has opened disciplinary proceedings against Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales for his behaviour at Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final.

Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain beat England.

He earlier grabbed his crotch as he celebrated at the final whistle.

Fifa will look at whether those actions constitute violations of article 13 in its disciplinary code, concerning offensive behaviour and fair play.

“Fifa reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary,” it said in a statement.

According to the disciplinary code, officials are among those that must “comply with the principles

Carlsen defeats Praggnanandhaa to become Chess World Cup champion

of fair play, loyalty and integrity”. It says disciplinary measures can be brought against anyone “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”, “insulting a natural or legal person in any way, especially by using offensive gestures, signs or language” or “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or Fifa into disrepute”.

Rubiales’ celebration at the final whistle was in the VIP area of Stadium Australia, while he was standing near Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter.

He then kissed Hermoso on the lips after she was presented with her winner’s medal on the podium.

Rubiales apologised for the kiss on Monday, but Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that was “not enough” and second deputy prime minister Yolanda Diaz joined those calling for him to resign.

Messi and Inter Miami notch comeback victory to advance to US Open Cup final

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami just keep finding ways to win.

Days after Messi and his club won the Leagues Cup – the international tournament between clubs in Major League Soccer and Liga MX – Inter Miami defeated FC Cincinnati in a penalty kick shootout to complete a comeback victory in the US Open Cup semifinal Wednesday.

FC Cincinnati got the scoring started early at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on a Luciano Acosta goal in the 18th minute. Coming out of the half, FC Cincinnati extended the lead after a Brandon

Vazquez goal from just outside the box in the 53rd minute. The fans in the stadium gave MLS’s best club this season a rousing ovation as the players celebrated on the pitch. But Inter Miami then started its comeback.

Inter Miami forward Leonardo Campana found a Messi free-kick and headed it in to cut the deficit to one goal. And with only a minute of stoppage time left, the Argentine superstar Messi floated a cross into the box where Campana yet again played hero and headed it in to tie the game.

Magnus Carlsen defeated Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in a tiebreak to become Chess World Cup champion on Thursday.

After the two had drawn the opening two games of the final, Carlsen won the first of two tiebreak games before drawing the second frame to clinch his first World Cup title.

The Norwegian grandmaster has now won every major individual classical chess tournament and, as Chess.com puts it, “completes chess” with his victory in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Even Carlsen acknowledged his own achievement on social media, posting the question, “Chess?” along with a GIF from a popular UK TV show, ‘The Inbetweeners,’ with a character saying, “Completed it.”

It’s been a grueling few weeks for the two players, who have had to overcome numerous opponents for their spot in the final.

Things were made even more complicated for Carlsen when he came down with a bout of food poisoning earlier in the week.

And with Carlsen’s health concerns a major talking point, there was very little to separate him from teenage Indian chess sensation Praggnanandhaa, commonly known to fans as Pragg.

Two draws opened up an enthralling final, with millions across the world tuning into watch arguably the sport’s two biggest names clash – at one point, there were 115,000 people watching the live stream of the first game of the final with over 150,000 tuning in for the tiebreak.

In said tiebreak – which took the format of a two-game rapid match – Carlsen showed why he is the reigning World Rapid Champion and world No. 1, outmaneuvering Pragg and putting the 18-year-old in time trouble to win the opening game of the tie break.

Needing just a draw to claim his first World Cup title, Carlsen was able to hold on for just that result and add to his set of chess trophies.

For Pragg, the World Cup was somewhat of a breakthrough onto the top table of the sport.

Pragg – who made history earlier in his career in becoming the youngest ever international chess master at the age of 10 years, 10 months and 19 days – beat two of world’s top three on his way to the final and secured his place in the 2024 Candidates Tournament which determines the challenger to compete for the World Chess Championship.

The winner of the Candidates Tournament faces the reigning champion for the crown of world champion, which is currently held by Ding Liren of China. Ding’s victory ended the reign of fivetime champion Carlsen, who had decided not to defend his title earlier this year. (CNN)

Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain beat England

Magnus Carlsen (left) and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa play in the Chess World Cup final

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against Bret Halsey #42 of FC Cincinnati during extra time at TQL Stadium on August 23 in Cincinnati, Ohio

A final roar of triumph shook Sydney’s Stadium Australia as fans wearing red and gold punched the air, danced in flags and cried “España!” at the end of a Women’s World Cup that FIFA claims is its most successful yet.

But a Spanish victory, secured even without some of the country’s best players, has in some ways brought the tournament’s off-field arguments full circle, from early complaints about unequal pay to renewed focus on La Roja and their fight against their country’s soccer establishment.

An uninvited kiss by Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales on the lips of star midfielder Jennifer Hermoso on the winners’ podium, just days after FIFA boss Gianni Infantino advised women to “pick their battles,” only served to underscore how much work there is to level the playing field.

In Europe, the historical home of the sport, these familiar frustrations received a fresh airing. But in Australia, relative newcomers to the game’s big leagues, the arrival of the world’s best women’s players has left old and new fans starry-eyed with possibility.

Despite placing fourth – the team’s best finish at a World Cup – the ability of relative outsiders to make it that far has elevated Australia’s Matildas to hero status. Statues are being built, money is being granted, facilities upgraded and murals designed as a reminder of how they “captured the imagination of the nation.”

But many within the sport hope the legacy of this World Cup is not just ornaments of greatness but lasting change that gets more women and girls onto fields, pitches, courts and stadiums – and offers equal pay on the international stage.

FIFA

WORLD CUP UNLOCKS FUNDING

For Australians, it seems like their moment may be now.

Arguments about a lack of interest in the women’s game –evidenced by derisory offers for broadcast rights – were answered with record viewing figures. The Matildas’ semifinal against England was Australia’s most watched TV program since the ratings system began more than two decades ago, with an average audience of 7.2 million and reaching 11.15 million viewers.

“It really feels like we have brought the nation together over football, which some people might’ve said we were crazy if we had said this would happen a year ago,” Matildas captain Sam Kerr told reporters ahead of the thirdplace game against Sweden.

But it did happen – and it’s reaping dividends not only for football but women’s sports across the country.

In the wake of the Matildas’ historic run, the Australian government stepped forward with 200 million Australian dollars ($128 million) for women’s sport –not just football – on top of the 357 million Australian dollars ($228 million) in its post-tournament plan, Legacy ’23.

The government’s “Play Our Way” money will be used to “promote equal access, build more suitable facilities, and support grassroots initiatives to get women and girls to engage, stay, and participate in sport throughout their lives,” the government said in a statement.

It’s the kind of financial support that’s been a long time coming.

Former Matilda Karen Menzies – who played for Australia’s national team in the 1980s – recalls having to pay for her own tracksuit, accommodation and travel.

“We didn’t ever get to keep the strip, let alone have our names written on the back. I still had a fulltime job where I’d have to take my holiday leave to go and represent my country,” she said. “I mean, those things have progressed. But there’s still so many areas that need to be addressed.”

And while the Australian government’s renewed commitment to women’s sports is commendable, Kerr has called for more investment specifically in soccer.

Speaking for the Matildas after the team’s loss to England, the superstar Australian talisman said: “We need funding in our development. We need funding in our grassroots. We need funding. We need funding everywhere.

“The comparison to other sports isn’t really good enough, and hopefully, this tournament kind of changes that because that’s the legacy you leave – not what you do on the pitch. The legacy is what you do off the pitch.”

SURGE IN PARTICIPATION

How much this World Cup changes women’s soccer more broadly will only become clear with time, but last year’s UEFA European Women’s Championship shows that full stadiums can create momentum for local clubs and teams well beyond host nations.

After England clinched Euro 2022, participation and attendance at women’s football games surged across Europe.

The take-up was particularly pronounced in England, where participation in soccer among girls under 16 more than doubled. And it wasn’t just young girls –participation of girls and women over 16 jumped 53%.

“A lot of girls are coming through, they’ve got role models now, so that’s been excellent. But

also not only girls, but missed generations like myself,” said Andrea Ellis, a women and girls football development officer in Bromley, southeast London, who was in the stands, screaming herself hoarse with other Lionesses supporters during Sunday’s final.

“I wasn’t allowed to play football when I was younger,” Ellis said of growing up in the 1980s, when soccer was considered only for boys. “Anyone who loves football knows what it means to you, so when you’re not allowed to do it, it’s kind of heartbreaking,” she said.

On the eve of the final, Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer, told delegates at the FIFA Women’s Football Convention that women’s football was about to “explode.”

“There will be millions and millions of girls and women around this world who will sign up to play football for the first time ever after this World Cup and everyone needs to stand ready,” she said.

“Take notice of what you feel in the stadium tomorrow and think about this power and this cultural movement and what it can do in your own country. It’s not just football, it’s different.”

FIFA, ‘TAKE NOTE’

As hopes soared about the potential of this tournament to springboard women to parity with men, the recent words of FIFA’s president show how far there still is to go – not just in funding growth but changing attitudes.

Days before the final, Infantino told women to “pick the right battles, pick the right fights.”

“You have the power to convince us men what we have to do and what we don’t have to do. You do it, just do it,” he added.

Joanna Lohman, a former member of the United States

Women’s National Team, described his comments as “infuriating.”

“We have consistently had to ask for what we deserve and demand for there to be progress in change in the face of so much resistance,” she said. “And that’s what makes me so proud to be a part of the women’s game is the battles that we have fought in the face of pushback and everyone’s saying that we don’t deserve it.”

When asked about the backlash, Infantino seemed to suggest his words had been taken out of context, describing FIFA as a “pioneer” in women’s football.

“As FIFA is concerned, as far as I am concerned, I think we have shown with the facts rather than the words that we are very open, that we are transparent, that our doors are wide, wide open,” he told Sky News.

And while Rubiales initially dismissed his kiss of Hermoso as a “moment of affection without any importance,” he later apologized for his “mistake.”

“It looks like it has turned into a storm and so, if there are people who have felt offended, I have to say I’m sorry.”

What goes on off the pitch matters – to fans as well as players.

Before Sunday’s final, some spectators told CNN they were backing England to win, not only because they had a female coach, but due to the Spanish team’s internal disputes.

Last year, 15 Spanish players declared themselves unavailable for selection, saying they were unhappy with the training methods of head coach Jorge Vilda, which RFEF described as “an unprecedented situation in the history of football.”

Only three of those 15 players who had signed letters of complaint to RFEF last year were selected for the World Cup squad. (CNN)

Spain are the 2023 champions

Fans cheer Spain’s victory while watching a live transmission of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Madrid

Fireworks on and off the pitch as

prepares for women’s football to ‘explode’

Sports International

Ryder Cup 2023: Lack of LIV players won’t hurt Europe’s chances, says Rory McIlroy

The absence of LIV players from Team Europe will have no bearing on their chances of reclaiming the Ryder Cup this year, says Rory McIlroy.

European stalwarts Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, who joined the LIV circuit in 2022 are ineligible after resigning from the DP World Tour.

US LIV players are eligible for next month’s event in Rome.

“I don’t think it would make a difference for us,” said the world number two.

Garcia is Europe’s record points scorer with 28½ from 10 appearances in the biennial competition against the US. Westwood has played on a record seven winning teams in his 11 starts for Europe, while Poulter has never lost a singles match in his seven Ryder Cup appearances.

Having already secured qualification, McIlroy will be part of Europe’s attempt to regain the cup at the Marco Simone Golf Club from 29 September-1 October after suffering a record 19-9 defeat by the US at Whistling Straits in 2021.

Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland have also qualified for the European team, with three other automatic qualifiers to be confirmed on 3 September, after next week’s European Masters in Switzerland. Captain Luke Donald will then select six wildcard picks on Monday, 4 September.

US qualifying ended at last week’s BMW Championship, with Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham

Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele all being confirmed in the team. Captain Zach Johnson will make his six picks on Monday, 29 August.

While Donald’s side will have no LIV players in Italy, five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has been tipped to earn one of Johnson’s six captain’s picks, with world number one Scheffler outlining how close his compatriot came to making the team automatically.

“Brooks? I mean, I looked at the points list the other night. He was about, like 300 or, I think he was 30 points shy? Which is, I think it

was the equivalent of like $30,000 (£23,600) throughout the year,” said Scheffler.

McIlroy ‘less emotionally involved’ in off-course matters Scheffler and McIlroy were speaking before the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta, which begins on Thursday.

While FedEx Cup leader Scheffler, who was edged out by McIlroy last year, is aiming for his first title, the Northern Irishman hopes to secure a record fourth crown and the $18m (£14.1m) first prize that goes with it.

McIlroy will start the week three

shots behind Scheffler with starting scores determined by where players stand in the FedEx Cup after the first two play-off events.

And while McIlroy faces a challenge to take down the world number one at East Lake for the second year in a row, the 34-yearold is excited to focus on golf having become less “emotionally involved” in off-course affairs.

The four-time major winner was one of the PGA Tour’s staunchest defenders in its battle with LIV Golf before the former’s shock deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which bankrolls LIV, allowed him to take

a back seat and focus on his game.

“I think last year, I was probably energised by everything that was going on in the world of golf. I felt like we were maybe in a bit more of a state of flux,” he said.

“I sat up here at this table this day last year talking about designated events and getting all the best players to play together and all that stuff.

“I remember this time last year being on a board call at 7.30 in the morning on the Tuesday trying to get all that stuff ratified and get it passed through the board.

“I’ve been able to focus a little bit more just on golf and my game and even able to take two days at home between Chicago and here, getting to spend some time with the girls. That’s been really nice.

“[I’m] maybe less emotionally involved. Last year it was to do with how can we make the product of the PGA Tour better and I think I was really invested in that.

“So when it comes to, like, governance and investment and all that, it’s not that I don’t care about it, but it doesn’t excite me as much as making the product better and how can we make this the most competitive landscape to play professional golf and how can we get all the best players to play together.

“I’m on the board and I have to be involved and whenever something’s brought to the table I’ll vote on it yes or no. But, yeah, maybe just not as emotionally engaged on all of this other stuff.”

Richardson claims gold in 100m at World Athletics Championships

Sha’Carri Richardson of the United States stunned Jamaica’s pre-race favourites from the outside lane to win the 100 metres world title at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Richardson crushed ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce’s hopes of a sixth women’s world 100m title when she stormed to victory in a championship record time of 10.65 seconds despite starting in lane nine at the finals on Monday.

It sealed a 100m double for the US after Noah Lyles’ victory in the men’s event.

Jamaican teammates Shericka Jackson and veteran Fraser-Pryce took silver and bronze in 10.72sec and 10.77sec respectively on the third day of action in the Hungarian capital.

It was a remarkable run for the

23-year-old Richardson, who was barred from the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after testing positive for marijuana. She then saw her hopes of challenging for a medal at last year’s world championships in Eugene, Oregon, go up in smoke when she failed to qualify in the US trials.

“I’m here. I’m the champion. I told you all. I’m not back, I’m better!” said Richardson, whose penchant for regular hair colour changes and brightly painted nails has earned inevitable comparisons to the late Florence Griffith Joyner.

Fraser-Pryce, the reigning champion, said she was “really grateful” for a bronze medal after a difficult season that was hampered by a knee injury. (Aljazeera)

McIlroy will compete at his seventh Ryder Cup this year having secured qualification

Sha’Carri Richardson said starting in an outside lane helped her focus on her own race

Over 80 participate in Drillz and Skillz Basketball Summer Camp

Sports Commission launches Athlete Development Fund for grant applications

THE Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission recently officially launched the Athlete Development Fund (ADF) for grant applications, which is expected to enhance sport opportunities for TCIslanders.

The ADF is designed to support the development of Turks and Caicos Islands athletes. Under the mantra "The future is now", funding is provided to eligible organisations and athletes for programming that supports LongTerm Athlete Development with a particular emphasis on Highperformance Development.

The objective is to increase opportunities to participate in quality sport activities for all Turks and Caicos Islands, including under-represented groups; to increase the capacity of the Turks and Caicos Islands sport system to systematically achieve world-class results at the highest international competitions; to contribute to the provision of technical sport leadership within the Turks and Caicos Islands sport system; and to advance Turks and Caicos Islands' interests, values and ethics in sport at home and abroad.

The ADF was initially launched during the Islands' first Long-Term Athlete Development Symposium earlier in the year. This sparked the partnership between the private and public sectors for sport funding.

According to information from the Sports Commission, the ADF is guided by a committee that determines and prioritises

year of the ADF

investment strategies for sports associations, clubs and athletes in an effort to enhance sport development in the TCI.

Key sponsors have committed funds that will finance awardees for 2023-24 and the upcoming year. The main objectives are to increase sporting participation opportunities and increase the Turks and Caicos Islands' capacity to compete and develop a sporting system that systemically achieves world-class results.

Funding is provided to eligible organisations and athletes for programming that supports LongTerm Athlete Development (LTAD) with a particular emphasis on Highperformance Development. LTAD caters to grassroots programmes at the primary and high school levels, leading the athletes to semi-professional and professional levels. This high-performance development could take the form of sport training camps, sport leagues and tournaments and sport

equipment.

Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes explained the importance of the ADF, "We strongly believe that sport is a positive pathway for building young people and consequentially building stronger communities. And we believe that there are many individuals who live in these islands or who have a strong interest in the TCI, who also believe in building strong communities… who find value in a safe, enjoyable and productive Turks and Caicos Islands."

The ADF also finds a path to tackle funding challenges, since as the Turks and Caicos Islands Government is steadily increasing its allocation for sport development, further streams of funding are essential.

Forbes added, "Many countries around the region are heavily supported by the Olympic Solidarity Fund. However with the TCI currently not an associated member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), we do not receive Olympic Solidarity funding. Neighbouring countries like the Bahamas, and Jamaica, and major countries like Canada and the United Kingdom’s sports systems are heavily funded by a National Lottery but in the TCI, we do not have such a sport funding system. We, therefore, found it important to find a way to provide additional resources to our sports organisations and athletes through the creation of the Athlete Development Fund."

During a recent press conference, Director of J&W Construction Samuel Harvey presented a $10,000 cheque adding to the pool of funds to serve the 2023/24 year of the ADF. J&W Construction also committed funding in the inaugural year of the ADF.

Mr Harvey shared, "I believe in the going forward of the youth in this country and with sports...From the second this was shot to me I said, "Yes this is a good idea and I will guarantee you that J&W are going to back this project."

In attendance was also the Minister of Education, Youth Sports and Social Services, Hon Rachel Taylor. She shared, "The government understand the significant impact sports can have on a country. More importantly the youth of a country and the growth and development it can provide to both...Our young people want to see that we are interested and believe in them. Nothing shows belief like investment. That is why I want to encourage the private sector to not just give to the fund but invest in the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. TCIG has made intentional investments in sports and with private sector collaboration, we have the ability to transform lives because partnerships cultivate efficiency effectiveness and productivity."

If you or your organisation is interested in investing in the Athlete Development Fund, contact the committee at info@ tciathletedevelopmentfund.com.

OVER 80 youngsters benefited from skills improvement at the 2023 Drillz and Skills Basketball Summer Camp.

The youngsters were taught the fundamentals and key skills they could use in the game.

The co-ed camp which was held at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, was administered by renowned coach Don Kelbick.

The youngsters were taught the fundamentals of the game

The Director of J&W Construction Samuel Harvey (right) presented a $10,000 cheque to Mr Forbes, adding to the pool of funds to serve the 2023/24

Sports National

Skyhawks and Avengers remain flawless in PAL 17U and 15U basketball divisions

THE Skyhawks 17U team and the Avengers 15U team are the only unbeaten sides in the Police Action League (Basketball).

The two teams have both amassed five wins from five games and are the respective

leaders in their divisions after five intense weeks of action.

Skyhawks are ahead of Commanders (four wins one loss) and Seaquest (three wins, two losses) in the oldest age division.

In the 15U division, the Badgers and Commanders are just below Avengers with three wins from their five games. Meanwhile, Avengers are also just ahead in the 13U division. They are just ahead of Commanders on point difference, who also

have a 4-1 record.

Skyhawks are third with three wins from five games.

A total of six teams each are competing in each league, which has moved to the playoff stage.

Garland excited to head Sports Performance unit at Sports Commission

FORMER national athlete and current relay record holder Angelo Garland said he is excited to have been promoted as Head of Sports Performance in the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission.

Angelo, who holds the 4x100m, 4x200m and 4x400m relay records, joined the commission’s team as the sports performance coach in 2021 and has since advanced his department and participating athletes from the ground up.

“I am honoured, humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Head of Sports Performance at the TCI Sports Commission. I am excited to lead the team and work collaboratively to drive growth, foster innovation, and deliver exceptional outcomes for our organisation and country. I know there will be challenges,

but with God, my support team, and the members of staff who continuously help me, I am ready to take on this new challenge.”

According to information from the commission, Angelo started his sport journey in 2011 when he competed in the CARIFTA Games. Since then he has competed in the World Championships, Commonwealth Games and IAAF World Relays. He is also the national record holder for the Indoor 300m, the relays and was a NACAC Top 10 finisher in 2022.

The Chi Alpha Sigma inductee attended the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, with an Exercise Science specialisation. Balancing his studies as a student-athlete,

he graduated with Honours in 2017. While in university, he was on the Dean’s list from 2014 – 2018 and on the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Honour Roll from 2013 – 2018. He then achieved a Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise and Sports Performance in 2020.

After completing numerous sports performance internships from 2016 - 2020, Angelo worked as a Physical Education teacher at Allen Elementary and a Sports Performance Coach at Ryze Academy from 2020 –2021.

Among his growing certifications include Personal Training (2021), Nutrition Specialist (2019), Strength and Conditioning (2021) and Performance Enhancement Specialist (2023).

Commanders have a 4-1 record in the 13U division Avengers continue to dominate the 15U division

Skyhawks 17U have the biggest point difference (104) in the league

Angelo Garland continues to shine in sport